An information-theoretic approach for evaluating probabilistic tuning functions of single neurons

Brostek, Lukas; Eggert, Thomas; Ono, Seiji; Mustari, Michael J.; Büttner, Ulrich und Glasauer, Stefan (March 2011): An information-theoretic approach for evaluating probabilistic tuning functions of single neurons. In: Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience, Vol. 5, 15

Abstract

Neuronal tuning functions can be expressed by the conditional probability of observing a spike given any combination of explanatory variables. However, accurately determining such probabilistic tuning functions from experimental data poses several challenges such as finding the right combination of explanatory variables and determining their proper neuronal latencies. Here we present a novel approach of estimating and evaluating such probabilistic tuning functions, which offers a solution for these problems. By maximizing the mutual information between the probability distributions of spike occurrence and the variables, their neuronal latency can be estimated, and the dependence of neuronal activity on different combinations of variables can be measured. This method was used to analyze neuronal activity in cortical area MSTd in terms of dependence on signals related to eye and retinal image movement. Comparison with conventional feature detection and regression analysis techniques shows that our method offers distinct advantages, if the dependence does not match the regression model.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Keywords: information theory; mutual information; neuronal tuning; neuronal latency; MSTd
• Faculties: Medicine
• Subjects: 600 Technology > 610 Medicine and health
• ISSN: 1662-5188
• Place of Publication: PO BOX 110, LAUSANNE, 1015, SWITZERLAND
• Language: English