LRH由加拿大自然科学和工程研究理事会（NSERC）的支持。 SD被部分从NSERC支持创建程序。

所有的实验都是由纽约伦理委员会批准，所有参与者都签署了知情同意书。实验是根据赫尔辛基条约进行的。 1.刺激<ol><li>触觉刺激检测<ol><li>用接触器（1.17"直径0.30"厚），可提供250赫兹振动触觉刺激100毫秒。使用专用的接触器提供旅行的量和施加的电压之间的线性关系。 </li><li>控制与64位声卡触觉刺激交付。 <ol><li>为推动接触器，把它作为一个扬声器。一个立体声音频放大器连接到一个64位的计算机立体声声卡。接触器将连接到放大器（ 例如 ，&#39;左扬声器输出"）的输出之一。放大器的第二通道（例如，"右扬声器输出"）连接到一个普通的扬声器提供听觉信号票面ticipant。 </li><li>在被控制实验的计算机代码，产生将用于以振动接触器（例如，持续时间100毫秒的一个250赫兹正弦波）的波形，和另一个波形为听觉信号（例如，一个3000赫兹正弦波用100毫秒的持续时间）。见示例代码1中的补充代码文件。 </li><li>把每两个波形的成二维阵列。为接触器阵列放信号在第一维和第二维设置为全零。对于声音阵列把信号中的第二维，并设置第一至全零。游戏在程序的适当位置合适的阵列声卡。见示例代码1中的补充编码文件中如何做到这一点的示范。 </li></ol></li><li>附加接触器到带一个基于机械紧固产品。 </li></ol></li><li>掩蔽刺激<ol><li>由电提供掩蔽刺激，哈哈ND-举行振动器（4厘米直径的;在"低"时设置83赫兹）。 </li><li>基于这样的掩蔽是要测试的领域中，选择位点，其中所述掩蔽刺激是要应用。 </li></ol></li></ol> 2.实验装置与设计<ol><li>排列在桌子上的电脑和设备，在它前面的椅子，供实验者。 </li><li>建立在参与者休息他们的左边（测试）手臂的表。放置一个椅子表中​​的右侧。把一个扶手的立场上，与会者休息的权利（屏蔽ARM）肘​​旁边的椅子。加入缓冲表和扶手的舒适。 </li><li>排列在机械分离表面的扬声器。安排踏板（连接到一个计算机鼠标的左键和右键），以便参与者的脚会舒适地靠在它们（ 图1）。 </li><li>选择研究的参数，包括所需的试验的合适数量以获得阈值（典型试验中，40〜50之间），并在其中的实验是要分割的块的数量的可靠估计（例如，每条件20-25试验两个块）。 </li><li>使在该条件下将要运行的命令的列表。使用此列表来决定在哪里举行每个块的掩蔽刺激。 </li><li>输入试验次数直接进入计算机程序代码 （例如，ntrials = 25;见补充编码文件）。确保每个块是不超过10分钟，保持关注。 </li><li>编程两个替代强迫选择触觉检测任务11中，刺激强度控制与贝叶斯适应性心理楼梯的心理过程12。 <ol><li>对于每一个试验中，本两个1秒的间隔，标记为三声蜂鸣（5千赫，3千赫和5千赫，持续时间100毫秒），在时间间隔中的一个的中间呈现的触觉刺激。有与会者我ndicate在区间的刺激是由脚踏板的方式呈现（左为先，右为秒）。见示例代码2，它显示了如何的间隔运行，并取得。 注:计算机成绩作为"正确"或"错误"和自适应楼梯响应选择下一个值作相应的介绍。 注意:此方法确定在试验位点检测该振动阈值。 </li></ol></li></ol><img alt="图1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53733/53733fig1.jpg" /> 图1。实验设计 。此图显示了试验的设置和使用的材料。详情请参阅文本。 3.实验步骤<ol><li>获得书面知情同意书。座椅用自己的脚搁在舒适的响应脚踏板，并解释了实验过程中的椅子参与者。&lt;/ LI&gt; <li>测量和记录左前臂背侧表面的长度。所以接触器被定位在肘的内侧角和手腕折痕之间的臂中途的中间应用的带子。 </li><li>松散紧裹张绷带搂着多次举行接触器的地方。 </li><li>指导参与者把桌子上的左臂搁在扶手的右手肘。眼罩参加者，以防止他们在寻找刺激或掩蔽位置，并指示他们直行整个实验一下。 </li><li>随着20做法试验（无掩蔽刺激）块，以便使与会者了解与触觉检测任务的开始，并让他们成为熟悉的触觉刺激。 </li><li>以下的做法试验中，开始实验，在一个随机的，平衡的顺序运行的条件的块。开始每个块之前，确保武器和掩蔽stimu杆菌是在正确的位置。 <ol><li>对于每个条件，保存所选择的网站上的掩蔽刺激，指的是早先提出的条件清单。因为它是运行划掉每个条件。按住掩蔽刺激整个保持近乎恒定的压力数据采集试验的每个块。掩蔽刺激可通过衣着单薄应用。 </li><li>运行试验程序作为先前选定将通过试验定数运行。引进试验的每个短块之后，2分钟的休息时间。试验的给定块完成后，选择屏蔽的刺激下工地，并再次运行该程序。重复，直到所有的试验已经完成。 </li></ol></li></ol> 4.数据分析<ol><li>可视化和确认由自适应楼梯程序返回12阈值的估计，累计高斯适合参与者的数据公式累计高斯（乙状结肠）从50％变（几率级别 - 同等数量的0 - 错误的，正确的1&#39;s-）至100％（全部为1，正确的）是: 正确的响应的概率= 0.5 + 0.5 /（1 + EXP（ - （X-X0）/标准）） 其中x是所测试的强度值，X0是75％阈值，和std是估计的标准偏差。这个公式可以安装在使用任何曲线拟合软件中的数据相比，自适应楼梯值所得X0值。 <ol><li>确保该曲线变为50％（几率性能）和100％之间。在实验（例如，不同的掩蔽位点之间）的各条件下获得的75％的阈值进行统计分析（例如，t-检验或方差分析），以确定是否存在测试条件之间的任何差异。 </li></ol></li><li>为了识别离群值，计算的平均值和对于给定的条件的标准偏差。每个参与者的得分进行比较的平均值和如果一个人的分数是从意思然后把这个比分为异常值，并从分析中取出超过2个标准差。如果需要，可以使用替代的标准。 </li><li>以规范的病理因素（这是在任意单位）的强度的值，转换（当掩蔽刺激被施加到控制现场，例如，肩部测量）它们分贝相对于控制阈值。使用这个公式: DB = 10×10日志（阈值/控制阈值）。 </li></ol>

