XNBC: A Simulation Tool for Neurobiologists

XNBC, the version 7 of NBC (Neuro_bio_clusters, Vibertet al. 1989, 1994) is X oriented and allows the simulation of interacting biological neural networks. It is de­signed for computer naive neuroscientists. XNBC provides two simulation levels: one based on a leaky integrator model of neuron dynamics and another based on the Hodgkin-Huxley formalism describing ionic channel conductance dynamics XNBC allows the simulation of biologically plausible networks formed by several intercon­nected neural clusters connected through pathways of variable length and whose con­nection matrix is specified. Each cluster can receive external inputs, either simulated or coming from actual biological data, allowing hybrid experiments. Neuron param­eters are selected and fine tuned on a graphic editor which immediately displays the modification effects on neural behavior. The network architecture, including the con­nection pattern and the inter neuron transmission delays, is also built using a graphic editor. XNBC also allows inputs, anatomical characteristics, and other properties of individual units and synapses to be modified during the simulation thereby taking into account the changes in environmental conditions due to learning or simulated patho­logical conditions. Time evolution of network variables can be followed on several types of dynamic(i.e. animated) visualization tools. XNBC also provides a wide col­lection of analysis tools to study the network behavior, at both global and unitary lev­els, and in both the frequency and the temporal domains. XNBC is menu driven with a user-friendly XWindow/Motif interface and produces color PostScript high quality graphic outputs.