Abstract
The updating of prospective internal models is necessary to accurately predict future observations. Uncertainty-driven internal model updating has been studied using a variety of perceptual paradigms, and have revealed engagement of frontal and parietal areas. In a distinct literature, studies on temporal expectations have also characterized a time-perception network, which relies on temporal orienting of attention. However, the updating of prospective internal models is highly dependent on temporal attention, since temporal attention must be reoriented according to the current environmental demands. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate to what extend the continuous manipulation of temporal prediction would recruit update-related areas and the time-perception network areas. We developed an exogenous temporal task that combines rhythm cueing and time-to-contact principles to generate implicit temporal expectation. Two patterns of motion were created: periodic (simple harmonic oscillation) and non-periodic (harmonic oscillation with variable acceleration). We found that non-periodic motion engaged the exogenous temporal orienting network, which includes the ventral premotor and inferior parietal cortices, and the cerebellum, as well as the presupplementary motor area, which has previously been implicated in internal model updating, and the motion-sensitive area MT+. Interestingly, we found a right-hemisphere preponderance suggesting the engagement of explicit timing mechanisms. We also show that the periodic motion condition, when compared to the non-periodic motion, activated a particular subset of the default-mode network (DMN) midline areas, including the left dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and bilateral posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus (PCC/PC). It suggests that the DMN plays a role in processing contextually expected information and supports recent evidence that the DMN may reflect the validation of prospective internal models and predictive control. Taken together, our findings suggest that continuous manipulation of temporal predictions engages representations of temporal prediction as well as task-independent updating of internal models.
Highlights
Efficient interaction between an agent and its surrounding relies heavily on the use of prospective internal models to enhance processing of expected stimuli, and on the ability to update these models to achieve the desired outcome (Verschure et al, 2014)
Using implicit temporal information, subjects had to intercept the ascending pendulum at the expected ToA at the maximum height of the trajectory. functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and behavioral data was inspected in order to investigate whether the continuous manipulation of temporal expectations would recruit brain regions known to be involved in updating of internal models and exogenous temporal expectation
The task did not require an explicit temporal estimate but, rather, it elicited mechanisms of exogenous temporal expectation given by the speed of the pendulum
Summary
Efficient interaction between an agent and its surrounding relies heavily on the use of prospective internal models to enhance processing of expected stimuli, and on the ability to update these models to achieve the desired outcome (Verschure et al, 2014). The ability to dynamically adjust an internal model involves: (1) detection of stimulus change; (2) inhibition of the current model; and (3) its updating with the new relevant information (Verbruggen et al, 2010; Hartwigsen et al, 2012). The neural basis of internal model updating has been suggested in a Posner task adapted to include temporal attention (Coull et al, 2000). Invalid trials containing delayed targets triggered shifting of attention to a later time point. This attentional shift can be seen as internal model updating since it was caused by changes in contextual rules which make old internal models no longer valid in the novel context (Courville et al, 2006; O’Reilly et al, 2013). Distinct brain areas which responded preferentially to these delayed targets include the premotor cortex, dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortices, SMA, SPL and putamen
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
