Unpeeling the layers of language: Bonobos and chimpanzees engage in cooperative turn-taking sequences

Human language is a fundamentally cooperative enterprise, embodying fast-paced and extended social interactions. It has been suggested that it evolved as part of a larger adaptation of humans’ species-unique forms of cooperation. Although our closest living relatives, bonobos and chimpanzees, show general cooperative abilities, their communicative interactions seem to lack the cooperative nature of human conversation. Here, we revisited this claim by conducting the first systematic comparison of communicative interactions in mother-infant dyads living in two different communities of bonobos (LuiKotale, DRC; Wamba, DRC) and chimpanzees (Taï South, Côte d’Ivoire; Kanyawara, Uganda) in the wild. Focusing on the communicative function of joint-travel-initiation, we applied parameters of conversation analysis to gestural exchanges between mothers and infants. Results showed that communicative exchanges in both species resemble cooperative turn-taking sequences in human conversation. While bonobos consistently addressed the recipient via gaze before signal initiation and used so-called overlapping responses, chimpanzees engaged in more extended negotiations, involving frequent response waiting and gestural sequences. Our results thus strengthen the hypothesis that interactional intelligence paved the way to the cooperative endeavour of human language and suggest that social matrices highly impact upon communication styles

Evidence for Training-Induced Plasticity in Multisensory Brain Structures: An MEG Study

Multisensory learning and resulting neural brain plasticity have recently become a topic of renewed interest in human cognitive neuroscience. Music notation reading is an ideal stimulus to study multisensory learning, as it allows studying the integration of visual, auditory and sensorimotor information processing. The present study aimed at answering whether multisensory learning alters uni-sensory structures, interconnections of uni-sensory structures or specific multisensory areas. In a short-term piano training procedure musically naive subjects were trained to play tone sequences from visually presented patterns in a music notation-like system [Auditory-Visual-Somatosensory group (AVS)], while another group received audio-visual training only that involved viewing the patterns and attentively listening to the recordings of the AVS training sessions [Auditory-Visual group (AV)]. Training-related changes in cortical networks were assessed by pre- and post-training magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings of an auditory, a visual and an integrated audio-visual mismatch negativity (MMN). The two groups (AVS and AV) were differently affected by the training. The results suggest that multisensory training alters the function of multisensory structures, and not the uni-sensory ones along with their interconnections, and thus provide an answer to an important question presented by cognitive models of multisensory training

Electromagnetic Correlates of Musical Expertise in Processing of Tone Patterns

Using magnetoencephalography (MEG), we investigated the influence of long term musical training on the processing of partly imagined tone patterns (imagery condition) compared to the same perceived patterns (perceptual condition). The magnetic counterpart of the mismatch negativity (MMNm) was recorded and compared between musicians and non-musicians in order to assess the effect of musical training on the detection of deviants to tone patterns. The results indicated a clear MMNm in the perceptual condition as well as in a simple pitch oddball (control) condition in both groups. However, there was no significant mismatch response in either group in the imagery condition despite above chance behavioral performance in the task of detecting deviant tones. The latency and the laterality of the MMNm in the perceptual condition differed significantly between groups, with an earlier MMNm in musicians, especially in the left hemisphere. In contrast the MMNm amplitudes did not differ significantly between groups. The behavioral results revealed a clear effect of long-term musical training in both experimental conditions. The obtained results represent new evidence that the processing of tone patterns is faster and more strongly lateralized in musically trained subjects, which is consistent with other findings in different paradigms of enhanced auditory neural system functioning due to long-term musical training

Measuring root system traits of wheat in 2D images to parameterize 3D root architecture models

Background and aimsThe main difficulty in the use of 3D root architecture models is correct parameterization. We evaluated distributions of the root traits inter-branch distance, branching angle and axial root trajectories from contrasting experimental systems to improve model parameterization.MethodsWe analyzed 2D root images of different wheat varieties (Triticum aestivum) from three different sources using automatic root tracking. Model input parameters and common parameter patterns were identified from extracted root system coordinates. Simulation studies were used to (1) link observed axial root trajectories with model input parameters (2) evaluate errors due to the 2D (versus 3D) nature of image sources and (3) investigate the effect of model parameter distributions on root foraging performance.ResultsDistributions of inter-branch distances were approximated with lognormal functions. Branching angles showed mean values <90°. Gravitropism and tortuosity parameters were quantified in relation to downwards reorientation and segment angles of root axes. Root system projection in 2D increased the variance of branching angles. Root foraging performance was very sensitive to parameter distribution and variance.Conclusions2D image analysis can systematically and efficiently analyze root system architectures and parameterize 3D root architecture models. Effects of root system projection (2D from 3D) and deflection (at rhizotron face) on size and distribution of particular parameters are potentially significant

