1) The document discusses coherence and self-similarity in brain activity, proposing that spatially extended domains of synchronized neural oscillations form rapidly in the brain and re-synchronize in frames at rates in the theta-alpha range.
2) These synchronized oscillation patterns cover large areas of the brain and are present during both resting and cognitive task periods, suggesting they represent background brain activity modulated by environmental engagement.
3) A dissipative quantum field theory model is able to account for the dynamical formation of these synchronized oscillations through spontaneous symmetry breaking mechanisms generating long-range correlations mediated by massless quanta.
Positron-emission tomography studies of cross-modality inhibition in selectiv...Dr Brendan O'Sullivan
Published in 1994, this groundbreaking paper featured the research of Professor Per Roland, Professor Ryuta Kawashima (of “Brain Training” fame) and Professor Brendan O’ Sullivan.
This landmark research was the first to prove in human brain imaging studies that visual attention is impaired when we do other attention-competing tasks such as manual tasks such as using mobile phones while driving.
The document discusses the dissipative quantum model of the brain. It proposes that:
1) The brain's activity can be described by quantum field theory and the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry, which generates massless bosons (dipole wave quanta) that mediate long-range correlations and ordered patterns of neural activity.
2) Including dissipation is important because it describes the brain as an open system interacting with the environment. This is modeled by "doubling" the system's degrees of freedom.
3) The model can explain key properties of brain activity like coexisting amplitude modulated patterns, large memory capacity without interference between memories, and phase transitions between patterns during sequencing of activity.
Tognoli & Kelso, Society for Neuroscience 2009, diversity of 10Hz rhythms in ...EmmanuelleTognoli
This document discusses the heterogeneity of 10Hz rhythms seen in EEG data and proposes guidelines for their proper measurement and analysis. It presents a tentative dictionary of various 10Hz rhythms distinguished by their spatial distribution, frequency localization, and functional significance. It also puts forth a theory relating EEG spectral peaks to instantaneous brain oscillation patterns, and how the time scale of analysis impacts which patterns appear as peaks. Analyzing 10Hz rhythms at a fine spectral resolution and temporal scale can provide insights into distinct brain processes and functions.
Cranial Laser Reflex Technique: Healthcare for GeniusesNicholas Wise
Cranial Laser Reflex Technique is an exciting new development in natural pain relief and functional improvement. This stand-alone method allows a practitioner with any cold laser to be able to reduce someone's musculoskeletal pain with amazing speed. This condensed version of Dr. Nick Wise's recent lecture gives the scientific basis of CLRT.
The Brain as a Whole: Executive Neurons and Sustaining Homeostatic GliaInsideScientific
Carl Petersen and Alexei Verkhratsky share their research on homeostatic neuroglia and imaging of neuronal network function. This webinar is brought to you by APS’ new journal, Function, and part of their Physiology in Focus learning series.
During this exclusive live webinar, Carl Petersen and Alexei Verkhratsky discuss astrocyte-mediated homeostatic control of the central nervous system, and how optical and 2-photon microscopy can be used for functional neuroimaging.
Imaging Neuronal Function
Carl Petersen, PhD
Highly dynamic and spatially distributed neuronal circuits in the brain control mammalian behavior. Through technological advances, optical measurements of neuronal function can now be carried out in behaving mice at multiple scales. Wide-field imaging allows the dynamic interactions between different brain areas to be studied as sensory information is processed and transformed into behavioral output. Within a brain region, two-photon microscopy can be used to image the neuronal network activity with cellular resolution allowing different types of projection neurons to be distinguished. Together optical methods provide versatile tools for causal mechanistic understanding of neuronal network function in mice.
Astrocytes: indispensable neuronal supporters in sickness and in health
Alexei Verkhratsky, MD, PhD, DSc
The nervous system is composed of two arms: the executive neurons and the homeostatic neuroglia. The neurons require energy, support, and protection, all of which is provided by the neuroglia. Astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells of the brain and spinal cord, are tightly integrated into the neural networks and act within the context of the neural tissue. As astrocytes control the homeostasis of the central nervous system at all levels of organization, from the molecular to the whole organ level, we can begin to define and understand brain vulnerabilities to aging and diseases.
This document provides an overview of computational neuroscience from modeling single neurons to neural circuits and behavior. It discusses:
- Models of single neurons from the Hodgkin-Huxley model to reduced models like FitzHugh-Nagumo and Izhikevich neurons.
- How neurons are organized into neural circuits using different connection types and how properties like synchronization emerge from circuit properties.
- Approaches to modeling larger brain areas as neural populations using techniques like neural fields to model mean firing rates over continuous space.
- Phenomena like neural coding, plasticity, learning and their role in computational models of behaviors and cognition. It provides examples of modeling visual attention, decision making and more
The document discusses the eye and visual system. It begins by describing the retina and how it forms an inverted image on the retinal surface. It then discusses the various layers of the retina and properties of retinal ganglion cells. The document outlines the pathways from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex. In the visual cortex, columns of cells respond to specific visual features like line orientation. The document also discusses phenomena like inattention and sensory suppression that relate to visual attention mechanisms.
Positron-emission tomography studies of cross-modality inhibition in selectiv...Dr Brendan O'Sullivan
Published in 1994, this groundbreaking paper featured the research of Professor Per Roland, Professor Ryuta Kawashima (of “Brain Training” fame) and Professor Brendan O’ Sullivan.
This landmark research was the first to prove in human brain imaging studies that visual attention is impaired when we do other attention-competing tasks such as manual tasks such as using mobile phones while driving.
The document discusses the dissipative quantum model of the brain. It proposes that:
1) The brain's activity can be described by quantum field theory and the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry, which generates massless bosons (dipole wave quanta) that mediate long-range correlations and ordered patterns of neural activity.
2) Including dissipation is important because it describes the brain as an open system interacting with the environment. This is modeled by "doubling" the system's degrees of freedom.
3) The model can explain key properties of brain activity like coexisting amplitude modulated patterns, large memory capacity without interference between memories, and phase transitions between patterns during sequencing of activity.
Tognoli & Kelso, Society for Neuroscience 2009, diversity of 10Hz rhythms in ...EmmanuelleTognoli
This document discusses the heterogeneity of 10Hz rhythms seen in EEG data and proposes guidelines for their proper measurement and analysis. It presents a tentative dictionary of various 10Hz rhythms distinguished by their spatial distribution, frequency localization, and functional significance. It also puts forth a theory relating EEG spectral peaks to instantaneous brain oscillation patterns, and how the time scale of analysis impacts which patterns appear as peaks. Analyzing 10Hz rhythms at a fine spectral resolution and temporal scale can provide insights into distinct brain processes and functions.
