Critical dynamics in spontaneous resting-state oscillations are associated with the attention-related P300 ERP in a go/nogo task

Sustained attention is the ability to continually concentrate on task-relevant information, even in the presence of distraction. Understanding the neural mechanisms underlying this ability is critical for comprehending attentional processes as well as neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by attentional deficits, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In this study, we aimed to investigate how trait-like critical oscillations during rest relate to the P300 evoked potential-a biomarker commonly used to assess attentional deficits. We measured long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) in resting-state EEG oscillations as index for criticality of the signal. In addition, the attentional performance of the subjects was assessed as reaction time variability (RTV) in a continuous performance task following an oddball paradigm. P300 amplitude and latencies were obtained from EEG recordings during this task. We found that, after controlling for individual variability in task performance, LRTC were positively associated with P300 amplitudes but not latencies. In line with previous findings, good performance in the sustained attention task was related to higher P300 amplitudes and earlier peak latencies. Unexpectedly, we observed a positive relationship between LRTC in ongoing oscillations during rest and RTV, indicating that greater criticality in brain oscillations during rest relates to worse task performance. In summary, our results show that resting-state neuronal activity, which operates near a critical state, relates to the generation of higher P300 amplitudes. Brain dynamics close to criticality potentially foster a computationally advantageous state which promotes the ability to generate higher event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes

Cortical Reorganization following Injury Early in Life

The brain has a remarkable capacity for reorganization following injury, especially during the first years of life. Knowledge of structural reorganization and its consequences following perinatal injury is sparse. Here we studied changes in brain tissue volume, morphology, perfusion, and integrity in children with hemiplegia compared to typically developing children, using MRI. Children with hemiplegia demonstrated reduced total cerebral volume, with increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and reduced total white matter volumes, with no differences in total gray matter volume, compared to typically developing children. An increase in cortical thickness at the hemisphere contralateral to the lesion (CLH) was detected in motor and language areas, which may reflect compensation for the gray matter loss in the lesion area or retention of ipsilateral pathways. In addition, reduced cortical thickness, perfusion, and surface area were detected in limbic areas. Increased CSF volume and precentral cortical thickness and reduced white matter volume were correlated with worse motor performance. Brain reorganization of the gray matter within the CLH, while not necessarily indicating better outcome, is suggested as a response to neuronal deficits following injury early in life.Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity and the Marnie Kimelman Trus

The Influence of Teacher-guided Mindfulness Practice on Inter and Intra-personal Abilities among Israeli Arab Students

Data collected among Arab pupils, before and after practicing mindfulness, guided by their teacher

C2C-IT and C2C-I - 2020

C2C-IT and C2C-I mindfulness and compassion programs were implemented among teachers or teachers and their students, throughout an academic year. Pupils filled out a questionnaire three times, before the beginning of the C2C workshop (“pre-measure”), immediately after its termination (“post-measure”), and six months after the workshop completion (“follow-up measure”). The questionnaire included 10 scales that measured anxiety, perceived stress, somatization, well-being, attachment to the teacher, mindfulness, attentional deficits, and feeling about the classroom

C2CIT-2019

Data collected before and after a Call to Care Israel for Teachers intervention, including a control group. The data includes de following variables: Interpersonal Mindfulness in Teaching Teachers’ Sense of Efficacy Overall Efficacy in students engagement Efficacy in Instructional Practices Efficacy in Classroom Management State Anxiety Mindfulness Overall Observe Describe Awareness Non-judgmental No reactivity Self-compassion Overall Self-kindness Self-judgment Common humanity Isolation Mindfulness Over identification Burnout Emotional exhaustion Depersonalization Reduced personal accomplishment Perceived Stress Rumination-Reflection Rumination Reflection Interpersonal Reactivity Perspective taking Fantasy Personal distres

Erratum: Author Correction: Structural insights into the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (Nature (2019) 566 7742 (79-84))

The surname of author Toon Laeremans was misspelled 'Laermans'. This error has been corrected online