Monopolar-probe monitoring during spinal surgery with expandable prosthetic ribs

International audienceBACKGROUND: Intraoperative monitoring (IOM) has been proven to decrease the risk of neurological injury during scoliosis surgery. The vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib (VEPTR) is a device that allows spinal growth. However, injuries to the spinal cord and brachial plexus have been reported after VEPTR implantation in 2 and 5% of patients, respectively. Simultaneous monitoring of these two structures requires the use of multiple time-consuming and complex methods that are ill-suited to the requirements of paediatric surgery, particularly when repeated VEPTR lengthening procedures are needed. We developed a monopolar stimulation method derived from Owen's monitoring technique. This method is easy to implement, requires only widely available equipment, and allows concomitant monitoring of the spinal cord and brachial plexus. The primary objective of this study was to assess the reliability of our technique for brachial plexus monitoring by comparing the stability of neurogenic mixed evoked potentials (NMEPs) at the upper and lower limbs. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesised that the coefficients of variation (CVs) of NMEPs were the same at the upper and lower limbs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve VEPTR procedures performed in 6 patients between 1st January 2012 and 1st September 2014 were monitored using a monopolar stimulating probe. NMEPs were recorded simultaneously at the upper and lower limbs, at intervals of 150s. The recording sites were the elbow over the ulnar nerve and the popliteal fossa near the sciatic nerve. Wilcoxon's test for paired data was used to compare CVs of the upper and lower limb NMEPs on the same side. RESULTS: Mean CV of NMEP amplitude at the lower limbs was 16.34% on the right and 16.67% on the left; corresponding values for the upper limbs were 18.30 and 19.75%, respectively. Mean CVs of NMEP latencies at the lower limbs were 1.31% on the right and 1.19% on the left; corresponding values for the upper limbs were 1.96 and 1.73%. The risk of type I error for a significant difference between the upper and lower limbs was 0.5843 on the right and 0.7312 on the left for NMEP amplitudes and 0.7618 on the right and 0.4987 on the left for NMEP latencies. CONCLUSION: Using an epidural active electrode and a sternal return electrode allows simultaneous stimulation of the cervical spinal cord and brachial plexus roots. The NMEPs thus obtained are as stable (reliable) at the upper limbs as at the lower limbs. This easy-to-implement method allows simultaneous monitoring of the upper and lower limbs. It seems well suited to VEPTR procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective single-centre non-randomised study

Smartphone-Based Clinical Pathways in Pediatrics: A Case Study

International audienceEvidence-based medicine is a major evolution in the way medical practice and reasoning are structured. This approach aims at guiding patient care through rigorous, explicit and judicious evidences. In this contribution, we present the case study of the deployment of a smartphone-based system to manage clinical pathways and its impact during two years in the pediatric department of the university hospital of Rennes, France. We also tackle smartphone acceptability and easiness of use by pediatricians. © 2020 IEEE

Paralysie du nerf fibulaire commun : Diagnostic rare chez l'enfant d'un kyste synovial tibio-fibulaire supérieur [Peroneal nerve palsy in children: Uncommon diagnosis of a proximal tibiofibular synovial cyst]

National audienceCompression of the common peroneal nerve by synovial cysts of the tibiofibular joint is a rare disease. Two macroscopic forms may be encountered: extraneural cysts and intraneural cysts. In a review of the literature, we found only three pediatric cases of common peroneal nerve palsy due to extraneural cysts and about 60 cases reported in adults. Taking advantage of the clinical history of two children operated in our department for this disease, we describe this uncommon entity, which must be diagnosed and treated rapidly. Even in the presence of severe clinical and electrophysiological symptoms, a full clinical recovery is possible, as observed in these two children. However, follow-up is needed because recurrence is possible. © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS