Slow Ramping Emerges From Spontaneous Fluctuations In Spiking Neural Networks, 2024 Chapman University
Slow Ramping Emerges From Spontaneous Fluctuations In Spiking Neural Networks, Jake Gavenas, Ueli Rutishauer, Aaron Schurger, Uri Maoz
Psychology Faculty Articles and Research
The capacity to initiate actions endogenously is critical for goal-directed behavior. Spontaneous voluntary actions are typically preceded by slow-ramping activity in medial frontal cortex that begins around two seconds before movement, which may reflect spontaneous fluctuations that influence action timing. However, the mechanisms by which these slow ramping signals emerge from single-neuron and network dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, we developed a spiking neural-network model that produces spontaneous slow ramping activity in single neurons and population activity with onsets ~2 s before threshold crossings. A key prediction of our model is that neurons that ramp together have correlated firing patterns …
The Effect Of Acute Social Isolation On Neural Molecular Responses In Components Of The Social Decision-Making Network, 2024 Chapman University
The Effect Of Acute Social Isolation On Neural Molecular Responses In Components Of The Social Decision-Making Network, Patricia C. Lopes, Madeleine Chang, Faith Holloway, Biola Fatusin, Sachin Patel, Chandler Siemonsma, Morgan Kindel
Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research
Prolonged or chronic social isolation has pronounced effects on animals, ranging from altered stress responses, increased anxiety and aggressive behaviour, and even increased mortality. The effects of shorter periods of isolation are much less well researched; however, short periods of isolation are used routinely for testing animal behaviour and physiology. Here, we studied how a 3 h period of isolation from a cagemate affected neural gene expression in three brain regions that contain important components of the social decision-making network, the hypothalamus, the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, using a gregarious bird …
High Fat Diet & Social Isolation: Interactive Effects On Pain, Cognition, & Neuroinflammation, 2024 Seattle Pacific University
High Fat Diet & Social Isolation: Interactive Effects On Pain, Cognition, & Neuroinflammation, Ian M. Campuzano
Research Psychology Theses
Prior research has established a role for both social isolation and exposure to high fat Western diets in altering a range of behaviors from reduced memory performance to increased depression-like behaviors. The present study scrutinizes the interplay among these variables during the peri-adolescent developmental phase, utilizing Long-Evans rats as the experimental model. Our overarching hypothesis is that rats exposed to either social isolation, a high-fat diet, or both will result in heightened pain sensitivity, diminished cognitive flexibility, and increased neuroinflammatory responses within brain regions implicated in sociability, cognition, memory, and pain processing. Behavioral flexibility will be assessed using a maze-based …
Attrition And Assimilation: The Neural Mechanisms Of Mandarin-English Bilingualism, 2024 Portland State University
Attrition And Assimilation: The Neural Mechanisms Of Mandarin-English Bilingualism, Natalie Paige Robison
University Honors Theses
This line of research investigates attrition of native language (L1) Mandarin proficiency with increasing proficiency in English. English uses pitch to denote intonation (e.g., "it's there?" versus "it's there!"), while Mandarin additionally uses pitch to indicate word meanings; e.g., /he/ means "drink" when spoken with a high, level tone, or "river" when spoken with a rising tone. The present study delineates between two alternative explanations for the prior finding that English proficiency correlates with attrition of Mandarin tones, but not Mandarin vowels. This pattern could be explained by 1) assimilability of the Mandarin vowel contrasts used in the study into …
Quantifying Resting-State Functional Connectivity In Critically Brain-Injured Patients: A Graph-Theoretical Approach With Fnirs, 2024 Western University
Quantifying Resting-State Functional Connectivity In Critically Brain-Injured Patients: A Graph-Theoretical Approach With Fnirs, Ira Gupta
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Assessment of consciousness in behaviourally unresponsive patients with critical brain injuries continues to be a challenge. There remains a need for robust tools that can accurately characterize preserved cortical function and predict patient outcomes. In the present study, functional near-infrared spectroscopy is employed in conjunction with graph theory and machine learning to quantify resting-state functional connectivity in 16 acutely brain-injured patients and 23 healthy controls. Results revealed significant channel-level differences between the groups for three graph metrics, including degree, clustering coefficient, and local efficiency. Further investigation using machine learning algorithms revealed that these metrics can be used to distinguish between …
Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, 2024 CUNY Bernard M Baruch College
Towards A New Role Of Mitochondrial Hydrogen Peroxide In Synaptic Function, Cliyahnelle Z. Alexander
Student Theses and Dissertations
Aerobic metabolism is known to generate damaging ROS, particularly hydrogen peroxide. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen that have the potential to cause damage to cells and tissues in the body. ROS are highly reactive atoms or molecules that rapidly interact with other molecules within a cell. Intracellular accumulation can result in oxidative damage, dysfunction, and cell death. Due to the limitations of H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) detectors, other impacts of ROS exposure may have been missed. HyPer7, a genetically encoded sensor, measures hydrogen peroxide emissions precisely and sensitively, even at sublethal levels, during …
