Brain Structure and Functional Connectivity Associated with Individual Differences in the Attentional Blink

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 6224-6237
Author(s):  
Liqin Zhou ◽  
Zonglei Zhen ◽  
Jia Liu ◽  
Ke Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Attentional Blink ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Large Sample Size ◽  
Structural Variations ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Temporoparietal Junction ◽  
The Individual

Abstract The attentional blink (AB) has been central in characterizing the limit of temporal attention and consciousness. The neural mechanism of the AB is still in hot debate. With a large sample size, we combined multiple behavioral tests, multimodal MRI measures, and transcranial magnetic stimulation to investigate the neural basis underlying the individual differences in the AB. We found that AB magnitude correlated with the executive control functioning of working memory (WM) in behavior, which was fully mediated by T1 performance. Structural variations in the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) and its intrinsic functional connectivity with the left inferior frontal junction (lIFJ) accounted for the individual differences in the AB, which was moderated by the executive control of working memory. Disrupting the function of the lIFJ attenuated the AB deficit. Our findings clarified the neural correlates of the individual differences in the AB and elucidated its relationship with the consolidation-driven inhibitory control process.

scholarly journals White Matter Brain Structure Predicts Language Performance and Learning Success

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella M. Sanchez ◽  
Helmut Schmidt ◽  
Guillermo Gallardo ◽  
Alfred Anwander ◽  
Jens Brauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
White Matter ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Brain Structure ◽  
Network Motif ◽  
Language Performance ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Complex Sentences ◽  
The Individual

Individual differences in the ability to deal with language have long been discussed. The neural basis of these, however, is yet unknown. Here we investigated the relationship between long-range white matter connectivity of the brain, as revealed by diffusion tractography, and the ability to process syntactically complex sentences in the participants' native language as well as the improvement thereof by multi-day training. We identified specific network motifs that indeed related white matter tractography to individual language processing performance. First, for two such motifs, one in the left and one in the right hemisphere, their individual prevalence significantly predicted the individual language performance suggesting a predisposition for the individual ability to process syntactically complex sentences, which manifests itself in the white matter brain structure. Both motifs comprise a number of cortical regions, but seem to be dominated by areas known for the involvement in working memory rather than the classical language network itself. Second, we identified another left hemispheric network motif, whose change of prevalence over the training period significantly correlated with the individual change in performance, thus reflecting training induced white matter plasticity. This motif comprises diverse cortical areas including regions known for their involvement in language processing, working memory and motor functions. The present findings suggest that individual differences in language processing and learning can be explained, in part, by individual differences in the brain's white matter structure. Brain structure may be a crucial factor to be considered when discussing variations in human cognitive performance, more generally.

scholarly journals Dopamine and the Management of Attentional Resources: Genetic Markers of Striatal D2 Dopamine Predict Individual Differences in the Attentional Blink

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (11) ◽  
pp. 3576-3585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza S. Colzato ◽  
Heleen A. Slagter ◽  
Mischa de Rover ◽  
Bernhard Hommel
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Attentional Blink ◽  
Crucial Role ◽  
D2 Receptors ◽  
Strongly Correlated ◽  
Attentional Resources ◽  
Rapid Sequence ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Dopaminergic Pathways

The attentional blink (AB)—a deficit in reporting the second of two target stimuli presented in close succession in a rapid sequence of distracters—has been related to processing limitations in working memory. Given that dopamine (DA) plays a crucial role working memory, the present study tested whether individual differences in the size of the AB can be predicted by differences in genetic predisposition related to the efficiency of dopaminergic pathways. Polymorphisms related to mesocortical and nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathways were considered, as well as polymorphisms related to norepinephrine (NE), a transmitter system that has also been suspected to play a role in the AB. In a sample of 157 healthy adults, we studied the dependency of the individual magnitude of the AB and the C957T polymorphism at the DRD2 gene (associated with striatal DA/D2 receptors), the DARPP32 polymorphism (associated with striatal DA/D1), the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (associated with frontal DA), DBH444 g/a and DBH5′-ins/del polymorphisms (polymorphisms strongly correlated with DA beta hydroxylase, the enzyme catalyzing the DA–NE conversion) and NET T-182C (a polymorphism related to the NE transporter). DRD2 C957T T/T homozygotes showed a significantly smaller AB, whereas polymorphisms associated with frontal DA and NE were unrelated to performance. This outcome pattern suggests a crucial role of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway and of nigrostriatal D2 receptors, in particular, in the management of attentional resources.

scholarly journals Novel-word learning, executive control and working memory: A bilingual advantage

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (04) ◽  
pp. 763-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
MEESHA A. WARMINGTON ◽  
SWATHI KANDRU-POTHINENI ◽  
GRAHAM J. HITCH
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Word Learning ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Bilingual Advantage ◽  
Independent Replication ◽  
Novel Word Learning ◽  
Almost All

Studies of the effects of bilingualism on cognition have given results that do not consistently replicate, reflecting at least in part wide differences in criteria for bilingualism and heterogeneity of language combinations within studied samples. We examined the bilingual advantage in attention, working memory and novel-word learning in early sequential Hindi–English bilinguals. We sought to clarify the aspects of cognition that benefit from bilingualism by using multiple measures and a sample sufficiently well-defined to permit independent replication. Bilinguals outperformed monolinguals on response inhibition, novel-word learning and almost all working memory tasks. In contrast, both groups performed comparably on selective attention. Analyses of individual differences showed that bilingual novel-word learning was related to their verbal working memory and ability to inhibit an ongoing action, whereas this was not the case for monolinguals. Results indicate a specific bilingual advantage that is confined to some but not all aspects of cognition.

