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Xu E, Vanegas M, Mireles M, Dementyev A, McCann A, Yücel M, Carp SA, Fang Q. Flexible circuit-based spatially aware modular optical brain imaging system for high-density measurements in natural settings. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:035002. [PMID: 38975286 PMCID: PMC11224775 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.035002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Significance Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) presents an opportunity to study human brains in everyday activities and environments. However, achieving robust measurements under such dynamic conditions remains a significant challenge. Aim The modular optical brain imaging (MOBI) system is designed to enhance optode-to-scalp coupling and provide a real-time probe three-dimensional (3D) shape estimation to improve the use of fNIRS in everyday conditions. Approach The MOBI system utilizes a bendable and lightweight modular circuit-board design to enhance probe conformity to head surfaces and comfort for long-term wearability. Combined with automatic module connection recognition, the built-in orientation sensors on each module can be used to estimate optode 3D positions in real time to enable advanced tomographic data analysis and motion tracking. Results Optical characterization of the MOBI detector reports a noise equivalence power of 8.9 and 7.3 pW / Hz at 735 and 850 nm, respectively, with a dynamic range of 88 dB. The 3D optode shape acquisition yields an average error of 4.2 mm across 25 optodes in a phantom test compared with positions acquired from a digitizer. Results for initial in vivo validations, including a cuff occlusion and a finger-tapping test, are also provided. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the MOBI system is the first modular fNIRS system featuring fully flexible circuit boards. The self-organizing module sensor network and automatic 3D optode position acquisition, combined with lightweight modules ( 18 g / module ) and ergonomic designs, would greatly aid emerging explorations of brain function in naturalistic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Xu
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Morris Vanegas
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Miguel Mireles
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Artem Dementyev
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ashlyn McCann
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Meryem Yücel
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Stefan A. Carp
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Qianqian Fang
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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Chang KW, Wang X, Wong KY, Xu G. Label-free photoacoustic computed tomography of visually evoked responses in the primary visual cortex and four subcortical retinorecipient nuclei of anesthetized mice. NEUROPHOTONICS 2024; 11:035005. [PMID: 39081284 PMCID: PMC11286379 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.11.3.035005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Significance Many techniques exist for screening retinal phenotypes in mouse models in vision research, but significant challenges remain for efficiently probing higher visual centers of the brain. Photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT), with optical sensitivity to hemodynamic response (HR) in brain and ultrasound resolution, provides unique advantages in comprehensively assessing higher visual function in the mouse brain. Aim We aim to examine the reliability of PACT in the functional phenotyping of mouse models for vision research. Approach A PACT-ultrasound (US) parallel imaging system was established with a one-dimensional (1D) US transducer array and a tunable laser. Imaging was performed at three coronal planes of the brain, covering the primary visual cortex and the four subcortical nuclei, including the superior colliculus, the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, and the olivary pretectal nucleus. The visual-evoked HR was isolated from background signals using an impulse-based data processing protocol. rd1 mice with rod/cone degeneration, melanopsin-knockout (mel-KO) mice with photoreceptive ganglion cells that lack intrinsic photosensitivity, and wild-type mice as controls were imaged. The quantitative characteristics of the visual-evoked HR were compared. Results Quantitative analysis of the HRs shows significant differences among the three mouse strains: (1) rd1 mice showed both smaller and slower responses compared with wild type ( n = 10,10 , p < 0.01 ) and (2) mel-KO mice had lower amplitude but not significantly delayed photoresponses than wild-type mice ( n = 10,10 , p < 0.01 ). These results agree with the known visual deficits of the mouse strains. Conclusions PACT demonstrated sufficient sensitivity to detecting post-retinal functional deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wei Chang
- University of Michigan, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Xueding Wang
- University of Michigan, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- University of Michigan, Department of Radiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Kwoon Y. Wong
- University of Michigan, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- University of Michigan, Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Guan Xu
- University of Michigan, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- University of Michigan, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Klein F. Optimizing spatial specificity and signal quality in fNIRS: an overview of potential challenges and possible options for improving the reliability of real-time applications. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2024; 5:1286586. [PMID: 38903906 PMCID: PMC11188482 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1286586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The optical brain imaging method functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising tool for real-time applications such as neurofeedback and brain-computer interfaces. Its combination of spatial specificity and mobility makes it particularly attractive for clinical use, both at the bedside and in patients' homes. Despite these advantages, optimizing fNIRS for real-time use requires careful attention to two key aspects: ensuring good spatial specificity and maintaining high signal quality. While fNIRS detects superficial cortical brain regions, consistently and reliably targeting specific regions of interest can be challenging, particularly in studies that require repeated measurements. Variations in cap placement coupled with limited anatomical information may further reduce this accuracy. Furthermore, it is important to maintain good signal quality in real-time contexts to ensure that they reflect the true underlying brain activity. However, fNIRS signals are susceptible to contamination by cerebral and extracerebral systemic noise as well as motion artifacts. Insufficient real-time preprocessing can therefore cause the system to run on noise instead of brain activity. The aim of this review article is to help advance the progress of fNIRS-based real-time applications. It highlights the potential challenges in improving spatial specificity and signal quality, discusses possible options to overcome these challenges, and addresses further considerations relevant to real-time applications. By addressing these topics, the article aims to help improve the planning and execution of future real-time studies, thereby increasing their reliability and repeatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Klein