Medial Prefrontal Cortex Fnirs Activity While Viewing Nature And Urban Scenes: The Search For Neurological Evidence Of Nature's Transcendent Self-Diminishment Effect, 2024 Northern Michigan University
Medial Prefrontal Cortex Fnirs Activity While Viewing Nature And Urban Scenes: The Search For Neurological Evidence Of Nature's Transcendent Self-Diminishment Effect, Haylee V. Snyder
All NMU Master's Theses
Prior research suggests that exposure to nature increases prosociality. One of the theories as to why this happens is that nature can elicit self-diminishment which leads to the positive experience of paying less attention to oneself. To better understand the neural processes behind this, this study used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) which is related to the self-concept. Participants were shown 12 images divided into four blocks separated by image types. Six were entirely natural scenes (three pleasant and three unpleasant), and six were entirely urban scenes (three pleasant and three unpleasant). …
Biophysical Model Of Retraction Motor Neurons And Their Modification By Operant Conditioning, 2024 The Texas Medical Center Library
Biophysical Model Of Retraction Motor Neurons And Their Modification By Operant Conditioning, Maria Rasheed
Dissertations & Theses (Open Access)
Operant conditioning (OC) is a form of associative learning in which an animal modifies its behavior based on the consequences that follow that behavior. Despite its ubiquity, the underlying mechanisms of OC are poorly understood. Insights into the mechanisms of OC can be obtained by studying Aplysia feeding behavior as it can be modified by OC. This behavior is mediated by a central pattern generator (CPG) network in the buccal ganglia that contains a relatively small number of neurons. This CPG generates rhythmic motor patterns (BMPs) that move food into the gut by closing a tongue-like structure (i.e., radula) during …
Evaluating Environmental Enrichment As A Preventative Treatment In A Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, 2024 William & Mary
Evaluating Environmental Enrichment As A Preventative Treatment In A Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, Ainsley Craddock
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to several cognitive deficits, including impairments in spatial memory (Alzheimer’s Association, “What is Alzheimer’s Disease?,” 2024). This is thought to occur due to atrophy in the hippocampus and cholinergic system (Ferreira-Vieira et al., 2016). Acetylcholine receptor antagonists, such as scopolamine, can mimic the effects of AD by decreasing acetylcholine activity at muscarinic receptors in the hippocampus. Scopolamine is an antiemetic that is FDA approved to treat certain kinds of nausea, but it has become a popular pharmacological model for studying the cognitive impairments associated with AD (Bajo et al., 2015). …
The Role Of Spreading Depolarizations In Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, 2024 University of New Mexico
The Role Of Spreading Depolarizations In Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries, Natalie J. Pinkowski
Biomedical Sciences ETDs
Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) often lead to acute symptoms like disorientation and discoordination, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Although most patients recover quickly from a single mTBI, repeated injuries can be debilitating. After an mTBI, a neurometabolic cascade produces metabolic burden and vulnerability. Spreading depolarizations (SDs) have been observed after mTBIs. Here we investigated SDs’ role in short-term motor behavioral deficits post-mTBI. We hypothesized that SDs contribute to the deficits, and exacerbated symptoms after repeated mTBIs. To test this, we used acute motor behavioral tests and long-term behavioral and cognitive tests after initiating SDs by mTBI, chemical, or …
Exploring The Effects Of Cannabidiol And Beta-Caryophyllene On Stress-Induced Allodynia In Mice, 2024 Western Washington University
Exploring The Effects Of Cannabidiol And Beta-Caryophyllene On Stress-Induced Allodynia In Mice, Simone Player, Alana Sullivan, Josh Kaplan
WWU Honors College Senior Projects
This research explores the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and beta-caryophyllene (BC; two phytochemicals produced by the plant, Cannabis sativa L.) on stress-induced allodynia in mice. Stress causes a body-wide inflammatory response that can lead to allodynia, which is a painful response to previously innocuous stimuli. Current treatments for stress-induced inflammation can have unwanted effects and addictive potential, creating a need for alternatives. To explore the therapeutic effects of CBD and BC, wildtype and BTBR mice were tested for sensitivity to mechanical stimuli using the Von Frey Nociception Test. The results reveal that both CBD and BC individually show potential as …
Exploring Neuroplasticity Changes In Neurotoxin-Induced Parkinson’S Disease: A Preliminary Analysis Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, 2024 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Exploring Neuroplasticity Changes In Neurotoxin-Induced Parkinson’S Disease: A Preliminary Analysis Using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Tomas Gomez Jr., Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Potter-Baker, Nawaz Hack, Ramu Vadukapuram
Research Symposium
Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement, cognition, gait, and significantly impacts one's quality of life. Studies have suggested that neurotoxin pre-exposure is related to PD pathology and progressive motor/non-motor deficits, though it remains unclear how neurotoxin exposure affects neuroplasticity. The present study aimed to examine neurotoxin–induced PD-associated neuroplasticity changes in relationship to mental acuity and PD motor functionalities.
