February 2017 - Comp-neuro - lists.cnsorg.org

On the existence of a purely abstract cognitive system in the brain that is based on single cells

by Asim Roy

The following paper was published recently in Frontiers in Psychology, Cognition: “The theory of localist representation and of a purely abstract cognitive system: The evidence from cortical columns, category cells and multisensory neurons” http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00186/full On the extensive use of abstract multisensory neurons in the brain There is now substantial neurophysiological evidence for a purely abstract cognitive system in the brain that is based on single cells. The evidence primarily comes from abstract category cells and multisensory neurons. Multisensory neurons provide a remarkable insight to the brain. Ghazanfar & Schroeder (2006) claim that multisensory integration extend into early sensory processing areas of the brain and that neocortex is essentially multisensory. Saleem, Ayaz, Jeffery, Harris & Carandini, M. (2013) report finding nearly half of V1 neurons in mice to be multimodal integrating visual motion and locomotion during navigation. And Klemen & Chambers (2012) notes that there is now “broad consensus that most, if not all, higher, as well as lower level neural processes are in some form multisensory.” So abstractions are used extensively in the brain. And these abstraction are layered, sometimes integrating information from two modalities, sometimes three and so on. Much more evidence is discussed in the paper. On the absence of evidence for distributed representation It is also argued in the paper that there is no evidence for distributed representation in the brain, since, as per McClelland, the dense form (not the sparse form) is the only form that counts. And there is absolutely no evidence for the dense form (Panzeri et al. 2015). On the compatibility of grounded cognition and an abstract cognitive system It is also argued in the paper that such an abstract cognitive system is fully compatible with grounded and embodied cognition. And Barsalou’s (2008, p. 618) statement is very consistent with the claims made in this paper: “From the perspective of grounded cognition, it is unlikely that the brain contains amodal symbols; if it does, they work together with modal representations to create cognition.” One of Barsalou’s questions was (p. 631): “Can empirical evidence be found for the amodal symbols still believed by many to lie at the heart of cognition?” I think there is extensive evidence now that there indeed are amodal symbols in the brain and in the brains of many species. The discovery of this purely abstract cognitive system in the brain has the potential to resolve deep theoretical conflicts in cognitive science that’s almost four decades old. Asim Roy Professor, Information Systems Arizona State University www.lifeboat.com/ex/bios.asim.roy<http://www.lifeboat.com/ex/bios.asim.roy>

Feb. 28, 2017

Final Program of the Columbia Workshop on Brain Circuits, Memory and Computation, March 13-14, 2017

by Aurel A. Lazar

fruitflybrain.org/workshops.html <https://t.co/mY9aARlYrB> Aurel http://www.bionet.ee.columbia.edu

Feb. 28, 2017

Immediate Postdoc and Asst. Prof. openings in the lab of Dr. Kevin Tracey at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

by Platt, Jo Ann

Job description Postdoctoral and Assistant Professor opportunities are available immediately in the laboratory of Dr. Kevin J. Tracey at the Center for Biomedical Sciences at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY. We are seeking driven individuals to join a newly funded research program on investigating the role of ascending and descending neural pathways in the control of adaptive immune function. The research focus of the lab is in the field of Bioelectronic Medicine to develop nerve-stimulating technologies to regulate the molecular targets underlying disease. The fellow will interact with a wide range of researchers in a dynamic and productive environment, bridging basic science with clinical research. Interested applicants should send a brief description of research interests and curriculum vitae, including contact information for three references to Jo Jo Platt, Center for Bioelectronic Medicine japlatt(a)northwell.edu Desired skills and experience The successful candidate will hold a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. with electrophysiology skills including electrical and optogenetic modulation of peripheral neural circuitry, neuroanatomical mapping, and single cell neuronal recording. The candidate is expected to have strong skills in major biochemistry and cell biology techniques, animal handling, primary cultures and quantitative data analysis. A strong immunology background, experience with animal models including cre-lox models, animal surgery, molecular biology, and microscopy would be an asset. The information contained in this electronic e-mail transmission and any attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom or to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this communication is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering this communication to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or disclosure of this communication and any attachment is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the sender immediately by telephone and electronic mail, and delete the original communication and any attachment from any computer, server or other electronic recording or storage device or medium. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient is not a waiver of any attorney-client, physician-patient or other privilege.

