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Showing posts with the label Neural Computation

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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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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What is Connectome?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
A connectome is a comprehensive map of neural connections in the brain, representing the intricate network of structural and functional pathways that facilitate communication between different brain regions.   1. Definition:    - A connectome is a detailed representation of the wiring diagram of the brain, illustrating the complex network of axonal projections, synaptic connections, and communication pathways between neurons and brain regions.    - The connectome encompasses both the structural connectivity, which refers to the physical links between neurons and brain areas, and the functional connectivity, which reflects the patterns of neural activity and information flow within the brain.   2. Structural Connectome:    - The structural connectome provides a map of the anatomical connections in the brain, showing how neurons are physically linked through axonal projections, white matter pathways, and synaptic contacts.    - Techniques ...
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What is Connectomics?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Connectomics is a field of neuroscience that focuses on the comprehensive mapping and study of neural connections in the brain at various scales, ranging from the microscale of individual neurons and synapses to the macroscale of functional and structural connectivity between different brain regions.  1. Definition:    - Connectomics is the production and analysis of connectomes, which are detailed maps of neural connections within the nervous system of an organism, including the brain.    - Connectomics aims to understand the structural and functional wiring of the brain, elucidating how neural circuits are organized, how information flows between brain regions, and how connectivity patterns relate to brain function and behavior.   2. Scale:    - Connectomics can be studied at multiple scales, encompassing the microscale of individual neurons and synapses, the mesoscale of neural circuits and brain regions, and the macroscale of large-scale brain...
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What is Brain Network?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
A brain network refers to the interconnected system of neural pathways and regions in the brain that work together to support various cognitive functions and behaviors.  1. Definition:    - A brain network is a complex web of interconnected brain regions that communicate and collaborate to perform specific functions, such as sensory processing, motor control, memory, emotion regulation, and higher-order cognitive processes.    - These networks consist of both structural connections (anatomical pathways) and functional connections (patterns of neural activity) that enable information processing and integration across different regions of the brain.   2. Functional Brain Networks:    - Functional brain networks are identified using techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to map patterns of synchronized neural activity across different brain regions.    - Resting-state networks (RSNs) ar...
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What is Brain Network Modulation?

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Brain network modulation refers to the process of influencing or altering the connectivity and activity patterns within the brain's functional networks.  1. Definition:    - Brain network modulation involves interventions or treatments that target specific brain regions or networks to induce changes in their functional connectivity, activity levels, or communication patterns.    - The goal of brain network modulation is to restore or optimize the balance and coordination of neural activity within and between different brain regions, ultimately leading to improved cognitive or behavioral outcomes.   2. Therapeutic Interventions:    - Various therapeutic interventions, such as pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, neuromodulation techniques (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation, deep brain stimulation), and lifestyle interventions (e.g., exercise, mindfulness practices), can modulate brain networks in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders like de...
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Multilayer Biophysical Network Models

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Multilayer Biophysical Network Models are advanced computational frameworks that integrate functional and structural connectivity patterns of the brain across multiple layers or levels.    1. Integration of Functional and Structural Connectivity:    - These models combine information from functional imaging techniques like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and structural imaging techniques like diffusion MRI (dMRI) to create a comprehensive understanding of brain network organization.    - By incorporating both functional and structural connectivity data, multilayer models can capture the dynamic interactions and relationships between different brain regions and networks.   2. Study of Network Configurations:    - Multilayer biophysical network models allow researchers to study the interactions between different network configurations within the brain.    - These models can provide insights into how changes in network con...
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Interictal Epileptiform Patterns Compared to Benign Epileptiform Transients of Sleep

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
  Interictal epileptiform patterns (IEDs) and benign epileptiform transients of sleep (BETS) are both observed on EEGs, but they have distinct characteristics, clinical implications, and contexts. Interictal Epileptiform Patterns (IEDs) 1.       Characteristics : o     Waveform : IEDs typically present as sharply contoured waveforms, including spikes, sharp waves, or polyspikes. They disrupt the background activity and often have a higher amplitude than surrounding rhythms. o     Field : IEDs usually involve multiple electrodes and can indicate focal or multifocal origins. They often extend beyond one electrode, suggesting a more widespread abnormality. o     Disruption : IEDs cause a clear disruption in the background EEG activity, which is a hallmark of epileptiform discharges. 2.      Clinical Significance : o     Association with Seizures : IEDs are often assoc...
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Interictal Epileptiform Patterns Compared to Artifacts

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
  When interpreting EEGs, it is essential to distinguish interictal epileptiform patterns (IEDs) from various types of artifacts. Interictal Epileptiform Patterns (IEDs) 1.       Characteristics : o     Waveform : IEDs typically exhibit sharply contoured waveforms, such as spikes, sharp waves, or polyspikes. They often disrupt the background activity and can have a higher amplitude than the surrounding rhythms. o     Field : IEDs usually extend beyond one electrode and can involve multiple electrodes, indicating a focal or multifocal origin. o     Disruption : They cause a clear disruption in the background EEG activity, which is a hallmark of epileptiform discharges. 2.      Clinical Significance : o     Association with Seizures : IEDs are often associated with epilepsy and can indicate a higher likelihood of seizures, especially when they are focal or multifocal...
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Interictal Epileptiform Patterns Compared to Alpha Activity's Wicket Spikes or Mu Rhythm Fragment

Dr. Rishabh Pathak
Interictal epileptiform patterns (IEDs) can be compared to alpha activity's wicket spikes or mu rhythm fragments in terms of their characteristics, clinical significance, and diagnostic implications. Interictal Epileptiform Patterns (IEDs) 1.       Characteristics : o     Waveform : IEDs typically have a sharply contoured appearance and can include spikes, sharp waves, or polyspikes. They disrupt the background activity and often have a higher amplitude than surrounding rhythms. o     Field : IEDs usually extend beyond one electrode and can involve multiple electrodes, indicating a focal or multifocal origin. o     Disruption : They cause a clear disruption in the background EEG activity, which is a hallmark of epileptiform discharges. 2.      Clinical Significance : o     Association with Seizures : IEDs are often associated with epilepsy and can indicate a higher like...
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