February 2024 - NEST Users - NEST Initiative Mail

NEST on Google Colab?
by Alvin Spivey 03 May '24

03 May '24

I'm trying to install and use NEST on google Colab, but it's not importing: !pip install -Uqq nest !pip install -Uqq nestml !pip install -Uqq pysilsub import nest import nestml import numpy as np import matplotlib.pyplot as plt from pysilsub import observers from nestml.network import Network from nestml.models import ConeNakaRushton Am I able to use NEST on Google Colab? -- Alvin J. Spivey, Ph.D. (c) 843.267.8055

6 10

GetConnections() enhancement request
by Xavier Otazu 08 Mar '24

08 Mar '24

Hi! In order to perform connections weight normalization, I am using the GetConnections() function to obtain the input connections for every neuron. That is, I use a code like for i in range(number_of neurons) conn[i] = GetConnections(my_source, my_target[i], ...) Later in the code, I use conn[i].weight to perform my normalization. It implies that for big networks (number_of_neurons=10k) I have to call GetConnections() around 10k times. Hence, the execution time is huge. Could it be possible that you enhance GetConnections() (or define a new function) in order to return the connections for all the neurons in the target in array with the same longitude as the number of neurons in target instead of the number of connections? That is, indexed by neurons instead of indexed by connections. I understand that present implementation of GetConnections() visits all the connections and return only the input connections to target. I do not want to tell developers how to do it :-) but I believe it could be implemented by visiting all the connections (related to target) just ONCE and copy each one to the corresponding output array indexed by neuron. This way, it would be a single call to GetConnections() (plus the time needed to internally manage the assignment to the output array), instead of 10k times. It would be very much appreciated. Thanks a lot in advance! Xavier

2 3

Open NEST Developer Video Conference Monday February 26, at 11:30 CET (UTC+0100)
by Dennis Terhorst 26 Feb '24

26 Feb '24

Dear NEST Users & Developers! I would like to invite you to our next fortnightly Open NEST Developer Video Conference today *Monday February 26, at 11:30 CET (UTC+0100).* As usual, in the Project team round, a contact person of each team will give a short statement summarizing ongoing and planned work in the team and highlight cross-cutting points that need discussion among the teams. The remainder of the meeting we would go into a more in-depth discussion of topics that came up on the mailing list or that are suggested by the teams. Feel free to join the meeting also if it’s just to bring your own quick questions for direct discussion in the in-depth section. Agenda * Welcome * Review of NEST User Mailing List * Project team round * In-depth discussion o MPI tests port to Python #3102 <https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/pull/3102> The agenda for this meeting is also available online, see https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/wiki/2024-02-26-Open-NEST-Developer-… <https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/wiki/2024-02-26-Open-NEST-Developer-…> Looking forward to seeing you soon! Cheers, Dennis Terhorst Log-in information We use a virtual conference room provided by DFN <https://www.dfn.de/en/> (Deutsches Forschungsnetz). You can use the web client to connect. We however encourage everyone to use a headset for better audio quality or even a proper video conferencing system (see below) or software when available. Web client * Visit https://conf.dfn.de/webapp/conference/97938800 <https://conf.dfn.de/webapp/conference/97938800> * Enter your name and allow your browser to use camera and microphone * The conference does not need a PIN to join, just click join and you’re in. In case you see a dfnconf logo and the phrase “Auf den Meetingveranstalter warten”, just be patient, the meeting host needs to join first (a voice will tell you). VC system/software How to log in with a video conferencing system, depends on you VC system or software. * Using the H.323 protocol (eg Polycom): |vc.dfn.net##97938800| or |194.95.240.2##97938800| * Using the SIP protocol:97938800@vc.dfn.de <mailto:97938800@vc.dfn.de> * By telephone: |+49-30-200-97938800| For those who do not have a video conference system or suitable software, Polycom provides a pretty good free app for iOS and Android, so you can join from your tablet (Polycom RealPresence Mobile, available from AppStore/PlayStore). Note that firewalls may interfere with videoconferencing in various and sometimes confusing ways. For more technical information on logging in from various VC systems, please see http://vcc.zih.tu-dresden.de/index.php?linkid=1.1.3.4 <http://vcc.zih.tu-dresden.de/index.php?linkid=1.1.3.4> -- Dipl.-Phys. Dennis Terhorst Coordinator Software Development Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS-6), Computational and Systems Neuroscience & JARA-Institute Brain Structure-Function Relationships (INM-10) Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine Jülich Research Center, Member of the Helmholz Association 52425 Jülich, Germany http://www.csn.fz-juelich.de/ Phone +49 2461 61-85062 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH 52425 Juelich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Juelich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Dueren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschaeftsfuehrung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens ----------------------------------------------------------------------

