Internal control of brain networks via sparse feedback

Abstract

The human brain is a complex system whose function depends on interactions between neurons and their ensembles across scales of organization. These interactions are restricted by anatomical and energetic constraints, and facilitate information processing and integration in response to cognitive demands. In this work, we considered the brain as a closed loop dynamic system under sparse feedback control. This controller design considered simultaneously control performance and feedback (communication) cost. As proof of principle, we applied this framework to structural and functional brain networks. Under high feedback cost only a small number of highly connected network nodes were controlled, which suggests that a small subset of brain regions may play a central role in the control of neural circuits, through a tradeoff between performance and communication cost.