Engineered for Function: The Power of Biologically-Constrained Neural Networks for Neurosensory Integration

Charles B. Delahunt, Charles Fieseler, and J. Nathan Kutz report on two bio-inspired models for neurosensory integration that are constructed using data-driven modeling methods. One model is for olfactory processing of the Manduca sexta moth. The other model captures functioning of Caenorhabditis elegans. These organisms use different network architectures for functionality: Manduca sexta moth uses a large, randomly-connected network for sensory information  processing and learning; Caenorhabditis elegans, on the other hand, functions on a small, stereotyped connectivity graph.  

Edinburgh Slow-Fast-Ival

Nikola Popovic is reporting on the Edinburgh Slow-Fast-Ival, held on July 4 and 5, 2019 at the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS).

A Fast-Slow Dynamical System Model to Study Drug Addiction

Dynamical systems play an important role in modeling of a variety of cyclical processes in natural and manmade systems. In particular, they can be used to help to understand the mechanisms of drug addiction. Karthika Swamy Cohen tells about a recent  paper published in SIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems, where the authors Jacob Duncan, Teresa Aubele-Futch, and Monica McGrath use a fast-slow dynamical system model to analyze the interplay between levels of mood and craving in a patient with an addictive disorder. 

Four Decades of Kink Interactions in Nonlinear Klein-Gordon Models: A Crucial Typo, Recent Developments and the Challenges Ahead

P. G. Kevrekidis (kevrekid (at) math.umass.edu) and R. H. Goodman summarize the history and recent developments in the field of kink interactions in nonlinear Klein-Gordon models in 1+1-dimensions.

Edward Fraenkel

Professor Ludwig Edward Fraenkel (1927-2019).

Mentoring Session at DS19

The SIAM Activity Group on Dynamical Systems hosted a mentoring session at DS19.

Red Sock Award for Best Posters at DS19

Andrew Bernoff writes about the Red Sock Award for the best poster presentations in dynamical systems by a student or postdoc at the SIAM Conference on Applications of Dynamical Systems, 2019.

The Value of Collaboration and Networking for Female Mathematicians

Lina Sorg ([email protected]) reports on a presentation by Dr. Fengyan Li of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at the 9th International Congress on Industrial and Applied Mathematics (ICIAM 2019), Valencia, Spain, where Fengyan Li  shared firsthand accounts of her personal collaborative efforts and networking experiences.

Margaret Beck, Crawford Prizewinner

Evelyn Sander, from George Mason University, writes about the 2019 J.D. Crawford Prize award to Margaret Beck.