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Neuron Digest   Friday, 21 Mar 1997                Volume 97 : Issue 14

Today's Topics:
                                NeuroChat
                  New articles available from my website
               Neural Network Intern For Speech Recognition
                web page on interacting neural populations
                        pre and postdoc positions
                     Lecturership/Senior Lecturership
                          Scholarship available
              New Web Page on Neural and Cognitive Sciences
                     Stereovision: TR, Webpages, Demo
                  Cargese Summer School, 2d Announcement
                 KDD Job at GTE Laboratories, Waltham, Ma


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----------------------------------------------------------------------

Subject: NeuroChat
From:    Matt Fraser <mattf+@pitt.edu>
Date:    Mon, 03 Feb 1997 20:07:21 -0500


Dear Listowners/Listmanagers,

Please excuse the intrusion, but I thought that your readerships might be
interested in knowing about an online, real time chat room devoted to the
Neurosciences.  It can be found at the following URL:

<http://www.pitt.edu/~mattf/NeuroChat.html>

It does require Java capable browsers (the biggest drawback as I see it).

Hope to "see" you there,

Matt Fraser

http://www.pitt.edu/~mattf/Research.html

  ________________________________________________________________

Matt Fraser                               "The Real World is very 
                                            complex and chaotic,
mattf+@pitt.edu                         so that, in order to survive,
                                    humans find it necessary to construct   
                                           an illusion of reality."
                        
                                               Author Unknown
  ________________________________________________________________

------------------------------

Subject: New articles available from my website
From:    "Rolf P. Wuertz" <rolf@rug104.cs.rug.nl>
Date:    Tue, 04 Feb 1997 11:19:12 +0100


Rolf P. W"urtz. Neuronal theories and technical systems for face
recognition. In Proceedings of the Fifth European Symposium On 
Artificial Neural Networks, Bruges (Belgium), 16-18 April 1997

ABSTRACT: I present various systems for the recognition of human
faces. They consist of three steps: feature extraction, solving the
correspondence problem, and the actual comparison with stored
faces. Two of them are implemented in the Dynamic Link Architecture
and are, therefore, close to biological hardware, the others are more
technical in nature but also have some biological plausibility. At the
end, I will briefly discuss the coherence with the results of
psychophysical experiments on human face recognition.

compressed PS source (350kB, 6 pages): 
http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rolf/esann97.ps.gz 

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen McKenna, Sean Gong, Rolf P. W"urtz, Jonathan Tanner and Daniel
Banin. Tracking facial feature points with Gabor wavelets and shape
models. In Proceedings of the First International Conference on Audio-
and Video-based Biometric Person Authentication Crans-Montana,
Switzerland, 12-14 March 1997

ABSTRACT: A feature-based approach to tracking rigid and non-rigid
facial motion is described. Feature points are characterised using
Gabor Wavelets and can be individually tracked by phase-based
displacement estimation. In order to achieve robust tracking a
flexible shape model is used to impose global constraints upon the
local feature points and to constrain the tracker. While there are
many applications in facial analysis, the approach is quite generic
and can be used for tracking other textured objects.

compressed PS source (600 kB, 8 pages) 
http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rolf/gwt-pdm.ps.gz 

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Rolf P. W"urtz, Wolfgang Konen, and Kay-Ole Behrmann. How fast can
neuronal algorithms match patterns? In Christoph von der Malsburg and
Jan C. Vorbr"uggen and Werner von Seelen and Bernhard Sendhoff (eds.),
Artificial Neural Networks - ICANN 96 , pages 145-150. Springer
Verlag, 1996.

