Name: assessment of social cognition in non-human primates using a network of computerized automated learning device (aldm) test systems
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这项研究是由"联邦德RECHERCHE 3C"，艾克斯 - 马赛大学和欧盟Euprim-NET-II项目（＃RII3-026155）的支持。这项工作是由公共资助由法国国家研究署（ANR）作为节目LICORNES（ANR-12-CULT-0002）和ASCE（ANR-13-PDOC-0004）的一部分监管支持。鲁塞的河畔弧CNRS灵长类站的工作人员承认的技术支持。

伦理学声明:这项研究进行了按照法国标准，并从法国国家伦理委员会，在"科米特D&#39;Ethique CE-14倾L&#39;实验安尼米尔"获得批准。程序也与协会的动物行为学研究的指导方针是一致的。 1. ALDM试验单位建立注:设置ALDM检验单位按柴草和Paleressompoulle 1。 <ol><li>如创建1所描述的尺寸（0.7×0.7×0.8米3）测试室。确保每一个试验室拥有2侧透明侧壁。装备每个试验室用一个滑门，可以是打开或关闭的背面（ 见图1）。打开ALDM单元的后门，以提供从外壳进入测试系统。 </li><li>适应测试室的前面板与（7.3×7厘米2 </SUP&gt;）查看端口提供在位于单元前面的触摸屏19和2 handports视觉与触摸屏互动手册。 </li><li>安装，如1所述的连接到围绕每个手端口的微芯片读取器的天线。该天线将捕获被检体的RFID标识。 </li><li>在电容式触摸屏在各个试验室的前面安装一个19。触摸屏用于呈现的刺激，并记录响应有关的变量（精度和响应时间）。从屏幕中分离视口25厘米。 </li><li>一台PC计算机连接到每个测试单元，这将有助于运行测试程序。 注:在每次试验中，测试程序确定受试者的测试方案（ 例如，显示器，刺激持续时间等属性）和相关联的行为的措施（ 例如，响应时间，精度）来确定所述RFID猴子技术。 </li><li>食品分配器连接到PC COMPUT<html>通过并行端口呃如1所述。该分配器提供晶粒ALDM猴区域内的干小麦。 </li><li>如1所述注入的RFID微芯片在该组的每个人的前臂。 注:此过程应该根据兽医实践来进行。 </li></ol><img alt="图1" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig1highres.jpg" width="700" /> 图1:图（A）和原理图的ALDM单元的图（B）。每个测试单元具有五个主要构成要素。 （ 一 ）触摸屏; （B）handport; （C）视口; （ 四）食品贩卖机提供食物的笼子里后，正确的反应; （ 五）计算机; （F）提供门从机柜的访问。fig1highres.jpg"目标="_空白"&gt;点击此处查看该图的放大版本。 2. ALDM网络设置<ol><li>安装10 ALDM单元内的两个8×4米2拖车，5 ALDM单元在每个拖车，如1所述。每个ALDM测试单元连接到通过IP地址访问的唯一控制服务器（ 见图2）。确保ALDM单元既可以下载和上传信息从/给服务器。 </li><li>写一个电脑测试程序，下载文本文件从服务器一旦猴子是由ALDM测试单元按1确定。在文本文件中，提供指示在当前的实验状态使用单位的猴的（在训练或测试阶段已经进行的试验的数量）。写的测试程序，使得它可以使用该信息用于呈现所述训练或测试试通过的实验程序预定义的。 </li><li>插入测试编程的，米内嵌脚本，使得它从服务器上传和下载数据。确保ALDM单位，每天两次的同步时钟ALDM。 注意:对于此过程中，10 ALDM单元可以提供指示在其上猴使用哪个单位，并且当，因此提供在使用该测试系统的社会动态信息。 </li><li>编写测试程序，使得每次试验前，测试程序上传从猴子的目前的实验状态服务器的信息。一旦试验完成，ALDM单位将更新服务器上的主题的文本文件。 注意:这个问题的上的控制服务器保证了学员将在预定义的测试程序进行测试的独立测试ALDM单位决定使用，相关参数的集中。 </li><li>存储以下数据作为每次试验后的文本文件:日期，时间一天（HH:MM:SS格式），目前的测试程序的名称，猴名称，数量屁股igned到ALDM测试单元（ 例如，1），测试水平（ 例如，培训），得分（1 =正确的行为反应; 2 =不正确的响应），以毫秒精确的响应时间。 </li></ol><img alt="图2" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig2highres.jpg" width="700" /> 图2:在ALDM网络示意图每个ALDM单位接收并处理来自/到一个独特的控制服务器提供的信息<a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig2highres.jpg" target="_blank">请点击这里查看该图的放大版本。</a> 3.插图社会认知的研究中采用ALDM网络的注:ALDM协议具有猴子可以与计算机自由交互的独特优势，同时保持他们的社交组。现介绍如下3协议说明日E使用的ALDM测试单位网络收集狒狒"（ 狒狒狒狒 ）的社会认知前所未有的信息。 <ol><li>电脑ALDM测试相结合的行为（行为学）意见: 注:本研究的主要目标是在电脑ALDM测试，以评估价的情感状态（正与负）对动物的认知能力的影响。该过程在图3中概述，并在此研究的全部细节刊登在Marzouki 等 10 <ol><li>安装一个视觉搜索任务由一个目标视觉刺激的选择中的每一台计算机上几个干扰项。 </li><li>在八天观察和手动记录其行为机壳中的每个单独的展览，并在与同步到控制服务器的定时器。 </li><li>组的行为表现出在外壳中相对应的三组情绪积极的社会事件（ 例如，梳洗），感情上负面的社会事件（ 如威胁），以及情感非社会（中性）的事件（ 例如，对象操作）。 </li><li>下面一行为观察在机箱内分析一个3分钟的时间窗口得到的视觉搜索任务的响应时间。同步行为观察和计算机数据，并分析（ 见图3）。 </li></ol></li></ol><img alt="图3" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig3.jpg" /> 图3:第3.1节的示意图表示在外壳的自发行为记录在平行于ALDM测试认知能力。 <ol start="2"><li> ALDM测试期间社会影响的评估: 注:此协议的目的是对认知能力的记录DUR学习效果的观众荷兰国际集团电脑ALDM测试。在这项研究的全部细节刊登在于盖等 。11 <ol><li>每个ALDM测试单元，安装在其中一个圆后跟在屏幕右侧的或左侧的响应时，平行四边形，提出的任务。 </li><li>让猴子用10 ALDM测试系统，因为他们想要的。因此，一些猴子可以使用相邻的测试系统。记录下哪些个人使用的系统。 注:狒狒可以看到他们的同种（当存在时）使用拖车的其它的测试设置，由于每个单元的透明的侧壁。 </li><li>确保测试程序记录每一个人的表现，以及在审判的社会环境（ 即，如果对方ALDM测试部同时被使用，以及由谁）。 </li><li>这取决于社会环境的响应时间分析的变化。 </li></ol></li><li>通过电脑TRA文化演变评估nsfer从个人到个人信息: 注:此协议的开发，研究通过链参与者发送的信息的演变。该过程在图4中 ，并在此研究的完整细节概述刊登在Claidière 等 12 <ol><li>培养学员解决一个简单的记忆任务中，他们第一次看到四个随机选择的红色方块在四乘四格，否则白色的。 400毫秒后改变所有的红色方块为白色，并要求参与者摸了以前红色的正方形。 </li><li>当训练完成后，使用一个参与者的行为反应（该正方形触摸），以产生所述刺激为在链中的下一个体（参见图4）。除了链中的第一个人的量，网格由计算机随机生成的。 </li><li>与传动和数量分析成功的任务传输停滞的事件。 </li></ol></li></ol><img alt="图4" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig4highres.jpg" width="600" /> 图4:第3.3节的示意图第一狒狒（第1代）必须完成的一组由计算机产生的50次试验。本狒狒的运动反应，然后用来创建在传输链中的刺激对于第二狒狒（第2代）。重复这个过程，直到链上的最后一个狒狒进行了测试。 <a href="https://www-jove-com.remotexs.ntu.edu.sg/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig2highres.jpg" target="_blank">请点击此处查看该图的放大版本。</a>

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The authors declare that no competing interests exist.

