Computational modeling of attractor-based neural processes involved in the preparation of voluntary actions

Volition is conceived as a set of orchestrated executive functions, which can be characterized by features, such as reason-based and goal-directedness, driven by endogenous signals. The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) has long been considered to be responsible for cognitive control and executive fu...

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Published in:Cognitive neurodynamics Vol. 18; no. 6; pp. 3337 - 3357
Main Authors: Hassannejad Nazir, Azadeh, Hellgren Kotaleski, Jeanette, Liljenström, Hans
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.12.2024
Springer Nature B.V
Subjects:
Artificial Intelligence
Attractor networks
Biochemistry
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Biomedicine
Brain
Cognition
Cognitive Psychology
Computer Science
Cortex (cingulate)
Decision making
Executive function
Expectancy
Experiments
Free will
Hierarchical control
Intention
Memory
Neurocomputational modeling
Neurodynamic transitions
Neurosciences
Neurovetenskaper
Physiology
Prefrontal cortex
Research Article
Sensory neurons
Volition
Neurocomputational modeling
Volition
Intention
Attractor networks
Hierarchical control
Neurodynamic transitions
ISSN:1871-4080, 1871-4099, 1871-4099
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Volition is conceived as a set of orchestrated executive functions, which can be characterized by features, such as reason-based and goal-directedness, driven by endogenous signals. The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) has long been considered to be responsible for cognitive control and executive function, and its neurodynamics appears to be central to goal-directed cognition. In order to address both associative processes (i.e. reason-action and action-outcome) based on internal stimuli, it seems essential to consider the interconnectivity of LPFC and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The critical placement of ACC as a hub mediates projection of afferent expectancy signals directly from brain structures associated with emotion, as well as internal signals from subcortical areas to the LPFC. Apparently, the two cortical areas LPFC and ACC play a pivotal role in the formation of voluntary behaviors. In this paper, we model the neurodynamics of these two neural structures and their interactions related to intentional control. We predict that the emergence of intention is the result of both feedback-based and competitive mechanisms among neural attractors. These mechanisms alter the dimensionalities of coexisting chaotic attractors to more stable, low dimensional manifolds as limit cycle attractors, which may result in the onset of a readiness potential (RP) in SMA, associated with a decision to act.
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ISSN:1871-4080
1871-4099
1871-4099
DOI:10.1007/s11571-023-10019-3