NEURONAL BASES OF SOUND LOCALIZATION PERFORMANCE

听觉时间差（ITDs）是听觉空间感知的主要线索。关于过渡段敏感性的机制及其表征的新假设已经在非麻醉准备的基础上从听觉系统的各个层次的记录中发展出来。在这项研究中，我打算通过听觉皮层的录音和连接研究来检验这一假设。具体目的是：1)确定初级听觉皮层中ITD表征的地形与决定单个神经元ITD调谐的参数的关系，2)确定不同皮层中响应特性的分布，以及3)研究初级皮层向其他区域的ITD信息流动。我的长期目标是通过单个神经元和神经群的生理反应来理解这个主要感觉系统的表现，并将这种理解与行为进行对比。预期的健康益处包括使用所发现的原理来帮助听障人士的设备、软件或假肢的开发。

Interaural time differences (ITDs) are a dominant cue for the perception for auditory space. New hypotheses concerning the mechanism of ITD sensitivity and its representations have been developed based on recordings from each level of the auditory system in an unanesthetized preparation. For this study, I intend to test this hypotheses through recordings and connectional studies in the auditory cortex. The specific aims are to: 1) identify the topography of ITD representation in the primary auditory cortex in relation to parameters that determine ITD tuning in individual neurons, 2) determine the distribution of response properties in different cortical layers, and 3) study the flow of ITD information from primary cortex to other areas. My long-term goal is to understand the performance of this major sensory system in terms of the physiological responses of single neurons and neural populations, and test this understanding against behavior. The expected health benefits include the development of devices, software, or prostheses that use the principles discovered to assist hearing-impaired individuals.