Brain Computation Is Organized via Power of Two Based Permutation Logic
There is considerable scientific interest in understanding how cell assemblies the long presumed computational motif are organized so that the brain can generate intelligent cognition and flexible behavior. The Theory of Connectivity proposes that the origin of intelligence is rooted in a power of two based permutation logic (N 2i 1) producing specific to general cell assembly architecture capable of generating specific perceptions and memories, as well as generalized knowledge and flexible actions. We show that this power of two based permutation logic is widely used in cortical and subcortical circuits across animal species and is conserved for the processing of a variety of cognitive modalities including appetitive, emotional and social information. However, modulatory neurons, such as dopaminergic (DA) neurons, use a simpler logic despite their distinct subtypes. Interestingly, this specific to general permutation logic remained largely intact although NMDA receptors the synaptic switch for learning and memory were deleted throughout adulthood, suggesting that the logic is developmentally pre configured. Moreover, this computational logic is implemented in the cortex via combining a random connectivity strategy in superficial layers 2/3 with nonrandom organizations in deep layers 5/6. This randomness of layers 2/3 cliques which preferentially encode specific and low combinatorial features and project inter cortically is ideal for maximizing cross modality novel pattern extraction, pattern discrimination and pattern categorization using sparse code, consequently explaining why it requires hippocampal offline consolidation. In contrast, the nonrandomness in layers 5/6 which consists of few specific cliques but a higher portion of more general cliques projecting mostly to subcortical systems is ideal for feedback control of motivation, emotion, consciousness and behaviors. These observations suggest that the brain's basic computational algorithm is indeed organized by the power of two based permutation logic. This simple mathematical logic can account for brain computation across the entire evolutionary spectrum, ranging from the simplest neural networks to the most complex.
Front. Syst. Neurosci.