1
|
Zhang X, Wang Y, Yang X, Yang Y. The spontaneous activities of the multiple demand network are related to individual differences in indirect replies comprehension. Behav Brain Res 2024; 469:115021. [PMID: 38692358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115021] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the brain networks engaged in the comprehension of indirect language, as well as the individual difference in this capacity. Specially, we aim to determine whether the difference is solely influenced by the difference in individuals' default network (DN)/language network or whether it also relies on the networks associated with processing of complex cognitive tasks, particularly the multiple demand network (MDN). Conversational indirectness scale (CIS) scores in the interpretation dimension were used as a behavioral indicator of the indirect comprehension tendency. Reading time difference between indirect replies and direct replies collected through a self-paced reading experiment was deemed as a behavioral indicator of comprehension speed of indirect replies comprehension. The two behavioral indicators were combined with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). The behaviour-rfMRI analysis showed that ALFF value of right SPL and the functional connectivity (FC) between the right SPL and right IPL/SMA/ITG/Precuneus/bilateral IFG were positively correlated with the interpretation dimension of CIS scores. In addition, the ALFF value of right fusiform gyrus, the FC between the right fusiform gyrus and right precuneus, and the FCs between right SPL and right IPL/Precuneus/IFG were negatively correlated with indirect replies comprehension speed. Overlapping of these regions with large-scale brain network revealed that the right SPL was mainly located in the MDN, and the right fusiform gyrus was mainly located in the language network. Additionally, the areas showing functional connectivity with these regions were primarily located in the MDN, with a smaller subset located in the DN. Our findings suggest that the ability of individuals to actively and rapidly acquire indirect meaning relies not only on the support of the DN and the language network, but also requires collective support from the MDN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuping Zhang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yizhu Wang
- School of Psychology, Beijing Language and Culture University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- Department of Psychology, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Language Ability, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, China.
| | - Yufang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, 100101; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Piatti A, Van der Paelt S, Warreyn P, Roeyers H. Neural correlates of response to joint attention in 2-to-5-year-olds in relation to ASD and social-communicative abilities: An fNIRS and behavioral study. Autism Res 2024; 17:1106-1125. [PMID: 38780020 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with life-long challenges with social cognition, and one of its earliest and most common manifestations is atypical joint attention, which is a pivotal skill in social-cognitive and linguistic development. Early interventions for ASD children often focus on training initiation of joint attention (IJA) and response to joint attention bids (RJA), which are important for social communication and cognition. Here, we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy and behavioral measures to test typically developing (TD, n = 17) and ASD children (n = 18), to address the relationship between the neural correlates of RJA and social-communicative behavior. Group-level differences were present for RJA-specific activation over right temporal sites, where TD children showed higher levels of activation during RJA than ASD children, whereas the two groups did not differ in the control condition. Correlations between neural activation and behavioral traits suggest that, in ASD children, neural activation during RJA is related to the frequency of RJA behavior when the former is measured over left temporal sites, and to social affect symptoms when considered for right temporal sites. Possible implications of the evidenced correlations are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Piatti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sara Van der Paelt
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Petra Warreyn
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Herbert Roeyers
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Soshi T. Neural Coupling between Interhemispheric and Frontoparietal Functional Connectivity during Semantic Processing. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1601. [PMID: 38002560 PMCID: PMC10670303 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111601] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Interhemispheric and frontoparietal functional connectivity have been reported to increase during explicit information processing. However, it is unclear how and when interhemispheric and frontoparietal functional connectivity interact during explicit semantic processing. Here, we tested the neural coupling hypothesis that explicit semantic processing promotes neural activity in the nondominant right hemispheric areas, owing to synchronization with enhanced frontoparietal functional connectivity at later processing stages. We analyzed electroencephalogram data obtained using a semantic priming paradigm, which comprised visual priming and target words successively presented under direct or indirect attention to semantic association. Scalp potential analysis demonstrated that the explicit processing of congruent targets reduced negative event-related potentials, as previously reported. Current source density analysis showed that explicit semantic processing activated the right temporal area during later temporal intervals. Subsequent dynamic functional connectivity and neural coupling analyses revealed that explicit semantic processing increased the correlation between right temporal source activities and frontoparietal functional connectivity in later temporal intervals. These findings indicate that explicit semantic processing increases neural coupling between the interhemispheric and frontoparietal functional connectivity during later processing stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Soshi
