title: Cell suicide in the developing nervous system: a functional neural network model.
abstract: A computational model of programmed cell death (PCD) in the nervous system is described. A neurobiologically realisable method for identifying and removing the least useful cells from a network is developed, and it is shown by simulation that an artificial neural network can solve difficult problems efficiently if it is given more neurons initially than it needs subsequently. The least useful neurons die off gradually after learning is complete, and the learned solution can then be maintained with a smaller number of units than were needed for initial learning. The research suggests a functional role for PCD, and how self-limiting PCD could be achieved in real neural systems.
authors: Department of Psychology, University of Wales, Bangor, Gwynedd, UK.
authors: G D
authors: GD
authors: Brown
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Hulme
authors: P D
authors: PD
authors: Hyland
authors: I J
authors: IJ
authors: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D009420:Nervous System / Q000254:growth & development / Q000473:pathology*; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D011340:Problem Solving / Q000502:physiology