Consistent with the idea that the temporal characteristics of processing mechanisms are important for the organisation of stimulus information, we have shown that detection of a target Kanizsa-type square may be 'primed' by the prior presentation of four 'premask' crosses presented simultaneously (i.e. 'synchronously') within an oscillating matrix of otherwise asynchronized premask-cross presentations. The underlying temporal characteristics of these mechanisms may be inferred form findings that the magnitude of priming effects can vary according to the relationship between the premask-target matrix inter-stimulus interval (ISI) and the frequency of premask-matrix flicker with significant improvements for ISPs corresponding to regular phase shifts of 180° in the projected rhythm of premask-matrix presentation. A putative model of recurrency is outlined in which it is argued that local phase-shifts in a global 40-Hz response may be explained by virtue of the interaction dynamics of an induced 40-Hz response with the response to stimulus-evoked 10-Hz rhythms in early cortical areas. On the basis of additional evidence the idea is presented that this interaction might occur by virtue of premask-induced modifications to activity within interneuron mechanisms, introducing the idea that stimulus-induced synchronization may be coded by very similar mechanisms held to be responsible for the development of synchronization in the neural substrate.
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