An integrative framework of the cutaneous neural encoding of touch, pain, cold, and heat sensations: Mechanoreceptors activity patterns versus “labeled lines”

AbstractThe orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) has been proposed to encode expected outcomes, which is thought to be important for outcome-directed behavior. However, such neural encoding can also often be explained by the recall of information about the recent past. To dissociate the retrospective and prospective aspects of encoding in the OFC, we designed a non-spatial, continuous, alternating odor-sequence task that mimicked a continuous T-maze. The task consisted of two alternating sequences of four odor-guided trials (2 sequences × 4 positions). In each trial, rats were asked to make a “go” or “no-go” action based on a fixed odor-reward contingency. Odors at both the first and last positions were distinct across the two sequences, such that they resembled unique paths in the past and future, respectively; odors at positions in between were the same and thus resembled a common path. We trained classifiers using neural activity to distinguish between either sequences or positions and asked whether the neural activity patterns in the common path were more like the ones in the past or the future. We found a proximal prospective code for sequence information as well as a distal prospective code for positional information, the latter of which was closely associated with rats’ ability to predict future outcomes. This study demonstrates a prospective behaviorally-relevant predictive code in rat OFC.

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Assessment of optogenetically-driven strategies for prosthetic restoration of cortical vision in large-scale neural simulation of V1

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-88960-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jan Antolik ◽

Quentin Sabatier ◽

Charlie Galle ◽

Yves Frégnac ◽

Ryad Benosman

Keyword(s):

Large Scale ◽

Spatial Configuration ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Neural Encoding ◽

External Stimulation ◽

Light Pattern ◽

Cortical Level ◽

Model Combining ◽

Strong Candidate ◽

Functional Relevance

AbstractThe neural encoding of visual features in primary visual cortex (V1) is well understood, with strong correlates to low-level perception, making V1 a strong candidate for vision restoration through neuroprosthetics. However, the functional relevance of neural dynamics evoked through external stimulation directly imposed at the cortical level is poorly understood. Furthermore, protocols for designing cortical stimulation patterns that would induce a naturalistic perception of the encoded stimuli have not yet been established. Here, we demonstrate a proof of concept by solving these issues through a computational model, combining (1) a large-scale spiking neural network model of cat V1 and (2) a virtual prosthetic system transcoding the visual input into tailored light-stimulation patterns which drive in situ the optogenetically modified cortical tissue. Using such virtual experiments, we design a protocol for translating simple Fourier contrasted stimuli (gratings) into activation patterns of the optogenetic matrix stimulator. We then quantify the relationship between spatial configuration of the imposed light pattern and the induced cortical activity. Our simulations in the absence of visual drive (simulated blindness) show that optogenetic stimulation with a spatial resolution as low as 100 $$\upmu$$ μ m, and light intensity as weak as $$10^{16}$$ 10 16 photons/s/cm$$^2$$ 2 is sufficient to evoke activity patterns in V1 close to those evoked by normal vision.

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Predicting spatial activity patterns in a neural map from a probabilistic atlas of 3-D reconstructed neurons

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100140439 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 53 ◽

pp. 812-813

Author(s):

G. Jacobs ◽

F. Theunissen

Keyword(s):

Activity Patterns ◽

Three Dimensional ◽

Sensory System ◽

Neural System ◽

Probabilistic Atlas ◽

Uniform Sample ◽

Dimensional Reconstruction ◽

The Time Domain ◽

And Function ◽

Visualization Techniques

In order to understand how the algorithms underlying neural computation are implemented within any neural system, it is necessary to understand details of the anatomy, physiology and global organization of the neurons from which the system is constructed. Information is represented in neural systems by patterns of activity that vary in both their spatial extent and in the time domain. One of the great challenges to microscopists is to devise methods for imaging these patterns of activity and to correlate them with the underlying neuroanatomy and physiology. We have addressed this problem by using a combination of three dimensional reconstruction techniques, quantitative analysis and computer visualization techniques to build a probabilistic atlas of a neural map in an insect sensory system. The principal goal of this study was to derive a quantitative representation of the map, based on a uniform sample of afferents that was of sufficient size to allow statistically meaningful analyses of the relationships between structure and function.

