Learning and limits on adult plasticity for speech
Dr Jason Zevin
Sackler Institute for Psychobiology
Weill Medical College of Cornell University
New York, USA
4.30pm, Monday November 9 2009
Psychology A202 (Venables)
One way to understand changes in plasticity over the course of
development (e.g. sensitive period phenomena) is as a result of the
process of learning itself. This is readily observed even in simple
neural network models. Learning to categorize speech sounds in one's
native …
[View More]language can be characterized as a process of tuning the
perceptual system to the dimensions along which change is meaningful in
that language. One consequence of this process is a diminished
sensitivity to foreign language (L2) contrasts that differ along
dimensions not contrastive in one's native phonetic inventory, which
ultimately can result in failures to learn even after many years of
exposure. This specialization is also reflected in the responses of a
network of left-lateralized temporal and frontal cortical regions which
respond differentially to native speech contrasts relative to unfamiliar
L2 sounds and control stimuli not perceived as crossing a categorical
boundary. I will present a series of studies combining behavioral,
electroencephalographic and fMRI techniques to examine the traces of
early experience on the adult speech perception system.
ORGANISED BY JELENA MIRKOVIC
--
Dr Silke Goebel
Department of Psychology
University of York
Heslington
York YO10 5DD
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1904 43 2872
Email: s.goebel(a)psych.york.ac.uk
Web: http://www.york.ac.uk/res/crl/sgoebel.html
TMS Lab: http://www.york.ac.uk/res/tms
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Greetings all,
Tomorrow evening there will be a presentation by me on some of the
clinical work we've been performing at the centre, an overview of
upcoming clinical research projects and also a brief look at some MEG
group analysis which i've recently done. It's in the early stages, but
quite interesting.
Hope to see you there, i'm sure we can find the stash of refreshments too.
Thanks,
Garreth
Hello all,
Just a quick note to let people know that this Thursday afternoon (and
in fact the next 6 or 7 Thursday afternoons) will be very busy in open
plan with the MSc practical sessions. Due to the numbers it's unlikely
you'll be able to get on the machines from about 13:00 till 15:30, as we
expect almost, if not all the computers to be in use.
More info to follow on the Thursday evening seminar.
Thanks,
Sam
--
Sam Johnson
Science Manager, York NeuroImaging Centre
University of …
[View More]York
http://www.ynic.york.ac.uk
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Thank Chris Frith not me.
Philip.
********************************************************************
Philip Quinlan E-Mail: ptq1(a)york.ac.uk
Department of Psychology FAX: (01904) 433181
The University of York Tel: (01904) 430000 Ext. 3135
Heslington Direct : (01904) 433135
York
YO10 5DD
U.K.
********************************************************************
>

>
Dear All,
As many of you may know, YNiC has introduced a new charging policy as of
October this year. The new charging policy can be found at
https://www.ynic.york.ac.uk/information/application. YNiC will now be
charging investigators for the use of the facilities at YNiC in line
with the policy.
We have also updated the Project Proposal Form so it includes details of
provisional financial arrangements for planned investigations at YNiC.
It can also be found at https://www.ynic.york.…
[View More]ac.uk/information/application.
Please note that many of you will be eligible for low charging rates
because of your past efforts to raise funds for scanning or because you
are a research student.
Best wishes
Tony
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Today, (4-5 pm) in YNiC open plan,
*22nd October: YNiC project proposal presentation*
"The Nucleus Accumbens: A walk on the aversive side"
Liat Levita, Department of Psychology.
All welcome
Refreshments will be available after the talk
--
Gary Green
York Neuroimaging Centre
The Biocentre
York Science Park
Innovation Way
Heslington
York
YO10 5DG
http://www.ynic.york.ac.uk
tel. 01904 435349
fax 01904 435356
mobile 0788 191 3004
FYI
-------------------------------
PHD POSITION AT THE MEDICAL IMAGING DEPARTMENT, UZ BRUSSEL, VRIJE
UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL
The medical imaging department of the UZ Brussels is looking for a
highly motivated
PhD student to take part in an interdisciplinary research project
entitled “ a semi-
longitudinal neuroscientific study of bilingualism in development” in
collaboration with
the department of neuroradiology and linguistics.
The research involves pediatric functional and structural MRI as …
[View More]well as
DTI. The
imaging department is equipped with a 3T Philips scanner. The MR
facilities include
stimulus equipment for fMRI, a TMS system, …
The applicant must have a master degree (or equivalent) in physics,
engineering,
computer science, computational neuroscience or related field. Prior
experience with
Matlab and fMRI/EEG/PET data analysis as well as a background in
neuroscience are
preferred but not mandatory. Preference will be given to the candidate
who is highly
motivated to engage in a multidisciplinary team and innovative research.