<ol>
	<li>von Be&#769;ke&#769;sy, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Sensory Inhibition. , (1967).</li><li>Uttal, W. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inhibitory+interaction+of+responses+to+electrical+stimuli+in+the+fingers.">Inhibitory interaction of responses to electrical stimuli in the fingers.</a> J. Comp. Physiol. Psych. 53 (1), 47-51 (1960).</li><li>Schmid, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Temporal+aspects+of+cutaneous+interaction+with+two-point+electrical+stimulation.">Temporal aspects of cutaneous interaction with two-point electrical stimulation.</a> J. Exp. Psychol. Gen. 61, 400-409 (1961).</li><li>Abramsky, O., Carmon, A., Bentontt, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Masking+of+and+by+tactile+pressure+stimuli.">Masking of and by tactile pressure stimuli.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 10 (5), 353-355 (1971).</li><li>Sherrick, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+double+simultaneous+stimulation+of+the+skin.">Effects of double simultaneous stimulation of the skin.</a> Am. J. Psychol. 77, 42-53 (1964).</li><li>Gilson, R. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vibrotactile+masking:+effects+of+multiple+maskers.">Vibrotactile masking: effects of multiple maskers.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 95 (4), 2213-2220 (1969).</li><li>Braun, C., Hess, H., Burkhardt, M., W&#252;hle, A., Preissl, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+right+hand+knows+what+the+left+hand+is+feeling.">The right hand knows what the left hand is feeling.</a> Exp. Brain. Res. 162 (3), 366-373 (2005).</li><li>Tam&#232;, L., Farn&#232;, A., Pavani, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatial+coding+of+touch+at+the+fingers:+Insights+from+double+simultaneous+stimulation+within+and+between.">Spatial coding of touch at the fingers: Insights from double simultaneous stimulation within and between.</a> Neurosci. Lett. 487 (1), 78-82 (2011).</li><li>Tam&#232;, L., Moles, A., Holmes, N. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Within+but+not+between+hands+interactions+in+vibrotactile+detection+thresholds+reflect+somatosensory+receptive+field+organization.">Within but not between hands interactions in vibrotactile detection thresholds reflect somatosensory receptive field organization.</a> Front. Psychol. 5, 1-9 (2014).</li><li>Harris, J. A., Diamond, M. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ipsilateral+and+contralateral+transfer+of+tactile+learning.">Ipsilateral and contralateral transfer of tactile learning.</a> Neuroreport. 11 (2), 263-266 (2000).</li><li>Fechner, G. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Elemente der Psychophysik . , (1860).</li><li>Watson, A., Pelli, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=QUEST-A+Bayesian+adaptive+psychophysical+method.">QUEST-A Bayesian adaptive psychophysical method.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 33, 113-120 (1983).</li><li>D'Amour, S., Harris, L. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contralateral+tactile+masking+between+forearms.">Contralateral tactile masking between forearms.</a> Exp. Brain. Res. 232 (3), 821-826 (2014).</li><li>D'Amour, S., Harris, L. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vibrotactile+masking+through+the+body.">Vibrotactile masking through the body.</a> Exp. Brain. Res. 232 (9), 2859-2863 (2014).</li><li>Gescheider, G. A., Herman, D. D., Phillips, J. N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Criterion+shifts+in+the+measurement+of+tactile+masking.">Criterion shifts in the measurement of tactile masking.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 8, 433-436 (1970).