- Department of English Language Studies, Faculty of Foreign Language Studies, Mejiro University, Shinjyuku, Tokyo 161-8539, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lai YY, Sakai H, Makuuchi M. Neural underpinnings of processing combinatorial unstated meaning and the influence of individual cognitive style. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10013-10027. [PMID: 37557907 PMCID: PMC10502793 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying the processing of combinatorial unstated meaning. Sentences like "Charles jumped for 5 minutes." engender an iterative meaning that is not explicitly stated but enriched by comprehenders beyond simple composition. Comprehending unstated meaning involves meaning contextualization-integrative meaning search in sentential-discourse context. Meanwhile, people differ in how they process information with varying context sensitivity. We hypothesized that unstated meaning processing would vary with individual socio-cognitive propensity indexed by the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), accompanied by differential cortical engagements. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we examined the processing of sentences with unstated iterative meaning in typically-developed individuals and found an engagement of the fronto-parietal network, including the left pars triangularis (L.PT), right intraparietal (R.IPS), and parieto-occipital sulcus (R.POS). We suggest that the L.PT subserves a contextual meaning search, while the R.IPS/POS supports enriching unstated iteration in consideration of event durations and interval lengths. Moreover, the activation level of these regions negatively correlated with AQ. Higher AQ ties to lower L.PT activation, likely reflecting weaker context sensitivity, along with lower IPS activation, likely reflecting weaker computation of events' numerical-temporal specifications. These suggest that the L.PT and R.IPS/POS support the processing of combinatorial unstated meaning, with the activation level modulated by individual cognitive styles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Ying Lai
- Graduate Institute of Linguistics, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hiromu Sakai
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiru Makuuchi
- Section of Neuropsychology, Research Institute, National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities, Tokorozawa, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Duque ACM, Cuesta TAC, Melo ADS, Maldonado IL. Right hemisphere and metaphor comprehension: A connectionist perspective. Neuropsychologia 2023; 187:108618. [PMID: 37321404 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108618] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Metaphor comprehension is a cognitively complex task, with evidence pointing to the engagement of multiple cerebral areas. In addition, the involvement of the right hemisphere appears to vary with cognitive effort. Therefore, the interconnecting pathways of such distributed cortical centers should be taken into account when studying this topic. Despite this, the potential contribution of white matter fasciculi has received very little attention in the literature to date and is not mentioned in most metaphor comprehension studies. To highlight the probable implications of the right inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, right superior longitudinal system, and callosal radiations, we bring together findings from different research fields. The aim is to describe important insights enabled by the cross-fertilization of functional neuroimaging, clinical findings, and structural connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Clara Mota Duque
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Taryn Ariadna Castro Cuesta
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ailton de Souza Melo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Igor Lima Maldonado
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Dep. Biomorfologia, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bakhtiar M, Wong MN, Lam MW, McNeil MR. Reading and listening comprehension in Cantonese-speaking people with right hemisphere versus left hemisphere brain damage. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2023; 37:567-582. [PMID: 36779905 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2023.2176787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The problem in language comprehension in people with right hemisphere damage (RHD) is more equivocal than people with left hemisphere damage. This study explores the reading and listening comprehension of Cantonese-speaking individuals with RHD, left hemisphere damage, and neurotypical healthy controls using the Cantonese Computerized Revised Token Test (CRTT-Cantonese) adapted from the English CRTT. Eighteen native Cantonese-speaking individuals with RHD, 32 individuals with left hemisphere damage and aphasia (PWA), and 42 healthy controls participated in this study. All the participants completed the Cantonese Aphasia Battery, Hong Kong Oxford Cognitive Screen, the listening comprehension version of CRTT-Cantonese (CRTT-L-Cantonese), and the reading comprehension version of CRTT-Cantonese (CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese) across different sessions. Linear mixed-effect analysis revealed significant differences among the groups in CRTT-Cantonese tests. However, there were no significant difference between CRTT-L-Cantonese and CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese within the PWA, RHD and healthy control groups. Tukey post-hoc pairwise comparisons showed that PWA scored significantly lower than RHD and healthy control groups (p < 0.0001) in both CRTT-L-Cantonese and CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese, and the RHD group scored significantly lower than healthy control group only on the CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese. The results demonstrate that the CRTT-L-Cantonese and CRTT-R-WF-Cantonese differentiate language comprehension abilities among PWA, RHD and healthy control groups. Although the current findings did not show any diversion between reading and listening comprehension in RHD group, this group showed poorer performance in reading comprehension when compared to healthy controls. The latter findings may support the view that the right hemisphere contributes to reading comprehension in Chinese.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiar
- Unit of Human Communication, Development and Information Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Min Ney Wong
- Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
- Research Centre for Language, Cognition, and Neuroscience, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Ming Wai Lam
- Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong
| | - Malcolm R McNeil
