Skip to main content

Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent: From Riemannian Optimization to Modern Neuroscience, NeuroAI and Quantum Physics

When Geometry, Energy, Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience Converge Modern Artificial Intelligence is rapidly moving beyond the idea that learning simply means minimizing an error function. Increasingly, researchers are asking a deeper question: what is the structure of the space in which learning takes place? This question becomes particularly important when the system being modelled is constrained, nonlinear, dynamic, or governed by physical principles. A recent work titled “Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent: Riemannian Optimization for Neural PDE Solvers” , by Zhangyong Liang and Huanhuan Gao, introduces Energy Manifold Natural Gradient Descent (EMNGD) , a mathematical framework that extends energy-based natural-gradient optimization from unconstrained Euclidean parameter spaces to constrained Riemannian parameter manifolds . At its core, the framework proposes a simple but powerful principle: An optimization algorithm should not only determine how to reduce error; it sh...

After Gestational week 22 the cortical plate differentiates

After gestational week 22, a pivotal phase in brain development unfolds as the cortical plate undergoes significant differentiation. Here is an explanation of the importance of gestational week 22 in the context of cortical plate differentiation:


1.     Areal, Laminar, and Cytological Differentiation: The period following week 22 marks a crucial time for the differentiation of the cortical plate in terms of its areal organization, laminar structure, and cytological characteristics. This phase is characterized by the emergence of distinct cortical areas, the refinement of cortical layers, and the maturation of neuronal cell types within the developing cortex.


2.    Gyral Formation: Around week 24, gyral formation begins at specific locations such as the parieto-occipital and central sulci. Gyri are the raised folds on the brain's surface that increase its surface area, allowing for more complex neural connections and cognitive functions. The initiation of gyral formation signifies the dynamic changes occurring in the cortical architecture during this developmental period.


3.  Transition in Proliferative Zones: By week 25–27, the ventricular zone, where neural progenitor cells reside, reduces to a one-cell-thick ependymal layer. This transition indicates a shift in the proliferative zones of the developing brain, with the subventricular zone becoming the primary source of cortical neurons. The subventricular zone continues to generate neurons that contribute to the expanding cortical plate.


4.  Subplate Attenuation: During this phase, the subplate, a transient structure critical for guiding early cortical development, reaches its maximum thickness and begins to attenuate. While some residual subplate neurons persist as interstitial neurons in the white matter tissue throughout life, the overall reduction in subplate thickness reflects the maturation and refinement of the cortical plate architecture.


5.  Maturation of Cortical Circuits: The differentiation of the cortical plate after gestational week 22 is essential for the maturation of cortical circuits and the establishment of functional connectivity within the developing brain. As cortical areas become more specialized and neuronal populations mature, the foundation for complex neural processing and information integration is laid down, setting the stage for higher-order cognitive functions.


In summary, gestational week 22 marks a critical period in brain development when the cortical plate undergoes differentiation, leading to the emergence of distinct cortical areas, refined laminar organization, and maturation of neuronal cell types. The initiation of gyral formation, transition in proliferative zones, attenuation of the subplate, and maturation of cortical circuits are key events that shape the structural and functional development of the cerebral cortex during this phase. Understanding the processes that occur after gestational week 22 is essential for unraveling the complexities of cortical differentiation and the establishment of the mature brain's intricate architecture and functional connectivity.

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Cancellous Bone

Cancellous bone, also known as trabecular or spongy bone, is the other main type of bone tissue found in the human skeleton alongside cortical bone. Cancellous bone has a porous and lattice-like structure, providing flexibility, shock absorption, and a site for hematopoiesis (blood cell formation). Here are key features and characteristics of cancellous bone: 1.     Structure : o     Trabeculae : Cancellous bone is composed of a network of thin, bony trabeculae that form an interconnected lattice structure. o     Bone Marrow : The spaces between trabeculae contain red bone marrow, which is involved in the production of blood cells (hematopoiesis). o     Less Compact : Cancellous bone is less dense and compact than cortical bone, with a higher surface area-to-volume ratio. 2.     Composition : o     Trabecular Bone : The trabeculae are made up of lamellae, osteocytes, and canaliculi similar to corti...

Review Settings of EEG

The review settings of an EEG recording refer to the parameters that can be adjusted to optimize the visualization and interpretation of electrical brain activity. Here is an overview of the key review settings in EEG analysis: 1.       Amplification (Gain/Sensitivity) : o Definition : Amplification, also known as gain or sensitivity, determines how much the electrical signals from the brain are amplified before being displayed on the EEG recording. o Measurement : Typically measured in microvolts per millimeter (μV/mm). o Impact : Adjusting the amplification setting can affect the visibility of high-amplitude and low-amplitude activity. High-amplitude activity may require vertical compression to fit within the display range, while low-amplitude activity may require lower sensitivity settings for better visualization. 2.      Frequency Filtering : o Bandpass : The frequency range within which EEG signals are analyzed. Common settings include ...

Anatomical Classification of Bones

Bones in the human body can be classified into five main anatomical categories based on their shape and structure. These classifications provide insights into the functions and characteristics of different bone types. Here are the five anatomical classifications of bones: 1.     Long Bones : o     Description : Long bones are characterized by their elongated shape, with a shaft (diaphysis) and two expanded ends (epiphyses). o     Examples : Femur, humerus, radius, ulna, tibia, fibula. o     Function : Long bones provide support, leverage, and mobility. They are essential for body movement and weight-bearing activities. 2.     Short Bones : o     Description : Short bones are roughly cube-shaped or have a similar length and width, providing stability and support. o     Examples : Carpals (wrist bones), tarsals (ankle bones). o     Function : Short bones contribute to we...

Composition of Bone Tissue

Bone tissue is a complex and dynamic connective tissue composed of various components that contribute to its structure, strength, and functionality. The composition of bone tissue includes: 1.     Cells : o     Osteoblasts : Bone-forming cells responsible for synthesizing and depositing the organic matrix of bone. o     Osteocytes : Mature bone cells embedded in the bone matrix, involved in maintaining bone tissue and responding to mechanical stimuli. o     Osteoclasts : Bone-resorbing cells responsible for breaking down and remodeling bone tissue. 2.     Organic Matrix : o     Collagen Fibers : Type I collagen is the predominant protein in the organic matrix of bone, providing flexibility, tensile strength, and resilience to bone tissue. o     Non-Collagenous Proteins : Include osteocalcin, osteopontin, and osteonectin, which play roles in mineralization, cell adhesion, and matrix o...

Elements Selection Techniques

Element selection techniques play a crucial role in determining how individual elements or units are chosen from the population to form a sample. Here are some common element selection techniques used in sampling: 1.     Unrestricted Sampling : §   In unrestricted sampling, each element in the population has an equal chance of being selected for the sample. This approach is commonly used in simple random sampling, where every element is selected independently of other elements. 2.     Restricted Sampling : §   Restricted sampling involves imposing certain restrictions or conditions on the selection of sample elements. This can include stratification, clustering, or other criteria that guide the selection process. Restricted sampling techniques include: §   Stratified Sampling: The population is divided into homogeneous subgroups (strata), and samples are selected from each stratum to ensure representation of different characteristics. § ...