This paper describes a new theory of consciousness based on previous work by C.D. Broad, H.H. Pri... more This paper describes a new theory of consciousness based on previous work by C.D. Broad, H.H. Price, Andrei Linde and others. This hypothesis states that the Universe consists of three fundamental entities -space-time, matter and consciousness, each with their own degrees of freedom. The paper pays particular attention to three areas that impact on this theory: (1) the demonstration by neuroscience and psychophysics that we do not perceive the world as it actually is but as the brain computes it most probably to be; (2) the need to delineate between phenomenal space-time and physical space-time. Recent theories in physics that suggest that the Universe has more than three spatial dimensions are relevant here; (3) the role of consciousness in the block Universe described by Special Relativity. The integration of these topics suggests a new physical theory of the nature of consciousness.
ABSTRACT This paper reviews the evidence, from studies of acute denervation plasticity, that NCCs... more ABSTRACT This paper reviews the evidence, from studies of acute denervation plasticity, that NCCs in the sensory cortex are composed of particular patterns of intracolumnar excitation in a certain type of neuron, and not of specific anatomically identified neurons. This leads to an enquiry as to what the microneurological basis of NCCs in general may be. Further evidence is examined as to the possible NCCs of the stroboscopic patterns. The hypotheses are presented that the geometrical bright phase patterns arise as dissipative structures generated by interacting cortical rhythms; whereas the non-geometrical dark phase patterns have as their NCCs dendritic potentials in the GABAergic gap-junction linked network in layers II and III of the visual cortex.
THIS note discusses my hypothesis of the molecular structure of the opiate receptor based on two ... more THIS note discusses my hypothesis of the molecular structure of the opiate receptor based on two opposed parallel Kusnetsov-Ghokov grids. A study of the molecular structure of a wide variety of opiate agonists and antagonists suggests that the complementary opiate receptor consists of a cup with a marked three-dimensional topology. This cup in the model, is constructed of four pentapeptide segments of protein chain , aligned as
ABSTRACT This paper presents an enquiry into the essential nature of phenomenal consciousness and... more ABSTRACT This paper presents an enquiry into the essential nature of phenomenal consciousness and its relation to the neural correlates of consciousness in the brain (NCCs). It first combines critical accounts of current ideas about the nature of NCCs themselves and about what constitutes phenomenal consciousness. This is followed by an examination of how these two may be related with a particular focus on pointing out the defects in the currently most popular hypothesis in this field, namely the identity theory. The conclusion is that we need a better theory. A candidate for this theory is presented in some detail that involves higher-dimensional geometry.
Crick and Koch suggested in 2005 that the claustrum might be engaged in sensory binding operation... more Crick and Koch suggested in 2005 that the claustrum might be engaged in sensory binding operations related to consciousness. This might involve, they suggested, widespread waves of information traveling within the claustrum that might depend on networks of gap-junction linked neurons, which were especially sensitive to the timing of inputs. But they did not suggest any specific system to do this. The purpose of this present paper is to suggest what this mechanism might be. The basic thesis is that the claustrum is a spike coincidence–detecting device, constructed of large number of small simple identical nerve nets. These function as GABA-modulated ‘AND gates’ that convert the separate packets of unbound information in its inputs into an efferent signal that carries the binding information essential for consciousness and other brain functions. This function may also be relevant to processing of synchronized oscillation by the claustrum. Different anatomical regions of the claustrum may exert this function for sensory binding, computation of the significance of reinforcement in a complex environment, and other higher brain functions. We also suggest the outlines of a mechanism by which the cortex may process this input from the claustrum. We review the manner in which this hypothesis explains the present data. There is at present no other detailed hypothesis in this field. Key words: Claustrum, consciousness, binding, coincidence detection, AND gate, GABAergic interneurons, gap-junction linked networks, salvinorin A.
This paper describes a new theory of consciousness based on previous work by C.D. Broad, H.H. Pri... more This paper describes a new theory of consciousness based on previous work by C.D. Broad, H.H. Price, Andrei Linde and others. This hypothesis states that the Universe consists of three fundamental entities -space-time, matter and consciousness, each with their own degrees of freedom. The paper pays particular attention to three areas that impact on this theory: (1) the demonstration by neuroscience and psychophysics that we do not perceive the world as it actually is but as the brain computes it most probably to be; (2) the need to delineate between phenomenal space-time and physical space-time. Recent theories in physics that suggest that the Universe has more than three spatial dimensions are relevant here; (3) the role of consciousness in the block Universe described by Special Relativity. The integration of these topics suggests a new physical theory of the nature of consciousness.
ABSTRACT This paper reviews the evidence, from studies of acute denervation plasticity, that NCCs... more ABSTRACT This paper reviews the evidence, from studies of acute denervation plasticity, that NCCs in the sensory cortex are composed of particular patterns of intracolumnar excitation in a certain type of neuron, and not of specific anatomically identified neurons. This leads to an enquiry as to what the microneurological basis of NCCs in general may be. Further evidence is examined as to the possible NCCs of the stroboscopic patterns. The hypotheses are presented that the geometrical bright phase patterns arise as dissipative structures generated by interacting cortical rhythms; whereas the non-geometrical dark phase patterns have as their NCCs dendritic potentials in the GABAergic gap-junction linked network in layers II and III of the visual cortex.
