The significance of the thalamic parafascicular complex in tracking processes in cats

In conditions of free behaviour, trace processes of various complexity degrees (conditioned reflexes to time, temporal prognostication and delayed behaviour) were studied in cats in norm and following electrolytic destruction of some thalamic structures. It has been shown that parafascicular nuclei of the cat thalamus take part in the control of temporal reactions characteristics, and the thalamus median centre provides for generalization function proceeding on the basis of complicated trace phenomena connected with events prognostication.     

The role of the temporal areas in conditioned reflex activity following section of the brachia of the inferior colliculi]

The role of the neocortex temporal areas in the closing function was studied in chronic experiments on cats in the norm and after section of the posterior colliculi brachia. The techniques of functional elimination of the temporal neocortex by cold and section of the posterior colliculi brachia were used. Functional elimination of the cortical temporal areas prevents formation of a stable conditioned reflex in the first twenty sessions with cooling. Conditioned reflexes elaborated after section of the posterior colliculi brachia are not manifested in the case of cooling of the temporal areas throughout the period of observation (18 sessions). At the same time the conditioned reflexes elaborated before the section, are restored quite rapidly (five to six sessions). Hence, the neocortex temporal areas are more important for setting up conditioned connections than for their preservation and the use of connections previously elaborated.     

Formation of temporal memory requires NMDA receptors within CA1 pyramidal neurons

In humans the hippocampus is required for episodic memory, which extends into the spatial and temporal domains. Work on the rodent hippocampus has shown that NMDA receptor (NMDAR) -mediated plasticity is essential for spatial memory. Here, we have examined whether hippocampal NMDARs are also needed for temporal memory. We applied trace fear conditioning to knockout mice lacking NMDARs only in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells. This paradigm requires temporal processing because the conditional and unconditional stimuli are separated by 30 s (trace). We found that knockout mice failed to memorize this association but were indistinguishable from normal animals when the trace was removed. Thus, NMDARs in CA1 are crucial for the formation of memories that associate events across time.     

Spatial perception of stimuli during unilateral exclusion of the temporal portion of the neocortex by cold]

Behavioral reaction of twelve cats were studied in conditions of inactivation by cold of the temporal area (AI, AII, Ep and partly I-T) of one hemisphere. A typical vestibular ataxy was observed: deflection of the cats when walking, circular movements in the direction of the inactivated temporal area. Orienting reactions both to acoustic and photic stimuli persisted, but their spatial localization was completely lost. In every case the animals exhibited a clear orienting reaction towards the inactivated hemisphere, regardless of the localization of the source of signal. Reactions ot pain and olfactory stimulations likewise proceded in one direction. such a one-sided perception of sounds in the case of inactivation by cold of the temporal neocortex of one hemispheres is apparently due to the functional elimination of contralateral auditory structures. Disturbance of adequate spatial perception of photic, pain and olfactory stimuli under similar conditions results from a sharp drop in the tone predominantly of the ipsilateral hemisphere.     

Neural responses in the primary auditory cortex of freely behaving cats while discriminating fast and slow click-trains

Repeated acoustic events are ubiquitous temporal features of natural sounds. To reveal the neural representation of the sound repetition rate, a number of electrophysiological studies have been conducted on various mammals and it has been proposed that both the spike-time and firing rate of primary auditory cortex (A1) neurons encode the repetition rate. However, previous studies rarely examined how the experimental animals perceive the difference in the sound repetition rate, and a caveat to these experiments is that they compared physiological data obtained from animals with psychophysical data obtained from humans. In this study, for the first time, we directly investigated acoustic perception and the underlying neural mechanisms in the same experimental animal by examining spike activities in the A1 of free-moving cats while performing a Go/No-go task to discriminate the click-trains at different repetition rates (12.5-200 Hz). As reported by previous studies on passively listening animals, A1 neurons showed both synchronized and non-synchronized responses to the click-trains. We further found that the neural performance estimated from the precise temporal information of synchronized units was good enough to distinguish all 16.7-200 Hz from the 12.5 Hz repetition rate; however, the cats showed declining behavioral performance with the decrease of the target repetition rate, indicating an increase of difficulty in discriminating two slower click-trains. Such behavioral performance was well explained by the firing rate of some synchronized and non-synchronized units. Trial-by-trial analysis indicated that A1 activity was not affected by the cat's judgment of behavioral response. Our results suggest that the main function of A1 is to effectively represent temporal signals using both spike timing and firing rate, while the cats may read out the rate-coding information to perform the task in this experiment.     

