A language model of problem solving in humans and macaque monkeys.

Human intelligence is characterized by the remarkable ability to solve complex problems by planning a sequence of actions that takes us from an initial state to a desired goal state. Quantifying and comparing problem-solving capabilities across species and finding their evolutionary roots are critical for understanding how the brain carries out this intricate process. We introduce the Language of Problem Solving (LoPS) model as a novel quantitative framework that investigates the structure of problem-solving behavior through a language model.

The interindividual variability of multimodal brain connectivity maintains spatial heterogeneity and relates to tissue microstructure.

Humans differ from each other in a wide range of biometrics, but to what extent brain connectivity varies between individuals remains largely unknown. By combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG), this study characterizes the inter-subject variability (ISV) of multimodal brain connectivity. Structural connectivity is characterized by higher ISV in association cortices including the core multiple-demand network and lower ISV in the sensorimotor cortex.

Functional localization and categorization of intentional decisions in humans: A meta-analysis of brain imaging studies.

Brain-imaging research on intentional decision-making often employs a "free-choice" paradigm, in which participants choose among options with identical values or outcomes. Although the medial prefrontal cortex has commonly been associated with choices, there is no consensus on the wider network that underlies diverse intentional decisions and behaviours. Our systematic literature search identified 35 fMRI/PET experiments using various free-choice paradigms, with appropriate control conditions using external instructions.

"No Pain No Gain": Evidence from a Parcel-Wise Brain Morphometry Study on the Volitional Quality of Elite Athletes.

Volition is described as a psychological construct with great emphasis on the sense of agency. During volitional behavior, an individual always presents a volitional quality, an intrapersonal trait for dealing with adverse circumstances, which determines the individual's persistence of action toward their intentions or goals. Elite athletes are a group of experts with superior volitional quality and, thereby, could be regarded as the natural subject pool to investigate this mental trait.