Dipole characterization of single neurons from their extracellular action potentials

The spatial variation of the extracellular action potentials (EAP) of a single neuron contains information about the size and location of the dominant current source of its action potential generator, which is typically in the vicinity of the soma. Using this dependence in reverse in a three-component realistic probe + brain + source model, we solved the inverse problem of characterizing the equivalent current source of an isolated neuron from the EAP data sampled by an extracellular probe at multiple independent recording locations. We used a dipole for the model source because there is extensive evidence it accurately captures the spatial roll-off of the EAP amplitude, and because, as we show, dipole localization, beyond a minimum cell-probe distance, is a more accurate alternative to approaches based on monopole source models. Dipole characterization is separable into a linear dipole moment optimization where the dipole location is fixed, and a second, nonlinear, global optimization of the source location. We solved the linear optimization on a discrete grid via the lead fields of the probe, which can be calculated for any realistic probe + brain model by the finite element method. The global source location was optimized by means of Tikhonov regularization that jointly minimizes model error and dipole size. The particular strategy chosen reflects the fact that the dipole model is used in the near field, in contrast to the typical prior applications of dipole models to EKG and EEG source analysis. We applied dipole localization to data collected with stepped tetrodes whose detailed geometry was measured via scanning electron microscopy. The optimal dipole could account for 96% of the power in the spatial variation of the EAP amplitude. Among various model error contributions to the residual, we address especially the error in probe geometry, and the extent to which it biases estimates of dipole parameters. This dipole characterization method can be applied to any recording technique that has the capabilities of taking multiple independent measurements of the same single units.     

Seizure source localization using a hybrid second order blind identification and extended rival penalized competitive learning algorithm

Localization of seizure sources prior to neurosurgery is crucial. In this paper, a new method is proposed to localize the seizure sources from multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Blind source separation based on second order blind identification (SOBI) is primarily applied to estimate the brain source signals in each window of the EEG signals. A new clustering method based on rival penalized competitive learning (RPCL) is then developed to cluster the rows of the estimated unmixing matrices in all the windows. The algorithm also includes pre and post-processing stages. By multiplying each cluster center to the EEG signals, the brain signal sources are approximated. According to a complexity value measure, the main seizure source signal is separated from the others. This signal is projected back to the electrodes’ space and is subjected to the dipole source localization using a single dipole model. The simulation results verify the accuracy of the system. In addition, correct localization of the seizure source is consistent with the clinical tests derived using the simultaneous intracranial recordings.     

Dipole source localization by mottled sculpin. I. Approach strategies

Lake Michigan mottled sculpin respond to a chemically-inert vibrating sphere (a dipole source) with an initial orientation towards the source followed by a step-wise progression towards and final strike at the source. An analysis of videotape recordings of this behavior indicate that although pathways to the source varied, they tended to be influenced by the fish's position at signal onset. Fish heading toward the source at signal onset approached the source in an indirect fashion by either (a) keeping the source to one side in a smoothly arching path to the source or (b) alternating between keeping the source to the left and to the right. When the source was to the side of the fish at the time of stimulus onset, fish tended to approach the source in a more direct path. Most (79%) initial orienting responses placed the fish within 45° of the source, but response angles were not strongly correlated with initial source angle. Most (83%) unsuccessful strikes (misses) occurred when the source was directly in front of the fish (± 20°) and source angles associated with misses were significantly smaller than source angles associated with successful strikes. Approach strategies used by mottled sculpin in finding dipole sources appear to include (1) moving in a direction that increases the pressure difference along the head while keeping it consistently low (between 1 and 10 Pa) across the head, (2) narrowing the fish-to-source gap with each successive step in the pathway, (3) keeping the source lateralized (on average, 30° to one or the other side of the head) and (4) avoiding approach positions that are perpendicular to the flow line or that place the fish in the pressure null area of the dipole field. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that spatial excitation patterns along the lateral line system play a major role in encoding both source direction and distance. Accepted: 23 October 1996     

