The gradual subjective consciousness fluctuation in implicit sequence learning and its relevant brain activity

Area of Science:

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Implicit Learning

Background:

• Implicit learning research has explored subjective consciousnesses like guess, intuition, fluency, rule, and memory.
• However, the underlying brain mechanisms and fluctuations of these states remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the brain mechanisms of five gradual subjective consciousnesses (guess, intuition, fluency, rule, memory) during implicit sequence learning.
• To examine the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) correlates of these consciousness states and their fluctuations.

Main Methods:

• Participants underwent implicit sequence learning and reported subjective consciousness levels in each trial.
• Eyes-closed and eyes-opened resting-state fMRI were employed to analyze brain activity.
• Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFFs) and their differences were calculated.

Main Results:

• Distinct resting-state brain areas were identified for each consciousness level, showing shifts from motor to visual and cognitive networks as consciousness increased.
• Significant gradual subjective consciousness fluctuations (mean and standard deviation) were observed, linked to specific brain regions.
• ALFFs in both resting states and their differences could predict consciousness levels and fluctuations, highlighting the utility of ALFFs-difference as a quantitative index.

Conclusions:

• Resting-state fMRI successfully identified brain mechanisms underlying gradual subjective consciousness in implicit learning.
• Consciousness fluctuations are associated with specific neural substrates, requiring further investigation.
• The combination of eyes-closed and eyes-opened resting states, along with ALFFs-difference, provides a comprehensive approach to quantifying consciousness.