Inferences of subtle cerebral injury and dysfunction have been historically dependent upon psychometric tests from which clinical neuropsychological profiles are generated. In addition to being secondary, over-inclusi...Inferences of subtle cerebral injury and dysfunction have been historically dependent upon psychometric tests from which clinical neuropsychological profiles are generated. In addition to being secondary, over-inclusive and crude indicators of cerebral activity, psychometric tests are subject to economic incentives to “re-norm” traditional methods under the pretense of “ensuring” contemporary representations that are sanctioned by regulating organizations dominated by agendas of control over the interpretations of clinicians. The validity of neuropsychological tests is essential for their perspicacious application and interpretations. We measured the quantitative electroen-cephalographic profiles and calculated s-LORETA (standardized Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) profiles in real time for normal men and women while they engaged in both traditional and novel neuropsychological tests that were employed to infer localized brain injury. Conspicuous alterations in source current density within specific frequency bands occurred within various regions of the right prefrontal region during performance of the Category, Design Fluency and Conditioned Spatial Association Test, the prefrontal medial surface during Toe Graphaesthesia, the caudal medial surface during Toe Gnosis, the left temporal region during Speech-Sounds, and within the right retrosplenial-parahippocampal region for Seashore Rhythms. Results supported the well established regional associations with the classic neuropsychological tests, verified the cerebral localization with more recent procedures, and emphasized the utility of modern real-time, direct cerebral imaging procedures.展开更多
This article reviews the constructs of stress, appraisal, coping, according to a transactional perspective, and executive function, and presents a stress control rating scale (ECOSTRESS), which design is founded in th...This article reviews the constructs of stress, appraisal, coping, according to a transactional perspective, and executive function, and presents a stress control rating scale (ECOSTRESS), which design is founded in these constructs. This psychometric tool is useful in the assessment of cognitive control of stress, correlated with the function of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It has been validated for its use in the assessment of Portuguese people in situations of stress related to unemployment and economic insufficiency. Also, within the context of the cognitive control of stress, it is highlighted the usefulness of low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA).展开更多
Background: Recent neuroscience investigations on moral judgment have provided useful information about how brain processes such complex decision making. All these studies carried out so far were fMRI investigations a...Background: Recent neuroscience investigations on moral judgment have provided useful information about how brain processes such complex decision making. All these studies carried out so far were fMRI investigations and therefore were constrained by the poor temporal resolution of this technique. Recent advances in electroencephalography (EEG) analysis provided by Low Resolution Tomogray (Loreta), Principal Component (PCA), Correlation and Regression Analysis improved EEG spatial resolution and made EEG a very useful technique in decision-making studies. Methods: Here, we reinvestigate previous fMRI study of personal (PD) and impersonal (ID) moral dilemma judgment, taking profit of these new EEG analysis improvements. Results: PCA analysis disclosed three different patterns of brain activity associated with dilemma judgment. These patterns are proposed to disclose the neural circuits involved in benefit and risk evaluation, calculating intention to act and controlling decision-making. Regression analysis showed that activity at some cortical areas favors action implementation by increasing intention to act, while activity at some other areas opposes it by decreasing intention to act. Comparison with Existing Methods: Compared to the previous fMRI results, Loreta and PCA revealed a much greater number of cortical areas involved in dilemma judgment, whose temporal and spatial distribution were different for ID compared to PD. The present paper suggests that whenever final temporal details of the decision making process are desired, EEG becomes the tool of choice as compared with fMRI. Conclusions: The presented results are discussed from the utilitarian point of view that proposes adequacy of human action being dependent upon how much pleasure and fear/pain they are associated.展开更多
采用事件相关电位技术研究了在视觉搜索过程中的外源易化和返回抑制(inhibition of return,IOR)的相互关系。当外源注意保持在序列搜索过的位置上时,有一个延时反应(即IOR),伴随其产生的相关脑电成分有:分布在后顶的潜伏期为200ms的正...采用事件相关电位技术研究了在视觉搜索过程中的外源易化和返回抑制(inhibition of return,IOR)的相互关系。当外源注意保持在序列搜索过的位置上时,有一个延时反应(即IOR),伴随其产生的相关脑电成分有:分布在后顶的潜伏期为200ms的正差异、分布在前额叶内侧靠左的潜伏期为240毫秒的负差异,以及分布在两侧颞顶联合区的潜伏期为280ms的负差异。而当外源注意保持在平行搜索的位置上时,则出现了明显的易化效应,伴随其产生的脑电成分仅为分布在枕顶区域的潜伏期为280ms的负差异。这些结果表明,外源易化和IOR涉及了不同的脑区和神经过程,从而支持两者在机制上是可分离性的观点。展开更多
