题目：Control Theoretic Analysis on Brain Networks

报告人：Dr. Shi Gu

Satterthwaite Neuroimaging Lab and the Complex System Group, University of Pennsylvania 

时间：2016年05月30日 星期一 15:00-17:00

地点： 北大王克桢楼11层1113会议室

Abstract: Cognitive function is driven by dynamic interactions between large-scale neural networks, enabling behavior. We first use control theory to offer a mechanistic explanation for how the brain moves among cognitive states. Our results suggest that densely connected areas facilitate the movement of the brain to easily-reachable states. Weakly connected areas facilitate the movement of the brain to difficult-to-reach states. Areas located on the boundary between network communities facilitate the integration or segregation of diverse cognitive systems. We further examine transitions that are elicited via the collective control of region sets. Specifically, we examine how the brain moves from a specified initial state to a specified target state in finite time, and we focus on examining transitions from the so-called default mode into target states of high activity in primary sensorimotor cortex. Across all state transitions, we observe that the supramarginal gyrus and the inferior parietal lobule consistently acted as efficient control hubs with less energy cost. These areas are structurally interconnected with ventral premotor complex, the key input to primary sensorimotor cortex. Together these results suggest that network control theory may offer new insights into the mechanisms driving brain state transitions in support of behavior.  

Bio sketch: Shi Gu is a junior post-doc at the Satterthwaite Neuroimaging Lab and the Complex System Group at the University of Pennsylvania. He obtained bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physics at Tsinghua University, then performed PhD research in network neuroscience advised by Dr. Danielle S. Bassett at the University of Pennsylvania. As part of his work there, he used network control theory to understand brain structural brain networks and the first paper in the series was published in Nature Communications.  Furthermore,  Shi lead collaborative work exploring the evolution of functional brain networks in adolescence (using data from the PNC), which was published in PNAS. As part of his ongoing work supported by a collaborative R21 between Drs. Bassett and Satterthwaite, Shi is investigating how network control evolves during adolescence and allows for the development of executive function.  

邀请人：朱露莎 研究员