- Biomedical Devices and Systems Group, R&D Division Health, OFFIS - Institute for Information Technology, Oldenburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Department of Psychology, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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Xu E, Vanegas M, Mireles M, Dementyev A, Yucel M, Carp S, Fang Q. Flexible-circuit-based 3-D aware modular optical brain imaging system for high-density measurements in natural settings. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.01.24302838. [PMID: 38496598 PMCID: PMC10942511 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.01.24302838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Significance Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) presents an opportunity to study human brains in everyday activities and environments. However, achieving robust measurements under such dynamic condition remains a significant challenge. Aim The modular optical brain imaging (MOBI) system is designed to enhance optode-to-scalp coupling and provide real-time probe 3-D shape estimation to improve the use of fNIRS in everyday conditions. Approach The MOBI system utilizes a bendable and lightweight modular circuit-board design to enhance probe conformity to head surfaces and comfort for long-term wearability. Combined with automatic module connection recognition, the built-in orientation sensors on each module can be used to estimate optode 3-D positions in real-time to enable advanced tomographic data analysis and motion tracking. Results Optical characterization of the MOBI detector reports a noise equivalence power (NEP) of 8.9 and 7.3 pW / H z at 735 nm and 850 nm, respectively, with a dynamic range of 88 dB. The 3-D optode shape acquisition yields an average error of 4.2 mm across 25 optodes in a phantom test compared to positions acquired from a digitizer. Results for initial in vivo validations, including a cuff occlusion and a finger-tapping test, are also provided. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, the MOBI system is the first modular fNIRS system featuring fully flexible circuit boards. The self-organizing module sensor network and automatic 3-D optode position acquisition, combined with lightweight modules (18 g/module) and ergonomic designs, would greatly aid emerging explorations of brain function in naturalistic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Xu
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, USA, 02115
| | - Morris Vanegas
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, USA, 02115
| | - Miguel Mireles
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, USA, 02115
| | - Artem Dementyev
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Media Lab, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, USA, 02139
| | - Meryem Yucel
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, 233 Bay State Road, Boston, USA, 02215
| | - Stefan Carp
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, 149 13th St, Boston, USA, 02129
| | - Qianqian Fang
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, USA, 02115
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Bonnaire J, Dumas G, Cassell J. Bringing together multimodal and multilevel approaches to study the emergence of social bonds between children and improve social AI. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2024; 5:1290256. [PMID: 38827377 PMCID: PMC11140154 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1290256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
This protocol paper outlines an innovative multimodal and multilevel approach to studying the emergence and evolution of how children build social bonds with their peers, and its potential application to improving social artificial intelligence (AI). We detail a unique hyperscanning experimental framework utilizing functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to observe inter-brain synchrony in child dyads during collaborative tasks and social interactions. Our proposed longitudinal study spans middle childhood, aiming to capture the dynamic development of social connections and cognitive engagement in naturalistic settings. To do so we bring together four kinds of data: the multimodal conversational behaviors that dyads of children engage in, evidence of their state of interpersonal rapport, collaborative performance on educational tasks, and inter-brain synchrony. Preliminary pilot data provide foundational support for our approach, indicating promising directions for identifying neural patterns associated with productive social interactions. The planned research will explore the neural correlates of social bond formation, informing the creation of a virtual peer learning partner in the field of Social Neuroergonomics. This protocol promises significant contributions to understanding the neural basis of social connectivity in children, while also offering a blueprint for designing empathetic and effective social AI tools, particularly for educational contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillaume Dumas
- Research Center of the CHU Sainte-Justine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Mila–Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Justine Cassell
- Inria Paris Centre, Paris, France
- School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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MacLennan RJ, Hernandez-Sarabia JA, Reese SM, Shields JE, Smith CM, Stute K, Collyar J, Olmos AA, Danielson TL, MacLennan DL, Pagan JI, Girts RM, Harmon KK, Coker N, Carr JC, Ye X, Perry JW, Stock MS, DeFreitas JM. fNIRS is capable of distinguishing laterality of lower body contractions. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1115-1126. [PMID: 38483567 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06798-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for brain imaging during human movement continues to increase. This technology measures brain activity non-invasively using near-infrared light, is highly portable, and robust to motion artifact. However, the spatial resolution of fNIRS is lower than that of other imaging modalities. It is unclear whether fNIRS has sufficient spatial resolution to differentiate nearby areas of the cortex, such as the leg areas of the motor cortex. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine fNIRS' ability to discern laterality of lower body contractions. Activity in the primary motor cortex was recorded in forty participants (mean = 23.4 years, SD = 4.5, female = 23, male = 17) while performing unilateral lower body contractions. Contractions were performed at 30% of maximal force against a handheld dynamometer. These contractions included knee extension, knee flexion, dorsiflexion, and plantar flexion of the left and right legs. fNIRS signals were recorded and stored for offline processing and analysis. Channels of fNIRS data were grouped into regions of interest, with five tolerance conditions ranging from strict to lenient. Four of five tolerance conditions resulted in significant differences in cortical activation between hemispheres. During right leg contractions, the left hemisphere was more active than the right hemisphere. Similarly, during left leg contractions, the right hemisphere was more active than the left hemisphere. These results suggest that fNIRS has sufficient spatial resolution to distinguish laterality of lower body contractions. This makes fNIRS an attractive technology in research and clinical applications in which laterality of brain activity is required during lower body activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Ye
- University of Hartford, West Hartford, USA
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Emish M, Young SD. Remote Wearable Neuroimaging Devices for Health Monitoring and Neurophenotyping: A Scoping Review. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:237. [PMID: 38667247 PMCID: PMC11048695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9040237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Digital health tracking is a source of valuable insights for public health research and consumer health technology. The brain is the most complex organ, containing information about psychophysical and physiological biomarkers that correlate with health. Specifically, recent developments in electroencephalogram (EEG), functional near-infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS), and photoplethysmography (PPG) technologies have allowed the development of devices that can remotely monitor changes in brain activity. The inclusion criteria for the papers in this review encompassed studies on self-applied, remote, non-invasive neuroimaging techniques (EEG, fNIRS, or PPG) within healthcare applications. A total of 23 papers were reviewed, comprising 17 on using EEGs for remote monitoring and 6 on neurofeedback interventions, while no papers were found related to fNIRS and PPG. This review reveals that previous studies have leveraged mobile EEG devices for remote monitoring across the mental health, neurological, and sleep domains, as well as for delivering neurofeedback interventions. With headsets and ear-EEG devices being the most common, studies found mobile devices feasible for implementation in study protocols while providing reliable signal quality. Moderate to substantial agreement overall between remote and clinical-grade EEGs was found using statistical tests. The results highlight the promise of portable brain-imaging devices with regard to continuously evaluating patients in natural settings, though further validation and usability enhancements are needed as this technology develops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Emish
