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Unveiling Hidden Neural Codes: SIMPL – A Scalable and Fast Approach for Optimizing Latent Variables and Tuning Curves in Neural Population Data

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
This research paper presents SIMPL (Scalable Iterative Maximization of Population-coded Latents), a novel, computationally efficient algorithm designed to refine the estimation of latent variables and tuning curves from neural population activity. Latent variables in neural data represent essential low-dimensional quantities encoding behavioral or cognitive states, which neuroscientists seek to identify to understand brain computations better. Background and Motivation Traditional approaches commonly assume the observed behavioral variable as the latent neural code. However, this assumption can lead to inaccuracies because neural activity sometimes encodes internal cognitive states differing subtly from observable behavior (e.g., anticipation, mental simulation). Existing latent variable models face challenges such as high computational cost, poor scalability to large datasets, limited expressiveness of tuning models, or difficulties interpreting complex neural network-based functio...
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Fourteen and Six Per Second Positive Bursts (Ctenoids) in Different Neurological Conditions

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Dr. Rishabh Pathak


Fourteen and Six Per Second Positive Bursts (Ctenoids) have been observed in various neurological conditions, and their presence can provide insights into the underlying pathophysiology. 

1.     Benign Epileptiform Variants:

o Ctenoids are commonly considered benign epileptiform variants and are frequently observed in healthy individuals, particularly children, during drowsiness or light sleep.

o  They are typically not associated with pathological conditions or epileptic seizures in most cases.

2.   Metabolic Encephalopathy:

o In some cases, an abundance of Ctenoids, especially when accompanied by diffuse slowing and triphasic waves, may indicate metabolic encephalopathy, particularly of hepatic origin.

o The presence of Ctenoids in the context of metabolic disturbances can serve as an indicator of underlying encephalopathic processes.

3.   Pharmacological Effects:

o Certain medications, such as diphenhydramine, have been known to induce Ctenoids, highlighting the importance of considering drug-induced effects when interpreting EEG findings.

4.   Neurodevelopmental Disorders:

oCtenoids have been reported in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, although their significance in these conditions may vary.

o Understanding the presence of Ctenoids in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders can aid in comprehensive neurological assessments.

5.    Age-Related Prevalence:

o Ctenoids are more commonly observed in children and may decrease in prevalence with age.

o Their presence in adults, especially in significant abundance, may prompt further evaluation to rule out underlying metabolic encephalopathy or other conditions.

6.   Generalized Epilepsy:

o While Ctenoids are typically benign, they have been reported in individuals with generalized epilepsy, although their role in seizure generation or propagation remains unclear.

o The presence of Ctenoids in the context of epilepsy may require careful evaluation to differentiate them from epileptiform discharges associated with seizure activity.

In summary, while Fourteen and Six Per Second Positive Bursts (Ctenoids) are commonly benign and normal variants in EEG patterns, their occurrence in various neurological conditions underscores the importance of considering their presence in the broader clinical context to interpret their significance accurately.

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