scholarly journals The Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) Project

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd S. Braver ◽  
Alexander Kizhner ◽  
Rongxiang Tang ◽  
Michael C. Freund ◽  
Joset A. Etzel
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Community Building ◽  
Monozygotic Twin ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Human Connectome Project ◽  
Neural Signature ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Initial Results

AbstractThe Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control (DMCC) project provides an ambitious and rigorous empirical test of a theoretical framework that posits two key cognitive control modes: proactive and reactive. The framework’s central tenets are that proactive and reactive control reflect domain-general dimensions of individual variation, with distinctive neural signatures, involving lateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) in interactions with other brain networks and circuits (e.g., frontoparietal, cingulo-opercular). In the DMCC project, each participant is scanned while performing theoretically-targeted variants of multiple well-established cognitive control tasks (Stroop, Cued Task-Switching, AX-CPT, Sternberg Working Memory) in three separate imaging sessions, that each encourage utilization of different control modes, plus also completes an extensive out-of-scanner individual differences battery. Additional key features of the project include a high spatio-temporal resolution (multiband) acquisition protocol, and a sample that includes a substantial subset of monozygotic twin pairs and participants recruited from the Human Connectome Project. Although data collection is still continuing (target N=200), we provide an overview of the study design and protocol, planned analytic approaches and methodological development, along with initial results (N=80) revealing novel evidence of a domain-general neural signature of reactive control. In the interests of scientific community building, the dataset will be made public at project completion, so it can serve as a valuable resource.

The Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control Project

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-26
Author(s):  
Todd S. Braver ◽  
Alexander Kizhner ◽  
Rongxiang Tang ◽  
Michael C. Freund ◽  
Joset A. Etzel
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Monozygotic Twin ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Full Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Prefrontal Function ◽  
Human Connectome Project ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract We describe an ambitious ongoing study that has been strongly influenced and inspired by Don Stuss's career-long efforts to identify key cognitive processes that characterize executive control, investigate potential unifying dimensions that define prefrontal function, and carefully attend to individual differences. The Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control project tests a theoretical framework positing two key control dimensions: proactive and reactive. The framework's central tenets are that proactive and reactive control modes reflect domain-general dimensions of individual variation, with distinctive neural signatures, involving the lateral pFC as a central node within associated brain networks (e.g., fronto-parietal, cingulo-opercular). In the Dual Mechanisms of Cognitive Control project, each participant is scanned while performing theoretically targeted variants of multiple well-established cognitive control tasks (Stroop, cued task-switching, AX-CPT, Sternberg working memory) in three separate imaging sessions, that each encourages utilization of different control modes plus also completes an extensive out-of-scanner individual differences battery. Additional key features of the project include a high spatio-temporal resolution (multiband) acquisition protocol and a sample that includes a substantial subset of monozygotic twin pairs and participants recruited from the Human Connectome Project. Although data collection is still continuing (target n = 200), we provide an overview of the study design and protocol, along with initial results (n = 80) revealing evidence of a domain-general neural signature of cognitive control and its modulation under reactive conditions. Aligned with Don Stuss's legacy of scientific community building, a partial data set has been publicly released, with the full data set released at project completion, so it can serve as a valuable resource.

Neuroanatomical Hippocampal Structures and Heritability of Hippocampal Volume in Relation to Memory

1969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaughnelene Smith
Keyword(s):  
Right Hemisphere ◽  
Environmental Control ◽  
Data Bank ◽  
Monozygotic Twin ◽  
Hippocampal Volume ◽  
Brain Images ◽  
Sibling Pairs ◽  
Human Connectome Project ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
The Right

The goal of this project was to investigate the genetic heritability of hippocampal volume using twin pairs and assess the neuroanatomical structures of the hippocampus and how these properties relate to memory in humans. Data for this project was obtained from the Human Connectome Project: a data bank established to provide neural images to the public. MRI scans were used to obtain brain images of each of the participants and basic cognitive tasks were used to obtain memory ability. To date, 506 subjects have been analyzed: 66 monozygotic twin pairs, 44 dizygotic twin pairs, and 47 sibling pairs. The data collection for of this project was three-fold. First, segmentations were performed to calculate the volume of the anterior and posterior regions of the hippocampus. Secondly, the magnitudes of hippocampus dentations were recorded within the three segments – the head, body, and tail – of the hippocampus. Lastly, visual inspection was used to asses incomplete inversions, which was defined as an atypical anatomical pattern in the hippocampus. The results of this project showed a strong heritability observed on the right anterior hippocampus (hb2=1.365) and right amygdala (hb2=1.315), moderate heritability observed on the left posterior hippocampus (hb2=0.765), and weak heritability observed on the right posterior hippocampus (hb2=0.2654). This indicates that hippocampal volumetric heritability showed strong genetic control for the right hemisphere and strong environmental control for the left hemisphere. The project is still in the process of correlating the anatomical structures to the memory capabilities of the participants. 

