Mathematical Sciences: Mathematical Modelling of Hearing and Other Sensory Systems

首席研究员打算继续他的研究，开发和分析机械感受器模型，特别是听觉毛细胞中的转导。这也涉及到系统模型的开发、模拟和分析，以及描述与单个毛细胞相关的立体纤毛运动的微观机械模型。在以前的研究中，研究人员已经建立了一个毛细胞转导模型，该模型基于对个体毛束移位反应的受体电位变化的实验。参数估计是通过对一种动物物种(青蛙)的实验观察得到的，但该模型的性质被认为对许多其他物种也是有效的。在这个项目中，将对模型进行几个扩展。表示基膜电流的项将被添加到方程式中。毛细胞模型将被耦合到放电速率模型，以获得由于模拟睫状束而导致的突触后传入神经的行为。最终，这个模型将与描述基底膜和发束运动的宏观力学和微观力学模型相结合。这位研究人员还计划启动一项关于神经细胞动态网络的研究。

The principal investigator intends to continue his research on developing and analyzing models of mechanoreceptors, and in particular, transduction in auditory hair cells. This also involves the development, simulation and analysis of a systematic model, as well as a micromechanical model describing the motion of sterocilia associated with individual hair cells. In previous studies, the investigator has developed a model of hair cell transduction based on experiments on the changes in receptor potential in response to individual hair bundle displac- ements. Parameter estimates were obtained from experimental observations on one animal species (frogs), but properties of the model are believed to be valid for many other species. In this project, several extensions of the model will be done. Terms representing basal membrane currents will be added to the equations. The hair cell model will be coupled to a firing rate model to obtain the behavior of the postsynaptic afferent nerve due to simulation of the ciliary bundle. Ultimately, this model will be coupled with macromechanical and micromechanical models describing the motion of the basilar membrane and the hair bundles. The investigator also plans to initiate a study in dynamic networks of nerve cells.