Identifying Emotional Specificity in Complex Large-Scale Brain Networks

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 217-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Koelsch
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Nonlinear Interactions ◽  
Brain Science ◽  
Human Emotion ◽  
Target Article ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Network Properties

The target article is well in accordance with recent theoretical advances considering the complex large-scale brain network organization underlying emotions. Given current limitations of the methods in brain science, however, research is faced with the difficult question as to how it will be possible to elucidate the complex nonlinear interactions, the neurotransmitters involved, and the excitatory or inhibitory nature of neural processes underlying human emotion in such networks. Moreover, while investigating the network properties of neural processes underlying emotions, it is also important to keep in mind that specific brain structures, or specific brain networks, generate specific emotions. Thus, while aiming at elucidating complex large-scale brain networks of emotion, it is important to identify emotional specificity of, or within, these networks.

scholarly journals How brain reacts to targeted attack at a hub region

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyu Tu ◽  
Zilu Ma ◽  
Yuncong Ma ◽  
Nanyin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Anterior Cingulate ◽  
Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex ◽  
Node Activity ◽  
Large Scale Network ◽  
Scale Network ◽  
Network Properties ◽  
Multiple Species

AbstractThe architecture of brain networks has been extensively studied in multiple species. However, exactly how the brain network reconfigures when a local region stops functioning remains elusive. By combining chemogenetics and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) in awake rodents, we investigated the causal impact of acutely inactivating a hub region (i.e. dorsal anterior cingulate cortex) on brain network properties. We found that disrupting hub activity profoundly changed the function the default-mode network (DMN), and this change was associated with altered DMN-related behavior. Suppressing hub activity also impacted the topological architecture of the whole-brain network in network resilience, segregation and small worldness, but not network integration. This study has established a system that allows for mechanistically dissecting the relationship between local regions and brain network properties. Our data provide direct evidence supporting the hypothesis that acute dysfunction of a brain hub can cause large-scale network changes. This study opens an avenue of manipulating brain networks by controlling hub-node activity.

scholarly journals Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation induces stabilizing modifications in large-scale functional brain networks: towards understanding the effects of taVNS in subjects with epilepsy

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Randi von Wrede ◽  
Thorsten Rings ◽  
Sophia Schach ◽  
Christoph Helmstaedter ◽  
Klaus Lehnertz
Keyword(s):  
Vagus Nerve ◽  
Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Vagus Nerve Stimulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Functional Brain Networks ◽  
Network Properties

AbstractTranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a novel non-invasive brain stimulation technique considered as a potential supplementary treatment option for subjects with refractory epilepsy. Its exact mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. We developed an examination schedule to probe for immediate taVNS-induced modifications of large-scale epileptic brain networks and accompanying changes of cognition and behaviour. In this prospective trial, we applied short-term (1 h) taVNS to 14 subjects with epilepsy during a continuous 3-h EEG recording which was embedded in two standardized neuropsychological assessments. From these EEG, we derived evolving epileptic brain networks and tracked important topological, robustness, and stability properties of networks over time. In the majority of investigated subjects, taVNS induced measurable and persisting modifications in network properties that point to a more resilient epileptic brain network without negatively impacting cognition, behaviour, or mood. The stimulation was well tolerated and the usability of the device was rated good. Short-term taVNS has a topology-modifying, robustness- and stability-enhancing immediate effect on large-scale epileptic brain networks. It has no detrimental effects on cognition and behaviour. Translation into clinical practice requires further studies to detail knowledge about the exact mechanisms by which taVNS prevents or inhibits seizures.

scholarly journals Reconfiguration of human evolving large-scale epileptic brain networks prior to seizures: an evaluation with node centralities

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rieke Fruengel ◽  
Timo Bröhl ◽  
Thorsten Rings ◽  
Klaus Lehnertz
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Theoretical Concept ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Functional Connections ◽  
Node Centrality ◽  
Network Mechanism

AbstractPrevious research has indicated that temporal changes of centrality of specific nodes in human evolving large-scale epileptic brain networks carry information predictive of impending seizures. Centrality is a fundamental network-theoretical concept that allows one to assess the role a node plays in a network. This concept allows for various interpretations, which is reflected in a number of centrality indices. Here we aim to achieve a more general understanding of local and global network reconfigurations during the pre-seizure period as indicated by changes of different node centrality indices. To this end, we investigate—in a time-resolved manner—evolving large-scale epileptic brain networks that we derived from multi-day, multi-electrode intracranial electroencephalograpic recordings from a large but inhomogeneous group of subjects with pharmacoresistant epilepsies with different anatomical origins. We estimate multiple centrality indices to assess the various roles the nodes play while the networks transit from the seizure-free to the pre-seizure period. Our findings allow us to formulate several major scenarios for the reconfiguration of an evolving epileptic brain network prior to seizures, which indicate that there is likely not a single network mechanism underlying seizure generation. Rather, local and global aspects of the pre-seizure network reconfiguration affect virtually all network constituents, from the various brain regions to the functional connections between them.

