Integrating fMRI and single-cell data of visual working memory

Based on single-cell and fMRI data, two different current models of the topographical and functional organization of the prefrontal cortex has been proposed: organization-by-stimulus-domain model, and organization-by-process model. The present work utilizes a computational neuroscience-based approach in order to integrate, via a detailed large-scale microscopic neuro-dynamical computational model, single-cells and fMRI measurements of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) associated with working memory processing, in order to delve into the question on the topographical structure of the PFC. For this purpose, we formulate an explicit model of the spiking and synaptic dynamical mechanisms that underly working memory-related activity during the execution of delay tasks with a 'what'-then-'where' design (object and spatial delayed response within the same trial). (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.