Photons are emitted during brain activity and when applied externally alter its functional connectivity during the resting state. In the present study we applied constant or time varying light (~10,000 lux) stimuli to...Photons are emitted during brain activity and when applied externally alter its functional connectivity during the resting state. In the present study we applied constant or time varying light (~10,000 lux) stimuli to one side of the skull and measured by photomultiplier tubes the photon density emitted from the opposite side of the skull along its two horizontal planes. Global quantitative electroencephalographic activity (QEEG) was recorded simultaneously. Reliable increases of ~2.5 × 10-11 W· m-2 during either constant or specific flash frequencies between 3 and 7 Hz as well as enhanced QEEG power in the theta and low beta range were measured. According to source localization by Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) the right parahippocampal region was particularly enhanced. Calculations employing known quantitative values for permeability and permittivity of brain tissue were consistent with this frequency band. Estimated concentrations of protons from hydronium ions indicated a Grotthuss chain-like process for moving photon energy through the cerebral medium may have mediated the distance-dependent latency. The results suggest that external light is transmitted through cerebral tissue, can be measured externally, and significantly affects functional connectivity. The findings support the conclusions of Starck et al. (World Journal Neuroscience, 2012).展开更多
The brain regions associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) and those targeted by Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) overlap. The present paper reviews the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms at play in BED an...The brain regions associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) and those targeted by Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) overlap. The present paper reviews the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms at play in BED and compulsive eating behaviours, along with the mechanisms of action LDX is thought to play. We present one case of chronic BED and highlight the EEG scans pre- and post-LDX treatment. The normalization of the patient’s electroencephalogy (EEG) activity associated with BED after LDX supports theorized mechanisms of LDX action, further explaining its efficacy in treatment. A significant decrease in theta band power was observed in the patient after treatment with LDX. Specifically, this decrease was modulated by changes in the F8 electrode corresponding to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)—An area associated with deficits in inhibitory function, seen in addictions and BED. A better understanding of the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms involved in BED and LDX treatment has the potential to significantly enhance our knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis, potential prevention, and optimal treatment options for patients.展开更多
The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or caused by the specifics of brain structures and their particular dynamics. The profound experiences attributed to the “se...The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or caused by the specifics of brain structures and their particular dynamics. The profound experiences attributed to the “sensed presence” and their cultural anthropomorphisms such as deities and gods are persistent reports in human populations that are frequently associated with permanent changes in behavior, reduced depression and alleviation of pain. The majority of traditional clinical observations and modern imaging techniques have emphasized the central role of right temporal lobe structures and their directly related networks. The experimental simulation of sensed presences which can result in attributions to spiritual, deity-based or mystical sources within the clinical laboratory by the application of physiologically-patterned magnetic fields across the temporal lobes through our God Helmet requires the same precision of technology that is essential for synthesizing molecular treatments for modifying anomalous behavior, depression and pain. Despite the clinical utility of these simulated conditions within Neuroscience and Medicine, misinformation concerning the bases and efficacy of this new technology persist. Here we present detailed technical clarifications and rebuttals to refute these misconceptions. A Hegelian approach to this delay of development and impedance provides a context through which the ultimate synthesis and application of this technology may be accommodated in the near future.展开更多
Literature in finance and neurosciences shows that male and female differ in many relevant issues concerning financial decision investment. Here, we studied the EEG activity recorded while volunteers were playing a st...Literature in finance and neurosciences shows that male and female differ in many relevant issues concerning financial decision investment. Here, we studied the EEG activity recorded while volunteers were playing a stock trading game to investigate these gender differences. 20 males and 20 females made 100 trading decisions using a portfolio of 200 shares of 7 different companies. Males and females were equally successful in earning above the market. sLORETA was used to identify sources of EEG recorded 2 seconds before trading decision. Results showed that male and female used different sets of neuron to make equally successful financial decisions.展开更多
