The neural architecture of the cerebellum is thought to be specialized for performing supervised learning: specific error-related climbing fiber inputs are used to teach sensorimotor associations to small ensembles of Purkinje cells located in functionally distinct modules that operate independently of each other in a purely feedforward manner. Here, we test whether the basic operation of the cerebellum complies with this basic architecture in mice that learned a simple sensorimotor association during eyeblink conditioning. By recording Purkinje cells in different modules and testing whether their responses rely on recurrent circuits, our results reveal three operational principles about the functional organization of the cerebellum that stand in stark contrast to the conventional view: (1) Antagonistic organization, (2) Recurrent network dynamics, and (3) Intermodular communication. We propose that the neural architecture of the cerebellum implements these three operational principles to achieve optimal performance and solve a number of problems in motor control.

CPT-11 induced changes of intestinal mucosal fatty acid composition with increased PGE(2) level and decreased intestinal integrity; perilla oil shows the possibility of being able to attenuate those changes.

The cerebellum cooperates with the neocortex in language processing, particularly during language acquisition, but little is known about the circuit computations underlying cerebellar language functions. Here, to simulate language acquisition, we created a biologically constrained cerebellar artificial neural network (cANN) model. We found that as the cANN acquired prediction of future words, a second function—syntactic recognition, the extraction of rules from word sequences—emerged spontaneously in the middle layer of the circuit. This single-circuit computation as the common basis for two language functions can be generalized to prediction and rule-extraction functions underlying a wide range of cerebellar cognitive functions, and also suggests a concrete novel rehabilitation method for patients with language dysfunction.