Long-term Behavioral Tracking of Freely Swimming Weakly Electric Fish

Long-term behavioral tracking can capture and quantify natural animal behaviors, including those occurring infrequently. Behaviors such as exploration and social interactions can be best studied by observing unrestrained, freely behaving animals. Weakly electric fish (WEF) display readily observable exploratory and social behaviors by emitting electric organ discharge (EOD). Here, we describe three effective techniques to synchronously measure the EOD, body position, and posture of a free-swimming WEF for an extended period of time. First, we describe the construction of an experimental tank inside of an isolation chamber designed to block external sources of sensory stimuli such as light, sound, and vibration. The aquarium was partitioned to accommodate four test specimens, and automated gates remotely control the animals'' access to the central arena. Second, we describe a precise and reliable real-time EOD timing measurement method from freely swimming WEF. Signal distortions caused by the animal''s body movements are corrected by spatial averaging and temporal processing stages. Third, we describe an underwater near-infrared imaging setup to observe unperturbed nocturnal animal behaviors. Infrared light pulses were used to synchronize the timing between the video and the physiological signal over a long recording duration. Our automated tracking software measures the animal''s body position and posture reliably in an aquatic scene. In combination, these techniques enable long term observation of spontaneous behavior of freely swimming weakly electric fish in a reliable and precise manner. We believe our method can be similarly applied to the study of other aquatic animals by relating their physiological signals with exploratory or social behaviors.     

Dipole source localization by the mottled sculpin II. The role of lateral line excitation patterns

Extracellular, single unit recording techniques were used to measure the responses of posterior lateral line nerve fibers to a 50-Hz dipole source that slowly changed its location along the length of the fish. The flow-field equations for a dipole source were used to model the pressure gradient pattern and thus, the expected excitation pattern along a linear array of lateral line receptor organs for different source locations. Finally, excitation patterns were similarly modeled along the left and right side of the fish's head for actual steps taken by sculpin in approach pathways to the 50-Hz dipole source. Spatial histograms of posterior lateral line nerve fiber responses to different locations of the dipole source could be predicted from pressure gradient patterns modeled from the flow-field equations, confirming that the modeling approach applied to behavioral results was a good predictor of excitation patterns likely to be encoded by the lateral line periphery. An examination of how modeled excitation patterns changed from one position to the next in typical approach pathways and how patterns differed between positions from which successful and unsuccessful strikes were launched suggests that approach and strike strategies can indeed be explained by the information available in excitation patterns. In particular, changes in the spatial distribution of pressure gradient directions (polarities), available only when the source is lateral (as opposed to directly in front of the fish), appear to enhance the ability of sculpin to determine source distance. Without such information, misses are more likely to occur and successful strikes are more likely to be launched from short distances only. Accepted: 23 October 1996     

The effect of protein context on nuclear location signal function

The effect of position and number and of another intracellular location signal on the activity of the nuclear location signal was investigated. A minimal signal was inserted into several sites within the polypeptide chain of pyruvate kinase. The results observed suggest that a nuclear location signal can function at a variety of positions within a protein but that in some locations its activity is masked. Multiple copies of a partially defective signal were integrated into pyruvate kinase. The data suggest that multiple signals can cooperate to enhance nuclear accumulation. A nuclear location signal failed to function when inserted into polyomavirus middle T but was active in an identical variant lacking the carboxy-terminal hydrophobic tail. We conclude that while a minimal nuclear location signal is sufficient for nuclear localization, its activity is crucially dependent on the protein context within which it is present.     

Green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic fish and their applications

The coupling of the GFP reporter system with the optical clarity of embryogenesis in model fish such as zebrafish and medaka is beginning to change the picture of transgenic fish study. Since the advent of first GFP transgenic fish in 1995, GFP transgenic fish technology have been quickly employed in many areas such as analyses of gene expression patterns and tissue/organ development, dissection of promoters/enhancers, cell lineage and axonal pathfinding, cellular localization of protein products, chimeric embryo and nuclear transplantation, cell sorting, etc. The GFP transgenic fish also have the potentials in analysis of upstream regulatory factors, mutagenesis screening and characterization, and promoter/enhancer trap. Our own studies indicate that GFP transgenic fish may become a new source of novel variety of ornamental fish. Efforts are also being made in our laboratory to turn GFP transgenic fish into biomonitoring organisms for surveillance of environmental pollution.     