Two event-related potential experiments were conducted to investigate the temporal and the spatial distributions of the old/new effects for the item recognition task and the auditory source retrieval task using pictur...Two event-related potential experiments were conducted to investigate the temporal and the spatial distributions of the old/new effects for the item recognition task and the auditory source retrieval task using picture and Chinese character as stimuli respectively. Stimuli were presented on the center of the screen with their names read out either by female or by male voice simultaneously during the study phase and then two tests were performed separately. One test task was to differentiate the old items from the new ones, and the other task was to judge the items read out by a certain voice during the study phase as targets and other ones as non-targets. The results showed that the old/new effect of the auditory source retrieval task was more sustained over time than that of the item recognition task in both experiments, and the spatial distribution of the former effect was wider than that of the latter one. Both experiments recorded reliable old/new effect over the prefrontal cortex during the source retrieval task. However, there existed some differences of the old/new effect for the auditory source retrieval task between picture and Chinese character, and LORETA source analysis indicated that the differ- ences might be rooted in the temporal lobe. These findings demonstrate that the relevancy of the old/new effects between the item recognition task and the auditory source retrieval task supports the dual-process model; the spatial and the temporal distributions of the old/new effect elicited by the auditory source retrieval task are regulated by both the feature of the experimental material and the perceptual attribute of the voice.展开更多
An ERP study was conducted to explore the differences between other-relevant words and posses-sor-relevant words in implicit and explicit memory tests. The results show that other-relevant words are associated with a ...An ERP study was conducted to explore the differences between other-relevant words and posses-sor-relevant words in implicit and explicit memory tests. The results show that other-relevant words are associated with a more negative ERP than possessor-relevant words during 300-900 ms whether in the implicit or the explicit memory tests. The N400 effect is also found in semantic processing of social materials. There is an ERP dissociation of retrieval formats between the implicit and the explicit memory tests during 700―900 ms, namely, there is no difference between other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words in the implicit memory while there is a significant difference between them in the explicit memory. Observed through Curry 6.0, the analysis of neural sources for other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words indicates that they have different locations. At 400 ms, activity is found in the left precuneus during possessor-relevant words processing. Both the right and the left precuneus are activated during other-relevant words processing. However, at 600 ms their location is both in the left precuneus. In a word, our results show that there exists a cognitive difference between other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words, and other-relevant words closely related to the percipient himself/herself are strongly responded to, which reflects that there is a bigger attention bias to the stimuli concerning the percipient himself/herself than to processor-relevant words.展开更多
文摘Inferences of subtle cerebral injury and dysfunction have been historically dependent upon psychometric tests from which clinical neuropsychological profiles are generated. In addition to being secondary, over-inclusive and crude indicators of cerebral activity, psychometric tests are subject to economic incentives to “re-norm” traditional methods under the pretense of “ensuring” contemporary representations that are sanctioned by regulating organizations dominated by agendas of control over the interpretations of clinicians. The validity of neuropsychological tests is essential for their perspicacious application and interpretations. We measured the quantitative electroen-cephalographic profiles and calculated s-LORETA (standardized Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) profiles in real time for normal men and women while they engaged in both traditional and novel neuropsychological tests that were employed to infer localized brain injury. Conspicuous alterations in source current density within specific frequency bands occurred within various regions of the right prefrontal region during performance of the Category, Design Fluency and Conditioned Spatial Association Test, the prefrontal medial surface during Toe Graphaesthesia, the caudal medial surface during Toe Gnosis, the left temporal region during Speech-Sounds, and within the right retrosplenial-parahippocampal region for Seashore Rhythms. Results supported the well established regional associations with the classic neuropsychological tests, verified the cerebral localization with more recent procedures, and emphasized the utility of modern real-time, direct cerebral imaging procedures.
文摘This article reviews the constructs of stress, appraisal, coping, according to a transactional perspective, and executive function, and presents a stress control rating scale (ECOSTRESS), which design is founded in these constructs. This psychometric tool is useful in the assessment of cognitive control of stress, correlated with the function of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. It has been validated for its use in the assessment of Portuguese people in situations of stress related to unemployment and economic insufficiency. Also, within the context of the cognitive control of stress, it is highlighted the usefulness of low resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (LORETA).