Feb. 27, 2017

Reminder: CNS*2017 Abstract Deadline March 5

by Sharon Crook

CNS*2017 Call for Abstracts Organization for Computational Neurosciences (OCNS) 26th Annual Meeting Antwerp, Belgium July 15-20, 2017 The main meeting (July 16-18) will be preceded by a day of tutorials (July 15) and followed by two days of workshops (July 19-20). Invited Keynote Speakers: Erik De Schutter, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan Panayiota Poirazi, IMBB-Forth, Greece Karl Friston, University College London, UK Sue Denham, University of Plymouth, UK A preliminary program for the workshops is available at: http://www.cnsorg.org/cns-2017-workshops Registration and abstract submission are open. Abstract submission deadline: March 5th, 2017 Note that one of the authors must register as sponsoring author for the main meeting before abstract submission is possible. In case the abstract is not accepted for presentation, the registration fee will be refunded. For up-to-date conference information, please visit: http://www.cnsorg.org/meetings

Feb. 27, 2017

PhD position in multimodal neuroimaging in Munich

by Igor Yakushev

A PhD position is available at the Department of Nuclear Medicine (Head of Neuroimaging: Dr. Igor Yakushev), Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. The project will investigate neuronal substrates of training-induced cognitive improvement in middle-aged healthy subjects at the level of large-scale brain connectivity. The study involves acquisition and analysis of PET and DTI data. This three-year PhD position is funded by a grant of the German Research Foundation (DFG; pay scale TV-L 13 65%), with starting date May 2017. The Dept. of Nuclear Medicine offers exciting opportunities for neuroimaging research in an interdisciplinary environment consisting of computational scientists, medical physicists, and clinicians, and access to state-of-the-art technology including a hybrid PET/MR scanner. The research group is integrated into the TUM Neuroimaging Center, which possesses a broad methodological and thematic expertise: http://www.tumnic.mri.tum.de/tumnic/index.html The PhD student will be enrolled at a TUM graduate school that offers a structured curriculum of courses and seminars and supports participation in conferences and international exchange: http://www.gs.tum.de/en/home/ There is no tuition fee at the TUM. Prior experience with image analysis, programming and good statistical skills are required. Interested researchers should submit their applications including CV, two recommendation letters (or names and contact details of personal references), and a brief letter of motivation to Dr. Yakushev at igor.yakushev(a)tum.de Applications will be considered until the position has been filled.

Feb. 25, 2017

MBL Methods in Computational Neuroscience Course: Applications due March 7

by Mark Steven Goldman

Applications are open for the Methods in Computational Neuroscience course at the Marine Biology Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA. The course will run from July 30 to August 24, 2017, and the online application form can be found at: https://ws2.mbl.edu/studentapp/studentapp.asp?courseid=MCN The course application deadline is *March 7*. The course covers a range of topics in computational neuroscience including neuronal biophysics, neural coding & information processing, circuit dynamics, learning & memory, motor control, and cognitive processing & disease. In addition, numerous tutorials and problem sets will cover a broad range of computational and mathematical modeling methods. The course strongly emphasizes the collaboration between theory and experiment in solving neuroscience problems, and lectures will be given by a mixture of theorists and experimentalists. The final weeks of the course are primarily reserved for work on projects that students design in collaboration with the resident faculty. Further information can be found on the MCN website: http://www.mbl.edu/mcn/ 2017 Course Directors: Michale Fee, MIT Mark Goldman, UC Davis 2017 Confirmed Faculty: Larry Abbott, Columbia University Steve Baccus, Stanford University Carlos Brody, Princeton University Emery Brown, MIT Dmitri Chklovskii, Simons Foundation Uri Eden, Boston University Bard Ermentrout, University of Pittsburgh Adrienne Fairhall, University of Washington Ila Fiete, UT Austin Loren Frank, UCSF Stefano Fusi, Columbia University Jack Gallant, UC Berkeley Surya Ganguli, Stanford University Nancy Kopell, Boston University Eve Marder, Brandeis University Bartlett Mel, University of Southern California Jonathan Pillow, Princeton University Cristina Savin, NYU Terry Sejnowski, Salk Institute Sara Solla, Northwestern University Haim Sompolinsky, Hebrew University Josh Tenenbaum, MIT Xiao-Jing Wang, NYU

