Functional Anatomical Correlates of Controlled and Automatic Processing

2001 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 730-743 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johan Martijn Jansma ◽  
Nick F. Ramsey ◽  
Heleen A. Slagter ◽  
Rene S. Kahn
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Automatic Processing ◽  
Practice Effects ◽  
Controlled Processing ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Types Of Information

Behavioral studies have shown that consistent practice of a cognitive task can increase the speed of performance and reduce variability of responses and error rate, reflecting a shift from controlled to automatic processing. This study examines how the shift from controlled to automatic processing changes brain activity. A verbal Sternberg task was used with continuously changing targets (novel task, NT) and with constant, practiced targets (practiced task, PT). NT and PT were presented in a blocked design and contrasted to a choice reaction time (RT) control task (CT) to isolate working memory (WM)-related activity. The three-dimensional (3-D) PRESTO functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sequence was used to measure hemodynamic responses. Behavioral data revealed that task processing became automated after practice, as responses were faster, less variable, and more accurate. This was accompanied specifically by a decrease in activation in regions related to WM (bilateral but predominantly left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), right superior frontal cortex (SFC), and right frontopolar area) and the supplementary motor area. Results showed no evidence for a shift of foci of activity within or across regions of the brain. The findings have theoretical implications for understanding the functional anatomical substrates of automatic and controlled processing, indicating that these types of information processing have the same functional anatomical substrate, but differ in efficiency. In addition, there are practical implications for interpreting activity as a measure for task performance, such as in patient studies. Whereas reduced activity can reflect poor performance if a task is not sensitive to practice effects, it can reflect good performance if a task is sensitive to practice effects.

Macromolecular Structure Visualization Tools at NCMI

2000 ◽  
Vol 6 (S2) ◽  
pp. 282-283
Author(s):  
Matthew Dougherty ◽  
Wah Chiu
Keyword(s):  
Human Factors ◽  
3D Visualization ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Theoretical Models ◽  
Biological Research ◽  
Macromolecular Structure ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Visualization Tools ◽  
Types Of Information ◽  
3D Em

Sophisticated tools are needed to examine the results of cyro-microscopy. As the size and resolution of three dimensional macromolecular structures steadily improve, and the speed at with which they can be generated increases, researchers are finding they are inundated with larger datasets and at the same time are compelled to expediently evaluate these structures in unforeseen ways. Integration of EM data with other types of information is becoming necessary and routine; for example X-ray data, 3D EM reconstructions, and theoretical models, must be evaluated in concert to discount or propose hypothesis. To create such tools, the developer must take into account not only the empirical and theoretical possibilities, but also they must master the human factors and computational limits. During the last five years, the National Center for Macromolecular Imaging (NCMI) has progressed from a remedial 3D visualization capability to a collection of visualization tools allowing researchers to focus on the discovery phase of biological research.

scholarly journals Correlation between Traits of Emotion-Based Impulsivity and Intrinsic Default-Mode Network Activity

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jizheng Zhao ◽  
Dardo Tomasi ◽  
Corinde E. Wiers ◽  
Ehsan Shokri-Kojori ◽  
Şükrü B. Demiral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Posterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Network Activity ◽  
High Risk Behaviors ◽  
Posterior Cingulate ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal

Negative urgency (NU) and positive urgency (PU) are implicated in several high-risk behaviors, such as eating disorders, substance use disorders, and nonsuicidal self-injury behavior. The current study aimed to explore the possible link between trait of urgency and brain activity at rest. We assessed the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal in 85 healthy volunteers. Trait urgency measures were related to ALFF in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, ventral and dorsal medial frontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus. In addition, trait urgency measures showed significant correlations with the functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex/precuneus seed with the thalamus and midbrain region. These findings suggest an association between intrinsic brain activity and impulsive behaviors in healthy humans.

Studying the effect of Heartfulness Meditation on Brain Activity

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pallavi Gupta ◽  
Jahnavi Mundluru ◽  
Arth Patel ◽  
Shankar Pathmakanthan
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Creative Thinking ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Logical Thinking ◽  
Meditation Practice ◽  
Guided Relaxation

Long-term meditation practice is increasingly recognized for its health benefits. Heartfulness meditation represents a quickly growing set of practices that is largely unstudied. Heartfulness is unique in that it is a meditation practice that focuses on the Heart. It helps individuals to connect to themselves and find inner peace. In order to deepen ones’ meditation, the element of Yogic Energy (‘pranahuti’) is used as an aid during meditation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether consistent EEG effects of Heartfulness meditation be observed in sixty experienced Heartfulness meditators, each of whom attended 6 testing sessions. In each session, participants performed three conditions: a set of cognitive tasks, Heartfulness guided relaxation, and Heartfulness Meditation. Participants during the cognitive portion were required to answer questions that tested their logical thinking (Cognitive Reflective Test) and creative thinking skills. (Random Associative Test) The order of condition was randomly counter balanced across six sessions. It was hypothesized that Heartfulness meditation would bring increased alpha (8-12Hz) brain activity during meditation and better cognitive task scores in sessions where the tasks followed meditation. Heartfulness meditation produces a significant decrease in brain activity (as indexed by higher levels of alpha during the early stages of meditation. As the meditation progressed deep meditative state (as indexed by higher levels of delta) were observed until the end of the condition.  This lead to the conclusion that Heartfulness Meditation produces a state that is clearly distinguishable from effortful problem solving. 

