Final Report
Contract Number: Neuralcomp 505682
Contract Start Date: 1, November, 2004
Contract End Date: 30, April, 2008
Name of the Infrastructure: Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation
URL of the Infrastructure: http://icnc.huji.ac.il
URL of the Project: http://icnc.huji.ac.il/neuralcomp
Name of Project Manager: Mrs. Michal Leci
Type of Report: Final Report.
1. Executive summary
INSTALLATION PROFILE
The ICNC provides an interface for interdisciplinary research in Neurobiology,
Physics and Applied Physics, Computer Science and Psychophysics with a specific
focus on computational aspects of the nervous system.
The ICNC is the home of a world-renowned group of 26 scientists focusing on the central
issue of “how does the brain compute”. The ICNC researchers study the nervous system at
a wide range of levels, from single neuron computation to signal processing in small and
large cortical networks, on the system and behavioral levels. Experimental methods range
from in vitro intracellular recordings from single and pairs of neurons with DIC video
microscopy, in vitro imaging methods with voltage-dependent dyes, multi-site uncaging
system, and two-photons microscope, to in-vivo multi-unit recordings on behaving animals
and imaging techniques using fMRI. Theoretical approaches include cable and
compartmental modeling, information and learning theory, statistical mechanics and
techniques from signal processing theory. Applications include the development of rapidly
re-programmable high density neural networks based on the optical and optic-electrical
properties of rhodopsin and bacteriorhodopsin films; development of charge controlled
analog adaptive synapse for the purpose of constructing a microelectronic analog learning
neural network and the development of electro-holographic neural networks with millions of
interconnected neurons
The ICNC offers access to seven major state of the art facilities for studying and modeling
the nervous system in the fields of Cellular Neurobiology, System Neurobiology,
Psychophysics and Behavior, Neurophysics, Computer Vision, Theory of Computation and
Learning, and major imaging systems (PET-Cyclotron Unit High field (4.7T) NMR
Spectrometer for animal studies and fMRI for human subjects) as well as laser equipment
for non-linear optical probes and several visible diode lasers for constructing electroholography-based artificial neural networks. In addition to its own 60 doctoral students, the
ICNC faculty hosts young researchers proposing interdisciplinary projects, international
post-docs, sabbatical fellows and visitors, and runs international workshops, including codirecting the annual “EU Advanced Course in Computational Neuroscience”.
POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS
Recent research at the ICNC has focused on multidisciplinary expertise to unravel the
principles underlying computation and information processing in the nervous system.
Examples of research projects with potential applications are: 1. The development of neural
prostheses for the control of motor functions in physically-impaired human patients; 2.
Cross-modal reorganization of human cortical functions in the blind; 3. A novel approach to
the treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease using multiunit recordings from the basal
ganglia of Parkinsonian primates combined with a theoretical study for developing novel,
activity depended, chronic stimulation techniques; 4. Unraveling the biophysical and
molecular processes underlying sleep. 5. Learning from the octopus how to build flexible
robotic arms; 6. Learning about learning from genetically engineered worms; 7. Building
microchips that emulate real neurons; 8. Develop a new theory of learning in neuronal
networks with asymmetric dynamic synapses; 9. New algorithms for image segmentation,
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perceptual learning and image database organization; 10. Spotting neural spike patterns via
decomposition into types using a new information theoretic-based approach; 11. Electroholographic neurons implemented on KLTN crystals.
ACCESS BEING OFFERED
Visiting researchers will be treated as full members of the ICNC and will have access to its
facilities on the same basis as the permanent staff. The facility includes: [1] In vitro slice setups; [2] In vivo multi-unit set-ups; [3] Psychophysics systems; [4] Imaging systems including
fMRI; [5] Advanced optics/lasers labs; [6] Workstations for model development, large scale
neural simulations and data analysis.
ICNC is experienced in integrating research visitors at all levels and from a variety of
complementary disciplines as this is inherent to its whole research philosophy. ICNC has a
weekly seminar whereby the 26 researchers and the group of 60 Ph.D.s’ exchange ideas
and provide research updates. Visitors will be invited to participate in these meetings as
well as in the advanced courses, given by the ICNC members and covering new techniques
and recent advances in Neural Computation. In addition, the ICNC holds special short-term
workshops given by internationally-acclaimed speakers, and an annual international
meeting which would be of value to European visitors.
Total access delivered - 1362 days.
Total number of users - 104.
