Neuroimaging Of Real-World Audio-Visual Sensory Integration In High-Functioning Autism,
2020
West Virginia University
Neuroimaging Of Real-World Audio-Visual Sensory Integration In High-Functioning Autism, Paula J. Webster
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)
Sensory processing differences are a prevalent aspect of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that may contribute to core deficits of ASD such as repetitive behaviors as well as comorbidities including anxiety disorders. The ability to integrate information among our senses is required to comprehend the world around us and is crucial for the development of language, motor skills, and social communication. Prior studies have shown that individuals with autism differ from individuals without autism when presented with simple, non-natural audio-visual stimuli such as basic shapes accompanied by pure tones. Because the human brain processes non-natural and natural stimuli differently, more recent …
Mechanisms Of Value-Biased Prioritization In Fast Sensorimotor Decision Making,
2020
CUNY City College
Mechanisms Of Value-Biased Prioritization In Fast Sensorimotor Decision Making, Kivilcim Afacan-Seref
Dissertations and Theses
In dynamic environments, split-second sensorimotor decisions must be prioritized according to potential payoffs to maximize overall rewards. The impact of relative value on deliberative perceptual judgments has been examined extensively, but relatively little is known about value-biasing mechanisms in the common situation where physical evidence is strong but the time to act is severely limited. This research examines the behavioral and electrophysiological indices of how value biases split-second perceptual decisions and the possible mechanisms underlying the process. In prominent decision models, a noisy but statistically stationary representation of sensory evidence is integrated over time to an action-triggering bound, and value-biases …
Lateralized Temporal Integration Properties Of The Mouse Auditory Cortex,
2020
CUNY City College
Lateralized Temporal Integration Properties Of The Mouse Auditory Cortex, Demetrios Neophytou
Dissertations and Theses
Social communication calls are fleeting, rapidly modulating signals and the ability of the auditory system to perceive such transient signals is a remarkable phenomenon. The mechanism by which the auditory cortex (ACx) is believed to be capable of processing these signals is through recurrent connectivity in the cortical circuits. Recurrent connectivity is proposed to be a possible circuit motif that aids in the processing of these transient signals. Recurrent connectivity is believed to have an effect on the temporal fidelity, the ability to follow a modulating signal, and the recurrent activity, sustained activity following stimulus offset, at the level of …
Spinal Motor Neuron Excitability And Balance Control Changes Following Downslope Walking,
2020
Wilfrid Laurier University
Spinal Motor Neuron Excitability And Balance Control Changes Following Downslope Walking, Nikki Aitcheson-Huehn
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
Downslope walking (DSW) has been proposed as a rehabilitation tool for people with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) although there are mixed findings in young adults (YA) regarding the balance control changes, despite both populations experiencing depressed spinal motor neuron (MN) pool excitability. Our aim was to determine whether YAs could demonstrate improved balance control in conjunction with SOL H reflex depression (estimate of spinal MN excitability) following DSW. We also aimed to determine whether reciprocal inhibition was a potential mechanism for H reflex depression via conditioned SOL H reflexes. Thirty young adults (23±1.4y, 6 males) were assigned to 30-minutes of DSW …
Characterization Of The Effect Of Exercise Dose And Integrative Nonpharmacological Therapies In The Treatment Of Chronic Pain,
2019
Duquesne University
Characterization Of The Effect Of Exercise Dose And Integrative Nonpharmacological Therapies In The Treatment Of Chronic Pain, Anna M. Polaski
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Chronic pain includes debilitating conditions affecting large populations of people throughout the world. These diseases are further complicated by comorbid psychological disorders which make chronic pain conditions difficult to treat. Nonpharmacological treatment options have more recently become an important mainstay of effective therapies and are currently being used to supplement or replace traditional pharmacological treatment methods. Exercise-based therapies in particular are of interest due to their demonstrated success in reducing pain symptoms as well as improving psychological outcomes. Dose is an important factor in being able to effectively prescribe treatments in the context of specific exercise interventions and specific pain …
Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Outcomes Associated With Student Engagement In A Novel Brain Chemoarchitecture Mapping Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience.,
2019
University of Texas at E
Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Outcomes Associated With Student Engagement In A Novel Brain Chemoarchitecture Mapping Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience., Christina D'Arcy, Anais Martinez, Arshad Khan, Jeffrey Olimpo
Selected Works Temporary Series
No abstract provided.
Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Outcomes Associated With Student Engagement In A Novel Brain Chemoarchitecture Mapping Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience.,
2019
University of Texas at E
Cognitive And Non-Cognitive Outcomes Associated With Student Engagement In A Novel Brain Chemoarchitecture Mapping Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience., D'Arcy, Anais Martinez, Arshad Khan, Jeffrey Olimpo
Departmental Papers (Biology)
No abstract provided.
