Parental frontal brain activity tracks infants’ attention during shared play

Previous research has suggested that similar patterns of neural activity occur between watching someone else perform an action and performing it oneself. Here, we demonstrate a comparable phenomenon: that, while engaged in free-flowing naturalistic parent-child play, parents’ oscillatory activity recorded over frontal areas co-varies with their infants’ attention patterns, independent of their own attention patterns. We also found weaker evidence for the opposite relationship: that infants’ brain activity tracks adults’ attention. We demonstrate this by recording dual EEG in 12-month-old infants and their parents while they were engaged in joint and solo tabletop play with toys, and analysing the time-lagged temporal associations between infants’ attention towards play objects and adults’ neural activity, and vice versa. We discuss how these inter-dyadic brain-behaviour correspondences relate to actor-observer relationships previously been documented, and consider their role as drivers of inter-personal neural synchrony.

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Oscillations or Synchrony? Disruption of Neural Synchrony despite Enhanced Gamma Oscillations in a Model of Disrupted Perceptual Coherence

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience ◽

10.1162/jocn_a_00863 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (12) ◽

pp. 2416-2426 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

João Castelhano ◽

Inês Bernardino ◽

José Rebola ◽

Eugenio Rodriguez ◽

Miguel Castelo-Branco

Keyword(s):

Brain Activity ◽

Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽

Gamma Oscillations ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Human Model ◽

Central Coherence ◽

Oscillatory Activity ◽

Neural Synchrony ◽

Coherent Integration ◽

Holistic Perception

It has been hypothesized that neural synchrony underlies perceptual coherence. The hypothesis of loss of central perceptual coherence has been proposed to be at the origin of abnormal cognition in autism spectrum disorders and Williams syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder linked with autism, and a clearcut model for impaired central coherence. We took advantage of this model of impaired holistic processing to test the hypothesis that loss of neural synchrony plays a separable role in visual integration using EEG and a set of experimental tasks requiring coherent integration of local elements leading to 3-D face perception. A profound reorganization of brain activity was identified. Neural synchrony was reduced across stimulus conditions, and this was associated with increased amplitude modulation at 25–45 Hz. This combination of a dramatic loss of synchrony despite increased oscillatory activity is strong evidence that synchrony underlies central coherence. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that dissociation between amplitude and synchrony is reported in a human model of impaired perceptual coherence, suggesting that loss of phase coherence is more directly related to disruption of holistic perception.

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A Guide to Parent-Child fNIRS Hyperscanning Data Analysis

10.31234/osf.io/dr84h ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Trinh Nguyen ◽

Stefanie Hoehl ◽

Pascal Vrticka

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Near Infrared ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Neural Synchrony ◽

Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy ◽

Wavelet Transform Coherence ◽

Pair Analysis ◽

Random Pair ◽

Problem Solving Task ◽

Parent Child

The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) hyperscanning during naturalistic interactions in parent-child dyads has substantially advanced our understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of human social interaction. However, despite the rise of developmental hyperscanning studies over the last years, analysis procedures have not yet been standardized and are often individually developed by each research team. This article offers a guide on parent-child fNIRS hyperscanning data analysis in MATLAB and R. We provide an exemplary dataset of 20 dyads assessed during a cooperative versus individual problem-solving task, with brain activity measured using 16 channels located over bilateral frontal and temporo-parietal areas. We use MATLAB toolboxes Homer2 and SPM for fNIRS to preprocess the acquired data, and suggest a standardized procedure previously employed in several publications. Next, we calculate interpersonal neural synchrony between dyads using Wavelet Transform Coherence (WTC) and illustrate how to run a random pair analysis to control for spurious correlations in the signal. We then use RStudio to estimate Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM) to account for the bounded distribution of coherence values for interpersonal neural synchrony analyses. With this guide, we hope to offer advice for future parent-child fNIRS hyperscanning investigations and to enhance replicability within the field.

