Quantifying and localizing cross-frequency oscillation dynamics and connectivity across local and large-scale brain networks

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Human cognitive functions are associated with oscillatory changes within task-relevant cortical regions, as well as alterations in connectivity between those regions associated with neuronal synchronization. Magneto- and Electroencephalography (M/EEG) have shown that brain dynamics within and between regions often differ markedly across frequencies, and that brain rhythms interact across widely separated frequency ranges. It remains unclear, however, how activity changes are coordinated across frequencies to support cognitive activation. We recently introduced a new neurophysiological framework, the "ATG (Alpha-Theta-Gamma) switch", reflecting a basic mechanism that generally implicates a switch from “resting state" or "stand-by mode” to the activation of local and task-related functional networks relating to sensory perception and cognition, representing a fundamental attribute of oscillatory dynamics that arises from network properties in thalamocortical and cortico-cortical circuits.******For detailed understanding of functioning of this framework, there is now an opportunity and need to advance data analysis strategies for quantifying and localizing cross-frequency oscillations and connectivity. The challenge is that current methods are heavily based on traditional M/EEG source-space solutions. Those work best for exploring stimuli- or task-related activity, but are prone to source leakage effects and may be not optimal for network and connectivity estimation. Therefore, we propose developing new techniques specifically suited for these situations. In particular, we propose (1) advancing multi-source spatial filtering methods because of their unique leakage suppression properties; (2) developing a new probabilistic algorithm for improving source reconstruction in ultra-low signal-to-noise ratio conditions, based on operating statistical ensembles of multiple sources rather than individual ones; (3) developing a new type of spatial filters which are based on source connectivity measures. All three objectives will be verified by computer simulations and real M/EEG data. For each of these approaches we have positive results from preliminary studies.******The outcome will be (i) that coordinated changes in alpha, beta, theta and gamma frequencies will be better investigated in networks of task-relevant areas (ii) novel advanced algorithms for network and connectivity analyses will be developed, and (iii) these algorithms will be delivered to the research community at large in the form of publicly available software tools for wide practical application.