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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...

NCAM - A Common Regulator of Growth Factors in Brain

Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM) is known to interact with and modulate the activity of various growth factors in the brain. Here are some key points highlighting NCAM's role as a common regulator of growth factors in the brain:


1.      Interaction with Growth Factors:

o   NCAM interacts with a variety of growth factors, including but not limited to nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF).

o    These interactions can occur through direct binding between NCAM and growth factors or through indirect mechanisms involving signaling pathways and downstream effectors.

2.     Modulation of Signaling Pathways:

o  NCAM can modulate the signaling pathways activated by growth factors, influencing processes such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and synaptic plasticity.

o    By interacting with growth factor receptors or downstream signaling molecules, NCAM can regulate the intensity and duration of growth factor signaling in neural cells.

3.     Neurotrophic Effects:

o    NCAM's interactions with growth factors contribute to neurotrophic effects in the brain, promoting neuronal survival, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and synaptic connectivity.

o    Through its ability to enhance the effects of growth factors, NCAM plays a crucial role in supporting the development, maintenance, and plasticity of the nervous system.

4.    Regulation of Neurogenesis:

o NCAM's involvement in regulating growth factors is linked to processes of neurogenesis, including the proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons.

o    By coordinating the actions of growth factors, NCAM contributes to the generation of new neurons and the formation of functional neural circuits in the developing and adult brain.

5.     Implications for Brain Function:

o    The coordinated regulation of growth factors by NCAM is essential for normal brain function, including learning, memory, cognitive processes, and adaptive responses to environmental stimuli.

o    Dysregulation of NCAM-mediated growth factor signaling can impact neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and the pathophysiology of neurological disorders.

In summary, NCAM serves as a common regulator of growth factors in the brain by interacting with and modulating the activity of various growth factors involved in neurotrophic effects, signaling pathways, neurogenesis, and brain function. This multifaceted role of NCAM highlights its significance in orchestrating growth factor-mediated processes critical for neural development, plasticity, and function in the central nervous system.

 

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