Research Assistant Professor

Gui Xue (Ph.D)

I have been mainly conducting five lines of research, including (1) Neural correlates of decision making under risk; (2)the neural substrates of Visual word form learning; (3) cognitive control over learning, memory and language; (4) language processing and bilingualism; (5)the neural predictors of individual differences in learning. Please click the link to read detailed description.

 

Neural correlates of decision making under risk

This project to under how normal people and patients with frontal lobe lesion make decision under risk. In one study, we have been collaborating with several investigators at UCLA, UC Irvine, USC and Beijing Normal University (BNU) in China to examine the genetic basis of risk behavioral and risk decision making. In another study, we are scanning normal subjects and patients using the IOWA gambling task and Cups Task.

Selected papers:

Xue G, Lu ZL, Levin IP, Weller, JA, Li X, Bechara A. 2008. Functional Dissociations of Risk and Reward Processing in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Cerebral Cortex. [PDF]

 

The neural substrates of Visual word form learning

This project seeks to provide a better understanding on the cognitive and neural mechanisms of Visual word form area (VWFA). We have been using fMRI and a novel artificial language training paradigm to train subjects to reading an logographic artificial language (LAL). Our data on both native Chinese and English speakers suggest that the VWFA is not sensitive to word form and doesn’t increase its sensitivity to visual word form with increased visual expertise. On the contrary,  all aspects of language experiences (visual familiarity, phonology and semantic) play differential role in modulating VWFA activation.

Selected papers:

Xue G, Poldrack RA. 2007.  The neural substrates of orthographic learning: implication for the VWFA hypothesis. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience,  19(10):1643-1655. [PDF]

Xue G, Jiang T, Chen C, Dong Q. 2008. Language experience shapes early electrophysiological responses to visual stimuli: The effects of writing system, stimulus length, and presentation duration. Neuroimage. 39(4): 2025-2037. [PDF]

Xue G, Chen C, Zhen J, Dong Q. 2006. Language experience shapes fusiform activation in processing a logographic artificial language: an fMRI Training Study. Neuroimage, 31(3), 1315-1326. [PDF]

 

Cognitive control over learning, memory and language

This project to study how the brain (particularly the prefrontal cortex) implements cognitive control (e.g., Inhibition, switch and reversal)  over action and thoughts, as well as language.

Selected papers:

Xue G, Ghahremani D, Poldrack, RA. 2008. Neural substrates for reversing stimulus-outcome and stimulus-response associations. Journal of Neuroscience. 28(44):11196-204. [PDF]

Xue G, Aron A, Poldrack RA. 2008. Common neural substrates for inhibition of spoken and manual responses. Cerebra Cortex. [PDF]

Wang Y, Xue G, Chen C, Xue F, Dong Q. 2007. Neural bases of asymmetric language switching in second-language learners: an ER-fMRI study. Neuroimage. 35(2): 862-870. [PDF]

 

Language processing and bilingualism

This project is to understand the neural architecture of language. We are particularly interested in Chinese language and Chinese-English bilinguals.

Selected papers:

Xue G, Dong Q, Zhen J, Chen C. 2004. Mapping of Verbal Working Memory in Non-Fluent Chinese-English Bilinguals with Functional MRI. NeuroImage 22: 1-10 [PDF]

Xue G, Dong Q, Chen K, Jin Z, Chen C, Zeng YW, Reiman ME. 2005. Cerebral Asymmetry in reading Chinese characters: A Voxel-Wise Analysis. Cognitive Brain Research, 24: 206-14 [PDF]

 

The neural predictors of individual differences in learning

This project is to better understand the neural basis of individual differences in learning. In one study, we have found that there exist some relative stable individual differences in the neural activation pattern when processing a new material, and this pattern can reliably predict individual differences in learning that material. These studies could potentially contribute to the early diagnosis and intervention of learning difficulties.

Selected papers:

Xue G, Chen C, Zhen J, Dong Q. 2006. Inter-hemispheric neural resource recruitment in fusiform area predicted the efficiency of learning a New Writing. Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, 18: 923-931. [PDF]

Chen C, Xue G, Dong Q, Zhen J, Li T, Xue F, Zhao L, Guo Y. 2007. Sex determines the neurofunctional predictors of language learning efficiency. Neuropsychologia, 45(4):741-7. [PDF]

Projects