ABSTRACT: We investigate the convergence speed of the Self Organizing
Map (SOM) and Dynamic Link Matching (DLM) on a benchmark problem for
the solution of which both algorithms are good candidates. We show
that the SOM needs a large number of simple update steps and DLM a
small number of complicated ones. A comparison of the actual number of
floating point operations hints at an exponential vs. polynomial
scaling behavior with increased pattern size. DLM turned out to be
much less sensitive to parameter changes than the SOM.

compressed PS source (60 kB, 6 pages) 
http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rolf/icann96.ps.gz 

+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Rolf P. W"urtz | mailto: rolf@cs.rug.nl | URL: http://www.cs.rug.nl/~rolf/ |
| Department of Computing Science,  University of Groningen, The Netherlands |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+


------------------------------

Subject: Neural Network Intern For Speech Recognition
From:    Orhan Karaali <karaali@ukraine.corp.mot.com>
Date:    Tue, 25 Feb 1997 14:24:44 -0600

NEURAL NETWORK INTERN FOR SPEECH RECOGNITION


Motorola's Chicago Corporate Research Laboratories is currently seeking
a Ph.D. student to join the Speech Synthesis and Machine Learning Group
as an intern in its Speech Processing Systems Research Laboratory in
Schaumburg, Illinois, for spring 1997.  The internship will last at
least three months.

The Speech Synthesis and Machine Learning Group has developed innovative
neural network and signal processing technologies for speech synthesis
and speech recognition applications.  The intern will work on a component
of an HMM/neural network hybrid speech recognizer.  The duties of the
position include applied research, software development, and conducting
experiments with speech data sets.  Innovation in research, application
of technology and a high level of motivation is the standard for all
members of the team.

The individual should be in an advanced stage of a Ph.D. program in
EE, CS or a related discipline.  The ability to work within a group to
quickly implement and evaluate algorithms in a rapid research/development
cycle is essential.  Strong programming skills in the "C" language and
solid knowledge of neural networks are required.  Background in any of
speech processing, statistical techniques, decision trees, and genetic
algorithms is highly desirable.

Please send text-format resume and cover letter to Orhan Karaali,
karaali@mot.com.  Motorola is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer.  We welcome and encourage diversity in our workforce.

------------------------------

Subject: web page on interacting neural populations
From:    Ilya Rybak <rybaki@eplrx7.es.dupont.com>
Date:    Tue, 25 Feb 1997 21:05:01 -0500


Dear colleagues,

It might be interesting for some of you to look at our Web page
http://www.voicenet.com/~rybak/pop.html which describes examples of our
models of interacting populations of "biological" (HH type) neurons. One
of presented models describes a populational model of the central
generator of the respiratory pattern. The simulation package used allows
simultaneous analysis of populational, neuronal and sub-neuronal
variables.

Ilya Rybak

DuPont Central Research
rybaki@eplrx7.es.duPont.com
http://www.voicenet.com/~rybak


------------------------------

Subject: pre and postdoc positions
From:    Emanuela Bricolo <bricolo@sissa.it>
Date:    Fri, 28 Feb 1997 17:10:25



                         Neuroscience at S.I.S.S.A.

S.I.S.S.A., the International School for Advanced Studies of Trieste, Italy,
is an interdisciplinary postgraduate research institute directly supported by
the Italian Ministry for Universities and Research. Its working language is
English and non-Italian Ph.D. students, postdocs and faculty comprise about a
third of the total. There are no fees; fellowships are offered to all
students.

A new sector, Cognitive Neuroscience, has been operating within S.I.S.S.A.
since November, 1995. It currently includes groups working on:

* Neuropsychology and modelling of semantic memory, word processing and
  frontal lobe processing (Tim Shallice, coordinator of the sector)

* Neurophysiology and neuropsychology of spatial representation and spatial
  behaviour (P.Paolo Battaglini, U. of Trieste)

* Information processing and plasticity of representations in the
  somatosensory system (Mathew Diamond)

* Neurophysiology and neurobiology of developmental and adult plasticity 
  in the visual system (Luciano Domenici)

* Information-theoretic analysis and modelling of coding in higher sensory
  and memory areas (Alessandro Treves)

and, with the Biophysics sector

* Computational neuroscience (Vincent Torre)

The sector is now seeking:

 ** 2 postdoctoral researchers (deadline for applications March 31, 1997) **

 ** up to 4 qualified non-Italian Ph.D. students (deadline April 30, 1997) *
     
One postdoc position is for the lab of M. Diamond; the other has not been
allocated. Both are for 1 year, renewable for a second year, and start in
September. The spring preselection of Ph.D. students allows outstanding
foreign candidates to be admitted without taking the normal entrance exam
in October, in Trieste. Such students then come directly at the beginning
of the regular 3-year Ph.D. program, in November.

