2020/06/25 by Andrea Ferrario, James M. Rankin, Ferrario, Andrea +1 · 1 citation
Computer Science · Neuroscience · Physics and Astronomy · #Dynamical Systems (math.DS) #FOS: Biological sciences #FOS: Mathematics #Neural dynamics and brain function #Neurons and Cognition (q-bio.NC) #Nonlinear Dynamics and Pattern Formation #stochastic dynamics and bifurcation
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2006.14537
openalex publication_date 2020/06/25 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
In the auditory streaming paradigm alternating sequences of pure tones can be\nperceived as a single galloping rhythm (integration) or as two sequences with\nseparated low and high tones (segregation). Although studied for decades, the\nneural mechanisms underlining this perceptual grouping of sound remains a\nmystery. With the aim of identifying a plausible minimal neural circuit that\ncaptures this phenomenon, we propose a firing rate model with two periodically\nforced neural populations coupled by fast direct excitation and slow delayed\ninhibition. By analyzing the model in a non-smooth, slow-fast regime we\nanalytically prove the existence of a rich repertoire of dynamical states and\nof their parameter dependent transitions. We impose plausible parameter\nrestrictions and link all states with perceptual interpretations. Regions of\nstimulus parameters occupied by states linked with each percept matches those\nfound in behavioral experiments. Our model suggests that slow inhibition masks\nthe perception of subsequent tones during segregation (forward masking), while\nfast excitation enables integration for large pitch differences between the two\ntones.\n