Cranial Laser Reflex Technique: Healthcare for GeniusesNicholas Wise
Cranial Laser Reflex Technique is an exciting new development in natural pain relief and functional improvement. This stand-alone method allows a practitioner with any cold laser to be able to reduce someone's musculoskeletal pain with amazing speed. This condensed version of Dr. Nick Wise's recent lecture gives the scientific basis of CLRT.
The Brain as a Whole: Executive Neurons and Sustaining Homeostatic GliaInsideScientific
Carl Petersen and Alexei Verkhratsky share their research on homeostatic neuroglia and imaging of neuronal network function. This webinar is brought to you by APS’ new journal, Function, and part of their Physiology in Focus learning series.
During this exclusive live webinar, Carl Petersen and Alexei Verkhratsky discuss astrocyte-mediated homeostatic control of the central nervous system, and how optical and 2-photon microscopy can be used for functional neuroimaging.
Imaging Neuronal Function
Carl Petersen, PhD
Highly dynamic and spatially distributed neuronal circuits in the brain control mammalian behavior. Through technological advances, optical measurements of neuronal function can now be carried out in behaving mice at multiple scales. Wide-field imaging allows the dynamic interactions between different brain areas to be studied as sensory information is processed and transformed into behavioral output. Within a brain region, two-photon microscopy can be used to image the neuronal network activity with cellular resolution allowing different types of projection neurons to be distinguished. Together optical methods provide versatile tools for causal mechanistic understanding of neuronal network function in mice.
Astrocytes: indispensable neuronal supporters in sickness and in health
Alexei Verkhratsky, MD, PhD, DSc
The nervous system is composed of two arms: the executive neurons and the homeostatic neuroglia. The neurons require energy, support, and protection, all of which is provided by the neuroglia. Astrocytes, the principal homeostatic cells of the brain and spinal cord, are tightly integrated into the neural networks and act within the context of the neural tissue. As astrocytes control the homeostasis of the central nervous system at all levels of organization, from the molecular to the whole organ level, we can begin to define and understand brain vulnerabilities to aging and diseases.
This document provides an overview of computational neuroscience from modeling single neurons to neural circuits and behavior. It discusses:
- Models of single neurons from the Hodgkin-Huxley model to reduced models like FitzHugh-Nagumo and Izhikevich neurons.
- How neurons are organized into neural circuits using different connection types and how properties like synchronization emerge from circuit properties.
- Approaches to modeling larger brain areas as neural populations using techniques like neural fields to model mean firing rates over continuous space.
- Phenomena like neural coding, plasticity, learning and their role in computational models of behaviors and cognition. It provides examples of modeling visual attention, decision making and more
The document discusses the eye and visual system. It begins by describing the retina and how it forms an inverted image on the retinal surface. It then discusses the various layers of the retina and properties of retinal ganglion cells. The document outlines the pathways from the retina to the lateral geniculate nucleus and visual cortex. In the visual cortex, columns of cells respond to specific visual features like line orientation. The document also discusses phenomena like inattention and sensory suppression that relate to visual attention mechanisms.
The document describes several submissions to the Art of Neuroscience 2017 competition. The submissions include:
1. An electron microscope image showing a microglial lysosome and autophagosome, capturing the process of autophagy.
2. A description and calcium imaging data from cortical neurons in a mouse brain, showing patterns of neuronal activity.
3. A sample of hippocampal neurons labeled for microtubules and actin, imaged with a fluorescent microscope.
4. An artwork inspired by Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam", depicting interacting pyramidal cells in the mouse brain.
5. Diffusion MRI data quantifying whole-brain axonal connections in the rat brain, clearly
1) The study assessed changes in hippocampal dendritic spines of APP/PS1 transgenic mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease.
2) It found a substantial decrease in the frequency of large dendritic spines in plaque-free regions of the dentate gyrus in these mice compared to controls.
3) Dendrites passing through amyloid plaques also showed alterations in spine density and morphology, with lower spine density within plaques and higher density on dendrites contacting plaques.
Dendritic excitability and synaptic plasticityMasuma Sani
This document summarizes the key ideas in Donald Hebb's theory of synaptic plasticity and learning. It discusses how Hebb proposed that repeated and persistent firing of a presynaptic cell that contributes to firing of a postsynaptic cell will strengthen the synaptic connection between those cells. However, it notes that Hebb's theory did not account for weakening of connections or the role of dendrites in synaptic plasticity. The document goes on to discuss how subsequent research has established that dendritic properties influence the rules governing synaptic plasticity and that there is bidirectional control between synaptic plasticity and plasticity of dendritic excitability.
(1) Consensus learning aims to improve problem-solving by combining the knowledge and predictions of multiple machine learning models or agents.
(2) It is motivated by distributed artificial intelligence, where multi-agent systems need to learn and adapt to complex environments.
(3) The consensus approach aggregates the opinions of different models/agents to reach a general agreement, with the goal of producing better and more robust predictions than any single model.
Modulation of theta phase sync during a recognition memory taskKyongsik Yun
1) The study examined changes in theta phase synchronization across the brain during a recognition memory task using electroencephalography.
2) They found that theta phase synchronization was stronger between the frontal and left parietal areas during correct recognition of previously viewed objects compared to identifying new objects.
3) Specifically, theta phase synchronization between these regions increased from 400-1100ms after stimulus onset for recognized objects, suggesting recognition memory involves interaction between the frontal and left parietal cortices mediated by theta phase synchronization.
Tognoli - Mine or Mind, Arizona State University 2016EmmanuelleTognoli
Minding the theory or mining the data: EEG and neural oscillations: presented to Oscillatory Brain Dynamics Conference, Arizona State University, Department of Psychology Cognitive Science program and EEG Lab, 2016.
This document summarizes research on modeling human balance control. It discusses the physiology of the vestibular system and its role in static and dynamic balance. The vestibular system encodes head movements through the semicircular canals. The document then describes efforts to build computational models of the vestibular system, including models of the endolymph fluid in the canals, the capulae that house the hair cells, and the human response to disturbances. The goal is to develop an engineering model of human balance control and better understand balance functions and malfunctions.