Slow Potentials in the Rhinal Region of the Cat Brain Cortex Related to Visual Recognition Memory

We examined correlation between the development of slow potentials in the rhinal cortical region of cats and results of behavioral testing of visual recognition memory of these animals in the “delayed nonmatching-to-sample” (DNMS) selection version. Among different types of cognitive memory, the recognition memory occupies a special position because the process of taking off (retrieval) of a memory trace from the “stores” can be completely and effectively controlled by the experimenter (this process is initiated only after repetitive presentation of a stimulus identical to that whose trace should be subjected to retrieval or after presentation of an absolutely new stimulus whose trace had not been formed earlier). Recording of the field potentials was performed from the surface of the rhinal cortex using stereotaxically implanted mono- or bipolar Ag-AgCl electrodes after the experimental animals reached a sufficiently high level of successful performance of the test for recognition memory. Analysis of relations between negative slow potentials in the rhinal cortex and the correctness of performance (according to Spearman’s nonparametric test) demonstrated the existence of significant correlation between the electrophysiological and behavioral indices of visual recognition memory only within a late portion (final 10 sec but not initial 10 ones) of the retention interval for memorizing the trace of single presentation of a visual stimulus. The data obtained are interpreted as a confirmation of the existence of correlation between generation of negative slow potentials in the rhinal cortical region and the process of retrieval of the sample from the visual memory stores.     

Electrophysiologic and behavioral changes in cats following section of the brachia of the inferior colliculi]

Evoked potentials to acoustic stimuli were recorded in the temporal cortical area, the medial geniculate body and the posterior lateral thalamic nucleus in acute experiments on anaesthetized cats. Section of the brachia of the inferior colliculi in an acute experiment resulted in the disappearance of potentials in the examined structures. A distinct correlation has been revealed between the recovery of evoked potentials in the cortico-thalamic auditory structures (in four to six weeks) and the possible elaboration of conditioned reactions within this time period after lesion of the inferior colliculi brachia. The involvement of the temporal area in the general brain activity appears to be one of the major conditions for the formation of new conditioned connections. Possible ways of restoration of afferent input to the temporal cortical area after lesion of the inferior colliculi brachia are discussed.     

Does the trace element composition of brown trout Salmo trutta eggs remain unchanged in spawning redds?

The temporal stability of trace element concentrations in fertilized, artificially incubated anadromous brown trout Salmo trutta eggs and newly hatched fry was investigated. The anadromous status of the parental fish was confirmed using strontium isotopic analysis of otoliths. Whilst manganese concentrations in eggs varied over time, concentrations of aluminium, potassium, magnesium, strontium, barium and calcium were all unchanged 1 week and 6 weeks post‐fertilization as well as in recently hatched larvae. The results clearly suggest that the distinctive trace element signature present in the eggs and newly hatched larvae of anadromous S. trutta (typically characterized by high strontium, low barium) is stable over time. Therefore analysis of the trace element composition of eggs is concluded to be a cost‐effective and reliable method for determining the spatial and temporal extent of upstream spawning migration by anadromous salmonids. The temporal variability of at least one element in this study suggests the stability of untested multi‐element signatures cannot automatically be assumed.     

Convergence and divergence in the evolution of cat skulls: temporal and spatial patterns of morphological diversity

Background

Studies of biological shape evolution are greatly enhanced when framed in a phylogenetic perspective. Inclusion of fossils amplifies the scope of macroevolutionary research, offers a deep-time perspective on tempo and mode of radiations, and elucidates life-trait changes. We explore the evolution of skull shape in felids (cats) through morphometric analyses of linear variables, phylogenetic comparative methods, and a new cladistic study of saber-toothed cats.

