Friday, April 30, 2010

Auditory short-term memory and the left superior temporal gyrus

Where is the "phonological store"? Ask the typical cognitive neuroscientist on the street and you will probably be pointed to the left inferior parietal lobe. But this is incorrect. First, the idea that there is a dedicated "phonological store" is probably incorrect. Second, the system that supports the temporary maintenance of phonological information isn't in the parietal lobe, but in the superior temporal region, i.e., the same general region that supports phonological processing during speech recognition. These claims have been made on the basis of functional imaging data (e.g., Hickok et al., 2003; Buchsbaum & D'Esposito, 2008). But now there's lesion evidence to back it up.

Leff et al. (2009) studied a whopping 210 stroke patients, testing them on a range of speech tasks and their measure of auditory STM, digit span. Not surprisingly, damage to pretty much the whole left perisylvian cortex correlated with digit span measures (figure below, top row of images). But when the authors factored out processes such as speech production (naming measure) single word speech repetition (auditory word and nonword repetition) and higher-level functions (verbal fluency measure), the remaining correlate of digit span was a relatively small sector of the STG/STS (figure below, bottom row of images). This region was further shown to correlate with auditory (but not visual) sentence comprehension; it did not correlate with auditory word comprehension.


What this shows is that the left STG/STS is critical for auditory STM. What is less clear, though, is how this region relates to systems involved in phonological processing during normal speech recognition. The issue centers on whether short term maintenance of phonological information is achieved by activating the same phonological processing networks that are involved in speech recognition or whether there is a separate "store". The fact that the left STG/STS region identified by Leff et al. did not correlate with auditory word comprehension seems to suggest a separate phonological store. However, this isn't necessarily the case. For example, if phonological maintenance involves only a sub-portion of the phonological recognition network -- e.g., if the recognition system were bilateral as we've argued -- then maintenance and recognition may dissociate, so the non-correlation with auditory word comprehension is not surprising. Why does left but not right STG/STS damage cause STM deficits? Because STM is dependent on connections with the motor speech system, which is strongly left dominant.

What seems more puzzling though for a common network model is the fact that the left STG/STS region correlated with digit span even when nonword repetition was factored out. That is, nonword repetition requires accurate phonemic perception of the stimulus and interface with the motor speech system, which should implicate left phonological processing systems. So how can damage to left STG/STS affect digit span but not nonword repetition? One possibility is that the damage to left STG/STS represents partial damage to the phonological system within the left hemisphere, perhaps specifically involving phonological sub-networks that represent larger phonological chunks or sequences; or maybe it produces just enough damage to affect the more difficult processes while leaving the easier tasks spared.

Generally, this finding provides fairly compelling evidence that the left STG/STS plays a critical role in auditory/phonological STM.

References

Buchsbaum, B.R., and D'Esposito, M. (2008). The search for the phonological store: from loop to convolution. J Cogn Neurosci 20, 762-778.

Hickok, G., Buchsbaum, B., Humphries, C., and Muftuler, T. (2003). Auditory-motor interaction revealed by fMRI: Speech, music, and working memory in area Spt. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience 15, 673-682.

Leff, A., Schofield, T., Crinion, J., Seghier, M., Grogan, A., Green, D., & Price, C. (2009). The left superior temporal gyrus is a shared substrate for auditory short-term memory and speech comprehension: evidence from 210 patients with stroke Brain, 132 (12), 3401-3410 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awp273

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Post-Doctoral Position in Dynamics of Spoken Language Comprehension in Aphasia -- Philadelphia

One post-doctoral position is available in the Language and Cognitive Dynamics Laboratory directed by Dr. Dan Mirman at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI) pending final approval of funding from NIH. The postdoctoral researcher will take a leading role in designing and conducting computational and experimental work on the dynamics of spoken language comprehension in aphasia using behavioral and eye-tracking experiments and computational modeling. Background in PDP modeling is strongly preferred, training in eye tracking and cognitive neuropsychology will be provided.

MRRI is a vibrant collaborative research center focusing on cognitive neuroscience and cognitive rehabilitation with a particular focus on language and aphasia. In addition to primary research with Dr. Mirman, the post provides opportunities to collaborate with Dr. Myrna Schwartz and Dr. Laurel Buxbaum, as well as researchers at University of Pennsylvania and Temple University with opportunities to learn voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping, TMS and tDCS, and functional neuroimaging.

