Simulation of the effect of learning on the topology of the functional connectivity of neural networks

We introduce a procedure for simulating adaptive learning in neural networks and the effect this learning has on the way in which the functional connections between the nodes of the network are established. The procedure combines two mechanisms: firstly, the gradual dilution of the network through the elimination of synaptic weights in increasing order of magnitude, thus reducing the costs of the network structure. Secondly, to train the network as it is diluted so as not to compromise its performance pursuant to the proposed task. Considering different levels of learning difficulty, we compare the topology of the functional connectivities that result from the application of this procedure with those obtained using fMRI in healthy volunteers. According to our results, the topology of functional connectivities in healthy subjects can be interpreted as the product of a learning process with a specific degree of difficulty. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.