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| Research article summary (published 4 Mar 2002): |
Initial state randomness improves sequence learning in a model hippocampal network.
Full Abstract
Randomness can be a useful component of computation. Using a computationally minimal, but still biologically based model of the hippocampus, we evaluate the effects of initial state randomization on learning a cognitive problem that requires this brain structure. Greater randomness of initial states leads to more robust performance in simulations of the cognitive task called transverse patterning, a context-dependent discrimination task that we code as a sequence prediction problem. At the conclusion of training, greater initial randomness during training trials also correlates with increased, repetitive firing of select individual neurons, previously named local context neurons. In essence, such repetitively firing neurons recognize subsequences, and previously their presence has been correlated with solving the transverse patterning problem. A more detailed analysis of the simulations across training trials reveals more about initial state randomization. The beneficial effects of initial state randomization derive from enhanced variation, across training trials, of the sequential states of a network. This greater variation is not uniformly present during training; it is largely restricted to the beginning of training and when novel sequences are introduced. Little such variation occurs after extensive or even moderate amounts of training. We explain why variation is high early in training, but not later. This automatic modulation of the initial-state-driven random variation through state space is reminiscent of simulated annealing where modulated randomization encourages a selectively broad search through state space. In contrast to an annealing schedule, the selective occurrence of such a random search here is an emergent property, and the critical randomization occurs during training rather than testing.
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Author information
Author/s: Shon, A P (AP); Wu, X B (XB); Sullivan, D W (DW); Levy, W B (WB);
Affiliation: Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia, P.O. Box 800420, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908-0420, USA. aaron(-atsign-)cs.washington.edu
Grants: MH48161 (Agency:United States NIMH) ; MH57358 (Agency:United States NIMH)
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
Journal: Physical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics (Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys), published in United States. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2002-Mar; vol 65 (issue 3 Pt 1) : pp 031914
Dates: Created 2002/03/22; Completed 2002/06/10; Revised 2007/11/14;
PMID: 11909116, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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