RESUMEN
The influence of extrinsic hand-feel touch cues on consumer experiences in food and beverage consumption is well established. However, their impact on trigeminal perception, particularly the oral irritation caused by capsaicin or spicy foods, is less understood. This study aimed to determine the existence of cross-modal associations between hand-feel touch and capsaicin-induced oral irritation. This study investigated whether these potential associations were driven by the sensory contributions of the hand-feel tactile materials (measured by instrumental physical parameters) or by affective responses (evaluated through hedonic scales and the self-reported emotion questionnaire, EsSense Profile®, by consumers). In our study, 96 participants tasted a capsaicin solution while engaging with nine hand-feel tactile materials, i.e., cardboard, linen, rattan, silicone, stainless steel, sandpaper (fine), sandpaper (rough), sponge, and towel. They subsequently rated their liking and emotional responses, perceived intensity of oral irritation, and the congruency between hand-feel tactile sensation and oral irritation. Instrumental measurements characterized the surface texture of the hand-feel tactile materials, which were correlated with the collected sensory data. The results revealed that unique cross-modal associations between hand-feel touch and capsaicin-induced oral irritation. Specifically, while sandpapers demonstrated high congruence with the sensation of oral irritation, stainless steel was found to be least congruent. These associations were influenced by both the common emotional responses ("active," "aggressive," "daring," "energetic," "guilty," and "worried") evoked by the hand-feel tactile materials and the capsaicin, as well as by participants' liking for the hand-feel tactile materials and the characteristics of the surface textures. This study provides empirical evidence of the cross-modality between hand-feel tactile sensations and capsaicin-induced oral irritation, opening new avenues for future research in this area.
Asunto(s)
Capsaicina , Tacto , Humanos , Capsaicina/efectos adversos , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Mano , Gusto , Adolescente , Emociones , Percepción del Tacto , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Sensory Adaptation (SA) is a prominent aspect of how neurons respond to sensory signals, ubiquitous across species and modalities. However, SA depends on the activation state of the brain and the extent to which SA is expressed in awake, behaving animals during active sensation remains unclear. Here, we addressed this question by training head-fixed mice to detect an object using their whiskers and recording neuronal activity from barrel cortex whilst simultaneously imaging the whiskers in 3D. We found that neuronal responses decreased during the course of whisker-object touch sequences and that this was due to two factors. First, a motor effect, whereby, during a sequence of touches, later touches were mechanically weaker than early ones. Second, a sensory encoding effect, whereby neuronal tuning to touch became progressively less sensitive during the course of a touch sequence. The sensory encoding effect was whisker-specific. These results show that SA does occur during active whisker sensing and suggest that SA is fundamental to sensation during natural behaviour.
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Adaptación Fisiológica , Conducta Animal , Corteza Somatosensorial , Vibrisas , Animales , Vibrisas/fisiología , Ratones , Corteza Somatosensorial/fisiología , Conducta Animal/fisiología , Tacto/fisiología , Masculino , Neuronas/fisiología , Sensación/fisiología , Ratones Endogámicos C57BLRESUMEN
Several gaps persist in haptic device development due to the multifaceted nature of the sense of touch. Existing gaps include challenges enhancing touch feedback fidelity, providing diverse haptic sensations, and ensuring wearability for delivering tactile stimuli to the fingertips. Here, we introduce the Bioinspired Adaptable Multiplanar Haptic system, offering mechanotactile/steady and vibrotactile pulse stimuli with adjustable intensity (up to 298.1 mN) and frequencies (up to 130 Hz). This system can deliver simultaneous stimuli across multiple fingertip areas. The paper includes a full characterisation of our system. As the device can play an important role in further understanding human touch, we performed human stimuli sensitivity and differentiation experiments to evaluate the capability of delivering mechano-vibrotactile, variable intensity, simultaneous, multiplanar and operator agnostic stimuli. Our system promises to accelerate the development of touch perception devices, providing painless, operator-independent data crucial for researching and diagnosing touch-related disorders.