</li><li>Iwamura, Y., Tanaka, M., Iriki, A., Taoka, M., Toda, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Processing+of+tactile+and+kinesthetic+signals+from+bilateral+sides+of+the+body+in+the+postcentral+gyrus+of+awake+monkeys.">Processing of tactile and kinesthetic signals from bilateral sides of the body in the postcentral gyrus of awake monkeys.</a> Behav. Brain. Res. 135 (1-2), 185-190 (2002).</li><li>Killackey, H. P., Gould, H. J., Cusick, C. G., Pons, T. P., Kaas, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+relation+of+corpus+callosum+connections+to+architectonic+fields+and+body+surface+maps+in+sensorimotor+cortex+of+new+and+old+world+monkeys.">The relation of corpus callosum connections to architectonic fields and body surface maps in sensorimotor cortex of new and old world monkeys.</a> J. Comp. Neurol. 219 (4), 384-419 (1983).</li><li>Reed, J. L., Qi, H. X., Kaas, J. H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Spatiotemporal+properties+of+neuron+response+suppression+in+owl+monkey+primary+somatosensory+cortex+when+stimuli+are+presented+to+both+hands.">Spatiotemporal properties of neuron response suppression in owl monkey primary somatosensory cortex when stimuli are presented to both hands.</a> J. Neurosci. 31 (10), 3589-3601 (2011).</li><li>Hlushchuk, Y., Hari, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transient+suppression+of+ipsilateral+primary+somatosensory+cortex+during+tactile+finger+stimulation.">Transient suppression of ipsilateral primary somatosensory cortex during tactile finger stimulation.</a> J. Neurosci. 26 (21), 5819-5824 (2006).</li><li>Nihashi, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Contralateral+and+ipsilateral+responses+in+primary+somatosensory+cortex+following+electrical+median+nerve+stimulation--an+fMRI+study.">Contralateral and ipsilateral responses in primary somatosensory cortex following electrical median nerve stimulation--an fMRI study.</a> Clin. Neurophysiol. 116 (4), 842-848 (2005).</li><li>Tam&#232;, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+contribution+of+primary+and+secondary+somatosensory+cortices+to+the+representation+of+body+parts+and+body+sides:+an+fMRI+adaptation+study.">The contribution of primary and secondary somatosensory cortices to the representation of body parts and body sides: an fMRI adaptation study.</a> J. Cognitive. Neurosci. 24 (12), 2306-2320 (2012).</li><li>Tam&#232;, L., Farn&#232;, A., Pavani, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vision+of+the+body+and+the+differentiation+of+perceived+body+side+in+touch.">Vision of the body and the differentiation of perceived body side in touch.</a> Cortex. 49 (5), 1340-1351 (2013).</li><li>Tam&#232;, L., Pavani, F., Papadelis, C., Farn&#232;, A., Braun, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Early+integration+of+bilateral+touch+in+the+primary+somatosensory+cortex.">Early integration of bilateral touch in the primary somatosensory cortex.</a> Hum. Brain. Mapp. 36 (4), 1506-1523 (2015).</li><li>Gilson, R. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vibrotactile+masking:+Some+spatial+and+temporal+aspects.">Vibrotactile masking: Some spatial and temporal aspects.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 5 (3), 176-180 (1969).</li><li>Alliusi, E., Morgan, B., Hawkes, G. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Masking+of+cutaneous+sensations+in+multiple+stimulus+presentations.">Masking of cutaneous sensations in multiple stimulus presentations.</a> Percept. Motor. Skill. 20, 39-45 (1965).</li><li>Geldard, F. A., Sherrick, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Multiple+cutaneous+stimulation:+The+discrimination+of+vibratory+patterns.">Multiple cutaneous stimulation: The discrimination of vibratory patterns.</a> J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 37, 797-801 (1965).</li><li>Craig, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vibrotactile+loudness+addition.">Vibrotactile loudness addition.</a> Percept. Psychophys. 1, 185-190 (1966).</li></ol>