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA;
| | - Sean D. Young
- Department of Informatics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA;
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3100, USA
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8
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Mark JA, Curtin A, Kraft AE, Ziegler MD, Ayaz H. Mental workload assessment by monitoring brain, heart, and eye with six biomedical modalities during six cognitive tasks. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2024; 5:1345507. [PMID: 38533517 PMCID: PMC10963413 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1345507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The efficiency and safety of complex high precision human-machine systems such as in aerospace and robotic surgery are closely related to the cognitive readiness, ability to manage workload, and situational awareness of their operators. Accurate assessment of mental workload could help in preventing operator error and allow for pertinent intervention by predicting performance declines that can arise from either work overload or under stimulation. Neuroergonomic approaches based on measures of human body and brain activity collectively can provide sensitive and reliable assessment of human mental workload in complex training and work environments. Methods In this study, we developed a new six-cognitive-domain task protocol, coupling it with six biomedical monitoring modalities to concurrently capture performance and cognitive workload correlates across a longitudinal multi-day investigation. Utilizing two distinct modalities for each aspect of cardiac activity (ECG and PPG), ocular activity (EOG and eye-tracking), and brain activity (EEG and fNIRS), 23 participants engaged in four sessions over 4 weeks, performing tasks associated with working memory, vigilance, risk assessment, shifting attention, situation awareness, and inhibitory control. Results The results revealed varying levels of sensitivity to workload within each modality. While certain measures exhibited consistency across tasks, neuroimaging modalities, in particular, unveiled meaningful differences between task conditions and cognitive domains. Discussion This is the first comprehensive comparison of these six brain-body measures across multiple days and cognitive domains. The findings underscore the potential of wearable brain and body sensing methods for evaluating mental workload. Such comprehensive neuroergonomic assessment can inform development of next generation neuroadaptive interfaces and training approaches for more efficient human-machine interaction and operator skill acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A. Mark
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adrian Curtin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amanda E. Kraft
- Advanced Technology Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Matthias D. Ziegler
- Advanced Technology Laboratories, Lockheed Martin, Arlington, VA, United States
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science, and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Drexel Solutions Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- A. J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Kothe C, Hanada G, Mullen S, Mullen T. On decoding of rapid motor imagery in a diverse population using a high-density NIRS device. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2024; 5:1355534. [PMID: 38529269 PMCID: PMC10961353 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2024.1355534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) aims to infer cognitive states such as the type of movement imagined by a study participant in a given trial using an optical method that can differentiate between oxygenation states of blood in the brain and thereby indirectly between neuronal activity levels. We present findings from an fNIRS study that aimed to test the applicability of a high-density (>3000 channels) NIRS device for use in short-duration (2 s) left/right hand motor imagery decoding in a diverse, but not explicitly balanced, subject population. A side aim was to assess relationships between data quality, self-reported demographic characteristics, and brain-computer interface (BCI) performance, with no subjects rejected from recruitment or analysis. Methods BCI performance was quantified using several published methods, including subject-specific and subject-independent approaches, along with a high-density fNIRS decoder previously validated in a separate study. Results We found that decoding of motor imagery on this population proved extremely challenging across all tested methods. Overall accuracy of the best-performing method (the high-density decoder) was 59.1 +/- 6.7% after excluding subjects where almost no optode-scalp contact was made over motor cortex and 54.7 +/- 7.6% when all recorded sessions were included. Deeper investigation revealed that signal quality, hemodynamic responses, and BCI performance were all strongly impacted by the hair phenotypical and demographic factors under investigation, with over half of variance in signal quality explained by demographic factors alone. Discussion Our results contribute to the literature reporting on challenges in using current-generation NIRS devices on subjects with long, dense, dark, and less pliable hair types along with the resulting potential for bias. Our findings confirm the need for increased focus on these populations, accurate reporting of data rejection choices across subject intake, curation, and final analysis in general, and signal a need for NIRS optode designs better optimized for the general population to facilitate more robust and inclusive research outcomes.
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da Silva Soares R, Ramirez-Chavez KL, Tufanoglu A, Barreto C, Sato JR, Ayaz H. Cognitive Effort during Visuospatial Problem Solving in Physical Real World, on Computer Screen, and in Virtual Reality. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:977. [PMID: 38339693 PMCID: PMC10857420 DOI: 10.3390/s24030977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Spatial cognition plays a crucial role in academic achievement, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains. Immersive virtual environments (VRs) have the growing potential to reduce cognitive load and improve spatial reasoning. However, traditional methods struggle to assess the mental effort required for visuospatial processes due to the difficulty in verbalizing actions and other limitations in self-reported evaluations. In this neuroergonomics study, we aimed to capture the neural activity associated with cognitive workload during visuospatial tasks and evaluate the impact of the visualization medium on visuospatial task performance. We utilized functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) wearable neuroimaging to assess cognitive effort during spatial-reasoning-based problem-solving and compared a VR, a computer screen, and a physical real-world task presentation. Our results reveal a higher neural efficiency in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during 3D geometry puzzles in VR settings compared to the settings in the physical world and on the computer screen. VR appears to reduce the visuospatial task load by facilitating spatial visualization and providing visual cues. This makes it a valuable tool for spatial cognition training, especially for beginners. Additionally, our multimodal approach allows for progressively increasing task complexity, maintaining a challenge throughout training. This study underscores the potential of VR in developing spatial skills and highlights the value of comparing brain data and human interaction across different training settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimundo da Silva Soares
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
- Center of Mathematics Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-405, Brazil;
| | - Kevin L. Ramirez-Chavez
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Altona Tufanoglu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - Candida Barreto
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
| | - João Ricardo Sato
- Center of Mathematics Computation and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09606-405, Brazil;
| | - Hasan Ayaz
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (K.L.R.-C.); (A.T.); (C.B.)