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Percepción del Tacto , Tacto , Vibración , Humanos , Tacto/fisiología , Percepción del Tacto/fisiología , Dedos/fisiología , Adulto , Masculino , Femenino , Estimulación Física , Diseño de Equipo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Computer haptics (CH) is about integration of tactile sensation and rendering in Metaverse. However, unlike computer vision (CV) where both hardware infrastructure and software programs are well developed, a generic tactile data capturing device that serves the same role as what a camera does for CV, is missing. Bioinspired by electrophysiological processes in human tactile somatosensory nervous system, here we propose a tactile scanner along with a neuromorphically-engineered system, in which a closed-loop tactile acquisition and rendering (re-creation) are preliminarily achieved. Based on the architecture of afferent nerves and intelligent functions of mechano-gating and leaky integrate-and-fire models, such a tactile scanner is designed and developed by using piezoelectric transducers as axon neurons and thin film transistor (TFT)-based neuromorphic circuits to mimic synaptic behaviours and neural functions. As an example, the neuron-like tactile information of surface textures is captured and further used to render the texture friction of a virtual surface for "recreating" a "true" feeling of touch.
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Tacto , Humanos , Tacto/fisiología , Percepción del Tacto/fisiología , Neuronas/fisiología , Axones/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Decoupling dynamic touch signals in the optical tactile sensors is highly desired for behavioral tactile applications yet challenging because typical optical sensors mostly measure only static normal force and use imprecise multi-image averaging for dynamic force sensing. Here, we report a highly sensitive upconversion nanocrystals-based behavioral biometric optical tactile sensor that instantaneously and quantitatively decomposes dynamic touch signals into individual components of vertical normal and lateral shear force from a single image in real-time. By mimicking the sensory architecture of human skin, the unique luminescence signal obtained is axisymmetric for static normal forces and non-axisymmetric for dynamic shear forces. Our sensor demonstrates high spatio-temporal screening of small objects and recognizes fingerprints for authentication with high spatial-temporal resolution. Using a dynamic force discrimination machine learning framework, we realized a Braille-to-Speech translation system and a next-generation dynamic biometric recognition system for handwriting.
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Tacto , Humanos , Tacto/fisiología , Dermatoglifia , Biometría/métodos , Biometría/instrumentación , Aprendizaje Automático , Nanopartículas/química , Identificación Biométrica/métodos , Identificación Biométrica/instrumentaciónRESUMEN
The heightened sensitivity of DNA typing techniques, paired with the extensive use of trace DNA in forensic investigations, has resulted in an increased need to understand how and when DNA is deposited on surfaces of interest. This study focussed on the transfer, persistence, and prevalence of trace DNA in a single occupation of an office space by an intruder, when all contacts made during occupation and for the two hours prior and post occupation were known. The extent to which DNA could be recovered from contacted/not contacted surfaces was investigated. This study investigates the impacts of these movements and use of an office space when the duration of occupancy, surface contact histories and shedder status of participants are known. Contacts were documented and surfaces in the office space were targeted for sampling. Categories were set for target sampling that included different types of contact. Direct and indirect DNA transfer was detected in 55â¯% and 6â¯% of samples, respectively. Contactless DNA transfer was detected in 0.5â¯% of samples. The owner was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 77â¯% of the samples and as minor contributor in 10â¯% of samples. The intruder was observed as the sole/major/majority contributor in 14â¯% of samples and as the minor contributor in 16â¯%. An increased number of contacts increased the relative DNA contribution of the individual making the contact, however, not all observed direct contacts resulted in detectable DNA transfer. The outcome of this study will aid in better sample targeting strategies and contribute to the pool of data assisting in the development of activity level assessments.
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Dermatoglifia del ADN , ADN , Humanos , ADN/genética , TactoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To determine the time interval required for a tooth diagnosed with DH to recover from a stimulus (cold air-blast/tactile) and respond with a similar elicited pain response to a repeat stimulus. METHODS: A single-centre, non-randomised, clinical study in healthy adult volunteers. Eligible participants with ≥1 tooth with either a qualifying Schiff score ≥2 following cold air-blast or tactile Yeaple score of ≤20 g were allocated to tactile or air-blast group. Following primary stimulation, the designated tooth was restimulated 10, 5, 2 min and immediately after initial pain cessation. Pain was recorded with participant VAS and investigator Schiff for air-blast. RESULTS: 40 participants completed the study per group. There was a significant difference in VAS scores for tactile 4 delay intervals (p < 0.001) but not air-blast stimulus, and a significant difference in mean change in VAS score from immediate to two-minute delay between stimuli (8.0 tactile vs 0.8 air-blast, p = 0.011). VAS scores in response to either stimulus showed very wide variation between participants, but changes over delay intervals within participants were relatively slight. There was a significant progressive decrease in mean Schiff score with shortening delay intervals from 10 min (2.38) to stimulation immediately after pain cessation (2.15), p = 0.018. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest healthy teeth recover after DH stimulation more quickly following an air-blast than tactile stimulus, with around 2 min allowing recovery from both. Many factors including habituation and pain measurement subjectivity need to be considered. It would be prudent for future studies to use of ≥3 min delays. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: No clinical study has attempted to determine the appropriate interval between successive stimuli in DH patients. The results will impact directly on the conduct of DH trials. These findings suggest the interval could be reduced to around 2-min, but the current standard of 5-min is sufficiently long to give valid results.
