Neural Network Models Of Illusory Contour Perception B Ringer

Neural Network Models of Illusory Contour Perception/ B. Ringer

Neural Network Simulation Environments

Neural Network Simulation Environments describes some of the best examples of neural simulation environments. All current neural simulation tools can be classified into four overlapping categories of increasing sophistication in software engineering. The least sophisticated are undocumented and dedicated programs, developed to solve just one specific problem; these tools cannot easily be used by the larger community and have not been included in this volume. The next category is a collection of custom-made programs, some perhaps borrowed from other application domains, and organized into libraries, sometimes with a rudimentary user interface. More recently, very sophisticated programs started to appear that integrate advanced graphical user interface and other data analysis tools. These are frequently dedicated to just one neural architecture/algorithm as, for example, three layers of interconnected artificial `neurons' learning to generalize input vectors using a backpropagation algorithm. Currently, the most sophisticated simulation tools are complete, system-level environments, incorporating the most advanced concepts in software engineering that can support experimentation and model development of a wide range of neural networks. These environments include sophisticated graphical user interfaces as well as an array of tools for analysis, manipulation and visualization of neural data. Neural Network Simulation Environments is an excellent reference for researchers in both academia and industry, and can be used as a text for advanced courses on the subject.

Computational Neuroscience

This volume includes papers presented at the Fifth Annual Computational Neurosci ence meeting (CNS*96) held in Boston, Massachusetts, July 14 - 17, 1996. This collection includes 148 of the 234 papers presented at the meeting. Acceptance for mceting presenta tion was based on the peer review of preliminary papers originally submitted in May of 1996. The papers in this volume represent final versions of this work submitted in January of 1997. As represented by this volume, computational neuroscience continues to expand in quality, size and breadth of focus as increasing numbers of neuroscientists are taking a computational approach to understanding nervous system function. Defining computa tional neuroscience as the exploration of how brains compute, it is clear that there is al most no subject or area of modern neuroscience research that is not appropriate for computational studies. The CNS meetings as well as this volume reflect this scope and di versity.