Lateral line stimulation patterns and prey orienting behavior in the Lake Michigan mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdi)

Information contained in the spatial excitation pattern along arrayed sensors in the lateral line system of Lake Michigan mottled sculpin, as well as other surface-feeding fish and amphibians, is thought to play a fundamental role in guiding prey-orienting behaviors. However, the way in which prey location is encoded by the excitation pattern and used by the nervous system to direct orienting behaviors is largely unknown. In this study, we test the hypothesis that mottled sculpin use excitation peaks (local ‘hot spots’) to determine the somatotopic location of an artificial prey (vibrating sphere/dipole source) along the body surface. Dipole orientation (axis of sphere vibration re: long axis of the fish) is manipulated to produce excitatory peaks in different body locations without changing the actual sphere location. Our results show that orienting accuracy is largely independent of source orientation, but not source distance and that turning directions are not guided by local hot spots in the somatotopic activation pattern of the lateral line.     

Presurgical functional localization of primary somatosensory cortex by dipole tracing method of scalp-skull-brain head model applied to somatosensory evoked potential

The aim of the present study was to explore the utility of dipole tracing (DT) of a scalp-skull-brain (SSB) head model in preoperative functional localization of the human brain. Nine patients who underwent surgery of mass lesions around the central sulcus (CS) were employed. By using SSB/DT, dipole source location of early cortical components of the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) was estimated before surgery. Motor cortex, CS and primary somatosensory cortex were determined by cortical SEP during surgery. After surgery precise functional mapping was reproduced in MRI, and the accuracy of DT was evaluated by measuring the distance between estimated dipole source and the posterior bank of the CS. We defined this distance as localization error of DT. In 4 cases without structural change around the sensorimotor cortex, localization error ranged from 1 to 4 mm with an average of 2 mm. In 5 cases with structural alteration of sensorimotor cortex, localization error ranged from 6 to 10 mm with an average of 8 mm. The difference in localization error between the two groups was statistically significant, and may have been caused by changes of conductance near sensorimotor cortex in the latter group. Functional localization by DT was accurate and useful. But localization error could not be ignored in cases with structural alteration in the sensorimotor cortex.     

Effects of dipole position,orientation and noise on the accuracy of EEG source localization

Background  

The electroencephalogram (EEG) reflects the electrical activity in the brain on the surface of scalp. A major challenge in this field is the localization of sources in the brain responsible for eliciting the EEG signal measured at the scalp. In order to estimate the location of these sources, one must correctly model the sources, i.e., dipoles, as well as the volume conductor in which the resulting currents flow. In this study, we investigate the effects of dipole depth and orientation on source localization with varying sets of simulated random noise in 4 realistic head models.     

How perceived threat increases synchronization in collectively moving animal groups

Nature is rich with many different examples of the cohesive motion of animals. Previous attempts to model collective motion have primarily focused on group behaviours of identical individuals. In contrast, we put our emphasis on modelling the contributions of different individual-level characteristics within such groups by using stochastic asynchronous updating of individual positions and orientations. Our model predicts that higher updating frequency, which we relate to perceived threat, leads to more synchronized group movement, with speed and nearest-neighbour distributions becoming more uniform. Experiments with three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) that were exposed to different threat levels provide strong empirical support for our predictions. Our results suggest that the behaviour of fish (at different states of agitation) can be explained by a single parameter in our model: the updating frequency. We postulate a mechanism for collective behavioural changes in different environment-induced contexts, and explain our findings with reference to confusion and oddity effects.     

Dipole source localization by mottled sculpin. III. Orientation after site-specific, unilateral denervation of the lateral line system

To test the hypothesis that spatial excitation patterns along the lateral-line system underlie source localization, we videotaped the orientation behavior of blinded mottled sculpin in response to a small dipole source (50-Hz vibrating sphere) before and after unilateral denervation of the lateral line system on different body regions (head, trunk and head + trunk). Approach pathways were qualitatively similar to those followed by normal intact animals. Abnormal behavior (turning in circles) was not observed. However, the frequency with which fish placed their intact side facing the source increased by 12–89%, depending on the denervation site. The angular accuracy of orientation decreased by 20° to 60° (100% to 370% change) depending on source location and region of lateral line denervated. Deficits tended to be site-specific. For example, unilaterally denervating lateral-line organs on the head resulted in less accurate orienting responses when the source was located on the denervated side of the head, but not on the opposite side of the head or on either side of the trunk. Site-specific deficits and the absence of abnormal approach pathways argue that animals are relying on a point-by-point spatial representation of source location along the sensory surface rather than computations based on bilateral comparisons. Accepted: 28 May 1998     

