Choice Apparatus Research Articles

Unwitting Accomplices: Equal Treatment and the Perpetuation of Racialized Information Inequality in School Choice

Abstract In public education, racially segregated schools are now often understood as a natural result of a messy mix of failed policies and parent decisions. However, parent decisions and school choice are both constrained by districts. In the case of Boston Public Schools (BPS), the staff hired to support “well-informed choices” do not provide information to families—including those who need it most—even when it could mitigate known inequities. Using data from semi-structured interviews with 37 staff, participant observation in registration sites, a supplemental survey of 1,887 registering families, and district administrative data on all registering families, I find that BPS constrains the actions of frontline staff, making them unwitting proponents of the fallacy of choice. The equal treatment of families who come with unequal access to the registration and choice systems protects racial privilege in relation to schools and harms both families of color and the staff of color who work with them. This racism of omission enacted within the choice apparatus causes staff and families to focus on the selection process rather than the limited and racialized access to the public good of schools.

An operant social self-administration and choice model in mice.

Little is known about how social factors contribute to neurobiology or neuropsychiatric disorders. The use of mice allows one to probe the neurobiological bases of social interaction, offering the genetic diversity and versatility to identify cell types and neural circuits of social behavior. However, mice typically show lower social motivation compared with rats, leading to the question of whether mice should be used to model complex social behaviors displayed by humans. Studies on mouse social behavior often rely on measures such as time spent in contact with a social partner or preference for a social-paired context, but fail to assess volitional (subject-controlled) rewarding social interaction. Here, we describe a volitional social self-administration and choice model that is an extension of our previous work on rats. Using mice, we systematically compared female adolescent and adult C57BL/6 mice and outbred CD1 mice, showing that operant social self-administration, social seeking during periods of isolation and choice of social interaction over palatable food is significantly stronger in female CD1 mice than in female C57BL/6J mice, independently of age. We describe the requirements for building the social self-administration and choice apparatus and we provide guidance for studying the role of operant social reward in mice. We also discuss its use to study brain mechanisms of operant social reward, potentially extending its application to mouse models of neuropsychiatric disorders. The training commonly requires ~4 weeks for stable social self-administration and 3-4 additional weeks for tests, including social seeking and choice.

Ruthenium red attenuates brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in rats.

Ruthenium red (RR) is a non-selective antagonist of the temperature-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) channels and it is an important pharmacological tool in thermoregulatory research. However, the effect of RR on thermoeffector activity is not well established. Here we evaluated the effect of RR on cold-defense thermoeffectors induced by menthol, an agonist of the cold-sensitive TRPM8 channel. Adult male Wistar rats were used. Epidermal treatment with menthol raised deep body temperature due to an increase in oxygen consumption (an index of thermogenesis), a reduction in heat loss index (an index of cutaneous vasoconstriction), and an induction in warmth-seeking behavior in a two-temperature choice apparatus. Pretreatment with RR attenuated the menthol-induced increase in deep body temperature and oxygen consumption, but it did not affect heat loss index and warmth-seeking behavior. To stimulate brown adipose tissue thermogenesis, rats were treated with CL 316,243, a potent and selective β3-adrenoceptor agonist. CL 316,243 increased deep body temperature, which was attenuated by RR pretreatment. We conclude that RR reduces brown adipose tissue thermogenesis induced by menthol and CL 316,243, independent of effects at the thermal sensor level (i.e., TRPM8).

Effect of Gayatri Mantra Chanting on Attention, Memory, Anxiety and Mental State in Young Athletes: A Prospective Study

Introduction: The Gayatri Mantra (GM) is one of the oldest available divine hymns in ancient vedic literature, a mantra of physical, emotional, mental healing and spiritual awakening or self-realization. GM is a standard, validated, empowerment tool aiding in effective behavioral changes leading to optimal and healthy lifestyle. Effect of vedic chanting on consciousness and mental state has been long researched and has been documented in ancient religious literatures. However, due to its religious connotations, its scientific scrutiny and validation has been not popularized. The present study tried to assess the effect of GM chanting on attention, memory, anxiety and mental state on healthy young athletes.
 Methodology: The present study was a prospective one which included 45 athletes who were divided into three different study arms of 15 each – two arms were undertaking normal meditation with or without an add on GM Chanting while meditation, while one was control group. All subjects were evaluated (at baseline and 3 months) for attention (using 6 letter cancellation, digit letter substitution), memory [using digit span test (forward, backward), multiple choice apparatus], anxiety (using state trait anxiety inventory), and mental state using MMSE. Results were statistically analyzed.
 Results: Subjects with GM chanting showed significant improvement in attention and memory domain. Less failed attempts and prompt response to audio and visual stimuli for multiple choice apparatus was noted for the GM group. Sustained visual attention, scanning without distraction and better concentration are required for the digit cancellation test. Marked improvements in both state and trait anxiety was noted for the GM chanters. Improved mental state was observed for both meditating group compared with the control.
 
