Single neurons in prefrontal cortex encode abstract rules
Article Abstract:
A study of single neurons in the prefrontal cortex of monkeys taught to use two abstract rules indicates that they are capable of learning general principles that can be applied to stimuli that they have not yet experienced. The prevalence of rule activity indicates that the abstraction of rules and principles could be a significant prefrontal function.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2001
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Selective representation of relevant information by neurons in the primate prefrontal cortex
Article Abstract:
Tests were undertaken on monkeys to discover whether the neuron activity in the prefrontal (PF) cortex can preferentially represent behaviorally relevant information. Delayed-matching-to-sample tasks with three objects, with only one object relevant for task performance. Information about target location was seen in activity at 140 ms after array onset, and information about the target object was reflected in sustained activity of several PF neurons, suggesting that the PF cortex has an involvement in the selection and maintenance of behaviorally relevant information.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Straight from the top
Article Abstract:
It has been possible to gain an insight into top-down signals in the brain. This research has also produced evidence that these signals come, at least partly, from the prefrontal cortex. It involved investigating the function of prefrontal top-down signals when monkeys recalled visual images stored in the inferior temporal cortex. This is the first research to demonstrate that interactions between the prefrontal and inferior temporal cortices are directly implicated in recall.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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