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 Caffeine Boosts Preparatory Attention for Reward-related Stimulus Information

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-118
Author(s):  
Berry van den Berg ◽  
Marlon de Jong ◽  
Marty G. Woldorff ◽  
Monicque M. Lorist
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Stimulus Presentation ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Placebo Condition ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Preparatory Attention ◽  
Decaffeinated Coffee ◽  
Stroop Stimulus

The intake of caffeine and the prospect of reward have both been associated with increased arousal, enhanced attention, and improved behavioral performance on cognitive tasks, but how they interact to exert these effects is not well understood. To investigate this question, we had participants engage in a two-session cued-reward cognitive task while we recorded their electrical brain activity using scalp electroencephalography. The cue indicated whether monetary reward could be received for fast and accurate responses to a color–word Stroop stimulus that followed. Before each session, participants ingested decaffeinated coffee with either caffeine (3-mg/kg bodyweight) or placebo (3-mg/kg bodyweight lactose). The behavioral results showed that both caffeine and reward-prospect improved response accuracy and speed. In the brain, reward-prospect resulted in an enlarged frontocentral slow wave (contingent negative variation, or CNV) and reduced posterior alpha power (indicating increased cortical activity) before stimulus presentation, both 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 interactive neural enhancements due to caffeine and reward-prospect were mainly visible in preparatory attention activity triggered by the cue (CNV). In addition, some interactive neural enhancements in the processing of the Stroop target stimulus that followed were also observed. The results suggest that caffeine facilitates the neural processes underlying attentional preparation and stimulus processing, especially for task-relevant information.

Neural Dynamics of Context-Sensitive Adjustments in Cognitive Flexibility

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Audrey Siqi-Liu ◽  
Tobias Egner ◽  
Marty G. Woldorff
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Switch Cost ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Context Sensitive ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Current Task ◽  
Neural Underpinnings

Abstract To adaptively interact with the uncertainties of daily life, we must match our level of cognitive flexibility to contextual demands—being more flexible when frequent shifting between different tasks is required and more stable when the current task requires a strong focus of attention. Such cognitive flexibility adjustments in response to changing contextual demands have been observed in cued task-switching paradigms, where the performance cost incurred by switching versus repeating tasks (switch cost) scales inversely with the proportion of switches (PS) within a block of trials. However, the neural underpinnings of these adjustments in cognitive flexibility are not well understood. Here, we recorded 64-channel EEG measures of electrical brain activity as participants switched between letter and digit categorization tasks in varying PS contexts, from which we extracted ERPs elicited by the task cue and alpha power differences during the cue-to-target interval and the resting precue period. The temporal resolution of the EEG allowed us to test whether contextual adjustments in cognitive flexibility are mediated by tonic changes in processing mode or by changes in phasic, task cue-triggered processes. We observed reliable modulation of behavioral switch cost by PS context that was mirrored in both cue-evoked ERP and time–frequency effects but not by blockwide precue EEG changes. These results indicate that different levels of cognitive flexibility are instantiated after the presentation of task cues, rather than by being maintained as a tonic state throughout low- or high-switch contexts.

Timbre Similarity: Convergence of Neural, Behavioral, and Computational Approaches

1998 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petri Toiviainen ◽  
Mari Tervaniemi ◽  
Jukka Louhivuori ◽  
Marieke Saher ◽  
Minna Huotilainen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Network Models ◽  
Large Set ◽  
Self Organizing Map ◽  
Neural Network Models ◽  
Behavioral Measures ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Behavioral Studies ◽  
Artificial Neurons ◽  
Self Organizing

The present study compared the degree of similarity of timbre representations as observed with brain recordings, behavioral studies, and computer simulations. To this end, the electrical brain activity of subjects was recorded while they were repetitively presented with five sounds differing in timbre. Subjects read simultaneously so that their attention was not focused on the sounds. The brain activity was quantified in terms of a change-specific mismatch negativity component. Thereafter, the subjects were asked to judge the similarity of all pairs along a five-step scale. A computer simulation was made by first training a Kohonen self-organizing map with a large set of instrumental sounds. The map was then tested with the experimental stimuli, and the distance between the most active artificial neurons was measured. The results of these methods were highly similar, suggesting that timbre representations reflected in behavioral measures correspond to neural activity, both as measured directly and as simulated in self-organizing neural network models.

scholarly journals Psychological, Neurophysiological, and Mental Factors Associated With Gamma-Enhancing Neurofeedback Success

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 701-714
Author(s):  
Zeynab Khodakarami ◽  
◽  
Mohammad Firoozabadi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Fluid Intelligence ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Gain Control ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Gamma Activity ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Neurofeedback Training ◽  
Eyes Closed ◽  
Gamma Power