作者宣称，他们没有竞争的经济利益。

这里，对于对侧触觉掩蔽一个详细的协议描述，并使用该技术来测试触觉检测阈值以前发表的结果示。这种方法的优点是，阈值被使用psychophysically严格技术测量。两替代强迫选择（2AFC）过程是相对不敏感的反应偏差，因此，从注意力的影响。因为大多数数据都与靠近阈值水平刺激强度收集关于实际阈值珩磨在自适应楼梯过程是非常有效的。蒙住眼睛的参与者，并让他们直视前方吞吐量数据采集?...

触觉掩蔽是，其中在身体上的一个位置的触觉刺激改变在另一位置的触摸的感觉。这是由冯Bekesy 1率先露出位置的相互作用，特别是侧抑制，这是身体表面上的相邻的皮肤区域之间的技术。而触觉掩蔽已多年来广泛的研究，研究已经使用电刺激2，3，压力4和振动触觉刺激5,6主要研究同侧触觉掩蔽。相比之下，很少有研究着眼于对侧触觉掩蔽其中屏蔽和探测站点可能相去甚远。远距离触觉掩蔽效应已经示出镜面对称点之间的手和臂5,7 - 9但这些研究已经在很大程度上限于看手和手指的710，用全身的更广泛的地区基本上被忽视。这种远距离掩蔽实验的目的是为了表明如何人体的大脑中的代表性的成分可以功能性连接。这里，远程触觉掩蔽的现象是由调查如何施加到一个前臂振动可能会影响在相对前臂触觉敏感性阈值探讨。阈指的是需要检测的刺激的最小刺激。我们定义这个作为在该刺激被检测的75％的时间的强度。我们使用其中在一个前臂触觉敏感性（阈值的倒数）对身体的其他部分的振动刺激（掩模）的存在下测定的触觉掩模技术。有效掩蔽由增加了检测阈值，即 ，在灵敏度的降低表明。该技术可以与其它操作一起使用，如不同的肢体位置O- [R运动，探索其对屏蔽的效果影响。 在这里，我们使用振动触觉刺激作为掩蔽刺激。这样做的好处是，它刺激的频率，并且因此该受体类型可被控制。该技术可以扩展到看看使用电刺激作为探针或掩模或二者的疼痛。此外，任何部位可以用作掩蔽站点允许针刺部位例如调查。

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="673">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">C-2 tactor</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">ATAC Technology; Engineering Acoustics, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:164px;"></td>
			<td style="width:167px;">http://www.atactech.com/PR_tactors.html</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="63">
			<td height="63" style="height:63px;width:216px;">Magic Wand</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Hitachi</td>
			<td style="width:164px;"></td>
			<td style="width:167px;">http://magicwandoriginal.com/magic-wand-original/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="105">
			<td height="105" style="height:105px;width:216px;">FC5 Foot Pedals</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Yamaha Corporation</td>
			<td style="width:164px;"></td>
			<td style="width:167px;">http://ca.yamaha.com/en/products/music-production/accessories/footpedals/fc5/?mode=model</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">MATLAB</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">The Mathworks, Inc.</td>
			<td style="width:164px;"></td>
			<td style="width:167px;">http://www.mathworks.com/products/matlab/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:216px;">Velcro</td>
			<td style="width:127px;">Velcro Industries B.V.</td>
			<td style="width:164px;"></td>
			<td>http://www.velcro.com/</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

