scholarly journals An automated homecage system for multiwhisker detection and discrimination learning in mice

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Bernhard ◽  
Jiseok Lee ◽  
Mo Zhu ◽  
Alex Hsu ◽  
Andrew Erskine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Angular Distance ◽  
Learning Trajectory ◽  
Learning Behavior ◽  
Water Reward ◽  
Intensity Perception ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
High Stimulus ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Training Apparatus

AbstractAutomated, homecage behavioral training for rodents has many advantages: it is low stress, requires little interaction with the experimenter, and can be easily manipulated to adapt to different experimental condition. We have developed an inexpensive, Arduino-based, homecage training apparatus for sensory association training in freely-moving mice using multiwhisker air current stimulation coupled to a water reward. Animals learn this task readily, within 1-2 days of training, and performance progressively improves with training. We examined the parameters that regulate task acquisition using different stimulus intensities, directions, and reward valence. Learning was assessed by comparing anticipatory licking for the stimulus compared to the no-stimulus (blank) trials. At high stimulus intensities (>9 psi), animals showed markedly less participation in the task. Conversely, very weak air current intensities (1-2 psi) were not sufficient to generate rapid learning behavior. At intermediate stimulus intensities (5-6 psi), a majority of mice learned that the multiwhisker stimulus predicted the water reward after 24-48 hrs of training. Both exposure to isoflurane and lack of whiskers decreased animals’ ability to learn the task. Perceptual learning was assessed and following training at an intermediate stimulus intensity, perception was likely heightened as mice were able to transfer learning behavior when exposed to the lower stimulus intensity. Mice learned to discriminate between two directions of stimulation rapidly and accurately, even when the angular distance between the stimuli was <15 degrees. Switching the reward to a more desirable reward, aspartame, had little effect on learning trajectory. Our results show that a tactile association task in an automated homecage environment can be monitored by anticipatory licking to reveal rapid and progressive behavioral change. These Arduino-based, automated mouse cages enable high-throughput training that facilitate analysis of large numbers of genetically modified mice with targeted manipulations of neural activity.

scholarly journals An automated homecage system for multiwhisker detection and discrimination learning in mice

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0232916
Author(s):  
Sarah M. Bernhard ◽  
Jiseok Lee ◽  
Mo Zhu ◽  
Alex Hsu ◽  
Andrew Erskine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Angular Distance ◽  
Learning Trajectory ◽  
Learning Behavior ◽  
Water Reward ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
High Stimulus ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Training Apparatus

Automated, homecage behavioral training for rodents has many advantages: it is low stress, requires little interaction with the experimenter, and can be easily manipulated to adapt to different experimental conditions. We have developed an inexpensive, Arduino-based, homecage training apparatus for sensory association training in freely-moving mice using multiwhisker air current stimulation coupled to a water reward. Animals learn this task readily, within 1–2 days of training, and performance progressively improves with training. We examined the parameters that regulate task acquisition using different stimulus intensities, directions, and reward valence. Learning was assessed by comparing anticipatory licking for the stimulus compared to the no-stimulus (blank) trials. At high stimulus intensities (>9 psi), animals showed markedly less participation in the task. Conversely, very weak air current intensities (1–2 psi) were not sufficient to generate rapid learning behavior. At intermediate stimulus intensities (5–6 psi), a majority of mice learned that the multiwhisker stimulus predicted the water reward after 24–48 hrs of training. Both exposure to isoflurane and lack of whiskers decreased animals’ ability to learn the task. Following training at an intermediate stimulus intensity, mice were able to transfer learning behavior when exposed to a lower stimulus intensity, an indicator of perceptual learning. Mice learned to discriminate between two directions of stimulation rapidly and accurately, even when the angular distance between the stimuli was <15 degrees. Switching the reward to a more desirable reward, aspartame, had little effect on learning trajectory. Our results show that a tactile association task in an automated homecage environment can be monitored by anticipatory licking to reveal rapid and progressive behavioral change. These Arduino-based, automated mouse cages enable high-throughput training that facilitate analysis of large numbers of genetically modified mice with targeted manipulations of neural activity.

scholarly journals Curriculum Assessment of Higher Educational Institution Using Trace-segmented Clustering

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-48
Author(s):  
Satrio Adi Priyambada ◽  
Mahendrawathi ER ◽  
Bernardo Nugroho Yahya
Keyword(s):  
Educational Institution ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Learning Behavior ◽  
Sequence Matching ◽  
Curriculum Assessment ◽  
Learning Path ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Curriculum Guideline ◽  
The Impact

Curriculum mining is research area that assess students’ learning behavior and compare it with the curriculum guideline. Previous work developed sequence matching alignment approach to check the conformance between students’ learning behavior and curriculum guideline. Considering only the sequence matching alignment is insufficient to understand the patterns of group of students. Another work proposed an approach by aggregating the students’ profile to represent students’ learning behavior and investigate the impact of the learning behavior to their learning performance. However, the aggregate profile approach considers the entire period of study rather than segmented period. This study proposes a methodology to assess students’ learning path with segmented period i.e. the semester of the related curriculum. The segmented-period profile generated would be the input for sequence matching alignment approach to assess the conformity of students’ behavior with the prior curriculum guideline. Real curriculum data has been used to test the effectivity of the methodology. The results show that the students can be grouped into various cluster per semesters that have different characteristic with respect to their learning behavior and performance. The results can be analyzed further to improve the curriculum guideline.