Feb. 25, 2017

Funded PhD studentship in computational cognitive neuroscience

by Srivas Chennu

Applications are invited for a funded PhD studentship with Dr Srivas Chennu in the School of Computing at the University of Kent (UK) to be based in our Medway Campus, to begin in September 2017 or shortly thereafter. The PhD project will focus on the research topics below, spanning computational and translational neuroscience. ==Neurodynamics of consciousness== Understanding how neural dynamics generate human consciousness is a grand challenge for neuroscience. We develop computational frameworks that use neuroscientific data (EEG/MEG/fMRI) to study the brain network correlates of consciousness during normal wakefulness, and in altered states like sleep, sedation and meditation. We also apply this science to build computational tools for improving diagnostics and prognostics during emergence from coma, and in prolonged disorders of consciousness (including the so-called vegetative and minimally conscious states). These tools could eventually be deployed right at the patients' bedside to visualise, quantify and track how their brains are recovering after injury. ==Deep neural network models of cognition== The idea that the brain is a hierarchical neural network designed for predictive cognition is persuasive one. In this view, the cortex implements Bayesian inference to maintain a successively complex hierarchy of predictive models of sensory causation. Alongside, deep learning can enable us to build dense neural networks based on complex neuroimaging datasets. We combine EEG/MEG with these modelling frameworks to describe how recurrent neural information processing realises predictive cognition in the brain. The successful applicant will be able to capitalise on Dr. Chennu’s strong research links with empirical and clinical collaborators at the Universities of Cambridge, Birmingham, Liége (Belgium), and Western Ontario (Canada). They will be embedded within the Data Science research group within the school, which brings together academics with expertise in signal processing, brain-computer interfacing, machine learning and computational intelligence. More information is available is available at Dr Chennu’s academic website: www.cs.kent.ac.uk/people/staff/sc785/ ==The School of Computing, University of Kent== The School of Computing has a reputation for high-quality research, with over 40 current PhD students. Our research activity is wide ranging and takes place within focused Research Groups which provide a vibrant research community for all members, staff or student. The School of Computing was ranked highly in the recent government run Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise. Our research intensity was ranked 12th out of 89, with superb impact – 100% of our research impact ranked world leading or internationally excellent. The University of Kent is a leading university with a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. As the UK's European university, it is committed to creating a global student and staff community that advances knowledge and stimulates intellectual creativity, and performs at the highest levels. Kent is ranked 21st in the Times Higher Education (THE) ‘Table of Tables’ 2017 and it has twice been awarded the highly prestigious Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education. The School is committed to the Athena Swan Scheme. This is a national scheme whereby Universities commit to advancing and promoting the careers of female scientists. Details can be seen on our website at http://www.kent.ac.uk/human-resources/athenaswan/. Kent’s Medway campus in Chatham Maritime is a 45-minute journey south-east from London’s St. Pancras International station. ==Funding== A scholarship award will cover the successful applicant’s fees at the home/EU rate (£4,121 in 2016/17) plus a maintenance bursary (£14,296 in 2016/17). The award will be for three years, subject to satisfactory progression through each year of study. They are awarded on a competitive basis and interview performance will be taken into account. Support for research students includes regular supervision meetings, a research training programme, computer equipment, a desk in an office and funds for conference travel. ==Applicant Qualifications== You should: Essential- Hold a good undergraduate degree (UK First or 2:1 or equivalent) in a numerate discipline (computing, engineering, physics, etc.). Students with a background in biology and psychology are also welcome to apply, as long as they have the requisite technical and quantitative skills. Be able to program independently in high-level scientific programming languages like MATLAB, Python and R. Desirable- Have prior experience or evidenced interest in computational neuroscience. Able to work with complex time-series data, including EEG. ==How to Apply== Please get in touch with Dr Chennu by email (sc785(a)kent.ac.uk) in the first instance, with a Curriculum Vitae and a brief outline of your research proposal. Applications need to be submitted by Monday 3 April 2017.