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Sensibilidad de la Dentina , Dimensión del Dolor , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Factores de Tiempo , Adulto Joven , Estimulación Física , Frío , Tacto/fisiología , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
Despite intensive research and development of systems for restoration of sensory information, these have so far only been the subject of study protocols. A new noninvasive feedback system translates pressure loads on the forefoot and hindfoot into gait-synchronized vibrotactile stimulation of a defined skin area. To increase the authenticity, this treatment can be supplemented by a surgical procedure. Targeted sensory reinnervation (TSR) describes a microsurgical procedure in which a defined skin area on the amputated stump of the residual limb is first denervated and then reinnervated by a specific, transposed sensory nerve harvested from the amputated part of the limb. This creates a sensory interface at the residual stump. This article presents the clinical and orthopedic technical treatment pathway with this innovative vibrotactile feedback system and explains in detail the surgical procedure of TSR after amputation of the lower limb.
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Marcha , Tacto , Vibración , Humanos , Vibración/uso terapéutico , Marcha/fisiología , Tacto/fisiología , Caminata/fisiología , Retroalimentación Sensorial/fisiología , Diseño de Equipo , Amputación Quirúrgica/rehabilitaciónRESUMEN
Classic attachment theory emphasizes the sensitivity of the parent to perceive and appropriately respond to the infant's cues. However, parent-child attachment is a dyadic interaction that is also dependent upon the sensitivity of the child to the early caregiving environment. Individual differences in infant sensitivity to parental cues is likely shaped by both the early caregiving environment as well as the infant's neurobiology, such as perceptual sensitivity to social stimuli. Here, we investigated associations between maternal postpartum depression and infant neurological sensitivity to affective touch using brain signal entropy - a metric of the brain's moment-to-moment variability related to signal processing. We recruited two independent samples of infants aged 0-5 months. In Sample 1 (n = 79), we found increased levels of maternal postpartum depression were associated with diminished perceptual sensitivity - i.e. lower entropy - to affective tactile stimulation specifically within the primary somatosensory cortex. In Sample 2 (n = 36), we replicated this finding and showed that this effect was not related to characteristics of the touch administered during the experiment. These results suggest that decreased affective touch early in life - a common consequence of postpartum depression - likely impacts the infant's perceptual sensitivity to affective touch and ultimately the formation of experience-dependent neural networks that support the successful formation of attachment relationships.
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Depresión Posparto , Relaciones Madre-Hijo , Tacto , Humanos , Femenino , Depresión Posparto/psicología , Lactante , Masculino , Adulto , Relaciones Madre-Hijo/psicología , Tacto/fisiología , Recién Nacido , Afecto/fisiología , Percepción del Tacto/fisiología , Apego a Objetos , Corteza Somatosensorial/fisiología , Corteza Somatosensorial/fisiopatología , Encéfalo , Madres/psicología , ElectroencefalografíaRESUMEN
Social touch has a vital role in human development and psychological well-being. However, there is a lack of measures assessing individual differences in social touch experiences and attitudes, especially under Eastern cultures. This study developed the Social Touch Experiences and Attitudes Questionnaire - Chinese version (STEAQ-C) and examined its psychometric properties with healthy young Chinese adults. In Study 1, an item pool was generated and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify the factor structure of the STEAQ. Study 2 recruited an independent sample and examined its reliability and validity. Network analysis further explored the interrelations between social touch and a variety of subclinical traits and symptoms. PCA identified four factors of the STEAQ-C, relating to childhood touch experiences, current touch with intimate partners, with family and friends, and with unfamiliar people. Study 2 confirmed the four-factor structure and upheld its internal consistency and stability. Positive attitudes towards and greater experiences of social touch were negatively correlated with sensory over-responsiveness and sensory hyposensitivity, as well as childhood trauma particularly emotional neglect, supporting the convergent validity. Evidence of criterion-related validity was accrued via its concurrent and predictive associations with secure attachment style, higher levels of social competence, and lower levels of social anxiety. Network analysis highlighted altered perception of social touch may be a shared feature for psychiatric conditions with social dysfunctions (e.g., autism, social anxiety and negative schizotypy). The newly-developed STEAQ-C may be a timely tool in assessing social touch experiences and attitudes under Eastern cultures.
