scholarly journals Developmental differences in the visual processing of emotionally ambiguous neutral faces based on perceived valence

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0256109
Author(s):  
Leslie Rollins ◽  
Erin Bertero ◽  
Laurie Hunter
Keyword(s):  
Visual Processing ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Attentional Resources ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Valence And Arousal ◽  
Affective Information ◽  
Ambiguous Faces ◽  
Eye Region

The aim of the present research was to assess age-related differences in how children and adults interpret and visually process emotionally ambiguous neutral faces. Children and adults provided neutral child faces with valence and arousal ratings while eye movements were recorded. Consistent with previous research, children and adults both interpreted the neutral faces as negatively valenced. Both age groups showed fewer fixations to the eye region when they rated the faces as positive. However, adults fixated more on the eye region when they rated the faces as negative whereas children fixated more on the eye region when they rated the faces as neutral. This finding may suggest that children strategically allocate attentional resources to the eye region when processing emotionally ambiguous faces to gather critical affective information. These findings have implications for the utilization of neutral faces as an experimental control condition and serve as the foundation for future research on the development of mechanisms that underlie the interpretation of emotionally ambiguous faces.

Evidence of Developmental Differences in Implicit Sequence Learning: An fMRI Study of Children and Adults

2004 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 1339-1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen M. Thomas ◽  
Ruskin H. Hunt ◽  
Nathalie Vizueta ◽  
Tobias Sommer ◽  
Sarah Durston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Implicit Learning ◽  
Sequence Learning ◽  
Premotor Cortex ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reaction Time Task ◽  
Memory Systems ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Implicit Sequence Learning ◽  
Age Related

Prevailing theories of implicit or unaware learning propose a developmental invariance model, with implicit function maturing early in infancy or childhood despite prolonged improvements in explicit or intentional learning and memory systems across childhood. Neuroimaging studies of adult visuomotor sequence learning have associated fronto-striatal brain regions with implicit learning of spatial sequences. Given evidence of continued development in these brain regions during childhood, we compare implicit sequence learning in adults and 7- to 11-year-old children to examine potential developmental differences in the recruitment of fronto-striatal circuitry during implicit learning. Participants performed a standard serial reaction time task. Stimuli alternately followed a fixed 10-step sequence of locations or were presented in a pseudorandom order of locations. Adults outperformed children, achieving a significantly larger sequence learning effect and showing learning more quickly than children. Age-related differences in activity were observed in the premotor cortex, putamen, hippocampus, inferotemporal cortex, and parietal cortex. We observed differential recruitment of cortical and subcortical motor systems between groups, presumably reflecting age differences in motor response execution. Adults showed greater hippocampal activity for sequence trials, whereas children demonstrated greater signal during random trials. Activity in the right caudate correlated significantly with behavioral measures of implicit learning for both age groups, although adults showed greater signal change than children overall, as would be expected given developmental differences in sequence learning magnitude. These results challenge the idea of developmental invariance in implicit learning and instead support a view of parallel developments in implicit and explicit learning systems.

scholarly journals Segregation of age-related skin microbiome characteristics by functionality

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hye-Jin Kim ◽  
Jin Ju Kim ◽  
Nu Ri Myeong ◽  
Taeyune Kim ◽  
DooA Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chinese Women ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Amplicon Sequencing ◽  
Skin Aging ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Skin Microbiome ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Functional Pathways ◽  
Two Age Groups

AbstractAlthough physiological changes are the most evident indicators of skin aging by alteration of the skin’s structure and function, we question whether skin aging is also affected by the structure and assembly process of the skin microbiome. We analysed the skin microbiomes of 73 healthy Chinese women in two age groups (25–35 years old and 56–63 years old) using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing; the overall microbiome structure was significantly different between the two age groups. An analysis using ecological theory to evaluate the process of microbial community assembly processes revealed that the microbiomes of the older group were formed under a greater influence of the niche-based process, with the network of microbes being more collapsed than that of the younger group. Inferred metagenomic functional pathways associated with replication and repair were relatively more predominant in the younger group whereas, among the various metabolism-related pathways, those associated with biodegradation were more predominant in the older group. Interestingly, we found two segregated sub-typing patterns in the younger group which were also observed in the skin microbiomes of young Chinese women living in four other cities in China. The results of our study highlights candidate microbes and functional pathways that are important for future research into preventing skin aging and which could lead to a comprehensive understanding of age-related skin microbiome characteristics.