testing tactile masking between the forearms

Masking, in which one stimulus affects the detection of another, is a classic technique that has been used in visual, auditory, and tactile research, usually using stimuli that are close together to reveal local interactions. Masking effects have also been demonstrated in which a tactile stimulus alters the perception of a touch at a distant location. Such effects can provide insight into how components of the body's representations in the brain may be linked. Occasional reports have indicated that touches on one hand or forearm can affect tactile sensitivity at corresponding contralateral locations. To explore the matching of corresponding points across the body, we can measure the spatial tuning and effect of posture on contralateral masking. Careful controls are required to rule out direct effects of the remote stimulus, for example by mechanical transmission, and also attention effects in which thresholds may be altered by the participant's attention being drawn away from the stimulus of interest. The use of this technique is beneficial as a behavioural measure for exploring which parts of the body are functionally connected and whether the two sides of the body interact in a somatotopic representation. This manuscript describes a behavioural protocol that can be used for studying contralateral tactile masking.

数据分析报告了13。触感上的前臂（相对于在控制条件下测得的阈值表示）被显著减少（阈值均显著增加）时振动触觉掩蔽刺激施加到相对的臂（图2A），表明前臂之间的对侧掩蔽效果。效果依赖于对掩蔽臂掩蔽刺激的位置，最大的效果发生当掩模和考点对应。 图2B示出了姿势也起着上掩蔽的效力的作用。当武器是缠绵的比较掩蔽效应是相...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Testing Tactile Masking between the Forearms at JoVE.com

Testing Tactile Masking between the Forearms

前臂之间的测试触觉掩蔽

Here we explore contralateral tactile masking between the forearms in which tactile detection thresholds are modulated by vibration applied to a remote site. The details of which remote sites have an effect can tell us about how the body is represented in the brain.

Masking, in which one stimulus affects the detection of another, is a classic technique that has been used in visual, auditory, and tactile research, ...

testing-tactile-masking-between-the-forearms

Research

JoVE Journal

Behavior

6.3K 次观看.  York University. Here we explore contralateral tactile masking between the forearms in which tactile detection thresholds are modulated by vibration applied to a remote site. The details of which remote sites have an effect can tell us about how the body is represented in the brain. 

视频: Testing Tactile Masking between the Forearms

Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology to quantitatively assess children&#39;s cortical processing of light touch, speech sounds and the multisensory processing of the 2 stimuli, without requiring active subject participation or causing children discomfort. To accomplish this we developed a dual channel, time and strength calibrated air puff stimulator that allows both tactile stimulation and sham control. We combined this with the use of event-related potential methodology to allow for high temporal resolution of signals from the primary and secondary somatosensory cortices as well as higher order processing. This methodology also allowed us to measure a multisensory response to auditory-tactile stimulation.

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology to quantitatively assess infants and children&#39;s cortical processing of light touch, speech sounds, and the multisensory processing of the 2 stimuli, without requiring active subject participation or causing discomfort in vulnerable patients.

皮质听觉，触觉加工的残疾儿童定量评价

Objective and easy measurement of sensory processing is extremely difficult in nonverbal or vulnerable pediatric patients. We developed a new methodology ...

科研

行为学

Simple and Computer-assisted Olfactory Testing for Mice

Olfaction is highly conserved among species and is required for reproduction and survival.
In humans, olfaction is also one of the senses that is affected with aging and is a strong predictor of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, olfaction testing is used as a non-invasive diagnostic method to detect neurological deficits early on. In order to understand the mechanisms underlying olfactory network susceptibility, olfactory research in rodents has gained momentum in the past decade.
Here, we present a very simple, time efficient and reproducible olfactory testing method of innate odor perception and sensitivity in mice without the need of any prior food or water restriction. The tests are performed in a familiar environment to the mice, require only the scents and a 2 min session of odorant exposure. The analysis is performed, post-hoc, using computer-assisted commands on ImageJ and can be, therefore, carried out from start to end by one researcher.
This protocol does not require any special hardware or setup and is indicated for any laboratory interested in testing olfactory perception and sensitivity.