 Conclusion: GM chanting plays a significant role in the well being of the people. GM chanting has significant effects in attention, memory, anxiety and mental state. Regular chanting of GM shall improve learning power, concentration, prosperity, eternal power, peace and improves quality of life.

An operant social self-administration and choice model in rats.

It is difficult to translate results from animal research on addiction to an understanding of the behavior of human drug users. Despite decades of basic research on neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction, treatment options remain largely unchanged. A potential reason for this is that mechanistic studies using rodent models do not incorporate a critical facet of human addiction: volitional choices between drug use and non-drug social rewards (e.g., employment and family). Recently, we developed an operant model in which rats press a lever for rewarding social interaction with a peer and then choose between an addictive drug (heroin or methamphetamine) and social interaction. Using this model, we showed that rewarding social interaction suppresses drug self-administration, relapse to drug seeking, and brain responses to drug-associated cues. Here, we describe a protocol for operant social interaction using a discrete-trial choice between drugs and social interaction that causes voluntary abstinence from the drug and tests for incubation of drug craving (the time-dependent increase in drug seeking during abstinence). This protocol is flexible but generally requires 8-9 weeks for completion. We also provide a detailed description of the technical requirements and procedures for building the social self-administration and choice apparatus. Our protocol provides a reliable way to study the role of operant social reward in addiction and addiction vulnerability in the context of choices. We propose that this protocol can be used to study brain mechanisms of operant social reward and potentially impairments in social reward in animal models of psychiatric disorders and pain.

Loss of Carotenoid Plumage Coloration Is Associated With Loss of Choice for Coloration in Domestic Canaries

Understanding the evolution of mating display traits and preferences for them is a major aim of behavioral and evolutionary ecology. However, isolating the specific traits used as mate choice criteria and the possible genetic underpinnings of both trait and preference has proven difficult, particularly in natural systems offering little experimental control over key variables. In this study, we used discrete color morphs of otherwise phenotypically identical domestic canaries (Serinus canaria) in a mate choice apparatus to test whether breeding-condition female canaries show preference for males of varying color phenotypes (yellow, white, red, or wild-type green), using spatial association as a proxy for choice. We also used synthesized vocal recordings to examine whether females in our population exhibited mate choice for song characteristics, as has been demonstrated in this species. Contrary to previous study, we found that neither white nor yellow females in our colony showed any preference for males associated with songs of differing quality, and yellow females also did not prefer supernormal red or wild-type green males over yellow males. However, yellow—but not white—females demonstrated a preference to associate with yellow males over white males. We hypothesize that preference for brightly colored mates is ancestral in domestic canaries, but that strong artificial selection for white females to reproduce successfully with white males has eliminated the preference for color (along with color itself) in the white canaries.

Host location and selection by the symbiotic sargassum crab Portunus sayi: the role of chemical, visual and tactile cues

The Sargassum community consists of a unique and diverse assemblage of symbiotic fauna critical to pelagic food chains. Associated symbionts presumably have adaptations to assist in finding Sargassum. In situ scattered Sargassum patches accumulate as they are pushed toward the shoreline (via wind, waves, currents or tides) and are frequently less than 1 m apart and in depths of 10 cm or less as the patches approach the shoreline Crabs, and other symbiotic fauna, must relocate to another patch that is seaward in direction or likely perish as their current patch will likely become beached. This study investigated sensory cues used for host location and selection by the Sargassum crab, Portunus sayi. Chemical detection trials were conducted with a two-chamber choice apparatus with Sargassum spp. and Thalassia testudinum as habitat source odors. Visual detection trials (devoid of chemical cues) and habitat selection trials were conducted in which crabs were given a choice between hosts. Results showed that P. sayi responded to chemicals from Sargassum spp. Crabs visually located host habitats but did not visually distinguish between different hosts. In host selection trials, crabs selected Sargassum spp. over artificial Sargassum and T. testudinum. These results suggest that crabs isolated from Sargassum likely use chemoreception; within visual proximity of a potential patch, crabs likely use both chemical and visual information.