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Relaciones Interpersonales , Psicometría , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Adulto Joven , Adulto , Psicometría/normas , Psicometría/instrumentación , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Encuestas y Cuestionarios/normas , Tacto/fisiología , China , Adolescente , ActitudRESUMEN
The risk of virus transmission via the touching of contaminated masks has long been assumed by infection control teams. Yet, robust evidence to support this belief has been lacking. This risk was investigated in a laboratory setting by measuring the amount of viable influenza virus successfully transferred from artificially contaminated medical (surgical) mask surfaces to a human finger used to swipe their outer surface under various experimental conditions. Despite being exposed to high levels of virus contamination on the masks, very little or no viable virus was successfully transferred from the mask to the finger in these experiments.
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Gripe Humana , Máscaras , Humanos , Máscaras/virología , Gripe Humana/transmisión , Gripe Humana/prevención & control , Gripe Humana/virología , Tacto , Contaminación de Equipos , OrthomyxoviridaeRESUMEN
This study presents a detailed psychometric evaluation of a novel high-resolution electrotactile interface, which is developed to provide users with 3D spatial information and facilitate enhanced interaction with a Supernumerary Robotic Limb (SRL). The research introduces a novel electrotactile system that employs a multi-pad electrode configuration on the thigh, aimed at delivering intuitive feedback to users about the position of the SRL in a three-dimensional space. The interface's effectiveness was assessed through a series of psychometric tests, including static spatial discrimination, target-reaching with spatial feedback, frequency discrimination, and combined spatial/frequency modulation. The key findings demonstrate that participants could differentiate between 30 electrode pads with an average success rate of 62.7% when they were activated statically, while in the dynamic target-reaching task, the success rate increased to 88.1%. Frequency discrimination tests further revealed that four frequency levels could be distinguished with 86.0% success rate in single-pad feedback while the performance decreased to 74.3% in multi-pad distributed feedback. Finaly, in the closed-loop test with mixed spatial and frequency modulation, participants achieved an overall success rate of 78.8% in target reaching across 10 × 4 discrete 2D space. These results highlight the interface's capability to transmit high-resolution spatial information through electrotactile feedback, offering a foundation for future applications in tactile-based navigation and control systems.
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Psicometría , Tacto , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Psicometría/métodos , Adulto , Tacto/fisiología , Adulto Joven , Robótica/métodos , Interfaz Usuario-ComputadorRESUMEN
In the mammalian somatosensory system, polymodality is defined as the competence of some neurons to respond to multiple forms of energy (e.g., mechanical and thermal). This ability is thought to be an exclusive property of nociceptive neurons (polymodal C-fiber nociceptors) and one of the pillars of nociceptive peripheral plasticity. The current study uncovered a completely different neuronal sub-population with polymodal capabilities on the opposite mechanical modality spectrum (tactile). We have observed that several tactile afferents (1/5) can respond to cold in non-nociceptive ranges. These cells' mechanical thresholds and electrical properties are similar to any low-threshold mechano-receptors (LT), conducting in a broad range of velocities (Aδ to Aß), lacking CGRP and TRPM8 receptors. Due to its density, cold-response range, speed, and response to injury (or lack thereof), we speculate on its role in controlling reflexive behaviors (wound liking and rubbing) and modulation of nociceptive spinal cord integration. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms behind this neuron's polymodality, central architecture, and impact on pain perception.