Feb. 24, 2017

Deadline approaching for Smart Start Application

by Smart Start Coordination Office

Call for applications Ready for a SMARTSTART into Computational Neuroscience? We invite first and second-year Master students with a background in related fields to apply to our joint training program SMARTSTART. The program aims at complementing previous studies with concepts, theories and techniques of Computational Neuroscience. SMARTSTART consists of two programs. Both of them last one year each and take place at numerous locations of the Bernstein Network and further locations throughout Germany. SMARTSTART provides financial support to then second-year Master students, allowing them to attend supplementary courses and training visits at participating institutions. Students will receive an experienced faculty mentor who will advise and guide them at this educational stage. SMARTSTART 2 provides fully funded positions for pre-PhD students. At the start of the program, these students will have already obtained their Master´s degree and are in the process of selecting a PhD project. SMARTSTART 2 allows them to elaborate their own PhD proposal as a collaborative project between two labs. This comprises exchange visits as well as voluntary attendance of lectures and courses offered by participating institutions. Both SMARTSTART programs will commence the second round in the winter term 2017/18. The Deadline for application is Tuesday, February 28, 2017. More information can be found on our website: www.smartstart-compneuro.de<http://www.smartstart-compneuro.de> Best regards, Kathrin Hebert -- Coordination Office Smart Start - Joint Training Program in Computational Neuroscience Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience | Bernstein Coordination Site (BCOS) Branch Office of the Forschungszentrum Jülich at the University of Freiburg Hansastr. 9A | 79104 Freiburg, Germany phone: (+49) 0761 203 9593 mail: smartstart(a)fz-juelich.de<mailto:smartstart@fz-juelich.de> web: www.nncn.de<http://www.nncn.de> Twitter: NNCN_Germany<https://twitter.com/NNCN_Germany> YouTube: Bernstein TV<https://www.youtube.com/user/BernsteinNetwork> Facebook: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.facebook.com/BernsteinNetwork/> LinkedIn: Bernstein Network Computational Neuroscience, Germany<https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> <https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernstein-network-computational-neuroscien…> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Dr. Karl Eugen Huthmacher Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Marquardt (Vorsitzender), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Prof. Dr.-Ing. Harald Bolt, Prof. Dr. Sebastian M. Schmidt ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Feb. 24, 2017

Software Engineer position to develop biological neural network modeling tool (SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, NY)

by Salvador Dura

We are looking for a software engineer to work on NetPyNE, a python package to facilitate the development, parallel simulation and analysis of biological neuronal networks using the NEURON simulator. For more information on the tool see: - Website with documentation: http://neurosimlab.org/netpyne/ - Github: https://github.com/Neurosim-lab/netpyne - Conference posters: CNS16 and SFN16 Responsabilities: - Design and implementation of new features, maintenance, and debugging of NetPyNE package (including new GUI). - Providing technical support to lab members developing models using the NEURON simulator and NetPyNE package. - Writing documentation, attending meetings/conferences, and giving presentations on software package. Requirements: - MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or related discipline. - Minimum 5 years experience in full-stack (front-end and back-end) software development (scientific software a plus). - Expertise with Python; fluency with Linux, Git/Github. - GUI design/implementation experience is a plus. - Previous experience in research/academic environment and/or neuroscience background are a plus Conditions: - Postdoc-level salary (commensurate with experience) - Initial contract of 1 year with possibility of extension (depending on performance and budget) - Become part of the Neurosim lab (http://neurosimlab.org) at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center. - Academic environment with possibility of getting involved in several neuroscience research projects and interacting with 10-15 researchers (graduate students, postdocs and professor). - Work in New York, a vibrant city with a wide offer of activities (working remotely also a possibility) To apply please send CV and cover letter to salvadordura(a)gmail.com and billl(a)neurosim.downstate.edu

Feb. 23, 2017

2 postdoctoral positions in Quantitative Biological Modeling

by Hermann Riecke

Hi Could you please post the ad below on teh comp-neuro list? thank you Hermann Riecke ——————————— Overview: The Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics solicits applications for postdoctoral fellowships in quantitative biological modeling. Two positions are available starting September 1, 2017 and a third position starting September 1, 2018. These positions are part of a National Science Foundation Research Training Grant (NSF-RTG). Duties: Postdoctoral fellows will conduct research on the quantitative modeling of biological systems and will teach three quarter courses per year in the department. Each position will typically be for three years. Postdoctoral fellows will additionally participate in RTG-related training and career development activities. Environment: Postdoctoral fellows will be part of an interdisciplinary environment focusing on current problems in experimental and computational biology. Fellows will gain experience from training in mathematical modeling, numerical methods, and modern data analysis/statistical tools relevant to biological problems. Research internships outside of Northwestern will broaden fellows' perspectives. Each fellow's research will be mentored by faculty from both applied mathematics and a biological discipline. Ongoing collaborations exist with faculty in Neurobiology, Molecular Biosciences, Environmental Engineering and Preventive Medicine, and additional areas of interest are welcome. An overall goal of the program is to broaden computational biological modeling in the department and at Northwestern. Requirements: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Interested candidates should submit a curriculum vitae, three reference letters (one addressing teaching qualifications) and brief research and teaching statements online at the URL: https://openposition.mccormick.northwestern.edu/apply/index/NjE= If desired, one or two representative publications may also be submitted. Applications for the Fall 2017 position are currently being reviewed and will continue being considered until the position is filled. Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. Inquiries about the position may be directed to: Hermann Riecke Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics Northwestern University 2145 Sheridan Road Evanston, IL 60208-3125 Phone: (847) 491-3345 Email: h-riecke(a)northwestern.edu http://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/applied-math/

Feb. 23, 2017