A New Technique to Measure the Level of Interest Using Heartbeat-Evoked Brain Potential

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-22
Author(s):  
Kohei Fuseda ◽  
Jun’ichi Katayama
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Overt Response ◽  
Brain Potential ◽  
Probe Technique ◽  
Dynamic Stimuli ◽  
Attentional Resources ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Task Irrelevant

Abstract. Interest is a positive emotion related to attention. The event-related brain potential (ERP) probe technique is a useful method to evaluate the level of interest in dynamic stimuli. However, even in the irrelevant probe technique, the probe is presented as a physical stimulus and steals the observer’s attentional resources, although no overt response is required. Therefore, the probe might become a problematic distractor, preventing deep immersion of participants. Heartbeat-evoked brain potential (HEP) is a brain activity, time-locked to a cardiac event. No probe is required to obtain HEP data. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether the HEP can be used to evaluate the level of interest. Twenty-four participants (12 males and 12 females) watched attractive and unattractive individuals of the opposite sex in interesting and uninteresting videos (7 min each), respectively. We performed two techniques each for both the interesting and the uninteresting videos: the ERP probe and the HEP techniques. In the former, somatosensory stimuli were presented as task-irrelevant probes while participants watched videos: frequent (80%) and infrequent (20%) stimuli were presented at each wrist in random order. In the latter, participants watched videos without the probe. The P2 amplitude in response to the somatosensory probe was smaller and the positive wave amplitudes of HEP were larger while watching the videos of attractive individuals than while watching the videos of unattractive ones. These results indicate that the HEP technique is a useful method to evaluate the level of interest without an external probe stimulus.

Test anxiety, evaluative stress, and susceptibility to distraction from threat

2001 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmund Keogh ◽  
Christopher C. French
Keyword(s):  
Test Anxiety ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
Attentional Resources ◽  
Specific Trait ◽  
Selective Search ◽  
Task Irrelevant ◽  
High Test ◽  
Specific Susceptibility

Examinations are perhaps one of the main methods of assessment in education. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who are so fearful of such events that performance is impaired. Test anxiety is believed to be the trait that predisposes individuals to react negatively to examinations and tests. One way in which it is believed that test anxiety affects performance is by increasing susceptibility to distraction from task‐irrelevant material. However, few studies have directly investigated this impairment. An experiment was therefore conducted to investigate susceptibility to distraction in high and low test‐anxious students. The task used was based on one developed by Mathews, May, Mogg and Eysenck (1990), which distinguishes between focused attention and selective search. In order to determine whether a specific susceptibility to distraction exists, the distractors were varied in terms of valence and relevance to examinations. Since test anxiety is a situation‐specific trait, an evaluation‐related stressor was used to trigger test‐anxious reactions. A specific susceptibility to distraction from threat was found amongst high test‐anxious participants who received the evaluation‐related stressor. However, this effect was only found when participants were using focused attention. This suggests that the disturbed performance often found to be associated with test anxiety might be due to an inability to ignore threatening material when attempting to focus attentional resources. These results are discussed in light of current theories of test anxiety and implications for educational practice. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PINPOINT SOURCE LOCALIZATION FOR OCULAR NONSELECTIVE ATTENTION WITH COMBINATION OF ERP AND fNIRI MEASUREMENTS

2008 ◽  
Vol 01 (02) ◽  
pp. 195-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
TING LI ◽  
LI LI ◽  
PENG DU ◽  
QINGMING LUO ◽  
HUI GONG
Keyword(s):  
Near Infrared ◽  
Infrared Imaging ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Event Related Potential ◽  
Reliable Technique ◽  
Brain Mechanism ◽  
Electrophysiological Signals ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Hemodynamic Information

Compared with event-related potential (ERP) which is widely used in psychology research, functional near-infrared imaging (fNIRI) is a new technique providing hemodynamic information related to brain activity, except for electrophysiological signals. Here, we use both these techniques to study ocular attention. We conducted a series of experiments with a classic paradigm of ocular nonselective attention, and monitored responses with fNIRI and ERP respectively. The results showed that fNIRI measured brain activations in the left prefrontal lobe, while ERPs showed activation in frontal lobe. More importantly, only with the combination measurements of fNIRI and ERP, we were then able to find the pinpoint source of ocular nonselective attention, which is in the left and upper corner in Brodmann area 10. These results demonstrated that fNIRI is a reliable technique in psychology, and the combination of fNIRI and ERP can be promising to reveal more information in the research of brain mechanism.

