Wednesday 30 July 2014
SYMPOSIUM 13:
Segregation
And Integration Of Cortical Laminar Information Streams And Their Role In
Attention
Overview:
One of
the most fascinating anatomical properties of the cortex, established since the
time of Ramon y Cajal, is its laminar structure. This prominent anatomical
feature suggests distinct functional roles for the different laminae in
cognitive processes such as attention. The precise computational function of
these cortical layers, however, is a largely open question. Recent theories of
cortical function, such as predictive coding, posit that there is a functional
segregation of dynamics and computations which occur in the superficial and
deep cortical layers. These models predict a strong functional segregation in
the connectivity, dynamics, and physiological properties of cells situated in
distinct cortical laminae. In this symposium we will present recent
experimental work on the anatomical microarchitecture (Nikola Markov) and
animal (Charles Schroeder) and human physiology (René Scheeringa) of the
cortical laminae that supports the notion of functional segregation between
superficial and deep layers. These results constrain and inform computational
models of how canonical microcircuits interact, and the characteristic
frequencies which support neuronal communication (André Bastos). Together,
these studies shed new light on the function of laminar cortical circuits, and
how they may support complex and dynamic cognitive functions.
Presenters include:
Markus Barth, The University of Queensland, Australia
Saskia Haegens, Columbia University, USA
René Scheeringa, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Netherlands
Andre M. Bastos, Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience, Germany
SYMPOSIUM 14: Consciousness, Integrated Information And The Free Energy Principle
Overview:
One approach to the science of consciousness is to develop a theory designed to explain core features of conscious experience, and look for neuroscientific evidence in favour of this theory. One of the most promising and prominent theories of consciousness in this vein is integrated information theory. Another approach to the science of consciousness is to take an overall theory of brain function and explore its potential to explain core features of conscious experience. One of the most promising and prominent theories of overall brain function centers on the Bayesian brain or free energy principle. This interdisciplinary symposium asks whether these two approaches can and should be combined. This question is important because a confirmatory answer would anchor information integration in overall brain function, and would throw light on the relation between free energy and the mind. The focus will be on the following questions: (1) Is it possible to interpret aspects of integrated information in terms of the free energy principle? (2) Is it possible to interpret aspects of the free energy principle as explanations of conscious experience? (3) Is there a meaningful overlap between the answers to questions (1) and (2)?
Presenters include:
Jakob Hohwy, Monash University, Australia
Guilio Tononi, University of Wisconsin, USA
Anil Seth, University of Sussex, UK
Naotsugu Tsuchiya, Monash University, Australia
SYMPOSIUM 15:
Task Set Representation And Updating: Aging,
Training And Reward Motivation
Overview:
Recent
research on the neural representation of task-sets and context-dependent task
set updating has emphasized the role of frontal networks associated with goal
representation and reward motivation. This symposium presents current research
on the neural basis of task-set representation and updating and the role of
reward motivation in task-set updating in young and old adults. Frini
Karayanidis presents longitudinal data on decline in task-switching performance
and reduced white matter microstructure organisation in cognitively intact
older adults, and examines the relative contribution of distinct frontal
networks. Jutta Kray extends current evidence on transfer of task-switching
training in young and old adults, and examines the underlying control processes
that mediate this effect. Hannah Schmitt examines the effectiveness of reward
motivation on context updating and shows that incentive manipulation affects
different processes in young and old adults. Todd Braver hones into the neural
processes by which reward motivation enhances task-switching performance using
multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of fMRI.
Presenters include:
Frini Karayanidis, University of Newcastle, Australia
Jutta Kray, Saarland University, Germany
Hannah Schmitt, Saarland University, Germany
Jo A. Etzel, Washington University, USA
SYMPOSIUM 16:
Brain Processes Associated With Cognitive
Control
Overview:
This
symposium will overview research on brain processes associated with cognitive
control. The four talks will review different paradigms and methodologies
related to cognitive control, and in particular the interactions between
top-down control (supported in part by the dorsal attention network, DAN, and
the cingulo-opercular network, CON) and the feed-forward analysis of incoming
information. Dr. Diane Beck (University of Illinois) will consider how top-down
and bottom up processes interact in forming our percepts, using fMRI, optical
imaging, EEG, and trans-cranial magnetic stimulation. Dr. Paul Corballis
(University of Auckland) will concentrate on on-line re-direction of attention studies
using ERPs. Drs. Gabriele Gratton and Monica Fabiani (University of Illinois)
will examine preparatory mechanisms controlling the input of information,
making us of optical imaging and ERPS. Finally, Dr. William Gehring (University
of Michigan) will discuss error processing during development of young children
(relationship to executive function and motivation) and in pediatric anxiety
disorders and autism, using ERPs and genetic data.
Presenters include:
Diane M. Beck, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Paul M. Corballis, University of Auckland, NZ
Gabriele Gatton, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
Pauline Baniqued, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
SYMPOSIUM 17:
Sensorimotor Foundations Of Understanding And Interacting With Others
Overview:
As humans, we have a remarkable ability to make sense of other people’s
behaviour by observing their actions. A
rich literature within cognitive and social neurosciences provides evidence for
a so-called mirror system, comprising brain regions that respond similarly when
performing or observing actions. It has
been argued that the mirror system critically supports our ability to interact with
others in a social world. This symposium presents the state of the art of
sensorimotor foundations of social perception from neuroscientific
perspectives, with a focus on basic mechanisms that link action perception
(Molenberghs), and how social information modulates this link (Cross, Cunnington
& Sessa). Sessa presents EEG work on how empathy for pain
encompasses dissociable sensorimotor/affective and mentalizing components and
on how these empathic components exhibit both contextual and interindividual
variance. Molenberghs
discusses metaanalytical work calling into question the involvement of a
putative mirror system region, BA44, in action execution and perception
tasks. Cross shows how information concerning whether an observed agent is
animate impacts perception and interaction with that agent, and finally Cunnington explores how an observer’s
race or group membership influences how they perceive another agent’s pain.
Presenters include:
Paola Sessa, University of Padova, Italy
Pascal Molenberghs, University of Queensland, Australia
Emily Cross, Bangor University, UK
Ross Cunnington, University of Queensland, Australia
SYMPOSIUM 18:
Mechanisms Of Cognitive Decline In Normal Aging
Overview:
Cognitive
decline is generally accepted as a normal part of aging. Despite extensive
research, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be determined. Yet this is an
essential step in designing effective intervention programs to reduce the
incidence or slow the progress of age-related cognitive decline. This symposium
includes a set of studies that examine key mechanisms involved in poorer
cognitive performance in normal aging. Axel Mecklinger shows that poor
recollection is central to age-related decline in associative memory and
presents ERP evidence for recruitment of compensatory perceptual processes in
poor performers. Shulan Hsieh shows that the age-related decline in
interference control can be mitigated by recruitment of compensatory processes
under high task load. Monica Fabiani discusses research comparing age effects
on sensory and working memory and focusses on individual differences in the
aging process.
Presenters include:
Axel Mecklinger, Saarland University, Germany
Shulan Hsieh, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan
Michael D. Rugg, University of Texas, USA
K. Richard Ridderinkhof, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
