Active learning of neural response functions with Gaussian processes

Mijung Park, Greg Horwitz, Jonathan W. Pillow

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

A sizeable literature has focused on the problem of estimating a low-dimensional feature space for a neuron's stimulus sensitivity. However, comparatively little work has addressed the problem of estimating the nonlinear function from feature space to spike rate. Here, we use a Gaussian process (GP) prior over the infinitedimensional space of nonlinear functions to obtain Bayesian estimates of the "nonlinearity" in the linear-nonlinear- Poisson (LNP) encoding model. This approach offers increased flexibility, robustness, and computational tractability compared to traditional methods (e.g., parametric forms, histograms, cubic splines). We then develop a framework for optimal experimental design under the GP-Poisson model using uncertainty sampling. This involves adaptively selecting stimuli according to an information-theoretic criterion, with the goal of characterizing the nonlinearity with as little experimental data as possible. Our framework relies on a method for rapidly updating hyperparameters under a Gaussian approximation to the posterior. We apply these methods to neural data from a color-tuned simple cell in macaque V1, characterizing its nonlinear response function in the 3D space of cone contrasts. We find that it combines cone inputs in a highly nonlinear manner. With simulated experiments, we show that optimal design substantially reduces the amount of data required to estimate these nonlinear combination rules.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Neural Information Processing Systems 24
Subtitle of host publication25th Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems 2011, NIPS 2011
PublisherNeural Information Processing Systems
ISBN (Print)9781618395993
StatePublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes
Event25th Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems 2011, NIPS 2011 - Granada, Spain
Duration: Dec 12 2011Dec 14 2011

Publication series

NameAdvances in Neural Information Processing Systems 24: 25th Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems 2011, NIPS 2011

Other

Other25th Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems 2011, NIPS 2011
Country/TerritorySpain
CityGranada
Period12/12/1112/14/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Information Systems

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