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Inducing Unconscious Stress

Journal of Psychophysiology ◽

10.1027/0269-8803/a000247 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 192-201

Author(s):

Melanie M. van der Ploeg ◽

Jos F. Brosschot ◽

Markus Quirin ◽

Richard D. Lane ◽

Bart Verkuil

Keyword(s):

Repeated Measures ◽

Activity Patterns ◽

Physiological Changes ◽

Implicit Measures ◽

Prime Word ◽

Student Sample ◽

Priming Task ◽

Subject Design ◽

The Relationship ◽

Stress And Health

Abstract. Stress-related stimuli may be presented outside of awareness and may ultimately influence health by causing repetitive increases in physiological parameters, such as blood pressure (BP). In this study, we aimed to corroborate previous studies that demonstrated BP effects of subliminally presented stress-related stimuli. This would add evidence to the hypothesis that unconscious manifestations of stress can affect somatic health. Additionally, we suggest that these findings may be extended by measuring affective changes relating to these physiological changes, using measures for self-reported and implicit positive and negative affectivity. Using a repeated measures between-subject design, we presented either the prime word “angry” ( n = 26) or “relax” ( n = 28) subliminally (17 ms) for 100 trials to a student sample and measured systolic and diastolic BP, heart rate (HR), and affect. The “angry” prime, compared to the “relax” prime, did not affect any of the outcome variables. During the priming task, a higher level of implicit negative affect (INA) was associated with a lower systolic BP and diastolic BP. No association was found with HR. Self-reported affect and implicit positive affect were not related to the cardiovascular (CV) activity. In sum, anger and relax primes elicited similar CV activity patterns, but implicit measures of affect may provide a new method to examine the relationship between (unconscious) stress and health.

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Prospective Memory Development Across the Lifespan

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040/a000380 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 162-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Sascha Zuber ◽

Matthias Kliegel

Keyword(s):

Prospective Memory ◽

Healthy Aging ◽

Present Model ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Well Being ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cognitive Factors ◽

Everyday Functioning ◽

Integrative Framework

Abstract. Prospective Memory (PM; i.e., the ability to remember to perform planned tasks) represents a key proxy of healthy aging, as it relates to older adults’ everyday functioning, autonomy, and personal well-being. The current review illustrates how PM performance develops across the lifespan and how multiple cognitive and non-cognitive factors influence this trajectory. Further, a new, integrative framework is presented, detailing how those processes interplay in retrieving and executing delayed intentions. Specifically, while most previous models have focused on memory processes, the present model focuses on the role of executive functioning in PM and its development across the lifespan. Finally, a practical outlook is presented, suggesting how the current knowledge can be applied in geriatrics and geropsychology to promote healthy aging by maintaining prospective abilities in the elderly.

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Youth Development in Europe

European Psychologist ◽

10.1027/1016-9040.14.4.372 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 14 (4) ◽

pp. 372-375 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Katariina Salmela-Aro ◽

Ingrid Schoon

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Relationship Quality ◽

Youth Development ◽

Social Relationships ◽

Transition To Adulthood ◽

Cultural Context ◽

Integrative Framework ◽

Reciprocal Interactions ◽

The Family ◽

Key Players

A series of six papers on “Youth Development in Europe: Transitions and Identities” has now been published in the European Psychologist throughout 2008 and 2009. The papers aim to make a conceptual contribution to the increasingly important area of productive youth development by focusing on variations and changes in the transition to adulthood and emerging identities. The papers address different aspects of an integrative framework for the study of reciprocal multiple person-environment interactions shaping the pathways to adulthood in the contexts of the family, the school, and social relationships with peers and significant others. Interactions between these key players are shaped by their embeddedness in varied neighborhoods and communities, institutional regulations, and social policies, which in turn are influenced by the wider sociohistorical and cultural context. Young people are active agents, and their development is shaped through reciprocal interactions with these contexts; thus, the developing individual both influences and is influenced by those contexts. Relationship quality and engagement in interactions appears to be a fruitful avenue for a better understanding of how young people adjust to and tackle development to productive adulthood.

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