Understanding Object Motion Encoding In The Mammalian Retina.,
2019
University of Louisville
Understanding Object Motion Encoding In The Mammalian Retina., Victor Julian Depiero
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Phototransduction, transmission of visual information down the optic nerve incurs delays on the order of 50 – 100ms. This implies that the neuronal representation of a moving object should lag behind the object’s actual position. However, studies have demonstrated that the visual system compensates for neuronal delays using a predictive mechanism called phase advancing, which shifts the population response toward the leading edge of a moving object’s retinal image. To understand how this compensation is achieved in the retina, I investigated cellular and synaptic mechanisms that drive phase advancing. I used three approaches, each testing phase advancing at a …
Overexpression Of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances The Reinforcing Effects Of Nicotine In Female Versus Male Rats.,
2019
University of Texas at El Paso
Overexpression Of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor In The Nucleus Accumbens Enhances The Reinforcing Effects Of Nicotine In Female Versus Male Rats., Uribe, Victor Correa, Briana Pinales, Rodolfo Flores, Bryan Cruz, Zhiyin Shan, Adriaan Bruijnzeel, Arshad Khan, Laura O'Dell
Departmental Papers (Biology)
This study assessed the role of stress systems in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in promoting sex differences in the reinforcing effects of nicotine. Intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of various doses of nicotine was compared following overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the NAc of female and male rats. Ovariectomized (OVX) females were also included to assess the role of ovarian hormones in promoting nicotine reinforcement. Rats received intra-NAc administration of an adeno-associated vector that overexpressed CRF (AAV2/5-CRF) or green fluorescent protein (AAV2/5-GFP). All rats were then given extended access (23 h/day) to an inactive and an active lever that delivered nicotine. …
Structure And Function Of Dopamine In The Inner Ear And Auditory Efferent System Of A Vocal Fish,
2019
CUNY Graduate Center
Structure And Function Of Dopamine In The Inner Ear And Auditory Efferent System Of A Vocal Fish, Jonathan T. Perelmuter
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
The neuromodulator dopamine is considered essential for coordinating the internal motivational state of an organism with appropriate behavioral responses to stimuli in the external environment. This could be accomplished by modifying the function of neural circuits involved in sensory processing such that they are “tuned in” and optimally sensitive to important stimuli during critical time windows. While dopamine modulation of auditory processing has been studied in the central nervous system, neuromodulation can also occur outside the brain, in the inner ear. The majority of investigations of dopamine in the ear are conducted using rodents and focus on its role in …
Sensory Perception,
2019
CUNY City College
Sensory Perception, Adrian Rodriguez-Contreras
Open Educational Resources
Different types of sensory systems with their functional modalities will be presented. The biological bases for how these functions are generated and modified will then be described. As vision is the principal means of perception, we will focus in this course most on visual processing. Scientific data will be integrated into the lectures, such that students develop critical skills in analyzing data and proposing hypotheses.
Functional Organization Of Cortical Maps For Ocular Dominance And Light-Dark Polarity In Primary Visual Cortex,
2019
SUNY College of Optometry
Functional Organization Of Cortical Maps For Ocular Dominance And Light-Dark Polarity In Primary Visual Cortex, Sohrab Najafian, Jian Zhong Jin, Jose-Manuel Alonso
MODVIS Workshop
No abstract provided.
The Challenge For Vision Of Fluctuating Real-World Illumination,
2019
University of Manchester
The Challenge For Vision Of Fluctuating Real-World Illumination, David H. Foster
MODVIS Workshop
No abstract provided.