THIS note discusses my hypothesis of the molecular structure of the opiate receptor based on two ... more THIS note discusses my hypothesis of the molecular structure of the opiate receptor based on two opposed parallel Kusnetsov-Ghokov grids. A study of the molecular structure of a wide variety of opiate agonists and antagonists suggests that the complementary opiate receptor consists of a cup with a marked three-dimensional topology. This cup in the model, is constructed of four pentapeptide segments of protein chain , aligned as
ABSTRACT This paper presents an enquiry into the essential nature of phenomenal consciousness and... more ABSTRACT This paper presents an enquiry into the essential nature of phenomenal consciousness and its relation to the neural correlates of consciousness in the brain (NCCs). It first combines critical accounts of current ideas about the nature of NCCs themselves and about what constitutes phenomenal consciousness. This is followed by an examination of how these two may be related with a particular focus on pointing out the defects in the currently most popular hypothesis in this field, namely the identity theory. The conclusion is that we need a better theory. A candidate for this theory is presented in some detail that involves higher-dimensional geometry.
Crick and Koch suggested in 2005 that the claustrum might be engaged in sensory binding operation... more Crick and Koch suggested in 2005 that the claustrum might be engaged in sensory binding operations related to consciousness. This might involve, they suggested, widespread waves of information traveling within the claustrum that might depend on networks of gap-junction linked neurons, which were especially sensitive to the timing of inputs. But they did not suggest any specific system to do this. The purpose of this present paper is to suggest what this mechanism might be. The basic thesis is that the claustrum is a spike coincidence–detecting device, constructed of large number of small simple identical nerve nets. These function as GABA-modulated ‘AND gates’ that convert the separate packets of unbound information in its inputs into an efferent signal that carries the binding information essential for consciousness and other brain functions. This function may also be relevant to processing of synchronized oscillation by the claustrum. Different anatomical regions of the claustrum may exert this function for sensory binding, computation of the significance of reinforcement in a complex environment, and other higher brain functions. We also suggest the outlines of a mechanism by which the cortex may process this input from the claustrum. We review the manner in which this hypothesis explains the present data. There is at present no other detailed hypothesis in this field. Key words: Claustrum, consciousness, binding, coincidence detection, AND gate, GABAergic interneurons, gap-junction linked networks, salvinorin A.
In 1786, the French anatomist Felix Vicq d’Azyr published his monumental in-folio treatise on the... more In 1786, the French anatomist Felix Vicq d’Azyr published his monumental in-folio treatise on the human brain, in which the claustrum was first identified. Macroscopically, it is a rather extensive yet thin sheet-like aggregate of neurons tucked beneath the insular cortex, sandwiched between the external and extreme capsules of the mammalian brain. Two-hundred-and-nineteen years later, Francis Crick and his colleague, Christof Koch, published their seminal paper entitled “What is the function of the claustrum?” (Crick and Koch, 2005). Their paper contains an extensive review of the existing anatomical and physiological data relating to the claustrum’s reciprocal connectivity with nearly all areas of the cerebral cortex, as well as many subcortical areas. In particular, they stressed the importance of there being far fewer claustral neurons (estimated at 16 million; Braak and Braak, 1982) than the 10 billion or so occupying the cerebral cortex (Shepherd, 1998). This results in a major convergence and condensation in the corticoclaustral pathway, and a corresponding divergence in the reciprocal claustrocortical pathway.
Crick and Koch concluded that the claustrum is ideally situated with regard to its connectivity with each of the primary sensory cortices to best function as a neural correlate of consciousness, thereby serving to bind the never-ending influx of sensory information and return it from whence it came for higher-level processing demands in an efficient and energy-conserving manner. They further suggested that the claustrum supports “flows of information” in which GABAergic mechanisms play a prominent role. Additionally, they posited that claustral neurons could be “especially sensitive to the timing of neurons.” However, they did not offer any precise mechanisms to perform these functions.
Our intention is to provide the neuroscience audience with what will be the first book solely devoted to the claustrum. In fact, to our knowledge, there are no other published efforts (either as a journal article, book chapter or symposium) which aim to provide their audience with such an all-encompassing and leading-edge perspective on this structure. The various topics to be covered in our book - each addressed in chapters written by highly regarded neuroscientists with substantive knowledge of the claustrum and related structures - are what one would expect from such an exhaustive undertaking. As well, we will offer a venue for the development of unifying hypotheses and critical insights from a variety of experts as to the claustrum’s role in consciousness, as well as the integration of sensory information and other higher brain functions.