灵长类动物学家一直在表达认知社会和非社会各方面的强烈兴趣。然而这两个层次的理解的集成是困难的。社会测试是在实验室有时进行的，但对受试者13一个非常有限的数目。的ALDM单位的网络提供这方面的4个主要优点:（1）ALDM测试使用高度精密（电脑）协议和认知过程的毫秒级精确测量; （2）ALDM测试所研究的动物的自然社会环境中实现; （3）ALDM测试可以提出大集团，以完成我们的研究; （4）ALDM测试需要社会交往的自发发生的优点，并且不限制个人特定的社会环境。 因此ALDM网络开辟途径，综合性和认知​​多维分析相结合的社会和非社会因素秒。 本文说明了使用三个协议这种综合方法，但这些关键的插图旁边许多其他的可能性存在。例如，在收集我们实验室的初步（未发表）的证据表明，利用相邻单元测试的猴子也有自己的范围内社会团体的强烈affiliative债券。如果此效果被证实，然后ALDM测试的自动化将使大量信息上社会动态集合的可促进纵向社会计量研究（ 例如，基于社会距离的措施）在非人类灵长类动物。 ALDM测试的局限性仍然是未知的，在这个阶段。举例来说，它仍然是未知到什么程度的受试者的活性水平可以通过该组的社会结构（ 例如，性别比率）的影响。尽管如此，ALDM测试似乎是一个非常有前途的工具来弥合研究之间的明显差距上个体认知和那些更侧重于社会认知。它的使用提供了机会，以找出可能影响个人的认知，并更准确地衡量其影响的社会因素。另外，我们之前的研究已经表明，ALDM测试还促进动物福利:它们是降低压力水平（从皮质醇水平推断和异常的刻板的数量）行为富集形式3。因此，ALDM测试似乎对科学家和动物非常有益，并且应当更广泛地应用在未来在实验室和动物园。

灵长类的认知实验的实验室研究已经几乎有系统的青睐隔离动物4的测试，根据解决的问题。这个经典的实验室程序显示了其效率，我们的大部分问题，如感知，记忆，推理和抽象的概念知识来源于孤立科目的测试。测试孤立的个人传达许多实用的优点;这种方法有助于复杂的实验设计结合行为的高度严格的测量（ 例如，毫秒计时），这将是不可访问。然而，这个过程也有其局限性，当它涉及到社会影响的认知，特别是研究。研究人员常常被迫离开先进的实验室环境有利于大机箱或野生环境中时，他们的研究涉及个人之间的社会互动。这种选择是有代价的，因为它是睦ħ更难以控制实验因素并测量它们与精密实验室外的相同水平的效果。了解如何真正的社交互动影响的认知是人类和非人类灵长类动物中最困难的科学挑战之一。 本论文提出了一种新的实验方案，旨在减轻这个普通难度，调查的社会认知实验室基于非人灵长类动物。柴草和Paleressompoulle 1和柴草和邦泰2在半自由的条件提出的猴子认知能力的评估最近发表的自动学习装置（ALDM）。这种方法结合使用传统的实验室与射频识别（RFID）技术的操作性条件反射技术。在实践中，生活在他们的社会群体猴子从他们的户外机柜的免费访问几个ALDM检验单位。 ADLMs consist包含所有的在实验室传统上提供必要的设备开放测试系统，特别是一个触摸屏来显示的刺激和记录响应和一个食品分配器提供的奖励。记载的RFID微芯片阅读器读取当它进入一个ALDM测试单元中的参与者的数字身份，和测试程序使用此信息来呈现分配给此特定主题的研究方案。 在过去的5年积累的证据已经清楚地表明，（1）ALDM测试增强了参与者1,2和（2）有利于复杂的学习5,6的动机。 ALDM测试也似乎有益于动物福利方面，并降低了参与者3的应力水平，也见7。所述ALDM测试过程由几个研究小组用冠（ 猕猴黑 ）和恒河猴（ 恒河猴）猕猴工作激发测试设备的发展<s向上&gt; 7,8和鸽子（ 科伦巴利维娅 ）9。我们的论文的主要目标是展示ALDM测试在社会认知领域研究的潜在贡献。这个协议的三个不同用途被描述用于这一目的。该ALDM测试单位已经在柴草和Paleressompoulle 1的细节被描述。它们示于图1和下面简要描述。 ALDM测试单元是开放式接入操作条件的测试系统配备有射频识别（RFID）的系统，该系统读取猴的所述RFID芯片，因此，其身份，一旦它进入测试系统。刺激呈现在触摸屏上，并且食物奖励交付测试系统内部的正确的响应，给出（选择正确的刺激）对这些刺激后。

