Abstract
Cancellation of redundant information is a highly desirable feature of sensory systems, since it would potentially lead to a more efficient detection of novel information. However, biologically plausible mechanisms responsible for such selective cancellation, and especially those robust to realistic variations in the intensity of the redundant signals, are mostly unknown. In this work, we study, via in vivo experimental recordings and computational models, the behavior of a cerebellar-like circuit in the weakly electric fish which is known to perform cancellation of redundant stimuli. We experimentally observe contrast invariance in the cancellation of spatially and temporally redundant stimuli in such a system. Our model, which incorporates heterogeneously-delayed feedback, bursting dynamics and burst-induced STDP, is in agreement with our in vivo observations. In addition, the model gives insight on the activity of granule cells and parallel fibers involved in the feedback pathway, and provides a strong prediction on the parallel fiber potentiation time scale. Finally, our model predicts the existence of an optimal learning contrast around 15% contrast levels, which are commonly experienced by interacting fish.
Highlights
For many neural systems, prediction and cancellation of redundant signals constitutes one of the most convenient features for efficiently processing behaviorally meaningful information
The ability to cancel redundant information is an important feature of many sensory systems
Our model predicts that time-averaged contrast levels of around 15%, which are commonly experienced by interacting fish, would shape the circuit to behave as observed experimentally
Summary
Prediction and cancellation of redundant signals constitutes one of the most convenient features for efficiently processing behaviorally meaningful information. A well-known situation in which such a discrimination may be highly advantageous is the so called ‘‘cocktail party problem’’, in which a relevant signal is extracted from a mixture containing other unimportant signals [1,2] This is known to be useful, for instance, to identify particular voices or sounds for both human and nonhuman animals [1,3], or find and identify mates among conspecifics and heterospecifics [4]. The concrete mechanisms that the brain may employ to discriminate and cancel redundant information are presently unknown It would be, convenient to identify and closely study natural systems displaying such a cancellation phenomenon, in order to isolate its fundamental principles. Of special interest might be the mechanisms able to conduct the cancellation process over a wide range of realistic conditions, such as canceling redundant signals of different intensities (or with time varying intensities due, e.g., to the relative movement of the receiver and the signal sources) while keeping novel stimuli intact
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
