2000 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Neuronal Substrates of Literacy : High-field Functional MRI
| Project/Area Number |
11480237
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B).
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Section | 一般 |
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| Research Field |
Neuroscience in general
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| Research Institution | Niigata University |
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Principal Investigator |
NAKADA Tsutomu Niigata University, Brain Research Institute, Professor, 脳研究科, 教授 (50281720)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
FUJII Yukihiko Niigata University, Brain Research Institute, Associate Professor, 脳研究科, 助教授 (40283014)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1999 – 2000
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| Keywords | functional MRI / language / deafness / dyslexia |
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| Research Abstract |
Blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized the investigations of higher brain function in humans. Nevertheless, the method still has various shortcomings. The projects are designed to elucidate neuronal substrates underlying functionality of human languages utilizing high-field MRI system specifically optimized for fMRI experiments.
Brain strategies for language processing, especially those related with reading is found to be significantly affected by the languages with which one's literacy is first acquired. The cortex flanking the posterior aspect of the left inferior temporal sulcus (ITS) is necessary for complex character processing such as Kanji reading, while lingual gyri are highly specific for syllabus formation. The left fusiform gyrus represents "common" area for any languages and right occipital transverse gyrus is needed for positional processing such as musical note or sign languages.
Regardless of its effectiveness as language conveying property, the perception of sound play a significant role in triggering the brain to organize "language pathway." The principle of self-organization and "decimation" principle appear to be the fundamental properties of visual information processing including reading.
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