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Drexel Solutions Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Family and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Center for Injury Research and Prevention, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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11
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Bulgarelli C, Pinti P, Aburumman N, Jones EJH. Combining wearable fNIRS and immersive virtual reality to study preschoolers' social development: a proof-of-principle study on preschoolers' social preference. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 2:kvad012. [PMID: 38596237 PMCID: PMC10913823 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvad012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A child's social world is complex and rich, but has traditionally been assessed with conventional experiments where children are presented with repeated stimuli on a screen. These assessments are impoverished relative to the dynamics of social interactions in real life, and can be challenging to implement with preschoolers, who struggle to comply with strict lab rules. The current work meets the need to develop new platforms to assess preschoolers' social development, by presenting a unique virtual-reality set-up combined with wearable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). As a proof-of-principle, we validated this platform by measuring brain activity during self-guided social interaction in 3-to-5-year-olds, which is under-investigated, yet crucial to understand the basis of social interactions in preschoolers. 37 preschoolers chose an interaction partner from one of 4 human-like avatars of different gender and age. We recorded spontaneous brain fluctuations from the frontal and temporoparietal regions (notably engaged in social-categorization and preference) while children played a bubble-popping game with a preferred and an assigned avatar. 60% of the participants chose to play with the same-gender and same-age avatar. However, this result was driven by females (>80% vs. 50% in males). Different fronto-temporoparietal connectivity patterns when playing with the two avatars were observed, especially in females. We showed the feasibility of using a novel set-up to naturalistically assess social preference in preschoolers, which was assessed at the behavioural and functional connectivity level. This work provides a first proof-of-principle for using cutting-edge technologies and naturalistic experiments to study social development, opening new avenues of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bulgarelli
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Paola Pinti
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Nadine Aburumman
- Department of Computer Science, St John's Building, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet St, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
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von Au S, Helmich I, Kieffer S, Lausberg H. Phasic and repetitive self-touch differ in hemodynamic response in the prefrontal cortex-An fNIRS study. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2023; 4:1266439. [PMID: 38234502 PMCID: PMC10790951 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2023.1266439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Each individual touches the own body several 100 times a day. While some researchers propose a self-regulatory function of self-touch, others report that self-touching increases nervousness. This controversy appears to be caused by the fact that researchers did not define the kind of self-touch they examined and actually, referred to different types of self-touch. Thus, kinematically defining different types of self-touch, such as phasic (discrete), repetitive, and irregular, and exploring the neural correlates of the different types will provide insight into the neuropsychological function of self-touching behavior. Methods To this aim, we assessed hemodynamic responses in prefrontal brain areas using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and behavioral responses with NEUROGES®. Fifty-two participants were recorded during three specific kinematically types of self-touch (phasic, irregular, repetitive) that were to be performed on command. The recently developed toolbox Satori was used for the visualization of neuronal processes. Results Behaviorally, the participants did not perform irregular self-touch reliably. Neurally, the comparison of phasic, irregular and repetitive self-touch revealed different activation patterns. Repetitive self-touch is associated with stronger hemodynamic responses in the left Orbitofrontal Cortex and the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex than phasic self-touch. Discussion These brain areas have been reported to be associated with self-regulatory processes. Furthermore, irregular self-touch appears to be primarily generated by implicit neural control. Thus, by distinguishing kinematically different types of self-touch, our findings shed light on the controverse discussion on the neuropsychological function of self-touch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina von Au
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Health Promotion and Clinical Movement Science, German Sport University (GSU) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ingo Helmich
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Health Promotion and Clinical Movement Science, German Sport University (GSU) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Motor Behavior in Sports, Institute of Health Promotion and Clinical Movement Science, German Sport University (GSU) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Simon Kieffer
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Health Promotion and Clinical Movement Science, German Sport University (GSU) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hedda Lausberg
- Department of Neurology, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychiatry, Institute of Health Promotion and Clinical Movement Science, German Sport University (GSU) Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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13
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Lingelbach K, Gado S, Wirzberger M, Vukelić M. Workload-dependent hemispheric asymmetries during the emotion-cognition interaction: a close-to-naturalistic fNIRS study. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2023; 4:1273810. [PMID: 38234490 PMCID: PMC10790862 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2023.1273810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Introduction We investigated brain activation patterns of interacting emotional distractions and cognitive processes in a close-to-naturalistic functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study. Methods Eighteen participants engaged in a monitoring-control task, mimicking common air traffic controller requirements. The scenario entailed experiencing both low and high workload, while concurrently being exposed to emotional speech distractions of positive, negative, and neutral valence. Results Our investigation identified hemispheric asymmetries in prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity during the presentation of negative and positive emotional speech distractions at different workload levels. Thereby, in particular, activation in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) seems to play a crucial role. Brain activation patterns revealed a cross-over interaction indicating workload-dependent left hemispheric inhibition processes during negative distractions and high workload. For positive emotional distractions under low workload, we observed left-hemispheric PFC recruitment potentially associated with speech-related processes. Furthermore, we found a workload-independent negativity bias for neutral distractions, showing brain activation patterns similar to those of negative distractions. Discussion In conclusion, lateralized hemispheric processing, regulating emotional speech distractions and integrating emotional and cognitive processes, is influenced by workload levels and stimulus characteristics. These findings advance our understanding of the factors modulating hemispheric asymmetries during the processing and inhibition of emotional distractions, as well as the interplay between emotion and cognition. Moreover, they emphasize the significance of exploring emotion-cognition interactions in more naturalistic settings to gain a deeper understanding of their implications in real-world application scenarios (e.g., working and learning environments).
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lingelbach
- Applied Neurocognitive Systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, Stuttgart, Germany
- Applied Neurocognitive Psychology, Carl von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Gado
- Experimental Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Wirzberger
- Department of Teaching and Learning with Intelligent Systems, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
- LEAD Graduate School and Research Network, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mathias Vukelić
- Applied Neurocognitive Systems, Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, Stuttgart, Germany
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14