Computational neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system using computational approaches. It is an interdisciplinary field that uses techniques from biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine, physics, psychology and philosophy to study the molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, evolutionary and medical aspects of the nervous system. Some examples of current areas of study include Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, hearing loss, and brain-machine interfaces. Computational neuroscience aims to understand what computations are performed in neural systems and how they are implemented at molecular, cellular and system levels.
Spike sorting: What is it? Why do we need it? Where does it come from? How is...NeuroMat
This document provides an overview of spike sorting, including what it is, why it is needed, the history of the field, and how it is done. Spike sorting involves using features like spike amplitude, timing, and shape across multiple recording channels to classify which neuron each recorded action potential came from. It originated from neurophysiologists sorting spikes by eye but now uses automated algorithms. Common approaches include template matching, dimensionality reduction, clustering algorithms like k-means, and Gaussian mixture models.
The document describes an in-vitro experiment where researchers loaded an artificial spinal disk implanted with sensors between vertebrae of an animal spine. The artificial disk was loaded up to 1kN using a materials testing machine. Strain gauges and piezoresistive sensors on the disk measured strain and generated linear outputs corresponding to the applied loads. The results demonstrated the ability to measure load distribution on the disk, which could help understand in vivo spinal loading and inform treatment of back pain.
Eva Bonda et al Amygdala & Biological Motion, Journal of Neuroscience, 1996 Dr Eva Bonda, PhD
This study used positron emission tomography to measure brain activity while subjects viewed point-light displays depicting biological motion, including whole body movements, goal-directed hand actions, object motion, and random motion. The results showed that viewing goal-directed hand actions activated areas in the left intraparietal sulcus and caudal superior temporal sulcus. Viewing whole body movements activated the right superior temporal sulcus, temporal cortex, and amygdala. The study suggests different brain regions are involved in perceiving biological motions versus non-biological motions.
Scientific evidence for a connection between mind and matterMartin Peniak
The document summarizes several scientific studies that provide evidence for non-local connections between mind and matter:
1) Experiments show that emotions, intentions, and thoughts can instantly influence things like DNA structure, water properties, and random number generators, even over large distances.
2) Other studies demonstrate that the heart and brain can detect future events, and that human groups can influence things like crime rates from afar.
3) The findings suggest that on the quantum level, all atoms are interconnected, which supports theories that the universe and brain function holographically rather than linearly.
The presentation focuses on one of the important aspects of Neurophysiology-- The sesnsorimotor integration for planning and execution of movement.
It highlights on the brain regions associated with motor functions, the crosstalk between association areas, hierarchical levels of movement execution and the diseases related to it.
É revisitada a famosa palestra de Niels Bohr em 1932 com o mesmo título, procurando atualizála. Os tópicos tratados são: 1) Intuição biológica. 2) Avanços básicos. 3) A origem da vida.
4) Dos procariontes aos eucariontes. 5) Luz solar e a vida. 6) A física quântica é relevante para a biologia? 7) Mecânica quântica, cérebro e mente. 8) A consciência. 9) Existe livre arbítrio? 10) A luz como arma da biologia: Pinças óticas. 11) Calibração absoluta das pinças. 12) Proteínas como demônios de Maxwell. 13) A catraca browniana. 14) Proteinas motoras: cinesina, miosina V e ATPsintase. 15) Mecanobiologia. 16) Nanotubos de tunelamento. 17) Comunicação à distância entre células e suas funções. 18) “Le hasard et la nécessité”.
The document discusses the possibility of directly influencing all human brains using electromagnetic fields, noting that fundamental algorithms exist across brains and stimulation of temporal or limbic cortices may be possible using energy levels within the range of geomagnetic activity or communication networks. It also suggests that accessing a narrow band of brain temperature could allow all normal human brains to be affected by a subharmonic frequency that varies only slightly between individuals.
1) The document is an orientation for a class on brain structure and origins taught at MIT in 2005.
2) It introduces the goals of learning vertebrate neuroanatomy through studies of development, evolution, and function.
3) The first topics to be covered are neural terminology, the evolution and study of neurons, and an overview of the central nervous system.
This document describes a study that uses bicoherence analysis to examine intracranial EEG recordings from epilepsy patients during sleep, wakefulness, and seizures. Bicoherence measures nonlinear phase coupling in the EEG signal and can reveal local and transient properties not evident from linear analyses. The study finds that bicoherence is highly localized and unstable over short time periods and distances. It varies significantly between adjacent electrode sites just millimeters apart. Bicoherence is generally absent during normal brain states but increases during stage II/III sleep and seizures on average. However, bicoherence displays diverse and independent patterns across frequency bands and recording sites between subjects and brain states. The study aims to use bicoherence as a sensitive measure of nonlinear brain
This document discusses theories of consciousness without cerebral cortex involvement. It proposes that an upper brainstem system is key to conscious function and has retained this role throughout brain evolution. This system integrates information from the cerebral cortex in a limited capacity way for coherent behavior. It remains functional without cortical input, helping explain goal-directed behavior after decortication and consciousness in anencephalic children born without a cortex. The brainstem, not just the thalamocortex, is integral to the conscious state.
This document discusses the wave-particle duality of light and how light can behave as a fluid under certain conditions. It describes experiments observing superfluid behavior in coherent light fields in semiconductor microcavities, analogous to superfluidity in Bose-Einstein condensates. The experiments show evidence of superfluid flow for flow speeds below a critical speed, and scattering and Cerenkov wakes occurring above the critical speed, providing evidence that light can take on hydrodynamic properties when interacting coherently as a Bose gas of photons.
The document summarizes research on using proximity-induced superconducting correlations in mesoscopic conductors to implement quantum detectors. It describes how superconductivity can modify the density of states in normal metals through the proximity effect. It then introduces the Superconducting QUantum Interference Proximity Transistor (SQUIPT), a novel quantum interferometer that uses this effect for high-sensitivity magnetic flux detection, and presents theoretical predictions and experimental results demonstrating its behavior and advantages over DC SQUIDs.
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The document describes several submissions to the Art of Neuroscience 2017 competition. The submissions include:
1. An electron microscope image showing a microglial lysosome and autophagosome, capturing the process of autophagy.
2. A description and calcium imaging data from cortical neurons in a mouse brain, showing patterns of neuronal activity.
3. A sample of hippocampal neurons labeled for microtubules and actin, imaged with a fluorescent microscope.
4. An artwork inspired by Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam", depicting interacting pyramidal cells in the mouse brain.