scholarly journals Early alterations of large-scale brain networks temporal dynamics in young children with autism

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aurélie Bochet ◽  
Holger Franz Sperdin ◽  
Tonia Anahi Rihs ◽  
Nada Kojovic ◽  
Martina Franchini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Developmental Stages ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Clustering Methods ◽  
Early Developmental Stages ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Early Developmental

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with disruption of large-scale brain network. Recently, we found that directed functional connectivity alterations of social brain networks are a core component of atypical brain development at early developmental stages in ASD. Here, we investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of whole-brain neuronal networks at a subsecond scale in 113 toddlers and preschoolers (66 with ASD) using an EEG microstate approach. We first determined the predominant microstates using established clustering methods. We identified five predominant microstate (labeled as microstate classes A–E) with significant differences in the temporal dynamics of microstate class B between the groups in terms of increased appearance and prolonged duration. Using Markov chains, we found differences in the dynamic syntax between several maps in toddlers and preschoolers with ASD compared to their TD peers. Finally, exploratory analysis of brain–behavioral relationships within the ASD group suggested that the temporal dynamics of some maps were related to conditions comorbid to ASD during early developmental stages.

Dynamic Reorganization of the Cortical Functional Brain Network in Affective Processing and Cognitive Reappraisal

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (10) ◽  
pp. 2050051
Author(s):  
Feng Fang ◽  
Thomas Potter ◽  
Thinh Nguyen ◽  
Yingchun Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Cognitive Reappraisal ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Affective Processing ◽  
Functional Brain ◽  
Affective Stimuli ◽  
Functional Brain Network ◽  
Functional Brain Networks

Emotion and affect play crucial roles in human life that can be disrupted by diseases. Functional brain networks need to dynamically reorganize within short time periods in order to efficiently process and respond to affective stimuli. Documenting these large-scale spatiotemporal dynamics on the same timescale they arise, however, presents a large technical challenge. In this study, the dynamic reorganization of the cortical functional brain network during an affective processing and emotion regulation task is documented using an advanced multi-model electroencephalography (EEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique. Sliding time window correlation and [Formula: see text]-means clustering are employed to explore the functional brain connectivity (FC) dynamics during the unaltered perception of neutral (moderate valence, low arousal) and negative (low valence, high arousal) stimuli and cognitive reappraisal of negative stimuli. Betweenness centralities are computed to identify central hubs within each complex network. Results from 20 healthy subjects indicate that the cortical mechanism for cognitive reappraisal follows a ‘top-down’ pattern that occurs across four brain network states that arise at different time instants (0–170[Formula: see text]ms, 170–370[Formula: see text]ms, 380–620[Formula: see text]ms, and 620–1000[Formula: see text]ms). Specifically, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is identified as a central hub to promote the connectivity structures of various affective states and consequent regulatory efforts. This finding advances our current understanding of the cortical response networks of reappraisal-based emotion regulation by documenting the recruitment process of four functional brain sub-networks, each seemingly associated with different cognitive processes, and reveals the dynamic reorganization of functional brain networks during emotion regulation.

scholarly journals A neuroimaging marker for predicting longitudinal changes in pain intensity of subacute back pain based on large-scale brain network interactions

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bo-yong Park ◽  
Jae-Joong Lee ◽  
Hong Ji Kim ◽  
Choong-Wan Woo ◽  
Hyunjin Park
Keyword(s):  
Back Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Penalized Regression ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Pain Modulation ◽  
Longitudinal Changes ◽  
Functional Connections ◽  
Intensity Changes

Abstract Identification of predictive neuroimaging markers of pain intensity changes is a crucial issue to better understand macroscopic neural mechanisms of pain. Although a single connection between the medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens has been suggested as a powerful marker, how the complex interactions on a large-scale brain network can serve as the markers is underexplored. Here, we aimed to identify a set of functional connections predictive of longitudinal changes in pain intensity using large-scale brain networks. We re-analyzed previously published resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 49 subacute back pain (SBP) patients. We built a network-level model that predicts changes in pain intensity over one year by combining independent component analysis and a penalized regression framework. Connections involving top-down pain modulation, multisensory integration, and mesocorticolimbic circuits were identified as predictive markers for pain intensity changes. Pearson’s correlations between actual and predicted pain scores were r = 0.33–0.72, and group classification results between SBP patients with persisting pain and recovering patients, in terms of area under the curve (AUC), were 0.89/0.75/0.75 for visits four/three/two, thus outperforming the previous work (AUC 0.83/0.73/0.67). This study identified functional connections important for longitudinal changes in pain intensity in SBP patients, providing provisional markers to predict future pain using large-scale brain networks.