Personality assortative female mating preferences in a songbird

Abstract Consistent individual behavioural differences (‘animal personalities’) are documented across a variety of animal taxa. Sexual selection, especially assortative mating has been suggested as a possible mechanism contributing to the maintenance of different personality types within populations but little is known about non-random pair-formation with respect to personality traits in unconstrained choice tests. We here tested whether female mating preferences were non-random with respect to male and female neophobia in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata), an important avian model of mate choice and animal personality research. Male and female neophobia was assessed by attaching novel objects to birds’ feeders. Females’ mating preferences were tested with randomly assigned, unfamiliar males in a four-way choice apparatus. Females associated most with males with neophobia scores similar to their own. These results provide evidence that mating preferences and personality traits can covary, supporting evolutionary scenarios of assortative mating contributing to the maintenance of personality traits.

Stress profile influences learning approach in a marine fish.

The spatial learning skills of high and low stress juvenile mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus) were tested in a dichotomous choice apparatus. Groups of fish were formed based on background blood cortisol levels and required to learn the location of a food reward hidden in one of two compartments. Low stress fish characterised by low background levels of the stress hormone cortisol had higher activity levels and entered both rewarded and unrewarded rooms frequently. Within the first week of exposure, however, their preference for the rewarded room increased, indicative of learning. Fish that had high background levels of cortisol, in contrast, showed low levels of activity but when they chose between the two rooms they chose the rewarded room most often but showed less improvement over time. After 12 days in the apparatus, both low and high stress fish had similar ratios of rewarded vs unrewarded room entrances. Our results suggest that proactive coping styles may increase exposure to novel contexts and thus favour faster learning but at the cost of reduced initial accuracy.

Mate call as reward: Acoustic communication signals can acquire positive reinforcing values during adulthood in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).

Social stimuli can have rewarding properties and promote learning. In birds, conspecific vocalizations like song can act as a reinforcer, and specific song variants can acquire particular rewarding values during early life exposure. Here we ask if, during adulthood, an acoustic signal simpler and shorter than song can become a reward for a female songbird because of its particular social value. Using an operant choice apparatus, we showed that female zebra finches display a preferential response toward their mate's calls. This reinforcing value of mate's calls could be involved in the maintenance of the monogamous pair-bond of the zebra finch.

Strong food odours mask predation risk and affect evocation of defence behaviours in the tadpoles of Sphaerotheca breviceps

Tadpoles of Sphaerotheca breviceps detect food and predators using waterborne chemical cues (odours), which evoke appropriate behaviour. The present study aimed to determine whether they are capable of resolving the conflict between foraging choice and predator avoidance on encountering both food and predatory chemical cues together. Experiments were designed using an association choice apparatus in which prey tadpoles were given a choice to move themselves close to or away from a given stimulus (food or a predator). Food odours were either strong or weak. Tadpoles of Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (n = 4) were placed in an open-ended mesh cage wrapped in a cheese cloth that provided predator cues. The time spent by the test tadpoles in the predator’s zone or away from it and the time spent feeding were recorded for 10 min (n = 25 trials). When food odours were weak, the prey tadpoles avoided predators and spent significantly more time in the predator-free zone. In contrast, when food odours were strong, they foraged equally in the two zones of the test apparatus regardless of the presence or absence of predators. These findings confirm the inherent ability of S. breviceps tadpoles to distinguish between food and predators, and indicate that strong food odours mask predation risk. We suggest that foraging theory and the predation risk allocation hypothesis should include factors that mislead prey during predation risk assessment and the evocation of defence behaviours.

An infrared motion detector system for lossless real-time monitoring of animal preference tests.

Automated behavioural observations are routinely used in many fields of biology, including ethology, behavioural ecology and physiology. When preferences for certain resources are investigated, the focus is often on simple response variables, such as duration and frequency of visits to choice chambers. Here we present an automated motion detector system that use passive infrared sensors to eliminate many drawbacks of currently existing methods. Signals from the sensors are processed by a custom-built interface, and after unnecessary data is filtered by a computer software, the total time and frequency of the subject's visits to each of the choice chambers are calculated. We validate the detector system by monitoring (using the system) and in the same time video recording mating preferences of zebra finches in a four-way choice apparatus. Manual scoring of the video recordings showed very high consistency with data from the detector system both for time and for frequency of visits. Furthermore, the validation revealed that if we used micro-switches or light barriers, the most commonly applied automatic detection techniques, this would have resulted in approximately 22% less information compared to our lossless system. The system provides a low-cost alternative for monitoring animal movements, and we discuss its further applicability.