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Zhao Y, Luo H, Chen J, Loureiro R, Yang S, Zhao H. Learning based motion artifacts processing in fNIRS: a mini review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1280590. [PMID: 38033535 PMCID: PMC10683641 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1280590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper provides a concise review of learning-based motion artifacts (MA) processing methods in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), highlighting the challenges of maintaining optimal contact during subject movement, which can lead to MA and compromise data integrity. Traditional strategies often result in reduced reliability of the hemodynamic response and statistical power. Recognizing the limited number of studies focusing on learning-based MA removal, we examine 315 studies, identifying seven pertinent to our focus area. We discuss the current landscape of learning-based MA correction methods and highlight research gaps. Noting the absence of standard evaluation metrics for quality assessment of MA correction, we suggest a novel framework, integrating signal and model quality considerations and employing metrics like ΔSignal-to-Noise Ratio (ΔSNR), confusion matrix, and Mean Squared Error. This work aims to facilitate the application of learning-based methodologies to fNIRS and improve the accuracy and reliability of neurovascular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyi Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Haiming Luo
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Jianan Chen
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Rui Loureiro
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
| | - Shufan Yang
- School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Hubin Zhao
- HUB of Intelligent Neuro-Engineering, CREATe, IOMS, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science (DSIS), University College London, Stanmore, United Kingdom
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15
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Tan SHJ, Wong JN, Teo WP. Is neuroimaging ready for the classroom? A systematic review of hyperscanning studies in learning. Neuroimage 2023; 281:120367. [PMID: 37689175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Whether education research can be informed by findings from neuroscience studies has been hotly debated since Bruer's (1997) famous claim that neuroscience and education are "a bridge too far". However, this claim came before recent advancements in portable electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technologies, and second-person neuroscience techniques that brought about significant headway in understanding instructor-learner interactions in the classroom. To explore whether neuroscience and education are still two very separate fields, we systematically review 15 hyperscanning studies that were conducted in real-world classrooms or that implemented a teaching-learning task to investigate instructor-learner dynamics. Findings from this investigation illustrate that inter-brain synchrony between instructor and learner is an additional and valuable dimension to understand the complex web of instructor- and learner-related variables that influence learning. Importantly, these findings demonstrate the possibility of conducting real-world classroom studies with portable neuroimaging techniques and highlight the potential of such studies in providing translatable real-world implications. Once thought of as incompatible, a successful coupling between neuroscience and education is now within sight.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Jessica Tan
- Science of Learning in Education Centre, Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
| | - Jin Nen Wong
- Science of Learning in Education Centre, Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wei-Peng Teo
- Science of Learning in Education Centre, Office of Education Research, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Physical Education and Sport Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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16
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Shin J. Feasibility of local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) algorithm as an effective and interpretable feature selection method: comparative fNIRS study. Biomed Eng Lett 2023; 13:689-703. [PMID: 37873000 PMCID: PMC10590353 DOI: 10.1007/s13534-023-00291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Many feature selection methods have been evaluated in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)-related studies. The local interpretable model-agnostic explanation (LIME) algorithm is a feature selection method for fNIRS datasets that has not yet been validated; the demand for its validation is increasing. To this end, we assessed the feature selection performance of LIME for fNIRS datasets in terms of classification accuracy. A comparative analysis was conducted for the benchmark (classification accuracy obtained without applying any feature selection method), LIME, two filter-based methods (minimum-redundancy maximum-relevance and t-test), and one wrapper-based method (sequential forward selection). To ensure the fairness and reliability of the performance evaluation, several open-access fNIRS datasets were used. The analysis revealed that LIME greatly outperformed the other feature selection methods in most cases and could achieve a statistically significantly better classification accuracy than that of the benchmark methods. These findings implied the effectiveness of LIME as a feature selection approach for fNIRS datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Shin
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 54538 Republic of Korea
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17
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Castillo A, Dubois J, Field RM, Fishburn F, Gundran A, Ho WC, Jawhar S, Kates-Harbeck J, M Aghajan Z, Miller N, Perdue KL, Phillips J, Ryan WC, Shafiei M, Scholkmann F, Taylor M. Measuring acute effects of subanesthetic ketamine on cerebrovascular hemodynamics in humans using TD-fNIRS. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11665. [PMID: 37468572 PMCID: PMC10356754 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38258-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantifying neural activity in natural conditions (i.e. conditions comparable to the standard clinical patient experience) during the administration of psychedelics may further our scientific understanding of the effects and mechanisms of action. This data may facilitate the discovery of novel biomarkers enabling more personalized treatments and improved patient outcomes. In this single-blind, placebo-controlled study with a non-randomized design, we use time-domain functional near-infrared spectroscopy (TD-fNIRS) to measure acute brain dynamics after intramuscular subanesthetic ketamine (0.75 mg/kg) and placebo (saline) administration in healthy participants (n = 15, 8 females, 7 males, age 32.4 ± 7.5 years) in a clinical setting. We found that the ketamine administration caused an altered state of consciousness and changes in systemic physiology (e.g. increase in pulse rate and electrodermal activity). Furthermore, ketamine led to a brain-wide reduction in the fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations, and a decrease in the global brain connectivity of the prefrontal region. Lastly, we provide preliminary evidence that a combination of neural and physiological metrics may serve as predictors of subjective mystical experiences and reductions in depressive symptomatology. Overall, our study demonstrated the successful application of fNIRS neuroimaging to study the physiological effects of the psychoactive substance ketamine in humans, and can be regarded as an important step toward larger scale clinical fNIRS studies that can quantify the impact of psychedelics on the brain in standard clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Dubois
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Ryan M Field
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Frank Fishburn
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Andrew Gundran
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Wilson C Ho
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Sami Jawhar
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | | | - Zahra M Aghajan
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Naomi Miller
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | | | - Jake Phillips
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Wesley C Ryan
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Mahdi Shafiei
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Scholkmann Data Analysis Services, Scientific Consulting and Physical Engineering, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neurophotonics and Biosignal Processing Research Group, Biomedical Optics Research Laboratory, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Moriah Taylor
- Kernel, 5042 Wilshire Blvd, #26878, Los Angeles, CA, 90036, USA
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18
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Jiang Y, Lin Y, Krishnaswamy S, Pan R, Wu Q, Sandusky-Beltran LA, Liu M, Kuo MH, Kong XP, Congdon EE, Sigurdsson EM. Single-domain antibody-based noninvasive in vivo imaging of α-synuclein or tau pathology. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf3775. [PMID: 37163602 PMCID: PMC10171817 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf3775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Intracellular deposition of α-synuclein and tau are hallmarks of synucleinopathies and tauopathies, respectively. Recently, several dye-based imaging probes with selectivity for tau aggregates have been developed, but suitable imaging biomarkers for synucleinopathies are still unavailable. Detection of both of these aggregates early in the disease process may allow for prophylactic therapies before functional impairments have manifested, highlighting the importance of developing specific imaging probes for these lesions. In contrast to the β sheet dyes, single-domain antibodies, found in camelids and a few other species, are highly specific, and their small size allows better brain entry and distribution than whole antibodies. Here, we have developed such imaging ligands via phage display libraries derived from llamas immunized with α-synuclein and tau preparations, respectively. These probes allow noninvasive and specific in vivo imaging of α-synuclein versus tau pathology in mice, with the brain signal correlating strongly with lesion burden. These small antibody derivatives have great potential for in vivo diagnosis of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Senthilkumar Krishnaswamy
