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Full-Text Articles in Neuroscience and Neurobiology
An Implementation Of Integrated Information Theory In Resting-State Fmri, Idan E. Nemirovsky
An Implementation Of Integrated Information Theory In Resting-State Fmri, Idan E. Nemirovsky
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Integrated Information Theory (IIT) is a framework developed to explain consciousness, arguing that conscious systems consist of interacting elements that are integrated through their causal properties. In this study, we present the first application of IIT to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and investigate whether its principal metric, Phi, can meaningfully quantify resting-state cortical activity patterns. Data was acquired from 17 healthy subjects who underwent sedation with propofol, a short acting anesthetic. Using PyPhi, a software package developed for IIT, we thoroughly analyze how Phi varies across different networks and throughout sedation. Our findings indicate that variations in Phi …
The Reality And Prevalence Of Animal Sentience, Antonio Damasio
The Reality And Prevalence Of Animal Sentience, Antonio Damasio
Animal Sentience
Rowan et al use findings from neurobiology, clinical neurology, and general biology to argue for the extensive presence of sentience in animals, but they are wisely cautious concerning when in the phylogenetic scale that emergence occurred.
A Framework For Evaluating Evidence Of Pain In Animals, Matilda Gibbons, Lars Chittka
A Framework For Evaluating Evidence Of Pain In Animals, Matilda Gibbons, Lars Chittka
Animal Sentience
Crump et al. define eight criteria indicating sentience in animals, with a focus on pain. Here, we point out the risk of false negative or false positive diagnoses of pain. Criteria of different levels of inclusivity are useful for using the precautionary principle in animal welfare considerations, and for more formal scientific evidence of pain. We suggest tightening the criteria -- from more general evidence of sentience to pain alone -- because crucial evidence for animal welfare decisions might otherwise be missed for animals subjected to invasive and injurious procedures.