scholarly journals Minimal phrase composition revealed by intracranial recordings

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elliot Murphy ◽  
Oscar Woolnough ◽  
Patrick S Rollo ◽  
Zachary J Roccaforte ◽  
Katrien Segaert ◽  
...  

The ability to comprehend meaningful phrases is an essential component of language. Here we evaluate a minimal compositional scheme - the 'red-boat' paradigm - using intracranial recordings to map the process of semantic composition in phrase structure comprehension. 18 human participants, implanted with penetrating depth or surface subdural intracranial electrode for the evaluation of medically refractory epilepsy, were presented with auditory recordings of adjective-noun, pseudoword-noun and adjective-pseudoword phrases before being presented with a colored drawing, and were asked to judge whether the phrase matched the object presented. Significantly greater broadband gamma activity (70-150Hz) occurred in temporo-occipital junction (TOJ) and posterior middle temporal gyrus (pMTG) for pseudowords over words (300-700ms post-onset) in both first- and second-word positions. Greater inter-trial phase coherence (8-12Hz) was found for words than for pseudowords in posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG). Isolating phrase structure sensitivity, we identified a portion of TOJ and posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) that showed increased gamma activity for phrase composition than for non-composition, while left anterior temporal lobe (ATL) showed greater low frequency (2-15Hz) activity for phrase composition, likely coordinating distributed semantic representations. Greater functional connectivity between pSTS-TOJ and pars triangularis, and between pSTS-TOJ and ATL, was also found for phrase composition. STG, ATL and pars triangularis were found to encode anticipation of composition in the beta band (15-30Hz), and alpha (8-12Hz) power increases in ATL were also linked to anticipation. These results indicate that pSTS-TOJ appears to be crucial hub in the network responsible for the retrieval and computation of minimal phrases, and that anticipation of such composition is encoded in fronto-temporal regions.

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 855-873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Omigie ◽  
Marcus Pearce ◽  
Katia Lehongre ◽  
Dominique Hasboun ◽  
Vincent Navarro ◽  
...  

Prediction is held to be a fundamental process underpinning perception, action, and cognition. To examine the time course of prediction error signaling, we recorded intracranial EEG activity from nine presurgical epileptic patients while they listened to melodies whose information theoretical predictability had been characterized using a computational model. We examined oscillatory activity in the superior temporal gyrus (STG), the middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and the pars orbitalis of the inferior frontal gyrus, lateral cortical areas previously implicated in auditory predictive processing. We also examined activity in anterior cingulate gyrus (ACG), insula, and amygdala to determine whether signatures of prediction error signaling may also be observable in these subcortical areas. Our results demonstrate that the information content (a measure of unexpectedness) of musical notes modulates the amplitude of low-frequency oscillatory activity (theta to beta power) in bilateral STG and right MTG from within 100 and 200 msec of note onset, respectively. Our results also show this cortical activity to be accompanied by low-frequency oscillatory modulation in ACG and insula—areas previously associated with mediating physiological arousal. Finally, we showed that modulation of low-frequency activity is followed by that of high-frequency (gamma) power from approximately 200 msec in the STG, between 300 and 400 msec in the left insula, and between 400 and 500 msec in the ACG. We discuss these results with respect to models of neural processing that emphasize gamma activity as an index of prediction error signaling and highlight the usefulness of musical stimuli in revealing the wide-reaching neural consequences of predictive processing.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.E. Archila-Meléndez ◽  
G. Valente ◽  
E. Gommer ◽  
R.P.W. Rouhl ◽  
O.E.M.G. Schijns ◽  
...  