1 0

SLIInterpreter --> Key '/Install' does not exist in dictionary
by Willem Wybo 21 Feb '24

21 Feb '24

Dear all, I’m trying to run nestml with the latest nest master branch commit (8e85268ca512e0f509240fb5ef06f62a4e61a67e) but I get an error when calling the `nest.Install()` function. -- Install configuration: "" -- Installing: /Users/wybo/miniconda3/envs/nest-multiscale/lib/nest/concmech_mockup_module.so Traceback (most recent call last): File "/Users/wybo/Code/NEST/nestml/tests/nest_compartmental_tests/compile_test.py", line 23, in <module> nest.Install("concmech_mockup_module") File "/Users/wybo/miniconda3/envs/nest-multiscale/lib/python3.12/site-packages/nest/ll_api.py", line 216, in stack_checker_func return f(*args, **kwargs) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ File "/Users/wybo/miniconda3/envs/nest-multiscale/lib/python3.12/site-packages/nest/lib/hl_api_simulation.py", line 332, in Install return sr("(%s) Install" % module_name) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ File "/Users/wybo/miniconda3/envs/nest-multiscale/lib/python3.12/site-packages/nest/ll_api.py", line 103, in catching_sli_run raise exceptionCls(commandname, message) nest.lib.hl_api_exceptions.NESTErrors.DictError: DictError in SLI function SLIInterpreter::execute: Key '/Install' does not exist in dictionary. Did anybody experience the same problem, or know what might cause it? Best regards, Willem ---------------------- Dr. Willem Wybo Peter Grünberg Institute 15 - Neuromorphic Software Ecosystems Forschungszentrum Jülich www.fz-juelich.de/pgi/PGI-15 ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3 4

Tripsitter: A Psychedelics, Ketamine, & Cannabis Encyclopedia
by Leon Vergara 21 Feb '24

