Sent on behalf of Marcelo L. Berthier and Matthew A. Lambon Ralph

Dear colleagues

As host editors of an innovative open access journal, Frontiers in
Human Neuroscience, we are currently organizing a Special Topic
centered around “Dissecting the function of networks underpinning
language repetition”. We would be thrilled if you submitted an article
to this Special Topic. A Frontiers’ Special Topic features the latest
advances and challenges in hot research areas and attempts to unify
the best researchers. It is a collection of at least ten articles,
which may be comprised of any one of Frontiers’ article types.

The proposed structure of this Special Topic is provided below and we
would be happy to hear your suggestions.

Hosting Journal: Frontiers in Human Neuroscience

Topic Title: Dissecting the function of networks underpinning language
repetition

Host Editor(s): Marcelo L. Berthier, Matthew A. Lambon Ralph

Topic description

In the 19th century ground-breaking observations on aphasia by Broca
and Wernicke suggested that language function depends on the activity
of the cerebral cortex. At the same time, Wernicke and Lichtheim also
elaborated the first large-scale network model of language which
incorporated long-range and short-range (transcortical connections)
white matter pathways in language processing. The arcuate fasciculus
(dorsal stream) was traditionally viewed as the major language pathway
for repetition, but scientists also envisioned that white matter
tracts travelling through the insular cortex (ventral stream) and
transcortical connections may take part in language processing. Modern
cognitive neuroscience has provided tools, including neuroimaging,
which allow the in vivo examination of short- and long-distance white
matter pathways binding cortical areas essential for language.
However, the state of the art on the neural correlates of language
repetition reveals contradictory findings, with some researchers
defending the role of the dorsal and ventral streams, whereas others
argue that only cortical hubs (Sylvian parieto-temporal cortex [Spt])
are crucially relevant.

An integrative approach would conceive that the interaction between
these structures is essential for verbal repetition. For instance,
different sectors of the cerebral cortex (e.g., Spt, inferior frontal
gyrus/anterior insula) act as hubs dedicated to short-term storage of
verbal information or articulatory planning and these areas in turn
interact through forward and backward white matter projections.
Importantly, white matter pathways should not be considered mere
cable-like connections as changes in their microstructural properties
correlate with focal cortical activity during language processing
tasks.

Despite considerable progress, many outstanding questions await
response. Therefore, this topic welcomes contributors addressing the
following questions (1) how white matter pathways instantiate
dialogues between different cortical language areas; (2) what are the
specific roles of different white matter pathways in language
functions in normal and pathological conditions; (3) what are the
language consequences of discrete damage to branches of the dorsal and
ventral streams; 4) what are the consequences (e.g., release from
inhibition) of damage to the left white matter pathways in
contralateral ones and viceversa; (5) how these pathways are
reorganised after brain injury; (5) can the involvement/sparing of
white matter pathways be used in outcome prediction and treatment
response; and (5) can the microstructure of white matter pathways be
remodelled with intensive rehabilitation training or biological
approaches. It is anticipated that the articles in this Research Topic
will enhance the understanding of the neural organization of language
repetition providing clues on therapeutic interventions of brain
damaged individuals.

Submission of original data is desirable, but we also encourage
mini-reviews and perspective papers which offer provocative and
insightful interpretations of the recent literature in the field.

Abstract Submission Deadline: November 1, 2012

Researchers can participate by submitting a max. 1 page
abstract/outline of work related to the focus of the research topic,
through the Frontiers submission system, on or before the abstract
submission deadline. Authors will be notified by the host editors
whether their abstract has been accepted or rejected.

Article Submission Deadline: May 1, 2013

You may find submit abstracts and find more information by clicking on
this link: 
http://www.frontiersin.org/Human_Neuroscience/researchtopics/Dissecting_the_function_of_net/1078

We look forward to hearing from you

Sincerely yours,


Marcelo L. Berthier
Matthew A. Lambon Ralph

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