In the Zone or Zoning Out? Tracking Behavioral and Neural Fluctuations During Sustained Attention
Michael Esterman,Sarah Noonan,Sarah Noonan,Monica D. Rosenberg,Joseph DeGutis,Joseph DeGutis +5 more
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TLDR
A novel task is introduced, along with innovative analysis procedures that probe the relationships between reaction time (RT) variability, attention lapses, and intrinsic brain activity, and represent an important step forward in linking intrinsicbrain activity to behavioral phenomena.Abstract:
Despite growing recognition that attention fluctuates from moment-to-moment during sustained performance, prevailing analysis strategies involve averaging data across multiple trials or time points, treating these fluctuations as noise. Here, using alternative approaches, we clarify the relationship between ongoing brain activity and performance fluctuations during sustained attention. We introduce a novel task (the gradual onset continuous performance task), along with innovative analysis procedures that probe the relationships between reaction time (RT) variability, attention lapses, and intrinsic brain activity. Our results highlight 2 attentional states-a stable, less error-prone state ("in the zone"), characterized by higher default mode network (DMN) activity but during which subjects are at risk of erring if DMN activity rises beyond intermediate levels, and a more effortful mode of processing ("out of the zone"), that is less optimal for sustained performance and relies on activity in dorsal attention network (DAN) regions. These findings motivate a new view of DMN and DAN functioning capable of integrating seemingly disparate reports of their role in goal-directed behavior. Further, they hold potential to reconcile conflicting theories of sustained attention, and represent an important step forward in linking intrinsic brain activity to behavioral phenomena.read more
Citations
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Predicting moment-to-moment attentional state.
TL;DR: Multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA) is used to decode trial-by-trial attentional state throughout much of cortex, helping to characterize how attention network fluctuations correlate with performance variability.
Journal ArticleDOI
Functional Connectivity of the Dorsal Attention Network Predicts Selective Attention in 4–7 year-old Girls
Christiane S. Rohr,Christiane S. Rohr,Sarah A Vinette,Kari Parsons,Kari Parsons,Ivy Y.K. Cho,Dennis Dimond,Dennis Dimond,Alina Benischek,Alina Benischek,Catherine Lebel,Catherine Lebel,Deborah Dewey,Deborah Dewey,Signe Bray +14 more
TL;DR: It is suggested that greater FC within the DAN is associated with better selective attention skills, and this work confirmed that FC between the IPS and FEF was significantly associated with selective attention.
Journal ArticleDOI
Frontal eye field involvement in sustaining visual attention: evidence from transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Michael Esterman,Michael Esterman,Guanyu Liu,Hidefusa Okabe,Andrew J. Reagan,Michelle Thai,Joseph DeGutis +6 more
TL;DR: Following TMS to the right FEF, sustained attention during in-the-zone periods significantly worsened both in terms of lower accuracy and increased reaction time variability, and this results demonstrate that theright FEF plays a crucial role in supporting optimal sustained attention.
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Frontal midline theta is a specific indicator of optimal attentional engagement during skilled putting performance.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that Fmθ is a manifestation of sustained attention during a skilled performance and that optimal attentional engagement, as characterized by a lower Fm θ power, is beneficial for successful skilled performance rather than a higher F mθ power reflecting excessive attentional control.
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Connectome-based models predict attentional control in aging adults.
TL;DR: The results support the saCPM's ability to capture attention‐related patterns reflected in each individual's functional connectivity signature across both task context and age, and it is these connections that better account for age‐related deficits in attentional control.
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