The successful candidate will have a doctorate in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, linguistics, or related field, a strong interest in computational modeling and cognitive neuropsychology, and be interested in developing an independent research career. Send CV, letter describing research interests and goals, and at least 2 letters of recommendation to Dr. Dan Mirman at mirmand@einstein.edu, or

Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute
4th Floor, Sley Building
1200 W. Tabor Rd.
Philadelphia, PA 19141

Post Doc -- Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI–CBS) in Leipzig

The Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI–CBS) in Leipzig and its newly established Max Planck Research Group on “Auditory Cognition”, led by Jonas Obleser, are now offering

Postdoc and PhD positions for up to 3 years, preferably starting by January 2011.

Postdoc applicants: Successful candidates will have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or natural sciences. Prior experience with either fMRI or EEG/MEG methods is expected, and an interest in further applying and combining both domains in their research is highly desirable. The successful candidate will share our enthusiasm in problems of hearing and listening comprehension, and ideally has already demonstrated this by contributing to the field, although researchers with a background in visual or other neuroscience are of course also encouraged to apply. He or she should have a solid methods background; hands-on experience in problems of data and statistical analysis; and the interest to cosupervise the PhD and Master students in the group. The position offered does not include any teaching obligations.

PhD applicants: The candidates must have a master degree (or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, medicine, or a related field. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary. PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the curriculum of the International Max-Planck Research School.

Starting date for all positions is flexible. Salary is dependent on experience and based on MPI stipends or equivalent salary according to German Public service regulations. The research will be conducted at the MPI–CBS in Leipzig, Germany, an internationally leading centre for cognitive and imaging neuroscience equipped with a 7.0 T MRI scanner, three 3.0 T MRI scanners, a 306 channels MEG system, a TMS system and several EEG suites. All facilities are supported by experienced IT and physics staff. Our institute (just 190 km, or 70 minutes by train, south of Berlin) offers a very international environment, with English being the language spoken in the laboratory. It offers a friendly and generous environment of researchers with diverse backgrounds and with an excellent infrastructure.

In order to increase the proportion of female staff members, applications from female scientists are particularly encouraged. Preference will be given to disabled persons with the same qualification.

Applications should be kindly sent to personal@cbs.mpg.de using the code “PD 2/2010” for Postdoc or ”D5/2010” for PhD applications in the subject. Please send your email as a single, appropriately named pdf attachment. It should enclose a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that also specifies your future research interests; a CV; up to three representative reprints; and contact details of 2 personal references. This call remains open until the positions are filled.

For further details please contact Dr Jonas Obleser, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany, obleser@cbs.mpg.de

Monday, April 19, 2010

Call for submissions

Language and Cognitive Processes, jointly with Cognitive Neuroscience of Language, is launching a call for submissions for a special issue on:

Speech Recognition in Adverse Conditions

This special issue is a unique opportunity to promote the development of a unifying thematic framework for understanding the perceptual, cognitive and neuro-physiological mechanisms underpinning speech recognition in adverse conditions. In particular, we seek papers focusing on the recognition of acoustically degraded speech (e.g., speech in noise, “accented” or motor-disordered speech), speech recognition under cognitive load (e.g., divided attention, memory load) and speech recognition by theoretically relevant populations (e.g., children, elderly or non-native listeners). We welcome both cognitive and neuroscientific perspectives on the topic that report strong and original empirical data firmly grounded in theory.

Guest editors: Sven Mattys, Ann Bradlow, Matt Davis, and Sophie Scott.
Submission deadline: 30 November 2010.

Please see URL below for further details:

http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/cfp/PLCPcfp2.pdf

RESEARCH ASSISTANT in LANGUAGE AND SPEECH PROCESSING IN APHASIA -- Brown University

RESEARCH ASSISTANT in LANGUAGE AND SPEECH PROCESSING IN APHASIA

A Research Assistant position is available starting either June 15 or July 1, 2010. The position involves participating in a research program on speech and language processing deficits in aphasia. It includes participating in all facets of research including testing of both normal and brain-injured participants, analyzing data, and developing stimulus materials in a series of experiments using various research methodologies.

The job requirements include at least a B.A. or B.S. degree, some familiarity with psycholinguistics or neurolinguistics, training in experimental methodology and cognitive psychology including research design and statistical analysis, and an ability to work with both normal and brain-injured individuals. Job responsibilities will include working at two laboratory sites: the Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences at Brown University and the Harold Goodglass Aphasia Research Center located at the Boston VA Medical Center.

