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Does dynamical synchronization among neurons facilitate learning and enhance task performance?

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Abstract

Synchronization among groups of neurons is an interesting yet mysterious mechanism in the brain. We propose and demonstrate that the adjustable timing of neural activities can produce profound effect on learning and task implementation. On one hand, learning of more complex patterns becomes possible because of the enhanced capability of classification. On the other hand, implementation of a complex task is aided through active maintenance and control of multiple rules and items. This sheds light on the development of new intelligent system, as well as the cause of impaired learning and task performance in patients.

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Abbreviations

EEG:

Electroencephalogram

XOR:

Exclusive-or

WCST:

Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

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Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Rigotti and Fusi for permission of using their figures. The author also thanks his wife Irene for proofreading the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory for Dynamics of Emergent Intelligence, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako-shi, Japan

    David Chik

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Correspondence to David Chik.

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Chik, D. Does dynamical synchronization among neurons facilitate learning and enhance task performance?. J Comput Neurosci 33, 169–177 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10827-011-0380-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10827-011-0380-6

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