title: Gamma-range oscillations in backward-masking functions and their putative neural correlates.
abstract: Backward-masking functions have been hitherto categorized into two types, commonly named Type A and Type B. The analysis of a model of Retino-Cortical Dynamics produces the prediction that spatially localized stimuli should reveal an oscillatory metacontrast function. The predicted new type of metacontrast masking function was investigated in a psychophysical experiment. The results show oscillatory metacontrast functions with significant power in the gamma range (30-70 Hz). A marked decrease in the oscillations is observed when the spatial extent of the stimuli is increased. The theoretical basis of the study relates the oscillations found in the metacontrast function to gamma-range oscillations observed in scalp and intracerebral recordings. The qualitative agreement between the model and data provides support for this putative relationship.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Houston, Texas 77204-4793, USA.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Purushothaman
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Oğmen
authors.forename: H E
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Bedell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D010470:Perceptual Masking / Q000502:physiology*; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*; D014793:Visual Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*