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Visual attention, as seen in mice, is essential for guiding their behaviors and analyzing the environment. Behavioral signals that may be identified as attentional signals include changes in the pupil size of the mice. To quantify these changes, the framework, Facemap, was used on mouse eye videos recorded during an attentional task. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of pupil detection and measurement by recording the eyes of head-fixed mice. The raw pupil data was then verified using a MATLAB code and a mock mouse skull was made to serve as a reference when improving the experimental setup. Videos were uploaded to Facemap and parameters such as color contrast were adjusted to optimize pupil recognition. The pupil data output by Facemap was then plotted over the video using the MATLAB code. Due to a sizable distance between the camera and the mouse eye, the resolution of the pupil was found to be suboptimal. This resulted in errors in the pupil data for a fraction of the video frames, such as rapid increases in pupil area and inaccurate identification of the pupil periphery. Our findings show that Facemap can accurately identify and measure the pupil, although improving the experimental setup is required to reduce error in the pupil data.

The “effects of practice” phenomenon refers to the tendency of individuals to improve their performance on cognitive ability tests with repeated testing. It is able to provide insights into the potential for cognitive rehabilitation or intervention programs. By understanding how practice can improve cognitive function, we can better develop targeted interventions and select suitable medications to address populations with cognitive defects like schizophrenia. In addition, it is well established that individuals with delusional disorders or high levels of schizotypy are more likely to form implausible beliefs based on information gained from observing the behavior of others. These beliefs can influence their personal motivation to adopt corresponding social roles. To develop a pre-treatment test, our study split 39 healthy participants into low- and high-SPQ groups according to their Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ) and asked them to perform a social role acceptance task twice, with a 1.5-hour gap between sessions. We explored the change in reaction times (RTs) and event-related brain potentials (ERPs) of both groups due to the effects of practice. While RTs were found to be reduced in both groups, the increased amplitude of the N400 ERPs was only found in the low-schizotypy subgroup. These might indicate that practice leads participants with low-SPQ scores to have improved cognitive processing and enhanced self-concept clarity. Furthermore, both RTs and N400 amplitudes demonstrated strong test-retest reliability across the two sessions, confirming the task as a reliable and valuable tool. Further research should investigate practice effects through clinical trials or placebo-controlled studies to aid psychiatrists in identifying the most effective treatments for patients with schizophrenia traits.

Live-cell imaging has emerged as a critical technique for observing cellular processes and physiological conditions. Commercial solutions, despite their effectiveness, are often prohibitively expensive for many laboratories. Open-source alternatives have sought to reduce costs but are hindered by complex assembly requirements and sterility, making their use complex for the average researcher. In response to these challenges, we designed an automated, low-cost microscope that utilizes both 3D printed components and 3D printer-based motion control. The microscope system reuses readily available laboratory materials, such as syringes and tubing, alongside custom 3D-printed parts, to create versatile and easily disposable pieces in the event  of contamination. The analysis revealed mechanical and fluid dynamic limitations. Discrepancies in stage motion– caused by motor constraints, pressure transmission inefficiencies, and gaps in articulated components– affected precision and reliability. Additionally, the hydraulic system introduced challenges such as air pocket formation and reduced force efficiency. The design highlights critical areas for improvement, including enhanced motion systems and live-cell imaging capabilities, to offer a more affordable alternative to commercial instruments. This work lays the foundation for future iterations to democratize live-cell imaging technologies for resource-constrained laboratories worldwide.