Current research in neurobiology

ISSN 2665-945X

2 papers in the library · 34 citations · publishing 2022

Papers

An active inference model of conscious access: How cognitive action selection reconciles the results of report and no-report paradigms.

Current research in neurobiology January 1, 2022 Christopher J. Whyte, Jakob Hohwy, Ryan Smith 21 citations

Cognitive theories of consciousness link frontoparietal circuits to conscious access, but no-report paradigms challenge this by showing conscious accessibility without prefrontal cortex (PFC) activation. This paper presents a computational model based on active inference, treating working memory gating as a cognitive action. Simulating a visual masking task, the model shows that late P3b-like event-related potentials and increased PFC activity arise from the working memory demands of self-report generation. Removing reporting demands eliminates these late potentials and reduces PFC activity, reproducing no-report paradigm results. However, even without reporting, simulated PFC activity on visible trials still crosses the threshold for reportability, maintaining the link between PFC and conscious access. Thus, no-report paradigm evidence does not necessarily contradict cognitive theories.

DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100036 Full text Active inference Conscious access Consciousness No-report paradigms +1

Beyond mindfulness: Arousal-driven modulation of attentional control during arousal-based practices.

Current research in neurobiology January 1, 2022 Maria Kozhevnikov, Alina Veronika Irene Strasser, Elizabeth Mcdougal et al. 13 citations

Vajrayana (Tantric Buddhist) practices that modulate attentional control through arousal-driven influences, rather than through monitoring continuous thought processes as in mindfulness, produce distinct neural and physiological states. In 16 highly experienced practitioners, the generation stage (Yidam) and completion stage with sign (Tummo) induced parasympathetic withdrawal (arousal) and phasic alertness, seen as decreased high-frequency heart rate variability and increased alpha2 power. These states were later employed in Tantric Mahamudra, which led to high cortical excitability, non-selective focused attention, and reduced attentional control, with power reductions in all frequency bands except theta. In contrast, non-Tantric Mahamudra resembled mindfulness practices, with parasympathetic dominance, tonic alertness, and active monitoring, shown by increased alpha1 power and less pronounced decreases in other bands. A neurobiological model differentiating arousal-based and mindfulness-related practices is proposed.

DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2022.100053 Full text Arousal-based meditation Attentional control Autonomic nervous system Mindfulness-related meditation +1