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Intraoperative localization of spatially and spectrally distinct resting-state networks in Parkinson’s disease

Journal of Neurosurgery ◽

10.3171/2018.11.jns181684 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 132 (4) ◽

pp. 1234-1242 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Paolo Belardinelli ◽

Ramin Azodi-Avval ◽

Erick Ortiz ◽

Georgios Naros ◽

Florian Grimm ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Parkinson’S Disease ◽

Parkinson's Disease ◽

Network Effects ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Dynamic Imaging ◽

Oscillatory Activity ◽

Network Information ◽

Novel Approach ◽

Electrophysiological Recordings ◽

Intraoperative Localization

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is an effective treatment for symptomatic Parkinson’s disease (PD); the clinical benefit may not only mirror modulation of local STN activity but also reflect consecutive network effects on cortical oscillatory activity. Moreover, STN-DBS selectively suppresses spatially and spectrally distinct patterns of synchronous oscillatory activity within cortical-subcortical loops. These STN-cortical circuits have been described in PD patients using magnetoencephalography after surgery. This network information, however, is currently not available during surgery to inform the implantation strategy.The authors recorded spontaneous brain activity in 3 awake patients with PD (mean age 67 ± 14 years; mean disease duration 13 ± 7 years) during implantation of DBS electrodes into the STN after overnight withdrawal of dopaminergic medication. Intraoperative propofol was discontinued at least 30 minutes prior to the electrophysiological recordings. The authors used a novel approach for performing simultaneous recordings of STN local field potentials (LFPs) and multichannel electroencephalography (EEG) at rest. Coherent oscillations between LFP and EEG sensors were computed, and subsequent dynamic imaging of coherent sources was performed.The authors identified coherent activity in the upper beta range (21–35 Hz) between the STN and the ipsilateral mesial (pre)motor area. Coherence in the theta range (4–6 Hz) was detected in the ipsilateral prefrontal area.These findings demonstrate the feasibility of detecting frequency-specific and spatially distinct synchronization between the STN and cortex during DBS surgery. Mapping the STN with this technique may disentangle different functional loops relevant for refined targeting during DBS implantation.

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An Analysis of the External Validity of EEG Spectral Power in an Uncontrolled Outdoor Environment during Default and Complex Neurocognitive States

Brain Sciences ◽

10.3390/brainsci11030330 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 330

Author(s):

Dalton J. Edwards ◽

Logan T. Trujillo

Keyword(s):

External Validity ◽

Spectral Power ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Outdoor Environment ◽

Oscillatory Activity ◽

Brain State ◽

Beta Band ◽

Eeg Spectral Power ◽

Eeg Power ◽

Human Participants

Traditionally, quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) studies collect data within controlled laboratory environments that limit the external validity of scientific conclusions. To probe these validity limits, we used a mobile EEG system to record electrophysiological signals from human participants while they were located within a controlled laboratory environment and an uncontrolled outdoor environment exhibiting several moderate background influences. Participants performed two tasks during these recordings, one engaging brain activity related to several complex cognitive functions (number sense, attention, memory, executive function) and the other engaging two default brain states. We computed EEG spectral power over three frequency bands (theta: 4–7 Hz, alpha: 8–13 Hz, low beta: 14–20 Hz) where EEG oscillatory activity is known to correlate with the neurocognitive states engaged by these tasks. Null hypothesis significance testing yielded significant EEG power effects typical of the neurocognitive states engaged by each task, but only a beta-band power difference between the two background recording environments during the default brain state. Bayesian analysis showed that the remaining environment null effects were unlikely to reflect measurement insensitivities. This overall pattern of results supports the external validity of laboratory EEG power findings for complex and default neurocognitive states engaged within moderately uncontrolled environments.

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Visual predictions, neural oscillations and naïve physics

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-95295-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Blake W. Saurels ◽

Wiremu Hohaia ◽

Kielan Yarrow ◽

Alan Johnston ◽

Derek H. Arnold

Keyword(s):

