Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity

Details Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity

2010-05-04

arxiv.org/abs/1005.0517v1

In Weiss, M. L., editor, Neuronal Network Research Horizons, chapter 4, pages 119-135. Nova Science Publishers, Inc., Hauppaug

Physics

Biological Physics

17 pages, 9 figures

Scientific paper

We consider signal transaction in a simple neuronal model featuring intrinsic noise. The presence of noise limits the precision of neural responses and impacts the quality of neural signal transduction. We assess the signal transduction quality in relation to the level of noise, and show it to be maximized by a non-zero level of noise, analogous to the stochastic resonance effect. The quality enhancement occurs for a finite range of stimuli to a single neuron; we show how to construct networks of neurons that extend the range. The range increases more rapidly with network size when we make use of heterogeneous populations of neurons with a variety of thresholds, rather than homogeneous populations of neurons all with the same threshold. The limited precision of neural responses thus can have a direct effect on the optimal network structure, with diverse functional properties of the constituent neurons supporting an economical information processing strategy that reduces the metabolic costs of handling a broad class of stimuli.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Noise and Neuronal Heterogeneity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-532213