Brain Complexity, Sentience And Welfare,
2020
University of Cambridge
Brain Complexity, Sentience And Welfare, Donald M. Broom
Animal Sentience
Neither sentience nor moral standing is confined to animals with large or human-like brains. Invertebrates deserve moral consideration. Definition of terms clarifies the relationship between sentience and welfare. All animals have welfare but humans give more protection to sentient animals. Humans should be less human-centred.
Convergent Evolution Of Sentience?,
2020
Macquarie University
Convergent Evolution Of Sentience?, Culum Brown Prof.
Animal Sentience
Mikhalevich & Powell make a compelling case that some invertebrates may be sentient and that our moral obligations in the context of welfare should hence extend to them. Although the case is similar to that made for fishes, there is one obvious difference in that examples of invertebrate sentience probably arose independently from vertebrate sentience. We have unequivocal proof that complex cognition arose multiple times over evolutionary history. Given that cognition is our best tool for indirectly quantifying sentience, it seems highly likely that this multiple polygenesis may also have occurred for sentience. In acknowledging this, we must accept that …
Minds, Morality And Midgies,
2020
University of Queensland
Minds, Morality And Midgies, Brian Key, Deborah Brown
Animal Sentience
Mikhalevich & Powell argue that the exclusion of the vast majority of arthropods from moral standing is unwarranted, particularly given the purported evidence for cognition and sentience in these organisms. The implied association between consciousness and moral standing is questionable and their assumption that rich forms of cognition and flexible behavior are dependent on phenomenal consciousness needs to be reconsidered in light of current neuroscientific evidence. We conclude by proposing a neural algorithmic approach for deciphering whether organisms are capable of subjective experience.
Olfaction Modulates Inter-Subject Correlation Of Neural Responses,
2020
Neuromatters, LLC
Olfaction Modulates Inter-Subject Correlation Of Neural Responses, Paul Deguzman, Anshul Jain, Matthias H. Tabert, Lucas C. Parra
Publications and Research
Odors can be powerful stimulants. It is well-established that odors provide strong cues for recall of locations, people and events. The effects of specific scents on other cognitive functions are less well-established. We hypothesized that scents with different odor qualities will have a different effect on attention. To assess attention, we used Inter-Subject Correlation of the EEG because this metric is strongly modulated by attentional engagement with natural audiovisual stimuli.We predicted that scents known to be “energizing” would increase Inter-Subject Correlation during watching of videos as compared to “calming” scents. In a first experiment, we confirmed this for eucalyptol and …
Investigation Of The Role Of Heparin-Binding Pocket In Amyloid Fibrils Formation Of Fgf-1,
2020
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Investigation Of The Role Of Heparin-Binding Pocket In Amyloid Fibrils Formation Of Fgf-1, I Gusti Ayu Agung Septiari
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Human acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF/hFGF-1) is one of the promising molecules to be investigated to generate an in-depth understanding of the pathological mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of amyloid fibrils. Some in vivo and human brain tissue studies proved the correlation of high-level expression of FGF-1-induced neuroinflammation and the occurrence of AD. The presence of amyloid fibrils as a hallmark of AD can be related to the generic property of the proteins to form amyloid fibrils; High level of FGF-1, in this case, may contribute to the formation of amyloid fibrils. As a …
An Eeg Study On Loneliness And Recognition Memory,
2020
Stephen F Austin State University
An Eeg Study On Loneliness And Recognition Memory, Carmen Jia Wen Chek
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Loneliness, the perception of unmet social needs, has been shown to relate to recollection-based recognition deficits, but the relationship between loneliness and recognition memory (i.e., recollection and familiarity) has not been thoroughly examined. The current study hypothesized that more lonely individuals would have lower recognition memory performance, specifically recollection, with smaller ERP parietal old-new effects than less lonely individuals. Forty participants, grouped into less (n = 13) and more (n = 9) lonely groups based on their R-UCLA responses, completed an associative memory task. EEG was used to assess recognition memory effects. Results showed no significant difference in …
Proactive And Reactive Aggression, Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia, And Sleep In Adolescents,
2020
CUNY Graduate Center
Proactive And Reactive Aggression, Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia, And Sleep In Adolescents, Allison L. Brasch
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Current research evaluating the relationship between proactive and reactive aggression, sleep, and autonomic dysfunction has shown inconsistencies. The unique etiologies, manifestations, and presentation of these two aggressive subtypes have garnered much speculation, and research has shown mixed, and oftentimes conflicting, results. Generally speaking, insufficient sleep has been linked to increased agitation, cognitive impairment, emotional dysregulation, and poorer physical health. Many studies have provided support for an inverse relationship existing between sleep problems and sympathovagal health, implicating hypo- or hyper-autonomic function with proactive and reactive aggression, respectively. Concurrently and conflictingly, additional research has shown support for the exact opposite relationships between …
The Effects Of Self-Esteem And Motivation On Cognitive Control,
2020
CUNY Graduate Center
The Effects Of Self-Esteem And Motivation On Cognitive Control, Andrea Benavides
