CMC lab Computational Machinery of Cognition

Publications

2023

Bistability of prefrontal states gates access to consciousness
Bistability of prefrontal states gates access to consciousness
Abhilash Dwarakanath, Vishal Kapoor, Joachim Werner, Shervin Safavi, Leonid A. Fedorov, Nikos K. Logothetis, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos
Neuron   ·   01 May 2023   ·   doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.027
Uncovering the organization of neural circuits with Generalized Phase Locking Analysis
Uncovering the organization of neural circuits with Generalized Phase Locking Analysis
Shervin Safavi, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos, Vishal Kapoor, Juan F. Ramirez-Villegas, Nikos K. Logothetis, Michel Besserve
PLOS Computational Biology   ·   03 Apr 2023   ·   doi:10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010983
In this study we provide one of the first multi-variate methodology for investigating spike-LFP coupling, that allow us to connect neural activity to population dynamics. The method accompanied with large body of biophysical simulation, as well as analysis of prefrontal recurrent circuitry.
Signatures of criticality in efficient coding networks
Signatures of criticality in efficient coding networks
Shervin Safavi, Matthew Chalk, Nikos Logothetis, Anna Levina
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory   ·   14 Feb 2023   ·   doi:10.1101/2023.02.14.528465
In this study, we probe the connection between the optimality discussed in the context of criticality hypothesis of the brain (that very much tied to neural dynamics), and the optimality discussed in theories of neural computations. We examine an efficient coding network for signatures of criticality and we find signatures of criticality emerging in a network that was designed based on criticality-agnostic principles merely by optimizing the coding performance. This suggests criticality and efficient coding might be intimately related.

2022

Multistability, perceptual value, and internal foraging
Multistability, perceptual value, and internal foraging
Shervin Safavi, Peter Dayan
Neuron   ·   01 Oct 2022   ·   doi:10.1016/j.neuron.2022.07.024
Based on a large collection behavioral and neural data, we introduce a radically new perspective to the well-known phenomenon of perceptual multistability. We formulated the phenomenon as a value-based decision-making process that not only synergies with previous accounts, but also offers a more comprehensive treatment of computational and algorithmic facets of perceptual multistability.
Decoding internally generated transitions of conscious contents in the prefrontal cortex without subjective reports
Decoding internally generated transitions of conscious contents in the prefrontal cortex without subjective reports
Vishal Kapoor, Abhilash Dwarakanath, Shervin Safavi, Joachim Werner, Michel Besserve, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos, Nikos K. Logothetis
Nature Communications   ·   22 Mar 2022   ·   doi:10.1038/s41467-022-28897-2

2021

From Univariate to Multivariate Coupling Between Continuous Signals and Point Processes: A Mathematical Framework
From Univariate to Multivariate Coupling Between Continuous Signals and Point Processes: A Mathematical Framework
Shervin Safavi, Nikos K. Logothetis, Michel Besserve
Neural Computation   ·   11 Jun 2021   ·   doi:10.1162/neco_a_01389

2018

Nonmonotonic spatial structure of interneuronal correlations in prefrontal microcircuits
Nonmonotonic spatial structure of interneuronal correlations in prefrontal microcircuits
Shervin Safavi, Abhilash Dwarakanath, Vishal Kapoor, Joachim Werner, Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos, Nikos K. Logothetis, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences   ·   27 Mar 2018   ·   doi:10.1073/pnas.1802356115

2015

Equality bias impairs collective decision-making across cultures
Equality bias impairs collective decision-making across cultures
Ali Mahmoodi, Dan Bang, Karsten Olsen, Yuanyuan Aimee Zhao, Zhenhao Shi, ..., Majid Nili Ahmadabadi, Chris D. Frith, Andreas Roepstorff, Geraint Rees, Bahador Bahrami
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences   ·   09 Mar 2015   ·   doi:10.1073/pnas.1421692112

2014

Is the frontal lobe involved in conscious perception?
Is the frontal lobe involved in conscious perception?
Shervin Safavi, Vishal Kapoor, Nikos K. Logothetis, Theofanis I. Panagiotaropoulos
Frontiers in Psychology   ·   19 Sep 2014   ·   doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01063