Early postpartum pup preference is altered by gestational cocaine treatment: Associations with infant cues and oxytocin expression in the MPOA

Cross-fostering studies suggest cocaine-induced deficits in maternal behavior could be associated with altered behavior of offspring following prenatal cocaine-exposure. Neonatal vocalizations are an important offspring cue facilitating early interactions between dam and rodent pup offspring and have been shown to be altered following prenatal cocaine-exposure. It is unclear how variations in acoustic parameters of USVs impact maternal behavior and the mechanism(s) underlying these processes. The present study examined differences in cocaine-exposed and control rodent dam maternal preference of cocaine-exposed or untreated pups in a dual choice apparatus. Relationship of preference-like behavior with pup USVs and dam oxytocin expression was explored. Gestational cocaine-exposure interfered with preference-like behavior of dams on postpartum day 1 with cocaine-exposure associated with decreased time spent on the cocaine-exposed pup side compared to the control pup side, and decreases in preference-like behavior associated in part with decreased number of USVs being emitted by cocaine-exposed pups. On postpartum day 5, decreased oxytocin expression in the medial preoptic area was associated with altered preference-like behavior in cocaine-exposed dams, including frequency and latency to touch/sniff pups. Results indicate cocaine's effects on the mother–infant relationship is likely synergistic, in that cocaine influences mother and offspring both independently and concertedly and that variations within pup vocalizations and the oxytocin system may be potential mechanism(s) underlying this synergistic relationship during the postpartum period.

A comparison and importance of auditory and visual reaction time in basketball players

Background: Present study aimed to compare and scientifically understanding the importance of visual and auditory reaction time in basketball players. Reaction is purposeful voluntary response to different stimuli as auditory or visual stimuli. In simple reaction time stimulus and response are one, while in choice reaction time stimulus and response are multiple. Materials and Methods: The visual and auditory reaction time was measured by the multiple choice apparatus in subjects. Simple reaction time and choice reaction time measured. Reaction time was measured in two sessions. In first session visual reaction time was measured and in second session auditory reaction time was measured. The results were statistically analyzed and were recorded as mean ± standard deviation (SD) and Student's paired t-test was applied to check the level of significance. Result and Conclusion: In the present study we found that auditory reaction time was less as compared to visual reaction time for both simple and choice visual reaction time tasks in basketball players. Since the auditory stimulus reaches the cortex faster than the visual stimulus; the auditory reaction time is faster than the visual reaction time. Reaction time is good indicator of quickness in sports. Faster reaction times are significant for better performance of athletes. Reaction time decreases by practice. Skills can be improved by practice. Sports person can practice regularly to improve their reaction time and ultimately their performance.

Influence of practice on visual reaction time

Background: The present study was aimed to see the effect of practice on visual information processing speed. Reaction time is one of the important physiological parameters, which gives information how fast and quickly person responses. Reaction is purposeful voluntary response to different stimuli as visual stimuli. Visual reaction time (VRT) is the time required to response to visual stimuli. Materials and Methods: The VRT was measured by the multiple choice apparatus in subjects. Simple reaction time and choice reaction time measured. Reaction time was measured in two sessions. In the first session, VRT was measured without practice of task and in the second session VRT was measured after practice of task. The results were statistically analyzed and were recorded as mean ± standard deviation and Student's paired t-test was applied to check the level of significance. Result and Conclusion: In the present study, we found that VRT was less after practice for both simple and choice VRT tasks. Reaction time decreases by practice. Skills can be improved by practice. In daily life majority of work is done by the use of visual information. By the practice of an important task time required for stimulus identification and response can be decreased. Practice is useful for driving vehicles. It is helpful to students, as they have identification of bones, instruments, graphs and viva questions in examination of various medical subjects. Hence by practice students can identify, understand and answer quickly.

Mate preference does not influence reproductive motivation and parental cooperation in female zebra finches

In socially monogamous species, low availability of sexually active unpaired individuals in the local population may constrain mate choice, resulting in mating with sub-optimal partners. Here we experimentally investigate whether female reproductive behaviour is different when paired with a preferred or a non-preferred male in the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). First, we assessed female mating preferences using a four-way choice apparatus, then females were caged together with either their preferred or least-preferred male. Female reproductive motivation, assessed by the propensity of laying eggs within two weeks from pairing and clutch mass, did not differ between the two experimental groups. Females responded to mate removal by either increasing their care, so as to compensate for the lost care of their mate, or by significantly reducing incubation. This bimodal response was not explained by mate preference, nevertheless, we found that females with lower baseline (i.e., pre-manipulation) incubation effort were more likely to cease incubation during mate removal. Taken together, we found no evidence that female reproductive behaviour varies along with mate preference.