scholarly journals The network properties of the brain at the time of normal birth support the acquisition of language processing

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piergiorgio Salvan ◽  
Tomoki Arichi ◽  
Diego Vidaurre ◽  
J Donald Tournier ◽  
Shona Falconer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Processing ◽  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Brain Structures ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Language Abilities ◽  
Normal Birth ◽  
Neural Substrate ◽  
Network Properties ◽  
The Brain

AbstractLanguage acquisition appears to rely at least in part on recruiting pre-existing brain structures. We hypothesized that the neural substrate for language can be characterized by distinct, non-trivial network properties of the brain, that modulate language acquisition early in development. We tested whether these brain network properties present at the normal age of birth predicted later language abilities, and whether these were robust against perturbation by studying infants exposed to the extreme environmental stress of preterm birth.We found that brain network controllability and integration predicted respectively phonological, ‘bottom-up’ and syntactical, ‘top-down’ language skills at 20 months, and that syntactical but not phonological functions were modulated by premature extrauterine life. These data show that the neural substrate for language acquisition is a network property present at term corrected age. These distinct developmental trajectories may be relevant to the emergence of social interaction after birth.

scholarly journals Stabilization of Brain Network Dynamics during Childhood and Adolescence is Associated with Gene Expressions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tianyuan Lei ◽  
Xuhong Liao ◽  
Xiaodan Chen ◽  
Tengda Zhao ◽  
Yuehua Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Network Dynamics ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Global Network ◽  
Association Cortex ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Age Related

AbstractFunctional brain networks require dynamic reconfiguration to support flexible cognitive function. However, the developmental principles shaping brain network dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we report the longitudinal development of large-scale brain network dynamics during childhood and adolescence, and its connection with gene expression profiles. Using a multilayer network model, we show the temporally varying modular architecture of child brain networks, with higher network switching primarily in the association cortex and lower switching in the primary regions. This topographical profile exhibits progressive maturation, which manifests as reduced modular dynamics, particularly in the transmodal (e.g., default-mode and frontoparietal) and sensorimotor regions. These developmental refinements mediate age-related enhancements of global network segregation and are linked with the expression profiles of genes associated with the enrichment of ion transport and nucleobase-containing compound transport. These results highlight a progressive stabilization of brain dynamics, which expand our understanding of the neural mechanisms that underlie cognitive development.

scholarly journals Loss of integration of brain networks after sleep deprivation relates to the worsening of cognitive functions

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pesoli Matteo ◽  
Rucco Rosaria ◽  
Liparoti Marianna ◽  
Lardone Anna ◽  
D’Aurizio Giula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Resting State ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Cognitive Tasks ◽  
Functional Networks ◽  
Long Sleep ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThe topology of brain networks changes according to environmental demands and can be described within the framework of graph theory. We hypothesized that 24-hours long sleep deprivation (SD) causes functional rearrangements of the brain topology so as to impair optimal communication, and that such rearrangements relate to the performance in specific cognitive tasks, namely the ones specifically requiring attention. Thirty-two young men underwent resting-state MEG recording and assessments of attention and switching abilities before and after SD. We found loss of integration of brain network and a worsening of attention but not of switching abilities. These results show that brain network changes due to SD affect switching abilities, worsened attention and induce large-scale rearrangements in the functional networks.

scholarly journals Intermittent brain network reconfigurations and the resistance to social media influence

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Italo Ivo Lima Dias Pinto ◽  
Nuttida Rungratsameetaweemana ◽  
Kristen Flaherty ◽  
Aditi Periyannan ◽  
Amir Meghdadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Brain Networks ◽  
Brain Network ◽  
Opinion Formation ◽  
Opinion Change ◽  
Neural Processes ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Media Platform ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Source Of Information

Since their development, social media has grown as a source of information and has a significant impact on opinion formation. Individuals interact with others and content via social media platforms in a variety of ways but it remains unclear how decision making and associated neural processes are impacted by the online sharing of informational content, from factual to fabricated. Here, we use EEG to estimate dynamic reconfigurations of brain networks and probe the neural changes underlying opinion change (or formation) within individuals interacting with a simulated social media platform. Our findings indicate that the individuals who show more malleable opinions are characterized by less frequent network reconfigurations while those with more rigid opinions tend to have more flexible brain networks with frequent reconfigurations. The nature of these frequent network configurations suggests a fundamentally different thought process between the individuals who are more easily influenced by social media and those who are not. We also show that these reconfigurations are distinct to the brain dynamics during an in-person discussion with strangers on the same content. Together, these findings suggest that network reconfigurations in the brain may not only be diagnostic to the informational context but also the underlie opinion formation.

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