Construction, Characterization and Simulation of a Cortical Neural Network Model

• Grant number: 11/06806-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Roque da Silva Filho
• Grantee: Rodrigo Felipe de Oliveira Pena
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The objective of this project is to construct a generic model of the cerebral cortex with some features of its structural organization and intrinsic dynamic properties of its neurons. In particular, the network will have hierarchical and modular structure and its neurons will be of five different electrophysiological classes. The topological structure of the model will be characterized using complex network measures. The model will be simulated in computer to study the combined effect of its structure and its composition by dynamically distinct neuron types on the possible self-sustained acitivity patterns displayed by it.