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Cognitive control describes a set of mechanisms that guide behavior towards a goal (Cohen, 2017). The successful execution of cognitive control is essential for effective learning, information processing, problem solving, and academic achievement (Visu-Petra et al., 2011). The Expected Value of Control framework (EVC; Shenhav et al., 2013) suggests that control carries an inherent cost, which is weighed against the potential benefits of expending it. This cost-benefit analysis determines the direction and intensity that a goal is pursued. Importantly, motivation plays a role in this cost-benefit analysis and may function as the factor that offsets the cost of control expenditure …
The Impact Of A Single Session Of Mindfulness Meditation On The Attentional Blink In Non-Meditators,
2020
CUNY Graduate Center
The Impact Of A Single Session Of Mindfulness Meditation On The Attentional Blink In Non-Meditators, Arielle L. Klopsis
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Attentional resources are limited therefore a stimulus can go undetected if it closely follows another target by 200-500ms. This phenomenon is known as the attentional blink. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to be beneficial in target detection and in decreasing the attentional blink. Since there is no standard for the type of meditation or duration of practice that leads to attention benefits, this study compares the two most popular types of meditation in a group of non-meditators: focused attention and open monitoring meditation. This study utilized an attentional blink paradigm to measure if a single session of mindfulness meditation can …
Two Nights Of Recovery Sleep Restores Hippocampal Connectivity But Not Episodic Memory After Total Sleep Deprivation,
2020
Sun Yat-sen University
Two Nights Of Recovery Sleep Restores Hippocampal Connectivity But Not Episodic Memory After Total Sleep Deprivation, Ya Chai, Zhuo Fang, Fan Nils Yang, Sihua Xu, Yao Deng, Andrew Raine, Jieqiong Wang, Meichen Yu, Mathias Basner, Namni Goel, Junghoon J. Kim, David A. Wolk, John A. Detre, David F. Dinges, Hengyi Rao
Publications and Research
Sleep deprivation significantly impairs a range of cognitive and brain function, particularly episodic memory and the underlying hippocampal function. However, it remains controversial whether one or two nights of recovery sleep following sleep deprivation fully restores brain and cognitive function. In this study, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and examined the effects of two consecutive nights (20-hour time-in-bed) of recovery sleep on resting-state hippocampal connectivity and episodic memory deficits following one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) in 39 healthy adults in a controlled in-laboratory protocol. TSD significantly reduced memory performance in a scene recognition task, impaired hippocampal …
Exploring Effects Of Background Music In A Serious Game On Attention By Means Of Eeg Signals In Children,
2020
Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
Exploring Effects Of Background Music In A Serious Game On Attention By Means Of Eeg Signals In Children, Fettah Kiran
LSU Master's Theses
Music and Serious Games are separately useful alternative therapy methods for helping people with a cognitive disorder, including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The goal of this thesis is to explore the effect of background music on children with and without ADHD. In this study, a simple Tetris game is designed with Beethoven, Mozart music, and no-music. There are different brainwave techniques for recording; among others, the electroencephalography (EEG) allows for the most efficient use of BCI. We recorded the EEG brain signals of the regular and ADHD subjects who played the Tetris we designed according to our protocol that …
Mental Associations And Music Therapy: Including The History Of Associationism And The Neurology Of Associations,
2020
Lesley University
Mental Associations And Music Therapy: Including The History Of Associationism And The Neurology Of Associations, Dianna Rose
Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses
Associations are formed in our minds based upon three elements: sensory experience, emotions, and memories. These associations, unique to each individual, dictate thoughts, beliefs, behaviors, and actions. Some are necessary and supportive, while others can be maladaptive. Established associations can be changed, and new associations can be formed, to align with a client’s goals. The literature presents a strong history of associationism, as well as a body of research that demonstrates the neurological processes of how mental associations are formed. There are also studies showing how music activates the brain. However, there is a lack of research which draws direct …
Neuroprotection Against Alzheimer’S And Lifespan Extension Induced By Dietary Restriction Are Associated With Metabolomic Changes And Depend On Oxidative Resistance Protein 1 (Oxr1),
2020
Dominican University of California
Neuroprotection Against Alzheimer’S And Lifespan Extension Induced By Dietary Restriction Are Associated With Metabolomic Changes And Depend On Oxidative Resistance Protein 1 (Oxr1), George W. Brownridge Iii
Natural Sciences and Mathematics | Biological Sciences Master's Theses
Dietary restriction (DR) has been demonstrated to be a robust means of extending the healthspan and lifespan, along with improving cognitive performance in various model organisms from yeast to primates, possibly by mediating neuroprotection. We utilized the Drosophila melanogaster model organism to better understand the molecular pathways that enable DR-induced benefits. By performing a genome-wide associated screening of the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) that catalogues all natural genetic variants, we discovered that Oxidative resistance protein 1 (OXR1) showed the most significant difference in expression between DR and the inverse intervention of ad libitum (AL). Our research found that OXR1 …
Using Machine Learning To Conduct A Detailed Behavioral Analysis In An Appetitive Social Learning Task,
2020
University of Connecticut
Using Machine Learning To Conduct A Detailed Behavioral Analysis In An Appetitive Social Learning Task, Thomas Shao
Honors Scholar Theses