scholarly journals Multimodal neural correlates of cognitive control in the Human Connectome Project

NeuroImage ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 163 ◽  
pp. 41-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dov B. Lerman-Sinkoff ◽  
Jing Sui ◽  
Srinivas Rachakonda ◽  
Sridhar Kandala ◽  
Vince D. Calhoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Neural Correlates ◽  
Human Connectome Project

Standing Versus Stepping—Exploring the Relationships Between Postural Steadiness and Dynamic Reactive Balance Control

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 488-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle R. Tanel ◽  
Tyler B. Weaver ◽  
Andrew C. Laing
Keyword(s):  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Balance Control ◽  
Movement Time ◽  
Pressure Control ◽  
Step Length ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Phase Dynamics ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Postural Steadiness

While the literature has characterized balance control during quasi-static and/or dynamic tasks, comparatively few studies have examined relationships across paradigms. This study investigated whether quiet-stance postural steadiness metrics were associated with reactive control parameters (during both stepping and restabilization phases) following a lean-and-release perturbation. A total of 40 older adults participated. Postural steadiness (center of the pressure range, root mean square, velocity, and frequency) was evaluated in “feet together” and “tandem stance” positions. During the reactive control trials, the step length, step width, movement time, and reaction time were measured, in addition to the postural steadiness variables measured during the restabilization phase following the stepping response. Out of 64 comparisons, only 10 moderate correlations were observed between postural steadiness and reactive spatio-temporal stepping parameters (P ≤ .05, r = −.312 to −.534). However, postural steadiness metrics were associated with the center of pressure velocity and frequency during the restabilization phase of the reactive control trials (P ≤ .02, r = .383 to .775 for velocity and P ≤ .01, r = .386 to .550 for frequency). Although some elements of quasi-static center of pressure control demonstrated moderate associations with dynamic stepping responses, relationships were stronger for restabilization phase dynamics after foot-contact. Future work should examine the potential association between restabilization phase control and older adult fall-risk.

Cognitive and reactive control processes

2015 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Jarrett ◽  
Ansley Tullos Gilpin ◽  
Jillian M. Pierucci ◽  
Ana T. Rondon
Keyword(s):  
Preschool Children ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Neuropsychological Functioning ◽  
Delay Of Gratification ◽  
Adhd Symptoms ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Control Variables ◽  
Unique Variance ◽  
Control Processes ◽  
Inattention And Hyperactivity

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be identified in the preschool years, but little is known about the correlates of ADHD symptoms in preschool children. Research to date suggests that factors such as temperament, personality, and neuropsychological functioning may be important in understanding the development of early ADHD symptomatology. The current study sought to extend this research by examining how cognitive and reactive control processes predict ADHD symptoms. Data were drawn from a larger study that measured the cognitive, social, and emotional functioning of preschool children. Eighty-seven children (aged 4–6 years) were evaluated using teacher report and laboratory task measures relevant to cognitive control (i.e., conscientiousness, working memory) and reactive control (i.e., neuroticism, delay of gratification) processes. In multiple regression analyses, cognitive control variables added unique variance in the prediction of both inattention and hyperactivity, but only reactive control variables added unique variance in the prediction of hyperactivity. The current findings align with past research suggesting that cognitive control processes (e.g., conscientiousness) are related to both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, while reactive control processes (e.g., neuroticism) are more strongly related to hyperactivity/impulsivity in preschool children. Future longitudinal research utilizing various methods and measures is needed to understand how cognitive and reactive control processes contribute to ADHD symptom development.

scholarly journals Prefrontal Structural Correlates of Cognitive Control during Adolescent Development: A 4-Year Longitudinal Study

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1118-1130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandita Vijayakumar ◽  
Sarah Whittle ◽  
Murat Yücel ◽  
Meg Dennison ◽  
Julian Simmons ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Adolescent Development ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
Structural Mri ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Modified Stroop ◽  
Mri Scans ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Relationship