Brain Activity ◽

Dynamic Environment ◽

Predictive Performance ◽

Brain Regions ◽

Internal Models ◽

Oscillatory Activity ◽

Alpha Band ◽

Core Property ◽

Ball Tracking ◽

Band Activity

AbstractPrediction is a core function of the human visual system. Contemporary research suggests the brain builds predictive internal models of the world to facilitate interactions with our dynamic environment. Here, we wanted to examine the behavioural and neurological consequences of disrupting a core property of peoples’ internal models, using naturalistic stimuli. We had people view videos of basketball and asked them to track the moving ball and predict jump shot outcomes, all while we recorded eye movements and brain activity. To disrupt people’s predictive internal models, we inverted footage on half the trials, so dynamics were inconsistent with how movements should be shaped by gravity. When viewing upright videos people were better at predicting shot outcomes, at tracking the ball position, and they had enhanced alpha-band oscillatory activity in occipital brain regions. The advantage for predicting upright shot outcomes scaled with improvements in ball tracking and occipital alpha-band activity. Occipital alpha-band activity has been linked to selective attention and spatially-mapped inhibitions of visual brain activity. We propose that when people have a more accurate predictive model of the environment, they can more easily parse what is relevant, allowing them to better target irrelevant positions for suppression—resulting in both better predictive performance and in neural markers of inhibited information processing.

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A Longitudinal Study of the Relation between Childhood Activities and Psychosocial Adjustment in Early Adolescence

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18105299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (10) ◽

pp. 5299

Author(s):

Rosa S. Wong ◽

Keith T. S. Tung ◽

Nirmala Rao ◽

Frederick K. W. Ho ◽

Ko Ling Chan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Early Adolescence ◽

Psychosocial Development ◽

Video Game ◽

Screen Time ◽

Early Life ◽

Internalizing Symptoms ◽

Parent Report ◽

Child Play ◽

Externalizing And Internalizing Problems ◽

Parent Child

Background: Although an increasing body of research shows that excessive screen time could impair brain development, whereas non-screen recreational activities can promote the development of adaptive emotion regulation and social skills, there is a lack of comparative research on this topic. Hence, this study examined whether and to what extent the frequency of early-life activities predicted later externalizing and internalizing problems. Methods: In 2012/13, we recruited Kindergarten 3 (K3) students from randomly selected kindergartens in two districts of Hong Kong and collected parent-report data on children’s screen activities and parent–child activities. In 2018/19, we re-surveyed the parents of 323 students (aged 11 to 13 years) with question items regarding their children’s externalizing and internalizing symptoms in early adolescence. Linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between childhood activities and psychosocial problems in early adolescence. Results: Early-life parent–child activities (β = −0.14, p = 0.012) and child-alone screen use duration (β = 0.15, p = 0.007) independently predicted externalizing problems in early adolescence. Their associations with video game exposure (β = 0.19, p = 0.004) and non-screen recreational parent–child activities (β = −0.14, p = 0.004) were particularly strong. Conclusions: Parent–child play time is important for healthy psychosocial development. More efforts should be directed to urge parents and caregivers to replace child-alone screen time with parent–child play time.

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Adversity is Linked with Decreased Parent-Child Behavioral and Neural Synchrony

Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience ◽

10.1016/j.dcn.2021.100937 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 ◽

pp. 100937

Author(s):

Caroline P. Hoyniak ◽

Laura E. Quiñones-Camacho ◽

M. Catalina Camacho ◽

Jenna H. Chin ◽

Elizabeth M. Williams ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Neural Synchrony ◽

Parent Child

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Learning to See Biological Motion: Brain Activity Parallels Behavior

Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience ◽

10.1162/0898929042568569 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 16 (9) ◽

pp. 1669-1679 ◽

Cited By ~ 85

Author(s):

Emily D. Grossman ◽

Randolph Blake ◽

Chai-Youn Kim

Keyword(s):

Neural Activity ◽

Biological Motion ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Daily Practice ◽

Superior Temporal Sulcus ◽

Fusiform Face Area ◽

Face Area ◽

Perceptual Performance ◽

Trained Observers ◽

Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus

Individuals improve with practice on a variety of perceptual tasks, presumably reflecting plasticity in underlying neural mechanisms. We trained observers to discriminate biological motion from scrambled (nonbiological) motion and examined whether the resulting improvement in perceptual performance was accompanied by changes in activation within the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the fusiform “face area,” brain areas involved in perception of biological events. With daily practice, initially naive observers became more proficient at discriminating biological from scrambled animations embedded in an array of dynamic “noise” dots, with the extent of improvement varying among observers. Learning generalized to animations never seen before, indicating that observers had not simply memorized specific exemplars. In the same observers, neural activity prior to and following training was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Neural activity within the posterior superior temporal sulcus and the fusiform “face area” reflected the participants' learning: BOLD signals were significantly larger after training in response both to animations experienced during training and to novel animations. The degree of learning was positively correlated with the amplitude changes in BOLD signals.

