Purposeful human behavior requires attention, decisions and construction and production of abstract sequences, all basic functions mediated by brain networks primarily located in the neocortex, but modulated and shaped by sub-cortical processing. In a general and even a specific sense, attention, decision making and production of abstract sequences are key components of human mental activities. Deficits in these functions are common in both neurological and psychiatric disorders and can result in a wide range of higher-order behavioral deficits, including anxiety. We propose to continue, for at least another five years, the COBRE Center for Central Nervous System Function at Brown University that will investigate the mechanisms of higher-brain function focusing on decision making, abstract sequence construction and attention, while developing statistically valid tools to reveal brain connectivity pattern. This COBRE consists of four research projects led by junior faculty and one by an established investigator. Shenhav will investigate brain mechanisms of cognitive interference during value based decision using multi-modal brain recordings. Desrochers will investigate the neural basis of sequence monitoring in humans and non-human primates using neuroimaging and circuit disruption. FeldmanHall will examine the neural and affective mechanisms of socially risky learning using neuroimaging and behavior. Eloyan will develop quantitative methods for brain connectivity network estimation and inference using functional MRI signals. Jones will investigate the causal role of neocortical beta events in human sensory perception. A Design and Analysis Core and a Behavior and Neuroimaging Core will facilitate the research goals of these projects and benefit the broader Brown community by developing new tools and optimizing existing ones to image brain structure and function with MRI and EEG, while insuring proper experimental design and analysis procedures across the projects. Project Leaders will have senior faculty mentors who will provide support and guidance on research, publication, grant preparation, and career development. An Administrative Core will oversee the operations of this COBRE Center. The COBRE Center for Central Nervous System Function will fall under the auspices of the Brown Institute for Brain Science. The COBRE Center will leverage the administrative resources available through the Brown Institute for Brain Science to ensure efficient operation and coordinate with other brain science research activities at Brown.
This COBRE Center will investigate basic brain mechanisms of decision making and abstract sequence, while developing computational tools to understand the underlying brain control of these processes. Deficits in these processes, which affects more than 40 million Americans, can yield disabling anxiety-related disorders or failures to adjust to the continuous flow of sensory information used to adjust behavior and make decisions.
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