Brain activation of semantic category-based grouping in multiple identity tracking task

PLoS One. 2017 May 15;12(5):e0177709. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177709. eCollection 2017.

Abstract

Using Multiple Identity Tracking task and the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology, the present study aimed to isolate and visualize the functional anatomy of neural systems involved in the semantic category-based grouping process. Three experiment conditions were selected and compared: the category-based targets grouping (TG) condition, the targets-distractors grouping (TDG) condition and the homogenous condition. In the TG condition, observers could utilize the categorical distinction between targets and distractors, to construct a uniform presentation of targets, that is, to form a group of the targets to facilitate tracking. In the TDG condition, half the targets and half the distractors belonged to the same category. Observers had to inhibit the grouping of targets and distractors in one category to complete tracking. In the homogenous condition, where targets and distractors consisted of the same objects, no grouping could be formed. The "TG-Homogenous" contrast (p<0.01) revealed the activation of the left fusiform and the pars triangularis of inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). The "TG-TDG" contrast only revealed the activation of the left anterior cingulate gyrus (ACC). The fusiform and IFG pars triangularis might participate in the representation of semantic knowledge, IFG pars triangularis might relate intensely with the classification of semantic categories. The ACC might be responsible for the initiation and maintenance of grouping representation.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain / physiology*
  • Brain Mapping*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Semantics*
  • Young Adult

Grants and funding

This study was supported by the General Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (31271083) (to XZ) and the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (61632014) (to XZ). The funders provided support in the form of experimental expenses for authors [XZ, LW and CL], but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. eMetric, LLC provides support in the form of salaries for author [ZL], but did not play any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.