<table><tbody><tr><td>Touch screen</td><td></td><td></td><td>model ET1939L from Elotouch; Berwyn, IL</td></tr><tr><td>RFID microchip reader</td><td></td><td></td><td>model Petscan RT100 Version 5, Real Trace; Villebon sur Yvette, France</td></tr><tr><td>Eprime software</td><td></td><td></td><td>Professional, V 2.0, Psychology Software Tools, Pittsburg, PA</td></tr><tr><td>PC computer connected to a network</td><td></td><td></td><td>HP-Pavillon, programmed in our laboratory</td></tr><tr><td>Food dispenser</td><td></td><td></td><td>Home made in our laboratory</td></tr></tbody></table>

assessment of social cognition in non-human primates using a network of computerized automated learning device (aldm) test systems

柴草和Paleressompoulle 1和柴草和邦泰2已发表 ​​的自动学习设备（ALDM）为保持在半自由放养条件猴子认知能力的研究。在过去五年积累的数据一直表现出这个协议，调查猴子个人/物理认知的效率，并进一步表明，这种方法动物试验中3减轻压力水平。本文表明ALDM的网络也可用于研究社会认知的不同方面和在组表示在猴子的行为，并描述了一种用于此目的开发了三种说明性的协议。第一项研究演示了如何社会行为和认知能力的电脑评估行为学评估可以综合调查的社会情绪表现出对个人的认知能力的影响。第二个STUDY表明ALDM蓄电池并联运行可提供他人对任务绩效存在的影响的独特信息。最后，最后研究表明，ALDM测试单元网络也可用于研究与社会传输和文化演进的问题。结合在一起，这三项研究清楚地表明ALDM测试是一个非常有前景的实验工具弥合个人的认知研究和研究之间的动物文学的差距对社会的认知。

如图5，以下负面valenced行为，例如威胁的响应时间，较下面的中性（ 例如，对象的操作）显著慢，并积极valenced社会行为，如梳理。这项研究表明，社会情绪的影响在认知测试中的表现。有兴趣的读者会发现在Marzouki 等人 10关于这项研究的更详细信息。在图6中 ，相对于隔离，其他人的存在而降低响应时间（与存在于拖车个体数的响应时间减少），这表明一个社会精心了解到反应促进效应。更详细的有关此研究可以在于盖等上找到。11 图7表示在传输过程中的试验性能的提高（蓝色正方形），但不是在一个控制（随机）状态（黄色圆圈）。铁道部<html>在这项研究Ë详细信息可在Claidière 等人发现。12 <img alt="图5" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig5.jpg" width="500" /> 图5:在视觉搜索任务从3.1节的说明性结果平均响应时间（毫秒），紧随其后的社会正面，负面或中性的事件。误差棒代表标准偏差（SD）。 <img alt="图6" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig6.jpg" width="500" /> 图6:从3.2节说明性结果上的良好反应学到的速度存在的社会效果。该图显示平均的响应时间（毫秒），这取决于在相邻ALDM测试单元中的每个试验期间存在同种的数量。误差棒代表标准误差（SE）。 帐篷"FO:保持together.within页="总是"&gt; <img alt="图7" src="/files/ftp_upload/52798/52798fig7highres.jpg" width="500" /> 图7:从3.3节的说明性结果狒狒的增加在传输过程中的试验（蓝色方块）传输事件（代）的数量，但不是在随机对照试验（黄圈）的成功（50试验报酬平均数）。误差棒代表SE。

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems at JoVE.com

Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems

柴草和Paleressompoulle 1已发表 ​​的自动学习设备（ALDM）目的是在半自由放养的猴子测试个体的认知能力。我们的协议的主要目的是利用ALDM测试单元的网络来研究社会认知在非人灵长类。

社会认知的非人类灵长类动物评估使用电脑自动学习设备（ALDM）测试系统的网络

Fagot &#38; Paleressompoulle1 and Fagot &#38; Bonte2 have published an automated learning device (ALDM) for the study of cognitive abilities of monkeys ...