2. Publicity concerning the new opportunities for access
In order to publicize the opportunities for access we took the following measures:
1. We prepared a dedicated web site advertising and providing all the necessary
information about the IHP program, about the infrastructure, and about the
research facilities included. The web site is linked to the ICNC site and
contains an application form to be filled out by the candidates. The address is
http://icnc.huji.ac.il/neuralcomp.
The contents of the web site can be found in Annex 1 of this report.
2. We prepared a colorful poster (35*49cm) inviting students, post docs and
senior scientists from the European Community to join the IHP program in the
ICNC. The poster was distributed to about 200 institutions and related centers
throughout Europe.
A copy of the poster can be found in Annex 1.
3. We sent a message to the following two electronic bulletin boards:
cneuro@bbb.caltech.edu, owner-SMBnet@ncifcrf.gov.
The text of the message can be found in Annex 1.
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4. We published an announcement in Nature-Neuroscience Vol.5 No.2,
February 2002.
A typical announcement can be found in Annex 1.
3. Selection procedure
The selection panel receives, via email, the details of each European applicant (i.e., the
filled forms that are available at the project web page http://icnc.huji.ac.il/neuralcomp).
Based on these details, and following personal discussions via email and phone, the panel
then decides whether the applicant is appropriate for the facility offered.
The highest priority given by the selection panel is to young European researchers, either at
their advanced stage of the Ph.D. thesis or at their post-doc period. Young faculty are also
encouraged.
The panel gives low priority to senior faculty who wish to visit the facility more than one
time/year. Also, the panel prefers visitors who visit the facility for a period of 10 days and
above.
The panel was very collaborative and efficient during the whole length of the project.
4. Management Issues
Although a few problems were encountered at the beginning of the project, as we got more
familiarized, the interaction both with the EC Officerer, the European visitors and the facility
run smoothly.
5. Main Achievements
Total numbers of projects supported: 86
Total number of users given access: 104
Total quantity of access provided: 1362
Total number of publications already published in peer-reviewed journals (and peer
reviewed conference proceedings) resulting from work carried out under the present
contract and that acknowledges the support of the Programme: 11.
6. Impact of the Contract
We were indeed very pleased to have 104 visitors (13 nationalities) from Europe visiting the
ICNC at the Hebrew University during the 36 months of the project. These visitors, mostly
young researchers at their Ph.D. level or young faculty, have created tight and interactive
links with their host lab at the Hebrew University. Their involvement with the Israeli Ph.D.
colleagues at the ICNC (about 100 Ph.D. students presently), their participation in the
weekly “Brain storming seminar” at the ICNC, and their contribution to the overall ICNC
activities were critical indeed.
The group of European researchers worked at the ICNC labs for periods between a few
days (typically for an introductory visit) to 3 months. Their research ranged from Parkinson
(multi-unit recordings in Parkinsonian monkeys) to single cell modeling; from brain imaging
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(fMRI technology) to models of artificial networks and learning; from psychophysics to
dyslexia to computer vision. Indeed, most of the range of research carried-out by the 24
ICNC groups was exposed to our European visitors. This is what we had hoped for, being
the largest Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation world-wide, where the emphasis
is on a broad-range, experimental and theoretical, approach to Brain Research. Many of the
European researchers that visited the ICNC continue to interact with their host laboratory
either electronically or by actually coming for 2 nd and 3rd visits. This is indeed a sign of a
productive and lasting interaction
The presence of the European visitors also added, in addition to direct effect on the
research at the different labs. (see enclosed research papers that these visits yielded), an
important psychological flavor. The fact that we were so attractive to the young Europeans
at these rather hard times in Israel, served as an optimistic boost to the ICNC members
(faculty and students). It clearly demonstrated that deep and creative work can be
performed albeit the political situation here and that the ICNC is perhaps the most attractive
working environment for European researchers in the field of Brain research, and in
particular in the theoretical aspects of it.
There is a general consensus among the ICNC faculty that this European initiative, the
Major Research Infrastructure project, is very fruitful to both sides and that we should
therefore attempt to apply for an extension for the 6th European framework (as we have
done). We strongly believe that the scientific links between the ICNC and our old visitors as
well as with the group of new European visitors should continue. Indeed, much due to this
European initiative, the ICNC has became a model (and a consultant) for several new
European Centers in Computational Neuroscience (e.g., The Gatsby Unit in London, The
new Center at the Max Planck in Frankfurt, the Unit for Neurophysics at the CNRS, Paris
and the several new initiative in Computational Neuroscience in Germany). This is an
appropriate opportunity to thank the EU for supporting this initiative.