Applications for both types of position should include a full CV, stating
date of birth, citizenship, proficiency in english and complete academic
records; at least one letter of reference, sent directly to SISSA; and any 
other item useful in assessing the candidate. Applicants for Ph.D.s should 
be under 30, and be able to provide hardcopy certificates of their records.

SISSA - Cognitive Neuroscience - via Beirut 2/4, 34013 Trieste, Italy.

A local homepage can be accessed at http://www.sissa.it/ and further
information obtained from the Secretariat at radikkio@sissa.it,
from A. Treves at ale@limbo.sissa.it or +39-40-3787426,
or from M. Diamond at diamond@sissa.it, tel +39-40-3787236.

------------------------------

Subject: Lecturership/Senior Lecturership
From:    Marwan Jabri <marwan@valaga.salk.edu>
Date:    Sun, 02 Mar 1997 11:50:15 -0800


        Lecturer/Senior lecturer (fixed-term or tenurable) 
        Ref B07/04 

        Department of Electrical Engineering
        University of Sydney, Australia

The Department is looking to expand its research and teaching capability in
the computer engineering, integrated systems and neuromorphic engineering
areas. In line with a strategic plan which includes high quality postgraduate
research, the Department seeks an appointee with an outstanding research
career potential. The existing staff in related areas have research interests
in integrated systems, neural networks, artificial intelligence, biomedical
systems, non linear and adaptive control, communications systems and image
processing. 

Generally, the Department is vigorously developing its research work to the
highest international standards. A special feature of this effort is the high
level of interaction with industry, both local and international. 

The appointee must have completed a PhD with a high level of research
outcomes; have the capability to teach large and small classes; supervise
research students and present advanced courses to industry. Undergraduate
teaching experience and experience of industrial applications are desirable.
Preference will be given to applicants with analytical skills in the areas of
computer engineering, integrated systems, neuromorphic systems, and related
subjects. 

The position will be offered as a three-year fixed term appointment or
offered as tenurable to an exceptional applicant. Membership of a
University-approved superannuation scheme is a condition of employment for
new appointees. 

For further information contact Prof M A Jabri (see info below)

Salary: Senior Lecturer: $52,726 - $60,797 pa (under review); 
Lecturer $43,042 - $51,113 pa (under review) 
Closing: 27 March 1997

- ------------
Marwan Jabri, PhD
On sabbatical at 
CNL, Salk Institute
PO Box 85800, San Diego CA 92186-5800
10010 North Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037-1099
Tel: (+1-619) 453-4100 X: 1029
Fax: (+1-619) 455-7933
marwan@sloan.salk.edu

------------------------------

Subject: Scholarship available
From:    R.Pugmire@massey.ac.nz (Ralph pugmire)
Date:    Mon, 03 Mar 1997 11:32:01 +1200

Neural Nework Based Image Processing
Post Graduate Scholarship

A postgraduate scholarship is available for a  student to work in the area
of connectionist  based image processing in the Department of Production
Technology, Massey University, New Zealand.

The department is part of a government funded research group centred in New
Zealand. This group of researchers is working on connectionist based
information systems (CBIS). The group includes researchers from Otago,
Waikato and Auckland Universities, several Crown Research Institutes and a
number of collaborators from overseas.