21 Feb '24

In a world where the use of psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis is increasing, it is important for individuals to have access to accurate and comprehensive information. Enter Tripsitter, a one-stop encyclopedia that provides all the necessary knowledge on these mind-altering substances. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, this encyclopedia aims to guide you through the world of psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis, ensuring you have the most informed and safe experiences possible. The Benefits of Education Education is the key to responsible and mindful engagement with psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis. By understanding the effects, risks, and best practices of consumption, individuals can make informed decisions about their experiences. Tripsitter recognizes the importance of education and strives to empower its readers with accurate and up-to-date information. Understanding Psychedelics Psychedelics have been used for centuries for their mind-altering effects and potential therapeutic benefits. Tripsitter provides detailed explanations of different psychedelics such as LSD, magic mushrooms, and DMT, as well as their effects on the mind, body, and consciousness. This knowledge encourages individuals to approach these substances with mindfulness and respect. Exploring Ketamine Ketamine, originally developed as an anesthetic, has become known for its hallucinogenic properties and potential in treating depression and other psychiatric conditions. Tripsitter delves into the origins, effects, and risks associated with ketamine use. With this information, individuals can make informed choices about their mental health and well-being. Unveiling Cannabis Cannabis, a widely used recreational and medicinal plant, has a long history of human interaction and benefits. Tripsitter enlightens readers about the various strains, consumption methods, and potential therapeutic applications of cannabis. By unraveling the complexity of this plant, individuals can harness its benefits while minimizing potential risks. Addressing Safety Tripsitter places a strong focus on responsible and safe use of psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis. It provides comprehensive harm reduction techniques, user guides, and precautions to ensure individuals' physical and mental well-being. By following these recommendations, readers can minimize the risks associated with these substances. Safe Environments for Experiences Creating a safe environment is crucial for positive and transformative experiences. Tripsitter guides readers on setting and preparation, emphasizing the importance of a trusted companion, a comfortable physical space, and appropriate mental and emotional states before engaging with psychedelics, ketamine, or cannabis. These guidelines promote safe and intentional exploration. Integrating Experiences Tripsitter recognizes that the journey doesn't end with the trip. The integration process is equally important for individuals to fully benefit from their experiences. With insights into mindfulness practices, journaling, and therapy, readers can embark on a deeper understanding and personal growth as a result of psychedelic, ketamine, or cannabis encounters. Final Recommendation Tripsitter serves as the ultimate resource for those seeking to explore psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis. By covering a wide range of topics and embracing harm reduction principles, this encyclopedia educates, guides, and empowers readers to create safe and meaningful experiences. The comprehensive nature of Tripsitter allows individuals to approach these substances with a level of awareness that promotes personal growth and well-being. In a world where the use of psychedelics, ketamine, and cannabis is rapidly evolving, having access to accurate and reliable information is paramount. With Tripsitter, the journey becomes safer, more informed, and more transformative. Let this encyclopedia be your trusted companion on the exploration of new horizons within your mind and beyond Company Name: Tripsitter Magazine Company website: https://tripsitter.com/ Address: 4498 Main St Ste 4 #5040 Amherst, NY 14226, United States Phone: +1-716-839-4444 Email: high(a)tripsitter.com Tags: #psychedelics, #magicmushrooms, #ketamine, #mdma, #cannabis

1 0

Problems when using a mask inside the conn_dict on 3 or 4 MPI processes
by Kempter, Miriam 20 Feb '24

20 Feb '24

Dear NEST Community, while adapting my model to run on multiple MPI processes, I have been running into some problems connected with the usage of masks inside the connectivity dictionary for a 2D-spatially distributed population. You can find a minimal example containing further details in the attachments in the form of a .txt file. Please just change "txt" with "py" for execution. The following explanation also references to the example. My setup: - NEST version 3.4 - Python version 3.10 - Executed with mpirun inside a conda environment "mpirun -np 4 python3 minEx_4MPIprocesses_problem.py" - System: Ubuntu 22.04 - The same problem occurred when the model was executed on JURECA. Problem description: While using multiple MPI processes: 1. Create circular mask. See line 119 Create a spatial 2D-Population of neurons "neurons". See line 125-132 2. Select some of the neurons as source neurons. See line 154 3. Set up the connection dictionary with a mask inside. See line 157-163 4. For each source neuron: See line 173 Connect the source neurons with the neurons population using the connection dictionary See line 183 Where does the Problem occur?: The error occurs at the point when the nest.Connect(…) call is executed in the loop at line 183 when each source neuron is connected. When does the Problem occur?: Its occurrance depends on whether or not a mask is used inside the connection-dict given to the nest.Connect(...) function. If the mask is removed as in the conn-dict. in line 164-169, no error is produced in none of the used settings (however the result is not as desired). If the mask is used, the way the problem shows itself depends on the number of MPI processes used, and on the setting of the number of neurons, extent, mask radius, number of source neurons and if edge wrap is used. - For 1 and 2 MPI procs the model is running correctly, independent of the used conn-dict and setting. - For 3 MPI procs either the model runs but the distance between connected neurons does not correspond to the given mask dimensions. In other words: The established connections are longer/shorter than the mask should allow. Or execution leads to an error code output ("segmentation fault") from mpirun and job abortion. The terminal output for an example run can be seen in the attached file "minEx_4MPIprocesses_problem_error_output_3_MPI" - For 4 MPI procs either, the model runs correctly, or it leads to an error code output ("segmentation fault") and the model not terminating. (When executed in the terminal the keyboard command "str+c" is needed to stop the execution. The terminal output for an example run can be seen in the attached file "minEx_4MPIprocesses_problem_error_output_4_MPI" If the model is executed with the same setting on 3 and 4 MPI procs there are 3 possible combinations of above described problems. 1. The model runs and terminates on both, however the distances created on 3 MPI procs are wrong. 2. The model works with 4 MPI procs but creates the "segmentation fault" error on 3 MPI processes. 3. The model creates a "segmentation fault" error on both. Please keep in mind that whether an error occurs and in which form highly depends on the used setting. In the minimal example I provide different settings which represent the above described cases. However, it might not cover everything that can occur. Workaround: For my own use-case I found a rather computing-time consuming workaround. It involves applying nest.SelectNodesByMask() on every source neuron, and from the resulting set choosing the targets using the desired probability. This requires multiple additional loops and also communicating the position data of every neuron to every MPI process in the beginning. Using this approach, the connection distances seem to be correct and no error occurs while executing the model. However, while writing this I'm questioning if I actually tested it enough. So there might be some not yet discovered problems. Is there something that I overlooked or approached wrong when using masks in the connectivity dict on multiple MPI processes? Thanks in advance! Best, Miriam Kempter ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 4