We present a simple and unbiased olfactory test in mice. With this protocol olfactory discrimination, preference, avoidance and sensitivity to a novel odor as compared to water can be assessed in single behavioral sessions. This method is indicated for a single experimenter and analysis is based on computer-assisted video processing.

简单和计算机辅助测试嗅觉的小鼠

Olfaction is highly conserved among species and is required for reproduction and survival.
In humans, olfaction is also one of the senses that is affected ...

Measurement of Vibration Detection Threshold and Tactile Spatial Acuity in Human Subjects

Tests that allow the precise determination of psychophysical thresholds for vibration and grating orientation provide valuable information about mechanosensory function that are relevant for clinical diagnosis as well as for basic research. Here, we describe two psychophysical tests designed to determine the vibration detection threshold (automated system) and tactile spatial acuity (handheld device). Both procedures implement a two-interval forced-choice and a transformed-rule up and down experimental paradigm. These tests have been used to obtain mechanosensory profiles for individuals from distinct human cohorts such as twins or people with sensorineural deafness.

Here, we present protocols to determine vibration detection thresholds and tactile acuity using psychophysical methods in man.

振动检测阈值和触觉敏锐的空间在人类受试者的测量

Tests that allow the precise determination of psychophysical thresholds for vibration and grating orientation provide valuable information about ...

A Mouse Model of Subchronic and Mild Social Defeat Stress for Understanding Stress-induced Behavioral and Physiological Deficits

Stressful life events often increase the incidence of depression in humans. To study the mechanisms of depression, the development of animal models of depression is essential. Because there are several types of depression, various animal models are needed for a deeper understanding of the disorder. Previously, a mouse model of subchronic and mild social defeat stress (sCSDS) using a modified chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) paradigm was established. In the paradigm, to reduce physical injuries from aggressors, the duration of physical contact between the aggressor and a subordinate was reduced compared to in the original CSDS paradigm. sCSDS mice showed increased body weight gain, food intake, and water intake during the stress period, and their social behaviors were suppressed after the stress period. In terms of the face validity of the stress-induced overeating and overdrinking following the increased body weight gain, the sCSDS mice may show some features related to atypical depression in humans. Thus, a mouse model of sCSDS may be useful for studying the pathogenic mechanisms underlying depression. This protocol will help establish the sCSDS mouse model, especially for studying the mechanisms underlying stress-induced weight gain and polydipsia- and hyperphagia-like symptoms.

Here, methods for developing a mouse model of subchronic and mild social defeat stress are described and used to investigate the pathogenic features of depression including hyperphagia- and polydipsia-like symptoms following increased body weight.

亚慢性和温和的社会失败应激的小鼠模型理解应激诱导行为和生理赤字

Stressful life events often increase the incidence of depression in humans. To study the mechanisms of depression, the development of animal models of ...

Comparing the Frequency Effect Between the Lexical Decision and Naming Tasks in Chinese

In psycholinguistic research, the frequency effect can be one of the indicators for eligible experimental tasks that examine the nature of lexical access. Usually, only one of those tasks is chosen to examine lexical access in a study. Using two exemplar experiments, this paper introduces an approach to include both the lexical decision task and the naming task in a study. In the first experiment, the stimuli were Chinese characters with frequency and regularity manipulated. In the second experiment, the stimuli were switched to Chinese two-character words, in which the word frequency and the regularity of the leading character were manipulated. The logic of these two exemplar experiments was to explore some important issues such as the role of phonology on recognition by comparing the frequency effect between both the tasks. The results revealed different patterns of lexical access from those reported in the alphabetic systems. The results of Experiment 1 manifested a larger frequency effect in the naming task as compared to the LDT, when the stimuli were Chinese characters. And it is noteworthy that, in Experiment 1, when the stimuli were regular Chinese characters, the frequency effect observed in the naming task was roughly equivalent to that in the LDT. However, a smaller frequency effect was shown in the naming task as compared to the LDT, when the stimuli were switched to Chinese two-character words in Experiment 2. Taking advantage of the respective demands and characteristics in both tasks, researchers can obtain a more complete and precise picture of character/word recognition.

Researchers adopt both the lexical decision task and the naming task to investigate some important topics such as character/word recognition by comparing the frequency effect between these two tasks. This article introduces this approach through two exemplar experiments and elaborates on the underlying logic.

在比较中国的词汇判断和命名任务之间的频率效应

In psycholinguistic research, the frequency effect can be one of the indicators for eligible experimental tasks that examine the nature of lexical access. ...

