Devaluation of a conditioned reinforcer requires its reexposure

2021 ◽  
pp. 174702182199338
Author(s):  
W David Stahlman ◽  
Cheyenne RE Elliott ◽  
Kenneth J Leising
Keyword(s):  
Conditioned Reinforcer ◽  
Aversive Conditioning ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
Operant Behaviour ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Motivational State ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Audiovisual Stimulus ◽  
Reinforcement Value

A change in motivational state does not guarantee a change in operant behaviour. Only after an organism has had contact with an outcome while in a relevant motivational state does behaviour change, a phenomenon called incentive learning. While ample evidence indicates that this is true for primary reinforcers, it has not been established for conditioned reinforcers. We performed an experiment with rats where lever-presses were reinforced by presentations of an audiovisual stimulus that had previously preceded food delivery; in the critical experimental groups, the audiovisual stimulus was then paired a single time with a strong electric shock. Some animals were reexposed to the audiovisual stimulus. Lever-presses yielding no outcomes were recorded in a subsequent test. Animals that had been reexposed to the audiovisual stimulus after the aversive training responded less than did those that had not received reexposure. Indeed, those animals that were not reexposed did not differ from a control group that received no aversive conditioning of the audiovisual stimulus. Moreover, these results were not mediated by a change in the food’s reinforcement value, but instead reflect a change in behaviour with respect to the conditioned reinforcer itself. These are the first data to indicate that the affective value of conditioned stimuli, like that of unconditioned ones, is established when the organism comes into contact with them.

Preference conditioning alters taste responses in the nucleus of the solitary tract of the rat

1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (4) ◽  
pp. R1230-R1240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara K. Giza ◽  
Karen Ackroff ◽  
Stuart A. McCaughey ◽  
Anthony Sclafani ◽  
Thomas R. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Citric Acid ◽  
Conditioned Stimulus ◽  
Aversive Conditioning ◽  
Total Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Solitary Tract ◽  
Neural Signal ◽  
Aversive Stimuli ◽  
Group Control ◽  
Preference Conditioning

Aversive conditioning has an impact on the neural signal for the gustatory conditioned stimulus (CS). Here, we determined whether the code is also affected by preference conditioning. We paired the taste of MgCl2 (CS+) with intragastric nutrients in some rats (MG), and citric acid (CS+) with nutrients in others (CI). A control group (Control) experienced both tastants without nutrients. Preferences (>90%) developed for each CS+. We recorded responses to 16 taste stimuli in the nucleus of the solitary tract. Responsiveness of acid-oriented neurons to MgCl2 in MG rats was lower than in Controls, and its profile was more distinct from those of acidic and bitter stimuli. Total activity to citric acid was unchanged in CI rats. However, its temporal profile showed a decreased phasic component, making citric acid temporally distinct from nonsugars. Therefore, the responses to both CS+ were modified, each in its own manner, to be more distinct from those of aversive stimuli. The effects of preference conditioning, however, were weaker than those of aversive conditioning.

scholarly journals Spontaneous and experimental poisoning of cattle by Palicourea aeneofusca in the region of Pernambuco and induction of conditioned food aversion

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 138-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Bezerra de Brito ◽  
Raquel Feitosa Albuquerque ◽  
Brena Pessoa Rocha ◽  
Samuel Salgado Albuquerque ◽  
Stephen Tomas Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Lithium Chloride ◽  
Test Group ◽  
Aversive Conditioning ◽  
Feeding Tube ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Food Aversion ◽  
Conditioned Food Aversion

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological aspects of Palicourea aeneofusca poisoning in cattle in the region of Pernambuco, Brazil and to determine if it is possible to induce food aversion by P. aeneofusca poisoning in cattle raised under extensive management conditions. To determine the occurrence of poisoning, 30 properties were visited in five municipalities of the region of Pernambuco. Three outbreaks of poisoning of cattle were monitored. To induce conditioned food aversion by the consumption of P. aeneofusca, 12 animals were randomly distributed into two groups of six animals each. Cattle were weighed and received green P. aeneofusca leaves in their trough at a dose of 35mg kg-1 body weight for spontaneous consumption. The control group (CG) animals received water (1ml kg-1 body weight) via a feeding tube after the first ingestion of the plant, while the other animals, constituting the aversion test group (ATG), underwent induced aversion with lithium chloride (LiCl - 175mg kg-1 body weight) via a feeding tube. For the ATG cattle, the aversion to P. aeneofusca induced by a single dose of LiCl persisted for 12 months. In contrast, the CG animals continued to consume the plant in all tests performed, indicating the absence of aversion. This study showed that aversive conditioning using LiCl was effective in preventing poisoning by P. aeneofusca for a period of at least 12 months.