The project starts January 1st 2010 for a duration of 2 + 2 years. 2
Full time PhD positions
are available. Applications, including a CV and a motivation letter,
should be sent by
email to kamondt(a)vub.ac.be before November 1st, 2009.
For any complementary information, please contact Robert Luypaert
(robert.luypaert(a)uzbrussel.be) or Katrien Mondt (kamondt(a)vub.ac.be)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Prof. dr. Katrien Mondt
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
*
Faculteit Letteren & Wijsbegeerte
Departement Taal- & Letterkunde
Centrum voor Linguïstiek
Pleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brussel
Tel 00 32 2 629 2668
Gsm 00 32 486 560 525
Fax 00 32 2 629 3684
kamondt(a)vub.ac.be
_
_
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Today 4-5 pm in YNiC open plan.
Jing Kan from the Department of Computer Science will talk about "Basis
functions source model applied to MEG Spatio-Temporal Source
Reconstruction".
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Best wishes
Rebecca
Abstract:
The aim of this paper is to explore a new method of MEG source
spatio-temporal reconstruction based on modeling the neural source with
extended spherical basis functions. The high resolution 3D cortical mesh
is extracted along with the …
[View More]corresponding MRI scan. Inspired by the
theory that Laplacian eigenvectors of spherical mesh are equivalent to
its basis functions which represent the whole mesh, we build a new model
that describes the source distributed on each mesh vertex. This model
consists of analogous basis functions and unknown weighted coefficients.
Along with the leadfield, the weighted coefficients can be calculated in
the light of forward formula of MEG.. The distributed neural source on
the mesh is then reconstructed according to the above Basis functions
expanded model. Expanding this process from single time point to
continuous time series, it is possible to obtain the spatio-temporal
reconstructed neural source distributed on cortical mesh vertices.
Finally, the method is implemented using real data for signal
reconstruction experiments. The robustness of this MEG reconstruction
solution is discussed by two aspects. One is to compare with classical
methods, i.e. minimum-norm method. The other is to apply the algorithm
into meshes with different resolutions. It is clear that these
approaches provide a new angle and inspiration of computer graphics to
MEG signal reconstruction.
Key word: MEG,, inverse problem, eigen-decomposition, basis function,
Laplacian eigenvector, spheroidal model, weighted coefficient,
spatio-temporal source reconstruction
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I have been asked to forward the email below
-----------------------------------
Dear Colleague
There is a Lectureship open in the School of Psychology at Bangor,
with a focus on neuroimaging. Details below.
Paul
BANGOR UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF HEALTH & BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY
Lectureship
(Assistant Professor equivalent)
Grade 7: £29,704 - £35,469 p.a.
We invite applications for a Lectureship (Assistant Professor
equivalent) in the School of Psychology at Bangor …
[View More]University. The
position carries a permanent contract, subject to a 3 year probationary
review. With this appointment, we specifically aim to strengthen the
School's research programme in MRI neuroimaging. We encourage
applications from researchers working with neuroimaging methods in any
area of inquiry.
The School has an outstanding record of teaching (ranked "Excellent" for
Teaching Quality) and research (7th of 76 UK Schools in the 2008
"Research Power" table, a combined metric of research quality and
quantity). Our academics benefit from an excellent research environment,
which includes: low teaching loads; numerous journal clubs and technical
groups; School-funded PhD studentships prioritised for new staff; ample
space for laboratories; MRI-guided TMS; several EEG labs; close links
with the local NHS Trust that support specialist neurological and
psychiatric patient panels; an ESRC-funded Bilingualism Centre; and the
£5M Bangor-led Wales Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience that links
researchers in Cardiff and Swansea. The School also benefits from its
place in the College of Health and Behavioural Sciences, which includes
excellent international research in areas such as motivation, exercise
physiology, perceptual/motor performance, and clinical trials methodology.
Our neuroimaging capacity is centred on a research-dedicated 3T Philips
MRI scanner, housed within the School of Psychology. This facility is
supported by a School-funded MR physicist and image analyst. Our
neuroimaging research group, comprising >20 staff, postdocs, and PhD
students, meets weekly to review recent literature and to discuss
proposed projects and results. The group includes specialists in:
patient studies and lesion reconstruction; high-level vision; working
memory; attention; ageing; eye movements; neuropsychiatry; and
spectroscopy. The School operates a generous access policy for the
scanner, aimed at facilitating new projects for the benefit of
publications and grant applications.
Bangor is located in scenic North Wales, featuring stunning mountain and
coastal landscapes, a clean and peaceful environment, and ready access
to Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and London.
Application forms and further particulars should be obtained by
contacting Human Resources, Bangor University; tel: (01248)
382926/388132; e-mail: personnel(a)bangor.ac.uk; web: www.bangor.ac.uk
Please quote reference number 09-9/36 when applying.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 1st December, 2009.
For further details and an informal discussion about the post, potential
applicants are encouraged to contact Dr. Paul Downing, Deputy Head of
School (Research), e-mail: p.downing(a)bangor.ac.uk.
