  The relationship between complex, brain oscillations and the dynamics of
individual neurons is poorly understood. Here we utilize Maximum Caliber, a
dynamical inference principle, to build a minimal, yet general model of the
collective (mean-field) dynamics of large populations of neurons. In agreement
with previous experimental observations, we describe a simple, testable
mechanism, involving only a single type of neuron, by which many of these
complex oscillatory patterns may emerge. Our model predicts that the refractory
period of neurons, which has been previously neglected, is essential for these
behaviors.