We have noticed a steadily growing interest in the areas of cross-modal processing and multisensory integration amongst the neuroscience, neurology and neuropsychiatric community, particularly as it relates to higher-level visual and auditory processing, as well as the investigation of neural correlates of consciousness. In addition, with the explosive growth and advances in the use of fMRI and DTI, the claustrum has been clearly implicated in the development and sequelae of such debilitating disorders as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. We believe that the time has come for a book which concisely compiles and organizes all of the extant information on this enigmatic yet highly understudied brain structure, at the same time providing its audience with the first comprehensively researched hypothesis as to its function, therein providing a platform and point of reference for future investigative efforts.
We envision our readership to be neuroscientists, neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, neuropsychologists and advanced students, our intention being to bring basic researchers up to speed on all things claustral in one fell swoop, while simultaneously providing our collective audience with the first comprehensively researched and evaluated hypothesis as to its function.
Theories about the function of the claustrum suggest that it critically modulates the activity of... more Theories about the function of the claustrum suggest that it critically modulates the activity of connected cortical areas. One way to test such theories is to experimentally damage the claustrum and examine performance in behavioral tasks known to be dependent on those areas.
A complete and selective lesion of the claustrum is difficult to accomplish with standard methods due to its complex morphology and proximity to neighboring cortical structures. In rats however, the anterior section of the claustrum is vulnerable to experimental lesion. The rat anterior claustrum is located lateral to the forceps minor of the corpus callosum and medial to the ventral orbital cortex. At this location, the anterior claustrum is approximately 1 mm deep.
The densest connections of the anterior claustrum are with the nearby orbitofrontal, prefrontal, motor, and insular cortices. We damaged the anterior claustrum with infusions of 0.15 M NMDA (0.2 μl in each side) and tested performance on tasks that involve these cortical areas. Also, noting that some of the highest densities of kappa-opioid receptors in the mammalian brain are in the claustrum, we infused Dynorphin-Saporin (10 ng per side, with control rats receiving Blank-Saporin) with the expectation that larger and more complete lesions to the claustrum could be created.
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Papers by john smythies
Crick and Koch concluded that the claustrum is ideally situated with regard to its connectivity with each of the primary sensory cortices to best function as a neural correlate of consciousness, thereby serving to bind the never-ending influx of sensory information and return it from whence it came for higher-level processing demands in an efficient and energy-conserving manner. They further suggested that the claustrum supports “flows of information” in which GABAergic mechanisms play a prominent role. Additionally, they posited that claustral neurons could be “especially sensitive to the timing of neurons.” However, they did not offer any precise mechanisms to perform these functions.
Our intention is to provide the neuroscience audience with what will be the first book solely devoted to the claustrum. In fact, to our knowledge, there are no other published efforts (either as a journal article, book chapter or symposium) which aim to provide their audience with such an all-encompassing and leading-edge perspective on this structure. The various topics to be covered in our book - each addressed in chapters written by highly regarded neuroscientists with substantive knowledge of the claustrum and related structures - are what one would expect from such an exhaustive undertaking. As well, we will offer a venue for the development of unifying hypotheses and critical insights from a variety of experts as to the claustrum’s role in consciousness, as well as the integration of sensory information and other higher brain functions.
We have noticed a steadily growing interest in the areas of cross-modal processing and multisensory integration amongst the neuroscience, neurology and neuropsychiatric community, particularly as it relates to higher-level visual and auditory processing, as well as the investigation of neural correlates of consciousness. In addition, with the explosive growth and advances in the use of fMRI and DTI, the claustrum has been clearly implicated in the development and sequelae of such debilitating disorders as autism, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. We believe that the time has come for a book which concisely compiles and organizes all of the extant information on this enigmatic yet highly understudied brain structure, at the same time providing its audience with the first comprehensively researched hypothesis as to its function, therein providing a platform and point of reference for future investigative efforts.
We envision our readership to be neuroscientists, neurologists, neuropsychiatrists, neuropsychologists and advanced students, our intention being to bring basic researchers up to speed on all things claustral in one fell swoop, while simultaneously providing our collective audience with the first comprehensively researched and evaluated hypothesis as to its function.
A complete and selective lesion of the claustrum is difficult to accomplish with standard methods due to its complex morphology and proximity to neighboring cortical structures. In rats however, the anterior section of the claustrum is vulnerable to experimental lesion. The rat anterior claustrum is located lateral to the forceps minor of the corpus callosum and medial to the ventral orbital cortex. At this location, the anterior claustrum is approximately 1 mm deep.
The densest connections of the anterior claustrum are with the nearby orbitofrontal, prefrontal, motor, and insular cortices. We damaged the anterior claustrum with infusions of 0.15 M NMDA (0.2 μl in each side) and tested performance on tasks that involve these cortical areas. Also, noting that some of the highest densities of kappa-opioid receptors in the mammalian brain are in the claustrum, we infused Dynorphin-Saporin (10 ng per side, with control rats receiving Blank-Saporin) with the expectation that larger and more complete lesions to the claustrum could be created.