Distributed, web-based microstructure database for brain tissue

A finite element model of the cerebral cortex enables a structured visualization of its gross anatomy and provides access to the neuronal databases associated with each finite element of tissue. Partitioned by finite elements, the distributed, web-based microstructure database serves as a tool for organizing neurons and neuronal forests, and for modeling local cortical microstructure by wiring up the forests. Embedding the database in XML adds structure and web accessibility to the inherent information. When integrated with the brain tissue scanner, the distributed, web-based microstructure database serves as a comprehensive infrastructure for organizing brain tissue at three different hierarchical levels: volume, neuronal morphology, and network. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.