- Department of Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim H, Wang K, Cutting LE, Willcutt EG, Petrill SA, Leopold DR, Reineberg AE, Thompson LA, Banich MT. The Angular Gyrus as a Hub for Modulation of Language-related Cortex by Distinct Prefrontal Executive Control Regions. J Cogn Neurosci 2022; 34:2275-2296. [PMID: 36122356 PMCID: PMC10115156 DOI: 10.1162/jocn_a_01915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
It has become clear in recent years that reading, while relying on domain-specific language processing regions, also involves regions that implement executive processes more broadly. Such executive control is generally considered to be implemented by prefrontal regions, which exert control via connectivity that allows them to modulate processing in target brain regions. The present study examined whether three previously identified and distinct executive control regions in the pFC [Wang, K., Banich, M. T., Reineberg, A. E., Leopold, D. R., Willcutt, E. G., Cutting, L. E., et al. Left posterior prefrontal regions support domain-general executive processes needed for both reading and math. Journal of Neuropsychology, 14, 467-495, 2020] show similar patterns of functional connectivity (FC) during a reading comprehension task as compared with a symbol identification condition. Our FC results in a sample of adolescents (n = 120) suggest all three regions commonly show associations with activity in "classic" left hemisphere reading areas, including the angular and supramarginal gyri, yet each exhibits differential connectivity as well. In particular, precentral regions show differential FC to parietal portions of the dorsal language stream, the inferior frontal junction shows differential FC to middle temporal regions of the right hemisphere and other regions involved in semantic processing, and portions of the inferior frontal gyrus show differential FC to an extensive set of right hemisphere prefrontal regions. These results suggest that prefrontal control over language-related regions occurs in a coordinated yet discrete manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kai Wang
- South China Normal University, Guangzhou
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Doricchi F, Lasaponara S, Pazzaglia M, Silvetti M. Left and right temporal-parietal junctions (TPJs) as "match/mismatch" hedonic machines: A unifying account of TPJ function. Phys Life Rev 2022; 42:56-92. [PMID: 35901654 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Experimental and theoretical studies have tried to gain insights into the involvement of the Temporal Parietal Junction (TPJ) in a broad range of cognitive functions like memory, attention, language, self-agency and theory of mind. Recent investigations have demonstrated the partition of the TPJ in discrete subsectors. Nonetheless, whether these subsectors play different roles or implement an overarching function remains debated. Here, based on a review of available evidence, we propose that the left TPJ codes both matches and mismatches between expected and actual sensory, motor, or cognitive events while the right TPJ codes mismatches. These operations help keeping track of statistical contingencies in personal, environmental, and conceptual space. We show that this hypothesis can account for the participation of the TPJ in disparate cognitive functions, including "humour", and explain: a) the higher incidence of spatial neglect in right brain damage; b) the different emotional reactions that follow left and right brain damage; c) the hemispheric lateralisation of optimistic bias mechanisms; d) the lateralisation of mechanisms that regulate routine and novelty behaviours. We propose that match and mismatch operations are aimed at approximating "free energy", in terms of the free energy principle of decision-making. By approximating "free energy", the match/mismatch TPJ system supports both information seeking to update one's own beliefs and the pleasure of being right in one's own' current choices. This renewed view of the TPJ has relevant clinical implications because the misfunctioning of TPJ-related "match" and "mismatch" circuits in unilateral brain damage can produce low-dimensional deficits of active-inference and predictive coding that can be associated with different neuropsychological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Doricchi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia 39, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Roma, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy.
| | - Stefano Lasaponara
- Dipartimento di Psicologia 39, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Roma, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Mariella Pazzaglia
- Dipartimento di Psicologia 39, Università degli Studi di Roma 'La Sapienza', Roma, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Massimo Silvetti
- Computational and Translational Neuroscience Lab (CTNLab), Institute of Cognitive Sciences and Technologies, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mech EN, Kandhadai P, Federmeier KD. The last course of coarse coding: Hemispheric similarities in associative and categorical semantic processing. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2022; 229:105123. [PMID: 35461030 PMCID: PMC9214668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2022.105123] [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: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
To test theories that posit differences in how semantic information is represented in the cerebral hemispheres, we assessed semantic priming for associatively and categorically related prime-target pairs that were graded in relatedness strength. Visual half-field presentation was used to bias processing to the right or left hemisphere, and event-related potential (ERP) and behavioral responses were measured while participants completed a semantic relatedness judgement task. Contrary to theories positing representational differences across the cerebral hemispheres, in two experiments using (1) centralized prime presentation and lateralized targets and (2) lateralized primes and targets, we found similar priming patterns across the two hemispheres at the level of semantic access (N400), on later measures of explicit processing (late positive complex; LPC), and in behavioral response speeds and accuracy. We argue that hemispheric differences, when they arise, are more likely due to differences in task demands than in how the hemispheres fundamentally represent semantic information.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Mech
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States.
