Colloquium
4:00 p.m., Monday (Jan. 13th)
Math 203
Duane Nykamp
Department of Mathematics, UCLA
Reconstructing the coupling of neurons from spike times
Reconstructing the connectivity patterns of neural networks
in higher organisms has been a formidable challenge. Most
neurophysiology data consist only of spike times, and
current analysis methods are unable to resolve the ambiguity
in connectivity patterns that could lead to such data. I
present a new method that can determine the presence of a
connection between two neurons from the spike times of the
neurons in response to spatiotemporal white noise. The method
successfully distinguishes such a direct connection from
common input originating from other, unmeasured neurons.
Although the method is based on a highly idealized linear-nonlinear
approximation of neural response, simulations demonstrate that
the approach can work with a more realistic, integrate-and-fire
neuron model. I propose that the approach exemplified by this
analysis may yield viable tools for reconstructing neural
networks from data gathered in neurophysiology experiments.
Refreshments will be served at 3:45 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge,
Math Annex (Room 1115).
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