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Maximal Memory Capacity Near the Edge of Chaos in Balanced Cortical E-I Networks
Takashi Kanamaru1,2, Takao K Hensch1,3,4, Kazuyuki Aihara5
1International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), UTIAS, University of Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
Abstract:
We examine the efficiency of information processing in a balanced excitatory and inhibitory (E-I) network during the developmental critical period, when network plasticity is heightened. A multimodule network composed of E-I neurons was defined, and its dynamics were examined by regulating the balance between their activities. When adjusting E-I activity, both transitive chaotic synchronization with a high Lyapunov dimension and conventional chaos with a low Lyapunov dimension were found. In between, the edge of high-dimensional chaos was observed. To quantify the efficiency of information processing, we applied a short-term memory task in reservoir computing to the dynamics of our network. We found that memory capacity was maximized when optimal E-I balance was realized, underscoring both its vital role and vulnerability during critical periods of brain development.
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