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Harmonic Brain Modes: A Unifying Framework for Linking Space and Time in Brain Dynamics

The Neuroscientist ◽

10.1177/1073858417728032 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 24 (3) ◽

pp. 277-293 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Selen Atasoy ◽

Gustavo Deco ◽

Morten L. Kringelbach ◽

Joel Pearson

Keyword(s):

Neural Activity ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Structural Connectivity ◽

Building Blocks ◽

Mental States ◽

Brain Dynamics ◽

Space And Time ◽

Wide Range ◽

The Brain

A fundamental characteristic of spontaneous brain activity is coherent oscillations covering a wide range of frequencies. Interestingly, these temporal oscillations are highly correlated among spatially distributed cortical areas forming structured correlation patterns known as the resting state networks, although the brain is never truly at “rest.” Here, we introduce the concept of harmonic brain modes—fundamental building blocks of complex spatiotemporal patterns of neural activity. We define these elementary harmonic brain modes as harmonic modes of structural connectivity; that is, connectome harmonics, yielding fully synchronous neural activity patterns with different frequency oscillations emerging on and constrained by the particular structure of the brain. Hence, this particular definition implicitly links the hitherto poorly understood dimensions of space and time in brain dynamics and its underlying anatomy. Further we show how harmonic brain modes can explain the relationship between neurophysiological, temporal, and network-level changes in the brain across different mental states ( wakefulness, sleep, anesthesia, psychedelic). Notably, when decoded as activation of connectome harmonics, spatial and temporal characteristics of neural activity naturally emerge from the interplay between excitation and inhibition and this critical relation fits the spatial, temporal, and neurophysiological changes associated with different mental states. Thus, the introduced framework of harmonic brain modes not only establishes a relation between the spatial structure of correlation patterns and temporal oscillations (linking space and time in brain dynamics), but also enables a new dimension of tools for understanding fundamental principles underlying brain dynamics in different states of consciousness.

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Physical exercise increases overall brain oscillatory activity but does not influence inhibitory control in young adults

10.1101/268995 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

Luis F. Ciria ◽

Pandelis Perakakis ◽

Antonio Luque-Casado ◽

Daniel Sanabria

Keyword(s):

Physical Exercise ◽

Inhibitory Control ◽

Frequency Band ◽

Brain Function ◽

Acute Exercise ◽

Brain Activity ◽

Oscillatory Activity ◽

Power Increase ◽

Oscillatory Brain Activity ◽

Exercise Induced

AbstractExtant evidence suggests that acute exercise triggers a tonic power increase in the alpha frequency band at frontal locations, which has been linked to benefits in cognitive function. However, recent literature has questioned such a selective effect on a particular frequency band, indicating a rather overall power increase across the entire frequency spectrum. Moreover, the nature of task-evoked oscillatory brain activity associated to inhibitory control after exercising, and the duration of the exercise effect, are not yet clear. Here, we investigate for the first time steady state oscillatory brain activity during and following an acute bout of aerobic exercise at two different exercise intensities (moderate-to-high and light), by means of a data-driven cluster-based approach to describe the spatio-temporal distribution of exercise-induced effects on brain function without prior assumptions on any frequency range or site of interest. We also assess the transient oscillatory brain activity elicited by stimulus presentation, as well as behavioural performance, in two inhibitory control (flanker) tasks, one performed after a short delay following the physical exercise and another completed after a rest period of 15’ post-exercise to explore the time course of exercise-induced changes on brain function and cognitive performance. The results show that oscillatory brain activity increases during exercise compared to the resting state, and that this increase is higher during the moderate-to-high intensity exercise with respect to the light intensity exercise. In addition, our results show that the global pattern of increased oscillatory brain activity is not specific to any concrete surface localization in slow frequencies, while in faster frequencies this effect is located in parieto-occipital sites. Notably, the exercise-induced increase in oscillatory brain activity disappears immediately after the end of the exercise bout. Neither transient (event-related) oscillatory activity, nor behavioral performance during the flanker tasks following exercise showed significant between-intensity differences. The present findings help elucidate the effect of physical exercise on oscillatory brain activity and challenge previous research suggesting improved inhibitory control following moderate-to-high acute exercise.

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