scholarly journals Pubertal Testosterone Correlates with Adolescent Impatience and Dorsal Striatal Activity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corinna Laube ◽  
Robert Lorenz ◽  
Wouter van den Bos
Keyword(s):  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Choice Task ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Impulsive Behavior ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Neural Processes

AbstractRecent self-report and behavioral studies have demonstrated that pubertal testosterone is related to an increase in risky and impulsive behavior. Yet, the mechanisms underlying such a relationship are poorly understood. Findings from both human and rodent studies point towards distinct striatal pathways including the ventral and dorsal striatum as key target regions for pubertal hormones. In this study we investigated task-related impatience of boys between 10 and 15 years of age (N = 75), using an intertemporal choice task combined with measures of functional magnetic resonance imaging and hormonal assessment. Increased levels of testosterone were associated with a greater response bias towards choosing the smaller sooner option. Furthermore, our results show that testosterone specifically modulates the dorsal, not ventral, striatal pathway. These results provide novel insights into our understanding of adolescent impulsive and risky behaviors and how pubertal hormones are related to neural processes.

scholarly journals The context-dependent nature of the neural implementation of intentions

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebo Uithol ◽  
Kai Görgen ◽  
Doris Pischedda ◽  
Ivan Toni ◽  
John-Dylan Haynes
Keyword(s):  
Essential Feature ◽  
Intentional Action ◽  
Context Dependency ◽  
Voluntary Action ◽  
Fmri Data ◽  
Experimental Setup ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neural Representations ◽  
Neural Processes

AbstractMany studies have identified networks in parietal and prefrontal cortex that are involved in intentional action. Yet, knowledge about what these networks exactly encoded is still scarce. In this study we look into the content of those processes. We ask whether the neural representations of intentions are context- and reason-invariant, or whether these processes depend on the context we are in, and the reasons we have for choosing an action. We use a combination of functional magnetic resonance imaging and multivariate decoding to directly assess the context- and reason-dependency of the processes underlying intentional action. We were able to decode action decisions in the same context and for the same reasons from the fMRI data, in line with previous decoding studies. Furthermore, we could decode action decisions across different reasons for choosing an action. Importantly, though, decoding decisions across different contexts was at chance level. These results suggest that for voluntary action, there is considerable context-dependency in intention representations. This suggests that established invariance in neural processes may not reflect an essential feature of a certain process, but that this stable character could be dependent on invariance in the experimental setup, in line with predictions from situated cognition theory.

scholarly journals Cue-reactivity in the ventral striatum characterizes heavy cannabis use, whereas reactivity in the dorsal striatum mediates dependent use

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinqi Zhou ◽  
Kaeli Zimmermann ◽  
Fei Xin ◽  
Weihua Zhao ◽  
Roelinka Derckx ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Ventral Striatum ◽  
Reference Group ◽  
Cue Reactivity ◽  
Dorsal Striatum ◽  
Imaging Study ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Trait Impulsivity

AbstractBackgroundAnimal models of addiction suggest that the transition from incentive-driven to habitual and ultimately compulsive drug use is mediated by a shift from ventral to dorsal striatal cue-control over drug seeking. Previous studies in human cannabis users reported elevated trait impulsivity and cue-reactivity in striatal circuits, however, these studies were not able to separate addiction-related from exposure-related adaptations.MethodsTo differentiate the adaptive changes, the present functional magnetic resonance imaging study examined behavioral and neural cue-reactivity in dependent (n = 18) and non-dependent (n = 20) heavy cannabis users and a non-using reference group (n = 44).ResultsIrrespective of dependence status, cannabis users demonstrated elevated trait impulsivity as well as increased ventral striatal reactivity and striato-frontal coupling in response to drug cues. Dependent users selectively exhibited dorsal-striatal reactivity and decreased striato-limbic coupling during cue-exposure. An exploratory analysis revealed that higher ventral caudate cue-reactivity was associated with stronger cue-induced arousal and craving in dependent users, whereas this pattern was reversed in non-dependent users.ConclusionsTogether the present findings suggest that an incentive sensitization of the ventral striatal reward system may promote excessive drug use in humans, whereas adaptations in dorsal striatal systems engaged in habit formation may promote the transition to addictive use.

scholarly journals Measurement of stretch-evoked brainstem function using fMRI

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Zonnino ◽  
Andria J Farrens ◽  
David Ress ◽  
Fabrizio Sergi
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neural Activity ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Novel Technique ◽  
Reticulospinal Tract ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Long Latency Responses ◽  
Long Latency ◽  
Brainstem Function