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Social Psychology

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Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device (ALDM) Test Systems

Foundations of Social Psychology

Social Judgement and Decision-Making

SCIENTISTS IN ACTION

12.0K 次观看.  Aix-Marseille University. 柴草和Paleressompoulle 1已发表 ​​的自动学习设备（ALDM）目的是在半自由放养的猴子测试个体的认知能力。我们的协议的主要目的是利用ALDM测试单元的网络来研究社会认知在非人灵长类。 

视频: Assessment of Social Cognition in Non-human Primates Using a Network of Computerized Automated Learning Device ALDM Test Systems

A Fully Automated Rodent Conditioning Protocol for Sensorimotor Integration and Cognitive Control Experiments

Rodents have been traditionally used as a standard animal model in laboratory experiments involving a myriad of sensory, cognitive, and motor tasks. Higher cognitive functions that require precise control over sensorimotor responses such as decision-making and attentional modulation, however, are typically assessed in nonhuman primates. Despite the richness of primate behavior that allows multiple variants of these functions to be studied, the rodent model remains an attractive, cost-effective alternative to primate models. Furthermore, the ability to fully automate operant conditioning in rodents adds unique advantages over the labor intensive training of nonhuman primates while studying a broad range of these complex functions.
Here, we introduce a protocol for operantly conditioning rats on performing working memory tasks. During critical epochs of the task, the protocol ensures that the animal's overt movement is minimized by requiring the animal to 'fixate' until a Go cue is delivered, akin to nonhuman primate experimental design. A simple two alternative forced choice task is implemented to demonstrate the performance. We discuss the application of this paradigm to other tasks.

A fully automated protocol for rodent operant conditioning is proposed. The protocol relies on precise temporal control of behavioral events to investigate the extent to which this control influences neural activity underlying sensorimotor integration and cognitive control experiments.

为感觉运动整合与认知控制实验完全自动化的啮齿动物调理协议

Rodents have been traditionally used as a standard animal model in laboratory experiments involving a myriad of sensory, cognitive, and motor tasks. ...

科研

行为学

Automated Visual Cognitive Tasks for Recording Neural Activity Using a Floor Projection Maze

Neuropsychological tasks used in primates to investigate mechanisms of learning and memory are typically visually guided cognitive tasks. We have developed visual cognitive tasks for rats using the Floor Projection Maze1,2&#160;that are optimized for visual abilities of rats permitting stronger comparisons of experimental findings with other species.
In order to investigate neural correlates of learning and memory, we have integrated electrophysiological recordings into fully automated cognitive tasks on the Floor Projection Maze1,2. Behavioral software interfaced with an animal tracking system allows monitoring of the animal's behavior with precise control of image presentation and reward contingencies for better trained animals. Integration with an in vivo electrophysiological recording system enables examination of behavioral correlates of neural activity at selected epochs of a given cognitive task.
We describe protocols for a model system that combines automated visual presentation of information to rodents and intracranial reward with electrophysiological approaches. Our model system offers a sophisticated set of tools as a framework for other cognitive tasks to better isolate and identify specific mechanisms contributing to particular cognitive processes.

We describe protocols for training rats for chronic electrophysiological recordings in fully automated cognitive tasks on a Floor Projection Maze.

使用地面投影迷宫自动化视觉认知任务记录神经活动

Neuropsychological tasks used in primates to investigate mechanisms of learning and memory are typically visually guided cognitive tasks. We have ...