Methods: 7 voluntary participants experiencing early-stage PD symptoms with self-reported neurotoxin pre-exposure were enrolled in the longitudinal, repeated-measures clinical study; 2 sex-matched, age-matched, and occupation-matched healthy subjects were recruited for controlled comparative analysis (n=9). UTRGV’s Institute …
A Potential Role Of Urinary P75ecd As A Biomarker For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis In An American Cohort, 2024 The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
A Potential Role Of Urinary P75ecd As A Biomarker For Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis In An American Cohort, Swati Dhasmana, Anupam Dhasmana, Sheema Khan, Acharan S. Narula, Murali Yallapu, Subhash Chauhan
Research Symposium
Background: Neurological disorders present a unique complexity compared to other diseases, involving multiple risk factors, causes, treatments, and outcomes. These disorders often exhibit various molecular and morphological changes indicative of disruptions in cellular plasticity and resilience. The pathogenesis of many neurological disorders remains unclear, necessitating ongoing investigations. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exemplifies an idiopathic and fatal neurodegenerative disease marked by the degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons. The average life expectancy post-diagnosis is a mere 36 months, primarily attributed to respiratory muscle denervation.The persistent challenges in ALS clinical trials and the absence of effective therapeutic options have intensified interest …
The Relationship Between Cognitive Impairment In Psychiatric Patients And Readmission Rate To An Inpatient Facility, 2024 Florida Institute of Technology
The Relationship Between Cognitive Impairment In Psychiatric Patients And Readmission Rate To An Inpatient Facility, Cherilyn Isis Schuff
Theses and Dissertations
The primary intention of this study was to further understand the impact of assessing cognitive impairment in psychiatric patients, as a mediating factor on readmission rates. Mild cognitive dysfunction impacts a patient’s functional outcomes (Bowie & Harvey, 2006; Davis et al., 2012; Marcantonio, et al., 2001). Little information exists to guide best practices in the treatment of adults with cognitive impairment who are hospitalized for acute conditions (Davis et al., 2012). A cognitive impairment may impact patient prognosis and ability to function outside of a setting focused on stabilization. Neuropsychological testing is a valuable tool in predicting a patient’s cognitive …
Methamphetamine-Induced Dna Double-Stranded Breaks: The Impact Of The Dopamine Transporter And Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Dna Damage In Mouse Neuro 2a Cells, 2024 The Graduate Center, City University of New York
Methamphetamine-Induced Dna Double-Stranded Breaks: The Impact Of The Dopamine Transporter And Insights Into The Mechanisms Of Dna Damage In Mouse Neuro 2a Cells, Lizette Couto
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Methamphetamine (METH) abuse remains a global health concern, with emerging evidence highlighting its genotoxic potential. In the central nervous system METH enters dopaminergic cells primarily through the dopamine transporter (DAT), which controls the dynamics of dopamine (DA) neurotransmission by driving the reuptake of extracellular DA into the presynaptic neuronal cell. Additional effects of METH on the storage of DA in synaptic vesicles lead to the dysregulated cytosolic accumulation of DA. Previous studies have shown that after METH disrupts intracellular vesicular stores of DA, the excess DA in the cytosol is rapidly oxidized. This generates an abundance of reactive oxygen species …
Cholinergic Activation Of Corticofugal Circuits In The Adult Mouse Prefrontal Cortex, 2024 Dartmouth College
Cholinergic Activation Of Corticofugal Circuits In The Adult Mouse Prefrontal Cortex, Allan Gulledge
Dartmouth Scholarship
