v1.2.0-beta release: major cleanup of base, docs update, new utils/features and now conv/deconv synapses

Highlights

The release contains several improvements/upgrades, including many patches and bug-fixes and notably revised utilities/components. Notably, among the newest significant additions/changes -- monitors have been integrated, Lava-specific components were integrated, a BCM-based synapse was itnegrated, convolution/deconvolution synaptic components are now supported with variants that adjust through 2-factor Hebbian learning and trace-based STDP. In addition, a weight_distribution utility file has been written to streamline random initialization of initial conditions for desired variables (e.g., voltage thresholds, synaptic parameter values, etc.). The numerical ntegration/ODE back-end has also been updated.

The following key/recent updates have been made (this list is non-exhaustive):

• BCM synapse was integrated (under ngclearn.components.synapses.hebbian)
• Convolution and deconvolution synapses have been integrated (including static and plastic variants)
• Monitors (for tracking compartment values over time) have been integrated
• Core lava/loihi2 support has been integrated -- notably through ngclearn.components.lava with Lava-compliant components that interface with ngc-lava (separate project repo to use in tandem with these)
• New weight_distribution utility written for streamlining initial condition initialization
• RK-4 has been integrated into numerical integration backend
• Patches and bug-fixes have been applied throughout (since last several intermediate beta versions)
• Documentation has been updated/revised and revamped to reflect new changes in ngc-learn/sim-lib and now features Lava docs for ngc-lava usage