文摘Background: Recent neuroscience investigations on moral judgment have provided useful information about how brain processes such complex decision making. All these studies carried out so far were fMRI investigations and therefore were constrained by the poor temporal resolution of this technique. Recent advances in electroencephalography (EEG) analysis provided by Low Resolution Tomogray (Loreta), Principal Component (PCA), Correlation and Regression Analysis improved EEG spatial resolution and made EEG a very useful technique in decision-making studies. Methods: Here, we reinvestigate previous fMRI study of personal (PD) and impersonal (ID) moral dilemma judgment, taking profit of these new EEG analysis improvements. Results: PCA analysis disclosed three different patterns of brain activity associated with dilemma judgment. These patterns are proposed to disclose the neural circuits involved in benefit and risk evaluation, calculating intention to act and controlling decision-making. Regression analysis showed that activity at some cortical areas favors action implementation by increasing intention to act, while activity at some other areas opposes it by decreasing intention to act. Comparison with Existing Methods: Compared to the previous fMRI results, Loreta and PCA revealed a much greater number of cortical areas involved in dilemma judgment, whose temporal and spatial distribution were different for ID compared to PD. The present paper suggests that whenever final temporal details of the decision making process are desired, EEG becomes the tool of choice as compared with fMRI. Conclusions: The presented results are discussed from the utilitarian point of view that proposes adequacy of human action being dependent upon how much pleasure and fear/pain they are associated.
文摘采用事件相关电位技术研究了在视觉搜索过程中的外源易化和返回抑制(inhibition of return,IOR)的相互关系。当外源注意保持在序列搜索过的位置上时,有一个延时反应(即IOR),伴随其产生的相关脑电成分有:分布在后顶的潜伏期为200ms的正差异、分布在前额叶内侧靠左的潜伏期为240毫秒的负差异,以及分布在两侧颞顶联合区的潜伏期为280ms的负差异。而当外源注意保持在平行搜索的位置上时,则出现了明显的易化效应,伴随其产生的脑电成分仅为分布在枕顶区域的潜伏期为280ms的负差异。这些结果表明,外源易化和IOR涉及了不同的脑区和神经过程,从而支持两者在机制上是可分离性的观点。
文摘Photons are emitted during brain activity and when applied externally alter its functional connectivity during the resting state. In the present study we applied constant or time varying light (~10,000 lux) stimuli to one side of the skull and measured by photomultiplier tubes the photon density emitted from the opposite side of the skull along its two horizontal planes. Global quantitative electroencephalographic activity (QEEG) was recorded simultaneously. Reliable increases of ~2.5 × 10-11 W· m-2 during either constant or specific flash frequencies between 3 and 7 Hz as well as enhanced QEEG power in the theta and low beta range were measured. According to source localization by Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) the right parahippocampal region was particularly enhanced. Calculations employing known quantitative values for permeability and permittivity of brain tissue were consistent with this frequency band. Estimated concentrations of protons from hydronium ions indicated a Grotthuss chain-like process for moving photon energy through the cerebral medium may have mediated the distance-dependent latency. The results suggest that external light is transmitted through cerebral tissue, can be measured externally, and significantly affects functional connectivity. The findings support the conclusions of Starck et al. (World Journal Neuroscience, 2012).
文摘The brain regions associated with binge-eating disorder (BED) and those targeted by Lisdexamfetamine (LDX) overlap. The present paper reviews the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms at play in BED and compulsive eating behaviours, along with the mechanisms of action LDX is thought to play. We present one case of chronic BED and highlight the EEG scans pre- and post-LDX treatment. The normalization of the patient’s electroencephalogy (EEG) activity associated with BED after LDX supports theorized mechanisms of LDX action, further explaining its efficacy in treatment. A significant decrease in theta band power was observed in the patient after treatment with LDX. Specifically, this decrease was modulated by changes in the F8 electrode corresponding to the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)—An area associated with deficits in inhibitory function, seen in addictions and BED. A better understanding of the psychobehavioural and neuropharmacological mechanisms involved in BED and LDX treatment has the potential to significantly enhance our knowledge of the underlying pathogenesis, potential prevention, and optimal treatment options for patients.