Methodology/Principal Findings

A new phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of saber-toothed cats (Machairodontinae) exclusive of Felinae and some basal felids, but does not support the monophyly of various saber-toothed tribes and genera. We quantified skull shape variation in 34 extant and 18 extinct species using size-adjusted linear variables. These distinguish taxonomic group membership with high accuracy. Patterns of morphospace occupation are consistent with previous analyses, for example, in showing a size gradient along the primary axis of shape variation and a separation between large and small-medium cats. By combining the new phylogeny with a molecular tree of extant Felinae, we built a chronophylomorphospace (a phylogeny superimposed onto a two-dimensional morphospace through time). The evolutionary history of cats was characterized by two major episodes of morphological divergence, one marking the separation between saber-toothed and modern cats, the other marking the split between large and small-medium cats.

Conclusions/Significance

Ancestors of large cats in the ‘Panthera’ lineage tend to occupy, at a much later stage, morphospace regions previously occupied by saber-toothed cats. The latter radiated out into new morphospace regions peripheral to those of extant large cats. The separation between large and small-medium cats was marked by considerable morphologically divergent trajectories early in feline evolution. A chronophylomorphospace has wider applications in reconstructing temporal transitions across two-dimensional trait spaces, can be used in ecophenotypical and functional diversity studies, and may reveal novel patterns of morphospace occupation.     

Distribution of the secondary vestibular fibers in the cerebellar cortex. An autoradiographic study in the cat

Autoradiography of tritiated leucine, injected into the vestibular nuclei in 20 cats, was used to trace the projection of the secondary vestibular fibers in the cerebellum. The distribution of these fibers in the cerebellar cortex is described and discussed in relation to the findings from other experimental works.     

Twenty-four hour activity budgets and patterns of behavior in captive ocelots (Leopardus pardalis)

Activity budgets of captive ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) were assessed from over 547h of observational data obtained from six ocelots; two females at the Dallas Zoo (Dallas, TX), two females at the Caldwell Zoo (Tyler, TX) and a male and female at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center (Glen Rose, TX). Data were examined for the percentage of active behaviors exhibited during the day and nighttime hours; temporal patterns of active, pace, exploratory and marking behavior, and for significance in pacing behavior between pre- and post-feeding times. The captive cats had a bimodal pattern of active behavior similar to field studies of wild ocelots, except that the timing of the active peaks were closer to the diurnal hours for the captive cats. The captive ocelots were less active than wild ocelots, and more diurnal. Also, the captive cats exhibited stereotypic pacing. When the percentage of time of active behavior was assessed for each cat, a strong variation between individuals and institution was not seen. Pacing behavior was highest prior to the feeding times for the cats. In assessing patterns of behavior, peaks in marking and exploratory behavior in the cats did not occur at the same time as the peaks in active behavior. However, we did see institutional differences in the pattern of exploratory and marking behavior, which may have been influenced by differing management practices.     

Temporal correlations in modulated evoked responses in the visual cortical cells of the cat

We analysed evoked responses recorded from 97 cells in the visual cortex of 4 adult cats and 8 kittens, stimulated by a drifting sinusoidal grating. A Fourier analysis of the responses allowed us to select 30 cells showing a clear modulating response (relative modulation index > 1). The 162 records from these selected cells were scanned to detect precise temporal correlations in the form of replicating triplets and associated ghost doublets. Temporal correlations of this nature were observed in these cells. They are about 10 times more abundant in adult cats than in kittens, and mostly observed in infragranular cortical layer cells. The possible role of these precise temporal patterns in information processing in the brain is examined, as well as the relation between this type of temporal correlation with coherent oscillations and principal components waveforms.     