Responses to a Learning Task at 6 Months and I.Q. Test Performance During the Preschool Years

1989 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dale C. Farran ◽  
Lucy Ann Harber
Keyword(s):  
Test Performance ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Learning Task ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Assessment Tests ◽  
Care Intervention ◽  
Standard Assessment

This research focused on 45 6-month-olds who were at risk for developmental delay due to poor socioeconomic circumstances, their responses to a learning task, and the subsequent prediction to performance on standardised tests during the preschool years. A rank classification for qualitative differences in learning proved preferable to a more complex behavioural count system. Task Rank was used to predict subsequent test performance on the Stanford Binet at 24, 36, and 48 months. Half the infants had been randomly assigned at birth to a day care intervention programme. Both Task Rank and the Bayley MDI at 6 months were good predictors of later test scores for the control group but not the day care intervention group. Responses to the learning task added significantly to the predictions obtained from the Bayley. These results suggest that tasks measured in infancy involving information processing in a novel situation are related to later functioning on standard assessment tests for children reared in less than optimal circumstances.

An imprinting object rapidly acquires high attractiveness when associated with food delivery

Behaviour ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 156 (13-14) ◽  
pp. 1309-1327
Author(s):  
Félix Junco
Keyword(s):  
Associative Learning ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
Gallus Domesticus ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gallus Gallus Domesticus ◽  
Food Provisioning ◽  
Novel Object ◽  
Visual Exposure ◽  
Choice Tests ◽  
Precocial Birds

Abstract Young precocial birds develop a preference for an imprinting object by mere visual exposure to it in the absence of conventional physiological reinforcement. The lack of the necessity of conventional reinforcement for imprinting, however, does not mean that such reinforcement is unimportant. The evidence presented here shows that an imprinting object rapidly acquires high attractiveness to young chicks when it is associated with food provisioning. Domestic chicks, Gallus gallus domesticus, were first exposed to two different imprinting objects in the absence of any reinforcement. Subsequently, two groups of chicks received a single feeding session wherein they were provided with prey from one of the imprinting objects. A third group served as a control in which the chicks were exposed to one of the imprinting objects and prey delivery in an unpaired way. Finally, all chicks received two choice tests to assess their preferences for the two imprinting objects. The chicks that received food from an imprinting object strongly preferred that object to the alternative familiar-only object, and preferred the familiar-only object to a novel object. The control group did not show any preference between the two imprinting objects, but preferred the unpaired imprinting object to a novel object. These results suggest that primary-need reinforcers such as food contribute to increasing the attractiveness of an imprinting object by promoting rapid associative learning.

Dimethyl Sulfoxide Increases the Survival of Primarily Ischemic Island Skin Flaps

1994 ◽  
Vol 110 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ilsa Schwartz ◽  
Robert J. Carpenter ◽  
Michael F. Angel ◽  
Raymond F. Morgan
Keyword(s):  
Free Radical ◽  
Dimethyl Sulfoxide ◽  
Saline Solution ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Skin Flaps ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Flap Survival ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Group 3

There is ample evidence of the involvement of free radicals in mediating skin flap necrosis. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is a well-tolerated, safe drug that is a powerful scavenger of the hydroxyl free radical. The current study investigated the effect of DMSO on the survival of 9 × 4 cm skin flaps based on the epigastric vessels subjected to primary venous occlusion. Forty-seven skin flaps were elevated and the epigastric vein was occluded by a microvascular clamp for 8 hours. Group 1 received DMSO (1.5 gm/kg) intraperitoneally at reperfusion. Group 2 received saline solution, group 3 received DMSO at reperfusion and every day for 5 days, group 4 received DMSO preoperatively and then as in group 3, and group 5 was the saline solution control for groups 3 and 4. DMSO did not increase percent flap survival when given as a single dose at reperfusion (40.6% ± 42.7%) compared with saline solution (33.7% ± 41.2%). When DMSO was continued in the postoperative period, group 3 (86.2% ± 25.8%) and group 4 (78.0% ± 32.5%) had significantly better survival than the saline solution control group (32.6% ± 39.8%) ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.03, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups 3 and 4. DMSO administered at reperfusion and postoperatively for 5 days significantly increased flap survival. It is hypothesized that this occurs through scavenging deleterious free radical species. This effect may have clinical significance.