Operant Procedures for Assessing Behavioral Flexibility in Rats

Executive functions consist of multiple high-level cognitive processes that drive rule generation and behavioral selection. An emergent property of these processes is the ability to adjust behavior in response to changes in one&#8217;s environment (i.e., behavioral flexibility). These processes are essential to normal human behavior, and may be disrupted in diverse neuropsychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, alcoholism, depression, stroke, and Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. Understanding of the neurobiology of executive functions has been greatly advanced by the availability of animal tasks for assessing discrete components of behavioral flexibility, particularly strategy shifting and reversal learning. While several types of tasks have been developed, most are non-automated, labor intensive, and allow testing of only one animal at a time. The recent development of automated, operant-based tasks for assessing behavioral flexibility streamlines testing, standardizes stimulus presentation and data recording, and dramatically improves throughput. Here, we describe automated strategy shifting and reversal tasks, using operant chambers controlled by custom written software programs. Using these tasks, we have shown that the medial prefrontal cortex governs strategy shifting but not reversal learning in the rat, similar to the dissociation observed in humans. Moreover, animals with a neonatal hippocampal lesion, a neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia, are selectively impaired on the strategy shifting task but not the reversal task. The strategy shifting task also allows the identification of separate types of performance errors, each of which is attributable to distinct neural substrates. The availability of these automated tasks, and the evidence supporting the dissociable contributions of separate prefrontal areas, makes them particularly well-suited assays for the investigation of basic neurobiological processes as well as drug discovery and screening in disease models.

The ability to assess executive functions such as behavioral flexibility in rats is useful for investigating the neurobiology of cognition in both intact animals and disease models. Here we describe automated tasks for assessing strategy shifting and reversal learning, which are particularly sensitive to disruptions in prefrontal cortical networks.

操作性程序，以评估大鼠的行为灵活性

Executive functions consist of multiple high-level cognitive processes that drive rule generation and behavioral selection. An emergent property of these ...

Experimental Assessment of Mouse Sociability Using an Automated Image Processing Approach

Mouse is the preferred model organism for testing drugs designed to increase sociability. We present a method to quantify mouse sociability in which the test mouse is placed in a standardized apparatus and relevant behaviors are assessed in three different sessions (called session I, II, and III).
The apparatus has three compartments (see Figure 1), the left and right compartments contain an inverted cup which can house a mouse (called &#34;stimulus mouse&#34;).
In session I, the test mouse is placed in the cage and its mobility is characterized by the number of transitions made between compartments. In session II, a stimulus mouse is placed under one of the inverted cups and the sociability of the test mouse is quantified by the amounts of time it spends near the cup containing the enclosed stimulus mouse vs. the empty inverted cup. In session III, the inverted cups are removed and both mice interact freely. The sociability of the test mouse in session III is quantified by the number of social approaches it makes toward the stimulus mouse and by the number of times it avoids a social approach by the stimulus mouse.
The automated evaluation of the movie detects the nose of the test mouse, which allows the determination of all described sociability measures in session I and II (in session III, approaches are identified automatically but classified manually). To find the nose, the image of an empty cage is digitally subtracted from each frame of the movie and the resulting image is binarized to identify the mouse pixels. The mouse tail is automatically removed and the two most distant points of the remaining mouse are determined; these are close to nose and base of tail. By analyzing the motion of the mouse and using continuity arguments, the nose is identified.
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/52508/52508fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Assessment of Sociability During 3 sessions. Session I (top): Acclimation of test mouse to the cage. Session II (middle): Test mouse moving freely in the cage while the stimulus mouse is enclosed in an inverted cup. Session III (bottom): Both test mouse and stimulus mouse are allowed to move freely and interact with each other.

This protocol describes a method to quantify mouse sociability. Mice are videotaped as they move and interact in a special cage. Movie processing allows for the automated quantification of sociability with excellent accuracy and reliability.

使用自动图像处理方法鼠标社交性的实验评估

Mouse is the preferred model organism for testing drugs designed to increase sociability. We present a method to quantify mouse sociability in which the ...

