Probabilistic Models of Larval Zebrafish Behavior Structure on Many Scales, bioRxiv, 2019-06-15

AbstractNervous systems have evolved to combine environmental information with internal state to select and generate adaptive behavioral sequences. To better understand these computations and their implementation in neural circuits, natural behavior must be carefully measured and quantified. Here, we collect high spatial resolution video of single zebrafish larvae swimming in a naturalistic environment and develop models of their action selection across exploration and hunting. Zebrafish larvae swim in punctuated bouts separated by longer periods of rest called interbout intervals. We take advantage of this structure by categorizing bouts into discrete types and representing their behavior as labeled sequences of bout-types emitted over time. We then construct probabilistic models – specifically, marked renewal processes – to evaluate how bout-types and interbout intervals are selected by the fish as a function of its internal hunger state, behavioral history, and the locations and properties of nearby prey. Finally, we evaluate the models by their predictive likelihood and their ability to generate realistic trajectories of virtual fish swimming through simulated environments. Our simulations capture multiple timescales of structure in larval zebrafish behavior and expose many ways in which hunger state influences their action selection to promote food seeking during hunger and safety during satiety.

biorxiv animal-behavior-and-cognition 0-100-users 2019

Immune, Autonomic, and Endocrine Dysregulation in Autism and Ehlers-Danlos SyndromeHypermobility Spectrum Disorders Versus Unaffected Controls, bioRxiv, 2019-06-14

ABSTRACTBackgroundA growing body of literature suggests etiological overlap between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD) and some cases of autism, although this relationship is poorly delineated. In addition, immune, autonomic, and endocrine dysregulation are reported in both conditions and may be relevant to their respective etiologies.AimsTo study symptom overlap in these two comorbid spectrum conditions.Methods and ProceduresWe surveyed 702 adults aged 25+ years on a variety of EDSHSD-related health topics, comparing individuals with EDSHSD, autism, and unaffected controls.Outcomes and ResultsThe autism group reported similar though less severe symptomology as the EDSHSD group, especially in areas of immuneautonomicendocrine dysregulation, connective tissue abnormalities (i.e., skin, bruisingbleeding), and chronic pain. EDSHSD mothers with autistic children reported more immune symptoms than EDSHSD mothers without, suggesting the maternal immune system could play a heritable role in these conditions (p = 0.0119).Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data suggest that EDSHSD and autism share aspects of immuneautonomicendocrine dysregulation, pain, and some tissue fragility, which is typically more severe in the former. This overlap, as well as documented comorbidity, suggests some forms of autism may be hereditary connective tissue disorders (HCTD).

biorxiv neuroscience 100-200-users 2019

 

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