Learning by watching others, or observational learning, is important for social development and survival. However, not much is known about the brain mechanisms underlying this type of learning. Since the 1960s, observational learning has been widely studied in humans, but developing and analyzing experiments for animals has been challenging. Here, I explore observational learning using a novel paradigm while performing an analysis that involves tracking the rats using an active learning paradigm called DeepLabCut. In this novel paradigm, customized operant conditioning chambers are used for the rats to observe and learn from another animal repeatedly on multiple trials each day. …
Effects Of Repeated Intermittent Episodes Of Social Stress On The Acquisition And Extinction Of A Reward-Seeking Task,
2020
University of Mississippi
Effects Of Repeated Intermittent Episodes Of Social Stress On The Acquisition And Extinction Of A Reward-Seeking Task, Nikki Sullivan
Honors Theses
Repeated exposure to stress is known to have a myriad of effects on the brain, contributing to the development of psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and drug addiction. For example, rats undergoing repeated social stress develop increased cocaine self-administration. These effects of stress are not well-understood and are related to changes in the brain reward system. This study investigated the effects of repeated social stress on reward-seeking behavior via the acquisition and extinction of a discriminative stimulus (DS) task and on anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM). Male rats underwent intermittent social defeat (4 sessions in 10 …
Dynamic Oscillatory Interactions Between Neural Attention And Sensorimotor Systems,
2020
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Dynamic Oscillatory Interactions Between Neural Attention And Sensorimotor Systems, Alex Wiesman
Theses & Dissertations
The adaptive and flexible ability of the human brain to preference the processing of salient environmental features in the visual space is essential to normative cognitive function, and various neurologically afflicted patient groups report negative impacts on visual attention. While the brain-bases of human attentional processing have begun to be unraveled, very little is known regarding the interactions between attention systems and systems supporting sensory and motor processing. This is essential, as these interactions are dynamic; evolving rapidly in time and across a wide range of functionally defined rhythmic frequencies. Using magnetoencephalography (MEG) and a range of novel cognitive paradigms …
The Current Neuroscientific Understanding Of Alzheimer's Disease,
2020
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The Current Neuroscientific Understanding Of Alzheimer's Disease, Rachel A. Brandes
Pursuit - The Journal of Undergraduate Research at The University of Tennessee
Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative neurological illness characterized by the deterioration of brain regions implicated in memory and cognitive function. While researchers have yet to find a cure or effective treatment, they have gained a better understanding of its pathology and development. Through years of neuroscience research, scientists have discovered much of what happens in the brain during Alzheimer’s disease onset and how this causes its symptoms; many hypotheses regarding this aspect of the illness involve temporal lobe atrophy, neurofibrillary tangles, and amyloid plaques. Although Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of people every day, it seems that most are unaware of …
Neurocognitive Risk Factors And Current Intervention Strategies For Survivors Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia,
2020
Liberty University
Neurocognitive Risk Factors And Current Intervention Strategies For Survivors Of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Abigail Taber
Senior Honors Theses
The improved survival rate for pediatric cancer patients is one of the greatest triumphs of recent medicine, but the late effects faced by these survivors have been uncovered through this new population of survivors. Many survivors of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) experience cognitive deficits in areas such as attention, memory, processing speed, and academic achievement following cancer treatment. Recent research has pointed to chemotherapeutic agents, host risk factors, and genetic predispositions as perpetrators of these deficits, although other factors are also under investigation. Consequently, the search for appropriate interventions for the amelioration of these deficits has dominated the literature …
Screen Usage Relates To Neuroanatomy Underlying Reward Processing.,
2020
University of Louisville
Screen Usage Relates To Neuroanatomy Underlying Reward Processing., Lucus Kiger Hodge
College of Arts & Sciences Senior Theses
Today’s world is inundated with technology and our use of screens. It is possible that screen usage might affect the structural development of brain systems underlying motivation, reward, and addiction. Two hundred and thirty-two 10-year-old individuals’ structural MRI and behavioral data from a publicly accessible database were analyzed to find relations between the cortical and subcortical regions of the reward circuits of the brain and the usage of social media, texting, television, YouTube and other video applications, video games, and video chat applications. Both cortical and subcortical results yielded significant relationships with variables of screen time usage. Most significantly, subcortical …
Safe Sleep: Developmental Implications For Hospitalized Infants,
2020
University of Rhode Island
Safe Sleep: Developmental Implications For Hospitalized Infants, Katherine Kohlsaat
Senior Honors Projects
The rate at which an infant develops both physically and cognitively is significant during sleep, as this is the time when the entire body can dedicate its efforts to this cause. Parents of healthy infants follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) relating to safe sleep, and since their introduction in 1992, the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has decreased by 40% (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016). However, if an infant has been hospitalized since birth due to necessary invasive procedures such as open-heart surgery, these protocols cannot be initially implemented. Common …