Impact of inspiratory threshold loading on brain activity and cognitive performances in healthy humans

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Taytard ◽  
Camille Gand ◽  
Marie-Cécile Niérat ◽  
Romain Barthes ◽  
Sophie Lavault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Cortical Activation ◽  
Cognitive Interference ◽  
Cortical Networks ◽  
Healthy Humans ◽  
Serial Addition

In healthy humans, inspiratory threshold loading deteriorates cognitive performances. This can result from motor-cognitive interference (activation of motor respiratory-related cortical networks vs. executive resources allocation), sensory-cognitive interference (dyspnea vs. shift in attentional focus), or both. We hypothesized that inspiratory loading would concomitantly induce dyspnea, activate motor respiratory-related cortical networks, and deteriorate cognitive performance. We reasoned that a concomitant activation of cortical networks and cognitive deterioration would be compatible with motor-cognitive interference, particularly in case of a predominant alteration of executive cognitive performances. Symmetrically, we reasoned that a predominant alteration of attention-depending performances would suggest sensory-cognitive interference. Twenty-five volunteers (12 men; 19.5-51.5 years) performed the Paced Auditory Serial Addition test (PASAT-A and B; calculation capacity, working memory, attention), the Trail Making Test (TMT-A, visuospatial exploration capacity; TMT-B, visuospatial exploration capacity and attention), and the Corsi block-tapping test (visuospatial memory, short-term and working memory) during unloaded breathing and inspiratory threshold loading in random order. Loading consistently induced dyspnea and respiratory-related brain activation. It was associated with deteriorations inPASAT A (52 [45.5;55.5] (median [interquartile range]) to 48 [41;54.5], p=0.01), PASAT B (55 [47.5;58] to 51 [44.5;57.5], p=0.01), and TMT B (44s [36;54.5] to 53s [42;64], p=0.01), but did not affect TMT-A and Corsi. The concomitance of cortical activation and cognitive performance deterioration is compatible with competition for cortical resources (motor-cognitive interference), while the profile of cognitive impairment (PASAT and TMT-B but not TMT-A and Corsi) is compatible with a contribution of attentional distraction (sensory-cognitive interference). Both mechanisms are therefore likely at play.

Speaker Variations Influence Speechreading Speed for Dynamic Faces

Perception ◽  
10.1068/p5104 ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (5) ◽  
pp. 595-610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen M Kaufmann ◽  
Stefan R Schweinberger
Keyword(s):  
Face Perception ◽  
Reaction Times ◽  
Dynamic Information ◽  
Static Mode ◽  
Dynamic Stimuli ◽  
Distributed Models ◽  
Garner Interference ◽  
Dynamic Faces ◽  
Task Irrelevant

We investigated the influence of task-irrelevant speaker variations on speechreading performance. In three experiments with video digitised faces presented either in dynamic, static-sequential, or static mode, participants performed speeded classifications on vowel utterances (German vowels /u/ and /i/). A Garner interference paradigm was used, in which speaker identity was task-irrelevant but could be either correlated, constant, or orthogonal to the vowel uttered. Reaction times for facial speech classifications were slowed by task-irrelevant speaker variations for dynamic stimuli. The results are discussed with reference to distributed models of face perception (Haxby et al, 2000 Trends in Cognitive Sciences4 223–233) and the relevance of both dynamic information and speaker characteristics for speechreading.

scholarly journals Exploring attentional focus of older adult fallers during heightened postural threat

