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Mean-field equations for neural populations with $q$-Gaussian heterogeneities

Describing the collective dynamics of large neural populations using low-dimensional models for averaged variables has long been an attractive task in theoretical neuroscience. Recently developed reduction methods make it possible to derive such models directly from the microscopic dynamics of individual neurons. To simplify the reduction, the Cauchy distribution is usually assumed for heterogeneous network parameters. Here we extend the reduction method for a wider class of heterogeneities defined by the $q$-Gaussian distribution. The shape of this distribution depends on the Tsallis index $q$ and gradually changes from the Cauchy distribution to the normal Gaussian distribution as this index changes. We derive the mean-field equations for an inhibitory network of quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons with a $q$-Gaussian distributed excitability parameter. It is shown that the dynamic modes of the network significantly depend on the form of the distribution determined by the Tsallis index. The results obtained from the mean-field equations are confirmed by numerical simulation of the microscopic model.