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Diffusion Connectometry and Graph Theory Reveal Structural “Sweet Spot” for Language Performance

Williamson, Brady
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1511795647650778

Abstract Details

2017, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Psychology.
The pediatric language network undergoes dynamic developmental organization. Few studies have investigated the structural connections supporting language in typical development. The current study aims to characterize structural connectivity of the pediatric language network and how it relates to performance, using cutting-edge diffusion connectometry and graph theoretical analyses. Data from 99 children (3-18 years) were used in this study. Diffusion imaging consisted of high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) data ( 45 directions, b = 3000 s/mm2), collected at 3T. Diffusion connectometry was used to study the relation between white matter integrity and language performance. Network integration and segregation were identified using global efficiency and transitivity, respectively. Connectivity was analyzed using Network Based Statistics (Zalesky, Fornito, & Bullmore, 2010) analyses to identify significant connections related to language performance. All graph analyses and subsequent regressions were performed using GraphVar (Kruschwitz, List, Waller, Rubinov, & Walter, 2015), which allows nonparametric regression analyses for graph theoretical measures and NBS. Connectometry revealed widespread positive correlations of white matter integrity with language performance while controlling for age in the youngest age group. In 8-12 year olds, there were fewer positive relationships of performance and a negative relationship with connectivity of the splenium, left cingulum, and right IFOF. In the oldest group, there were no positive correlations with performance but there was a negative correlation in the left external capsule. Graph theoretical and NBS analyses revealed an inverted U-shape development of the language network associated with age where there is left frontal focalization in the youngest group, then left frontal pruning and increasing involvement of interhemispheric connections in the middle and oldest groups. Results suggest two key findings: 1) the structural language network continues to be refined throughout childhood and adolescence and 2) both hyper- and hypo- connectivity can be detrimental, indicating that there is a developmental “sweet spot” for optimal performance.
Michael Riley, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Darren Kadis, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Paula Shear, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
48 p.
Psychology
Psychology; Language; Connectome; Diffusion Imaging; Graph Theory

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Citations

  • Williamson, B. (2017). Diffusion Connectometry and Graph Theory Reveal Structural “Sweet Spot” for Language Performance [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1511795647650778

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Williamson, Brady. Diffusion Connectometry and Graph Theory Reveal Structural “Sweet Spot” for Language Performance. 2017. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1511795647650778.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Williamson, Brady. "Diffusion Connectometry and Graph Theory Reveal Structural “Sweet Spot” for Language Performance." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1511795647650778

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1511795647650778
338
© 2017, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.