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Ruimin Pan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Qian Wu
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Leslie A. Sandusky-Beltran
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Mengyu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Min-Hao Kuo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, 603 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Xiang-Peng Kong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Erin E. Congdon
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Einar M. Sigurdsson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 435 East 30th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA
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19
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Gervain J, Minagawa Y, Emberson L, Lloyd-Fox S. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy to study the early developing brain: future directions and new challenges. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:023519. [PMID: 37020727 PMCID: PMC10068680 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.2.023519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Significance Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a frequently used neuroimaging tool to explore the developing brain, particularly in infancy, with studies spanning from birth to toddlerhood (0 to 2 years). We provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities that the developmental fNIRS field faces, after almost 25 years of research. Aim We discuss the most recent advances in fNIRS brain imaging with infants and outlines the trends and perspectives that will likely influence progress in the field in the near future. Approach We discuss recent progress and future challenges in various areas and applications of developmental fNIRS from methodological and technological innovations to data processing and statistical approaches. Results and Conclusions The major trends identified include uses of fNIRS "in the wild," such as global health contexts, home and community testing, and hyperscanning; advances in hardware, such as wearable technology; assessment of individual variation and developmental trajectories particularly while embedded in studies examining other environmental, health, and context specific factors and longitudinal designs; statistical advances including resting-state network and connectivity, machine learning and reproducibility, and collaborative studies. Standardization and larger studies have been, and will likely continue to be, a major goal in the field, and new data analysis techniques, statistical methods, and collaborative cross-site projects are emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Gervain
- University of Padua, Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Padua, Italy
- University of Padua, Padova Neuroscience Center, Padua, Italy
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center, Paris, France
| | - Yasuyo Minagawa
- Keio University, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Letters, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Lauren Emberson
- University of British Columbia, Department of Psychology, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Lloyd-Fox
- University of Cambridge, Department of Psychology, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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20
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Borrell JA, Fraser K, Manattu AK, Zuniga JM. Laterality Index Calculations in a Control Study of Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:210-222. [PMID: 36757503 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Hemispheric dominance has been used to understand the influence of central and peripheral neural damage on the motor function of individuals with stroke, cerebral palsy, and limb loss. It has been well established that greater activation occurs in the contralateral hemisphere to the side of the body used to perform the task. However, there is currently a large variability in calculation procedures for brain laterality when using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a non-invasive neuroimaging tool. In this study, we used fNIRS to measure brain activity over the left and right sensorimotor cortices while participants (n = 20, healthy and uninjured) performed left and right-hand movement tasks. Then, we analyzed the fNIRS data using two different processing pipelines (block averaging or general linear model [GLM]), two different criteria of processing for negative values (include all beta values or include only positive beta values), and three different laterality index (LI) formulas. The LI values produced using the block averaging analysis indicated an expected contralateral dominance with some instances of bilateral dominance, which agreed with the expected contralateral activation. However, the inclusion criteria nor the LI formulas altered the outcome. The LI values produced using the GLM analysis displayed a robust left hemisphere dominance regardless of the hand performing the task, which disagreed with the expected contralateral activation but did provide instances of correctly identifying brain laterality. In conclusion, both analysis pipelines were able to correctly determine brain laterality, but processes to account for negative beta values were recommended especially when utilizing the GLM analysis to determine brain laterality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Borrell
- Department of Biomechanics 1, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.,Center for Biomechanical Rehabilitation and Manufacturing, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kaitlin Fraser
- Department of Biomechanics 1, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | - Jorge M Zuniga
- Department of Biomechanics 1, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA. .,Center for Biomechanical Rehabilitation and Manufacturing, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA.
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21
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Klein F, Lührs M, Benitez-Andonegui A, Roehn P, Kranczioch C. Performance comparison of systemic activity correction in functional near-infrared spectroscopy for methods with and without short distance channels. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:013503. [PMID: 36248616 PMCID: PMC9555616 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.1.013503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising tool for neurofeedback (NFB) or brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, fNIRS signals are typically highly contaminated by systemic activity (SA) artifacts, and, if not properly corrected, NFB or BCIs run the risk of being based on noise instead of brain activity. This risk can likely be reduced by correcting for SA, in particular when short-distance channels (SDCs) are available. Literature comparing correction methods with and without SDCs is still sparse, specifically comparisons considering single trials are lacking. Aim: This study aimed at comparing the performance of SA correction methods with and without SDCs. Approach: Semisimulated and real motor task data of healthy older adults were used. Correction methods without SDCs included a simple and a more advanced spatial filter. Correction methods with SDCs included a regression approach considering only the closest SDC and two GLM-based methods, one including all eight SDCs and one using only two a priori selected SDCs as regressors. All methods were compared with data uncorrected for SA and correction performance was assessed with quality measures quantifying signal improvement and spatial specificity at single trial level. Results: All correction methods were found to improve signal quality and enhance spatial specificity as compared with the uncorrected data. Methods with SDCs usually outperformed methods without SDCs. Correction methods without SDCs tended to overcorrect the data. However, the exact pattern of results and the degree of differences observable between correction methods varied between semisimulated and real data, and also between quality measures. Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed that both Δ [ HbO ] and Δ [ HbR ] are affected by SA and that correction methods with SDCs outperform methods without SDCs. Nonetheless, improvements in signal quality can also be achieved without SDCs and should therefore be given priority over not correcting for SA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Klein
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Neuropsychology Lab, Oldenburg, Germany
- Address all correspondence to Franziska Klein,
| | - Michael Lührs
- Maastricht University, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Brain Innovation B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Pauline Roehn
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Neuropsychology Lab, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kranczioch
- Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Neurocognition and Functional Neurorehabilitation Group, Neuropsychology Lab, Oldenburg, Germany
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22