Concurrent effects of familiarity and kinship on social affiliations in convict cichlid (Amatitlania siquia) young

The cues associated with social familiarity and genetic relatedness and how they interact to influence the formation of social associations among individuals, and thus group composition and dynamics, is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the concurrent effects of social familiarity and kinship on social affiliations in free-swimming convict cichlid fish young or ‘fry’ (Amatitlania siquia) by pitting the cues of social familiarity and kinship against each other in a four-way choice apparatus. Individual focal fish were given a simultaneous choice to associate (‘shoal’) with conspecifics that were either socially familiar and kin (full sibs), socially unfamiliar and kin, socially familiar and not kin, or socially unfamiliar and not kin. Stimulus shoal preference differed depending on the body length of the focal fish; smaller fry exhibited no preference, whereas larger (more mobile) fry significantly preferred to associate with familiar kin. In the convict cichlid system, where brood mixing occurs in the wild, a preference to associate with familiar kin may confer fitness benefits to individuals, especially when fry become more mobile as they grow and encounter predators more often. Our results contribute to further our understanding of the roles of familiarity and kinship in the formation of social associations in the convict cichlid in particular and in animals in general.

Female preference for males depends on reproductive physiology in the African cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni

Mate choice is fundamental to sexual selection, yet little is known about underlying physiological mechanisms that influence female mating decisions. We investigated the endocrine underpinnings of female mate choice in the African cichlid Astatotilapia burtoni, a non-seasonal breeder. In addition to profiling behavioral and hormonal changes across the female reproductive cycle, we tested two hypotheses regarding possible factors influencing female mate choice. We first asked whether female mate choice is influenced by male visual and/or chemical cues. A. burtoni females were housed for one full reproductive cycle in the center of a dichotomous choice apparatus with a large (attractive) or small (unattractive) conspecific male on either side. Females associated mostly with small, less attractive males, but on the day of spawning reversed their preference to large, attractive males, with whom they mated almost exclusively, although this choice depended on the relative amount of androgens released into the water by small males. We next asked whether male behavior or androgen levels change in relation to the stimulus females’ reproductive state. We found that stimulus male aggression decreased and reproductive displays increased as the day of spawning approached. Moreover male testosterone levels changed throughout the females’ reproductive cycle, with larger males releasing more testosterone into the water than small males. Our data suggest that female association in a dichotomous choice assay is only indicative of the actual mate choice on the day of spawning. Furthermore, we show that male behavior and hormone levels are dependent on the reproductive state of conspecific females.

Rapid assessment of female preference for male size predicts subsequent choice of spawning partner in a socially monogamous cichlid fish

Although size-assortative mating in convict cichlids, Amatitliana nigrofasciata, is supposed to result from mutual mating preference for larger individuals, female choice in relation to male size remains ambiguous. We revisited the evidence for directional preference for larger males in female convict cichlids using a classical two-way choice apparatus in which each female could decide to spend time in front of a small male or a large one. We found evidence for female preference for large males, as assessed from association preference during a 4-hour period following encounter. Furthermore, females decided to spawn in front of the initially preferred male more often than expected by chance. Our results thus confirm the existence of a directional preference for large males in female convict cichlids, and indicate that association preference measured over a short period of time can provide a quick and reliable proxy for reproductive preference in this species.

Looking in the correct location for a hidden object: brief note about the memory of donkeys (Equus asinus)

In recent years, considerable literature has been published on cognition in horses; however, much less is known about the cognitive abilities of domestic donkey (Equus asinus). This study aimed to expand our knowledge of donkey cognition by assessing their short-term memory capacity. We employed a detour problem combined with the classic delayed-response task, which has been extensively used to compare working memory duration in a variety of different species. A two-point choice apparatus was used to investigate location recall and search behaviour for a food target, after a short delay following its disappearance. Four donkeys completed the task with a 10 sec delay, while four others were tested with a 30 sec delay. Overall, each group performed above chance level on the test, showing that subjects had successfully encoded, maintained, and retrieved the existence and location of the target despite the loss of visual contact.