Information dynamics during working memory tasks

• Grant number: 18/07673-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Master's degree
• Start date: September 28, 2018
• End date: March 27, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos Roque da Silva Filho
• Grantee: Vinícius Lima Cordeiro
• Supervisor: Demian Battaglia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Aix-Marseille Université (AMU), France
• Associated to the scholarship: 17/05874-0 - Models of neural networks with stochastic neurons and different topologies: construction and analysis, BP.MS

Abstract

Neurons respond to external stimuli and represent these responses as sequences of action potentials. If we consider that the information is being encoded on spike trains, a natural question that arises is: how much information about a given stimuli the spike train can convey? Similarly, what aspects of the stimuli are encoded by the neural response? Recordings of working memory undoubtedly show that information is stored (and manipulated) in the brain. This project is devoted to study the information dynamics of the memory retention (WMr) and memory maintenance (WMm) during working memory (WM) tasks in non-human primates (NHP) at the delay period. To tackle these questions, this project proposes the use of mathematical tools from information theory as the mutual information and the transfer entropy. Further, it is proposed to use recent quantities available from the development of information dynamics to measure how information is stored, modified, and how it flows in the nervous system. The objective is that the candidate gain a mathematical understanding of information-theoretical tools based on information theory, while deriving also a better understanding of the functioning of working memory systems in a behaving non-human primate. The candidate will apply these tools to the analysis of actual massively parallel electrophysiological recordings during his stay in France, which will be valuable to the continuation of his MSc project after his return and to his future career. (AU)