AbstractElectrical stimulation mapping (ESM) is the gold standard for identification of “eloquent” areas prior to resection of epileptogenic tissue, however, it is time consuming and may cause side effects, especially stimulation-induced seizures and after-discharges. Broadband gamma activity (55 – 200 Hz) recorded with subdural electrocorticography (ECoG) during cognitive tasks has been proposed as an attractive tool for mapping cortical areas with specific function but until now has not proven definitive clinical value. Fewer studies have addressed whether the alpha (8 – 12 Hz) and beta (15 – 25 Hz) band activity could also be used to improve eloquent cortex identification. We compared alpha, beta and broadband gamma activity, and their combination for the identification of eloquent cortical areas defined by ESM. Ten patients participated in a delayed-match-to-sample task, where syllable sounds were matched to visually presented letters and responses given by keyboard. We used a generalized linear model (GLM) approach to find the optimal weighting of low frequency bands and broadband gamma power to predict the ESM categories. Broadband gamma activity increased more in eloquent areas than in non-eloquent areas and this difference had a diagnostic ability (area under (AU) the receiving operating characteristic curve - AUROC) of ∼70%. Both alpha and beta power decreased more in eloquent areas. Alpha power had lower AUROC than broadband gamma while beta had similar AUROC. AUROC was enhanced by the combination of alpha and broadband gamma (3% improvement) and by the combination of beta and broadband gamma (7% improvement) over the use of broadband gamma alone. Further analysis showed that the relative performance of broadband gamma and low frequency bands depended on multiple factors including the time period of the cognitive task, the location of the electrodes and the patient’s attention to the stimulus. However, the combination of beta band and broadband gamma always gave the best performance. We show how ECoG power modulation from cognitive testing periods can be used to map the probability of eloquence by ESM and how this probability can be used as an aid for optimal ESM planning. We conclude that low frequency power during cognitive testing can contribute to the identification of eloquent areas in patients with focal refractory epilepsy improving its precision but does not replace the need of ESM.HighlightsGamma, alpha and beta band activity has significant diagnostic ability to identify ESM defined eloquent cortical areas.We present a novel method to combine gamma and low frequency activity for enhanced identification.We quantify how identification is dependent on analysis time window, cortical function, and patient’s attentional engagement.With further development, this approach may offer an alternative to ESM mapping with reduced burden for patients.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-Qi Liu ◽  
Yi-Dan Shi ◽  
Rong-Bin Liang ◽  
Qian-Min Ge ◽  
Qiu-Yu Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Based on fMRI technology, we explored whether children with strabismus and amblyopia (SA) showed significant alteration in fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) values in specific brain regions compared with healthy controls, and whether this change could indicate the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of children with strabismus to a certain extent. Methods 23 children with strabismus amblyopia and same number matched healthy control was registered in the ophthalmology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and the whole brain was scanned by rs-fMRI. The fALFF value of each brain area was derived to explore whether there is a statistical difference in the two groups. Meanwhile, ROC curve was made in a view to evaluate whether this difference is of value as a diagnostic index. Finally, analyze whether the changes in the fALFF value of some specific brain regions are related to clinical manifestations Results report to HCs children with SA presented a decreased fALFF values in left temporal pole: the superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area. Meanwhile, they also showed higher fALFF values in specific brain areas, which included left precentral gyrus, left inferior Parietal, left Precuneus. Conclusion Children with SA showed abnormal fALFF values in different brain regions. Most of these regions were allocated to the visual formation pathway. The eye movement-related pathway or other visual-related pathways, suggesting the pathological mechanism of the patient.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Dan Shi ◽  
Li-Qi Liu ◽  
Rong-Bin Liang ◽  
Qian-Min Ge ◽  
Qiu-Yu Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: Based on fMRI technology, we explored whether children with strabismus and amblyopia (SA) showed significant change in fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) values in specific brain regions compared with healthy controls, and whether this change could point to the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of children with strabismus to a certain extent.Methods: We enrolled 23 children with SA and same number matched healthy control in the ophthalmology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and the whole brain was scanned by rs-fMRI. The fALFF value of each brain area was derived to examine whether there is a statistical difference in the two groups. Meanwhile, ROC curve was made in a view to evaluate whether this difference proves useful as a diagnostic index. Finally, analyze whether changes in the fALFF value of some specific brain regions are related to clinical manifestations.Results: report to HCs children with SA presented a decreased fALFF values in left temporal pole: the superior temporal gyrus, right middle temporal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area. Meanwhile, they also showed higher fALFF values in specific brain areas, which included left precentral gyrus, left inferior Parietal, left Precuneus.Conclusion: Children with SA showed abnormal fALFF values in different brain regions. Most of these regions were allocated to the visual formation pathway. The eye movement-related pathway or other visual-related pathways, suggesting the pathological mechanism of the patient.


