Neurons are characterized by an electric potential which is established between their inside
and outside media. They exhibit specific voltage fluctuations, in response to strong enough
current impulses, called action potentials.
In this work, a bang-bang controlled bilinear system (BLS) is derived to approximate
the generation of a simple neuron's action potential. The shape of the response, as well as
the timing seem to be useful for experimental planning and interpretation to neural physiologists.
The BLS-model has the potential to aid the design and fabrication of commercial
neural networks for communication, control and computing.
In this manner, a variable-structure membrane impedance, such as exhibited by a
stable focus and a saddle point in state space, and/or other modes, arises naturally. Added
positive and negative stimuli, such as from other neurons, have the capability to alter the
voltage across the inside and the outside media of the neuron and elicit an advanced or
delayed response in the action potential. Such latency is significant as noted above, and is
an active area of experimental research.
The response shape and the timing with respect to some other event(latency} are
related to experimental data. This simple model is compared to the complex and highly
celebrated Hodgkin-Huxley model for the squid giant axon. The bang-bang feedback control
is given a biological interpretation of sodium and potassium ion channels in this axon, that
yields a variable-structure membrane impedance. / Graduation date: 2000
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/33323 |
| Date | 07 June 1999 |
| Creators | Yahiaoui, Youcef |
| Contributors | Mohler, R. R. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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