Behavioral Assessment of Manual Dexterity in Non-Human Primates

The corticospinal (CS) tract is the anatomical support of the exquisite motor ability to skillfully manipulate small objects, a prerogative mainly of primates1. In case of lesion affecting the CS projection system at its origin (lesion of motor cortical areas) or along its trajectory (cervical cord lesion), there is a dramatic loss of manual dexterity (hand paralysis), as seen in some tetraplegic or hemiplegic patients. Although there is some spontaneous functional recovery after such lesion, it remains very limited in the adult. Various therapeutic strategies are presently proposed (e.g. cell therapy, neutralization of inhibitory axonal growth molecules, application of growth factors, etc), which are mostly developed in rodents. However, before clinical application, it is often recommended to test the feasibility, efficacy, and security of the treatment in non-human primates. This is especially true when the goal is to restore manual dexterity after a lesion of the central nervous system, as the organization of the motor system of rodents is different from that of primates1,2. Macaque monkeys are illustrated here as a suitable behavioral model to quantify manual dexterity in primates, to reflect the deficits resulting from lesion of the motor cortex or cervical cord for instance, measure the extent of spontaneous functional recovery and, when a treatment is applied, evaluate how much it can enhance the functional recovery.
The behavioral assessment of manual dexterity is based on four distinct, complementary, reach and grasp manual tasks (use of precision grip to grasp pellets), requiring an initial training of adult macaque monkeys. The preparation of the animals is demonstrated, as well as the positioning with respect to the behavioral set-up. The performance of a typical monkey is illustrated for each task. The collection and analysis of relevant parameters reflecting precise hand manipulation, as well as the control of force, are explained and demonstrated with representative results. These data are placed then in a broader context, showing how the behavioral data can be exploited to investigate the impact of a spinal cord lesion or of a lesion of the motor cortex and to what extent a treatment may enhance the spontaneous functional recovery, by comparing different groups of monkeys (treated versus sham treated for instance). Advantages and limitations of the behavioral tests are discussed. The present behavioral approach is in line with previous reports emphasizing the pertinence of the non-human primate model in the context of nervous system diseases2,3.

As manual dexterity is a prerogative mainly of primates, behavioral tasks have been developed in macaque monkeys. Four reach and grasp prehension tasks, measuring hand manipulation ability and force, allow to establish functional recovery after a lesion of the central nervous system and to test the effect of a treatment.

在非人类灵长目动物行为评估手巧

The corticospinal (CS) tract is the anatomical support of the exquisite motor ability to skillfully manipulate small objects, a prerogative mainly of ...

神经科学

A Fully Automated and Highly Versatile System for Testing Multi-cognitive Functions and Recording Neuronal Activities in Rodents

We have developed a fully automated system for operant behavior testing and neuronal activity recording by which multiple cognitive brain functions can be investigated in a single task sequence. The unique feature of this system is a custom-made, acoustically transparent chamber that eliminates many of the issues associated with auditory cue control in most commercially available chambers. The ease with which operant devices can be added or replaced makes this system quite versatile, allowing for the implementation of a variety of auditory, visual, and olfactory behavioral tasks. Automation of the system allows fine temporal (10 ms) control and precise time-stamping of each event in a predesigned behavioral sequence. When combined with a multi-channel electrophysiology recording system, multiple cognitive brain functions, such as motivation, attention, decision-making, patience, and rewards, can be examined sequentially or independently.

In this report, we present a fully automated and highly versatile system capable of simultaneously testing multi-cognitive behaviors and recording neuronal activities for rodents.

一个多认知功能测试，并记录在啮齿动物的神经元活动的完全自动化和高度灵活的系统

We have developed a fully automated system for operant behavior testing and neuronal activity recording by which multiple cognitive brain functions can be ...

Automated, Long-term Behavioral Assay for Cognitive Functions in Multiple Genetic Models of Alzheimer's Disease, Using IntelliCage

Multiple factors&#8212;such as aging and genes&#8212;are frequently associated with cognitive decline. Genetically modified mouse models of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer&#39;s disease (AD), have become a promising tool to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and promote the therapeutic advances. An important step is the validation and characterization of expected behavioral abnormality in the models, in the case of AD, cognitive decline. The long-term behavioral investigations of laboratory animals to study the effect of aging demand substantial efforts from researchers. The IntelliCage system is a high-throughput and cost-effective test battery for mice that eliminates the need for daily human handling. Here, we describe how the system is utilized in the long-term phenotyping of a genetic Alzheimer&#39;s disease model, specifically focusing on the cognitive functions. The experiment employs repeated battery of tests that assess spatial learning and executive functions. This cost-effective age-dependent phenotyping allows us to identify the transient and/or permanent effects of genes on various cognitive aspects.

This paper describes a protocol for cognitive assessments for genetic models of the Alzheimer&#39;s disease using the IntelliCage system, which is a high throughput automated behavioral monitoring system with operant conditioning.

基于 IntelliCage 的阿尔茨海默病多基因模型认知功能的自动、长期行为检测

Multiple factors&#8212;such as aging and genes&#8212;are frequently associated with cognitive decline. Genetically modified mouse models of cognitive ...

