Development of Specialized Neural Networks for Face Recognition Expertise

描述(由申请人提供)：识别面孔的能力对个人适应能力至关重要，早期缺陷可能与社交有关 以及人际关系困难(如自闭症、面容失认症)。行为研究表明，在典型的面孔加工发展过程中，存在着一条漫长的发展轨迹。然而，需要进行功能磁共振研究来确定其潜在的神经网络。行为研究表明，经验在面孔识别发展中的重要性，这在儿童对自己种族的识别能力强于其他种族面孔的能力上可见一斑。这项拟议的研究利用了这一现象，使用功能磁共振成像来检查脸部处理系统的发展和神经网络的差异化招募作为面孔种族的函数。一些针对成年人的研究表明，不同种族的面孔会产生不同的大脑网络。这项有指导的研究是第一次考察这些网络的发展。它考察了当处理自己和其他种族的面孔时，受牵连的大脑区域的局部化、功能激活和连接性的发育变化。功能和结构MRI数据将与人脸识别中的行为表现进行分析，以描绘大脑功能在以下方面的作用 那就是大脑的成熟。该网络的特异性和神经同步性将在较小的儿童中使用脑电进行检查。这项独立的研究考察了不同面部线索使用的神经机制的发展，这些线索对面部感知至关重要。它还研究了脸部扫描的变化和由实验诱导的经验形成的专门神经网络的出现，以揭示：i)经验如何产生对其他面孔识别最优的面孔扫描；ii)经验如何在获得专业知识的过程中改变神经网络的组成和组织；以及ii)神经网络专业化的路径可能会随着年龄的变化而变化。这项有指导的独立研究将对以下方面产生重要影响：1)面部识别缺陷的儿童；2)种族刻板印象和偏见的出现--并可能指出有针对性的发明来改善这些缺陷和行为。应聘者目前使用行为、眼球追踪和ERP/EEG方法来检验经验在脸部处理专业知识发展中的作用，现在正在寻求fMRI培训。在加州大学圣迭戈分校，海斯特博士是世界上为数不多的使用功能磁共振成像研究脸部感知发展的研究人员之一。理查德·巴克斯顿博士是功能磁共振成像领域的领先专家，他最近设计了一种新的方法来量化大胆的措施，这些措施考虑了脑血流的波动。Tzyy-Ping Jung博士是脑电方法学方面的领先专家。这些导师的综合专业知识将确保成功完成该项目，并为候选人提供神经科学方面的强化培训。加州大学圣迭戈分校提供最先进的神经成像设施，初级和高级功能磁共振课程，以及发展、认知和功能磁共振研究的研讨会。在获得功能磁共振成像和进一步的ERP/EEG培训后，应聘者将在加州大学圣迭戈分校担任研究科学家职位。

DESCRIPTION (as provided by applicant): The ability to recognize faces is of utmost importance for individuals to function adaptively, and early deficits can be associated with social and interpersonal difficulties (e.g., autism, prosopagnosia). Behavioral studies show a protracted trajectory in the typical development of face processing. However, fMRI studies are needed to identify its underlying neural network. Behavioral studies show the importance of experience in the development of face recognition evident in children's superior recognition of own-race than other-race faces. The proposed research capitalizes on this phenomenon by using fMRI to examine the development of the face processing system and differential recruitment of neural networks as a function of face race. A handful of studies with adults suggest distinct brain networks recruited for own- and other-race faces. The mentored research is the first to examine the development of these networks. It examines developmental changes in the localization and functional activation and connectivity of implicated brain regions when processing own- and other-race faces. Functional and structural MRI data will be analyzed in relation to behavioral performance in face recognition to delineate the role of brain function from that of brain maturation. The specificity and neural synchronization of this network will be examined in younger children using EEG. The independent research examines the development of the neural mechanisms underlying the use of different facial cues critical for face perception. It also examines changes in face scanning and the emergence of a specialized neural network shaped by experimentally-induced experience with a novel category of face race to reveal i) how experience produces face scanning optimal to other-face recognition ii) how experience changes the composition and organization of a neural network in the process of acquiring expertise, and ii) how the path to neural network specialization might vary with age. The mentored and independent research will have important implications for i) children with deficits in face recognition, ii) the emergence of racial stereotypes and prejudices - and may point to targeted inventions to ameliorate such deficits and behaviors. The candidate currently uses behavioral, eyetracking, and ERP/EEG methods to examine the role of experience in the development of face processing expertise, and now seeks fMRI training. At UCSD, Dr. Haist is one of the few researchers in the world using fMRI to study the development of face perception. Dr. Richard Buxton is a leading expert in fMRI and has recently devised a novel means of quantifying BOLD measures that consider fluctuations in cerebral blood flow. Dr. Tzyy-Ping Jung is a leading expert in EEG methodology. The combined expertise of these mentors will ensure successful completion of the project and intensive training in the neurosciences for the candidate. UCSD offers state-of-the-art neuroimaging facilities, introductory and advanced fMRI courses, and seminars in developmental, cognitive, and fMRI research. Upon gaining fMRI and further ERP/EEG training, the candidate will take up a Research Scientist position at UCSD.