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (7) ◽  
pp. 1877-1889 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toby J. Ellmers ◽  
Adam J. Cocks ◽  
William R. Young
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Attentional Focus ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
Attentional Processing ◽  
Attentional Resources ◽  
Behavioral Adaptations ◽  
Regulatory Strategies ◽  
Postural Threat ◽  
Task Irrelevant ◽  
And Control

Abstract Objectives Threats to balance, and subsequent increases in fall-related anxiety, can disrupt attentional processing during gait in older adults, leading to behavioral adaptations which may increase fall risk. However, limited research has investigated what changes in attention occur to contribute to these disruptions. The aim of this research was to describe changes in attention that occur during gait when older adults’ balance is threatened, while exploring how previous fall history and trait movement reinvestment (conscious monitoring and control of movement) also influence attention. Methods Forty older adults reported where they focus their attention when walking during two scenarios: (1) when they are relaxed and there is little risk of falling, and; (2) when their balance is threatened and they are anxious of falling. Results During the high-threat condition, participants reported greater attention towards movement processes, threats to balance, worries/disturbing thoughts and self-regulatory strategies, with less attention directed towards task-irrelevant thoughts. However, fall history influenced attentional focus, with fallers directing greater attention towards worries/disturbing thoughts. Contrary to predictions, trait movement reinvestment was not associated with attention directed towards movement processes. Discussion As processing worries/disturbing thoughts will likely reduce attentional resources available for effective postural control, we highlight this as one potential area to target interventions aimed at reducing the likelihood of repeated falling.

Excited State Absorption in Pr3+ Doped Fluorozirconate Glass

1991 ◽  
Vol 244 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. S. Quimby ◽  
B. Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Excited State ◽  
Excited State Absorption ◽  
Fiber Amplifier ◽  
Pump Probe ◽  
Probe Technique ◽  
Zblan Glass ◽  
Fluorozirconate Glass ◽  
A New Technique ◽  
Doped Glass ◽  
Good Agreement

ABSTRACTThe excited state absorption (ESA) spectrum for Pr3+ doped ZBLAN glass is determined using a new technique based on the McCumber theory [D.E. McCumber, Phys. Rev. 136, A954 (1964)]. ESA peaks at 1380 and 840 nm are found, corresponding to transitions from the 1G4 to the 1D2 and 1I6 levels, respectively. ESA at the fiber amplifier pump wavelength 1.017 μm is found to be very small. The new method is also applied to Er+ doped glass, and good agreement is obtained between the resulting ESA spectrum and previous measurements using a traditional pump-probe technique.

scholarly journals The Efficacy of Single-Trial Multisensory Memories

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 483-502 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonia Thelen ◽  
Micah M. Murray
Keyword(s):  
Object Recognition ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Stimulus Onset ◽  
Object Representations ◽  
Single Trial ◽  
Multisensory Interactions ◽  
Early Processing ◽  
Opposing Effects ◽  
Task Irrelevant

This review article summarizes evidence that multisensory experiences at one point in time have long-lasting effects on subsequent unisensory visual and auditory object recognition. The efficacy of single-trial exposure to task-irrelevant multisensory events is its ability to modulate memory performance and brain activity to unisensory components of these events presented later in time. Object recognition (either visual or auditory) is enhanced if the initial multisensory experience had been semantically congruent and can be impaired if this multisensory pairing was either semantically incongruent or entailed meaningless information in the task-irrelevant modality, when compared to objects encountered exclusively in a unisensory context. Processes active during encoding cannot straightforwardly explain these effects; performance on all initial presentations was indistinguishable despite leading to opposing effects with stimulus repetitions. Brain responses to unisensory stimulus repetitions differ during early processing stages (∼100 ms post-stimulus onset) according to whether or not they had been initially paired in a multisensory context. Plus, the network exhibiting differential responses varies according to whether or not memory performance is enhanced or impaired. The collective findings we review indicate that multisensory associations formedviasingle-trial learning exert influences on later unisensory processing to promote distinct object representations that manifest as differentiable brain networks whose activity is correlated with memory performance. These influences occur incidentally, despite many intervening stimuli, and are distinguishable from the encoding/learning processes during the formation of the multisensory associations. The consequences of multisensory interactions thus persist over time to impact memory retrieval and object discrimination.