Massey University researchers have a particular interest in the application
of connectionist or biologically inspired systems in image processing.  An
active image processing research group in the Department of Production
Technology is involved in both the development  of  image processing
systems to solve particular industrial problems and general research into
new methods in the general area of biologically inspired image processing.
We are looking for a high calibre graduate student to work with this team
while studying towards a post graduate degree. The scholarship available is
for a total of $17,000 plus fees spread over one or two years.

Please contact Dr Ralph Pugmire (R.Pugmire@massey.ac.nz Ph +64 6 350 4086)
or Professor Bob Hodgson(R.M.Hodgson@massey.ac.nz Ph +64 6 350 7477)
for further information.


------------------------------

Subject: New Web Page on Neural and Cognitive Sciences
From:    Stavros Zanos <stavrosz@med.auth.gr>
Date:    Wed, 05 Mar 1997 19:09:54 +0200

It might be of interest to some of the members of this list to visit a 
recently launched web page on basic neural and cognitive sciences, at:

http://www.med.auth.gr/Neuropage

Some of the sections are in greek. Contents include: review articles, a 
journal-watch column with extensive reports on major published research, a 
section on neuroscience books, announcements about meetings and events, 
latest tables of contents for major neuroscience journals, some theoretical 
neurobiology personal publications etc. Also, at the NeuroWeb section, can 
be found a vast number of links, organized by discipline. A section on 
computational neuroscience methods will be included very soon.

Stavros P. Zanos
Mail: stavrosz@med.auth.gr
Neuropage: http://www.med.auth.gr/Neuropage
Personal: http://www.med.auth.gr/~stavrosz/index.htm


------------------------------

Subject: Stereovision: TR, Webpages, Demo
From:    Rolf Henkel <henkel@physik.uni-bremen.de>
Organization: Institute for Theoretical Neurophysics
Date:    Tue, 11 Mar 1997 11:45:30 +0100

A technical report, some Webpages and an Online-Demo of a new
computational approach to Stereovision are now available.

The new approach rests on aliasing effects of simple disparity
estimators caused by sampling visual space only at two eye-positions. In
connection with a coherence-detection scheme, a stable algorithm is
obtained which calculates within a single computational structure a
dense disparity map and a verification count for the disparity
estimates. In addition, the network fuses the left and right stereo
images into the cyclopean view of the scene. 

Keywords: Stereovision, cyclopean view, complex cells, parallel
algorithm

Comments to the ideas presented are very welcome.

The webpages can be found at the URL

http://axon.physik.uni-bremen.de/~rdh/research/stereo/

the technical report retrieved under

http://axon.physik.uni-bremen.de/~rdh/research/papers/tyc.ps.gz

and the Online-Demo of the algorithm tested under the URL

http://axon.physik.uni-bremen.de/~rdh/online_calc/stereo2/

Thank you very much for your interest, 

Rolf Henkel

Institute of Theoretical Neurophysics, University Bremen, Germany
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Email:  henkel@theo.physik.uni-bremen.de
URL:    http://axon.physik.uni-bremen.de/~rdh/research/
- -----------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------

Subject: Cargese Summer School, 2d Announcement
From:    Olivier Parodi <parodi@cptsu2.univ-mrs.fr>
Date:    Wed, 19 Mar 1997 17:09:48 +0100



                        SUMMER SCHOOL

                             on

                NEURONAL INFORMATION PROCESSING :
        FROM BIOLOGICAL DATA TO MODELLING AND APPLICATIONS

                Cargese -- Corse du Sud (France)
                    June 30 -- July 12, 1997

                        organized at the
          INSTITUT D'ETUDES SCIENTIFIQUES DE CARGESE
                        CNRS (UMS 820) 
   Universite de Nice-Sophia Antipolis - Universite de Corte
                      F 20130 CARGESE


Sponsored by

        Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
        DGA-DRET (French Ministry of Defence)
        Conseil Executif de la Corse