5. Diffusion MRI data quantifying whole-brain axonal connections in the rat brain, clearly
1) The study assessed changes in hippocampal dendritic spines of APP/PS1 transgenic mice, a model of Alzheimer's disease.
2) It found a substantial decrease in the frequency of large dendritic spines in plaque-free regions of the dentate gyrus in these mice compared to controls.
3) Dendrites passing through amyloid plaques also showed alterations in spine density and morphology, with lower spine density within plaques and higher density on dendrites contacting plaques.
Dendritic excitability and synaptic plasticityMasuma Sani
This document summarizes the key ideas in Donald Hebb's theory of synaptic plasticity and learning. It discusses how Hebb proposed that repeated and persistent firing of a presynaptic cell that contributes to firing of a postsynaptic cell will strengthen the synaptic connection between those cells. However, it notes that Hebb's theory did not account for weakening of connections or the role of dendrites in synaptic plasticity. The document goes on to discuss how subsequent research has established that dendritic properties influence the rules governing synaptic plasticity and that there is bidirectional control between synaptic plasticity and plasticity of dendritic excitability.
(1) Consensus learning aims to improve problem-solving by combining the knowledge and predictions of multiple machine learning models or agents.
(2) It is motivated by distributed artificial intelligence, where multi-agent systems need to learn and adapt to complex environments.
(3) The consensus approach aggregates the opinions of different models/agents to reach a general agreement, with the goal of producing better and more robust predictions than any single model.
Modulation of theta phase sync during a recognition memory taskKyongsik Yun
1) The study examined changes in theta phase synchronization across the brain during a recognition memory task using electroencephalography.
2) They found that theta phase synchronization was stronger between the frontal and left parietal areas during correct recognition of previously viewed objects compared to identifying new objects.
3) Specifically, theta phase synchronization between these regions increased from 400-1100ms after stimulus onset for recognized objects, suggesting recognition memory involves interaction between the frontal and left parietal cortices mediated by theta phase synchronization.
Tognoli - Mine or Mind, Arizona State University 2016EmmanuelleTognoli
Minding the theory or mining the data: EEG and neural oscillations: presented to Oscillatory Brain Dynamics Conference, Arizona State University, Department of Psychology Cognitive Science program and EEG Lab, 2016.
This document summarizes research on modeling human balance control. It discusses the physiology of the vestibular system and its role in static and dynamic balance. The vestibular system encodes head movements through the semicircular canals. The document then describes efforts to build computational models of the vestibular system, including models of the endolymph fluid in the canals, the capulae that house the hair cells, and the human response to disturbances. The goal is to develop an engineering model of human balance control and better understand balance functions and malfunctions.
Computational neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system using computational approaches. It is an interdisciplinary field that uses techniques from biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, linguistics, mathematics, medicine, physics, psychology and philosophy to study the molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, evolutionary and medical aspects of the nervous system. Some examples of current areas of study include Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, hearing loss, and brain-machine interfaces. Computational neuroscience aims to understand what computations are performed in neural systems and how they are implemented at molecular, cellular and system levels.
Spike sorting: What is it? Why do we need it? Where does it come from? How is...NeuroMat
This document provides an overview of spike sorting, including what it is, why it is needed, the history of the field, and how it is done. Spike sorting involves using features like spike amplitude, timing, and shape across multiple recording channels to classify which neuron each recorded action potential came from. It originated from neurophysiologists sorting spikes by eye but now uses automated algorithms. Common approaches include template matching, dimensionality reduction, clustering algorithms like k-means, and Gaussian mixture models.
The document describes an in-vitro experiment where researchers loaded an artificial spinal disk implanted with sensors between vertebrae of an animal spine. The artificial disk was loaded up to 1kN using a materials testing machine. Strain gauges and piezoresistive sensors on the disk measured strain and generated linear outputs corresponding to the applied loads. The results demonstrated the ability to measure load distribution on the disk, which could help understand in vivo spinal loading and inform treatment of back pain.
Eva Bonda et al Amygdala & Biological Motion, Journal of Neuroscience, 1996 Dr Eva Bonda, PhD
This study used positron emission tomography to measure brain activity while subjects viewed point-light displays depicting biological motion, including whole body movements, goal-directed hand actions, object motion, and random motion. The results showed that viewing goal-directed hand actions activated areas in the left intraparietal sulcus and caudal superior temporal sulcus. Viewing whole body movements activated the right superior temporal sulcus, temporal cortex, and amygdala. The study suggests different brain regions are involved in perceiving biological motions versus non-biological motions.
Scientific evidence for a connection between mind and matterMartin Peniak
The document summarizes several scientific studies that provide evidence for non-local connections between mind and matter:
1) Experiments show that emotions, intentions, and thoughts can instantly influence things like DNA structure, water properties, and random number generators, even over large distances.
2) Other studies demonstrate that the heart and brain can detect future events, and that human groups can influence things like crime rates from afar.
3) The findings suggest that on the quantum level, all atoms are interconnected, which supports theories that the universe and brain function holographically rather than linearly.
The presentation focuses on one of the important aspects of Neurophysiology-- The sesnsorimotor integration for planning and execution of movement.
It highlights on the brain regions associated with motor functions, the crosstalk between association areas, hierarchical levels of movement execution and the diseases related to it.
É revisitada a famosa palestra de Niels Bohr em 1932 com o mesmo título, procurando atualizála. Os tópicos tratados são: 1) Intuição biológica. 2) Avanços básicos. 3) A origem da vida.
4) Dos procariontes aos eucariontes. 5) Luz solar e a vida. 6) A física quântica é relevante para a biologia? 7) Mecânica quântica, cérebro e mente. 8) A consciência. 9) Existe livre arbítrio? 10) A luz como arma da biologia: Pinças óticas. 11) Calibração absoluta das pinças. 12) Proteínas como demônios de Maxwell. 13) A catraca browniana. 14) Proteinas motoras: cinesina, miosina V e ATPsintase. 15) Mecanobiologia. 16) Nanotubos de tunelamento. 17) Comunicação à distância entre células e suas funções. 18) “Le hasard et la nécessité”.
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2) It introduces the goals of learning vertebrate neuroanatomy through studies of development, evolution, and function.