scholarly journals The neural dynamics of somatosensory processing and adaptation across childhood: a high-density electrical mapping study

2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 1605-1619 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neha Uppal ◽  
John J. Foxe ◽  
John S. Butler ◽  
Frantzy Acluche ◽  
Sophie Molholm
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Somatosensory System ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
High Density ◽  
Somatosensory Processing ◽  
Vibrotactile Stimulation ◽  
Sensory Reactivity ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Slow Presentation ◽  
The Right

Young children are often hyperreactive to somatosensory inputs hardly noticed by adults, as exemplified by irritation to seams or labels in clothing. The neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying changes in sensory reactivity are not well understood. Based on the idea that neurodevelopmental changes in somatosensory processing and/or changes in sensory adaptation might underlie developmental differences in somatosensory reactivity, high-density electroencephalography was used to examine how the nervous system responds and adapts to repeated vibrotactile stimulation over childhood. Participants aged 6–18 yr old were presented with 50-ms vibrotactile stimuli to the right wrist over the median nerve at 5 blocked interstimulus intervals (ranging from ∼7 to ∼1 stimulus per second). Somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) revealed three major phases of activation within the first 200 ms, with scalp topographies suggestive of neural generators in contralateral somatosensory cortex. Although overall SEPs were highly similar for younger, middle, and older age groups (6.1–9.8, 10.0–12.9, and 13.0–17.8 yr old), there were significant age-related amplitude differences in initial and later phases of the SEP. In contrast, robust adaptation effects for fast vs. slow presentation rates were observed that did not differ as a function of age. A greater amplitude response in the later portion of the SEP was observed for the youngest group and may be related to developmental changes in responsivity to somatosensory stimuli. These data suggest the protracted development of the somatosensory system over childhood, whereas adaptation, as assayed in this study, is largely in place by ∼7 yr of age.

The Integration of Pitch and Rhythm in Musical Judgment: Testing Age-Related Trends in Novice Listeners

1997 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven M. Demorest ◽  
Ronald C. Serlin
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Music Education ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Perceptual Development ◽  
Early Music ◽  
Elementary Education Majors ◽  
Suburban School Districts ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Pitch Information

Results of a previous study revealed that musically untrained listeners showed a significant, age-related increase in their sensitivity to rhythmic information when judging the degree of difference between a theme and selected pitch and rhythm variations. There was no corresponding increase in their sensitivity to pitch information, and there were no age-related differences in the overall integration process used to reach their judgments. The purpose of this study was to test the possibility that the developmental differences found in the earlier study were due to specific characteristics of the test melody used. Musical novices were randomly sampled from Grades 1, 5, and 9 of three elementary schools and three high schools from three different suburban school districts. Adult musical novices were chosen from elementary education majors tested at the beginning of their required music course. Results using a new, contrasting test melody confirmed the findings of the first study regarding the increased importance of rhythmic information. However, some melody-related differences were found. Implications for early music education experiences and future research in perceptual development are discussed.

scholarly journals Age-Related Effect of Sleepiness on Driving Performance: A Systematic-Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1090
Author(s):  
Serena Scarpelli ◽  
Valentina Alfonsi ◽  
Maurizio Gorgoni ◽  
Milena Camaioni ◽  
Anna Maria Giannini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Related Effect ◽  
Behavioral Task ◽  
Standardized Measures ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Age Related