Intramodal and crossmodal refractory effects: Evidence from oscillatory brain activity

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (0) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Davide Bottari ◽  
Sophie Rohlf ◽  
Marlene Hense ◽  
Boukje Habets ◽  
Brigitte Roeder
Keyword(s):  
Brain Activity ◽  
Event Related Potentials ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Oddball Paradigm ◽  
Brain Response ◽  
Time Frequency ◽  
Tactile Stimuli ◽  
Related Potentials ◽  
Oscillatory Brain Activity ◽  
Auditory Cortices

Event-related potentials (ERP) to the second stimulus of a pair are known to be reduced in amplitude. The magnitude of this ‘refractoriness’ is modulated by both the interstimulus interval and the similarity between the two stimuli. Intramodal refractoriness is interpreted as an index of a temporary decrement in neural responsiveness. So, cross-modal refractoriness might be an indicator of shared neural generators between modalities. We analysed oscillatory neuronal activity while participants were engaged in an oddball paradigm with auditory (4000 Hz, 50 ms-long, 90 db, bilateral) and tactile stimuli (50 ms-long, 125 Hz-vibrations, index fingers) presented in a random order with an ISI of either 1000 or 2000 ms. Participants were required to detect rare tactile (middle fingers) and auditory deviants (600 Hz). A time–frequency analysis of the brain response to the second stimulus of each pair (T-T, A-A, T-A and A-T) contrasting Short and Long ISIs revealed a reduced refractory effect after Long ISI with respect to Short ISI, in all pairs (both intramodal and cross-modal). This emerged as a broadly distributed increase of evoked theta activity (3–7 Hz, 100–500 ms). Only in intramodal tactile pairs and cross-modal tactile-auditory pairs we also observed that Long ISI with respect to Short ISI determined a decrease of induced alpha (8–12 Hz, 200–700 ms), a typical sign of enhanced neural excitability and thus decreased refractoriness. These data suggest that somatosensory and auditory cortices display different neural markers of refractoriness and that the auditory cortex might have a stronger low level degree of influence on the tactile cortex than vice-versa.

scholarly journals Involuntary orienting and conflict resolution during auditory attention: The role of ventral and dorsal streams

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah J Stewart ◽  
Dawei Shen ◽  
Nasim Sham ◽  
Claude Alain
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Conflict Resolution ◽  
Response Times ◽  
Brain Activity ◽  
Superior Temporal Gyrus ◽  
Spatial Location ◽  
Irrelevant Feature ◽  
Enhanced Activity ◽  
Task Irrelevant

AbstractSelective attention to sound object features such as pitch and location is associated with enhanced brain activity in ventral and dorsal streams, respectively. We examined the role of these pathways in involuntary orienting and conflict resolution using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants were presented with two tones that may share, or not, the same non-spatial (frequency) or spatial (location) auditory features. In separate blocks of trials, participants were asked to attend to sound frequency or sound location and ignore the change in the task-irrelevant feature. In both attend-frequency and attend-location tasks, response times were slower when the task-irrelevant feature changed than when it stayed the same (involuntary orienting). This behavioural cost coincided with enhanced activity in the prefrontal cortex and superior temporal gyrus (STG). Conflict resolution was examined by comparing situations where the change in stimulus features was congruent (both features changed) and incongruent (only one feature changed). Participants were slower and less accurate for incongruent than congruent sound features. This congruency effect was associated with enhanced activity in the prefrontal cortex, and was greater in the right STG and medial frontal cortex during the attend-location than during the attend-frequency task. Together, these findings do not support a strict division of ‘labour’ into ventral and dorsal streams, but rather suggest interactions between these pathways in situations involving changes in task-irrelevant sound feature and conflict resolution. These findings also validate the Test of Attention in Listening task by revealing distinct neural correlates for involuntary orienting and conflict resolution.

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