Learning cortical topography from spatiotemporal stimuli

Stimulus representation is a functional interpretation of early sensory cor tices. Early sensory cortices are subject to stimulus-induced modifications . Common models for stimulus-induced learning within topographic representa tions are based on the stimuli's spatial structure and probability distribu tion. Furthermore, we argue that average temporal stimulus distances reflec t the stimuli's relatedness. As topographic representations reflect the sti muli's relatedness, the temporal structure of incoming stimuli is important for the learning in cortical maps. Motivated by recent neurobiological fin dings, we present an approach of cortical self-organization that additional ly takes temporal stimulus aspects into account. The proposed model transfo rms average interstimulus intervals into representational distances. Thereb y, neural topography is related to stimulus dynamics. This offers a new tim e-based interpretation of cortical maps. Our approach is based on a wave-li ke spread of cortical activity. Interactions between dynamics and feedforwa rd activations lead to shifts of neural activity. The psychophysical saltat ion phenomenon map represent an analogue to the shifts proposed here. With regard to cortical plasticity, we offer an explanation for neurobiological findings that other models cannot explain. Moreover? we predict cortical re organizations under new experimental, spatiotemporal conditions. With regar d to psychophysics, we relate the saltation phenomenon to dynamics and inte raction in early sensory cortices and predict further effects in the percep tion of spatiotemporal stimuli.