Differential pattern of spinal sympathetic outflow in response to stimulation of the caudal medullary raphe

2000 ◽  
Vol 279 (1) ◽  
pp. R210-R221 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter D. Larsen ◽  
Sheng Zhong ◽  
Gerard L. Gebber ◽  
Susan M. Barman
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Sympathetic Nerves ◽  
Frequency Domain Analysis ◽  
Band Power ◽  
Medullary Raphe ◽  
High Stimulus ◽  
Differential Pattern ◽  
Low Frequency Power ◽  
Stimulation Of

In urethan-anesthetized cats, frequency domain analysis was used to explore the mechanisms of differential responses of inferior cardiac (CN), vertebral (VN), and renal (RN) sympathetic nerves to electrical stimulation of a discrete region of the medullary raphe (0–2 mm caudal to the obex). Raphe stimulation in baroreceptor-denervated cats at frequencies (7–12 Hz) that entrained the 10-Hz rhythm in nerve activity decreased CN and RN activities but increased VN activity. The reductions in CN and RN discharges were associated with decreased low-frequency (≤6 Hz) power and either increased (low stimulus intensity) or decreased (high stimulus intensity) 10-Hz band power. In contrast, VN 10-Hz band power was increased at all stimulus intensities, without changes in low-frequency power. High-frequency (25 Hz) stimulation decreased low-frequency activity of CN and RN discharges in both baroreceptor-denervated and baroreceptor-intact cats, without decreasing VN low-frequency activity. We propose that the differential pattern produced by raphe stimulation involves resonance at the level of the 10-Hz oscillators and differential inhibition of follower circuits that transmit both 10-Hz and low-frequency activity to sympathetic nerves.

Mobile Learning Technologies

2011 ◽  
pp. 146-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane M. Gayeski
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Learning Technologies ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
The Road ◽  
Powerful Learning ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
On The Road ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Internet Connections

While educational and corporate training environments have made large investments in getting wired to high-speed Internet connections, our work and social environments are rapidly becoming more mobile and flexible. The Internet and organizationally based intranets are powerful learning and performance tools, as long as users have a high-speed connection and up-to-date computing equipment. Online learning and information is not nearly as convenient or reliable when learners need to access sites from their homes, hotel rooms, client locations, or while on the road. In corporate settings, large numbers of critical employees such as factory engineers, health care professionals, builders, and maintenance workers often do not even have offices in which to use a computer.

Research on Cultural Factors in Global E-Learning

2011 ◽  
pp. 1758-1765
Author(s):  
Donald Stepich ◽  
Seung Youn (Yonnie) Chyung ◽  
Allison Smith-Hobbs
Keyword(s):  
Global Economy ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Web Page ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Traditional Classroom Instruction ◽  
And Performance ◽  
And Training ◽  
Theoretical Overview

Simply put, e-learning refers to Internet-based learning. E-learning can take place by reading a piece of information, such as a Web page, or completing a package of instruction, both of which are designed to impact learning and performance (Rosenberg, 2000). E-learning has rapidly gained momentum, especially in large international companies, due to the globalization of business. Businesses in the current global economy need to provide fast-changing information to large numbers of employees and customers at dispersed locations more efficiently than ever (Rosenberg, 2000). Although traditional classroom instruction is still the primary mode for delivering training (Sugrue, 2003), e-learning enables the delivery of content to global locations in a timely manner (Hartley, 2001). Although e-learning promises learning opportunities for anyone, anytime, and anywhere, reliably producing successful learning outcomes is a challenge. Unfortunately, e-learning programs often suffer high dropout rates (Wang, Foucar-Szocki, Griffin, O’Connor, & Sceiford, 2003). There are various reasons for this, but with e-learning, “the lack of cultural adaptation is a leading reason why e-learning fails to work” (Dunn & Marinetti, n.d.). This article addresses e-learning as a method for both education and training in a global economy, and it questions how e-learning can effectively reach a multicultural audience. It provides a theoretical overview of various cultural dimensions, and addresses the importance of considering multicultural factors and strategies in the design of e-learning.

scholarly journals Greenhouse Culture and Production of Four Ornamental Native Wetland Plants