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Tucker S, Dubb J, Kura S, von Lühmann A, Franke R, Horschig JM, Powell S, Oostenveld R, Lührs M, Delaire É, Aghajan ZM, Yun H, Yücel MA, Fang Q, Huppert TJ, Frederick BB, Pollonini L, Boas D, Luke R. Introduction to the shared near infrared spectroscopy format. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:013507. [PMID: 36507152 PMCID: PMC9732807 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.1.013507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Significance Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a popular neuroimaging technique with proliferating hardware platforms, analysis approaches, and software tools. There has not been a standardized file format for storing fNIRS data, which has hindered the sharing of data as well as the adoption and development of software tools. Aim We endeavored to design a file format to facilitate the analysis and sharing of fNIRS data that is flexible enough to meet the community's needs and sufficiently defined to be implemented consistently across various hardware and software platforms. Approach The shared NIRS format (SNIRF) specification was developed in consultation with the academic and commercial fNIRS community and the Society for functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy. Results The SNIRF specification defines a format for fNIRS data acquired using continuous wave, frequency domain, time domain, and diffuse correlation spectroscopy devices. Conclusions We present the SNIRF along with validation software and example datasets. Support for reading and writing SNIRF data has been implemented by major hardware and software platforms, and the format has found widespread use in the fNIRS community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Tucker
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jay Dubb
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sreekanth Kura
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Alexander von Lühmann
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- NIRx Medical Technologies, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Samuel Powell
- Gowerlabs, London, United Kingdom
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Oostenveld
- Radboud University, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Karolinska Institutet, NatMEG, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Lührs
- Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Brain Innovation B.V., Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Meryem A. Yücel
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Qianqian Fang
- Northeastern University, Department of Bioengineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Blaise B. Frederick
- Mclean Hospital, Brain Imaging Center, Belmont, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Department of Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - David Boas
- Boston University, Neurophotonics Center, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Address all correspondence to David Boas,
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23
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Li R, Hosseini H, Saggar M, Balters SC, Reiss AL. Current opinions on the present and future use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in psychiatry. NEUROPHOTONICS 2023; 10:013505. [PMID: 36777700 PMCID: PMC9904322 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.10.1.013505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical imaging technique for assessing human brain activity by noninvasively measuring the fluctuation of cerebral oxygenated- and deoxygenated-hemoglobin concentrations associated with neuronal activity. Owing to its superior mobility, low cost, and good tolerance for motion, the past few decades have witnessed a rapid increase in the research and clinical use of fNIRS in a variety of psychiatric disorders. In this perspective article, we first briefly summarize the state-of-the-art concerning fNIRS research in psychiatry. In particular, we highlight the diverse applications of fNIRS in psychiatric research, the advanced development of fNIRS instruments, and novel fNIRS study designs for exploring brain activity associated with psychiatric disorders. We then discuss some of the open challenges and share our perspectives on the future of fNIRS in psychiatric research and clinical practice. We conclude that fNIRS holds promise for becoming a useful tool in clinical psychiatric settings with respect to developing closed-loop systems and improving individualized treatments and diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihui Li
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Hadi Hosseini
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Manish Saggar
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Stephanie Christina Balters
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
| | - Allan L. Reiss
- Stanford University, Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford, California, United States
- Stanford University, Department of Radiology and Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States
- Stanford University, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford, California, United States
- Address all correspondence to Allan L. Reiss,
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24
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Liu D, Zhang Y, Zhang P, Li T, Li Z, Zhang L, Gao F. Deep-learning informed Kalman filtering for priori-free and real-time hemodynamics extraction in functional near-infrared spectroscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 13:4787-4801. [PMID: 36187239 PMCID: PMC9484432 DOI: 10.1364/boe.467943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Separation of the physiological interferences and the neural hemodynamics has been a vitally important task in the realistic implementation of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Although many efforts have been devoted, the established solutions to this issue additionally rely on priori information on the interferences and activation responses, such as time-frequency characteristics and spatial patterns, etc., also hindering the realization of real-time. To tackle the adversity, we herein propose a novel priori-free scheme for real-time physiological interference suppression. This method combines the robustness of deep-leaning-based interference characterization and adaptivity of Kalman filtering: a long short-term memory (LSTM) network is trained with the time-courses of the absorption perturbation baseline for interferences profiling, and successively, a Kalman filtering process is applied with reference to the noise prediction for real-time activation extraction. The proposed method is validated using both simulated dynamic data and in-vivo experiments, showing the comprehensively improved performance and promisingly appended superiority achieved in the purely data-driven way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Liu
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Pengrui Zhang
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tieni Li
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Feng Gao
- College of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Tianjin Key laboratory of Biomedical Detecting Techniques and Instruments, Tianjin 300072, China
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25
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Bourguignon NJ, Bue SL, Guerrero-Mosquera C, Borragán G. Bimodal EEG-fNIRS in Neuroergonomics. Current Evidence and Prospects for Future Research. FRONTIERS IN NEUROERGONOMICS 2022; 3:934234. [PMID: 38235461 PMCID: PMC10790898 DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2022.934234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Neuroergonomics focuses on the brain signatures and associated mental states underlying behavior to design human-machine interfaces enhancing performance in the cognitive and physical domains. Brain imaging techniques such as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (EEG) have been considered key methods for achieving this goal. Recent research stresses the value of combining EEG and fNIRS in improving these interface systems' mental state decoding abilities, but little is known about whether these improvements generalize over different paradigms and methodologies, nor about the potentialities for using these systems in the real world. We review 33 studies comparing mental state decoding accuracy between bimodal EEG-fNIRS and unimodal EEG and fNIRS in several subdomains of neuroergonomics. In light of these studies, we also consider the challenges of exploiting wearable versions of these systems in real-world contexts. Overall the studies reviewed suggest that bimodal EEG-fNIRS outperforms unimodal EEG or fNIRS despite major differences in their conceptual and methodological aspects. Much work however remains to be done to reach practical applications of bimodal EEG-fNIRS in naturalistic conditions. We consider these points to identify aspects of bimodal EEG-fNIRS research in which progress is expected or desired.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Salvatore Lo Bue
- Department of Life Sciences, Royal Military Academy of Belgium, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Guillermo Borragán
- Center for Research in Cognition and Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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26
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Functional near-infrared spectroscopy reveals brain activity on the move. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2208729119. [PMID: 35709323 PMCID: PMC9231602 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2208729119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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27
