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{\Large
  The Department of Computer Science and Engineering\\
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  University of Nevada, Reno
}

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{\large cordially invites you to a Master's colloquium}

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{\huge \bf 
HTTP-based Solutions to The Extension of \\

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the NCS Brain Simulator
}

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A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the\\
requirements for the degree of Master of Science\\
in Computer Science and Engineering.

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by

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{\LARGE Nathan Jordan}

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\noindent
{\bf Abstract:}
{

The NCS brain simulator is a tool that allows neuroscientists to create biologically-realistic
simulations of neurons and neural networks. NCS, while powerful, is written
in C++ and by itself would not be easy or desirable for a neuroscientist with hardly
any programming experience to create a model in this kind of low-level environment.
To facilitate the use of less-technical means of interacting with the simulator, some
kind of intermediary is needed to interact with the brain simulator and turn high-level
concepts neuroscientists are familiar with into a lower-level format that the simulator
can use. To do this, we have created a service that interacts with external programs
and services using a RESTful HTTP interface. This service handles the operation of
the NCS simulator, access control, session management, data storage and retrieval,
and other functions related to the operation of the brain simulator. Implementing the
service as a RESTful interface allows for the easy integration of other technologies such
as Javascript and Python. Using this interface, we have created a suite of browserbased
tools, as well as a Python client library to work with the simulator. These
tools provide a higher-level method of building, reporting, and visualizing simulations,
which are critical for neuroscientists to be able to effectively use the simulator.
}
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{\Large \bf 9:30 am, Wednesday, May 8, 2014}\\
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{\Large Scrugham Engineering and Mines (SEM) room 201}

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{\large
  For more information contact
  Dr. Fred Harris @ 784-6571 (Fred.Harris@cse.unr.edu)
}


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