Weights assignment error with mpirun
by Xavier Otazu 12 Feb '24

12 Feb '24

Hi! I am trying to implement weight normalization (as you show in your documentation). It works well (see below code) when executed "normally" (or when using" mpirun -np 1"), but it hangs (it just do not respond) when executed using mpirun. It hangs when I try to execute nest.Simulate() after weigth assignment. If I remove the "conn.weight = w_nparray" instruction in the following code, it works without hang. I use NEST 3.6 and python3, compiled with python, mpi, sionlib and music. Thanks a lot in advance! import nest import numpy as np pos = nest.spatial.grid(shape = [30,30] ) input = nest.Create('iaf_psc_alpha', positions=pos) layer_0 = nest.Create('iaf_psc_alpha', positions=pos) layer_1 = nest.Create('iaf_psc_alpha', positions=pos) conn_neur = {'rule':'pairwise_bernoulli', 'use_on_source': True, 'mask': {'grid':{'shape':[9,9]}} } nest.CopyModel('static_synapse', 'syn_1_model') syn_0 = {'synapse_model': 'static_synapse'} syn_1 = {'synapse_model': 'syn_1_model'} nest.Connect(input, layer_0, conn_neur, syn_0) nest.Connect(input, layer_1, conn_neur, syn_0) nest.DumpLayerConnections(input, layer_0, 'static_synapse', 'conn.txt') nest.DumpLayerConnections(input, layer_1, 'syn_1_model', 'conn.txt') nest.Simulate(100) for neuron in layer_0: conn = nest.GetConnections(source=input, target=neuron, synapse_model='static_synapse') w = np.array(conn.weight) if (w.size>1): w_normed = w / sum(abs(w)) # L1-norm w_nparray = 2. * w_normed conn.weight = w_nparray nest.Simulate(100)