| | - Padmapriya Kandhadai
- Department of Computing Studies and Information Systems, Douglas College, Canada
| | - Kara D Federmeier
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States; The Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gao Z, Ma X, Zhou X, Xin F, Gao S, Kou J, Becker B, Kendrick KM. Oxytocin Reduces the Attractiveness of Silver-Tongued Men for Women During Mid-Cycle. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:760695. [PMID: 35573309 PMCID: PMC9097854 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.760695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, the neuropeptide oxytocin promotes both attraction toward and bonds with romantic partners, although no studies have investigated whether this extends to the perceived attractiveness of flirtatious language. In a within-subject, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled behavior and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm (https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03144115), 75 women rated the attractiveness of either a male face alone or paired with a verbal compliment which varied in terms of topic (women or landscapes) and figurativeness (novel or conventional metaphors or literal expressions). Subjects were tested in fertile and luteal phases of their cycle and on both occasions received either 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Results showed that, whereas under placebo women in the fertile phase rated the facial attractiveness of men producing novel metaphorical compliments higher than in their luteal phase, following oxytocin treatment they did not. Correspondingly, under oxytocin the faces of individuals producing novel metaphorical compliments evoked greater responses in brain regions involved in processing language (middle frontal gyrus) and cognitive and emotional conflict (posterior middle cingulate and dorsal anterior cingulate) but reduced functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate and right orbitofrontal and medial frontal gyri. Thus, sex hormones and oxytocin may have opposite effects in regulating mate selection in women during their fertile phase. Novel metaphorical compliments convey a greater sexual than bonding intention and thus while sex hormones at mid-cycle may promote attraction to individuals communicating sexual rather than bonding intent, oxytocin may bias attraction away from such individuals through increasing cognitive and emotional conflict responses toward them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Gao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaole Ma
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Xin
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Gao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Kou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M. Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Koller S, Müller N, Kauschke C. The Elephant in the Room: A Systematic Review of Stimulus Control in Neuro-Measurement Studies on Figurative Language Processing. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 15:791374. [PMID: 35126074 PMCID: PMC8814624 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.791374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The processing of metaphors and idioms has been the subject of neuroscientific research for several decades. However, results are often contradictory, which can be traced back to inconsistent terminology and stimulus control. In this systematic review of research methods, we analyse linguistic aspects of 116 research papers which used EEG, fMRI, PET, MEG, or NIRS to investigate the neural processing of the two figurative subtypes metaphor and idiom. We critically examine the theoretical foundations as well as stimulus control by performing a systematic literature synthesis according to the PRISMA guidelines. We explicitly do not analyse the findings of the studies but instead focus on four primary aspects: definitions of figurative language and its subtypes, linguistic theory behind the studies, control for factors influencing figurative language processing, and the relationship between theoretical and operational definitions. We found both a lack and a broad variety in existing definitions and operationalisation, especially in regard to familiarity and conventionality. We identify severe obstacles in the comparability and validation potential of the results of the papers in our review corpus. We propose the development of a consensus in fundamental terminology and more transparency in the reporting of stimulus design in the research on figurative language processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadine Müller
- Department of German Studies and Arts, Institute of German Linguistics, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davis P, Corcoran R, Billington J, Frank A. Editorial: Reading, literature, and psychology in action. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1068030. [PMID: 36968128 PMCID: PMC10032206 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1068030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Davis
- Centre for Research into Reading, Literature and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon Corcoran
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, School of Psychology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Josie Billington
- English Department, School of the Arts, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Josie Billington
| | - Arthur Frank