Author(s):  
Yuliya S. Dzhos ◽  
◽  
Irina A. Men’shikova ◽  

This article presents the results of the study on spectral electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics in 7–10-year-old children (8 girls and 22 boys) having difficulties with voluntary regulation of activity after 10 and 20 neurofeedback sessions using beta-activating training. Brain bioelectric activity was recorded in 16 standard leads using the Neuron-Spectrum-4/VPM complex. The dynamics was assessed by EEG beta and theta bands during neurofeedback. An increase in the total power of beta band oscillations was established both after 10 and after 20 sessions of EEG biofeedback in the frontal (p ≤ 0.001), left parietal (p ≤ 0.036), and temporal (p ≤ 0.003) areas of the brain. A decrease in the spectral characteristics of theta band oscillations was detected: after 10 neurofeedback sessions in the frontal (p ≤ 0.008) and temporal (p ≤ 0.006) areas of both hemispheres, as well as in the parietal area of the left hemisphere (p ≤ 0.005); after 20 sessions, in the central (p ≤ 0.004), frontal (p ≤ 0.001) and temporal (p ≤ 0.001) areas of both hemispheres, as well as in the occipital (p ≤ 0.047) and parietal (p ≤ 0.001) areas of the left hemisphere. The study into the dynamics of bioelectric activity during biofeedback using EEG parameters in 7–10-year-old children with impaired voluntary regulation of higher mental functions allowed us to prove the advisability of 20 sessions, as the increase in high-frequency activity and decrease in low-frequency activity do not stop with the 10th session. Changes in these parameters after 10 EEG biofeedback sessions are expressed mainly in the frontotemporal areas of both hemispheres, while after a course of 20 sessions, in both the frontotemporal and central parietal areas of the brain.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 330
Author(s):  
Dalton J. Edwards ◽  
Logan T. Trujillo

Traditionally, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) studies collect data within controlled laboratory environments that limit the external validity of scientific conclusions. To probe these validity limits, we used a mobile EEG system to record electrophysiological signals from human participants while they were located within a controlled laboratory environment and an uncontrolled outdoor environment exhibiting several moderate background influences. Participants performed two tasks during these recordings, one engaging brain activity related to several complex cognitive functions (number sense, attention, memory, executive function) and the other engaging two default brain states. We computed EEG spectral power over three frequency bands (theta: 4–7 Hz, alpha: 8–13 Hz, low beta: 14–20 Hz) where EEG oscillatory activity is known to correlate with the neurocognitive states engaged by these tasks. Null hypothesis significance testing yielded significant EEG power effects typical of the neurocognitive states engaged by each task, but only a beta-band power difference between the two background recording environments during the default brain state. Bayesian analysis showed that the remaining environment null effects were unlikely to reflect measurement insensitivities. This overall pattern of results supports the external validity of laboratory EEG power findings for complex and default neurocognitive states engaged within moderately uncontrolled environments.


2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1789-1798 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Bartolo ◽  
Francesca Benuzzi ◽  
Luca Nocetti ◽  
Patrizia Baraldi ◽  
Paolo Nichelli