ABSTRACTKnowledge on the organization of motor function in the reticulospinal tract (RST) is limited by the lack of methods for measuring RST function in humans. Behavioral studies suggest the involvement of the RST in long latency responses (LLRs). LLRs, elicited by precisely controlled perturbations, can therefore act as a viable paradigm to measure motor-related RST activity using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI).Here we present StretchfMRI, a novel technique developed to study RST function associated with LLRs. StretchfMRI combines robotic perturbations with electromyography and fMRI to simultaneously quantify muscular and neural activity during stretch-evoked LLRs without loss of reliability. Using StretchfMRI, we established the muscle-specific organization of LLR activity in the brainstem. The observed organization is partially consistent with animal models, with activity primarily in the ipsilateral medulla for flexors and in the contralateral pons for extensors, but also include other areas, such as the midbrain and bilateral pontomedullary contributions.

scholarly journals Regions and Connections: Complementary Approaches to Characterize Brain Organization and Function

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Horien ◽  
Abigail S. Greene ◽  
R. Todd Constable ◽  
Dustin Scheinost
Keyword(s):  
Functional Organization ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Brain Organization ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Relative Utility ◽  
And Function ◽  
Brain Behavior ◽  
The Brain

Functional magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be a powerful tool to characterize spatiotemporal patterns of human brain activity. Analysis methods broadly fall into two camps: those summarizing properties of a region and those measuring interactions among regions. Here we pose an unappreciated question in the field: What are the strengths and limitations of each approach to study fundamental neural processes? We explore the relative utility of region- and connection-based measures in the context of three topics of interest: neurobiological relevance, brain-behavior relationships, and individual differences in brain organization. In each section, we offer illustrative examples. We hope that this discussion offers a novel and useful framework to support efforts to better understand the macroscale functional organization of the brain and how it relates to behavior.

“I want it now!” Intertemporal Choice Through the Lens of Valence Weighting Bias

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-258
Author(s):  
Javier A. Granados Samayoa ◽  
Russell H. Fazio
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Intertemporal Choice ◽  
Choice Task ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Negative Valence ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Positive And Negative Valence ◽  
Characteristic Manner ◽  
Report Measure

The current research presents a novel perspective regarding individual differences in intertemporal choice preferences. We postulate that such differences are partly rooted in individuals’ valence weighting proclivities—their characteristic manner of weighting positive and negative valence when constructing an initial evaluation. Importantly, valence weighting bias should predict intertemporal choice most strongly (a) for those who are relatively low in trait self-control and (b) when the magnitude of the available rewards is relatively small, because these two factors are associated with lesser motivation/resources to deliberate extensively about one's decision. More specifically, we propose that those with a more positive weighting bias give greater weight to the clearly positive immediate reward that is under consideration, and under these conditions, the resulting appraisal shapes choice more strongly. Using a performance-based measure of valence weighting tendencies, a hypothetical intertemporal choice task, and a self-report measure of trait self-control, we provide evidence for our hypothesis.

scholarly journals Impact of Panic on Psychophysiological and Neural Reactivity to Unpredictable Threat in Depression and Anxiety

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Lieberman ◽  
Stephanie M. Gorka ◽  
Stewart A. Shankman ◽  
K. Luan Phan
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging ◽  
Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Core Feature ◽  
Neural Reactivity ◽  
Startle Potentiation ◽  
Threat Of Shock

Exaggerated anxious responding to unpredictable threat (U-threat) is a core feature of panic disorder (PD). However, it is unknown whether this abnormality is specific to the diagnosis of PD or would manifest along a continuum of panic symptomatology (PS). In addition, little is known about the neural processes underlying this abnormality among those high in PS. Finally, no studies have tested whether startle potentiation and limbic neural reactivity—commonly used indices of U-threat responsivity—are associated and therefore reflect common abnormalities. These questions were investigated in 42 adults with a range of PS. U-threat responding was measured twice during threat of shock—once with startle and once with functional magnetic resonance imaging. As hypothesized, PS positively predicted startle potentiation and dACC reactivity to U-threat. Startle potentiation and dACC activation to U-threat were positively associated. These results suggest a biobehavioral profile of aberrant responding to U-threat associated with PS.

scholarly journals The Cerebral Response during Subjective Choice with and without Self-reference

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 1897-1906 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sterling C. Johnson ◽  
Taylor W. Schmitz ◽  
Tisha N. Kawahara-Baccus ◽  
Howard A. Rowley ◽  
Andrew L. Alexander ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Perspective Taking ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Imaging Experiment ◽  
Color Similarity ◽  
Response Alternatives ◽  
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Experiment ◽  
Self Reference