Dynamics of the ventilatory response to central hypoxia in cats

The dynamics of the effect of central hypoxia on ventilation were investigated by the technique of artificial perfusion of the brain stem in alpha-chloralose-urethan-anesthetized cats. A two-channel roller pump and a four-way valve allowed switching the gas exchanger into and out of the extracorporeal circuit which controlled the brain stem perfusion. When isocapnic hypoxia (arterial PO2 range 18-59 Torr) was limited to the brain stem, a decline in ventilation was consistently found. In 12 cats 47 steps into and 48 steps out of central hypoxia were made. The ventilatory response was fitted using least squares with a model that consisted of a latency followed by a single-exponential function. The latencies for the steps into and out of hypoxia were not significantly different (P = 0.14) and were 32.3 +/- 4.0 and 25.1 +/- 3.6 (SE) s, respectively. The time constant for the steps into hypoxia (149.7 +/- 8.5 s) was significantly longer (P = 0.0002) than for the steps out of hypoxia (105.5 +/- 10.1 s). The time constants for the increase and decrease in ventilation after step changes in the central arterial PCO2 found in a previous study (J. Appl. Physiol. 66: 2168-2172, 1989) were not significantly different (P greater than 0.2) from the corresponding time constants in this study (for 7 cats common to both studies). Theories of the mechanisms behind hypoxic ventilatory decline need to account for the long latency, the similarity between the time constants for the ventilatory response to O2 and CO2, and the differences between the time constants for increasing and decreasing ventilation.     

Peak hour in the bush: linear anthropogenic clearings funnel predator and prey species

Linear clearings, such as roads and tracks, are an obvious anthropogenic feature in many remote environments, even where infrastructure is sparse. Predator species have been shown to prefer moving down linear clearings, and therefore, clearings could increase predation risk for other species. We investigated whether tracks cleared for seismic surveys are preferentially used by predators and herbivores in a landscape inhabited by bilbies (Macrotis lagotis), a vulnerable species of conservation concern. We used a paired camera trap array to investigate the use of cleared seismic lines at four time points after clearing (1 month, 3 months, 7 months, 48 months) by six mammal species. Bilbies, cattle (Bos indicus/B. taurus), dingoes (Canis familiaris), feral cats (Felis catus) and agile wallabies (Macropus agilis) preferred to use seismic lines compared with adjacent undisturbed vegetation for almost all surveys, while spectacled hare wallabies (Lagorchestes conspicillatus) avoided them. Bilbies and agile wallabies showed similar temporal activity patterns on and off seismic lines but feral cats, dingoes and cattle used seismic lines at different times of day to control areas. We also investigated microhabitat selection by spool tracking individual bilbies. Bilbies selected a route through vegetation that was more open than surrounding vegetation. While spatial and temporal funnelling of bilbies and their predators (especially cats) may increase the frequency of encounter between the two, it is important to note that bilbies were active at significantly different times to predators both on and off seismic lines. The identified selection for seismic lines, and changes in spatial and temporal overlap between species, can be used to develop effective management strategies, to minimize potential impacts on native species.     

Evoked Temporal Summation in Cats to Highlight Central Sensitization Related to Osteoarthritis-Associated Chronic Pain: A Preliminary Study

In cats, osteoarthritis causes significant chronic pain. Chronicity of pain is associated with changes in the central nervous system related to central sensitization, which have to be quantified. Our objectives were 1) to develop a quantitative sensory testing device in cats for applying repetitive mechanical stimuli that would evoke temporal summation; 2) to determine the sensitivity of this test to osteoarthritis-associated pain, and 3) to examine the possible correlation between the quantitative sensory testing and assessment using other pain evaluation methods. We hypothesized that mechanical sub-threshold repetitive stimuli would evoke temporal summation, and that cats with osteoarthritis would show a faster response. A blinded longitudinal study was performed in 4 non-osteoarthritis cats and 10 cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. Quantification of chronic osteoarthritis pain-related disability was performed over a two week period using peak vertical force kinetic measurement, motor activity intensity assessment and von Frey anesthesiometer-induced paw withdrawal threshold testing. The cats afflicted with osteoarthritis demonstrated characteristic findings consistent with osteoarthritis-associated chronic pain. After a 14-day acclimation period, repetitive mechanical sub-threshold stimuli were applied using a purpose-developed device. Four stimulation profiles of predetermined intensity, duration and time interval were applied randomly four times during a four-day period. The stimulation profiles were different (P<0.001): the higher the intensity of the stimulus, the sooner it produced a consistent painful response. The cats afflicted with osteoarthritis responded more rapidly than cats osteoarthritis free (P = 0.019). There was a positive correlation between the von Frey anesthesiometer-induced paw withdrawal threshold and the response to stimulation profiles #2 (2N/0.4 Hz) and #4 (2N/0.4 Hz): Rho_s = 0.64 (P = 0.01) and 0.63 (P = 0.02) respectively. This study is the first report of mechanical temporal summation in awake cats. Our results suggest that central sensitization develops in cats with naturally occurring osteoarthritis, providing an opportunity to improve translational research in osteoarthritis-associated chronic pain.     