Visit us online at http://careers.brown.edu, referencing job# F01272, to complete an application, send vita, and a brief statement of research interests. In addition, please send three letters of reference to Prof. Sheila E. Blumstein, Brown University, Department of Cognitive and Linguistic Sciences, Box 1978, Providence, RI 02912. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

Brown University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Friday, April 16, 2010

Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Cognition and Action -- Moss Rehab, Philadelphia, PA

An NIH-funded post-doctoral position is available in the Cognition and Action Laboratory directed by Dr. Laurel Buxbaum at Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (MRRI). The postdoctoral fellow will take a lead role in designing and conducting experimental work in the domain of embodied cognition, focusing on the relationships between action representations and object representations using behavioral, eye-tracking, and TMS experiments with stroke, corticobasal degeneration, and healthy populations.

MRRI is a vibrant collaborative research community focusing on cognitive neuroscience and cognitive rehabilitation. In addition to primary research with Dr. Buxbaum, the post provides opportunities to collaborate with Drs. Myrna Schwartz, Steve Jax, and Dan Mirman, as well as researchers at University of Pennsylvania including Dr. Branch Coslett. Training will be provided in voxel based lesion-symptom mapping, TMS and tDCS, and functional neuroimaging.

The successful candidate will have a doctorate in cognitive psychology, cognitive science, cognitive neuroscience, or related field, a strong interest in cognitive neuropsychology, and be interested in developing an independent research career. Send CV, letter describing research interests and goals, and at least 2 letters of recommendation to Dr. Laurel Buxbaum at lbuxbaum@einstein.edu.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Post docs: Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences

The Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences (MPI–CBS) in Leipzig and its newly established Max Planck Research Group on “Auditory Cognition”, led by Jonas Obleser, are now offering

Postdoc and PhD positions for up to 3 years, preferably starting by January 2011.

Postdoc applicants: Successful candidates will have a PhD in cognitive neuroscience, psychology, or natural sciences. Prior experience with either fMRI or EEG/MEG methods is expected, and an interest in further applying and combining both domains in their research is highly desirable. The successful candidate will share our enthusiasm in problems of hearing and listening comprehension, and ideally has already demonstrated this by contributing to the field, although researchers with a background in visual or other neuroscience are of course also encouraged to apply. He or she should have a solid methods background; hands-on experience in problems of data and statistical analysis, and should be willing to co-supervise the PhD and Master students in the group. The position offered does not include any teaching obligations.

PhD applicants: The candidates must have a master degree (or equivalent) in psychology, cognitive sciences, neuroscience, medicine, or a related field. Proficiency in oral and written English is necessary. PhD students will have the opportunity to participate in the curriculum of the International Max-Planck Research School.

Starting date for all positions is flexible. Salary is dependent on experience and based on MPI stipends or equivalent salary according to German Public service regulations.

The research will be conducted at the MPI–CBS in Leipzig, Germany, an internationally leading centre for cognitive and imaging neuroscience equipped with a 7.0 T MRI scanner, three 3.0 T MRI scanners, a 306 channels MEG system, a TMS system and several EEG suites. All facilities are supported by experienced IT and physics staff. Our institute (just 190 km, or 70 minutes by train, south of Berlin) offers a very international environment, with English being the language spoken in the laboratory. It offers a friendly and generous environment of researchers with diverse backgrounds and with an excellent infrastructure.

In order to increase the proportion of female staff members, applications from female scientists are particularly encouraged. Preference will be given to disabled persons with the same qualification.

Applications should be sent to the email below as a single, appropriately named pdf attachment and should enclose a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that also specifies your future research interests; a CV; up to three representative reprints; and contact details of 2 personal references. This call remains open until the positions are filled.
The application should be kindly sent to personal@cbs.mpg.de using the code “PD 2/2010” for Postdoc or ”D5/2010” for PhD applications in the subject.


For further details please contact Dr Jonas Obleser, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany, Obleser [at] cbs [dot] mpg [dot] de

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Northwestern University; Two Post-Doctoral Fellow Positions

Applications are invited for post-doctoral research fellows in the area of neurolinguistics to study normal and disordered language processing and to chart recovery patterns in aphasia (both behavioral and neural). Studies involve functional neuroimaging, auditory evoked potentials, eyetracking and other psycholinguistic research methods. Funding for the positions is part of a large-scale NIH supported project. Strong background in language research and Ph.D. in cognitive science, communication sciences and disorders, linguistics, psychology, or related field required; experience with fMRI, EEG, and/or eyetracking desirable.

