An fNIRS examination of executive function in bilingual young children

2020 ◽  
pp. 136700692095288
Author(s):  
Sha Xie ◽  
Dandan Wu ◽  
Jinfeng Yang ◽  
Jiutong Luo ◽  
Chunqi Chang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Behavioral Performance ◽  
Immersion Program ◽  
Prefrontal Region ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Aims: The present study aims to examine: (1) the relationship between young children’s bilingualism and their performance in the Dimensional Card Change Sort (DCCS) task; and (2) whether prefrontal activation was associated with children’s bilingualism and executive function. Methodology: Children performed three sessions of the DCCS and their brain activity during the task was measured using functional nearinfrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Data and analysis: A sample of bilingual children ( N = 49) was recruited from a preschool with an English immersion program. We examined whether children’s performance in the DCCS was related to their bilingualism and whether the changes in oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal regions were related to their bilingualism and performance in the DCCS. Findings/conclusions: Results showed that children’s English ability was significantly correlated with their behavioral performance in DCCS, and predicted children’s group membership (pass or perseverate). Furthermore, children in the pass group significantly activated the prefrontal cortex than those in the perseverate group, and activation in the prefrontal region was significantly correlated with children’s English ability. Originality: The current study first examined the effect of children’s bilingualism on their executive function and prefrontal activation.

Code-switching does not predict Executive Function performance in proficient bilingual children: Bilingualism does

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 366-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
CARISSA KANG ◽  
BARBARA LUST
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Task Switching ◽  
Stroop Task ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Proficiency Tests ◽  
Semantic Fluency ◽  
The Relationship

Previous studies of bilingual adults have suggested that bilinguals’ experience with code-switching (CS) contributes to superior executive function (EF) abilities. We tested a highly bilingual developing population in Singapore, a multilingual country where CS occurs pervasively. We obtained CS and EF measures from 43 English–Chinese 8-year-old children (27 females, M = 100 months). We measured spontaneous CS with a novel task and EF in terms of task-switching (Semantic Fluency) and inhibitory control (Stroop task in both languages). Contrary to previous work, CS performance did not significantly predict EF performance in either case. Rather, bilingual language proficiency, i.e., degree of bilingualism (as measured by direct proficiency tests and parents’ estimates of daily language use and exposure of both languages) influenced EF performance. Accordingly, the relationship between CS and EF may be more indirect and non-necessary than previously assumed.

Working memory, executive function, and general fluid intelligence are not the same

2006 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard P. Heitz ◽  
Thomas S. Redick ◽  
David Z. Hambrick ◽  
Michael J. Kane ◽  
Andrew R. A. Conway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
Normal Functioning ◽  
Controlled Attention ◽  
The Relationship

Blair equates the constructs of working memory (WM), executive function, and general fluid intelligence (gF). We argue that there is good reason not to equate these constructs. We view WM and gF as separable but highly related, and suggest that the mechanism behind the relationship is controlled attention – an ability that is dependent on normal functioning of the prefrontal cortex.

Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Adult Version in Patients with Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Conditions: Symptom Levels and Relationship to Emotional Distress

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 682-694 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Løvstad ◽  
S. Sigurdardottir ◽  
S. Andersson ◽  
V.A. Grane ◽  
T. Moberget ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Test Performance ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Rating Scales ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Behavior Rating ◽  
Behavior Rating Inventory ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectives:The present study explored the level of self-and informant reported executive functioning in daily living using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult Version (BRIEF-A) in a large sample comprising healthy adults and patient cohorts with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. The relationship to neuropsychological test performance and self-reported emotional distress was explored, as well as the applicability of U.S. normative data.Methods:Scores on the self- and informant reported BRIEF-A are presented, along with scores on standardized cognitive tests, and on rating scales of self-reported emotional distress in a Norwegian healthy comparison group (n=115), patients with severe traumatic brain injury (n=125), focal frontal lobe damage (n=29), focal cerebellar lesion (n=24), Parkinson’s disease (n=42), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (n=34), type II bipolar disorder (n=21), and borderline personality disorder (n=18).Results:Strong associations were observed between the BRIEF-A and emotional distress in both the healthy group and in neurological groups, while no or weak relationships with IQ and performance-based tests of executive function were seen. The relationship between BRIEF-A and emotional distress was weaker in the neuropsychiatric patient groups, despite high symptom load in both domains. Healthy participants tended to have BRIEF-A scores 1/2–3/4SDbelow the U.S. normative mean ofTscore=50.Conclusions:The study demonstrates the need to interpret BRIEF-A results within a broad differential diagnostic context, where measures of psychological distress are included in addition to neuropsychological tests. Uncertainty about the appropriateness of U.S. normative data in non-U.S. countries adds to the need for interpretive caution. (JINS, 2016,22, 682–694)

scholarly journals HUBUNGAN KINERJA OTAK DENGAN SPIRITUALITAS MANUSIA DIUKUR DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN INDONESIA SPIRITUAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT PADA DOSEN STAIN MANADO

