Pulsed Neural Networks (Bradford Books)

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 377 pages
• Published by: The MIT Press
• Edition: 1st Edition November 20, 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0262133504
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0262133500
• Book Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.4 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 2.5 pounds

Product Review
Traditional neural network computing uses continuous propagation of its signals, whereas biological networks use signal timing and frequency in their transmission and computation. Pulsed Neural Networks arose out of a two-day workshop at the Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Studies at Cambridge, and provides a broad overview of the comparatively recent developments in building and working with these machines.

A compelling foreword by Terrence J. Sejnowski explains the basics. Several tutorial chapters covering biological and electronic pulsed computing follow. The rest of the book is divided into two parts: "Implementations" and "Design and Analysis of Pulsed Neural Systems."

Useful for neuroscientists, engineers, and, of course, computer scientists, Pulsed Neural Networks requires a certain familiarity with traditional neural networks and demands a willingness to probe neurobiological theory. However, this text rewards readers for their hard work with a much more powerful and robust approach to the problems of neural computing. --Rob Lightner

Product Review
"Pulsed Neural Networks is a welcome new breeze in the field of neuronal modeling. At last, the central issue of timing in neuronal network function is treated in its full depth—a must for anyone seriously interested in CNS function."
—Rodolfo Llinás, Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, New York University Medical School --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Reader Reviews
Pulsed Neural Networks (90's), Artificial Intelligence (80's), Cybernetics (60's and 70's) Telephone Switch Board (10's and 20's) Hydrodynamics (1700 and 1800) it is amazing the names put on cognitive science through the years. This book is a symposium (13 small books) on developing hardware devices capable of replacing or enhancing neurological functions. Using modeling techniques to duplicate biophysical neural pathways can take two forms. The first are math models, which obviously show the relationship between the neurons (virtual reality). The second type is models that build-spiking neurons in real time to which this book is directed. In the first part of the book, a summary of current thought, written by the main compilers of the book (Maas and Bishop) is worth the price alone. The book addresses the question of biological electrical (vs. chemical or genetic) coding, in which the method of information is actually transmitted and received. The compilers have emphasized the chronological event of development with the articles so that the reader does not become lost in which came first. Gravy is given the reader in the form of articles written by researchers in other fields (VLSI) to the point that the reader wonders if one is still reading a book on biophysics. The hard-wired neural net components are then compared to their biological predecessors for the purpose of obtaining usable "dry lab" tools for experiments. ("Dry-wet-electrical lab", "electrical-dry-lab-wet-computer-lab"?). Even though the material contains electrical engineering stuff it is still very readable to biological types and if interested, can muscle through this stuff. The math model development in Matlab is mentioned, but the reference to Matlab's current capabilities in this area is dated (95). Most of symmetries run in the book are older 200 Pentium type machines, and with a faster (650 up) and better busing Matlab's new neural net toolbox can build some interesting stuff (remember however it is still virtual). The "home modeler" can use chap. 7 and 12 as a theoretical basis for stochastic resonance models which the writers, while dealing with stochastic bit-stream overlooked this aspect. However, H.Wilson's Spikes, Decision and Actions is much better. (Matlab interactive). This is a really good book for modelers (reason for the review as opposed to `me to' reviews). Most of the neural nets and circuits designs are easily modeled in Matlab's Simulink to give real time results similar to those reported. (Whether the results duplicate reality is always a question with these types of models). Flights of fancy (the reason for modeling in the first place, at least the addictive part) can then be implemented according to the capabilities of the reader. The book also discusses "hard wired" CMOS chips available replicating biological systems with plug in units to standard computer I/O units (Motorola, National, and Fuzzytech). However a larger question comes from this book. How can the output of a non-deterministic system be modeled by deterministic model (hardware or otherwise) inputs (H.Wilson)? Without a specific knowledge of the role that neural architecture plays in the phase modulations and oscillatory behavior, how can information be transferred by digital or analog devices duplication neural transmission. As the author puts it in Chap. 12, "Furthermore it is not even clear what the goal of a learning algorithm for pulsed neural nets should be; the goal to learn a function or a function (operator). This book is not a failing because it cannot answer this question. Indeed, the avenues it reviews and discusses opens up many more fields and sparks new uses for the fields it introduces.