scholarly journals Modulation of Sustained Attention by Theta-tACS over the Lateral and Medial Frontal Cortices

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Jinwen Wei ◽  
Zhiguo Zhang ◽  
Ziqing Yao ◽  
Dong Ming ◽  
Peng Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Sham Group ◽  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Regions Of Interest ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation ◽  
Theta Phase ◽  
Frequency Power

Theta oscillations over the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC) and lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) play vital roles in sustained attention. Specifically, pMFC power and pMFC-LPFC synchronization correlate with cognitive control in sustained-attention-related tasks, but the causal relationships remain unknown. In the present study, we first analyzed the correlation between EEG theta oscillations (characterized by time-frequency power and phase-based connectivity) and the level of sustained attention (Experiment 1) and then utilized transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to modulate theta oscillations and in turn observed its effects on sustained attention (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, two time-frequency regions of interest (ROIs) were determined, in which high/low time-frequency power and high/low phase-based connectivity corresponded to high/low-level sustained attention. In Experiment 2, time-frequency power and phase-based connectivity of theta oscillations were compared between the sham and tACS groups within the time-frequency ROIs determined in Experiment 1. Results showed that phase-based connectivity between pMFC and LPFC significantly decreased in the tACS group compared with the sham group during the first five minutes of the poststimulation period. Moreover, a marginal trend existed that sustained attention was downregulated by tACS in the same time interval, suggesting that theta phase synchronization between pMFC and LPFC may play a causal role in sustained attention.

scholarly journals Theta phase synchronization between the human hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex supports learning of unexpected information

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias J. Gruber ◽  
Liang-Tien Hsieh ◽  
Bernhard P. Staresina ◽  
Christian E. Elger ◽  
Juergen Fell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Presurgical Evaluation ◽  
Human Hippocampus ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Rhinal Cortex ◽  
Theta Phase ◽  
Oscillatory Mechanisms ◽  
Rare Opportunity

AbstractEvents that violate predictions are thought to not only modulate activity within the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, but also to enhance communication between the two regions. Several studies in rodents have shown that synchronized theta oscillations facilitate communication between the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus during salient events, but it remains unclear whether similar oscillatory mechanisms support interactions between the two regions in humans. Here, we had the rare opportunity to conduct simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from the human hippocampus and prefrontal cortex from two patients undergoing presurgical evaluation for pharmaco-resistant epilepsy. Recordings were conducted during a task that involved encoding of contextually expected and unexpected visual stimuli. Across both patients, hippocampal-prefrontal theta phase synchronization was significantly higher during encoding of unexpected study items, compared to contextually expected study items. In contrast, we did not find increased theta synchronization between the prefrontal cortex and rhinal cortex. Our findings are consistent with the idea that theta oscillations orchestrate communication between the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex during the processing of contextually salient information.

Error-Related Oscillations

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 216-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Kolev ◽  
C. Beste ◽  
M. Falkenstein ◽  
J. Yordanova
Keyword(s):  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Phase Locking ◽  
Current Source ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Total Power ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Older Subjects ◽  
Two Age Groups

The present study assesses the origins of reduction of error negativity (Ne) with advancing age in humans. Response-related potentials were recorded from young (mean age 22.5 years, n = 10) and older (mean age 58.3 years, n = 11) adults while they performed a four-choice reaction task (4CRT) in two modalities, auditory and visual. Trials from correct and error responses were analyzed separately for each modality. To achieve a reference-free evaluation, the current source density (CSD) of the signals was computed. RRPs were analyzed in the time-frequency (TF) domain by means of wavelet decomposition. Two TF components of RRPs from the delta (1.5–3.5 Hz) and theta (3.5–7 Hz) frequency ranges were assessed. The measured parameters were total power reflecting both the phase-locked and non-phase-locked activity, and phase-locking factor (PLF) reflecting the strength of phase-synchronization with stimulus, independent of magnitude. It was found that the total power of both the delta and theta TF components increased after errors in the two age groups, although this increase was more pronounced in young than older adults. Response-locked synchronization of delta responses also increased after errors, with this synchronizing ability being preserved in older subjects. What differentiated the error processing in the two age groups was the synchronization of theta oscillations with error responses, with this parameter being substantially reduced in older subjects. The results demonstrate that Ne reduction with aging is the result of an overall decrease in the power of delta and theta components, primarily of a decrease in the response-locked synchronization of theta oscillations after errors.

