title: A neuro-inspired model-based closed-loop neuroprosthesis for the substitution of a cerebellar learning function in anesthetized rats.
abstract: Neuroprostheses could potentially recover functions lost due to neural damage. Typical neuroprostheses connect an intact brain with the external environment, thus replacing damaged sensory or motor pathways. Recently, closed-loop neuroprostheses, bidirectionally interfaced with the brain, have begun to emerge, offering an opportunity to substitute malfunctioning brain structures. In this proof-of-concept study, we demonstrate a neuro-inspired model-based approach to neuroprostheses. A VLSI chip was designed to implement essential cerebellar synaptic plasticity rules, and was interfaced with cerebellar input and output nuclei in real time, thus reproducing cerebellum-dependent learning in anesthetized rats. Such a model-based approach does not require prior system identification, allowing for de novo experience-based learning in the brain-chip hybrid, with potential clinical advantages and limitations when compared to existing parametric "black box" models.
authors: Psychobiology Research Unit, School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
authors: Roni
authors: R
authors: Hogri
authors: Complex Systems Modeling Group, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
authors: Simeon A
authors: SA
authors: Bamford
authors: Psychobiology Research Unit, School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
authors: Aryeh H
authors: AH
authors: Taub
authors: Psychobiology Research Unit, School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
authors: Ari
authors: A
authors: Magal
authors: 1] Complex Systems Modeling Group, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy [2] Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Sezione di Roma, 00185 Rome, Italy.
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Del Giudice
authors: Psychobiology Research Unit, School of Psychological Sciences and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
authors: Matti
authors: M
authors: Mintz
mesh_terms: D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D023421:Models, Animal; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics