title: Long-range synchronization and local desynchronization of alpha oscillations during visual short-term memory retention in children.
abstract: Local alpha-band synchronization has been associated with both cortical idling and active inhibition. Recent evidence, however, suggests that long-range alpha synchronization increases functional coupling between cortical regions. We demonstrate increased long-range alpha and beta band phase synchronization during short-term memory retention in children 6-10 years of age. Furthermore, whereas alpha-band synchronization between posterior cortex and other regions is increased during retention, local alpha-band synchronization over posterior cortex is reduced. This constitutes a functional dissociation for alpha synchronization across local and long-range cortical scales. We interpret long-range synchronization as reflecting functional integration within a network of frontal and visual cortical regions. Local desynchronization of alpha rhythms over posterior cortex, conversely, likely arises because of increased engagement of visual cortex during retention.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, L408-4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6R 3V4, Canada. sdoesburg@cw.bc.ca
authors: Sam M
authors: SM
authors: Doesburg
authors: Anthony T
authors: AT
authors: Herdman
authors: Urs
authors: U
authors: Ribary
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Cheung
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Moiseev
authors: Hal
authors: H
authors: Weinberg
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Liotti
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Weeks
authors: Ruth E
authors: RE
authors: Grunau
mesh_terms: D000513:Alpha Rhythm; D001611:Beta Rhythm; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology; D002648:Child; D003344:Cortical Synchronization; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015225:Magnetoencephalography; D008297:Male; D008570:Memory, Short-Term / Q000502:physiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010507:Periodicity; D014796:Visual Perception / Q000502:physiology*