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This document describes a study that uses bicoherence analysis to examine intracranial EEG recordings from epilepsy patients during sleep, wakefulness, and seizures. Bicoherence measures nonlinear phase coupling in the EEG signal and can reveal local and transient properties not evident from linear analyses. The study finds that bicoherence is highly localized and unstable over short time periods and distances. It varies significantly between adjacent electrode sites just millimeters apart. Bicoherence is generally absent during normal brain states but increases during stage II/III sleep and seizures on average. However, bicoherence displays diverse and independent patterns across frequency bands and recording sites between subjects and brain states. The study aims to use bicoherence as a sensitive measure of nonlinear brain
This document discusses theories of consciousness without cerebral cortex involvement. It proposes that an upper brainstem system is key to conscious function and has retained this role throughout brain evolution. This system integrates information from the cerebral cortex in a limited capacity way for coherent behavior. It remains functional without cortical input, helping explain goal-directed behavior after decortication and consciousness in anencephalic children born without a cortex. The brainstem, not just the thalamocortex, is integral to the conscious state.
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Ten.Marcucci Francesca
Centro Nazionale Meteorologia e Climatologia Aeronautica
1. COHERENCE, SELF-SIMILARITY AND BRAIN
ACTIVITY ∗
Giuseppe Vitiello
Salerno University, Italy
∗ G. Vitiello, My Double Unveiled. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2001
W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, Physics of Life Reviews 3, 93 (2006)
q-bio.OT/0511037
W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 48, 304042 (2008)
arXiv:q-bio/0701053
W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, Vortices in brain waves, arXiv:0802.3854
1
2. The mesoscopic activity of neocortex:
dynamical formation of spatially extended domains of amplitude mod-
ulated (AM) synchronized oscillations with near zero phase dispersion.
These “packets of waves” form in few ms, have properties of location,
size, duration (80−120 ms) and carrier frequencies in the beta-gamma
range (12 − 80 Hz),
re-synchronize in frames at frame rates in the theta-alpha range (3 −
12 Hz) through a sequence of repeated collective phase transitions.
Such patterns of oscillations cover much of the hemisphere in rabbits
and cats and over domains of linear size of 19 cm in humans
2
3. The patterns of phase-locked oscillations are intermittently present in
resting, awake subjects as well as in the same subject actively engaged
in cognitive tasks requiring interaction with environment,
so they are best described as properties of the background activity of
brains that is modulated upon engagement with the surround∗ .
Neither the electric field of the extracellular dendritic current nor
the extracellular magnetic field from the high-density electric current
inside the dendritic shafts, which are much too weak, nor the chemical
diffusion, which is much too slow, appear to be able to fully account
for the observed cortical collective activity.
∗ W.
J. Freeman, Clin. Neurophysiol. 116 (5), 1118 (2005); 117 (3), 572 (2006)
W. J. Freeman, et al., Clin. Neurophysiol. 114, 1055 (2003)
3
4. It turns out that the many-body dissipative model∗ is able to account
for the dynamical formation of synchronized neuronal oscillations † :
each AM pattern is described to be consequent to spontaneous break-
down of symmetry triggered by external stimulus and is associated
with one of the quantum field theory (QFT) unitarily inequivalent
ground states.
Their sequencing is associated to the non-unitary time evolution im-
plied by dissipation.
∗ G. Vitiello, My Double Unveiled. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2001.
† W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, Physics of Life Reviews 3, 93 (2006)
q-bio.OT/0511037
W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 48, 304042 (2008)
arXiv:q-bio/0701053
W. J. Freeman and G. Vitiello, Vortices in brain waves, arXiv:0802.3854
4
5. Lashley dilemma
Concept of “mass action” in the storage and retrieval of memories in
the brain:
“...Here is the dilemma. Nerve impulses are transmitted ...form cell
to cell through definite intercellular connections. Yet, all behavior
seems to be determined by masses of excitation...within general fields
of activity, without regard to particular nerve cells... What sort of
nervous organization might be capable of responding to a pattern
of excitation without limited specialized path of conduction? The
problem is almost universal in the activity of the nervous system.” ∗
Pribram: analogy between the fields of distributed neural activity in
the brain and the wave patterns in holograms † .
∗ K.
Lashley, The Mechanism of Vision, Journal Press, Provincetown MA, 1948, pp.
302-306
† K. H. Pribram, Languages of the Brain. Engelwood Cliffs NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1971
5
6.
7. • resorting to classical nonlinear dynamics
⇒ synchrony, very good!
But not enough: only kinematics, it says “how” not “why”. We want
the dynamics (the forces), not just the “description”.
The problem we have to solve is: How can we “obtain” synchrony and
coherence as the output (the effects) of the dynamics, not putting
them (by hands) in writing down the model equations.
6
8. An alternative approach is therefore necessary.
• The dissipative quantum model of brain has been then proposed ∗
∗ G.
Vitiello, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 9, 973 (1995)
G. Vitiello, My Double Unveiled. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2001
7
9. The dissipative quantum model of brain
is the extension to the dissipative dynamics of the many-body model
proposed in 1967 by Ricciardi and Umezawa ∗
the extended patterns of neuronal excitations may be described by
the spontaneous breakdown of symmetry (SBS) formalism in QFT.
Umezawa †: “In any material in condensed matter physics any par-
ticular information is carried by certain ordered pattern maintained
by certain long range correlation mediated by massless quanta. It
looked to me that this is the only way to memorize some informa-
tion; memory is a printed pattern of order supported by long range
correlations...”
∗ L.M. Ricciardi and H. Umezawa, Kibernetik 4, 44 (1967)
C. I. J. Stuart, Y. Takahashi and H. Umezawa, J.Theor. Biol. 71, 605 (1978);
Found. Phys. 9, 301 (1979)
† H.Umezawa, Math. Japonica 41, 109 (1995)
8
10. In QFT long range correlations are indeed dynamically generated
through the mechanism of SBS.
These correlations manifest themselves as the Nambu-Goldstone (NG)
boson particles or modes,
which have zero mass and therefore are able to span the whole system.
The NG bosons are coherently condensed in the system lowest energy
state, the vacuum or ground state (Bose-Einstein condensation).
Due to such correlations the system appears in an ordered state.
The vacuum density of the NG bosons provides a measure of the
degree of ordering or coherence: the order parameter, a classical
field specifying (labeling) the observed ordered pattern.
9
11. Example of NG modes: phonons, magnons, Cooper pairs.
The water matrix is more than the 80% of brain mass and it is there-
fore expected to be a major facilitator or constraint on brain dynamics.