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Annex 1 – Texts of the Announcements
1. The Web Site
The European Commission's IHP Program
This European Commission (EC) program is designed to maximize the impact of research
infrastructures and facilities that provide essential services to Europe's research community
in industry and academia.
The program provides funding for researchers to spend time living and working in a
laboratory that can provide a world-class infrastructure or specialized equipment, know-how
or techniques.
Further information about the EC program in general can be found at
http://www.cordis.lu/improving/home.html
On November 1st, 2001 the ICNC was approved by the European Commission to become
a facility of Improving Human Potential and can thus host visiting researchers.
What is the Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC)?
The ICNC provides an interface for interdisciplinary research in Neurobiology, Physics and
Applied Physics, Computer Science and Psychophysics with a specific focus on
computational aspects of the nervous system.
The ICNC is the home of a world-renowned group of 26 scientists focusing on the key issue
of "how the brain computes". The ICNC researchers study the nervous system from single
neuron computation to signal processing in small and large cortical networks, on system
and behavioral levels. Experimental methods range from in vitro intracellular recordings
from single and pairs of neurons with DIC video microscopy, in vitro imaging methods with
voltage-dependent dyes, to in-vivo multi-unit recordings on behaving animals and imaging
techniques using fMRI. Theoretical approaches include cable and compartmental modeling,
information and learning theory, statistical mechanics and techniques from signal
processing theory. Applications include the development of rapidly re-programmable high
density neural networks based on the optical and optic-electrical properties of rhodopsin
and bacteriorhodopsin films; development of charge controlled analog adaptive synapse for
the purpose of constructing a microelectronic analog learning neural network and the
development of electro-holographic neural networks with millions of interconnected
6
neurons.
In addition to its own 60 doctoral students, the ICNC faculty hosts young researchers
proposing interdisciplinary projects, international post-docs, sabbatical fellows and visitors,
and runs international workshops, including co-directing the annual "EU Advanced Course
in Computational Neuroscience".
Eligibility for the program
Scientists from EU member countries or from the associated states of the following
countries are eligible: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Rep., Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom can apply to spend time at the
ICNC.
Evaluation
A steering committee will allocate the visiting fellowships based on application merit, the
relevance of the research project and the importance to the EU. Priority will be given to
applicants who have not previously used the facility and who would not normally have
access to it.
Remuneration
The fellowship covers travel, subsistence and bench fees.
Contact
Prof. Idan Segev, Director,
Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation
and Dept. of Neurobiology, Institute of Life Sciences
Hebrew University,
Jerusalem, 91904
Israel
Tel: 972-2-6585984
Fax: 972-2-6586296
Email: idan@lobster.ls.huji.ac.il
Mrs. Michal Leci
Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation
Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram
Hebrew University,
Jerusalem, 91904
Israel
Tel: 972-2-6584898 / 9
Fax: 972-2-6586152
Email: neuralcomp@alice.nc.huji.ac.il
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2. The Poster
3. The Electronic Message
Access to NEURALCOMP at the Hebrew University
Dear Researchers,
The Interdisciplinary Center for Neural Computation (ICNC) at the Hebrew University,
Jerusalem Israel invites applications under the NEURALCOMP project, funded by the
European Commission for Access to Research Infrastructure.
Ph.D. Students Postdoctorate Fellows and Senior Scientists from Europe and affiliated
countries are very welcome.
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The ICNC (http://icnc.huji.ac.il) provides an interface for interdisciplinary research in
Neurobiology, Physics and Applied Physics, Computer Science and Psychophysics with a
specific focus on computational aspects of the nervous system. The facility includes:
[1 ]In vitro slice set- ups;
[2 ]In vivo multi- unit set-ups;
[3 ] Psychophysics systems;
[4 ] Imaging systems including fMRI;
[5 ]Advanced optics/ lasers labs;
[6 ] Workstations for model development,
large scale neural simulations and data analysis.
Visitors can come for periods of up to three months to carry out their research under one of
the 21 ICNC laboratories.
Travel and living expenses are covered as well as lab support.
