Cited by 235Functional Brain Connectivity StudiesNeural dynamics and brain functionComplex Network Analysis Techniques

Network analysis of resting state EEG in the developing young brain: structure comes with maturation

Open access
Boersma, Maria, Smit, Dirk J.A., de Bie, Henrica M.A., Van Baal, G. Caroline M., Boomsma, Dorret I., de Geus, Eco J.C., Delemarre‐van de Waal, Henriette A., Stam, Cornelis J.·2011·Human Brain Mapping

Abstract

During childhood, brain structure and function changes substantially. Recently, graph theory has been introduced to model connectivity in the brain. Small‐world networks, such as the brain, combine optimal properties of both ordered and random networks, i.e., high clustering and short path lengths. We used graph theoretical concepts to examine changes in functional brain networks during normal development in young children. Resting‐state eyes‐closed electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded (14 channels) from 227 children twice at 5 and 7 years of age. Synchronization likelihood (SL) was calculated in three different frequency bands and between each pair of electrodes to obtain SL‐weighted graphs. Mean normalized clustering index, average path length and weight dispersion were calculated to characterize network organization. Repeated measures analysis of variance tested for time and gender effects. For all frequency bands mean SL decreased from 5 to 7 years. Clustering coefficient increased in the alpha band. Path length increased in all frequency bands. Mean normalized weight dispersion decreased in beta band. Girls showed higher synchronization for all frequency bands and a higher mean clustering in alpha and beta bands. The overall decrease in functional connectivity (SL) might reflect pruning of unused synapses and preservation of strong connections resulting in more cost‐effective networks. Accordingly, we found increases in average clustering and path length and decreased weight dispersion indicating that normal brain maturation is characterized by a shift from random to more organized small‐world functional networks. This developmental process is influenced by gender differences early in development. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1002/hbm.21030

Cites

69 of 69 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Claims the paper makes

The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.

Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.

A few free checks a day · papers already verified open instantly · results are public

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • From roughly 5 years of age until adulthood, theta, alpha, and beta oscillation networks exhibit concurrent increases in clustering coefficient and strength of long-range anterior-posterior and interhemispheric connections.

    “From roughly 5 years of age until adulthood, theta (~4Hz), alpha (~10Hz), and beta (~20Hz) oscillation networks exhibit concurrent increases in clustering coefficient (Boersma et al., 2011; Smit et al., 2012) and strength of long-range anterior-posterior and interhemispheric connections (Barry et al., 2004; Miskovic et al., 2015; Smit et al., 2012; Srinivasan, 1999).”
  • Two reports found path length increases with age, while more recent work demonstrates age-related reductions.

    “Somewhat unexpectedly, two reports found path length to also increase with age (Boersma et al., 2011; Smit et al., 2012), although more recent work demonstrates age-related reductions (Miskovic et al., 2015).”
  • Network structure becomes increasingly non-random across this timespan.

    “There is also consensus that network structure becomes increasingly non-random across this timespan (Boersma et al., 2011; Miskovic et al., 2015; Smit et al., 2012).”

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

The self-check needs the paper’s full text.

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Boersma, M., Smit, D. J. A., de Bie, H. M. A., Van Baal, G. C. M., Boomsma, D. I., de Geus, E. J. C., Delemarre‐van de Waal, H. A., & Stam, C. J.
Affiliations
  • Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
  • Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (NL)
Venue
Human Brain Mapping
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2011-02-14
Volume
32
Issue
3
Pages
413-425
ISSN
  • 1065-9471 (ISSN-L)
  • 1097-0193
OpenAlex
W2147318465
Cited by
235
References
68
Citations by year
2026: 6 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 17 · 2022: 18 · 2021: 14 · 2020: 5 · 2019: 20 · 2018: 18 · 2017: 23 · 2016: 16 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 23 · 2013: 14 · 2012: 12
FWCI
7.54
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Human Brain Mapping (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Amsterdam UMC (VU Amsterdam) - Institutional Repository (publishedVersion)
  • VU Research Portal (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Leiden Repository (Leiden University) (submittedVersion)
  • Digital Academic REpository of VU University Amsterdam (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Functional Brain Connectivity Studies
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Neural dynamics and brain function
  • Physical Sciences › Physics and Astronomy › Statistical and Nonlinear Physics › Complex Network Analysis Techniques
Keywords
resting-state EEG, functional brain networks, brain maturation, child development, small-world networks, synchronization likelihood, graph theory, clustering coefficient, path length, gender differences, synaptic pruning, alpha band, beta band
MeSH terms
Analysis of Variance, Brain, Brain Mapping, Child, Child, Preschool, Cortical Synchronization, Electroencephalography, Female, Humans, Longitudinal Studies, Male, Nerve Net, Neural Pathways, Rest, Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted, Spectrum Analysis, Twins, Twin Studies as Topic, Brain Waves

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review