?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Adc&rft.title=Cortex%2C+countercurrent+context%2C+and+dimensional+integration+of+lifetime+memory&rft.creator=Merker%2C+Dr.+Bjorn&rft.subject=Theoretical+Biology&rft.description=The+correlation+between+relative+neocortex+size+and+longevity+in+mammals+encourages+a+search+for+a+cortical+function+specifically+related+to+the+life-span.+A+candidate+in+the+domain+of+permanent+and+cumulative+memory+storage+is+proposed+and+explored+in+relation+to+basic+aspects+of+cortical+organization.+The+pattern+of+cortico-cortical+connectivity+between+functionally+specialized+areas+and+the+laminar+organization+of+that+connectivity+converges+on+a+globally+coherent+representational+space+in+which+contextual+embedding+of+information+emerges+as+an+obligatory+feature+of+cortical+function.+This+brings+a+powerful+mode+of+inductive+knowledge+within+reach+of+mammalian+adaptations%2C+a+mode+which+combines+item+specificity+with+classificatory+generality.+Its+neural+implementation+is+proposed+to+depend+on+an+obligatory+interaction+between+the+oppositely+directed+feedforward+and+feedback+currents+of+cortical+activity%2C+in+countercurrent+fashion.+Direct+interaction+of+the+two+streams+along+their+cortex-wide+local+interface+supports+a+scheme+of+%22contextual+capture%22+for+information+storage+responsible+for+the+lifelong+cumulative+growth+of+a+uniquely+cortical+form+of+memory+termed+%22personal+history.%22+This+approach+to+cortical+function+helps+elucidate+key+features+of+cortical+organization+as+well+as+cognitive+aspects+of+mammalian+life+history+strategies.&rft.date=2004-09&rft.type=Preprint&rft.type=NonPeerReviewed&rft.format=application%2Fpdf&rft.identifier=http%3A%2F%2Fcogprints.org%2F6456%2F1%2FCortexMerker.pdf&rft.identifier=++Merker%2C+Dr.+Bjorn++(2004)+Cortex%2C+countercurrent+context%2C+and+dimensional+integration+of+lifetime+memory.++%5BPreprint%5D+++++&rft.relation=http%3A%2F%2Fcogprints.org%2F6456%2F