A System for Tracking the Dynamics of Social Preference Behavior in Small Rodents

Exploring the neurobiological mechanisms of social behavior requires behavioral tests that can be applied to animal models in an unbiased and observer-independent manner. Since the beginning of the millennium, the three-chamber test has been widely used as a standard paradigm to evaluate sociability (social preference) and social novelty preference in small rodents. However, this test suffers from multiple limitations, including its dependence on spatial navigation and negligence of behavioral dynamics. Presented and validated here is a novel experimental system that offers an alternative to the three-chamber test, while also solving some of its caveats. The system requires a simple and affordable experimental apparatus and publicly available open-source analysis system, which automatically measures and analyzes multiple behavioral parameters at individual and population levels. It allows detailed analysis of the behavioral dynamics of small rodents during any social discrimination test. We demonstrate the efficiency of the system in analyzing the dynamics of social behavior during the social preference and social novelty preference tests as performed by adult male mice and rats. Moreover, we validate the ability of the system to reveal modified dynamics of social behavior in rodents following manipulations such as whisker trimming. Thus, the system allows for rigorous investigation of social behavior and dynamics in small rodent models and supports more accurate comparisons between strains, conditions, and treatments.

Described here is a novel automated experimental system that offers an alternative to the three-chamber test and also solves several caveats. This system supplies multiple behavioral parameters that enable rigorous analysis of small rodent behavioral dynamics during the social preference and social novelty preference tests.

跟踪小啮齿动物社会偏好行为动态的系统

Exploring the neurobiological mechanisms of social behavior requires behavioral tests that can be applied to animal models in an unbiased and ...

Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness

In this experiment, we demonstrate a suite of hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based paradigms that are designed for two applications: assessing the level of consciousness of people unable to provide motor response and, in a second stage, establishing a communication channel for these people that enables them to answer questions with either &#39;yes&#39; or &#39;no&#39;. The suite of paradigms is designed to test basic responses in the first step and to continue to more comprehensive tasks if the first tests are successful. The latter tasks require more cognitive functions, but they could provide communication, which is not possible with the basic tests. All assessment tests produce accuracy plots that show whether the algorithms were able to detect the patient&#39;s brain&#39;s response to the given tasks. If the accuracy level is beyond the significance level, we assume that the subject understood the task and was able to follow the sequence of commands presented via earphones to the subject. The tasks require users to concentrate on certain stimuli or to imagine moving either the left or right hand. All tasks are designed around the assumption that the user is unable to use the visual modality, and thus, all stimuli presented to the user (including instructions, cues, and feedback) are auditory or tactile.

With this experiment, one might be able to detect consciousness in people with disorders of consciousness. Furthermore, the approach can create a simple communication channel that enables people to give simple YES/NO answers to questions.

有意识障碍者的评估与沟通

In this experiment, we demonstrate a suite of hybrid Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based paradigms that are designed for two applications: assessing the ...

Operant Protocols for Assessing the Cost-benefit Analysis During Reinforced Decision Making by Rodents

Reinforcement-guided decision making is the ability to choose between competing courses of action based on the relative value of the benefits and their consequences. This process is integral to the normal human behavior and has been shown to be disrupted by neurological and psychiatric disorders such as addiction, schizophrenia, and depression. Rodents have long been used to uncover the neurobiology of human cognition. To this end, several behavioral tasks have been developed; however, most are non-automated and are labor-intensive. The recent development of the open-source microcontroller has enabled researchers to automate operant-based tasks for assessing a variety of cognitive tasks, standardizing the stimulus presentation, improving the data recording and consequently, improving the research output. Here, we describe an automated delay-based reinforcement-guided decision-making task, using an operant T-maze controlled by custom-written software programs. Using these decision-making tasks, we show the changes in the local field potential activities in the anterior cingulate cortex of a rat whilst it performs a delay-based cost-and-benefit decision-making task.

A cost-benefit analysis is a weighing-scale approach that the brain performs during the course of decision making. Here, we propose a protocol to train rats on an operant-based decision-making paradigm where rats choose higher rewards at the expense of waiting for 15 s to receive them.

啮齿动物强化决策中成本效益分析的操作协议

Reinforcement-guided decision making is the ability to choose between competing courses of action based on the relative value of the benefits and their ...