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Frío , Canales Catiónicos TRPM , Canales Catiónicos TRPM/metabolismo , Animales , Nociceptores/metabolismo , Nociceptores/fisiología , Masculino , Tacto/fisiología , Neuronas Aferentes/fisiología , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BLRESUMEN
This study investigates the feasibility of a novel brain-computer interface (BCI) device designed for sensory training following stroke. The BCI system administers electrotactile stimuli to the user's forearm, mirroring classical sensory training interventions. Concurrently, selective attention tasks are employed to modulate electrophysiological brain responses (somatosensory event-related potentials-sERPs), reflecting cortical excitability in related sensorimotor areas. The BCI identifies attention-induced changes in the brain's reactions to stimulation in an online manner. The study protocol assesses the feasibility of online binary classification of selective attention focus in ten subacute stroke patients. Each experimental session includes a BCI training phase for data collection and classifier training, followed by a BCI test phase to evaluate online classification of selective tactile attention based on sERP. During online classification tests, patients complete 20 repetitions of selective attention tasks with feedback on attention focus recognition. Using a single electroencephalographic channel, attention classification accuracy ranges from 70% to 100% across all patients. The significance of this novel BCI paradigm lies in its ability to quantitatively measure selective tactile attention resources throughout the therapy session, introducing a top-down approach to classical sensory training interventions based on repeated neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
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Interfaces Cerebro-Computador , Electroencefalografía , Accidente Cerebrovascular , Humanos , Masculino , Accidente Cerebrovascular/fisiopatología , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Estudios de Factibilidad , Potenciales Evocados Somatosensoriales/fisiología , Rehabilitación de Accidente Cerebrovascular/métodos , Adulto , TactoRESUMEN
The capacity to perceive tactile input at the fingertips, referred to as tactile sensitivity, is known to diminish with age due to regressive changes to mechanoreceptor density and morphology. Sensitivity is measured as perceptual responses to stimuli of varying intensity. Contrary to traditional sensitivity monitoring instruments, smartphones are uniquely suited for remote assessment and have shown to deliver highly calibrated stimuli along a broad spectrum of intensity, which may improve test reliability. The aim of this study was to evaluate a vibration-emitting smartphone application, the Vibratus App, as a mode of estimating tactile sensory thresholds in the aging adult. The peripheral nerve function of 40 neurologically healthy volunteers (ages 18-71) was measured using monofilaments, a 128-Hz tuning fork, the Vibratus App, and nerve conduction studies (NCS). Between group differences were analyzed to determine each measurement's sensitivity to age. Spearman correlation coefficients depicted the associative strength between hand-held measurements and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude. Inter-rater reliability of traditional instruments and the software-operated smartphone were assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2,k). Measurements taken with Vibratus App were significantly different between age groups (p < 0.001). The inter-rater reliability of monofilament, smartphone vibration, and tuning fork testing was moderate to good (ICC2,k = 0.65, 0.69, and 0.79, respectively). The findings of this study support further investigation of smartphones as sensitivity monitoring devices for at home monitoring of skin sensitivity.
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Envejecimiento , Umbral Sensorial , Teléfono Inteligente , Vibración , Humanos , Adulto , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto Joven , Adolescente , Umbral Sensorial/fisiología , Envejecimiento/fisiología , Tacto/fisiología , Piel , Aplicaciones Móviles , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
As robots are increasingly participating in our daily lives, the quests to mimic human abilities have driven the advancements of robotic multimodal senses. However, current perceptual technologies still unsatisfied robotic needs for home tasks/environments, particularly facing great challenges in multisensory integration and fusion, rapid response capability, and highly sensitive perception. Here, we report a flexible tactile sensor utilizing thin-film thermistors to implement multimodal perceptions of pressure, temperature, matter thermal property, texture, and slippage. Notably, the tactile sensor is endowed with an ultrasensitive (0.05 mm/s) and ultrafast (4 ms) slip sensing that is indispensable for dexterous and reliable grasping control to avoid crushing fragile objects or dropping slippery objects. We further propose and develop a robotic tactile-visual fusion architecture that seamlessly encompasses multimodal sensations from the bottom level to robotic decision-making at the top level. A series of intelligent grasping strategies with rapid slip feedback control and a tactile-visual fusion recognition strategy ensure dexterous robotic grasping and accurate recognition of daily objects, handling various challenging tasks, for instance grabbing a paper cup containing liquid. Furthermore, we showcase a robotic desktop-cleaning task, the robot autonomously accomplishes multi-item sorting and cleaning desktop, demonstrating its promising potential for smart housekeeping.
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Robótica , Tacto , Robótica/instrumentación , Robótica/métodos , Humanos , Tacto/fisiología , Fuerza de la Mano/fisiología , Diseño de Equipo , Percepción del Tacto/fisiologíaRESUMEN
The aim of the study was to describe nurses' experiences of touch and especially touch when assisting older adult patients in hospital context. The interviewed nurses described 2 ways of assisting by touch: striving to be present and not being there. This study shows that touching and assisting by touch can constitute the core of the act of holistic caring in nursing, in which the most important content is a real encounter with the patient.