More information about the School can be found at http://
www.bangor.ac.uk/psychology/
More information about neuroimaging in the School is at http://
biu.psychology.bangor.ac.uk/
Committed To Equal Opportunities
--
Gall y neges e-bost hon, ac unrhyw atodiadau a anfonwyd gyda hi,
gynnwys deunydd cyfrinachol ac wedi eu bwriadu i'w defnyddio'n unig
gan y sawl y cawsant eu cyfeirio ato (atynt). Os ydych wedi derbyn y
neges e-bost hon trwy gamgymeriad, rhowch wybod i'r anfonwr ar
unwaith a dilëwch y neges. Os na fwriadwyd anfon y neges atoch chi,
rhaid i chi beidio â defnyddio, cadw neu ddatgelu unrhyw wybodaeth a
gynhwysir ynddi. Mae unrhyw farn neu safbwynt yn eiddo i'r sawl a'i
hanfonodd yn unig ac nid yw o anghenraid yn cynrychioli barn
Prifysgol Bangor. Nid yw Prifysgol Bangor yn gwarantu
bod y neges e-bost hon neu unrhyw atodiadau yn rhydd rhag firysau neu
100% yn ddiogel. Oni bai fod hyn wedi ei ddatgan yn uniongyrchol yn
nhestun yr e-bost, nid bwriad y neges e-bost hon yw ffurfio contract
rhwymol - mae rhestr o lofnodwyr awdurdodedig ar gael o Swyddfa
Cyllid Prifysgol Bangor. www.bangor.ac.uk
This email and any attachments may contain confidential material and
is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). If you have
received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately
and delete this email. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you
must not use, retain or disclose any information contained in this
email. Any views or opinions are solely those of the sender and do
not necessarily represent those of the Bangor University.
Bangor University does not guarantee that this email or
any attachments are free from viruses or 100% secure. Unless
expressly stated in the body of the text of the email, this email is
not intended to form a binding contract - a list of authorised
signatories is available from the Bangor University Finance
Office. www.bangor.ac.uk
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FYI
-----------------------
Dear Colleague,
I am delighted to forward this potential opening (below) on behalf of Stefan
With very best wishes,
Karl Friston
-------------------------
*Postdoctoral Researcher in High Speed MR Spectroscopic Imaging in
Breast and Brain
University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
*The Department of Neurology at the University of New Mexico (
http://hsc.unm.edu/som/neuro/lab/) has an opening for a postdoctoral
researcher to develop parallel echo-planar MR …
[View More]spectroscopic imaging
methods using large scale RF array coils.
NIH funded research to develop metabolite mapping in breast cancer for
disease staging and treatment monitoring is conducted in collaboration
with the Cancer Center (_http://cancer.unm.edu/_) and the breast MRI/MRS
program at the University of Minnesota's Center for Magnetic Resonance
Research (http://www.cmrr.umn.edu <http://www.cmrr.umn.edu/>).
Development of metabolite mapping in brain for applications in
Psychiatry and Neurology is carried out in a multi-center collaboration
( http://hsc.unm.edu/som/neuro/lab/pepsi.shtml).
We are seeking candidates who are interested in parallel imaging, pulse
sequence development, and spectroscopic data analysis. The candidate
will work in an interdisciplinary team of clinicians and basic
scientists and have access to state-of-the-art MRI and computational
facilities.
The successful candidate should be creative, able to work as part of a
multi-disciplinary group with physicians, physicists, engineers and
computer scientists, and should have good English communication skills.
Experience with both high field MR spectroscopy and high-speed parallel
MRI techniques, and a strong interest in medicine/biology will be preferred.
Preferred qualifications for this position include:
* PhD in MR physics, biophysics, biomedical engineering or related
field
* Experience developing pulse sequences and image reconstruction on
the Siemens Syngo platform
* Programming experience with Matlab or IDL, and C++
* A record of publication and conference proceedings
Qualified candidates should submit their CV and three references to:
Stefan Posse, PhD (sposse(a)unm.edu <mailto:sposse@unm.edu>), Department
of Neurology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC 10 5620,
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131
Albuquerque offers excellent quality of life, beautiful scenery with
mountains nearby and plenty of opportunities for outdoor sports, such as
hiking and skiing.
The University of New Mexico is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer and Educator. Qualified women and minorities are strongly
encouraged to apply.
--
Gary Green
York Neuroimaging Centre
The Biocentre
York Science Park
Innovation Way
Heslington
York
YO10 5DG
http://www.ynic.york.ac.ukhttps://www.ynic.york.ac.uk/about-us/people/ggrg
tel. +44 (0) 1904 435349
Secretary (Claire Fox) +44 (0) 1904 435329
fax +44 (0) 1904 435356
mobile +44 (0) 788 191 3004
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