Neural Dynamics of Attentional Cross-Modality Control

Abstract

Attentional networks that integrate many cortical and subcortical elements dynamically control mental processes to focus on specific events and make a decision. The resources of attentional processing are finite. Nevertheless, we often face situations in which it is necessary to simultaneously process several modalities, for example, to switch attention between players in a soccer field. Here we use a global brain mode description to build a model of attentional control dynamics. This model is based on sequential information processing stability conditions that are realized through nonsymmetric inhibition in cortical circuits. In particular, we analyze the dynamics of attentional switching and focus in the case of parallel processing of three interacting mental modalities. Using an excitatory-inhibitory network, we investigate how the bifurcations between different attentional control strategies depend on the stimuli and analyze the relationship between the time of attention focus and the strength of the stimuli. We discuss the interplay between attention and decision-making: in this context, a decision-making process is a controllable bifurcation of the attention strategy. We also suggest the dynamical evaluation of attentional resources in neural sequence processing.

Dynamical bridge between brain and mind

“…Nonlinear dynamical modeling of human mental activity (cognition, emotion, perception, and their interaction) can be based on the following general principles or concepts [36,58]: (i) dynamical equations have to incorporate variables -activity in brain modes -that represent the evolution of brain elements in their temporal coherency and the model has to have solutions that correspond to metastable patterns in the brain; (ii) sequential switching between metastable states must have robust dynamics. Such transient dynamics can be based on a nonlinear process of mutual interaction of many informational items or spatiotemporal modes (i.e., WLC); (iii) dynamics are controlled through inhibition of cognitive processes [27,37,57,59], which can be represented by nonsymmetrical inhibitory connectivity balanced by excitation; and (iv) dynamics are sensitive to prior neural (i.e., memory) and ongoing environment information.…”

“…Such a set of equations can also incorporate the evolution of cognitive resources, for example, attention, working memory, language, and their hierarchical organization [58,60,61]. The interaction of different modalities, such as emotion and cognition, which is important for the understanding of normal and pathological mental dynamics, can be described by the same type of equations [62,63].…”

“…Such ; in this case, one cognitive modality out of three requires full attention [58]. Panel (F) represents attention sharing (sequential switching of attention among three different modalities) in the same model with different intrinsic/extrinsic inputs [58]. Heteroclinic dynamics may serve an appropriate mathematical framework for robust transient processes that can be treated as an itinerary pass through metastable states.…”

Robust sequential working memory recall in heterogeneous cognitive networks

“…A related important cognitive problem involves abnormalities in attention switching and focusing, which can be described by the proposed dynamical model; see also Rabinovich et al ( 2013 ). Of the many clinical features of schizophrenia, disturbances in certain cognitive processes, such as impairments in attention, memory and executive functions (that is, the ability to plan, initiate, and regulate goal directed behavior), might represent the core features of the illness (Elvevag and Goldberg, 2000 ).…”

Artificial cognitive control with self-x capabilities: A case study of a micro-manufacturing process

“…Integrated cognitive architectures that seek to imitate the major capabilities of human intelligence have been used to explain a wide spectrum of human behavior [13]. Moreover, numerous publications reflect the current pace of its progress in the field of cognitive science, all of which cannot be summarized in the context of the present study [14].…”