Background: Several studies highlighted that sleepiness affects driving abilities. In particular, road traffic injuries due to excessive daytime sleepiness are about 10%–20%. Considering that aging is related to substantial sleep changes and the number of older adults with driving license is increasing, the current review aims to summarize recent studies on this issue. Further, we intend to provide insights for future research. Methods: From the 717 records screened, ten articles were selected and systematically reviewed. Results: Among the selected articles, (a) five studies investigated sleepiness only by self-reported standardized measures; (b) two studies assessed sleepiness also using a behavioral task; (c) three studies obtained objective measures by electroencephalographic recordings. Conclusions: The available literature on the topic reports several limitations. Overall, many findings converge in evidencing that older drivers are less vulnerable to sleep loss and sleepiness-related driving impairments than young adults. These discrepancies in sleepiness vulnerability between age groups may be ascribed to differences in subjects’ lifestyles. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that older adults self-regulate their driving and avoid specific dangerous situations. We believe that an easy protocol to objectively evaluate the vigilance level in elderly and young adults is required, and further studies are needed.

scholarly journals The influence of season and age on the levels of lipids, lipoproteins and enzymes in the serum of Lička pramenka sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-37
Author(s):  
Tomislav Mikuš ◽  
◽  
Lidija Kozačinski ◽  
Željka Cvrtila ◽  
Silvijo Vince ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Lipid ◽  
Serum Lipids ◽  
Jugular Vein ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Age Related ◽  
One Year ◽  
Lipid Components

This study aimed to identify seasonal and age related variability in triglycerides (TRI), paraoxonase (PON), stimulated PON (PON I) and cholesterol (CHOL, HDL, LDL) in extensively reared Lička pramenka sheep. The study was conducted 30 randomly chosen non-gravid Lička pramenka sheep on an extensive farm, grouped into three age groups in the Karlovac County, Croatia. Blood was collected by venepuncture of the jugular vein, twice in one year - the first sampling in spring (April) and the second in autumn (October). The results showed that age had no significant effect on any of the investigated indicators, while seasonality significantly affected five out of the six parameters examined. Significantly higher levels of serum lipid components in autumn can be explained by the influence of the traditional way of rearing and feeding Lička pramenka sheep. Furthermore, the results of PON I in all three age groups showed that the sheep are well adapted to the environment and to the rearing system. Future research should be carried out on higher number of farms, and should include more sheep in order to determine objective benchmarks for serum lipids and the enzymes connected to those lipids.

scholarly journals Reorganization of functional and directed corticomuscular connectivity during precision grip from childhood to adulthood

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikkel Malling Beck ◽  
Meaghan Elizabeth Spedden ◽  
Jesper Lundbye-Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Neural Control ◽  
Feedforward Control ◽  
Precision Grip ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Developmental Differences ◽  
Emg Activity ◽  
Dominant Hand ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Fine Control ◽  
Oscillatory Coupling

AbstractHow does the neural control of fine movements develop from childhood to adulthood? Here, we investigated developmental differences in functional corticomuscular connectivity using coherence analyses in 111 individuals from four different age groups covering the age range 8–30 y. EEG and EMG were recorded while participants performed a uni-manual force-tracing task requiring fine control of force in a precision grip with both the dominant and non-dominant hand. Using beamforming methods, we located and reconstructed source activity from EEG data displaying peak coherence with the EMG activity of an intrinsic hand muscle during the task. Coherent cortical sources were found anterior and posterior to the central sulcus in the contralateral hemisphere. Undirected and directed corticomuscular coherence was quantified and compared between age groups. Our results revealed that coherence was greater in adults (20–30 yo) than in children (8–10 yo) and that this difference was driven by greater magnitudes of descending (cortex-to-muscle), rather than ascending (muscle-to-cortex), coherence. We speculate that the age-related differences reflect maturation of corticomuscular networks leading to increased functional connectivity with age. We interpret the greater magnitude of descending oscillatory coupling as reflecting a greater degree of feedforward control in adults compared to children. The findings provide a detailed characterization of differences in functional sensorimotor connectivity for individuals at different stages of typical ontogenetic development that may be related to the maturational refinement of dexterous motor control.

scholarly journals Load-dependent modulation of alpha oscillations during working memory encoding and retention in young and older adults

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabrina Sghirripa ◽  
Lynton Graetz ◽  
Ashley Merkin ◽  
Nigel C Rogasch ◽  
John G Semmler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Alpha Oscillations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Frequency Changes