Enhancement and Distortion in the Temporal Representation of Sounds in the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus of Chinchillas and Cats

A subset of neurons in the cochlear nucleus (CN) of the auditory brainstem has the ability to enhance the auditory nerve''s temporal representation of stimulating sounds. These neurons reside in the ventral region of the CN (VCN) and are usually known as highly synchronized, or high-sync, neurons. Most published reports about the existence and properties of high-sync neurons are based on recordings performed on a VCN output tract—not the VCN itself—of cats. In other species, comprehensive studies detailing the properties of high-sync neurons, or even acknowledging their existence, are missing.Examination of the responses of a population of VCN neurons in chinchillas revealed that a subset of those neurons have temporal properties similar to high-sync neurons in the cat. Phase locking and entrainment—the ability of a neuron to fire action potentials at a certain stimulus phase and at almost every stimulus period, respectively—have similar maximum values in cats and chinchillas. Ranges of characteristic frequencies for high-sync neurons in chinchillas and cats extend up to 600 and 1000 Hz, respectively. Enhancement of temporal processing relative to auditory nerve fibers (ANFs), which has been shown previously in cats using tonal and white-noise stimuli, is also demonstrated here in the responses of VCN neurons to synthetic and spoken vowel sounds.Along with the large amount of phase locking displayed by some VCN neurons there occurs a deterioration in the spectral representation of the stimuli (tones or vowels). High-sync neurons exhibit a greater distortion in their responses to tones or vowels than do other types of VCN neurons and auditory nerve fibers.Standard deviations of first-spike latency measured in responses of high-sync neurons are lower than similar values measured in ANFs'' responses. This might indicate a role of high-sync neurons in other tasks beyond sound localization.     

Investigating Some of the Factors that Affect the Selection of Shelter Cats by Adopters in the Czech Republic

Records on cat adoptions were collected from three cat shelters situated in different regions of the Czech Republic. Originally, 2,170 cats were admitted to the monitored shelters; of which 1,407 (65%) cats were adopted in the period from 2011 to 2015. Significantly (p < 0.001) greater numbers of cats were adopted in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. The differences in the numbers of adopted cats of different sex, age, or coat color corresponded with the differences in proportions of these characteristics in cats admitted to the monitored shelters. No effect of sex on time to adoption was found. However, age and coat color affected the length of stay (LOS). Geriatric cats had the greatest and adult cats the shortest LOS. Kittens, juveniles, and young adults did not differ in LOS but they all stayed in shelters longer (p < 0.05) than adult cats. The median length of the stay of dark-colored cats was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than that of cats with a light or medium shade of coat color. Significantly (p < 0.001) more cats were adopted by women (748; 76.2%) than by men (233; 23.8%). Understanding seasonal fluctuations in cat adoptions and potential adopter? preferences is crucial for shelter personnel to establish effective procedures for rehoming shelter cats. Considering the relatively long time to adoption (median LOS = 69 days, mean LOS = 139 days, range = 0–1,600 days) more efforts should be put into seeking strategies for reducing this.     