Effect of choice of baseline correction interval on localization of electrical heart activity]

The electric heart activity can be localised from body surface mapping data with computer algorithms. At higher heart rates the T and P waves merge. Thus, the offset can not be subtracted in the TP segment. We investigated 28 healthy volunteers with signal averaged 31-lead magnetocardiography. The offset of the baseline was determined in the TP-segment and in the PR-segment, respectively. The electrical heart activity was localised in the initial 30 ms of the QRS complex (Q), at the QRS maximum (R), and at the T wave maximum (T). The volume currents were considered by using a boundary element model with the compartments lungs and torso. The 3D positions of the dipoles, the dipole orientations, and the dipole strengths were calculated using the data preprocessed with two different offset correction intervals. The offsets of the TP and PR segments significantly differed one from another. The average deviations of the dipole localisation were within a few centimetres (Q: 20 +/- 31 mm, R: 6 +/- 13 mm, T: 14 +/- 30 mm). However, in a small number of subjects (Q: n = 5, R: n = 2, T: n = 5) we observed a deviation of more than 30 mm. These deviations were not linearly correlated to the differences in the baseline offsets. High resolution recordings continuously detect heart activity in the PR segment. The correction of the baseline in the PR segment instead of the TP segment may introduce artefacts in the source localisation and therefore should be avoided.     

基于粒子群优化算法的脑磁图源定位

脑磁图作为一种新型的脑探测技术,具有较高定位精度和毫秒级时间分辨率的特点。快速准确地利用脑磁图技术对三维空间中的脑神经活动源进行定位,对于脑功能研究和医学临床应用都具有重要的应用价值。可是,目前的脑磁图源定位广泛采用了多信号分类方法,它要求对三维大脑空间进行全局扫描,需要大量的计算,存在速度慢的缺点。针对这一问题,提出了一种基于粒子群优化算法的脑磁图源定位方法。先利用粒子群优化算法全局搜索能力强的特点寻找出目标函数的全局最优值,进行初步的脑磁图源定位;然后,再在小范围内进行小网格的搜索,进一步实现精确的定位。实验结果表明,基于粒子群优化算法的脑磁图源定位能够很好地解决上述问题,具有计算速度快、定位精度高的特点。     

Modeling and measuring lateral line excitation patterns to changing dipole source locations

In order to determine excitation patterns to the lateral line system from a nearby 50 Hz oscillating sphere, dipole flow field equations were used to model the spatial distribution of pressures along a linear array of lateral line canal pores. Modeled predictions were then compared to pressure distributions measured for the same dipole source with a miniature hydrophone placed in a small test tank used for neurophysiological experiments. Finally, neural responses from posterior lateral line nerve fibers in the goldfish were measured in the test tank to demonstrate that modeled and measured pressure gradient patterns were encoded by the lateral line periphery. Response patterns to a 50 Hz dipole source that slowly changed location along the length of the fish included (1) peaks and valleys in spike-rate responses corresponding to changes in pressure gradient amplitudes, (2) 180° phase-shifts corresponding to reversals in the direction of the pressure gradient and (3) distance-dependent changes in the locations of peaks, valleys and 180° phase-shifts. Modeled pressure gradient patterns also predict that the number of neural amplitude peaks and phase transitions will vary as a function of neuromast orientation and axis of source oscillation. The faithful way in which the lateral line periphery encodes pressure gradient patterns has implications for how source location and distance might be encoded by excitation patterns in the CNS. Phase-shift information may be important for (1) inhibitory/excitatory sculpting of receptive fields and (2) unambiguously encoding source distance so that increases in source distance are not confused with decreases in source amplitude.     

