Top-Down Processing in Neurocognitive Networks

1. Top-Down Processing in Neurocognitive Networks Steven L. Bressler Cognitive Neurodynamics Laboratory Center for Complex Systems & Brain Sciences Department of Psychology Florida Atlantic University http://www.ccs.fau.edu/~bressler/

2. Outline • Top-down processing is a tractable problem in cognition • Neurocognitive networks provide a workable theoretical framework for understanding top-down processing in the brain • Novel approaches are being developed to investigate top-down processing by neurocognitive networks

3. Top-Down Processing in Cognitive and Brain Sciences • Cognitive Science: Effect of knowledge on sensory processing • Brain Science: Effect of “higher-level” neurons on “lower-level” neurons

4. Top-Down Cognitive Processes Where Advances are Tractable • Attention: selecting items in perception • Expectation: priming items for perception • Inference: identifying items in perception

5. Top-Down Processingin Visuospatial AttentionCorbettaet al., Neuron, 2008 • The Dorsal Attention Network (DAN) is a system of frontal and parietal regions consistently activated by cues indicating where a visual object will appear. • The DAN is postulated to exert attentional top-down control of visual cortical.

6. Top-Down Processing in Visual Expectation & Inference Poststimulus Processing in Visual Inference Prestimulus Processing in Visual Expectation

7. Prestimulus Beta-Synchronized Network in Visual CortexBressler et al, Stat Med, 2007 Synchronized beta rhythms between V1 & extrastriate cortex (V4, TEO) form a large-scale network in visual cortex before stimulus presentation. 1,2,3 – V1 5 – V4 6 –TEO

8. Top-Down Feedforward Beta Synchrony in Visual CortexRichter et al., in prep Prestimulus extrastriate & V1 beta rhythms are synchronized. Synchronized beta rhythms support top-down extrastriate-to-V1, but not bottom-up V1-to-extrastriate, influences.

9. Neurocognitive Networks: AleksandrLuria “The concept of localization of functions … has come to mean a network of complex dynamic structures or combination centers, consisting of mosaics of distant points of the nervous system, united in a common task.” Higher Cortical Functions in Man, 1962

10. Neurocognitive Networks NeuroCognitive Networks are large-scale systems of distributed and interconnected neuronal populations in the brain organized to perform cognitive functions. Bressler, Scholarpedia, 2008Bressler & Menon, TICS, 2010Fuster & Bressler, TICS, 2012Meehan & Bressler, NBR, 2012

11. Top-Down Processing by Neurocognitive Networks Top-down processing in the brain involves the effect that neurons in a “higher” area have on neurons in a “lower” area. It can be observed in the brain wherever a hierarchical order exists It may involve effects within or between NeuroCognitive Networks (NCNs): Between NCNs: FEF  V4 Within NCN: V4  V1

12. Analytic Techniques • A variety of analytic techniques are used to investigate top-down processing in the brain • Stimulation: TMS, TACS, CMS • Ablation: clinical analysis of stroke • Electrophysiological Time Series Recording • BOLD Time Series Recording • Causal Time Series Modeling: AR models, DCM • Biophysical Modeling: Neural mass models, integrate-and-fire models

13. Future Developments • Multi-Site Recording Modalities • Improved Causal Modeling Techniques • Improved Large-Scale Biophysical Modeling • Graph Theoretic Methods Tailored to Brain Networks

14. Summary • Top-down processing is essential in cognition • Top-down processing underlies attention, expectation, and inference – all used in perception • Top-down processing in cognitive science has a parallel interpretation in neuroscience • Top-down processing in the brain is readily accommodated by the concept of neurocognitive networks • Numerous analytic techniques are available, or are being developed, to study top-down processing by neurocognitive networks.