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 332-336
Author(s):  
Lyn A. Gettys ◽  
Kimberly A. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Substrate Type ◽  
Sagittaria Latifolia ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Overhead Irrigation ◽  
Greenhouse Culture ◽  
Lobelia Cardinalis ◽  
Wetland Species ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Fertilizer Regimes ◽  
Produce Plant

Wetland restoration is an important way to improve ecosystem services, but many wetland nurseries lack the facilities that are traditionally used to produce large numbers of native plants used in these projects. Our goal was to evaluate growth and performance of four wetland species in a variety of substrates, fertilizer regimes, and irrigation methods under greenhouse conditions. Plants were grown in pots with drainage holes filled with one of four substrates (potting substrate, topsoil, sand, 50/50 mix of topsoil, and sand) amended with 0, 1, 2, or 4 g of 15N–3.9P–10K controlled-release fertilizer per liter of substrate. Irrigation was supplied via an overhead system or subirrigation. After 16 weeks of production, plants were scored for visual quality and plant height before a destructive harvest. Broadleaf sagittaria (Sagittaria latifolia) was mostly unaffected by substrate type but performed best when subirrigated and fertilized with 4 g·L−1 of fertilizer. Growth of skyflower (Hydrolea corymbosa) and cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) was best when fertilized with 2 or 4 g·L−1 of fertilizer and grown using overhead irrigation. String lily (Crinum americanum) was unaffected by substrate type but produced the largest plants when subirrigated. These experiments provide guidance for cultivating these wetland species under greenhouse conditions, which may allow growers to efficiently produce plant material needed for the restoration market.

Fast computation of accurate sphere-cube intersection volume

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 1204-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruce D. Jones ◽  
John R. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Linear Relationship ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Particle Systems ◽  
Spherical Particles ◽  
Immersed Boundary ◽  
Computationally Efficient ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Linear Approach ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
And Performance

Purpose Volume mapping of large spherical particles to a Cartesian grid with smaller grid elements is typically required in application of simple immersed boundary conditions in coupled engineering simulations. However, there exists no unique analytical solution to computation of the volume of intersection between spheres and cubes. The purpose of this paper is to determine a suitable solution to this problem depending on the required level of accuracy. Design/methodology/approach In this work, existing numerical techniques for computing intersection volume are reviewed and compared in terms of accuracy and performance. In addition to this, a more efficient linear relationship is proposed and included in this comparison. Findings The authors find in this work that a simple linear relationship is both acceptably accurate and more computationally efficient than the contemporary techniques. Originality/value This simple linear approach may be applied to accurately compute solutions to fluid-particle systems with very large numbers of particles.

scholarly journals Implementation and performance of Barnes-hut n-body algorithm on extreme-scale heterogeneous many-core architectures

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 615-628
Author(s):  
Masaki Iwasawa ◽  
Daisuke Namekata ◽  
Ryo Sakamoto ◽  
Takashi Nakamura ◽  
Yasuyuki Kimura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Simulation Code ◽  
Network Bandwidth ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Sunway Taihulight ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Extreme Scale ◽  
Many Core ◽  
New Algorithms

In this paper, we report the implementation and measured performance of our extreme-scale whole planetary ring simulation code on Sunway TaihuLight and two PEZY-SC2 systems: Shoubu System B and Gyoukou. The numerical algorithm is the parallel Barnes-Hut tree algorithm, which has been used in many large-scale astrophysical particle-based simulations. Our implementation is based on our FDPS framework. However, the extremely large numbers of cores of the systems used (10 M on TaihuLight and 16 M on Gyoukou) and their relatively poor memory and network bandwidth pose new challenges. We describe the new algorithms introduced to achieve high efficiency on machines with low memory bandwidth. The measured performance is 47.9, 10.6 PF, and 1.01PF on TaihuLight, Gyoukou and Shoubu System B (efficiency 40%, 23.5% and 35.5%). The current code is developed for the simulation of planetary rings, but most of the new algorithms are useful for other simulations, and are now available in the FDPS framework.

Stimulus Sensitivity and Stimulus Intensity Control

1969 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julian Silverman ◽  
Monte Buchsbaum ◽  
Robert Henkin
Keyword(s):  
Stimulus Intensity ◽  
Control Mechanism ◽  
Sensory Threshold ◽  
Response Tendency ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Intensity Control ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Light Flashes ◽  
Opposite Response

Previous research had suggested a relationship between averaged cortical evoked response (AER) characteristics and the perception of stimulus intensity. In this study a systematic relationship was hypothesized between AER characteristics and performance on traditional sensory threshold procedures. Averaged evoked responses to light flashes and performances on a battery of psychophysical tasks were measured in 20 normal volunteers. Ss with one AER pattern were sensitive to low-intensity stimulation; Ss with another AER pattern exhibited the opposite response tendency. These findings were interpreted in terms of a theoretical construct regarding a stimulus-intensity control mechanism in the central nervous system.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document