Introduction: Regarding the neurofeedback training process, previous studies indicate that 10%-50% of subjects cannot gain control over their brain activity even after repeated training sessions. This study is conducted to overcome this problem by investigating inter-individual differences in neurofeedback learning to propose some predictors for the trainability of subjects. Methods: Eight healthy female students took part in 8 (electroencephalography) EEG neurofeedback training sessions for enhancing EEG gamma power at the Oz channel. We studied participants’ preexisting fluid intelligence and EEG frequency sub-bands’ power during 2-min eyes-closed rest and a cognitive task as psychological and neurophysiological factors, concerning neurofeedback learning performance. We also assessed the self-reports of participants about mental strategies used by them during neurofeedback to identify the most effective successful strategies. Results: The results revealed that a significant percentage of individuals (25% in this study) cannot learn how to control their brain gamma activity using neurofeedback. Our findings suggest that fluid intelligence, gamma power during a cognitive task, and alpha power at rest can predict gamma-enhancing neurofeedback performance of individuals. Based on our study, neurofeedback learning is a form of implicit learning. We also found that learning without a user’s mental efforts to find out successful mental strategies, in other words, unconscious learning, lead to more success in gamma-enhancing neurofeedback. Conclusion: Our results may improve gamma neurofeedback efficacy for further clinical usage and studies by giving insight about both non-trainable individuals and effective mental strategies.

Non-invasive evaluation of electrical brain activity: effects of non-medicative treatment and subject’s state

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-31
Author(s):  
Inga Griškova-Bulanova
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Autonomic Nervous System ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
System Response ◽  
Alpha Power ◽  
Autonomic Nervous ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Auditory Responses ◽  
Schizophrenic Patients

Introduction. The electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potentials (EPs) are widely used in psychiatry. Thus, it is important to standardize recording conditions according to instructions, arousal and attention levels of the subject. Also, it is important to evaluate the effect of nonpharmacologic treatment (electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)) on EEG and EPs. In this paper, an overview of researches, conducted in the above mentioned directions in Lithuania, is given. Materials and methods. EEG was recorded using standard protocols; P300, P50 and auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) were elicited. 44 schizophrenic patients, 25 depressive patients and 136 healthy subjects were investigated. Effects of ECT treatment, 10 Hz TMS procedure, and varying attention and arousal levels on EEG/EPs were investigated. Results. ECT had no negative impact on P300; alongside with clinical response, normalization of P300 parameters occurred. It was related to subject’s age and autonomic nervous system response during the treatment. A single 10 Hz TMS procedure produced a profound increase in the delta power of background EEG. In lower arousal level conditions, higher and more precise P50 potential, ASSR and background alpha power were observed. During distraction task performance, reduced gamma band response and ASSR, and increased background gamma power were observed. Conclusions. During the treatment course of ECT it is recommended to evaluate P300 potential changes and to monitor subject’s indices of the autonomic nervous system function, as these are related to clinical efficiency. Passively elicited auditory responses should be registered during low arousal unfocused attention conditions when the most precise responses of the highest amplitude are registered.

scholarly journals Assessing the influence of local neural activity on global connectivity fluctuations: Application to human intracranial EEG during a cognitive task

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manel Vila-Vidal ◽  
Mariam Khawaja ◽  
Mar Carreño ◽  
Pedro Roldán ◽  
Jordi Rumià ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Recognition Task ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Stimulus Onset ◽  
Brain Areas ◽  
Intracranial Eeg ◽  
Local Activity ◽  
Global Brain

Cognitive-relevant information is processed by different brain areas that cooperate to eventually produce a response. The relationship between local activity and global brain states during such processes, however, remains for the most part unexplored. To address this question, we designed a simple face-recognition task performed in drug-resistant epileptic patients with intracranial EEG. Based on our observations, we developed a novel analytical framework (named 'local-global' framework) to statistically correlate the brain activity in every recorded gray-matter region with the coupling functions as proxy to assess the level of influence of local neural activations into the brain's global state during cognition. The application of our analysis to the data from two subjects was able to detect the local activity in task-relevant brain areas including the primary visual and motor cortices. Despite substantial differences in the recorded regions of each subject, the coupling functions consistently showed a significant global desynchronization occurring a few hundred milliseconds after the stimulus onset. In this context, the local-global framework revealed that the reported desynchronization was better explained by the local activity of brain areas involved in face information processing, providing evidence that the global measures might be a novel signature of functional brain activity reorganization taking place when a stimulus is processed in a task context.

Skipping Breakfast Affects the Early Steps of Cognitive Processing

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-118
Author(s):  
Andrés Antonio González-Garrido ◽  
Jacobo José Brofman-Epelbaum ◽  
Fabiola Reveca Gómez-Velázquez ◽  
Sebastián Agustín Balart-Sánchez ◽  
Julieta Ramos-Loyo
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Processing ◽  
Task Difficulty ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Brain Potentials ◽  
Brain Functioning ◽  
Attentional Processes ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Skipping Breakfast

Abstract. It has been generally accepted that skipping breakfast adversely affects cognition, mainly disturbing the attentional processes. However, the effects of short-term fasting upon brain functioning are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the effect of skipping breakfast on cognitive processing by studying the electrical brain activity of young healthy individuals while performing several working memory tasks. Accordingly, the behavioral results and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) of 20 healthy university students (10 males) were obtained and compared through analysis of variances (ANOVAs), during the performance of three n-back working memory (WM) tasks in two morning sessions on both normal (after breakfast) and 12-hour fasting conditions. Significantly fewer correct responses were achieved during fasting, mainly affecting the higher WM load task. In addition, there were prolonged reaction times with increased task difficulty, regardless of breakfast intake. ERP showed a significant voltage decrement for N200 and P300 during fasting, while the amplitude of P200 notably increased. The results suggest skipping breakfast disturbs earlier cognitive processing steps, particularly attention allocation, early decoding in working memory, and stimulus evaluation, and this effect increases with task difficulty.