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Ortega-Martinez A, Von Lühmann A, Farzam P, Rogers D, Mugler EM, Boas DA, Yücel MA. Multivariate Kalman filter regression of confounding physiological signals for real-time classification of fNIRS data. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:025003. [PMID: 35692628 PMCID: PMC9174890 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.2.025003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a noninvasive technique for measuring hemodynamic changes in the human cortex related to neural function. Due to its potential for miniaturization and relatively low cost, fNIRS has been proposed for applications, such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The relatively large magnitude of the signals produced by the extracerebral physiology compared with the ones produced by evoked neural activity makes real-time fNIRS signal interpretation challenging. Regression techniques incorporating physiologically relevant auxiliary signals such as short separation channels are typically used to separate the cerebral hemodynamic response from the confounding components in the signal. However, the coupling of the extra-cerebral signals is often noninstantaneous, and it is necessary to find the proper delay to optimize nuisance removal. Aim: We propose an implementation of the Kalman filter with time-embedded canonical correlation analysis for the real-time regression of fNIRS signals with multivariate nuisance regressors that take multiple delays into consideration. Approach: We tested our proposed method on a previously acquired finger tapping dataset with the purpose of classifying the neural responses as left or right. Results: We demonstrate computationally efficient real-time processing of 24-channel fNIRS data (400 samples per second per channel) with a two order of selective magnitude decrease in cardiac signal power and up to sixfold increase in the contrast-to-noise ratio compared with the nonregressed signals. Conclusion: The method provides a way to obtain better distinction of brain from non-brain signals in real time for BCI application with fNIRS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Von Lühmann
- Boston University Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Berlin Institute of Technology, Machine Learning Department, Berlin, Germany
| | - Parya Farzam
- Boston University Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - De’Ja Rogers
- Boston University Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Emily M. Mugler
- Facebook Reality Labs Research, Menlo Park, California, United States
| | - David A. Boas
- Boston University Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Meryem A. Yücel
- Boston University Neurophotonics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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28
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Gilmore N, Yücel MA, Li X, Boas DA, Kiran S. Investigating Language and Domain-General Processing in Neurotypicals and Individuals With Aphasia - A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Pilot Study. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:728151. [PMID: 34602997 PMCID: PMC8484538 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.728151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain reorganization patterns associated with language recovery after stroke have long been debated. Studying mechanisms of spontaneous and treatment-induced language recovery in post-stroke aphasia requires a network-based approach given the potential for recruitment of perilesional left hemisphere language regions, homologous right hemisphere language regions, and/or spared bilateral domain-general regions. Recent hardware, software, and methodological advances in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) make it well-suited to examine this question. fNIRS is cost-effective with minimal contraindications, making it a robust option to monitor treatment-related brain activation changes over time. Establishing clear activation patterns in neurotypical adults during language and domain-general cognitive processes via fNIRS is an important first step. Some fNIRS studies have investigated key language processes in healthy adults, yet findings are challenging to interpret in the context of methodological limitations. This pilot study used fNIRS to capture brain activation during language and domain-general processing in neurotypicals and individuals with aphasia. These findings will serve as a reference when interpreting treatment-related changes in brain activation patterns in post-stroke aphasia in the future. Twenty-four young healthy controls, seventeen older healthy controls, and six individuals with left hemisphere stroke-induced aphasia completed two language tasks (i.e., semantic feature, picture naming) and one domain-general cognitive task (i.e., arithmetic) twice during fNIRS. The probe covered bilateral frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes and included short-separation detectors for scalp signal nuisance regression. Younger and older healthy controls activated core language regions during semantic feature processing (e.g., left inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis) and lexical retrieval (e.g., left inferior frontal gyrus pars triangularis) and domain-general regions (e.g., bilateral middle frontal gyri) during hard versus easy arithmetic as expected. Consistent with theories of post-stroke language recovery, individuals with aphasia activated areas outside the traditional networks: left superior frontal gyrus and left supramarginal gyrus during semantic feature judgment; left superior frontal gyrus and right precentral gyrus during picture naming; and left inferior frontal gyrus pars opercularis during arithmetic processing. The preliminary findings in the stroke group highlight the utility of using fNIRS to study language and domain-general processing in aphasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gilmore
- Department of Speech Language & Hearing Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Meryem Ayse Yücel
- Neurophotonics Center, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xinge Li
- Neurophotonics Center, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David A Boas
- Neurophotonics Center, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Swathi Kiran
- Department of Speech Language & Hearing Sciences, Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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29
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Carius D, Kenville R, Maudrich D, Riechel J, Lenz H, Ragert P. Cortical processing during table tennis - an fNIRS study in experts and novices. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:1315-1325. [PMID: 34228601 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1953155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Among the many factors that determine top athletic performance, little is known about the contribution of the brain. With the present study, we aimed to uncover aspects of this role by examining modulatory differences in brain processing as a function of expertise and task complexity in table tennis. For this purpose, 28 right-handed volunteers (14 experts and 14 novices) performed two table tennis strokes in a standardized manner. Hemodynamic response alterations reflecting neuronal activation were recorded during task execution using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and analyzed within and between groups. Our results showed localized activation patterns in motor areas (primary motor cortex (M1), premotor cortex (PMC), and inferior parietal cortex (IPC)) for experts and novices. Compared to novices, experts completed more table tennis strokes and showed a significant increase in hemodynamic response alterations in channels corresponding to motor areas. Furthermore, we found significant correlations between the number of strokes and hemodynamic response magnitudes in individual channels of M1, PMC, and IPC. Taken together, our findings show that table tennis performance is accompanied by extensive activation of M1, PMC, and IPC. Furthermore, the observed difference in behavioral performance between experts and novices was associated with increased activation in M1, PMC, and IPC. We postulate that these differences in brain processing between experts and novices potentially imply modulatory distinctions related to increased movement speed or frequency but may also reflect an increased task familiarity of the experts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Carius
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rouven Kenville
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dennis Maudrich
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Riechel
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hannes Lenz
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Patrick Ragert
- Institute for General Kinesiology and Exercise Science, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
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30
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Saikia MJ, Besio WG, Mankodiya K. The Validation of a Portable Functional NIRS System for Assessing Mental Workload. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21113810. [PMID: 34072895 PMCID: PMC8199260 DOI: 10.3390/s21113810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Portable functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) systems have the potential to image the brain in naturalistic settings. Experimental studies are essential to validate such fNIRS systems. Working memory (WM) is a short-term active memory that is associated with the temporary storage and manipulation of information. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) brain area is involved in the processing of WM. We assessed the PFC brain during n-back WM tasks in a group of 25 college students using our laboratory-developed portable fNIRS system, WearLight. We designed an experimental protocol with 32 n-back WM task blocks with four different pseudo-randomized task difficulty levels. The hemodynamic response of the brain was computed from the experimental data and the evaluated brain responses due to these tasks. We observed the incremental mean hemodynamic activation induced by the increasing WM load. The left-PFC area was more activated in the WM task compared to the right-PFC. The task performance was seen to be related to the hemodynamic responses. The experimental results proved the functioning of the WearLight system in cognitive load imaging. Since the portable fNIRS system was wearable and operated wirelessly, it was possible to measure the cognitive load in the naturalistic environment, which could also lead to the development of a user-friendly brain–computer interface system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manob Jyoti Saikia
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Walter G Besio
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Kunal Mankodiya
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
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