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitria Angraini Dalili ◽  
Taufiq F. Pasiak ◽  
Sunny Wangko
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Human Brain ◽  
Positive Emotions ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Meaning Of Life ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Spiritual Health ◽  
Four Dimensions ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract: Neuroscience is a science about the nervous system especially the brain. According to Daniel Amen who used SPECT to watch brain activity that was associated with the soul, brain was  divided into five main systems: prefrontal cortex, limbic system, ganglia basalis, gyrus cingulatus, and temporal lobe. A person’s spirituality is related to the purpose and meaning of his/her life as a manifestation of one’s relationship with God. Spirituality has four dimensions, namely the meaning of life, positive emotions, spiritual experiences and rituals. In Indonesia, Indonesia Spiritual Health Assessment (ISHA) is used to assess a person’s spirituality. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship of spirituality with the human brain among Manado STAIN lecturers. This was a descriptive analytic study with 30 respondents. The results were analyzed by using the Spearmen correlation analysis. There was a significant correlation between the performance of the human brain and spirituality, in this case the relationship was between the prefrontal cortex and the meaning of life. Conclusion: There was a strong relationship between the human brain and spirituality. Keywords: brain, ISHA, spirituality.  Abstrak: Neurosains adalah ilmu yang mempelajari tentang semua hal yang berkaitan dengan sistem saraf, dalam hal ini otak. Daniel Amen yang menggunakan SPECT dalam mengamati aktivitas otak yang berhubungan dengan jiwa, membagi otak ke dalam lima sistem utama: cortex prefrontalis, sistem limbik, ganglia basalis, gyrus cingulatus, dan lobus temporalis. Spiritualitas seseorang berkaitan dengan tujuan dan makna hidup kehidupan secara keseluruhan, sebagai manifestasi hubungannya dengan Tuhan. Spiritualitas mempunyai empat dimensi yaitu makna hidup, emosi positif, pengalaman spiritual, dan ritual. Di Indonesia, alat ukur spiritual yang digunakan yaitu Indonesia Spiritual Health Assessment (ISHA). Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui hubungan kinerja otak dengan spiritualitas manusia pada dosen STAIN Manado. Penelitian ini bersifat deskriptif analitik dengan jumlah responden 30 orang. Hasil penelitian dianalisis dengan analisis korelasi Spearmen yang menunjukkan adanya korelasi bermakna antara kinerja otak dan spiritualitas manusia, dalam hal ini hubungan antara cortex prefrontalis dan makna hidup. Simpulan: Terdapat hubungan bermakna antara kinerja otak dan spiritualitas manusia. Kata kunci: otak, ISHA, spiritualitas.

scholarly journals Response of Prefrontal Cortex to Executive Function Tasks in Early Childhood: An Exploratory Case Study for Childcare

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 12
Author(s):  
Nobuki Watanabe
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Early Childhood ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Child Support ◽  
Near Infrared ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽  
Exploratory Case Study

Executive function (EF) development is remarkable in early childhood. EF is an ability that provides a foundation for future success; accordingly, supporting children during their early childhood is crucial. So far, there have been many findings on EF in early childhood based on behavioral observation. This exploratory case study examines the measurement of prefrontal cortex activity during the performance of EF tasks using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). This study aims to explore the following hypothesis. (1) The prefrontal cortex during early childhood becomes more active as a task becomes more difficult. (2) However, brain activity decreases and stabilizes as time progresses. (3) The evaluation can be easily measured with two-channel fNIRS. Experimental results showed that the preschooler and the child in lower elementary school displayed high levels of brain activity in the order of increasing difficulty in terms of behavioral indicators. Moreover, the preschooler showed higher levels of reaction than the child in lower elementary school. This result is useful and will broaden the perspectives of scholars in the fields of psychology, pedagogy, and neuroscience, those involved in child support.