scholarly journals Caffeine boosts preparatory attention for reward-related stimulus information

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Berry van den Berg ◽  
Marlon de Jong ◽  
Marty G. Woldorff ◽  
Monicque M. Lorist
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Preparatory Attention ◽  
Stroop Stimulus

AbstractBoth the intake of caffeine-containing substances and the prospect of reward for performing a cognitive task have been associated with improved behavioral performance. To investigate the possible common and interactive influences of caffeine and reward-prospect on preparatory attention, we tested 24 participants during a 2-session experiment in which they performed a cued-reward color-word Stroop task. On each trial, participants were presented with a cue to inform them whether they had to prepare for presentation of a Stroop stimulus and whether they could receive a reward if they performed well on that trial. Prior to each session, participants received either coffee with caffeine (3 mg/kg bodyweight) or with placebo (3 mg/kg bodyweight lactose). In addition to behavioral measures, electroencephalography (EEG) measures of electrical brain activity were recorded. Results showed that both the intake of caffeine and the prospect of reward improved speed and accuracy, with the effects of caffeine and reward-prospect being additive on performance. Neurally, reward-prospect resulted in an enlarged contingent negative variation (CNV) and reduced posterior alpha power (indicating increased cortical activity), both hallmark neural markers for preparatory attention. Moreover, the CNV enhancement for reward-prospect trials was considerably more pronounced in the caffeine condition as compared to the placebo condition. These results thus suggest that caffeine intake boosts preparatory attention for task-relevant information, especially when performance on that task can lead to reward.

scholarly journals Plasma Kynurenine Level is Associated With Left DLPFC Activity and Can Predict Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiharu Kamishikiryo ◽  
Go Okada ◽  
Eri Itai ◽  
Yoshikazu Masuda ◽  
Satoshi Yokoyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Response ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Depression Score ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Regional Brain ◽  
Left Dlpfc ◽  
Dorsolateral Prefrontal ◽  
Regional Brain Activity

Abstract To establish treatment response biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiology of depression, it is important to use an integrated set of features that are promising as biomarkers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between blood metabolites related to treatment response to escitalopram and regional brain activity at rest and to find the characteristics of depression that respond to treatment. Blood metabolite levels and resting brain activity were measured in patients with depression (N = 65) before and after 6 weeks treatment with escitalopram and healthy controls (N = 36). Thirty-two patients (49.2%) showed clinical response (>50% reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score) and were classified as Responders, and the remaining 33 patients were classified as Nonresponders. Pretreatment plasma kynurenine level and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were lower in Responders, and their elevations after treatment were correlated with improvement in symptoms. Moreover, fALFF of the left DLPFC was significantly correlated with plasma kynurenine level in pretreatment patients with depression and healthy controls. Decreased kynurenine level and resting-state regional brain activity of the left DLPFC may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression in response to escitalopram treatment.

scholarly journals The Localization of Activity Sources in a Three-Dimensional Model of the Human Brain Using the Joint Analysis of EEG / sMRI Data

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 18-28
Author(s):  
E. Bykova ◽  
A. Savostyanov
Keyword(s):  
Inverse Problem ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Human Head ◽  
Joint Analysis ◽  
Dimensional Model ◽  
Three Dimensional Model ◽  
Use Of Data ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Brain

Despite the large number of existing methods of the diagnosis of the brain, brain remains the least studied part of the human body. Electroencephalography (EEG) is one of the most popular methods of studying of brain activity due to its relative cheapness, harmless, and mobility of equipment. While analyzing the EEG data of the brain, the problem of solving of the inverse problem of electroencephalography, the localization of the sources of electrical activity of the brain, arises. This problem can be formulated as follows: according to the signals recorded on the surface of the head, it is necessary to determine the location of sources of these signals in the brain. The purpose of my research is to develop a software system for localization of brain activity sources based on the joint analysis of EEG and sMRI data. There are various approaches to solving of the inverse problem of EEG. To obtain the most exact results, some of them involve the use of data on the individual anatomy of the human head – structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI data). In this paper, one of these approaches is supposed to be used – Electromagnetic Spatiotemporal Independent Component Analysis (EMSICA) proposed by A. Tsai. The article describes the main stages of the system, such as preprocessing of the initial data; the calculation of the special matrix of the EMSICA approach, the values of which show the level of activity of a certain part of the brain; visualization of brain activity sources on its three-dimensional model.