⇔ the quantum variables are the electrical dipole vibrational field of
the water molecules and of other biomolecules ∗.
The spontaneous breakdown of the rotational symmetry of the elec-
trical dipole vibrational field dynamically generates the NG quanta,
named the dipole wave quanta (DWQ).
The neuron and the glia cells and other physiological units are NOT
quantum objects in the many-body model of brain.
∗ E.Del Giudice, S. Doglia, M. Milani and G. Vitiello, Nucl. Phys. B 251 (FS 13),
375 (1985); Nucl. Phys. B 275 (FS 17), 185 (1986).
M. Jibu and K. Yasue, Quantum brain dynamics and consciousness. Amsterdam:
John Benjamins, 1995.
M. Jibu, K. H. Pribram and K. Yasue, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 10, 1735 (1996)
10
12. The recall of recorded information occurs under a stimulus able to
excite DWQ out of the corresponding ground state.
Such a stimulus is called “similar” to the one responsible for the
memory recording.
Similarity between stimuli thus refers not to their intrinsic features,
but to the reaction of the brain to them; to the possibility that under
their action DWQ are condensed into, or excited from the ground
state carrying the same label.
11
13. • The many-body model fails in explaining the observed coexistence
of AM patterns and also their irreversible time evolution.
• One shortcoming of the model is that any subsequent stimulus
would cancel the previously recorded memory by renewing the SBS
process, thus overprinting the ’new’ memory over the previous one
(’memory capacity problem’).
• The fact that the brain is an open system in permanent interaction
with the environment was not considered in the many-body model.
⇒ Include Dissipation!!
12
14. In the QFT formalism for dissipative systems the environment is de-
scribed as the time-reversal image of the system ∗ .
This is realized by doubling the system degrees of freedom:
external stimulus ⇒ SBS ⇒ dynamical generation of DWQ Aκ
˜
dissipation ⇒ doubling: Aκ → (Aκ , Aκ)
˜
Aκ ≡ “time-reversed mirror image” or “doubled modes”
energy flux balance ⇔ E0 = ESyst − EEnv = κ ¯ Ωκ(NAκ − NAκ ) = 0
h ˜
∗ E. Celeghini, M. Rasetti and G. Vitiello, Annals Phys. 215, 156 (1992)
13
15. The canonical commutation relations are the usual ones and
˜† ˜
[ Aκ, Aλ ] = 0 = [ Aκ, Aλ ] etc.. (1)
The Hamiltonian for the infinite collection of damped harmonic os-
˜
cillators Aκ (a simple prototype of a dissipative system) and the Aκ
is
H = H 0 + HI
¯ Ω κ (A † A κ − A † A κ ) ,
˜κ ˜
H0 = h κ
κ
¯ Γ κ (A † A † − A κ A κ ) ,
κ ˜κ ˜
HI = i (2)
h
κ
Ωκ is the frequency, Γκ the damping constant.
κ generically labels degrees of freedom such as, e.g., spatial momen-
tum, etc..
˜
The Aκ and Aκ modes are actually quasi-massless, i.e. they have a
non-zero effective mass, due to finite volume effects.
14
16. † ˜† ˜
- {|NAκ , NAκ } ≡ simultaneous eigenvectors of AκAκ and AκAκ,
˜
- NAκ and NAκ non-negative integers
˜
˜
- |0 0 ≡ |NAκ = 0, NAκ = 0 the vacuum state for Aκ and Aκ: Aκ|0 0 =
˜
˜
0 = Aκ|0 0 for any κ.
The balanced nonequilibrium state is a ground state.
At some initial time t0 = 0, we define it to be a zero energy eigenstate
of H0 and denote it by |0 N
⇒ the ”memory state” |0 N is a condensate of equal number of Aκ and
˜
mirror Aκ for any κ: NAκ − NAκ = 0.
˜
label N ≡ {NAκ = NAκ , ∀ κ, at t0 = 0} ≡ order parameter identifying
˜
the vacuum |0 N (the ”memory state”) associated to the information
recorded at time t0 = 0.
15
17. Balancing E0 to be zero, does not fix the value of either EAκ or EAκ
˜
for any κ. It only fixes, for any κ, their difference.
⇒ at t0 we may have infinitely many perceptual states, each one in
one-to-one correspondence to a given N set: a huge memory capacity.
The important point is:
{|0 N } and {|0 N }, N = N , are ui in the infinite volume limit:
N 0|0 N −→ 0 ∀ N, N , N =N . (3)
V →∞
In contrast with the non-dissipative model, a huge number of sequen-
tially recorded memories may coexist without destructive interference
since infinitely many vacua |0 N , ∀ N , are independently accessible.
16
18. The commutativity of H0 with HI ([H0 , HI ] = 0) ensures that the num-
ber (NAκ −NAκ ) is a constant of motion for any κ, which also guaranties
˜
that H0 remains bounded from below if this has been assumed to hold
at t0 .
The state |0 N is given, at finite volume V , by |0 N = exp (−iG(θ))|0 0,
with generator
θκ ( A † A † − A κ A κ ) .
κ ˜κ ˜
G(θ) = −i (4)
κ
and N 0|0 N = 1 ∀ N .
The average number NAκ is given by
NAκ = N 0|A† Aκ|0 N = sinh2 θκ , (5)
κ
which relates the N -set, N ≡ {NAκ = NAκ , ∀κ, at t0 = 0} to the θ-set,
˜
θ ≡ {θκ, ∀κ, at t0 = 0}.
17
19. We also use the notation NAκ (θ) ≡ NAκ and |0(θ) ≡ |0 N .
˜
The θ-set is conditioned by the requirement that A and A modes
satisfy the Bose distribution at time t0 = 0:
1
NAκ (θ) = sinh2 θκ = βE (6)
,
e κ−1
β≡ k 1T is the inverse temperature at t0 = 0. {|0 N } is recognized to be
B
a representation of the CCR’s at finite temperature: |0 N is a thermo
field dynamics (TFD) state in the real time formalism and can be
shown to be an SU (1, 1) squeezed coherent state.
˜
The mirror A modes actually account for the quantum noise of Brow-
nian nature in the fluctuating random force in the system-environment
coupling (entanglement).
18
20. Stability of order parameter N against quantum fluctuations is a man-
ifestation of the coherence of boson condensation.
⇒ memory N not affected by quantum fluctuations. In this sense, it
is a macroscopic observable. |0 N is a “macroscopic quantum state”.