The Neuroscience of Learning Agility

2021 ◽  
pp. 118-142
Author(s):  
Kim E. Ruyle
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Executive Function ◽  
Limbic System ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Learning Agility ◽  
Attention Networks ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Brain

“The Neuroscience of Learning Agility” explores the relationship between neurobiology and learning agility. It provides an overview of the organization of the brain, focusing on the roles of the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex and how these particular brain regions relate to personality, executive function, and the metacompetencies of emotional intelligence and learning agility. The neuroscience of learning is discussed, including the brain’s attention networks, neuroplasticity, and biological underpinnings of memory. An argument is posited that the brain’s perceptions of threats directly impacts one’s personality and, by extension, influences one’s level of learning agility. The chapter concludes by providing neuroscience-based suggestions for developing learning agility.

High proficiency across two languages is related to better mental state reasoning for bilingual children

2015 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
KATHERINE R. GORDON
Keyword(s):  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mental State ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Preschool Age ◽  
False Belief ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
English Bilingual ◽  
Preschool Age Children ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTPast research suggests that bilingualism positively affects children's performance in false belief tasks. However, researchers have yet to fully explore factors that are related to better performance in these tasks within bilingual groups. The current study includes an assessment of proficiency in both languages (which was lacking in past work) and investigates the relationship between proficiency and performance in a variety of mental state tasks (not just false belief). Furthermore, it explores whether the relationship between language proficiency and performance in mental state tasks differs between bilingual and monolingual groups. Twenty-six Spanish–English bilingual and twenty-six English monolingual preschool-age children completed seven mental state tasks. Findings provide evidence that high proficiency in English is related to better performance in mental state tasks for monolinguals. In contrast, high proficiency in both English and Spanish is related to better performance in mental state tasks for bilinguals.

Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Mediates the Relationship between Abdominal Adiposity and Executive Function in Middle Age

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 493-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonya Kaur ◽  
Mitzi M. Gonzales ◽  
Takashi Tarumi ◽  
Astrid Villalpando ◽  
Mohammed Alkatan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Executive Function ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Word Association ◽  
Brain Plasticity ◽  
Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Abdominal Adiposity ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

AbstractObjectives: Excessive adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal area, is associated with increased risk of dementia in older adults. However, the mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. As increased adiposity is also associated with lower circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule modulating brain plasticity and neuronal regeneration, we hypothesized that the changes in cognition that occur as a result of excessive abdominal adiposity would be driven by lower levels of circulating BDNF. Methods: Fasting blood samples were obtained from 60 participants aged 40–60 years (mean±SD=52.3±5.6) and BDNF levels were assessed with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Abdominal adiposity was measured using a ratio of waist circumference to hip circumference (WHR). Participants also completed a neuropsychological assessment battery to assess executive function. Statistical mediation was assessed using traditional causal steps and nonparametric bootstrapping. Results: Higher WHR was significantly associated with poorer performance on the Controlled Oral Word Association (COWA) letter fluency test (β=−0.489; p=.003) and lower levels of circulating BDNF (β=−0.345; p=.006). Linear regression and bootstrapping methods indicated that BDNF fully mediated the relationship between WHR and performance on the COWA (β=0.60; 95% confidence interval [−3.79, −0.26]). Conclusions: The relationship between higher WHR and verbal fluency was fully statistically mediated by circulating BDNF levels. The BDNF pathway is thus a useful probable mechanism through which executive function decline occurs in individuals with high abdominal adiposity. BDNF enhancing interventions (physical exercise and dietary restriction) could thus be used to improve executive function in these individuals. (JINS, 2016, 22, 1–8)

scholarly journals Personality influences the neural responses to viewing facial expressions of emotion

2011 ◽  
Vol 366 (1571) ◽  
pp. 1684-1701 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Calder ◽  
Michael Ewbank ◽  
Luca Passamonti
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Neural Basis ◽  
System A ◽  
Amygdala Response ◽  
Correlational Approach ◽  
Facial Expressions Of Emotion ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Relationship

Cognitive research has long been aware of the relationship between individual differences in personality and performance on behavioural tasks. However, within the field of cognitive neuroscience, the way in which such differences manifest at a neural level has received relatively little attention. We review recent research addressing the relationship between personality traits and the neural response to viewing facial signals of emotion. In one section, we discuss work demonstrating the relationship between anxiety and the amygdala response to facial signals of threat. A second section considers research showing that individual differences in reward drive (behavioural activation system), a trait linked to aggression, influence the neural responsivity and connectivity between brain regions implicated in aggression when viewing facial signals of anger. Finally, we address recent criticisms of the correlational approach to fMRI analyses and conclude that when used appropriately, analyses examining the relationship between personality and brain activity provide a useful tool for understanding the neural basis of facial expression processing and emotion processing in general.

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