Possible role of synchronous input spike trains in controlling the function of neural networks

Abstract To investigate how the temporal structure of neuronal activity affects the function of neural networks, we consider the effects of synchronous firing inputs on two typical functions of neural networks: winner-take-all competition and associative memory. Using a network of integrate-and-fire neurons, we study their effect. The results show that uncorrelated discharge among neuronal inputs allows the standard winner-take-all competition, whereas synchronization of the neuronal inputs prevents it. In the case of the associative memory model, we find that the timing of the next retrieval can be controlled by such a synchrony–asynchrony transition of external inputs.

[1]  Bard Ermentrout,et al.  When inhibition not excitation synchronizes neural firing , 1994, Journal of Computational Neuroscience.

[2]  W. Singer,et al.  Oscillatory responses in cat visual cortex exhibit inter-columnar synchronization which reflects global stimulus properties , 1989, Nature.

[3]  G. Buzsáki,et al.  Gamma Oscillation by Synaptic Inhibition in a Hippocampal Interneuronal Network Model , 1996, The Journal of Neuroscience.

[4]  T. Kohonen.  Self-organized formation of topographically correct feature maps , 1982 .

[5]  A. Aertsen,et al.  Spike synchronization and rate modulation differentially involved in motor cortical function. , 1997, Science.

[6]  Tomoki Fukai,et al.  A bursting mechanism of chattering neurons based on Ca2+-dependent cationic currents , 2001, Neurocomputing.

[7]  Roman Bek,et al.  Discourse on one way in which a quantum-mechanics language on the classical logical base can be built up , 1978, Kybernetika.

[8]  Stephen Coombes,et al.  Dynamics of Strongly Coupled Spiking Neurons , 2000, Neural Computation.

[9]  Shun-Ichi Amari,et al.  Topographic organization of nerve fields , 1979, Neuroscience Letters.

[10]  C. Malsburg.  Self-organization of orientation sensitive cells in the striate cortex , 2004, Kybernetik.

[11]  Tomoki Fukai,et al.  A Simple Neural Network Exhibiting Selective Activation of Neuronal Ensembles: From Winner-Take-All to Winners-Share-All , 1997, Neural Computation.

[12]  Erik D. Lumer,et al.  Effects of Spike Timing on Winner-Take-All Competition in Model Cortical Circuits , 2000, Neural Computation.

[13]  T. Kohonen.  Self-organized formation of topology correct feature maps , 1982 .

[14]  Teuvo Kohonen,et al.  Self-organized formation of topologically correct feature maps , 2004, Biological Cybernetics.

[15]  Germán Mato,et al.  Synchrony in Excitatory Neural Networks , 1995, Neural Computation.