Understanding the ubiquitous phenomenon of neural synchronization across
species and organizational levels is crucial for decoding brain function.
Despite its prevalence, the specific functional role, origin, and dynamical
implication of modular structures in correlation-based networks remains
ambiguous. Using recurrent neural networks trained on systems neuroscience
tasks, this study investigates these important characteristics of modularity in
correlation networks. We demonstrate that modules are functionally coherent
units that contribute to specialized information processing. We show that
modules form spontaneously from asymmetries in the sign and weight of
projections from the input layer to the recurrent layer. Moreover, we show that
modules define connections with similar roles in governing system behavior and
dynamics. Collectively, our findings clarify the function, formation, and
operational significance of functional connectivity modules, offering insights
into cortical function and laying the groundwork for further studies on brain
function, development, and dynamics.

通过使用在系统神经科学任务上训练的循环神经网络，本研究调查了相关网络中模块化结构的特定功能角色、起源和动力学含义等重要特征。研究表明，模块是功能上连贯的单元，有助于专门的信息处理；模块是通过输入层到循环层的投射中的符号和权重的不对称性自发形成的；而且模块在控制系统行为和动力学中具有类似角色的连接。结合起来，我们的研究结果阐明了功能连接模块的功能、形成和操作意义，为进一步研究大脑功能、发展和动力学奠定了基础。