Reconfigurable task-dependent functional coupling modes cluster around a core functional architecture

Abstract

Functional coupling across distributed brain regions varies across task contexts, yet there are stable features. To better understand the range and central tendencies of network configurations, coupling patterns were explored using functionalMRI (fMRI) across 14 distinct continuouslyperformed task states ranging frompassive fixation to increasingly demanding classification tasks. Mean global correlationprofiles across the cortex ranged from0.69 to 0.82 between task states. Network configurations from both passive fixation and classification tasks similarly predicted task coactivation patterns estimated from meta-analysis of the literature. Thus, even across markedly different task states, central tendencies dominate the coupling configurations. Beyond these shared components, distinct task states displayed significant differences in coupling patterns in response to their varied demands. One possibility is that anatomical connectivity provides constraints that act as attractors pulling network configurations towards a limited number of robust states. Reconfigurable coupling modes emerge as significant modifications to a core functional architecture. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.