Computers in Study of Simultaneously Recorded Spike Trains: Organization of Neuronal Assemblies

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses neuronal assembly limited to assemblies that are determined through preferred relative timing in the several observed spike trains. The principal purpose of all the rather complex and computer-based technologies is to allow study of neuronal assembly properties, particularly with respect to their static and dynamic organization, but also with regard to their computational processes. To study the activities and properties of neuronal assemblies, the activities of as many neurons as is technically possible must be recorded simultaneously. At present, extracellular recording is the only available approach and requires specialized electrode structures that sample more than one point in the tissue under study. It is usually necessary to process the signal from each pickup point to isolate the signals of individual neurons properly. Subsequently, the identification and timing of all neural and laboratory signals must be put into a form that is convenient for analysis. The chapter discusses computer applications in the study of neuronal assembly organization and processes. Computers of various degrees of power are essential to all aspects of the enterprise, starting from the acquisition of multineuron data in controlled situations, proceeding through analysis of the observed spike trains in terms of neuronal interactions and effective connectivity, and culminating in constructing models that can be used to test the understanding of the observations.