Humor is a unique ability in human beings. Suls [A two-stage model for the appreciation of jokes and cartoons. In P. E. Goldstein & J. H. McGhee (Eds.), The psychology of humour. Theoretical perspectives and empirical issues. New York: Academic Press, 1972, pp. 81–100] proposed a two-stage model of humor: detection and resolution of incongruity. Incongruity is generated when a prediction is not confirmed in the final part of a story. To comprehend humor, it is necessary to revisit the story, transforming an incongruous situation into a funny, congruous one. Patient and neuroimaging studies carried out until now lead to different outcomes. In particular, patient studies found that right brain-lesion patients have difficulties in humor comprehension, whereas neuroimaging studies suggested a major involvement of the left hemisphere in both humor detection and comprehension. To prevent activation of the left hemisphere due to language processing, we devised a nonverbal task comprising cartoon pairs. Our findings demonstrate activation of both the left and the right hemispheres when comparing funny versus nonfunny cartoons. In particular, we found activation of the right inferior frontal gyrus (BA 47), the left superior temporal gyrus (BA 38), the left middle temporal gyrus (BA 21), and the left cerebellum. These areas were also activated in a nonverbal task exploring attribution of intention [Brunet, E., Sarfati, Y., Hardy-Bayle, M. C., & Decety, J. A PET investigation of the attribution of intentions with a nonverbal task. Neuroimage, 11, 157–166, 2000]. We hypothesize that the resolution of incongruity might occur through a process of intention attribution. We also asked subjects to rate the funniness of each cartoon pair. A parametric analysis showed that the left amygdala was activated in relation to subjective amusement. We hypothesize that the amygdala plays a key role in giving humor an emotional dimension.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Herff ◽  
C. Herff ◽  
A. J. Milne ◽  
G. D. Johnson ◽  
J. J. Shih ◽  
...  

AbstractRhythmic auditory stimuli are known to elicit matching activity patterns in neural populations. Furthermore, recent research has established the particular importance of high-gamma brain activity in auditory processing by showing its involvement in auditory phrase segmentation and envelope-tracking. Here, we use electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings from eight human listeners, to see whether periodicities in high-gamma activity track the periodicities in the envelope of musical rhythms during rhythm perception and imagination. Rhythm imagination was elicited by instructing participants to imagine the rhythm to continue during pauses of several repetitions. To identify electrodes whose periodicities in high-gamma activity track the periodicities in the musical rhythms, we compute the correlation between the autocorrelations (ACC) of both the musical rhythms and the neural signals. A condition in which participants listened to white noise was used to establish a baseline. High-gamma autocorrelations in auditory areas in the superior temporal gyrus and in frontal areas on both hemispheres significantly matched the autocorrelation of the musical rhythms. Overall, numerous significant electrodes are observed on the right hemisphere. Of particular interest is a large cluster of electrodes in the right prefrontal cortex that is active during both rhythm perception and imagination. This indicates conscious processing of the rhythms’ structure as opposed to mere auditory phenomena. The ACC approach clearly highlights that high-gamma activity measured from cortical electrodes tracks both attended and imagined rhythms.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Saez ◽  
Jack Lin ◽  
Edward Chang ◽  
Josef Parvizi ◽  
Robert T. Knight ◽  
...  

AbstractHuman neuroimaging and animal studies have linked neural activity in orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) to valuation of positive and negative outcomes. Additional evidence shows that neural oscillations, representing the coordinated activity of neuronal ensembles, support information processing in both animal and human prefrontal regions. However, the role of OFC neural oscillations in reward-processing in humans remains unknown, partly due to the difficulty of recording oscillatory neural activity from deep brain regions. Here, we examined the role of OFC neural oscillations (<30Hz) in reward processing by combining intracranial OFC recordings with a gambling task in which patients made economic decisions under uncertainty. Our results show that power in different oscillatory bands are associated with distinct components of reward evaluation. Specifically, we observed a double dissociation, with a selective theta band oscillation increase in response to monetary gains and a beta band increase in response to losses. These effects were interleaved across OFC in overlapping networks and were accompanied by increases in oscillatory coherence between OFC electrode sites in theta and beta band during gain and loss processing, respectively. These results provide evidence that gain and loss processing in human OFC are supported by distinct low-frequency oscillations in networks, and provide evidence that participating neuronal ensembles are organized functionally through oscillatory coherence, rather than local anatomical segregation.


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