THEME

        In the past ten years, statistical mechanics and dynamics of neuronal 
automata have been extensively studied. Most of the work has been based on 
over-simplified models of neurons. Recent developments in Neurosciences have, 
however, considerably modified our knowledge of both the operating modes of 
neurons and information processing in the cortex.
        Multi-unit recordings have allowed precise temporal correlations to be
detected, within temporal windows of the order of 1 ms. Simultaneously,
oscillations corresponding to a quasi-periodic spike-firing, synchronized over
several visual cortical areas, have been observed with anaesthesied cats and
with monkeys. Last but not least, recent work on the neuronal operating modes
have emphasized the role played by the dendritic arborization.
        These developments have led to considerable interest for coding scheme 
relying on precise spatio-temporal patterns both from the theoretical and 
experimental points of view.  This prompts us to consider, for information 
processing, new models which would proceed, e.g., from a synchronous detection 
of correlated spike firing, and could be particularly robust against noise. 
Such models might bring about original technical applications for information 
processing and control.
        Further developments in this field may be of major importance for our 
understanding of the basic mechanisms of perception and cognition. They should 
also lead to new concepts in applications directed towards artificial 
perception and pattern recognition. Up to now, artificial systems for pattern 
recognition are far from reaching the standards of human vision. Systems based 
on a temporal coding by spikes may now be expected to bring about major 
improvements in this field.
        The aim of the school is to provide students and people engaged in both
applied and basic research with state of the art in every relevant field
(Neurosciences, Physics, Mathematics, Information and Control Theory) and to 
encourage further interdisciplinary and international exchanges.

LECTURES

        Pr. Ad Aertsen (Freiburg am Brisgau) - Dynamic organization of cortical 
activity.
        Pr. P. Combe (Marseille) - Learning: a geometrical approach.
        Pr. J. Demongeot (Grenoble) - Dynamics of modular architectures.
        Pr. L. van Hemmen (Munchen) - Coding by spikes.
        Pr. J. Herault (Grenoble) - Information processing in retina.
        Pr. J. Hertz (Copenhague) - Temporal coding and learning.
        Pr. A. Holley (Lyon) - Information processing in the mammalian 
olfactory system.
        Dr. R. Lestienne (Paris) - Temporal coding with and without clocks.
        Pr. C. von der Malsburg (Bochum) - The importance of neural  
synchrony in the visual system.
        Dr. C. Masson (Paris) - From complex signals to adapted behavior:
the example of a small olfactory brain.
        Dr. J. P. Nadal (Paris) - Information theory and neuronal 
architecture.
        Dr. O. Parodi (Marseille) - Temporal coding and correlation detection.
        Dr. P. Roelfsema (Frankfurt) - Oscillations in the visual cortex of 
mammalians.
        Pr. S. A. Solla (ATT) - Dynamics of on-line learning processes.
        Dr. T. Schanze & Prof. R. Eckhorn (Marburg): Neural mechanisms of
visual feature binding and separation investigated with microelectrodes and 
models.
        

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The official languages of the School are English and French. Lectures will
given in English.


DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL
        Olivier PARODI, Centre de Physique Theorique
        CNRS-Luminy, case 907, F 13288 MARSEILLE CEDEX 09, France
        Tel. (33) 4 91 26 95 30  Fax (33) 4 91 26 95 53
        e-mail parodi@cpt.univ-mrs.fr

REGISTRATION FEES
        Students: free
        CNRS and members of CNRS institutes: free
        University: 1500 FF
        Industry: 2500 FF

ACCOMMODATION GRANTS 
 
1 - The School is sponsored by the Formation Permanente du CNRS, which can
support accomodation expenses of at least 16 CNRS participants. 
2 - The Organizing Committee will consider grants for students and young 
participants.


PRACTICAL INFORMATION

        The school will be held at the Institut d'Etudes Scientifiques 
de Cargese. Lectures and Seminars will be given from 9 am to 12:30 pm and 
from 4 to 7:15 pm.(except on Sunday) from July 1 to 11 included. All 
participants are expected to arrive on June 30 and leave on July 12.