The anterior medial prefrontal (AMPFC) and retrosplenial (RSC) cortices are active during self-referential decision-making tasks such as when participants appraise traits and abilities, or current affect. Other appraisal tasks requiring an evaluative decision or mental representation, such as theory of mind and perspective-taking tasks, also involve these regions. In many instances, these types of decisions involve a subjective opinion or preference, but also a degree of ambiguity in the decision, rather than a strictly veridical response. However, this ambiguity is generally not controlled for in studies that examine self-referential decision-making. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment with 17 healthy adults, we examined neural processes associated with subjective decision-making with and without an overt self-referential component. The task required subjective decisions about colors-regarding self-preference (internal subjective decision) or color similarity (external subjective decision) under conditions where there was no objectively correct response. Results indicated greater activation in the AMPFC, RSC, and caudate nucleus during internal subjective decision-making. The findings suggest that self-referential processing, rather than subjective judgments among ambiguous response alternatives, accounted for the AMPFC and RSC response.

Negation and the Brain

2020 ◽  
pp. 693-712
Author(s):  
Yosef Grodzinsky ◽  
Virginia Jaichenco ◽  
Isabelle Deschamps ◽  
María Elina Sánchez ◽  
Martín Fuchs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Problem ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Behavioral Experiments ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Processing Cost ◽  
Fmri Study ◽  
Downward Entailing ◽  
Measuring Reaction Time ◽  
The Brain

This chapter reports an investigation into possible brain bases for negation. It begins with a review of negation experiments that used behavioral studies (measuring Reaction Time—RT), and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) experiments that sought to identify local activations that correlate with the presence of negation. The chapter dwells on a major methodological problem that permeates the experimental study of negation processing, and proposes a solution: instead of overt negation, we study expressions that contain a covert negation—expressions that are Downward Entailing (DE) as evinced by their ability to reverse inferences and license NPIs in their scope. DE operators are thus taken to contain a hidden, or covert, negation, and contrast with the Upward Entailing counterparts (few vs. many; less vs. more). The chapter reviews behavioral experiments in healthy adults that indicate that DE has a processing cost, and an fMRI study that finds a single brain location for this computation. These results serve as a basis for an experiment on individuals with Broca’s aphasia. Tests with DE and UE quantifiers with these patients resulted in a mixed picture, which is discussed and its implications are derived.

scholarly journals The neural basis of shared preference learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (10) ◽  
pp. 1061-1072
Author(s):  
Harry Farmer ◽  
Uri Hertz ◽  
Antonia F de C Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Neural Activation ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Resonance Imaging ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
The Brain

Abstract During our daily lives, we often learn about the similarity of the traits and preferences of others to our own and use that information during our social interactions. However, it is unclear how the brain represents similarity between the self and others. One possible mechanism is to track similarity to oneself regardless of the identity of the other (Similarity account); an alternative is to track each other person in terms of consistency of their choice similarity with respect to the choices they have made before (consistency account). Our study combined functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and computational modelling of reinforcement learning (RL) to investigate the neural processes that underlie learning about preference similarity. Participants chose which of two pieces of artwork they preferred and saw the choices of one agent who usually shared their preference and another agent who usually did not. We modelled neural activation with RL models based on the similarity and consistency accounts. Our results showed that activity in brain areas linked to reward and social cognition followed the consistency account. Our findings suggest that impressions of other people can be calculated in a person-specific manner, which assumes that each individual behaves consistently with their past choices.

scholarly journals Quantifying Behavioral Sensation Seeking With the Aroma Choice Task

Assessment ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 873-886
Author(s):  
Brandon G. Oberlin ◽  
Nolan E. Ramer ◽  
Sage M. Bates ◽  
Yitong I. Shen ◽  
Jeremy S. Myslinski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Illicit Drug ◽  
Illicit Drug Use ◽  
Choice Task ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Behavioral Measure ◽  
Functional Magnetic Resonance ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions

Our goal was to develop a behavioral measure of sensation seeking (SS). The Aroma Choice Task (ACT) assesses preference for an intense, novel, varied, and risky (exciting) option versus a mild, safe (boring) option using real-time odorant delivery. A total of 147 healthy young adults completed 40 binary choice trials. We examined (1) intensity and pleasantness of odorants, (2) stability of responding, (3) association with SS self-report, and (4) association with self-reported illicit drug use. Participants’ preference for the “exciting” option versus the safe option was significantly associated with self-reported SS ( p < .001) and illicit drug use ( p = .041). Odorant ratings comported with their intended intensity. The ACT showed good internal, convergent, and criterion validity. We propose that the ACT might permit more objective SS assessment for investigating the biological bases of psychiatric conditions marked by high SS, particularly addiction. The ACT measures SS behaviorally, mitigating some self-report challenges and enabling real-time assessment, for example, for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

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