Skip to main content

Unveiling Hidden Neural Codes: SIMPL – A Scalable and Fast Approach for Optimizing Latent Variables and Tuning Curves in Neural Population Data

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
This research paper presents SIMPL (Scalable Iterative Maximization of Population-coded Latents), a novel, computationally efficient algorithm designed to refine the estimation of latent variables and tuning curves from neural population activity. Latent variables in neural data represent essential low-dimensional quantities encoding behavioral or cognitive states, which neuroscientists seek to identify to understand brain computations better. Background and Motivation Traditional approaches commonly assume the observed behavioral variable as the latent neural code. However, this assumption can lead to inaccuracies because neural activity sometimes encodes internal cognitive states differing subtly from observable behavior (e.g., anticipation, mental simulation). Existing latent variable models face challenges such as high computational cost, poor scalability to large datasets, limited expressiveness of tuning models, or difficulties interpreting complex neural network-based functio...
Post a Comment

Transverse Plane

Image
Dr. Rishabh Pathak

The transverse plane is an anatomical plane that divides the body into top and bottom halves, allowing for the analysis of rotational movements around a vertical axis. In human biomechanics, the transverse plane plays a crucial role in studying various activities involving twisting, rotation, and spinning motions. Here is an overview of the transverse plane in human biomechanics along with an example of its application:


1.     Transverse Plane in Human Biomechanics:

o    Definition: The transverse plane is a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) halves. Movements in the transverse plane involve rotation around a vertical axis, such as internal and external rotation.

o    Role: The transverse plane is essential for analyzing rotational movements, twisting actions, and spinning motions in activities like throwing, swinging, twisting, and turning.

o    Joint Movements: Transverse plane movements include internal rotation (inward rotation) and external rotation (outward rotation) around the longitudinal axis of a limb or joint.

2.     Example of Transverse Plane Analysis:

o    Golf Swing: When analyzing the golf swing in human biomechanics, the transverse plane is crucial for understanding the rotational mechanics and coordination of the upper body and lower body during the swing.

§  Joint Movements: In the transverse plane, the golf swing involves coordinated movements of the hips, trunk, shoulders, and arms to generate rotational power and club speed.

§  Kinematics: By studying the transverse plane kinematics of the golf swing, researchers can analyze the sequence of movements, hip-shoulder separation, and rotational velocities to optimize swing mechanics.

§  Biomechanical Parameters: Parameters such as hip rotation angle, shoulder rotation velocity, and clubhead speed are commonly analyzed in the transverse plane to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the golf swing.

3.     Clinical Applications:

o    Sports Performance: Transverse plane analysis is used in sports biomechanics to enhance performance in activities that require rotational power, such as baseball pitching, tennis serves, and discus throwing.

o    Injury Prevention: Understanding transverse plane movements helps in identifying biomechanical factors contributing to overuse injuries, rotational imbalances, and asymmetries that can be addressed through targeted training and rehabilitation.

4.     Research Studies:

o    Biomechanical Research: Researchers use transverse plane analysis to investigate the biomechanics of rotational movements in sports, dance, martial arts, and other activities requiring rotational control and coordination.

o    Skill Acquisition: Studying transverse plane movements helps in understanding the motor control and coordination required for mastering complex rotational skills and movements.

By incorporating transverse plane analysis in human biomechanics, researchers, coaches, and athletes can gain insights into rotational mechanics, coordination patterns, and performance optimization strategies for activities involving twisting and spinning motions. The transverse plane serves as a critical reference for studying and interpreting rotational dynamics, providing valuable information for biomechanical assessments, skill development, and injury prevention in various movement contexts.