TRAVEL : Cargese is located approximatively 60 kms North of Ajaccio. The best 
way to get to Cargese is to reach Ajaccio. You are asked to make your own 
travelling arrangements. However, in order to reduce the cost of your travel, 
two groups will be organized on regular flights between Paris and Ajaccio and 
Marseille and Ajaccio on June 30 and July 12 (approx. 1200-1400 FF for a Paris- 
Ajaccio return ticket). We also consider renting buses for the Ajaccio-Cargese 
and return journeys. Details will be sent later. 

ACCOMODATION : The Institute is located 2 km south of the village, on the 
sea shore. On working days, lunches will be served at the Institute (800 FF for
the session, including refreshment and coffe breaks). There are various housing
possibilities:

- - shared room at the Institute or in apartments in the village - 1920 FF
 (per person for the session)
- - single room in shared apartments in the village - 2640 FF for the session
- - rented apartment in the village for your family - 270 to 500 FF per day
- - hotels in the village - 250 to 400 FF per person per day
- - camping on the grounds of the Institute - 20 FF per person per day. You have 
to bring your own equipment, showers are at your disposal. Breakfast will be 
served at the Institute for people staying on the grounds.

WARNING: There are no banks nor cash machines in Cargese and credit cards
are not accepted everywhere. Think to bring enough French cash before leaving 
Paris, Marseille or Ajaccio.

NOTE : We cannot provide accomodation before or after the dates of the School.

POSTER SESSION : One or several poster sessions will be organized. 
Participants are encouraged to prepare posters on their own work.

REGISTRATION :
You have to fill the enclosed application and return it by e-mail to
                cargese@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997 with, if necessary, a letter justifying your grant 
request.

The School will accept up to 50 students, including those supported by the
Formation Permanente of CNRS. In case of over-demand, participants will be 
selected by the Scientific Committee, with a balance between junior
and senior students, and a preference for students carrying an active 
research in the field.

- ------------------   http://cpt.univ-mrs.fr/Cargese  ----------------------

------------------------------

Subject: KDD Job at GTE Laboratories, Waltham, Ma
From:    brij@gte.com (Brij Masand)
Date:    Wed, 19 Mar 1997 15:48:25 -0500

**** An Outstanding Applied Researcher/Developer needed for the   ********** 
**** Knowledge Discovery in Databases project at GTE Laboratories **********


Description: Participate in the design and development of
state-of-the-art systems for data mining and knowledge discovery. The
focus of the job is on applied research in KDD, including development
of prototypes to demonstrate innovative business applications of KDD.

        The candidate will join one of the leading R&D teams in the
area of data mining and knowledge discovery. Our current projects
include predictive customer modeling for GTE's cellular telephone
markets.  We are applying multiple learning and discovery methods to
very large, high-dimensional real-world databases, involving millions
of records and Gbytes of data and have created KDD-based solutions
that are being deployed in the field.

        The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. in Machine Learning or
related fields and 2-3 years of experience, or an M.S. with equivalent
experience.  The candidate should have experience with machine
learning algorithms, be familiar with statistical theory, have
practical experience with databases, and be proficient with
Web/Internet tools.  Excellent coding skills in C/Unix environment and
an ability to quickly pick up new systems and languages are needed.  Good
communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and good coding
and system maintenance practices are very desirable.

GTE Laboratories incorporated, located in Waltham, MA, is GTE's
central research facility.  GTE is among the the largest local
exchange telephone carriers and the second largest mobile service
provider in the United States.  Our research facility is located on a
quiet 50 acre campus-like setting in Waltham, MA, 20 minutes from
downtown Boston.  Our salaries are competitive, and our outstanding
benefits include medical/life/dental insurance, saving and investment
plans, and an on-site fitness center.

Please send a resume and a cover letter
(preferably by e-mail, in ASCII) to:

kddjob@gte.com

or by fax to 617.466.3342 (Attn: Brij Masand)

------------------------------

End of Neuron Digest [Volume 97 Issue 14]
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