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 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.

Negative interaction between twospotted spider mites and aphids mediated by feeding damage and honeydew

2012 ◽  
Vol 103 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.V. Cédola ◽  
M.F. Gugole Ottaviano ◽  
M.E. Brentassi ◽  
M.F. Cingolani ◽  
N.M. Greco
Keyword(s):  
Spider Mite ◽  
Aphid Species ◽  
Negative Interaction ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Rate Of Increase ◽  
Coincidence Index ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Two Spotted Spider Mite ◽  
Negative Interactions

AbstractAmong the herbivorous arthropods that feed on strawberry, the most important are the two-spotted spider mite (TSSM), Tetranychus urticae Koch, and several species of aphids. Mites and aphids belong to different guilds that coexist in the field and feed on the undersides of strawberry leaflets. However, the occurrence of large numbers of individuals of both species on the same leaflet is rarely recorded. We hypothesize that negative interactions between TSSM and aphids explain the intraplant distribution of these herbivores. We first examined the spatial coincidence of both herbivores in the field. Under experimental conditions, we then analyzed: (i) the rate of increase of TSSM and the aphid Chaetosiphon fragaefolii (Cockerell), growing individually and together; (ii) the effect of honeydew on TSSM preference; and (iii) the effect of previous strawberry leaflet damage by TSSM on C. fragaefolii preference. The proportion of TSSM that coincided with at least one aphid decreased as the percentage of leaflets with TSSM increased. The spatial coincidence index between aphids and TSSM increased together with the percentage of TSSM-infested leaflets. TSSM showed both a lower rate of increase when they shared the same leaflet with C. fragaefolii and lower fecundity on strawberry discs with honeydew. The rate of increase of C. fragaefolii did not change on co-occupied leaves, but the aphid species moved to the other side of leaflets shared with TSSM. Negative interactions resulting in a tendency for species to avoid each other, such as demonstrated herein, can affect distribution and performance of herbivorous arthropods.

STEREOTYPE THREAT AND STEREOTYPE LIFT: THE CASE OF 10 YEAR OLD GIRLS AND BOYS

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 21-32
Author(s):  
Anna Kwiatkowska ◽  
Małgorzata Mróz
Keyword(s):  
Stereotype Threat ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
The Self ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Stereotype Lift ◽  
And Performance

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of stereotypical and counter-stereotypicalinformation on the self-esteem and cognitive performance of 10-year-old children. Our sampleconsisted of 37 girls and 37 boys. Children were presented with 10 “mathematical” puzzles in threeexperimental conditions: stereotypical (boys are better), counter-stereotypical (girls are better), andthe control condition (no particular information). Self-esteem was measured using a non-verbaltask. The results showed a significant interaction effect of “condition x sex” on self-esteem andperformance. Girls revealed no significant differences between control and experimental conditions,while boys showed a significant drop in self-esteem and performance in the counter-stereotypicalcondition as compared to the control condition and a significant lift in self-esteem and performancein the stereotypical condition as compared to the control condition.

Caffeine counteracts the ergogenic action of muscle creatine loading

1996 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. 452-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Vandenberghe ◽  
N. Gillis ◽  
M. Van Leemputte ◽  
P. Van Hecke ◽  
F. Vanstapel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Exercise ◽  
Creatine Supplementation ◽  
Knee Extensors ◽  
Caffeine Intake ◽  
Resonance Spectroscopy ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Before And After ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Exercise Fatigue ◽  
Voluntary Contractions

This study aimed to compare the effects of oral creatine (Cr) supplementation with creatine supplementation in combination with caffeine (Cr+C) on muscle phosphocreatine (PCr) level and performance in healthy male volunteers (n = 9). Before and after 6 days of placebo, Cr (0.5 g x kg-1 x day-1), or Cr (0.5 g x kg-1 x day-1) + C (5 mg x kg-1 x day-1) supplementation, 31P-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the gastrocnemius muscle and a maximal intermittent exercise fatigue test of the knee extensors on an isokinetic dynamometer were performed. The exercise consisted of three consecutive maximal isometric contractions and three interval series of 90, 80, and 50 maximal voluntary contractions performed with a rest interval of 2 min between the series. Muscle ATP concentration remained constant over the three experimental conditions. Cr and Cr+C increased (P < 0.05) muscle PCr concentration by 4-6%. Dynamic torque production, however, was increased by 10-23% (P < 0.05) by Cr but was not changed by Cr+C. Torque improvement during Cr was most prominent immediately after the 2-min rest between the exercise bouts. The data show that Cr supplementation elevates muscle PCr concentration and markedly improves performance during intense intermittent exercise. This ergogenic effect, however, is completely eliminated by caffeine intake.

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.

Safety and Performance Evaluation of Su2ura Approximation, a New Suturing Device, in Pigs

2021 ◽  
pp. 019262332110679
Author(s):  
Yuval Ramot ◽  
Serge Rousselle ◽  
Michal Steiner ◽  
Yossi Lavie ◽  
Nati Ezov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Minimal Invasive Surgery ◽  
Minimal Invasive ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Single Action ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Novel Device ◽  
Fibrotic Scar ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Tissue Approximation

One of the challenging aspects of minimal invasive surgery (MIS) is intracorporal suturing, which can be significantly time-consuming. Therefore, there is a rising need for devices that can facilitate the suturing procedure in MIS. Su2ura Approximation Device (Su2ura Approximation) is a novel device developed to utilize the insertion of anchors threaded with stitches to allow a single action placement of a suture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term safety and tissue approximation of Su2ura Approximation in comparison to Endo Stitch + Surgidac sutures in female domestic pigs. All incision sites were successfully closed by both methods. Firm consolidation within and around the incision site was noted in several animals in both treatment groups, which corresponded histopathologically to islands of ectopic cartilage or bone spicules within the fibrotic scar. These changes reflect heterotopic ossification that is commonly seen in the healing of abdominal operation sites in pigs. No other abnormal findings were observed throughout the study period. In conclusion, the use of Su2ura Approximation under the present experimental conditions revealed no safety concerns.

scholarly journals Well-Being and Throwing Speed of Women Handball Players Affected by Feedback

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6064
Author(s):  
Diego Soto ◽  
Juan Antonio García-Herrero ◽  
Rodrigo J. Carcedo
Keyword(s):  
Positive Affect ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Positive And Negative Affect ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Feedback Group ◽  
Competence Motivation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Speed And Accuracy

This research aims at studying the effect of feedback on well-being (vitality, and positive and negative affect), competence valuation, perceived competence, motivation, and performance (throwing speed and accuracy) in a throwing task. Thirty nine expert women handball players, with experience in international handball competitions, participated in this study. They were indiscriminately ascribed to one of three different experimental conditions measuring feedback: (positive, negative, and none). Significant differences in well-being (positive affect) and throwing speed were found among the three feedback groups. More concretely, higher levels of positive affect and throwing speed were found in the negative feedback group in comparison with the other two groups (positive and no-feedback). These results have important implications for athletes’ well-being and performance, and for coaches’ training programs.

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.

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