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A Mechanism for Ultra-Slow Oscillations in the Cortical Default Network

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Abstract

When the brain is in its noncognitive “idling” state, functional MRI measurements reveal the activation of default cortical networks whose activity is suppressed during cognitive processing. This default or background mode is characterized by ultra-slow BOLD oscillations (∼0.05 Hz), signaling extremely slow cycling in cortical metabolic demand across distinct cortical regions. Here we describe a model of the cortex which predicts that slow cycling of cortical activity can arise naturally as a result of nonlinear interactions between temporal (Hopf) and spatial (Turing) instabilities. The Hopf instability is triggered by delays in the inhibitory postsynaptic response, while the Turing instability is precipitated by increases in the strength of the gap-junction coupling between interneurons. We comment on possible implications for slow dendritic computation and information processing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Engineering, The University of Waikato, P.B. 3105, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand

    Moira L. Steyn-Ross, D. A. Steyn-Ross & M. T. Wilson

  2. Waikato Clinical School, The University of Auckland, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, 3204, New Zealand

    J. W. Sleigh

Authors
  1. Moira L. Steyn-Ross
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  2. D. A. Steyn-Ross
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  3. J. W. Sleigh
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  4. M. T. Wilson
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Correspondence to Moira L. Steyn-Ross.

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Research supported by the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund, contract 07-UOW-037.

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Steyn-Ross, M.L., Steyn-Ross, D.A., Sleigh, J.W. et al. A Mechanism for Ultra-Slow Oscillations in the Cortical Default Network. Bull Math Biol 73, 398–416 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-010-9565-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11538-010-9565-9

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