⇒ “change of scale” (from microscopic to macroscopic scale) dynam-
ically achieved through the coherent boson condensation mechanism.
19
21. At finite volume V , time evolution of |0 N is formally given by
H
|0(t) N = exp −it I |0 N (7)
¯
h
1
exp tanh (Γκ t − θκ )A†A† |0 0 ,
˜
=
κ cosh (Γκt − θκ )
obtained by using the commutativity between HI and G(θ).
|0(t) N is an SU (1, 1) generalized coherent state, it is specified by the
initial value N , at t0 = 0, and N 0(t)|0(t) N = 1, ∀t.
Provided κ Γκ > 0,
lim N 0(t)|0 N ∝ lim exp −t Γκ = 0 . (8)
t→∞ t→∞ κ
In the infinite volume limit we have (for d3 κ Γκ finite and positive)
N 0(t)|0 N −→ 0 ∀t = 0 ,
V →∞
N 0(t)|0(t ) N −→ 0 ∀t,t , t=t . (9)
V →∞
20
22. In agreement with observations:
the QFT dissipative dynamics ⇒
∗ (quasi-)non-interfering degenerate vacua (AM pattern textures)
∗ (phase) transitions among them (AM patterns sequencing)
∗ huge memory capacity
The original many-body model could not describe these features.
22
23. In the “memory space”, or the brain state space (the space of uir),
{|0 N }, for each N -set, describes a physical phase of the system and
may be thought as a “point” identified by that specific N .
The system may shift, under the influence of one or more stimuli act-
ing as a control parameter, from vacuum to vacuum in the collection
of brain-environment equilibrium vacua (E0 = 0), i.e. from phase to
phase,
⇒ the system undergoes an extremely rich sequence of phase transi-
tions, leading to the actualization of a sequence of dissipative struc-
tures formed by AM patterns, as indeed experimentally observed.
23
24. Let |0(t) N ≡ |0 N at t, specified by the initial value N at t0 = 0.
Time evolution of |0(t) N = trajectory of ”initial condition” specified
by the N -set in the space of the representations {|0(t) N } .
Provided changes in the inverse temperature β are slow, the changes
in the energy Ea ≡ k Ek Nak and in the entropy Sa are related by
1
˙
Ek Nak dt =
dEa = dSa = dQ (10)
,
β
k
i.e. the minimization of the free energy dFa = 0 holds at any t
⇒ change in time of the condensate, i.e. of the order parameter,
turns into heat dissipation dQ.
24
25. Dissipation ⇒ time-evolution of |0(t) N at finite volume V controlled
by the entropy variations ⇒ irreversibility of time evolution (breakdown
of time-reversal symmetry) ⇒ arrow of time (a privileged direction in
time evolution)
25
27. Figure 11. Evidence is summarized showing that the mesoscopic background activity conforms to
scale-free, low-dimensional noise [Freeman et al., 2008]. Engagement of the brain in perception and other
goal-directed behaviors is accompanied by departures from randomness upon the emergence of order (A),
as shown by comparing PSD in sleep, which conforms to black noise, vs. PSD in an aroused state showing
excess power in the theta (3 − 7 Hz) and gamma (25 − 100 Hz) ranges. B. The distributions of time
intervals between null spikes of brown noise and sleep ECoG are superimposed. C,D. The distributions
are compared of log10 analytic power from noise and ECoG. Hypothetically the threshold for triggering
a phase transition is 10−4 down from modal analytic power. From [Freeman, O’Nuillain and Rodriguez,
2008 and Freeman and Zhai, 2009]
29. Let H(L0 ) denote lengths, surfaces, volumes.
Scale trasformation: L0 → λL0 .
H(λL0 ) = λd H(L0 )
1 λ=1 .
The square S of side L0 scales as 22 S, 2
1
The cube V scales as 23 V .
Thus in λd , d = 2 and d = 3 for surfaces and volumes.
S( 1 L0) 1
1 and V ( 2 L0) = p = 1 .
2
Note: S(L ) = p = 4 8
V (L0)
0
In both cases p = λd .
For lengths L0, p = 1 ; 1 = λd and p = λd and thus d = 1.
2 2d
30. For the Koch curve: the relation p = λd gives:
q = 1d
qα = 1, where α = 4,
3
i.e.
d = ln 4 ≈ 1.2619.
ln 3
The non-integer d is called
fractal dimension , or self-similarity dimension .
31. u1,q (α) ≡ q α u0, q = 1d ,
Stage n = 1: α=4
3
d = 1 to be determined.
u2,q (α) ≡ q α u1,q (α) = (q α)2 u0.
Stage n = 2:
By iteration:
un,q (α) ≡ (q α) un−1,q (α), n = 1, 2, 3, ...
i.e., for any n
un,q (α) = (q α)n u0.
which is the “self-similarity” relation characterizing fractals.
Notice! The fractal is mathematically defined only in the limit of
infinite number of iterations (n → ∞).
32. 1
√ (q α)n
Notice!
n!
is the basis in the space of entire analytical functions, where coherent
states are represented.
|qα|2 n
∞ (qα) |n
|qα = exp(− 2 ) √
n=0 n!
a |qα = qα |qα ,
this establish a link between fractals and coherent states and confirms
the role of coherence in brain activity.
the operator (a)n acts as a “magnifying” lens: the nth iteration of
the fractal can be “seen” by applying (a)n to |qα (and restricting to
real qα):
qα|(a)n |qα = (qα)n = un,q (α), qα → Re(qα).
33. Other predictions in agreement with experiments :
• very low energy required to excite correlated neuronal patterns,
• AM patterns have large diameters, with respect to the small sizes
of the component neurons,
• duration, size and power of AM patterns are decreasing functions
of their carrier wave number k,
• there is lack of invariance of AM patterns with invariant stimuli,
• heat dissipation at (almost) constant in time temperature,
26
34. • the occurrence of spikes (vortices) in the process of phase transi-
tions,
• the whole phenomenology of phase gradients and phase singularities
in the vortices formation,
• the constancy of the phase field within the frames,
• the insurgence of a phase singularity associated with the abrupt
decrease of the order parameter and the concomitant increase of
spatial variance of the phase field,
27
35. • the onsets of vortices between frames, not within them,
• the occurrence of phase cones (spatial phase gradients) and random
variation of sign (implosive and explosive) at the apex,
• that the phase cone apices occur at random spatial locations,
• that the apex is never initiated within frames, but between frames
(during phase transitions).
