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arXiv · 1602.05220

BioSpaun: A large-scale behaving brain model with complex neurons

Chris Eliasmith·Jan Gosmann·Xuan Choo
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Abstract

We describe a large-scale functional brain model that includes detailed, conductance-based, compartmental models of individual neurons. We call the model BioSpaun, to indicate the increased biological plausibility of these neurons, and because it is a direct extension of the Spaun model \cite{Eliasmith2012b}. We demonstrate that including these detailed compartmental models does not adversely affect performance across a variety of tasks, including digit recognition, serial working memory, and counting. We then explore the effects of applying TTX, a sodium channel blocking drug, to the model. We characterize the behavioral changes that result from this molecular level intervention. We believe this is the first demonstration of a large-scale brain model that clearly links low-level molecular interventions and high-level behavior.

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Chris Eliasmith, Jan Gosmann, Xuan Choo. 2016-02-16. BioSpaun: A large-scale behaving brain model with complex neurons. https://arxiv.org/abs/1602.05220

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