THE CAMBRIDGE STATISTICS DISCUSSION GROUP
Thursday 3rd February 2000 7:15 for 7:45
The Large Seminar Room,
Institute of Public Health,
University Forvie Site,
Robinson Way,
Cambridge
How Do Neurons Compute? A Dual-Purpose Control System
David Brown,
Babraham Institute,
Cambridge
Abstract:
The oxytocin network is a dual function neuronal system, with two
corresponding patterns of electrical activity. Oxytocin neurons display low
activity (typically 3-5 spikes/sec), and release the hormone oxytocin into
the bloodstream at a steady, low rate, when maintaining homeostatic control
of plasma osmotic pressure. During parturition and lactation, the neurons
change their activity pattern markedly. They then burst briefly (at 50
spikes/sec for 2 seconds every 5 minutes or so) but synchronously,
resulting in pulsatile release of oxytocin. These pulses are essential for
appropriate physiological responses associated with reproduction such as
uterine contractions and milk ejections. Some statistical and modelling
studies, carried out with the aim of understanding how the system achieves
this, will be described.
Speaker:
David Brown has worked in ecology, agriculture and physiology. From a role
over many years as consultant statistician, he has in the last few years
moved into a more specialised biological area, currently being Head of the
Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience at the Babraham Institute. As
well as statistical analysis of electrophysiological data, this involves
nonlinear dynamical systems modelling, with the additional complications of
stochastic process input and plasticity of response on various time scales.
He is co-author, with Peter Rothery, of 'Models in Biology: Mathematics,
Statistics and Computing'.
Directions: (From Central Cambridge) Turn right off Hills Road into the
Addenbrooke's site then turn left at the hospital roundabout onto Robinson
Way. Follow Robinson Way until you see an access road on the left signed
'Forvie Site' (but note that the sign is on your right). Turn into the
access road and follow signs - first to the Institute and then to the
Large Seminar Room. There is ample car parking. The front doors will be
locked at 7:45.
Next Meetings:
2nd March - Karen Moore (Statwood Partnership) on 'Anecdotal evidence for
a statistician by environment interaction'.
6th April - Jim Slattery (Medicines Control Agency).
4th May - Jennifer Potts (Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit).
Supper: Some members eat regularly in the University Centre before
each meeting at 6-15. Feel free to join them.
Subscriptions: of 4 pounds per member are now due for the 1999-2000 session.
Cheques should be made payable to Robert Milroy and may be posted
to the secretary at the address below.
Secretary: Peter Watson, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit,
15 Chaucer Road, Cambridge CB2 2EF;telephone 01223 355294 Extension 380;
E-mail [log in to unmask]
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