Information and registration at: http://icnc.huji.ac.il/neuralcomp
Manager:
Mrs. Michal Leci
Email: neuralcomp@alice.nc.huji.ac.il
Tel: (972) - 2- 6584899;
Fax: (972) - 2- 6586152,
4. Advertisement published in Nature Neuroscience
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Annex 2 – Composition of the Users Selection Panel
Family
Name
First
Name
Home Institution
Segev
Idan
Vaadia
Eilon
Graham
Lyle
Malach
Raphael
Kevan
Martin
Hausser
Michael
Hebrew
University,
Neurobiology
Hebrew
University,
Physiology
CNRS,
Neurophysique
et Physiologie du
Systeme Moteur
Weizmann
Institute,
Neurobiology
University
of
Zurich
and
ETHZ, Institute
of
Neuroinformatics
University
College, London,
Physiology
Country
E-mail Address
of Home
institution
IL
idan@lobster.ls.huji.ac.il
Telephone
972-26585984
IL
eilonv@ekmd.huji.ac.il
972-26758388
F
lyle@biomedicale.univ-paris5.fr
33-142862092
IL
Bnmalach@wisemail.weizmann.ac.il
972-89342758
Oth
(kevan@ini.phys.ethz.ch)
41-16353057
UK
m.hausser@ucl.ac.uk
44-2076793271
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Annex 3 – List of Publications
1. Güetig R, Aharonov R, Rotter S, and Sompolinsky H (2003), Learning Input
Correlations through Nonlinear Temporally Asymmetric Hebbian Plasticity, J Neurosci.
2003 May 1;23(9):3697-714.
2. W. Kistler et al., Gap junctions synchronize synaptic input rather than spike output of
olivary neurons (under review for publication)
3. R. Paz, T. Boraud, C. Natan, H. Bergman and E. Vaadia, Preparatory activity in motor
cortex reflects learning of local visuomotor skills,
Nat Neurosci. 2003 Aug;6(8):882-90.
4. Boraud T., Paz R., Natan C., Vaadia E. and Bergman H, Convergence of
information in the basal ganglia: Electrophysiological evidences. To be submitted to
Neuron, Jan 2003
5. De Zeeuw CI, Chorev E, Devor A, Manor Y, Van Der Giessen RS, De Jeu MT,
Hoogenraad CC, Bijman J, Ruigrok TJ, French P, Jaarsma D, Kistler WM, Meier C,
Petrasch-Parwez E, Dermietzel R, Sohl G, Gueldenagel M, Willecke K, Yarom Y.
Deformation of network connectivity in the Inferior Olive Cx36 null-mutant mice is
compensated by electrophysiological changes at the single neuron level. J Neurosci.
2003 Jun 1;23(11):4700-11
6. B. Pfeuty, G. Mato, D. Golomb and D. Hansel, Electrical synapses and synchrony: The
role of intrinsic currents. J Neurosci. 2003 Aug 6;23(18):7237
7. DelRe E, Crosignani B, Di Porto P, E . Palange, and A. J. Agranat, “Electrooptic beam
manipulation through photorefractive needles”. Opt. Lett 27 (24): pp. 2188-2190 (Dec.
15, 2002).
8. DelRe E., D'Ercole A., Agranat A. J., Emergence of linear wave segments and
predictable traits in saturated nonlinear media. Opt. Lett. 28 (4): pp. 260-262 (Feb. 15,
2003).
9. Feldman D., Pajdla T. and Weinshall D., On the Epipolar Geometry of the Crossed-Slits
Projection, Proceedings: IEEE 9th International Conference of Computer Vision, Nice,
France, October 2003.
10. Stoilov, P., Meshorer, E., Gencheva, M., Glick, D., Soreq., H. and Stamm, S.
(2003). Defects in pre-mRNA processing as causes of and predisposition to
diseases. DNA and Cell Biol., 18, 803-818.
11. Volodya Yakovlev, Daniel J. Amit, Sandro Romani, and Shaul Hochstein (2008).
Universal Memory Mechanism for Familiarity Recognition and Identification. Journal of
Neuroscience, January 2, 2008, 28(1):239 –248 • 239
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Conference proceedings:
12. R.Guetig, R. Aharonov, S. Rotter, and H. Sompolinsky (2002). Learning Input
Correlations Through Non-Linear Temporally Asymmetric Hebbian Plasticity.
International Neuroscience Summit, Berlin, Germany (INS-2002).
13. R. Aharonov, R. Guetig, S. Rotter, A. Aertsen, and H. Sompolinsky (2001).
Generalized Synaptic Updating in Temporally Asymmetric Hebbian Learning. The
Tenth Computational Neuroscience Meeting (CNS-2001).
14. R.Guetig, R. Aharonov, S. Rotter, A. Aertsen, and H. Sompolinsky (2001).
Generalized Synaptic Updating in Temporally Asymmetric Hebbian Learning.
Proceedings of the 28th Gottingen Neurobiology Conference. p. 254. Stuttgart:
Thieme.
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