Mathematical Investigation of Neural Processing in the Auditory Brainstem

Reed 9805761研究人员和他的合作者Joseph Blum提出了关于外侧上橄榄神经元如何根据耳朵的声级差异集体计算和编码方位的唯一建议。最近的实验证据表明，他们的建议可能是正确的。在这个项目的第一部分，研究人员与合作者合作，将模型预测与实验结果进行比较。分析研究解释了为什么模型编码非常独立于声级和异常稳健的参数变化以及突触和细胞死亡。该项目的第二部分使用数学模型和机器计算来研究外侧丘系背核(DNLL)的神经处理，DNLL是上橄榄复合体和中脑之间的一个重要的中间处理区域。最近的实验研究为DNLL的解剖学和生理学提供了新的线索，但还没有进行建模研究来了解DNLL神经元如何处理它们的输入并影响听觉-肌肉脑中空间地图的编码。通过数学和计算，研究人员研究了特定神经细胞群的结构和功能。这个项目的主要焦点是了解大脑中的神经细胞群如何共同执行单个神经细胞无法完成的计算。这些研究不仅有助于我们了解正常的大脑功能，还应该能够在某些脑损伤的情况下设计假体设备和治疗策略。在这些研究活动中，研究人员对数学博士生和博士后助理进行数学在生物系统和医学上的应用方面的培训。此外，他还开设了一门名为《数学在生理学和医学中的应用》的新课程，将优秀的大学毕业生介绍到这个令人兴奋的新领域。

Reed9805761 The investigator and his collaborator, Joseph Blum, haveoffered the only proposal for how the neurons in the lateralsuperior olive collectively compute and encode azimuthal locationbased on sound level difference at the ears. Recent experimentalevidence indicates that their proposal may be correct. In thefirst part of this project, the investigator works withcollaborators to compare the model predictions with experimentalresults. Analytical investigations explain why the model encodingis very independent of sound level and exceptionally robust toparameter variations and synapse and cell death. A second partof the project uses mathematical models and machine computationto investigate neural processing in the dorsal nucleus of thelateral lemniscus, DNLL, an important intermediary processingregion between the superior olivary complex and the midbrain.Recent experimental studies have shed new light on the anatomyand physiology of the DNLL, but no modelling studies have beenperformed to understand how the DNLL neurons process their inputsand influence the encoding of a map of space in the auditorymidbrain. Using mathematics and computation, the investigator studiesthe structure and function of specific groups of nerve cells. Themain focus of this project is to understand how groups of nervecells in the brain perform together calculations that individualnerve cells cannot do. These investigations not only help usunderstand normal brain function, but should also enable thedesign of prosthetic devices and treatment strategies in certaincases of brain injury. In connection with these researchactivities, the investigator trains mathematics Ph.D. studentsand post-doctoral associates in the applications of mathematicsto biological systems and medicine. In addition, he teaches afreshman course entitled "Applications of Mathematics toPhysiology and Medicine," which introduces excellent collegefreshmen to this new and exciting field.