Acetylcholine (ACh) promotes neocortical output to the thalamus and brainstem by preferentially enhancing the postsynaptic excitability of layer 5 pyramidal tract (PT) neurons relative to neighboring intratelencephalic (IT) neurons. Less is known about how ACh regulates the excitatory synaptic drive of IT and PT neurons. To address this question, spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials (sEPSPs) were recorded in dual recordings of IT and PT neurons in slices of prelimbic cortex from adult female and male mice. ACh (20 µM) enhanced sEPSP amplitudes, frequencies, rise-times, and half-widths preferentially in PT neurons. These effects were blocked by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (1 …
Zebrafish Electroretinogram Responses, 2024 The University of Akron
Zebrafish Electroretinogram Responses, Brooke Campbell
Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects
The goal of this project is to be able to streamline a protocol for conducting ERGs on zebrafish from mice ERG protocol already present in Dr. Renna’s lab. The objective is to create a protocol specifically for zebrafish and to eliminate any issues that occur when transiting from a mice ERG protocol to a zebrafish ERG protocol and to obtain a light response from zebrafish retinae in differing light intensities. Dr. Renna’s lab has designed an Ex Vivo ERG system with less electrical interference creating defined electrical responses from mouse retina. The setup allows for continual perfusion of the retinal …
Associations Of Sex And Sport Contact‑Level With Recovery Timelines Among Collegiate Athletes With Sport‑Related Concussion, 2024 University of Pennsylvania
Associations Of Sex And Sport Contact‑Level With Recovery Timelines Among Collegiate Athletes With Sport‑Related Concussion, Bernadette A. D'Alonzo, Andrea L. C. Schneider, Ian J. Barnett, Christina L. Master, Abigail C. Bretzin, Douglas J. Wiebe, Ivy League-Big Ten Epidemiology Of Concussion Study Investigators
Center for Brain, Biology, and Behavior: Faculty and Staff Publications
Background
Growing interest has motivated recent studies to examine differences in recovery after sportrelated concussion (SRC) by sex. However, heterogeneity in study design, participants, and recovery outcomes has led to mixed findings. Further work is needed to evaluate potential differences by sex and to investigate the role of related characteristics, such as sport contact-level, in recovery timelines. This study aimed to investigate whether concussion recovery trajectories differ by sex, considering a priori clinical and demographic covariates, and accounting for the sequence of recovery outcomes. Our secondary question was whether sport contact-level modifies the relationship between sex and time to outcomes. …
The Standing Of Anger: Insights From The Debate(S) On Constructed Emotion, 2024 Claremont McKenna College
The Standing Of Anger: Insights From The Debate(S) On Constructed Emotion, Andrew Holzer
CMC Senior Theses
In her book, Anger and Forgiveness: Resentment, Generosity, Justice, Martha Nussbaum argues that anger is inherently flawed because it fundamentally contains the desire for payback. To support her argument, she posits specific metaphysical claims about the nature of emotions like anger. This thesis is an extended critique of her metaphysical foundation from the perspective of empirical research in the neuroscience of emotion. The first reason to dispute this picture is descriptive; this view of anger is based on an outdated version of cognitive appraisal theory, which sees emotions as triggered directly by static moments of cognitive appraisal. The second …
The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, 2024 Georgia Southern University
The Biobehavioral Effects Of Embryonic Exposure To Neural Inflammation And Oxidative Stress In Zebrafish, Dalton J. Anderson
Honors College Theses
The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of the neurodevelopmental effects of embryonic exposure to elevated inflammation and oxidative stress induced by the antipyretic drug acetaminophen (APAP). Our study was the first to examine the interactive effects of APAP and inflammation in zebrafish embryos and how the treatments affect brain development and larval behavior. Experimental groups of zebrafish larvae were exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation, APAP, or LPS + APAP and larval behavior was analyzed using Ethovision automated behavioral tracking software. We also measured changes in whole-brain Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta (GSK3B) and GSK3B phosphorylation, …