Body condition of feral cats and the effect of neutering

Considerable debate exists regarding the most appropriate methods for controlling feral cat populations, both from humane and logistical points of view. The physical condition of feral cats has not been reported, and it is not known if these cats benefit from neutering. This study investigates the body condition of feral cats by measuring body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS; Burkholder, 2000; Laflamme, Kealy, & Schmidt, 1994), and falciform fat pad. The study includes lateral abdominal radiographs taken at the time of neutering of 105 adult feral cats for measurement of falciform fat pad depth and area. At that time we also assessed BW and BCS. One year later we assessed the effects of neutering on body condition by evaluating a subsample of 14 cats. At the time of surgery, the cats were lean but not emaciated (BW 3.1 +/- 0.9 kg; BCS 4 +/- 1; based on a 1 to 9 scale ranging from 1 [emaciated] to 9 [grossly obese]). Falciform fat pad depth and area averaged 7.1 mm and 197.4 mm2, respectively, indicating a small amount of fat. Fourteen cats, reevaluated 1 year after neutering, increased 260% + 90% in falciform fat pad depth, 420% +/- 390% in fat pad area, 40% +/- 4% in BW, and 1 level in BCS ranking (1 to 9 scale; all differences p <.001). Similar to confined socialized cats, feral cats gained significant weight and body fat after neutering.     

Relationship of feline bispectral index to multiples of isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration

The study reported here was done to determine the relationship between bispectral index (BIS) values and minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) multiples of isoflurane in cats. Isoflurane MAC was determined using the tail-clamp method in eight domestic cats. Ten days later, the cats were anesthetized a second time with isoflurane at each of five MAC multiples administered in random order. Ventilation was controlled and, after a 20-min equilibration period at each MAC multiple of isoflurane, BIS data were collected for 5 min and the median BIS value calculated. Data from each isoflurane MAC multiple were compared using analysis of variance for repeated measures, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The MAC of isoflurane (mean +/- 1 standard deviation) was 1.8% +/- 0.2%. BIS values at 0.5 MAC could not be recorded due to spontaneous movement in all eight cats. BIS values at 2.0 MAC were confounded by burst suppression in seven of the eight cats. Over the range of 0.8 to 1.5 MAC, BIS values decreased significantly with increasing end-tidal isoflurane concentrations. Mean (+/- 1 standard deviation) BIS measurements were 32 +/- 3 at 0.8 MAC, 20 +/- 4 at 1.0 MAC, and 5 +/- 3 at 1.5 MAC. Therefore, BIS values are inversely and linearly related to end-tidal isoflurane concentrations in anesthetized cats. However, the consistently low BIS values recorded in this study suggest that clinical BIS endpoints used to titrate anesthetic agents in humans may not be applicable to cats.     

Direct evidence implicates feral cat predation as the primary cause of failure of a mammal reintroduction programme

As evidence mounts that the feral Cat (Felis catus) is a significant threat to endemic Australian biodiversity and impedes reintroduction attempts, uncertainty remains about the impact a residual population of cats following control will have on a mammal reintroduction programme. Also, behavioural interactions between cats and their prey continue to be an area of interest. Within the framework of an ecosystem restoration project, we tested the hypotheses that successful reintroductions of some medium‐sized mammals are possible in locations where feral cats are controlled (but not eradicated) in the absence of European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), and that hare‐wallabies that dispersed from their release area are more vulnerable to cat predation compared with those that remain at the release site. We used radiotelemetry to monitor the survivorship and dispersal of 16 Rufous Hare‐wallabies (Lagorchestes hirsutus spp.) and 18 Banded Hare‐wallabies (Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus) reintroduced to four sites within Shark Bay, Western Australia. Nearly all foxes were removed and feral cats were subject to ongoing control that kept their indices low relative to prerelease levels. All monitored hare‐wallabies were killed by cats within eight and 10 months following release. Significant predation by feral cats was not immediate: most kills occurred in clusters, with periods of several months where no mortalities occurred. Once a hare‐wallaby was killed, however, predation continued until each population was eliminated. Animals remaining near their release site survived longer than those that dispersed. The aetiology of predation events observed offers new insights into patterns of feral cat behaviour and mammal releases. We propose a hypothesis that these intense per capita predation events may reflect a targeted hunting behaviour in individual feral cats. Even where feral cats are controlled, the outcome from consistent predation events will result in reintroduction failures. Managers considering the reintroduction of medium‐sized mammals in the presence of feral cats should, irrespective of concurrent cat control, consider the low probability of success. We advocate alternative approaches to cat‐baiting alone for the recovery of cat‐vulnerable mammals such as hare‐wallabies.