Neurodevelopmental Reflex Testing in Neonatal Rat Pups

Neurodevelopmental reflex testing is commonly used in clinical practice to assess the maturation of the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental reflexes are also referred to as primitive reflexes. They are sensitive and consistent with later outcomes. Abnormal reflexes are described as an absence, persistence, reappearance, or latency of reflexes, which are predictive indices of infants that are at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Animal models of neurodevelopmental disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, often display aberrant developmental reflexes, as would be observed in human infants. The techniques described assess a variety of neurodevelopmental reflexes in neonatal rats. Neurodevelopmental reflex testing offers the investigator a testing method that is not otherwise available in such young animals. The methodology presented here aims to assist investigators in examining developmental milestones in neonatal rats as a method of detecting early-onset brain injury and/or determining the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. The methodology presented here aims to provide a general guideline for investigators.

Behavioral testing is the gold standard for determining outcomes following brain injury, and can identify the presence of developmental disabilities in infants and children. Neurodevelopmental reflexes are an early indicator of these abnormalities. A host of easily accomplished developmental reflex tests in the neonatal rodent were developed and described here.

神经发育复检新生幼鼠

Neurodevelopmental reflex testing is commonly used in clinical practice to assess the maturation of the nervous system. Neurodevelopmental reflexes are ...

Using Wavelet Entropy to Demonstrate how Mindfulness Practice Increases Coordination between Irregular Cerebral and Cardiac Activities

In both the East and West, traditional teachings say that the mind and heart are somehow closely correlated, especially during spiritual practice. One difficulty in proving this objectively is that the natures of brain and heart activities are quite different. In this paper, we propose a methodology that uses wavelet entropy to measure the chaotic levels of both electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) data and show how this may be used to explore the potential coordination between the mind and heart under different experimental conditions. Furthermore, Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM) was used to identify the brain regions in which the EEG wavelet entropy was the most affected by the experimental conditions. As an illustration, the EEG and ECG were recorded under two different conditions (normal rest and mindful breathing) at the beginning of an 8-week standard Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training course (pretest) and after the course (posttest). Using the proposed method, the results consistently showed that the wavelet entropy of the brain EEG decreased during the MBSR mindful breathing state as compared to that during the closed-eye resting state. Similarly, a lower wavelet entropy of heartrate was found during MBSR mindful breathing. However, no difference in wavelet entropy during MBSR mindful breathing was found between the pretest and posttest. No correlation was observed between the entropy of brain waves and the entropy of heartrate during normal rest in all participants, whereas a significant correlation was observed during MBSR mindful breathing. Additionally, the most well-correlated brain regions were located in the central areas of the brain. This study provides a methodology for the establishment of evidence that mindfulness practice (i.e., mindful breathing) may increase the coordination between mind and heart activities.

This manuscript describes how to use the wavelet entropy index to analyze high-density electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) data. We show that the irregularity of cerebral and cardiac activities became more coordinated during mindfulness-based stress reduction practice.

使用小波熵来证明正念练习如何增加不规则脑与心脏活动之间的协调

In both the East and West, traditional teachings say that the mind and heart are somehow closely correlated, especially during spiritual practice. One ...

The (Spatial) Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different versions of the paradigm, spatial language use and memory for object location are tested under different, experimentally manipulated conditions. This allows us to tease apart proposed models explaining the influence of object knowledge on spatial language (e.g., spatial demonstratives), and spatial memory, as well as understanding the parameters that affect demonstrative choice and spatial memory more broadly. Key to the development of the method was the need to collect data on language use (e.g., spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that&#34;) and spatial memory data under strictly controlled conditions, while retaining a degree of ecological validity. The language version (section 3.1) of the memory game tests how conditions affect language use. Participants refer verbally to objects placed at different locations (e.g., using spatial demonstratives: &#34;this/that red circle&#34;). Different parameters can be experimentally manipulated: the distance from the participant, the position of a conspecific, and for example whether the participant owns, knows, or sees the object while referring to it. The same parameters can be manipulated in the memory version of the memory game (section 3.2). This version tests the effects of the different conditions on object-location memory. Following object placement, participants get 10 seconds to memorize the object&#39;s location. After the object and location cues are removed, participants verbally direct the experimenter to move a stick to indicate where the object was. The difference between the memorized and the actual location shows the direction and strength of the memory error, allowing comparisons between the influences of the respective parameters.

