Sketch a Single Motif
Vimo takes a simple motif sketch to create a graph query for finding motif instances in a massive connectomics database. Vimo supports two ways of sketching a motif such as sketching from scratch and importing from JSON.
You can draw a motif sketch with sketch tools. You can use the draw node tool to add nodes and connect them with the draw edge tool. You can change the position of nodes with the move tool.
| Tool name | Icon | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Draw Node |  |
Add a node to the sketch |
| Draw Edge |  |
Add an edge to indicate a connection between nodes |
| Edit Properties |  |
Click node or edge to add properties that become constraints, such as weight and type, or delete the selected node or edge |
| Move |  |
Move the position of the selected node |
| Node Info |  |
Shows the properties assigned to the node |
| Clear Sketch |  |
Delete all the nodes and edges |
| Import Motif |  |
Import previously exported sketch |
| Export Motif |  |
Export the sketch to JSON file |
If you want to search by adding more specific constraints, you can use the edit properties tool to specify specific node types or specific neurons. You can also provide a weight of the connection between two nodes.
Node and edge each have a group of properties that can be added.
| Element | Property Group | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Node | Brain Region | Neuron locations |
| Type | Neuron types | |
| bodyID | Particular neuron's ID | |
| Edge | Brain Region | Synapse locations |
| Weight | Connectivity strengths |
If you want to delete an only node or edge, you can do so in the edit properties tool. Deleting a node also deletes all adjacent edges.
You can import JSON file that was previously exported from the interface with import motif tool. It fits responsively regardless of the size of the previous sketch panel.
You can find examples of motifs here that were sketched while interviewing a neurobiologist.
