Journal: eNeuro

Article Title: Visual Processing by Hierarchical and Dynamic Multiplexing

doi: 10.1523/ENEURO.0282-24.2024

Figure Lengend Snippet: Flexible oscillatory multiplexing and phase coding allows for processing single and multiple objects in different frames. left : wide attentional spotlight. A natural scene is composed of one or multiple objects. Here, you are watching your cat playing in the garden between trees. Both the trees and the cat are composed of several attributes like stem and crown (trees) or head and paws (cat). We suggest that each of those attributes is reflected on the neuronal level by distinct bursts of gamma band activity. Each burst thereby is tightly linked to a distinct phase of alpha band activity, whereby the respective features are “ranked” along alpha’s phase gradient, where attributes exerting higher neuronal activity (e.g., due to higher levels of saliency, attention, etc.) are processed earlier in the alpha phase, because they are able to overcome the pulsed inhibition earlier in the cycle. This mechanism would be at play for grouping (within an alpha cycle) the different elements of an object, while taking into account the specificity of each attribute. Similarly, each separate object in turn is coded along the theta/delta phase gradient (again depending on the level of excitation). Alternatively, this change of excitability could also be caused by saccadic eye movement itself. right : narrow attentional spotlight. If the focus of attention is more narrow (i.e., “zoomed in” attentional spotlight), we suggest that the frame of reference shifts, such that former attributes can become objects that are in turn composed of smaller attributes, allowing for a higher level of detail. Here, the focus of attention shifted towards the head of the cat, which is threatened by a predatory bird. In general, the same principles of phase coding apply, but now the level of detail has increased (i.e., the cat’s eyes become attributes and the cat’s head the object). Note that dynamic fluctuations are represented as sinusoidal oscillations only for illustrative purposes.

Article Snippet: For the presented framework, we would expect alpha band cortical dynamics to act similarly.

Techniques: Multiplexing, Activity Assay, Inhibition

Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Article Title: Functional excitation-inhibition ratio for social anxiety analysis and severity assessment

doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1461290

Figure Lengend Snippet: Topological maps of functional excitation-inhibition (fEI) ratios in the alpha band across different subject groups: (A) Control Subjects, (B) Mild Subjects, (C) Moderate Subjects, and (D) Severe Subjects. The color scale represents the intensity of fEI ratios, from low (blue) to high (red).

Article Snippet: The shifts in neural excitability and inhibition within the alpha band provide insights into how cortical dynamics are altered in anxiety disorders, informing potential avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring EI balance and improving cognitive-emotional functioning in affected individuals.

Techniques: Functional Assay, Inhibition, Control

Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Article Title: Functional excitation-inhibition ratio for social anxiety analysis and severity assessment

doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1461290

Figure Lengend Snippet: Topological maps of f EI differences in the alpha band between SAD and control groups and within the SAD groups: (A) shows the differences between individuals with mild SAD and healthy control subjects. (B) highlights the differences between individuals with moderate SAD and healthy control subjects. (C) illustrates the differences between individuals with severe SAD and healthy control subjects. (D) displays the differences between individuals with moderate SAD and those with mild SAD. (E) depicts the differences between individuals with severe SAD and those with mild SAD. Finally, panel (F) presents the differences between individuals with severe SAD and those with moderate SAD.

Article Snippet: The shifts in neural excitability and inhibition within the alpha band provide insights into how cortical dynamics are altered in anxiety disorders, informing potential avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at restoring EI balance and improving cognitive-emotional functioning in affected individuals.

Techniques: Control