scholarly journals Social Exclusion Down-Regulates Pain Empathy at the Late Stage of Empathic Responses: Electrophysiological Evidence

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Fan ◽  
Jing Jie ◽  
Pinchao Luo ◽  
Yu Pang ◽  
Danna Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Exclusion ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Controlled Processing ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
The Social ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
And Behavior

Social exclusion has a significant impact on cognition, emotion, and behavior. Some behavioral studies investigated how social exclusion affects pain empathy. Conclusions were inconsistent, and there is a lack of clarity in identifying which component of pain empathy is more likely to be affected. To investigate these issues, we used a Cyberball task to manipulate feelings of social exclusion. Two groups (social exclusion and social inclusion) participated in the same pain empathy task while we recorded event-related potentials (ERP) when participants viewed static images of body parts in painful and neutral situations. The results showed early N2 differentiation between painful and neutral pictures in the central regions in both groups. The pattern at the late controlled processing stage was different. Parietal P3 amplitudes for painful pictures were significantly smaller than those for neutral pictures in the social exclusion group; they did not differ in the social inclusion group. We observed a parietal late positive potential (LPP) differentiation between painful and neutral pictures in both groups. LPP amplitudes were significantly smaller in the social exclusion group than those in the social inclusion group for painful stimuli. Our results indicate that social exclusion does not affect empathic responses during the early emotional sharing stage. However, it down-regulates empathic responses at the late cognitive controlled stage, and this modulation is attenuated gradually. The current study provides neuroscientific evidence of how social exclusion dynamically influences pain empathy.

scholarly journals Effect of Tempo on Temporal Expectation Driven by Rhythms in Dual-Task Performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhihan Xu ◽  
Yanna Ren ◽  
Yosuke Misaki ◽  
Qiong Wu ◽  
Sa Lu
Keyword(s):  
Dual Task ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Automatic Processing ◽  
Single Task ◽  
Temporal Expectation ◽  
Controlled Processing ◽  
Visual Rhythm ◽  
Fast Tempo ◽  
Slow Tempo ◽  
Dual Task Interference

Temporal expectation is the ability to focus attention at a particular moment in time to optimize performance, which has been shown to be driven by regular rhythms. However, whether the rhythm-based temporal expectations rely upon automatic processing or require the involvement of controlled processing has not been clearly established. Furthermore, whether the mechanism is affected by tempo remains unknown. To investigate this research question, the present study used a dual-task procedure. In a single task, the participants were instructed to respond to a visual target preceded by a regular or an irregular visual rhythm under a fast (500 ms) or slow (3,500 ms) tempo. The dual-task simultaneously combined a working memory (WM) task. The results showed temporal expectation effects in which the participants responded faster to the regular than to the irregular conditions in a single task. Moreover, this effect persisted under dual-task interference in the fast tempo condition but was impaired in the slow tempo condition. These results revealed that rhythmic temporal expectation induced by fast tempo was dependent on automatic processing. However, compared with the faster tempo, temporal expectation driven by a slower tempo might involve more controlled processing.

scholarly journals Sleeping While Awake: The Intrusion of Neural Activity Associated with Sleep Onset in the Awake Human Brain

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Hawes ◽  
Carrie R. H. Innes ◽  
Nicholas Parsons ◽  
Sean P.A. Drummond ◽  
Karen Caeyensberghs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Brain ◽  
Basal Forebrain ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Theoretical Modelling ◽  
Related Activity ◽  
Independent Dataset ◽  
Time Graph ◽  
The Brain

AbstractSleep can intrude into the awake human brain when sleep deprived or fatigued, even while performing cognitive tasks. However, how the brain activity associated with sleep onset can co-exist with the activity associated with cognition in the awake humans remains unexplored. Here, we used simultaneous fMRI and EEG to generate fMRI activity maps associated with EEG theta (4-7 Hz) activity associated with sleep onset. We implemented a method to track these fMRI activity maps in individuals performing a cognitive task after well-rested and sleep-deprived nights. We found frequent intrusions of the fMRI maps associated with sleep-onset in the task-related fMRI data. These sleep events elicited a pattern of transient fMRI activity, which was spatially distinct from the task-related activity in the frontal and parietal areas of the brain. They were concomitant with reduced arousal as indicated by decreased pupil size and increased response time. Graph theoretical modelling showed that the activity associated with sleep onset emerges from the basal forebrain and spreads anterior-posteriorly via the brain’s structural connectome. We replicated the key findings in an independent dataset, which suggests that the approach can be reliably used in understanding the neuro-behavioural consequences of sleep and circadian disturbances in humans.

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