Scale-free dynamics in the core-periphery topography and task alignment decline from conscious to unconscious states

• DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04879-y
• Publication Date: 2023-05-10T11:02:17Z
• Authors: Philipp Klar; Yasir Çatal; Robert Langner; Zirui Huang; Georg Northoff
• Keywords: Dynamics

Abstract Scale-free physiological processes are ubiquitous in the human organism. Resting-state functional MRI studies observed loss of scale-free dynamics under anesthesia. In contrast, modulation during task-related activity remains an open question. We investigate cerebral cortex’s unimodal periphery and transmodal core topography rest task states three conscious levels (awake, sedation, anesthesia) complemented by computational modelling (Stuart-Landau model). The empirical findings demonstrate that brain’s intrinsic core-periphery anesthesia, where pink noise transforms into white noise, disrupts neuronal alignment with task’s temporal structure. model shows stimuli’s dynamics, namely distinguishes from brown also modulate activity. Together, we provide evidence for two mechanisms consciousness, temporo-spatial nestedness alignment, suggested Temporo-Spatial Theory Consciousness (TTC).