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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
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image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Causal evidence for dorsal stream involvement in object shape recognition: A tractography-guided ccPAS study

Authors: Bertacco, Elena; Mazzi, Chiara; Bagattini, Chiara;

Causal evidence for dorsal stream involvement in object shape recognition: A tractography-guided ccPAS study

Abstract

Visual experience requires orchestration of intricate brain connections. One of the most influential models of human visual information processing posits two segregated streams and postulates that conscious object recognition relies exclusively on the ventral visual stream. However, recent evidence suggests that the dorsal stream is involved in encoding crucial attributes of visual object recognition, such as global shape. The specific role of the dorsal stream is controversial in this context. Through an individualized multimodal approach, we investigated the contribution of the dorsal pathway to object recognition. Combining MRI-based diffusion-weighted imaging tractography with cortico-cortical paired associative stimulation protocol (ccPAS), we causally manipulated V1-to-IPS dorsal stream connectivity by strengthening synaptic efficacy between targeted regions through Hebbian-like plasticity mechanisms. Thirty-two healthy participants underwent three tractography-guided ccPAS sessions targeting right V1-to-IPS connectivity with different interstimulus intervals (9 ms, 0 ms, 30 ms). Before and after each session, participants performed a two-alternative forced-choice task requiring discrimination of either global shape or local features. Results showed that the critical 9ms V1-to-IPS ccPAS protocol improved global shape discrimination, as indexed by accuracy and d′, relative to the 0ms control condition, with no effect on reaction times or response bias. Although task specificity was not fully supported, exploratory analyses revealed no changes in local feature discrimination. These findings provide causal evidence that strengthening dorsal V1-to-IPS connectivity enhances global shape processing, supporting a direct contribution of the dorsal stream to object recognition and potentially guiding the development of targeted rehabilitative interventions after visual system damage.

Keywords

Global Shape, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI), Connectivity, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Dorsal Visual Pathway

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green