Geometry growing cell structure

The growing cell structure algorithm is a variant of a Kohonen network, so the GCS displays several similarities with the SOM. The most distinctive feature of the GCS is that the topology is self-adaptive, adjusting as the algorithm learns about classes in the data. So, unlike the SOM, in which the layout of nodes is regular and predefined, the GCS is not constrained in advance to a particular size of network or a certain lattice geometry. 

The experimental chamber can be either fixed directly on the microscope plate or to a moveable support fixed to the same structure of the micromanipulators. In the second case, a better mechanical stability is obtained. The design of the experimental chamber depends on the particular preparation to be studied. An important aspect that has to be taken into consideration is optical properties of the chamber, since the cell has to be observed from the bottom of the chamber. Normally, it is possible to directly use small culture dishes that contain a monolayer of cells in the bottom. If a particular chamber geometry is required, and the cells have to grow attached to a support, a good strategy is to culture them on small cover glass slips, and then transfer them to the special recording chamber. 

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