The Spatial Memory Game: Testing the Relationship Between Spatial Language, Object Knowledge, and Spatial Cognition

We present a protocol to explore the relationship between spatial language production, spatial memory, and object knowledge. The procedure allows experimental manipulation of, and control over, conditions of object knowledge, language at instruction, and physical location, thus teasing apart cognitive and linguistic models describing interactions between these variables.

(空间) 记忆游戏: 测试空间语言、对象知识和空间认知的关系

The memory game paradigm is a behavioral procedure to explore the relationship between language, spatial memory, and object knowledge. Using two different ...

Applying Incongruent Visual-Tactile Stimuli during Object Transfer with Vibro-Tactile Feedback

The application of incongruent sensory signals that involves disrupted tactile feedback is rarely explored, specifically with the presence of vibrotactile feedback (VTF). This protocol aims to test the effect of VTF on the response to incongruent visual-tactile stimuli. The tactile feedback is acquired by grasping a block and moving it across a partition. The visual feedback is a real-time virtual presentation of the moving block, acquired using a motion capture system. The congruent feedback is the reliable presentation of the movement of the block, so that the subject feels that the block is grasped and see it move along with the path of the hand. The incongruent feedback appears as the movement of the block diverts from the actual movement path, so that it seems to drop from the hand when it is actually still held by the subject, thereby contradicting the tactile feedback. Twenty subjects (age 30.2 &#177; 16.3) repeated 16 block transfers, while their hand was hidden. These were repeated with VTF and without VTF (total of 32 block transfers). Incongruent stimuli were presented randomly twice within the 16 repetitions in each condition (with and without VTF). Each subject was asked to rate the difficulty level of performing the task with and without the VTF. There were no statistically significant differences in the length of the hand paths and durations between transfers recorded with congruent and incongruent visual-tactile signals &#8211; with and without the VTF. The perceived difficulty level of performing the task with the VTF significantly correlated with the normalized path length of the block with VTF (r = 0.675, p = 0.002). This setup is used to quantify the additive or reductive value of VTF during motor function that involves incongruent visual-tactile stimuli. Possible applications are prosthetics design, smart sport-wear, or any other garments that incorporate VTF.

We present a protocol to apply incongruent visual-tactile stimuli during an object transfer task. Specifically, during block transfers, performed while the hand is hidden, a virtual presentation of the block shows random occurrences of false block drops. The protocol also describes adding vibrotactile feedback while performing the motor task.

在振动触觉反馈的对象传递过程中应用不一致的视觉触觉刺激

The application of incongruent sensory signals that involves disrupted tactile feedback is rarely explored, specifically with the presence of vibrotactile ...

Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World

In our continuously developing &#39;around the clock&#39; society, there is a need to increase our understanding of how changes in biology, physiology and psychology influence our health and performance. Embedded within this challenge, is the increasing need to account for individual differences in sleep and circadian rhythms, as well as to explore the impact of time of day on performance in the real world. There are a number of ways to measure sleep and circadian rhythms from subjective questionnaire-based methods to objective sleep/wake monitoring, actigraphy and analysis of biological samples. This paper proposes a protocol that combines multiple techniques to categorize individuals into Early, Intermediate or Late circadian phenotype groups (ECPs/ICPs/LCPs) and recommends how to conduct diurnal performance testing in the field. Representative results show large differences in rest-activity patterns derived from actigraphy, circadian phase (dim light melatonin onset and peak time of cortisol awakening response) between circadian phenotypes. In addition, significant differences in diurnal performance rhythms between ECPs and LCPs emphasizes the need to account for circadian phenotype. In summary, despite the difficulties in controlling influencing factors, this protocol allows a real-world assessment of the impact of circadian phenotype on performance. This paper presents a simple method to assess circadian phenotype in the field and supports the need to consider time of day when designing performance studies.

Here, we present a method to investigate diurnal rhythms in performance following accurate categorization of participants into circadian phenotype groups based on the Munich ChronoType Questionnaire, gold standard circadian phase biomarkers and actigraphic measures.

现实世界中的人类昼夜Phenotyping和二年性能测试

In our continuously developing &#39;around the clock&#39; society, there is a need to increase our understanding of how changes in biology, physiology and ...