 

Categories:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Relation of Model Complexity to Dataset Size

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Core Concept The relationship between model complexity and dataset size is fundamental in supervised learning, affecting how well a model can learn and generalize. Model complexity refers to the capacity or flexibility of the model to fit a wide variety of functions. Dataset size refers to the number and diversity of training samples available for learning. Key Points 1. Larger Datasets Allow for More Complex Models When your dataset contains more varied data points , you can afford to use more complex models without overfitting. More data points mean more information and variety, enabling the model to learn detailed patterns without fitting noise. Quote from the book: "Relation of Model Complexity to Dataset Size. It’s important to note that model complexity is intimately tied to the variation of inputs contained in your training dataset: the larger variety of data points your dataset contains, the more complex a model you can use without overfitting....
Post a Comment
Read more

EEG Amplification

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
EEG amplification, also known as gain or sensitivity, plays a crucial role in EEG recordings by determining the magnitude of electrical signals detected by the electrodes placed on the scalp. Here is a detailed explanation of EEG amplification: 1. Amplification Settings : EEG machines allow for adjustment of the amplification settings, typically measured in microvolts per millimeter (μV/mm). Common sensitivity settings range from 5 to 10 μV/mm, but a wider range of settings may be used depending on the specific requirements of the EEG recording. 2. High-Amplitude Activity : When high-amplitude signals are present in the EEG, such as during epileptiform discharges or artifacts, it may be necessary to compress the vertical display to visualize the full range of each channel within the available space. This compression helps prevent saturation of the signal and ensures that all amplitude levels are visible. 3. Vertical Compression : Increasing the sensitivity value (e.g., from 10 μV/mm to...
Post a Comment
Read more

Different Methods for recoding the Brain Signals of the Brain?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
The various methods for recording brain signals in detail, focusing on both non-invasive and invasive techniques.  1. Electroencephalography (EEG) Type : Non-invasive Description : EEG involves placing electrodes on the scalp to capture electrical activity generated by neurons. It records voltage fluctuations resulting from ionic current flows within the neurons of the brain. This method provides high temporal resolution (millisecond scale), allowing for the monitoring of rapid changes in brain activity. Advantages : Relatively low cost and easy to set up. Portable, making it suitable for various applications, including clinical and research settings. Disadvantages : Lacks spatial resolution; it cannot precisely locate where the brain activity originates, often leading to ambiguous results. Signals may be contaminated by artifacts like muscle activity and electrical noise. Developments : ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Linear Models

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
1. What are Linear Models? Linear models are a class of models that make predictions using a linear function of the input features. The prediction is computed as a weighted sum of the input features plus a bias term. They have been extensively studied over more than a century and remain widely used due to their simplicity, interpretability, and effectiveness in many scenarios. 2. Mathematical Formulation For regression , the general form of a linear model's prediction is: y^ ​ = w0 ​ x0 ​ + w1 ​ x1 ​ + … + wp ​ xp ​ + b where; y^ ​ is the predicted output, xi ​ is the i-th input feature, wi ​ is the learned weight coefficient for feature xi ​ , b is the intercept (bias term), p is the number of features. In vector form: y^ ​ = wTx + b where w = ( w0 ​ , w1 ​ , ... , wp ​ ) and x = ( x0 ​ , x1 ​ , ... , xp ​ ) . 3. Interpretation and Intuition The prediction is a linear combination of features — each feature contributes prop...
Post a Comment
Read more

Plastic Changes are age dependent

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Plastic changes in the brain are indeed age-dependent, with different developmental stages and life phases influencing the extent, nature, and outcomes of neural plasticity. Here are some key aspects of the age-dependent nature of plastic changes in the brain: 1.      Developmental Plasticity : The developing brain exhibits heightened plasticity during critical periods of growth and maturation. Early in life, neural circuits undergo significant structural and functional changes in response to sensory inputs, learning experiences, and environmental stimuli, shaping the foundation of cognitive development. 2.      Sensitive Periods : Sensitive periods in development represent windows of heightened plasticity during which the brain is particularly receptive to specific types of experiences. These critical phases play a crucial role in establishing neural connections, refining circuitry, and optimizing brain function for learning and adaptation. 3. ...
Post a Comment
Read more