文摘The primary assumption of Neuroscience is that all experiences are strongly correlated with or caused by the specifics of brain structures and their particular dynamics. The profound experiences attributed to the “sensed presence” and their cultural anthropomorphisms such as deities and gods are persistent reports in human populations that are frequently associated with permanent changes in behavior, reduced depression and alleviation of pain. The majority of traditional clinical observations and modern imaging techniques have emphasized the central role of right temporal lobe structures and their directly related networks. The experimental simulation of sensed presences which can result in attributions to spiritual, deity-based or mystical sources within the clinical laboratory by the application of physiologically-patterned magnetic fields across the temporal lobes through our God Helmet requires the same precision of technology that is essential for synthesizing molecular treatments for modifying anomalous behavior, depression and pain. Despite the clinical utility of these simulated conditions within Neuroscience and Medicine, misinformation concerning the bases and efficacy of this new technology persist. Here we present detailed technical clarifications and rebuttals to refute these misconceptions. A Hegelian approach to this delay of development and impedance provides a context through which the ultimate synthesis and application of this technology may be accommodated in the near future.
文摘Literature in finance and neurosciences shows that male and female differ in many relevant issues concerning financial decision investment. Here, we studied the EEG activity recorded while volunteers were playing a stock trading game to investigate these gender differences. 20 males and 20 females made 100 trading decisions using a portfolio of 200 shares of 7 different companies. Males and females were equally successful in earning above the market. sLORETA was used to identify sources of EEG recorded 2 seconds before trading decision. Results showed that male and female used different sets of neuron to make equally successful financial decisions.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 30570603, 30570604 and J0630760)the Ph.D. Programs Foundation of Ministry of Education of China (Nos. 20060335034 and 20070335172)+1 种基金 Educational Bureau Foundation by Zhejiang Province of China (No. 20061310)the Postdoctoral Foundation by Zhejiang Province of China and PHR (IHLB)
文摘Two event-related potential experiments were conducted to investigate the temporal and the spatial distributions of the old/new effects for the item recognition task and the auditory source retrieval task using picture and Chinese character as stimuli respectively. Stimuli were presented on the center of the screen with their names read out either by female or by male voice simultaneously during the study phase and then two tests were performed separately. One test task was to differentiate the old items from the new ones, and the other task was to judge the items read out by a certain voice during the study phase as targets and other ones as non-targets. The results showed that the old/new effect of the auditory source retrieval task was more sustained over time than that of the item recognition task in both experiments, and the spatial distribution of the former effect was wider than that of the latter one. Both experiments recorded reliable old/new effect over the prefrontal cortex during the source retrieval task. However, there existed some differences of the old/new effect for the auditory source retrieval task between picture and Chinese character, and LORETA source analysis indicated that the differ- ences might be rooted in the temporal lobe. These findings demonstrate that the relevancy of the old/new effects between the item recognition task and the auditory source retrieval task supports the dual-process model; the spatial and the temporal distributions of the old/new effect elicited by the auditory source retrieval task are regulated by both the feature of the experimental material and the perceptual attribute of the voice.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 30570603 and 30870760)Beijing Key Laboratory and PHR (IHLB)
文摘An ERP study was conducted to explore the differences between other-relevant words and posses-sor-relevant words in implicit and explicit memory tests. The results show that other-relevant words are associated with a more negative ERP than possessor-relevant words during 300-900 ms whether in the implicit or the explicit memory tests. The N400 effect is also found in semantic processing of social materials. There is an ERP dissociation of retrieval formats between the implicit and the explicit memory tests during 700―900 ms, namely, there is no difference between other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words in the implicit memory while there is a significant difference between them in the explicit memory. Observed through Curry 6.0, the analysis of neural sources for other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words indicates that they have different locations. At 400 ms, activity is found in the left precuneus during possessor-relevant words processing. Both the right and the left precuneus are activated during other-relevant words processing. However, at 600 ms their location is both in the left precuneus. In a word, our results show that there exists a cognitive difference between other-relevant words and possessor-relevant words, and other-relevant words closely related to the percipient himself/herself are strongly responded to, which reflects that there is a bigger attention bias to the stimuli concerning the percipient himself/herself than to processor-relevant words.