- Department of Sociology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Halonen R, Kuula L, Antila M, Pesonen AK. The Overnight Retention of Novel Metaphors Associates With Slow Oscillation-Spindle Coupling but Not With Respiratory Phase at Encoding. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:712774. [PMID: 34531730 PMCID: PMC8439423 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.712774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence emphasizes the relevance of oscillatory synchrony in memory consolidation during sleep. Sleep spindles promote memory retention, especially when occurring in the depolarized upstate of slow oscillation (SO). A less studied topic is the inter-spindle synchrony, i.e. the temporal overlap and phasic coherence between spindles perceived in different electroencephalography channels. In this study, we examined how synchrony between SOs and spindles, as well as between simultaneous spindles, is associated with the retention of novel verbal metaphors. Moreover, we combined the encoding of the metaphors with respiratory phase (inhalation/exhalation) with the aim of modulating the strength of memorized items, as previous studies have shown that inhalation entrains neural activity, thereby benefiting memory in a waking condition. In the current study, 27 young adults underwent a two-night mixed-design study with a 12-h delayed memory task during both sleep and waking conditions. As expected, we found better retention over the delay containing sleep, and this outcome was strongly associated with the timing of SO–spindle coupling. However, no associations were observed regarding inter-spindle synchrony or respiratory phase. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the importance of SO–spindle coupling for memory. In contrast, the observed lack of association with inter-spindle synchrony may emphasize the local nature of spindle-related plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Risto Halonen
- Sleepwell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Liisa Kuula
- Sleepwell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minea Antila
- Sleepwell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anu-Katriina Pesonen
- Sleepwell Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Adamczyk P, Jáni M, Ligeza TS, Płonka O, Błądziński P, Wyczesany M. On the Role of Bilateral Brain Hypofunction and Abnormal Lateralization of Cortical Information Flow as Neural Underpinnings of Conventional Metaphor Processing Impairment in Schizophrenia: An fMRI and EEG Study. Brain Topogr 2021; 34:537-554. [PMID: 33973137 PMCID: PMC8195899 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-021-00849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Figurative language processing (e.g. metaphors) is commonly impaired in schizophrenia. In the present study, we investigated the neural activity and propagation of information within neural circuits related to the figurative speech, as a neural substrate of impaired conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia. The study included 30 schizophrenia outpatients and 30 healthy controls, all of whom were assessed with a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) punchline-based metaphor comprehension task including literal (neutral), figurative (metaphorical) and nonsense (absurd) endings. The blood oxygenation level-dependent signal was recorded with 3T MRI scanner and direction and strength of cortical information flow in the time course of task processing was estimated with a 64-channel EEG input for directed transfer function. The presented results revealed that the behavioral manifestation of impaired figurative language in schizophrenia is related to the hypofunction in the bilateral fronto-temporo-parietal brain regions (fMRI) and various differences in effective connectivity in the fronto-temporo-parietal circuit (EEG). Schizophrenia outpatients showed an abnormal pattern of connectivity during metaphor processing which was related to bilateral (but more pronounced at the left hemisphere) hypoactivation of the brain. Moreover, we found reversed lateralization patterns, i.e. a rightward-shifted pattern during metaphor processing in schizophrenia compared to the control group. In conclusion, the presented findings revealed that the impairment of the conventional metaphor processing in schizophrenia is related to the bilateral brain hypofunction, which supports the evidence on reversed lateralization of the language neural network and the existence of compensatory recruitment of alternative neural circuits in schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Przemysław Adamczyk
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Martin Jáni
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomasz S Ligeza
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland
| | - Olga Płonka
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Błądziński
- Community Psychiatry and Psychosis Research Center, Chair of Psychiatry, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Miroslaw Wyczesany
- Institute of Psychology, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 6, 30-060, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bambini V, Tonini E, Ceccato I, Lecce S, Marocchini E, Cavallini E. How to improve social communication in aging: Pragmatic and cognitive interventions. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2020; 211:104864. [PMID: 33137591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2020.104864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Among all aspects of the linguistic and communicative competence, pragmatics seems especially vulnerable in aging, due also to cognitive decline. However, pragmatics has never been considered as an intervention target in healthy aging. Here we tested the effects of a novel training program to improve pragmatics (PragmaCom) in older adults, compared with an active cognitive control group in a randomized-controlled-trial design. Both the PragmaCom group and the control group improved in pragmatic skills such as understanding metaphors and avoiding off-topic speech, indicating that it is possible to improve pragmatics in aging both with a specific training and with a cognitive training. Individual cognitive factors predicted pragmatic improvement in the control group, while in the PragmaCom group benefits were less dependent on individual characteristics. We discuss the results in terms of pragmatic plasticity, highlighting the importance of these findings for promoting older adults' social communication and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Bambini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Tonini
- Center for Neurocognition, Epistemology and Theoretical Syntax (NEtS), University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, Piazza della Vittoria 15, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Ceccato
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, Via Luigi Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Serena Lecce
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marocchini
- Laboratory of Language and Cognition, University of Genoa, Via Balbi 30, 16128 Genoa, Italy
| | - Elena Cavallini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Piazza Botta 11, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|