Unraveling the distributed neural code of facial identity through spatiotemporal pattern analysis
Unraveling the distributed neural code of facial identity through spatiotemporal pattern analysis
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DOI：
10.1073/pnas.1102433108
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发表时间：
2011-06-14
影响因子：
11.1
通讯作者：
Behrmann, Marlene
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Nestor, Adrian;Plaut, David C.;Behrmann, Marlene
面部个性化是我们视觉系统最令人印象深刻的成就之一，然而，揭示支持这一壮举的神经机制似乎避开了传统的功能性大脑数据分析方法。本研究旨在探讨面孔身份知觉的神经编码，以明确面孔身份知觉的分布特征和信息基础。为此，我们使用一系列的多元模式分析应用于功能磁共振成像（fMRI）数据。首先，我们结合联合收割机的信息为基础的大脑映射和动态歧视分析，以定位时空模式，支持在个人层面上的人脸分类。这项分析揭示了一个网络的梭状核和前颞区，携带有关面部身份的信息，并提供证据表明，梭状核面部区域响应不同的激活模式，以不同的面孔身份。其次，我们使用递归特征消除来评估网络的信息结构。我们发现诊断信息均匀分布在映射网络的前部区域中，并且梭状回的右前部区域在介导面部个性化的信息网络中发挥着核心作用。这些发现有助于描绘和表征负责个性化的皮层系统。更一般地说，在功能定义的网络背景下，它们提供了基于信息架构的分布式处理的描述。
Face individuation is one of the most impressive achievements of our visual system, and yet uncovering the neural mechanisms subserving this feat appears to elude traditional approaches to functional brain data analysis. The present study investigates the neural code of facial identity perception with the aim of ascertaining its distributed nature and informational basis. To this end, we use a sequence of multivariate pattern analyses applied to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. First, we combine information-based brain mapping and dynamic discrimination analysis to locate spatiotemporal patterns that support face classification at the individual level. This analysis reveals a network of fusiform and anterior temporal areas that carry information about facial identity and provides evidence that the fusiform face area responds with distinct patterns of activation to different face identities. Second, we assess the information structure of the network using recursive feature elimination. We find that diagnostic information is distributed evenly among anterior regions of the mapped network and that a right anterior region of the fusiform gyrus plays a central role within the information network mediating face individuation. These findings serve to map out and characterize a cortical system responsible for individuation. More generally, in the context of functionally defined networks, they provide an account of distributed processing grounded in information-based architectures.