Probabilistic inference in discrete spaces can be implemented into networks of LIF neurons

Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience
Dimitri ProbstKarlheinz Meier

Abstract

The means by which cortical neural networks are able to efficiently solve inference problems remains an open question in computational neuroscience. Recently, abstract models of Bayesian computation in neural circuits have been proposed, but they lack a mechanistic interpretation at the single-cell level. In this article, we describe a complete theoretical framework for building networks of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons that can sample from arbitrary probability distributions over binary random variables. We test our framework for a model inference task based on a psychophysical phenomenon (the Knill-Kersten optical illusion) and further assess its performance when applied to randomly generated distributions. As the local computations performed by the network strongly depend on the interaction between neurons, we compare several types of couplings mediated by either single synapses or interneuron chains. Due to its robustness to substrate imperfections such as parameter noise and background noise correlations, our model is particularly interesting for implementation on novel, neuro-inspired computing architectures, which can thereby serve as a fast, low-power substrate for solving real-world inference problems.

References

May 16, 1991·Nature·D C Knill, D Kersten
Jun 9, 1995·Science·Z F Mainen, T J Sejnowski
Jan 21, 1997·Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America·M V Tsodyks, H Markram
Sep 3, 2003·Nature Reviews. Neuroscience·Alain DestexheDenis Paré
Jul 15, 2005·Journal of Neurophysiology·Romain Brette, Wulfram Gerstner
Mar 11, 2006·IEEE Transactions on Neural Networks·Giacomo IndiveriRodney Douglas
Jun 5, 2007·Nature·Tianming Yang, Michael N Shadlen
Nov 30, 2007·Neural Computation·Sophie Deneve
Feb 6, 2009·Frontiers in Neuroinformatics·Andrew P DavisonPierre Yger
Jun 25, 2009·Neural Computation·Andreas SteimerRodney Douglas
May 22, 2010·Journal of Computational Neuroscience·Jens KremkowAd Aertsen
May 2, 2013·PLoS Computational Biology·Bernhard NesslerWolfgang Maass
Feb 1, 2009·IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Circuits and Systems·S MitraG Indiveri
Mar 29, 2014·PLoS Computational Biology·David KappelWolfgang Maass

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Apr 25, 2015·PLoS Computational Biology·Naoki Hiratani, Tomoki Fukai
Jul 23, 2016·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Emre O NeftciGert Cauwenberghs
Dec 5, 2019·Scientific Reports·Jakob JordanTom Tetzlaff
Dec 5, 2019·Frontiers in Neuroscience·Akos F KunglMihai A Petrovici
Nov 15, 2016·Physical Review. E·Mihai A PetroviciKarlheinz Meier
Jul 22, 2020·Physical Review. E·Lukas Kades, Jan M Pawlowski

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

PyNN
NEST
Python
AdEx
NEURON

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.