Year: 2011
Type: review
Abstract: Recent advances in the study of delay differential equations draw attention to the potential benefits of the interplay between random perturbations ('noise') and delay in neural control. The phenomena include transient stabilizations of unstable steady states by noise, control of fast movements using time-delayed feedback and the occurrence of long-lived delay-induced transients. In particular, this research suggests that the interplay between noise and delay necessitates the use of intermittent, discontinuous control strategies in which corrective movements are made only when controlled variables cross certain thresholds. A potential benefit of such strategies is that they may be optimal for minimizing energy expenditures associated with control. In this paper, the concepts are made accessible by introducing them through simple illustrative examples that can be readily reproduced using software packages, such as XPPAUT.
Source: Journal of Neural Engineering
Author: John G Milton
Institution: W.M. Keck Science Center
Language: English
Subfield: Statistical and Nonlinear Physics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2139960059