scholarly journals Theta Phase Synchronization between the Human Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex Increases during Encoding of Unexpected Information: A Case Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 1646-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias J. Gruber ◽  
Liang-Tien Hsieh ◽  
Bernhard P. Staresina ◽  
Christian E. Elger ◽  
Juergen Fell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Pharmacoresistant Epilepsy ◽  
Intracranial Eeg ◽  
Human Hippocampus ◽  
Electrophysiological Recordings ◽  
Theta Frequency ◽  
Rhinal Cortex ◽  
Theta Phase

Events that violate predictions are thought to not only modulate activity within the hippocampus and PFC but also enhance communication between the two regions. Scalp and intracranial EEG studies have shown that oscillations in the theta frequency band are enhanced during processing of contextually unexpected information. Some theories suggest that the hippocampus and PFC interact during processing of unexpected events, and it is possible that theta oscillations may mediate these interactions. Here, we had the rare opportunity to conduct simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from the human hippocampus and PFC from two patients undergoing presurgical evaluation for pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Recordings were conducted during a task that involved encoding of contextually expected and unexpected visual stimuli. Across both patients, hippocampal–prefrontal theta phase synchronization was significantly higher during encoding of contextually unexpected study items, relative to contextually expected study items. Furthermore, the hippocampal–prefrontal theta phase synchronization was larger for contextually unexpected items that were later remembered compared with later forgotten items. Moreover, we did not find increased theta synchronization between the PFC and rhinal cortex, suggesting that the observed effects were specific to prefrontal–hippocampal interactions. Our findings are consistent with the idea that theta oscillations orchestrate communication between the hippocampus and PFC in support of enhanced encoding of contextually deviant information.

A New Method for Phase Difference Estimation Based on Time-Varying Signal Model

2013 ◽  
Vol 333-335 ◽  
pp. 650-655
Author(s):  
Peng Hui Niu ◽  
Yin Lei Qin ◽  
Shun Ping Qu ◽  
Yang Lou
Keyword(s):  
Signal Processing ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Phase Difference ◽  
Time Signal ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
Signal Model ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Mass Flowmeter ◽  
Coriolis Mass Flowmeter

A new signal processing method for phase difference estimation was proposed based on time-varying signal model, whose frequency, amplitude and phase are time-varying. And then be applied Coriolis mass flowmeter signal. First, a bandpass filtering FIR filter was applied to filter the sensor output signal in order to improve SNR. Then, the signal frequency could be calculated based on short-time frequency estimation. Finally, by short window intercepting, the DTFT algorithm with negative frequency contribution was introduced to calculate the real-time phase difference between two enhanced signals. With the frequency and the phase difference obtained, the time interval of two signals was calculated. Simulation results show that the algorithms studied are efficient. Furthermore, the computation of algorithms studied is simple so that it can be applied to real-time signal processing for Coriolis mass flowmeter.

scholarly journals Experimental assessment of harmonic contributions using a ternary pulse sequence

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-289
Author(s):  
Evgeniia Bulycheva ◽  
Sergey Yanchenko
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Pulse Sequence ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Voltage Source ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Grid Impedance ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Grid Voltage Distortion ◽  
Operational Modes

Harmonic contributions of utility and customer may feature significant variations due to network switchings and changing operational modes. In order to correctly define the impacts on the grid voltage distortion the frequency dependent impedance characteristic of the studied network should be accurately measured in the real-time mode. This condition can be fulfilled by designing a stimuli generator measuring the grid impedance as a response to injected interference and producing time-frequency plots of harmonic contributions during considered time interval. In this paper a prototype of a stimuli generator based on programmable voltage source inverter is developed and tested. The use of ternary pulse sequence allows fast wide-band impedance measurements that meet the requirements of real-time assessment of harmonic contributions. The accuracy of respective analysis involving impedance determination and calculation of harmonic contributions is validated experimentally using reference characteristics of laboratory test set-up with varying grid impedance.