• The model leads to the classicality (not derived as the classical
limit, but as a dynamical output) of functionally self-regulated and
self-organized background activity of the brain.
28
36. A crucial neural mechanism:
the event that initiates the transition to a perceptual state is an
abrupt decrease in the analytic power of the background activity to
near zero (a null spike), associated with the concomitant increase of
spatial variance of analytic phase.
The null spikes recur aperiodically at rates in the theta (3 − 7 Hz) and
alpha (8 − 12 Hz) ranges,
it has rotational energy at the geometric mean frequency of the pass
band, so it is called a vortex.
The vortex occupies the whole area of the phase-locked neural activity
of the cortex for a point in time.
Between the null spikes the cortical dynamics is (nearly) stationary
for ∼ 60 − 160 ms. This is called a frame.
29
37. During periods of high amplitude the spatial deviation of phase (SDX )
is low,
the phase spatial mean tends to be constant within frames
and to change suddenly between frames,
The reduction in the amplitude of the spontaneous background ac-
tivity induces a brief state of indeterminacy in which the significant
pass band of the electrocorticogram (ECoG) is near to zero and the
phase of ECoG is undefined.
Each null spike initiates a spatial phase cone.
The phase cone is a spatial phase gradient that is imposed on the
carrier wave of the wave packet in a frame by the propagation velocity
of the largest axons having the highest velocity in a distribution.
30
38. The arriving stimulus can drive the cortex across a phase transition
process to a new AM pattern.
The observed velocity of spread of phase transition is finite, i.e. there
is no “instantaneous” phase transition.
These features have been documented as markers of the interface
between microscopic and mesoscopic phenomena.
31
39. Figure 10. Null spikes are observed by band pass filtering the EEG (A), applying the Hilbert
transform [Freeman, 2007b] to get the analytic power (B), and taking the logarithm (C). On each channel
the downward spikes coincide with spikes in analytic frequency (D) reflecting increased analytic phase
variance. The flat segment between spikes reflects the stability of the carrier frequency of AM patterns.
The spikes form clusters in time but are not precisely synchronized. One or more of these null spikes
coincides with phase transitions leading to emergence of AM patterns. The modal repetition rate of the
null spikes in Hz is predicted to be 0.641 times the pass band width in Hz [Rice, 1950, p. 90, Equation
3.8-15].
40. The possibility of deriving from the microscopic (quantum) dynamics
the classicality of trajectories in the memory space is one of the merits
of the dissipative many-body field model.
These trajectories are found to be classical deterministic chaotic tra-
jectories ∗
The manifold on which the attractor landscapes sit covers as a “clas-
sical blanket” the quantum dynamics going on in each of the repre-
sentations of the CCR’s (the AM patterns recurring at rates in the
theta range (3 − 8 Hz)).
∗ E.Pessa and G. Vitiello, Mind and Matter 1 59 (2003)
E. Pessa and G. Vitiello, Intern. J. Modern Physics B 18, 841, (2004)
G. Vitiello, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 18, 785 (2004)
37
41. The emerging picture is that a stimulus selects a basin of attraction
in the primary sensory cortex to which it converges, often with very
little information as in weak scents, faint clicks, and weak flashes.
The convergence constitutes the process of abstraction.
Each attractor can be selected by a stimulus that is an instance of
the category (generalization) that the attractor implements by its AM
pattern:
⇒ the waking state consists of a collection of potential states, any
one of which but only one at a time can be realized through a phase
transition.
38
42. The specific ordered pattern generated through SBS by an external
input does not depend on the stimulus features. It depends on the
system internal dynamics.
⇒ The stored memory is not a representation of the stimulus.
The model accounts for the laboratory observation of lack of invari-
ance of the AM neuronal oscillation patterns with invariant stimuli
The engagement of the subject with the environment in the action-
perception cycle is the essential basis for the emergence and main-
tenance of meaning through successful interaction and its knowledge
base within the brain.
It is an active mirror, because the environment impacts onto the self
independently as well as reactively.
The brain-environment “inter-action” is ruled by the free energy min-
imization processes.
39
43. The continual balancing of the energy fluxes at the brain–environment
interface amounts to the continual updating of the meanings of the
flows of information exchanged in the brain behavioral relation with
the environment.
By repeated trial-and-error each brain constructs within itself an un-
derstanding of its surround, which constitutes its knowledge of its
own world that we describe as its Double ∗.
∗ G.
Vitiello, Int. J. Mod. Phys. B 9, 973 (1995)
G. Vitiello, My Double Unveiled. Amsterdam: John Benjamins, 2001
40
45. “The other one, the one called Borges, is the one things happen
to....It would be an exaggeration to say that ours is a hostile rela-
tionship; I live, let myself go on living, so that Borges may contrive
his literature, and this literature justifies me....Besides, I am destined
to perish, definitively, and only some instant of myself can survive
him....Spinoza knew that all things long to persist in their being; the
stone eternally wants to be a stone and a tiger a tiger. I shall remain
in Borges, not in myself (if it is true that I am someone)....Years ago
I tried to free myself from him and went from the mythologies of the
suburbs to the games with time and infinity, but those games belong
to Borges now and I shall have to imagine other things. Thus my life
is a flight and I lose everything and everything belongs to oblivion, or
to him.
I do not know which of us has written this page.”∗
∗ JorgeLouis Borges, “Borges and I”, in El hacedor, Biblioteca Borges, Alianza
Editorial, 1960.
41
46. In conclusion,
John von Neumann noted that
“...the mathematical or logical language truly used by the central
nervous system is characterized by less logical and arithmetical depth
than what we are normally used to. ...We require exquisite numerical
precision over many logical steps to achieve what brains accomplish
in very few short steps” ∗.
The observation of textured AM patterns and sequential phase tran-
sitions in brain functioning and the dissipative quantum model de-
scribing them perhaps provide a way to the understanding of such a
view.
∗ J.
von Neumann, The Computer and the Brain. New Haven: Yale University Press,
1958, pp.80-81
42
47. Much work remains to be done in many research directions,
such as the analysis of the interaction between the boson condensate
and the details of the electrochemical neural activity,
or the problems of extending the dissipative many-body model to
account for higher cognitive functions of the brain.
At the present status of our research, the study of the dissipative
many-body dynamics underlying the richness of the laboratory obser-
vations seems to be promising.
43