Positions are for 2 to 3 years, with potential for advancing to Research Associate. For more information see Aphasia and Neurolinguistics Research Laboratory website: www.communication.northwestern.edu/csd/research/aphasia/.

Applications accepted until May 15, 2010. Send CV, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to Cynthia Thompson, via Mary Cosic m-cosic@northwestern.edu.

Start date from August to December 2010.

Recognizing facial expressions without the capacity to produce them -- Moebius Syndrome

Former TB West grad student, now Rotman Institute faculty member Brad Buchsbaum, pointed me to this interesting NY Times article on Moebius Syndrome, a congenital disorder that causes facial paralysis. Much of the article focuses on the social impact of the inability to express emotions on the face. Of particular interest here however, is the reference in the article to a new study by Kathleen Rivas Bogart and David Matsumoto on the recognition of emotional facial expression by people with Moebius syndrome. These authors report no difference between individuals with Moebius syndrome and controls in the ability to recognize emotional facial expressions. This reinforces what we've been saying here for a long time now, that in contrast to the central claim of mirror neuron theorists, you don't need to be capable of generating an action to recognize/understand that action in others.

Post Doc - University of Queensland

The University of Queensland is currently inviting applications for postdoctoral research fellowships. I would be happy to support an application in the field of language production or comprehension with a neuroimaging component.

http://www.uq.edu.au/research/rid/grants-internal-postdoc

Contact:

Dr Greig de Zubicaray | ARC Future Fellow | Functional Imaging Laboratory
School of Psychology | University of Queensland | Brisbane, QLD 4072 | AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61-7-3365-6802 (direct) | +61-7-3365-6230 (office) | Fax: +61-7-3365-4466
Email: greig.dezubicaray@uq.edu.au | Web: http://www.fmrilab.net/
CRICOS Provider Number 00025B

Monday, April 12, 2010

Research Technical Assistant Position - Tufts/MGH

Research Technical Assistant Position
START DATE: Any time from now until Summer 2010

DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a full time Research technician to assist with research based at the Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. Our lab is interested in where and when the brain is activated during language processing in healthy individuals and in patients with schizophrenia. For more information about, see:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/kuperberglab/

The responsibilities are varied and involve all aspects of researchprojects, ranging from neuroimaging (fMRI) and electrophysiology data acquisition to administrative and lab coordination responsibilities.

In addition to the intellectual reward, the position would give the holder experience of research in experimental psychology, clinical applications and cognitive neuroscience. This is an ideal research opportunity for someone bound for Graduate School or a position in Cognitive Neuroscience, Systems Neuroscience, or Biomedical Engineering.

REQUIREMENTS: (1) B.Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Biomedical Engineering, Computer science, Experimental Psychology, or a closely related field. (2) Some programming proficiency: candidates should have excellent computer skills, ideally some familiarity with UNIX/LINUX operating systems and/or SPM, as well as statistical and analytic software (MATLAB, SPSS, etc).
(3) Advanced skills with programs such as excel, powerpoint, photoshop. (4) Must be self-motivated, resourceful, very organized, be able to multi-task, prioritize, be a team player and have strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills. (5) A two-year time commitment is requested.

OTHER: Salary will be based on qualifications and experience. The Massachusetts General Hospital is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. Full-time employees receive full benefits.

CONTACT: Please send (1) a curriculum vitae with description of research experience (2) a cover letter with statement of goals and interests to: Gina Kuperberg, M.D., Ph.D. by e-mail:
kuperberg_research_position@nmr.mgh.harvard.edu or FAX: 617 812 4799

Postdoc: Northwestern

Postdoc (any levels) and Research Assistant positions are available in the laboratory of Patrick Wong at Northwestern University. We welcome individuals from a broad array of background relevant to speech processing, language learning, and auditory neuroscience to apply. Candidates with experience in basic and clinical research across the lifespan as well as animal research, basic neurophysiology, and molecular neurobiology are all highly desirable. We are particularly interested in broad thinkers with good quantitative skills to join our team. The positions are open until filled. The Chicago area offers world-class metropolitan, suburban, and rural living possibilities within a 30-mile radius for individuals of diverse backgrounds and interests. For inquiry and application, candidates should email CV to Patrick Wong (pwong@northwestern.edu). Visit http://cns.northwestern.edu for more information about our work.