# Spectral and Temporal Integration in the Auditory System

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $471,746

## Abstract

Our long-term goal is to elucidate the relationship between neural activity, sound processing, perception
and behavior. We specifically propose to establish the relationship of neural activity to discriminating and
detecting sound features in the primary auditory cortex (A1) and lateral belt of non-human subjects with
the goal of reveling the transformations occurring as the auditory cortical hierarchy is ascended. We
address the question: How do neuronal responses in auditory cortex relate to non-human subjects'
psychophysical and behavioral performance in detecting the presence of sound modulation? The three
aims are designed to compare three fundamental aspects related to these issues in A1 and in two lateral
belt areas of auditory cortex to determine the changing emphasis of processing along the ascending
cortical pathway. Aim 1 is to determine the neural basis of modulation detection. Aim 2 is to determine
how neuron responses from auditory cortex are related to perception and behavioral choices. Aim 3 is to
determine the effect of behavioral state and task-engagement on neurons ability to encode sound
features. To achieve these aims, we will establish the quantitative relationships between single unit
auditory cortical activity and the ability of neurons and non-human subjects to discriminate sounds, and
determine what codes most likely underlie perceptual ability. We will also record from single units while
non-human subjects discriminate sound to determine the role of primary and secondary sensory cortical
areas in the transformation from sensation to task performance. This will give insight into how active
engagement in a task improves neural processing ability at the single neuron level and whether primary
sensory cortex receives information or is involved in the processes that lead to action. Because the
proposal relates brain function to different parts of the brain it is relevant for a better understanding about
how punctate brain damage such as that cause by stroke affects auditory function. The results of these
studies will help us to better understand how attending sound modulates auditory activity and thus makes
this basic science have relevance for the spectrum disorders (that include, but are not limited to attention
deficit disorder, dyslexia, etc). The results also could have relevance in helping to guide approaches to
coding for hearing aids and cochlear implants since both neural coding and the ability to focus on sounds
are relevant for designing these devices.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9822966
- **Project number:** 5R01DC002514-24
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** MITCHELL L SUTTER
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $471,746
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1996-02-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9822966

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9822966, Spectral and Temporal Integration in the Auditory System (5R01DC002514-24). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9822966. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*