THE GENOME ORIGIN OF TETRAPLOID SPECIES OF LEYMUS (POACEAE: TRITICEAE) INFERRED FROM VARIATION IN REPEATED NUCLEOTIDE SEQUENCES

To investigate the origin of the tetraploid species of Leymus Hochst., we examined variation in 26 repeated nucleotide sequence families isolated from four species of Triticeae. The genome relationships were determined by calculating repeated nucleotide sequence identity (RSI) between species. RSI is the ratio of the number of diagnostic bands (DBs) and diagnostic hybridization intensities (DIs) in Southern blots of a diploid taxon encountered in a polyploid species divided by the total number of the DBs and DIs of the diploid taxon (DB is a band in Southern blot observed in a single diploid taxon, and DI is the intensity of hybridization higher by at least one order of magnitude in a diploid taxon than in any other diploid taxon). The RSIs of Psathyrostachys Nevski with Leymus ranged from 0.92 to 0.95, which confirmed that the N genome of Psathyrostachys was involved in the phylogeny of Leymus. Since RSIs of other genera of Triticeae with Leymus varied from 0.00 to 0.17, it is unlikely that any of them contributed the second pair of Leymus genomes. RSIs were also calculated between Leymus and the lineage of Lophopyrum Löve-Thinopyrum Löve or the lineage of Lophopyrum-Thinopyrum-Pseudoroegneria (Nevski) Löve-Agropyron Gaertn. The RSIs were close to zero, which made it unlikely that the second pair of Leymus genomes originated from even an extinct species in these major lineages of Triticeae. Several lines of evidence were obtained that indicated that the second pair of Leymus genomes is also from Psalhyrostachys. The genomes of tetraploid species of Leymus were designated N₁N₁N₂N₂, rather than JJNN as proposed by other workers.     

基于混沌优化算法的MUSIC脑磁图源定位方法

如何利用实验测得的脑磁图数据准确定位脑磁图源的真实活动位置是脑功能研究和临床应用中的一个关键问题.在脑磁活动源定位问题中,多信号分类算法是被广泛研究和采用的一类方法.为了克服多信号分类算法及其改进算法--递归多信号分类算法全局扫描时速度太慢的缺点,提出了一种基于混沌优化算法的脑磁图源定位新方法.该方法利用混沌运动遍历性的特点估计目标函数的全局最大值,进行初步的脑磁图源定位;然后,在小范围内结合网格的方法,进一步进行精确的定位.实验结果表明,此方法可实现多个脑磁图源的定位,并且定位速度大大加快,同时又能达到所要求的定位精度.     

Knowing What to Respond in the Future Does Not Cancel the Influence of Past Events

Everyday tasks seldom involve isolate actions but sequences of them. We can see whether previous actions influence the current one by exploring the response time to controlled sequences of stimuli. Specifically, depending on the response-stimulus temporal interval (RSI), different mechanisms have been proposed to explain sequential effects in two-choice serial response tasks. Whereas an automatic facilitation mechanism is thought to produce a benefit for response repetitions at short RSIs, subjective expectancies are considered to replace the automatic facilitation at longer RSIs, producing a cost-benefit pattern: repetitions are faster after other repetitions but they are slower after alternations. However, there is not direct evidence showing the impact of subjective expectancies on sequential effects. By using a fixed sequence, the results of the reported experiment showed that the repetition effect was enhanced in participants who acquired complete knowledge of the order. Nevertheless, a similar cost-benefit pattern was observed in all participants and in all learning blocks. Therefore, results of the experiment suggest that sequential effects, including the cost-benefit pattern, are the consequence of automatic mechanisms which operate independently of (and simultaneously with) explicit knowledge of the sequence or other subjective expectancies.     

基于模拟退火法由脑磁图推测电流偶极子参数

利用模拟退火（Ｓｉｍｕｌａｔｅｄ Ａｎｎｅａｌｉｎｇ） 算法,由脑磁图（ ＭＥＧ） 数据反演脑内作为磁源的单电流偶极子参数,可以得到理想的结果。在上述工作的基础上,对脑内多电流偶极子参数的反演,则呈现如下状况：即以少于实际源数目的偶极子为源假设反演,目标函数得不到极小优化。反之,目标函数可以得到极小优化, 但出现多余的伪偶极子, 且这些伪偶极子在多次不同条件的反演结果中,处于不稳定状态。若将多次反演结果中处于不稳定状态的偶极子作为伪偶极子的判据而将其排除,则可以得到一种判断磁源偶极子数目的方法