Rhythm-based Brain Information Processing Unit

We investigate neural dynamics mediating adaptive and emergent brain functions. Specifically, we focus on functional roles of synchronous neural oscillations in perceptual, motor, cognitive, and communication processes in humans. We take manipulative approaches such as TMS (Transcranial magnetic stimulation)-EEG (Electroencephalography) and neurofeedback to show causal roles of rhythmic neural activities in brain functions and will find extensive applications of our approaches for stoke rehabilitation.

Research Subjects

• Manipulatitve approaches to functional roles of synchronous neural oscillations using transcranial magnetic stimulation
• Neurofeedback training of EEG brain dynamics
• Brain imaging and cognitive studies on human communication

Publications

1. Masahiro Kawasaki, Yoko Yamaguchi:
   "Effects of subjective preference of colors on attention-related occipital theta oscillations."
   NeuroImage, 59: 808-814 (2011)
2. Keiichi Kitajo, Yumi Nakagwa, Yutaka Uno, Ryohei Miyota, Masanori Shimono, Kentaro Yamanaka, Yoko Yamaguchi:
   "A manipulative approach to neural dynamics by combined TMS-EEG. "
   Advances in Cognitive Neurodynamics (III), in press
3. Florence Kleberg, Keiichi Kitajo, Masahiro Kawasaki, Yoko Yamaguchi:
   "Prestimulus neural oscillations contribute to recollection and familiarity."
   Advances in Cognitive Neurodynamics (III), in press
4. Masahiro Kawasaki, Keiichi Kitajo, Yoko Ymaguchi:
   "Dynamic links between theta executive functions and alpha storage buffers in auditory and visual working memory."
   European Journal of Neuroscience, 31:1683-1689 (2010)
5. Masahiro Kawasaki, Yoko Ymaguchi:
   "Frontal theta for executive function and parietal alpha for storage buffer in visual working memory. Proceedings of the 2nd International conference on Cognitive Neurodynamics, pp.60"
   Advances in Cognitive Neurodynamics (II), 107-110 (2010)