scholarly journals Cognitive Functioning and Schizotypy: A Four-Years Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny Karamaouna ◽  
Chrysoula Zouraraki ◽  
Stella G. Giakoumaki
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Processing Speed ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Set Shifting ◽  
Ample Evidence ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Over Time

Although there is ample evidence from cross-sectional studies indicating cognitive deficits in high schizotypal individuals that resemble the cognitive profile of schizophrenia-spectrum patients, there is still lack of evidence by longitudinal/follow-up studies. The present study included assessments of schizotypal traits and a wide range of cognitive functions at two time points (baseline and 4-years assessments) in order to examine (a) their stability over time, (b) the predictive value of baseline schizotypy on cognition at follow-up and (c) differences in cognition between the two time points in high negative schizotypal and control individuals. Only high negative schizotypal individuals were compared with controls due to the limited number of participants falling in the other schizotypal groups at follow-up. Seventy participants (mean age: 36.17; 70% females) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. Schizotypal traits were evaluated with the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. We found that schizotypal traits decreased over time, except in a sub-group of participants (“schizotypy congruent”) that includes individuals who consistently meet normative criteria of inclusion in either a schizotypal or control group. In these individuals, negative schizotypy and aspects of cognitive-perceptual and disorganized schizotypy remained stable. The stability of cognitive functioning also varied over time: response inhibition, aspects of cued attention switching, set-shifting and phonemic/semantic verbal fluency improved at follow-up. High negative schizotypy at baseline predicted poorer response inhibition and semantic switching at follow-up while high disorganized schizotypy predicted poorer semantic processing and complex processing speed/set-shifting. The between-group analyses revealed that response inhibition, set-shifting and complex processing speed/set-shifting were poorer in negative schizotypals compared with controls at both time points, while maintaining set and semantic switching were poorer only at follow-up. Taken together, the findings show differential stability of the schizotypal traits over time and indicate that different aspects of schizotypy predict a different pattern of neuropsychological task performance during a 4-years time window. These results are of significant use in the formulation of targeted early-intervention strategies for high-risk populations.

scholarly journals The Effect of Speciality Designated Core Exercises on Upper Exterimity Posture Structures of Male High School Students

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3S) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Ercan Gür ◽  
Gürkan Tokgöz
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Upper Extremity ◽  
T Test ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Subject Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
The Subject ◽  
And Control

The aim of this study is to research on the effect of core exercises on the upper extremity posture structure of young individuals. 30 male students between 16 to 18 years old studying in a high school in the province of Elazig and not doing regular sport volunteered for this study. The participants were randomly divided into two as the subject group and the control group; each group was formed with 15 people. Out of the groups formed, the subject group carried out specially designated core exercises for 8 weeks, and for 3 days each week. The control group didn't do any work; they continued their normal lives. Before and after the study, the height, weight, body mass index, bodily fat percentage, upper extremity posture(from the front, back, right and left)of the subject and control groups formed were measured and the Adams(stoop) test was applied. The data obtained were analyzed through SPSS 22.0 statistical program. For the in-group and intergroup comparisons, ındependent samples T test and paired samples T test were used. After the statistical analysis, during the initial and subsequent test comparisons of the control group, no difference was detected in measurements apart from the one for shoulders from the anterior side. Statistical differences were determined for a lot of values during the comparison of the initial and subsequent test results of the subject group and during the comparison of the differences between the initial and subsequent test results of the subject and control group. In conclusion, it was determined that core exercises made a positive impact on the upper extremity posture structures of male individuals between the ages of 16 and 18. 

scholarly journals Leptin inhibits food-deprivation-induced increases in food intake and food hoarding

2008 ◽  
Vol 295 (6) ◽  
pp. R1737-R1746 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Keen-Rhinehart ◽  
Timothy J. Bartness
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Food Deprivation ◽  
Food Delivery ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sedentary Control ◽  
Food Hoarding ◽  
Siberian Hamsters ◽  
Ingestive Behaviors ◽  
Plasma Leptin ◽  
The Brain