Investigating The Role Of Integrin Beta 3 In Dendritic Arborization In The Supragranular Developing Cerebral Cortex,
2019
James Madison University
Investigating The Role Of Integrin Beta 3 In Dendritic Arborization In The Supragranular Developing Cerebral Cortex, Zachary Logan Holley
Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Integrin subunits have been implicated in axonal and dendritic outgrowth. In particular, a strong positive association has been found between mutations in integrin beta 3 (Itgb3) and autism spectrum disorder, but little is known about neuronal Itgb3 function in vivo. Many forms of autism spectrum disorder are thought to arise from dysfunctional dendritic arborization and synaptic pruning. Global knockout of Itgb3 in mice leads to autistic-like behaviors. Itgb3-/- mice also have reduced callosal volume, a key neuroanatomical correlate of autism. Here, we test the hypothesis that Itgb3 is required for normal dendritic arborization in layer II/III pyramidal …
The Neurophysiological Changes Associated With Motor Learning In Adults And Adolescents,
2019
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The Neurophysiological Changes Associated With Motor Learning In Adults And Adolescents, James E. Gehringer
Theses & Dissertations
One main purpose of this dissertation was to explore how sensorimotor cortical oscillations changed after practicing a novel ankle plantarflexion target matching task. We behaviorally quantified the speed, accuracy, reaction time, velocity, and variability of the participant’s performance of the task, while collecting their neurophysiological responses with magnetoencephalography (MEG). With these data, we assessed how the motor planning and execution stages of movement during a goal directed target matching task changed after practicing a task in typically developing young adults with their non-dominant ankle. We found that the cortical oscillations in the beta frequency range that were sourced from the …
Interhemispheric Communication And Lateralization In The Mouse Hippocampus,
2019
CUNY Graduate Center
Interhemispheric Communication And Lateralization In The Mouse Hippocampus, Jake Jordan
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
The hippocampus is essential for memory and spatial navigation. Many theories have been proposed to explain how the hippocampus contributes to cognition; however, none has fully explained relevant neurophysiological and behavioral data. Hemispheric lateralization of hippocampal function has been reported in humans and in rodents, and lateralization of hippocampal neural circuitry has been reported in rodents. Most theories of hippocampal function fail to consider the hippocampus as a bilateral structure with hemispheric differences. Further, proposed theories of hippocampal lateralization have their own limitations in explaining empirical data concerning left/right function. Little is known about communication between the hippocampi across hemispheres. …
Feedforward And Feedback Signals In The Olfactory System,
2019
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Feedforward And Feedback Signals In The Olfactory System, Srimoy Chakraborty
Graduate Theses and Dissertations
The conglomeration of myriad activities in neural systems often results in prominent oscillations. The primary goal of the research presented in this thesis was to study effects of sensory stimulus on the olfactory system of rats, focusing on the olfactory bulb (OB) and the anterior piriform cortex (aPC). Extracellular electrophysiological measurements revealed distinct frequency bands of oscillations in OB and aPC. However, how these oscillatory fluctuations help the animal to process sensory input is not clearly understood. Here we show high frequency oscillations in olfactory bulb carry feedforward signals to anterior piriform cortex whereas feedback from the aPC is predominantly …
Influence Of Stimulus Intensity On Multimodal Integration In The Startle Escape System Of Goldfish,
2019
CUNY Hunter College
Influence Of Stimulus Intensity On Multimodal Integration In The Startle Escape System Of Goldfish, Camille Mcintyre, Thomas Preuss
Publications and Research
Processing of multimodal information is essential for an organism to respond to environmental events. However, how multimodal integration in neurons translates into behavior is far from clear. Here, we investigate integration of biologically relevant visual and auditory information in the goldfish startle escape system in which paired Mauthner-cells (M-cells) initiate the behavior. Sound pips and visual looms as well as multimodal combinations of these stimuli were tested for their effectiveness of evoking the startle response. Results showed that adding a low intensity sound early during a visual loom (low visual effectiveness) produced a supralinear increase in startle responsiveness as compared …
Contextually Modulated Avoidance Behavior In Rats Post-Pavlovian Extinction,
2019
CUNY Hunter College
Contextually Modulated Avoidance Behavior In Rats Post-Pavlovian Extinction, Lauren Branigan
Theses and Dissertations
The following study sought to examine the psychological substrates of renewal (e.g.., context dependent extinction processes) for conditioned avoidance behaviors in rats. Using signaled active avoidance conditioning, rats acquired two-way shuttle responding, to two different auditory stimuli. These behaviors were then extinguished through exposure to the auditory stimuli where shuttling behavior was now without consequence. Subjects were then tested for renewal of avoidance in three distinct renewal sequences (e.g., ABA vs ABB, AAB vs AAA, and ABC vs ABB) in three separate groups of rats. It was found that subjects showed more responding to a stimulus presented outside of its …
Post-Synaptic Mechanisms Of Early And Late Prepulse Inhibition In The Goldfish,
2019
CUNY Graduate Center
Post-Synaptic Mechanisms Of Early And Late Prepulse Inhibition In The Goldfish, Daniel Bronson
Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Sensorimotor gating, or prepulse inhibition (PPI), attenuates the startle response during sensory processing by limiting sensory input to the startle circuit. In the goldfish startle circuit, a single action potential in the Mauthner-cell (M-cell) triggers the startle response. PPI in the M-cell is mediated by multiple post-synaptic mechanisms, including the activation of a tonic, shunting inhibition as well as a voltage-sensitive conductance, both of which briefly reduce M-cell excitability. However, the specific channels and pathways that modulate PPI are not fully known. This work further characterizes the post-synaptic conductances that mediate PPI by blocking voltage-gated and inward-rectifying potassium channels, antagonizing …