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Relaciones Enfermero-Paciente , Tacto , Humanos , Femenino , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Anciano , Enfermeras y Enfermeros/psicología , Enfermeras y Enfermeros/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto , Investigación Cualitativa , Actitud del Personal de Salud , Enfermería Geriátrica/métodos , Enfermería Geriátrica/normasRESUMEN
Existing maze apparatuses used in rodents often exclusively assess spatial discriminability as a means to evaluate learning impairments. Spatial learning in such paradigms is reportedly spared by moderate prenatal alcohol exposure in rats, suggesting that spatial reinforcement alone is insufficient to delineate executive dysfunction, which consistently manifests in humans prenatally-exposed to alcohol. To address this, we designed a single-session continuous performance task in the T-maze apparatus that requires rats to discriminate within and between simultaneously-presented spatial (left or right) and tactile (sandpaper or smooth) stimuli for food reinforcement across four sequential discrimination stages: simple discrimination, intradimensional reversal 1, extradimensional shift, and intradimensional reversal 2. This design incorporates elements of working memory, attention, and goal-seeking behavior which collectively contribute to the executive function construct. Here, we found that rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol performed worse in both the tactile intradimensional reversal and extradimensional shift; alternatively, rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol acquired the extradimensional shift faster when shifting from the tactile to spatial dimension. In line with previous work, moderate prenatal alcohol exposure spared specifically spatial discrimination in this paradigm. However, when tactile stimuli were mapped into the spatial dimension, rats prenatally-exposed to alcohol required more trials to discriminate between the dimensions. We demonstrate that tactile stimuli can be operantly employed in a continuous performance T-maze task to detect discriminatory learning impairments in rats exposed to moderate prenatal alcohol. The current paradigm may be useful for assessing features of executive dysfunction in rodent models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Etanol , Aprendizaje por Laberinto , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal , Animales , Embarazo , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/fisiopatología , Efectos Tardíos de la Exposición Prenatal/inducido químicamente , Femenino , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/efectos de los fármacos , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/fisiología , Etanol/farmacología , Etanol/administración & dosificación , Etanol/efectos adversos , Masculino , Ratas , Ratas Long-Evans , Percepción Espacial/efectos de los fármacos , Percepción Espacial/fisiología , Discriminación en Psicología/efectos de los fármacos , Discriminación en Psicología/fisiología , Percepción del Tacto/fisiología , Percepción del Tacto/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria a Corto Plazo/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria a Corto Plazo/fisiología , Trastornos del Espectro Alcohólico Fetal/fisiopatología , Tacto/fisiología , Tacto/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Most voluntary actions have only few goals, which provides considerable freedom in the selection of action parameters. Recent studies showed that task-irrelevant aspects of the task context influence the motor parameters of the actions in a way which seems to reflect the relative importance of these aspects within the underlying action representation. The present study investigated how the intensity of auditory action-effects affected force exertion patterns in a self-paced action production task. Participants applied force impulses with their index finger on a force-sensitive resistor every three seconds. In four separate conditions, force impulses elicited no sound, or elicited tones with 69, 59 or 49 dB intensity. The results showed that participants applied more force when tone intensity was lower, and when tones were absent. These force differences were also present in the first 60 ms following tone onset, implying that these reflected differences in motor planning. The results are compatible with the notion that actions are represented in terms of their sensory effects, which are weighted differently-presumably to maintain an optimal level of overall auditory and tactile stimulation in the present case. These results hint at the potential usefulness of motor parameters as readouts of action intentions.
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Tacto , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Adulto , Adulto Joven , Tacto/fisiología , Estimulación Acústica , Desempeño Psicomotor/fisiología , Dedos/fisiología , Percepción Auditiva/fisiologíaRESUMEN
Integrating tactile feedback through haptic interfaces enhances experiences in virtual and augmented reality. However, electrotactile systems, which stimulate mechanoreceptors directly, often yield inconsistent tactile results due to variations in pressure between the device and the finger. In this study, we present the integration of a transparent electrotactile screen with pressure-sensitive transistors, ensuring highly consistent quantitative haptic sensations. These transistors effectively calibrate tactile variations caused by touch pressure. Additionally, we explore remote-distance tactile stimulations achieved through the interference of electromagnetic waves. We validated tactile perception using somatosensory evoked potentials, monitoring the somatosensory cortex response. Our haptic screen can stimulate diverse electrotactile sensations and demonstrate various tactile patterns, including Morse code and Braille, when integrated with portable smart devices, delivering a more immersive experience. Furthermore, interference of electric fields allows haptic stimulation to facilitate diverse stimulus positioning at lower current densities, extending the reach beyond direct contact with electrodes of our screen.