Open AccessHierarchical functional modularity in the resting‐state human brain
Author(s) -
Ferrarini Luca,
Veer Ilya M.,
Baerends Evelinda,
van Tol MarieJosé,
Renken Remco J.,
van der Wee Nic J.A.,
Veltman Dirk. J.,
Aleman André,
Zitman Frans G.,
Penninx Brenda W.J.H.,
van Buchem Mark A.,
Reiber Johan H.C.,
Rombouts Serge A.R.B.,
Milles Julien
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
human brain mapping
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.005
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1097-0193
pISSN - 1065-9471
DOI - 10.1002/hbm.20663
Subject(s) - modularity (biology) , resting state fmri , functional connectivity , hum , functional magnetic resonance imaging , neuroscience , human brain , property (philosophy) , computer science , hierarchical clustering , psychology , cluster analysis , artificial intelligence , topology (electrical circuits) , cognitive science , biology , mathematics , evolutionary biology , art , philosophy , epistemology , combinatorics , performance art , art history
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies have shown that anatomically distinct brain regions are functionally connected during the resting state. Basic topological properties in the brain functional connectivity (BFC) map have highlighted the BFC's small‐world topology. Modularity, a more advanced topological property, has been hypothesized to be evolutionary advantageous, contributing to adaptive aspects of anatomical and functional brain connectivity. However, current definitions of modularity for complex networks focus on nonoverlapping clusters, and are seriously limited by disregarding inclusive relationships. Therefore, BFC's modularity has been mainly qualitatively investigated. Here, we introduce a new definition of modularity, based on a recently improved clustering measurement, which overcomes limitations of previous definitions, and apply it to the study of BFC in resting state fMRI of 53 healthy subjects. Results show hierarchical functional modularity in the brain. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.