2 16

cannot open shared object file (pynestkernel.so)
by Willem Wybo 08 Feb '24

08 Feb '24

I’m trying to run NEST on Jureca, but I get an error: Traceback (most recent call last): File "/p/project/jinm60/users/wybo1/Code/NEAST_models/BBP/tests/run_all_tests.py", line 2, in <module> import nest.lib.hl_api_exceptions as nestexceptions File "/p/home/jusers/wybo1/jureca/nest/nest-install/lib64/python3.11/site-packages/nest/__init__.py", line 64, in <module> from .ll_api_kernel_attributes import KernelAttribute # noqa ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ File "/p/home/jusers/wybo1/jureca/nest/nest-install/lib64/python3.11/site-packages/nest/ll_api_kernel_attributes.py", line 22, in <module> from .ll_api import spp, sps, sr, stack_checker File "/p/home/jusers/wybo1/jureca/nest/nest-install/lib64/python3.11/site-packages/nest/ll_api.py", line 53, in <module> from . import pynestkernel as kernel # noqa pylint: disable=no-name-in-module ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ImportError: libltdl.so.7: cannot open shared object file: No such file or directory Apparently it doesn’t find pynestkernel.so (I think?). However, this file is definitely there. wybo1@jrlogin09 ~/.../site-packages/nest> pwd /p/home/jusers/wybo1/jureca/nest/nest-install/lib64/python3.11/site-packages/nest wybo1@jrlogin09 ~/.../site-packages/nest> ls __init__.py __pycache__ lib ll_api.py ll_api_kernel_attributes.py logic math pynest-init.sli pynestkernel.so random raster_plot.py server spatial spatial_distributions versionchecker.py visualization.py voltage_trace.py The problem also only manifests itself while running from a SLURM script. I followed the install instruction here: https://nest-simulator.readthedocs.io/en/stable/installation/noenv_install.… And source the nest_vars.sh file according to the instructions: `source /p/home/jusers/wybo1/jureca/nest/nest-install/bin/nest_vars.sh` Also, `make installcheck` passes successfully (both from the login node and from a slurm script). Cheers, Willem ---------------------- Dr. Willem Wybo Peter Grünberg Institute 15 - Neuromorphic Software Ecosystems Forschungszentrum Jülich www.fz-juelich.de/pgi/PGI-15<http://www.fz-juelich.de/pgi/PGI-15> ---------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH 52425 Jülich Sitz der Gesellschaft: Jülich Eingetragen im Handelsregister des Amtsgerichts Düren Nr. HR B 3498 Vorsitzender des Aufsichtsrats: MinDir Stefan Müller Geschäftsführung: Prof. Dr. Astrid Lambrecht (Vorsitzende), Karsten Beneke (stellv. Vorsitzender), Dr. Ir. Pieter Jansens ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 2

STDP synapse t_spike and t_lastspike clarification
by prao2＠uw.edu 07 Feb '24

07 Feb '24

Dear all, I am trying to develop a new synapse model that uses the activity of the postsynaptic neuron. I'm looking at the STDP synapse to understand how it gets the target neuron history, and I wanted to clarify: are t_spike and t_lastspike the time stamps for the last spike of the presynaptic or postsynaptic neuron? I am looking at the send method of stdp_synapse.h (https://github.com/nest/nest-simulator/blob/91a02ed98017224deabe25e8e08bcfd…) Thanks in advance! Best, Priyanka Rao

3 3

Problems in simulation restore
by Petia Koprinkova 06 Feb '24

06 Feb '24

Hi, We've discovered the following problem in restoring network simulation: if the simulation stops for some reason restoring it form the network status kept in files does not yield the same results as in case when the simulation was not interrupted and finishes normally. In our experiment we run a script twice as follows: 1. Create a network and simulate for some period of time. 2. Record the current network status in terms of connections and membrane potentials and store them in files at the end of script.3. End the script 4. Start the script again restoring the network structure from files.5. Run simulation till the end of desired time. The spiking activity of the network is different if we run simulation without interruption or if we run it in the manner described here: https://nest-simulator.readthedocs.io/en/stable/auto_examples/store_restore… i.e. if we run a script with following steps:1. Run simulation for some time.2. Get connections and membrane potentials3. Reset kernel4. Create again the network5. Simulate till the end of desired time. Please help to resolve the problem. Best,Petia Koprinkova-Hristova

1 0

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020

2019

NEST Users February 2024