scholarly journals Working memory and the attentional blink: Blink size is predicted by individual differences in operation span

2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 1051-1057 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenza S. Colzato ◽  
Michiel M. A. Spapé ◽  
Merel M. Pannebakker ◽  
Bernhard Hommel
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Attentional Blink ◽  
Operation Span

scholarly journals Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation over Left Dorsolateral pFC on the Attentional Blink Depend on Individual Baseline Performance

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 2382-2393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raquel E. London ◽  
Heleen A. Slagter
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Attentional Blink ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Anodal Tdcs ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Cathodal Tdcs ◽  
Left Dlpfc

Selection mechanisms that dynamically gate only relevant perceptual information for further processing and sustained representation in working memory are critical for goal-directed behavior. We examined whether this gating process can be modulated by anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over left dorsolateral pFC (DLPFC)—a region known to play a key role in working memory and conscious access. Specifically, we examined the effects of tDCS on the magnitude of the so-called “attentional blink” (AB), a deficit in identifying the second of two targets presented in rapid succession. Thirty-four participants performed a standard AB task before (baseline), during, and after 20 min of 1-mA anodal and cathodal tDCS in two separate sessions. On the basis of previous reports linking individual differences in AB magnitude to individual differences in DLPFC activity and on suggestions that effects of tDCS depend on baseline brain activity levels, we hypothesized that anodal tDCS over left DLPFC would modulate the magnitude of the AB as a function of individual baseline AB magnitude. Indeed, individual differences analyses revealed that anodal tDCS decreased the AB in participants with a large baseline AB but increased the AB in participants with a small baseline AB. This effect was only observed during (but not after) stimulation, was not found for cathodal tDCS, and could not be explained by regression to the mean. Notably, the effects of tDCS were not apparent at the group level, highlighting the importance of taking individual variability in performance into account when evaluating the effectiveness of tDCS. These findings support the idea that left DLPFC plays a critical role in the AB and in conscious access more generally. They are also in line with the notion that there is an optimal level of prefrontal activity for cognitive function, with both too little and too much activity hurting performance.

scholarly journals Functional Connectivity during Encoding Predicts Individual Differences in Long-Term Memory

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Qi Lin ◽  
Kwangsun Yoo ◽  
Xilin Shen ◽  
Todd R. Constable ◽  
Marvin M. Chun
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Recognition Memory ◽  
Memory Model ◽  
Long Term Memory ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Term Memory ◽  
Back Task

Abstract What is the neural basis of individual differences in the ability to hold information in long-term memory (LTM)? Here, we first characterize two whole-brain functional connectivity networks based on fMRI data acquired during an n-back task that robustly predict individual differences in two important forms of LTM, recognition and recollection. We then focus on the recognition memory model and contrast it with a working memory model. Although functional connectivity during the n-back task also predicts working memory performance and the two networks have some shared components, they are also largely distinct from each other: The recognition memory model performance remains robust when we control for working memory, and vice versa. Functional connectivity only within regions traditionally associated with LTM formation, such as the medial temporal lobe and those that show univariate subsequent memory effect, have little predictive power for both forms of LTM. Interestingly, the interactions between these regions and other brain regions play a more substantial role in predicting recollection memory than recognition memory. These results demonstrate that individual differences in LTM are dependent on the configuration of a whole-brain functional network including but not limited to regions associated with LTM during encoding and that such a network is separable from what supports the retention of information in working memory.

Verbal working memory-related functional connectivity alterations in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the effects of methylphenidate

2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (8) ◽  
pp. 1061-1069 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhao-Min Wu ◽  
Janita Bralten ◽  
Li An ◽  
Qing-Jiu Cao ◽  
Xiao-Hua Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Verbal Working Memory ◽  
Control Network ◽  
Executive Control Network ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Connectivity Patterns ◽  
Behavioural Performance

Objective: Few studies have investigated verbal working memory-related functional connectivity patterns in participants with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thus, we aimed to compare working memory-related functional connectivity patterns in healthy children and those with ADHD, and study effects of methylphenidate (MPH). Method: Twenty-two boys with ADHD were scanned twice, under either MPH (single dose, 10 mg) or placebo, in a randomised, cross-over, counterbalanced placebo-controlled design. Thirty healthy boys were scanned once. We used fMRI during a numerical n-back task to examine functional connectivity patterns in case-control and MPH-placebo comparisons, using independent component analysis. Results: There was no significant difference in behavioural performance between children with ADHD, treated with MPH or placebo, and healthy controls. Compared with controls, participants with ADHD under placebo showed increased functional connectivity within fronto-parietal and auditory networks, and decreased functional connectivity within the executive control network. MPH normalized the altered functional connectivity pattern and significantly enhanced functional connectivity within the executive control network, though in non-overlapping areas. Conclusion: Our study contributes to the identification of the neural substrates of working memory. Single dose of MPH normalized the altered brain functional connectivity network, but had no enhancing effect on (non-impaired) behavioural performance.

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