Food deprivation stimulates foraging and hoarding and to a much lesser extent, food intake in Siberian hamsters. Leptin, the anorexigenic hormone secreted primarily from adipocytes, may act in the periphery, the brain, or both to inhibit these ingestive behaviors. Therefore, we tested whether leptin given either intracerebroventricularly or intraperitoneally, would block food deprivation-induced increases in food hoarding, foraging, and intake in animals with differing foraging requirements. Hamsters were trained in a running wheel-based food delivery foraging system coupled with simulated burrow housing. We determined the effects of food deprivation and several peripheral doses of leptin on plasma leptin concentrations. Hamsters were then food deprived for 48 h and given leptin (0, 10, 40, or 80 μg ip), and additional hamsters were food deprived for 48 h and given leptin (0, 1.25, 2.5, or 5.0 μg icv). Foraging, food intake, and hoarding were measured postinjection. Food deprivation stimulated food hoarding to a greater degree and duration than food intake. In animals with a foraging requirement, intracerebroventricular leptin almost completely blocked food deprivation-induced increased food hoarding and intake, but increased foraging. Peripheral leptin treatment was most effective in a sedentary control group, completely inhibiting food deprivation-induced increased food hoarding and intake at the two highest doses, and did not affect foraging at any dose. Thus, the ability of leptin to inhibit food deprivation-induced increases in ingestive behaviors differs based on foraging effort (energy expenditure) and the route of administration of leptin administration.

scholarly journals Impact of E-cigarette Sampling on Cigarette Dependence and Reinforcement Value

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 297-301 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tracy T Smith ◽  
Amy E Wahlquist ◽  
Bryan W Heckman ◽  
K Michael Cummings ◽  
Matthew J Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Trial ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Current Cigarette ◽  
Cigarette Dependence ◽  
Reinforcement Value

Abstract Introduction E-cigarettes have risen in prevalence in recent years, and most public health experts agree they deliver fewer toxicants than combustible tobacco products such as cigarettes. Thus, it is important to understand how use of e-cigarettes by current smokers impacts dependence on combustible cigarettes. Methods The present study is a secondary analysis of a randomized pilot trial of e-cigarette sampling. Nontreatment seeking current smokers were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either receive or not receive a weekly supply of e-cigarettes for 3 weeks. Participants completed the Brief Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives (WISDM) scale and the cigarette purchase task before and after the sampling period and at monthly follow-up visits for 3 months. Results Individuals assigned to receive an e-cigarette had significantly lower mean WISDM scores at the end of sampling and the end of the follow-up period compared with those in the control group. Both frequency of e-cigarette use as well as nicotine concentration of the e-cigarette given to smokers were significant predictors of changes in the mean WISDM score. E-cigarette sampling significantly reduced the demand parameter Omax, which measures the maximum amount of money participants estimate they would spend on cigarettes in a single day. Conclusions These data suggest that current smokers who try using an e-cigarette may experience reductions in dependence on combustible cigarettes. Implications The present analysis suggests that providing an e-cigarette to current cigarette smokers is likely to reduce cigarette dependence, especially if the e-cigarette delivers sufficient nicotine and is used frequently.

scholarly journals Health Department Efforts to Increase Hepatitis C RNA Testing Among People Appearing Out of Care: Comparison of Outreach Approaches, New York City, 2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 135 (6) ◽  
pp. 823-830
Author(s):  
Rachel Webster ◽  
Miranda S. Moore ◽  
Angelica Bocour ◽  
Nirah Johnson ◽  
Ann Winters
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
New York City ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
York City ◽  
Hcv Infection ◽  
Surveillance Data ◽  
Telephone Call ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Report ◽  
Subsequent Test

Objectives Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious health problem in New York City. Although curative treatments are available, many people are out of care. The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) used surveillance data and various outreach methods to attempt to link to care people diagnosed with HCV infection from 2010 through 2015. Methods We randomly assigned people out of care (ie, no HCV test >6 months after first report) to 4 outreach groups: no outreach (control group); letter only; letter and telephone call; and letter, text message, and telephone call. Three months after outreach ended, we analyzed surveillance data to identify people with a subsequent HCV RNA or genotype test suggesting linkage to care. Results Of 2626 selected people, 199 (7.6%) had a subsequent HCV test. People in all 3 outreach groups had higher odds of a subsequent test than people in the control group (letter only: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.81 [95% CI, 1.18-2.91]; letter and telephone: aOR = 3.11 [95% CI, 1.67-5.79]; letter, text, and telephone: aOR = 3.17 [95% CI, 1.48-6.51]). People in the letter and telephone group had higher odds of a subsequent test than people in the letter-only group (aOR = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.04-2.74). Most people in the letter and telephone (136/200, 68.0%) and the letter, text, and telephone (71/99, 71.7%) groups could not be reached, primarily because telephone numbers were incorrect or out of service. Conclusion Reaching out to people soon after first report or prioritizing groups in which more recent contact information can be found might improve outcomes of future outreach.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document