Pattern Generation in Neural Networks

在所有动物的神经系统中，神经元都会产生电信号，向下一个细胞发出有关事件的信号。这种类型的交流是有据可查的，目前仍在研究中。众所周知，中枢模式产生器负责大多数运动的产生。在过去的几年里，中央模式生成器作为一个产生模式化输出的自主网络的概念已经让位于一个更复杂的观点。中心模式发生器是多功能的；也就是说，给定的神经元网络可以重组，产生不同的活动模式。希勒尔·切尔博士正在研究神经网络中模式生成的细胞和突触基础。他的研究将包括(1)识别与无脊椎动物摄食中枢模式产生有关的中间神经元，(2)分析它们内在的生物物理特性和它们在培养中的突触连接，以及(3)在培养中重建部分网络。这项工作很重要，因为它将为我们提供有关神经细胞相互交流方式的新知识。

In the nervous systems of all animals the neurons produce electrical patterns which signal the next cell about an event. This type of communication is well documented and is still under study. Central pattern generators are known to be responsible for the production of most motor movements. In the last few years, the notion of the central pattern generator as an autonomous network producing stereotyped outputs has given way to a much more complex view. Central pattern generators are multifunctional; that is, a given network of neurons can be reorganized to produce a different pattern of activity. Dr. Hillel Chiel is doing research to understand the cellular and synaptic basis of pattern generation in neural networks. His research will entail (1) identifying interneurons involved in the feeding central pattern generator of an invertebrate, (2) analyzing their intrinsic biophysical properties and their synaptic connections in culture, and (3) reconstructing a part of the network in culture. This work is important because it will give us new knowledge about the way nerve cells communicate with each other.