scholarly journals Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) Entrains Alpha Oscillations by Preferential Phase Synchronization of Fast-Spiking Cortical Neurons to Stimulation Waveform

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehsan Negahbani ◽  
Iain M. Stitt ◽  
Marshall Davey ◽  
Thien T. Doan ◽  
Moritz Dannhauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Posterior Parietal Cortex ◽  
Phase Synchronization ◽  
Alternating Current ◽  
Arnold Tongue ◽  
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation ◽  
Neuronal Oscillators

SummaryModeling studies predict that transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) entrains brain oscillations, yet direct examination has been lacking or potentially contaminated by stimulation artefact. Here we first demonstrate how the posterior parietal cortex drives primary visual cortex and thalamic LP in the alpha-band in head-fixed awake ferrets. The spike-field synchrony is maximum within alpha frequency, and more prominent for narrow-spiking neurons than broad-spiking ones. Guided by a validated model of electric field distribution, we produced electric fields comparable to those in humans and primates (< 0.5 mV/mm). We found evidence to support the model-driven predictions of how tACS entrains neural oscillations as explained by the triangular Arnold tongue pattern. In agreement with the stronger spike-field coupling of narrow-spiking cells, tACS more strongly entrained this cell population. Our findings provide the firstin vivoevidence of how tACS with electric field amplitudes used in human studies entrains neuronal oscillators.

scholarly journals Theta Oscillations Organize Spiking Activity in Higher-Order Visual Thalamus during Sustained Attention

eNeuro ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. ENEURO.0384-17.2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chunxiu Yu ◽  
Yuhui Li ◽  
Iain M. Stitt ◽  
Zhe Charles Zhou ◽  
Kristin K. Sellers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustained Attention ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Visual Thalamus ◽  
Spiking Activity

scholarly journals Learning to synchronize: Midfrontal theta dynamics during rule switching

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter Verbeke ◽  
Kate Ergo ◽  
Esther De Loof ◽  
Tom Verguts
Keyword(s):  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Theta Oscillations ◽  
Prediction Errors ◽  
Hierarchical Learning ◽  
Theta Power ◽  
Negative Prediction ◽  
Theta Phase ◽  
The Brain

AbstractIn recent years, several hierarchical extensions of well-known learning algorithms have been proposed. For example, when stimulus-action mappings vary across time or context, the brain may learn two or more stimulus-action mappings in separate modules, and additionally (at a hierarchically higher level) learn to appropriately switch between those modules. However, how the brain mechanistically coordinates neural communication to implement such hierarchical learning, remains unknown. Therefore, the current study tests a recent computational model that proposed how midfrontal theta oscillations implement such hierarchical learning via the principle of binding by synchrony (Sync model). More specifically, the Sync model employs bursts at theta frequency to flexibly bind appropriate task modules by synchrony. 64-channel EEG signal was recorded while 27 human subjects (Female: 21, Male: 6) performed a probabilistic reversal learning task. In line with the Sync model, post-feedback theta power showed a linear relationship with negative prediction errors, but not with positive prediction errors. This relationship was especially pronounced for subjects with better behavioral fit (measured via AIC) of the Sync model. Also consistent with Sync model simulations, theta phase-coupling between midfrontal electrodes and temporo-parietal electrodes was stronger after negative feedback. Our data suggest that the brain uses theta power and synchronization for flexibly switching between task rule modules, as is useful for example when multiple stimulus-action mappings must be retained and used.Significance StatementEveryday life requires flexibility in switching between several rules. A key question in understanding this ability is how the brain mechanistically coordinates such switches. The current study tests a recent computational framework (Sync model) that proposed how midfrontal theta oscillations coordinate activity in hierarchically lower task-related areas. In line with predictions of this Sync model, midfrontal theta power was stronger when rule switches were most likely (strong negative prediction error), especially in subjects who obtained a better model fit. Additionally, also theta phase connectivity between midfrontal and task-related areas was increased after negative feedback. Thus, the data provided support for the hypothesis that the brain uses theta power and synchronization for flexibly switching between rules.

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