Frequency-Dependent Cortical Interactions during Semantic Processing: An Electrocorticogram Cross-spectrum Analysis...

Convergent evidence has demonstrated that semantics are represented by the interaction between a multimodal semantic hub at the anterior temporal lobe (ATL) and other modality-specific association cortical areas. Electrocorticogram (ECoG) recording with high spatiotemporal resolutions is efficient in evaluating such cortical interactions; however, this has not been a focus of preceding studies. The present study evaluated cortical interactions during picture naming using a novel ECoG cross-spectrum analysis, which was formulated from a computational simulation of neuronal networks and combined with a vector space model of semantics. The results clarified three types of frequency-dependent cortical networks: 1) an earlier-period (0.2-0.8 s from stimulus onset) high-gamma-band (90-150 Hz) network with a hub at the posterior fusiform gyrus, 2) a later-period (0.4-1.0 s) beta-band (15-40 Hz) network with multiple hubs at the ventral ATL and posterior middle temporal gyrus, and 3) a pre-articulation theta-band (4-7 Hz) network distributed over widely located cortical regions. These results suggest that frequency-dependent cortical interactions can characterize the underlying processes of semantic cognition, and the beta-band network with a hub at the ventral ATL is especially associated with the formation of semantic representation.