Maturation of cognitive control abilities has been attributed to the protracted structural maturation of underlying neural correlates during adolescence. This study examined the relationship between development of two forms of cognitive control (proactive and reactive control) and structural maturation of the ACC, dorsolateral pFC, and ventrolateral pFC (vlPFC) between early and mid adolescence using a longitudinal design. Adolescents (n = 92) underwent baseline assessments when they were 12 years old and follow-up assessments approximately 4 years later. At each assessment, structural MRI scans were acquired, and a modified Stroop task was performed. Results showed longitudinal improvements in reactive control between early and mid adolescence. Furthermore, magnitude of the improvement in proactive control was associated with reduced thinning of the right vlPFC across the sample, whereas the magnitude of the improvements in reactive control was associated with reduced thinning of the left ACC in men alone. These findings suggest that individual differences in the maturation of ACC and vlPFC underlie the development of two distinct forms of cognitive control between early and mid adolescence as well as highlight sex differences in this relationship.

scholarly journals Cortical Mechanisms of Cognitive Control for Shifting Attention in Vision and Working Memory

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (10) ◽  
pp. 2905-2919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin J. Tamber-Rosenau ◽  
Michael Esterman ◽  
Yu-Chin Chiu ◽  
Steven Yantis
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Cognitive Domains ◽  
Future Goals ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Past Experiences ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Superior Frontal Sulcus

Organisms operate within both a perceptual domain of objects and events, and a mnemonic domain of past experiences and future goals. Each domain requires a deliberate selection of task-relevant information, through deployments of external (perceptual) and internal (mnemonic) attention, respectively. Little is known about the control of attention shifts in working memory, or whether voluntary control of attention in these two domains is subserved by a common or by distinct functional networks. We used human fMRI to examine the neural basis of cognitive control while participants shifted attention in vision and in working memory. We found that these acts of control recruit in common a subset of the dorsal fronto-parietal attentional control network, including the medial superior parietal lobule, intraparietal sulcus, and superior frontal sulcus/gyrus. Event-related multivoxel pattern classification reveals, however, that these regions exhibit distinct spatio-temporal patterns of neural activity during internal and external shifts of attention, respectively. These findings constrain theoretical accounts of selection in working memory and perception by showing that populations of neurons in dorsal fronto-parietal network regions exhibit selective tuning for acts of cognitive control in different cognitive domains.

scholarly journals Proactive Control of Emotional Distraction: An ERP Investigation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Laura Kranz
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Control ◽  
Emotional Processing ◽  
Control Mechanisms ◽  
Proactive Control ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Frequency Condition ◽  
Distractor Processing ◽  
Early Posterior Negativity ◽  
Distraction Task ◽  
Emotional Distraction

<p>According to the Dual Mechanisms of Control (DMC) framework (Braver, 2012) distraction can be controlled either proactively (i.e., before the onset of a distractor) or reactively (i.e., after the onset of a distractor). Research clearly indicates that, when distractors are emotionally neutral, proactive mechanisms are more effective at controlling distraction than reactive mechanisms. However, whether proactive control mechanisms can control irrelevant emotional distractions as effectively as neutral distraction is not known. In the current thesis I examined cognitive control over emotional distraction. In Experiment 1, I tested whether proactive mechanisms can control emotional distraction as effectively as neutral distraction. Participants completed a distraction task. On each trial, they determined whether a centrally presented target letter (embedded amongst a circle of ‘o’s) was an ‘X’ or an ‘N’, while ignoring peripheral distractors (negative, neutral, or positive images). Distractors were presented on either a low proportion (25%) or a high proportion (75%) of trials, to evoke reactive and proactive cognitive control strategies, respectively. Emotional images (both positive and negative) produced more distraction than neutral images in the low distractor frequency (i.e., reactive control) condition. Critically, emotional distraction was almost abolished in the high distractor frequency condition; emotional images were only slightly more distracting than neutral images, suggesting that proactive mechanisms can control emotional distraction almost as effectively as neutral distraction. In Experiment 2, I replicated and extended Experiment 1. ERPs were recorded while participants completed the distraction task. An early index (the early posterior negativity; EPN) and a late index (the late positive potential; LPP) of emotional processing were examined to investigate the mechanisms by which proactive control minimises emotional distraction. The behavioural results of Experiment 2 replicated Experiment 1, providing further support for the hypothesis that proactive mechanisms can control emotional distractions as effectively as neutral distractions. While proactive control was found to eliminate early emotional processing of positive distractors, it paradoxically did not attenuate late emotional processing of positive distractors. On the other hand, proactive control eliminated late emotional processing of negative distractors. However, the early index of emotional processing was not a reliable index of negative distractor processing under either reactive or proactive conditions. Taken together, my findings show that proactive mechanisms can effectively control emotional distraction, but do not clearly establish the mechanisms by which this occurs.</p>

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