Mathematical Investigation of Neural Processing in the Auditory Brainstem

研究者和他的合作者Joseph Blum提出了唯一的关于侧上橄榄的神经元如何根据耳朵的声级差异共同计算和编码方位位置的建议。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，研究者与合作者一起将模型预测与实验结果进行比较。分析性研究解释了为什么该模型编码非常独立于声级，并且对参数变化、突触和细胞死亡异常稳健。该项目的第二部分使用数学模型和机器计算来研究外侧小丘背核（DNLL）的神经处理过程，DNLL是上橄榄复合体和中脑之间重要的中间处理区域。最近的实验研究对DNLL的解剖学和生理学有了新的认识，但是没有进行模型研究来理解DNLL神经元如何处理它们的输入并影响听觉中脑空间地图的编码。利用数学和计算，研究者研究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完成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脑功能，而且还有助于在某些脑损伤病例中设计假肢装置和治疗策略。在这些研究活动中，研究者在数学在生物系统和医学中的应用方面培养数学博士生和博士后。此外，他还教授一门名为“数学、生理和医学的应用”的大一课程，将优秀的大学新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.