Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2001-2-2
pubmed:abstractText
In this study functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to examine cerebral activity patterns in relation to increasing mental load of a working memory task. Aim of the experiment was to distinguish nonspecific task-related processes from specific workload processes analytically. Twelve healthy volunteers engaged in a spatial n-back task with four levels. FMRI data were acquired with the 3D-PRESTO pulse sequence. Analysis entailed a two-step multiple regression algorithm, which was specifically designed to measure and separate load-sensitive and load-insensitive activity simultaneously, while preserving the original high spatial resolution of the fMRI signal. Load-sensitive and load-insensitive activity was found in both dorsolateral-prefrontal and parietal cortex, predominantly bilaterally, and in the anterior cingulate. As expected, the left primary sensorimotor cortex showed predominantly load-insensitive activity. Load-sensitive activity reflects specific working memory functions, such as temporary retention and manipulation of information, while load-insensitive activity reflects supportive functions, such as visual orientation, perception, encoding, and response selection and execution. Good performance was correlated with a large area of load-sensitive activity in anterior cingulate, and with a small area of load-insensitive activity in the right parietal cortex. The findings indicate that nonspecific and specific working memory processes colocalize and are represented in multiple frontal and parietal regions. Implication of this analytical strategy for application in research on psychiatric disorders is discussed.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
1053-8119
pubmed:author
pubmed:copyrightInfo
Copyright 2000 Academic Press.
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
12
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
688-97
pubmed:dateRevised
2006-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2000
pubmed:articleTitle
Specific versus nonspecific brain activity in a parametric N-back task.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Psychiatry, HP A01.126, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. j.m.jansma@azu.nl
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't