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is vulnerable to age-related decline, particularly under high loads. Visual alpha oscillations contribute to WM performance in younger adults, and although alpha decreases in power and frequency with age, it is unclear if alpha activity supports WM in older adults. We recorded electroencephalography (EEG) while 24 younger (aged 18-35 years) and 30 older (aged 50-86) adults performed a modified Sternberg task with varying load conditions. Older adults demonstrated slower reaction times at all loads, but there were no significant age differences in accuracy. Regardless of age, alpha power decreased, and alpha frequency increased with load during encoding, and the magnitude of alpha suppression during retention was larger at higher loads. While alpha power during retention was lower than fixation in older, but not younger adults, the relative change from fixation was not significantly different between age groups. Individual differences in alpha power did not predict performance for either age groups or at any WM loads. Future research should elaborate the functional significance of alpha power and frequency changes that accompany WM performance in cognitive ageing.

Stimulus-Locked and Response-Locked ERP Correlates of Spatial Inhibition of Return (IOR) in Old Age

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena Amenedo ◽  
Francisco-Javier Gutiérrez-Domínguez ◽  
Sara M. Mateos-Ruger ◽  
Paula Pazo-Álvarez
Keyword(s):  
Visual Field ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Visual Processing ◽  
Inhibition Of Return ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Lower Visual Field ◽  
Response Preparation ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Upper Visual Field

Behavioral research has shown that Inhibition of Return (IOR) is preserved in old age although at longer time intervals between cue and target, which has been interpreted as reflecting a later disengagement from the cue. A recent event-related potential (ERP) study attributed this age-related pattern to an enhanced processing of the cue. Previous ERP research in young samples indicates that target and response processing are also affected by IOR, which makes interesting to study the ERP correlates of IOR from cue presentation to response execution. In this regard, in the present study stimulus-locked (cue-locked and target-locked) and response-locked ERPs were explored in healthy young and older participants. The behavioral results indicated preserved IOR in the older participants. The cue-locked ERPs could suggest that the older participants processed the cue as a warning signal to prepare for the upcoming target stimulus. Under IOR, target-locked ERPs of both age groups showed lower N1 amplitudes suggesting a suppression/inhibition of cued targets. During the P3 rising period, in young subjects a negative shift (Nd effect) to cued targets was observed in the lower visual field (LVF), and a positive shift (Pd effect) in the upper visual field. However, in the older group the Nd effect was absent suggesting a reduction of attentional resolution in the LVF. The older group showed enhanced motor activation to prepare correct responses, although IOR effects on response-locked lateralized readiness potential LRP indicated reduced response preparation to cued targets in both age groups. In general, results suggest that the older adults inhibit or reduce the visual processing of targets appearing at cued locations, and the preparation to respond to them, but with the added cost of allocating more attentional resources onto the cue and of maintaining a more effortful processing during the sequence of stimuli within the trial.

scholarly journals Adult age differences in the effects of processing on storage in working memory: A meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka J Jaroslawska ◽  
Stephen Rhodes
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Working Memory ◽  
Age Differences ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Adult Age ◽  
Age Related

Normal adult aging is known to be associated with lower performance on tasks assessing the short-term storage of information. However, whether or not there are additional age-related deficits associated with concurrent storage and processing demands within working memory remains unclear. Methodological differences across studies are considered critical factors responsible for the variability in the magnitude of the reported age effects. Here we synthesized comparisons of younger and older adults' performance on tasks measuring storage alone against those combining storage with concurrent processing of information. We also considered the influence of task-related moderator variables. Meta-analysis of effect sizes revealed a small but disproportionate effect of processing on older adults' memory performance. Moderator analysis indicated that equating single task storage performance across age groups (titration) and the nature of the stimulus material were important determinants of memory accuracy. Titration of storage task difficulty was found to lead to smaller, and non-significant, age-differences in dual task costs. These results were corroborated by supplementary Brinley and state-trace analyses. We discuss these findings in relation to the extant literature and current working memory theory as well as possibilities for future research to address the residual heterogeneity in effect sizes.

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