Title
Criticality as a Determinant of Integrated Information Φ in Human Brain Networks.
Abstract
Integrated information theory (IIT) describes consciousness as information integrated across highly differentiated but irreducible constituent parts in a system. However, in a complex dynamic system such as the brain, the optimal conditions for large integrated information systems have not been elucidated. In this study, we hypothesized that network criticality, a balanced state between a large variation in functional network configuration and a large constraint on structural network configuration, may be the basis of the emergence of a large Phi, a surrogate of integrated information. We also hypothesized that as consciousness diminishes, the brain loses network criticality and Phi decreases. We tested these hypotheses with a large-scale brain network model and high-density electroencephalography (EEG) acquired during various levels of human consciousness under general anesthesia. In the modeling study, maximal criticality coincided with maximal Phi. The EEG study demonstrated an explicit relationship between Phi, criticality, and level of consciousness. The conscious resting state showed the largest Phi and criticality, whereas the balance between variation and constraint in the brain network broke down as the response rate dwindled. The results suggest network criticality as a necessary condition of a large Phi in the human brain.
Year
DOI
Venue
2019
10.3390/e21100981
ENTROPY
Keywords
Field
DocType
criticality,integrated information,human consciousness,brain network
Information system,Topology,Level of consciousness,Mathematical optimization,Resting state fMRI,Consciousness,Human brain,Criticality,Integrated information theory,Electroencephalography,Mathematics
Journal
Volume
Issue
Citations 
21
10
0
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.34
0
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Hyoungkyu Kim100.34
UnCheol Lee2192.30