Inverse relationship between nodal strength and nodal power: Insights from separate resting fMRI and EEG datasets

Background

Regional neural response and network properties have traditionally been studied separately. However, growing evidence suggests a close interplay between regional activity and inter-regional connectivity. This study aimed to examine the relationship between global functional connectivity and regional spontaneous activity, termed the global-to-local relationship.

New method

Resting-state fMRI data were parcellated using MOSI (modular analysis and similarity measurements), enabling multi-resolution functional partitioning. For each parcellated cluster, the mean amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (node power) and its average functional connectivity with the remaining cortex (node strength) were computed. Correlation analyses assessed their relationship. A supplementary analysis was conducted on EEG data (1–30 Hz).

Results

A significant negative correlation between node strength and regional power was observed in MRI datasets. One-sample t-tests confirmed robustness across different MOSI resolutions, with individual P values at the level 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵. The negative relationship was also found in EEG data but was restricted to delta (1–4 Hz) and theta (4–8 Hz) bands.

Comparison with existing methods

This study introduces two key novel aspects. First, it applies MOSI to the entire cortex, enhancing the comprehensiveness of network analysis. Second, it examines the global influence on regional neural activity, rather than limiting the focus to a specific network.

Conclusions

A robust negative relationship between node strength and node power was consistently observed across both MRI and EEG datasets, particularly in lower frequency bands (up to 8 Hz). These findings suggest a framework for investigating how global connectivity shapes regional neural activity, with inhibitory coupling as a potential underlying mechanism.