International Neural Network Society SIG

Parabiotic Neural Construct

Overview



Overview of PNC

A Parabiotic neural construct is a functional model of the neuro-synaptic junction.
The model is created using the programming language "Python".  This  
language is dynamically and strongly typed, interpreted, interactive, object
oriented, multi-threaded and platform independent.

An object of the class "Neuron" is instantiated. The virtual neuron begins to
query remotely sensed data streams, for example real time temperature readings
obtained from a thermistor probe, locally or through IP address.
When the cumulative amount of independent real time sensed data reaches a 
threshold the neuron simulates a depolarization event or Action Potential (AP).  

When the pre-synaptic membrane depolarizes the model generates a variable number 
of threads, each of which represent neurotransmitter molecules.  These are assigned
an average thread life which can be modified by a multiplier so that the average
of the thread-lives ("neurotransmitter molecules")can be changed 
(shortened or lengthened) to simulate the effect of 
neuro-active compounds that, for example, alter the re-uptake of neurotransmiters
or block post-synaptic membrane receptors. 




As seen in the image above, a neurotransmitter "Emitter-array" represents the 
threads that are instantiated when the pre-synaptic membrane action potential causes a 
"depolarization".

When the threshold for the post-synaptic membrane potential  is reached, as a 
function of summed thread activity sensed by a similar "receiver array", a 
depolarization event triggers another action potential on the second Parabiotic 
Neural Unit (PNU) which subsequently fires.  The membrane potential of the second 
neuron is also influenced by the real time sensed remote data feeds as well as the 
equivalent of dendro-dendritic inputs from the first neuron which are independent of the 
"Thread-Emitter". 







The original prototype mock-up of an Adaptive Resonance Network using the PNC 
concept is pictured below:




This shows Styrofoam balls representing the Parabiotic Neural Units with 
"pipe-cleaners" of various colors representing the relationships which together 
form the Parabiotic Neural Construct.  The different colors represent the 
Main-PNU-threads, PNU-Memory, Shared-Memory, Input, Output, PNU-PNU thread 
connections and control modifiers.


A class for handling remote sensed data from a DGH1300 series theromo-couple
for incorporation into the Parabiotic construct was written 
by Eli Fulkerson System/network administrator and Database/web-application developer



 
Python code for interface with serial Thermocouple

Potential applications


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