An Adaptive and Learning System for Feedback-Controlled Evoked Response Studies

1981 ◽  
Vol 20 (03) ◽  
pp. 169-173
Author(s):  
J. Wagner ◽  
G. Pfurtscheixer
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Evoked Response ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Long Time ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Eeg Power ◽  
Stimulation System ◽  
Background Eeg

The shape, latency and amplitude of changes in electrical brain activity related to a stimulus (Evoked Potential) depend both on the stimulus parameters and on the background EEG at the time of stimulation. An adaptive, learnable stimulation system is introduced, whereby the subject is stimulated (e.g. with light), whenever the EEG power is subthreshold and minimal. Additionally, the system is conceived in such a way that a certain number of stimuli could be given within a particular time interval. Related to this time criterion, the threshold specific for each subject is calculated at the beginning of the experiment (preprocessing) and adapted to the EEG power during the processing mode because of long-time fluctuations and trends in the EEG. The process of adaptation is directed by a table which contains the necessary correction numbers for the threshold. Experiences of the stimulation system are reflected in an automatic correction of this table. Because the corrected and improved table is stored after each experiment and is used as the starting table for the next experiment, the system >learns<. The system introduced here can be used both for evoked response studies and for alpha-feedback experiments.

Automated System for Epileptic Seizures Prediction based on Multi-Channel Recordings of Electrical Brain Activity

2018 ◽  
pp. 115-122 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. A. Maksimenko ◽  
A. A. Harchenko ◽  
A. Lüttjohann
Keyword(s):  
Epileptic Seizure ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Epileptic Seizures ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Brain Computer Interfaces ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Prediction And Prevention ◽  
The Brain

Introduction: Now the great interest in studying the brain activity based on detection of oscillatory patterns on the recorded data of electrical neuronal activity (electroencephalograms) is associated with the possibility of developing brain-computer interfaces. Braincomputer interfaces are based on the real-time detection of characteristic patterns on electroencephalograms and their transformation  into commands for controlling external devices. One of the important areas of the brain-computer interfaces application is the control of the pathological activity of the brain. This is in demand for epilepsy patients, who do not respond to drug treatment.Purpose: A technique for detecting the characteristic patterns of neural activity preceding the occurrence of epileptic seizures.Results:Using multi-channel electroencephalograms, we consider the dynamics of thalamo-cortical brain network, preceded the occurrence of an epileptic seizure. We have developed technique which allows to predict the occurrence of an epileptic seizure. The technique has been implemented in a brain-computer interface, which has been tested in-vivo on the animal model of absence epilepsy.Practical relevance:The results of our study demonstrate the possibility of epileptic seizures prediction based on multichannel electroencephalograms. The obtained results can be used in the development of neurointerfaces for the prediction and prevention of seizures of various types of epilepsy in humans. 

scholarly journals Delta band activity contributes to the identification of command following in disorder of consciousness

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gonzalo Rivera-Lillo ◽  
Emmanuel A. Stamatakis ◽  
Tristan A. Bekinschtein ◽  
David K. Menon ◽  
Srivas Chennu
Keyword(s):  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Disorder Of Consciousness ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Electrical Brain Activity ◽  
Delta Band ◽  
Delta Modulation ◽  
Command Following ◽  
Band Activity

AbstractThe overt or covert ability to follow commands in patients with disorders of consciousness is considered a sign of awareness and has recently been defined as cortically mediated behaviour. Despite its clinical relevance, the brain signatures of the perceptual processing supporting command following have been elusive. This multimodal study investigates the temporal spectral pattern of electrical brain activity to identify features that differentiated healthy controls from patients both able and unable to follow commands. We combined evidence from behavioural assessment, functional neuroimaging during mental imagery and high-density electroencephalography collected during auditory prediction, from 21 patients and 10 controls. We used a penalised regression model to identify command following using features from electroencephalography. We identified seven well-defined spatiotemporal signatures in the delta, theta and alpha bands that together contribute to identify DoC subjects with and without the ability to follow command, and further distinguished these groups of patients from controls. A fine-grained analysis of these seven signatures enabled us to determine that increased delta modulation at the frontal sensors was the main feature in command following patients. In contrast, higher frequency theta and alpha modulations differentiated controls from both groups of patients. Our findings highlight a key role of spatiotemporally specific delta modulation in supporting cortically mediated behaviour including the ability to follow command. However, patients able to follow commands nevertheless have marked differences in brain activity in comparison with healthy volunteers.

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