BioBench-like Waveform analysis, DIAdem versus LabVIEW

[DASchneider]

I am new to NI software and am not a programmer. I research smooth muscle contraction/relaxation and want to automate data extraction from lengthy experiments. The waveform of interest occurs every 2-4 minutes but the inter-episode interval is filled with other "baseline" activity that is to be ignored for now. I have figured out how to get the data file into DIAdem 8.1 (Windows XP) and into LabVIEW 7.1, but cannot seem to find automated analysis features or VIs that allow the needed analysis and data recording of this complicated data record. My immediate goals are to identify and measure the peak, 50% and 20% levels of the waveform of interest, the intervals between these levels (within and between waves), and propaga
tion between transducer sites. I think this could be done by using thresholding (above the background waves) and discrimination based on duration of individual waves (the waves of interest are much longer than are the inter-episode waves). Another complication is that the wave of interest is not uniform and has miniature positive and negative deflections as the baseline increases and decreases. My needs seem similar to those provided by BIOBench, but I do not have that program and am under the impression that it is no longer marketed and perhaps not supported. Do I need to learn VBScripting, C++, need to take a course in LabVIEW, need to use a different program like Measurement Studio. Thanks for any guidance. I'd be happy to attach an example data file if requested.

[Adam B.]

DASchneider,

It sounds like you have a very interesting project, and it is most likely something where you could use NI products to make things easier for you. To fully understand what you're going to be dealing with, it would be beneficial to see an example data file, as offered previously. To get you off on the right foot even before I see your file, I would tell you to check out our functions located in the DiAdem:CALC - Mathematatics tab. This will have a peak detector, which you can use for finding either max or min peaks. It also has a normalization function which will help you locate the location of your 20% and 50% levels. You should be able to look the help for the calculator and find functions for some of the things you need to do. Once I see the types of values that we will be working with, I'm sure I'll be able to suggest some ideas for automating the entire process. I look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks and have a great day.

Regards,

Adam B.
Applications Engineer
National Instruments