title: Time structure analysis of behavioral acts using a computer pattern recognition system.
abstract: The spontaneous behavior of rats was monitored, classified and analyzed using a recently developed computer pattern recognition system. The K-function, a parameter developed for statistical research on spatial point processes and patterns, is used to analyze the temporal structure of behavioral acts or the joint relationship of separate acts. Forty male rats were observed in two experiments. In Experiment 1 untreated rats were observed and the temporal structure of their behavior was analyzed to establish an estimate of the false-positive error rate appropriate for use in such analyses. In Experiment 2, 20 control rats and 20 rats exposed to 2.0 mg/kg d-amphetamine were monitored using the computer pattern recognition system. The data from Experiment 1 showed that the false-positive rate was approximately ten percent or less. Experiment 2 demonstrated that the temporal structure of spontaneous motor behavior of amphetamine-treated rats was significantly disrupted.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Iowa State University, Ames 50011.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Kernan
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Mullenix
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Hopper
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D003913:Dextroamphetamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008297:Male; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013997:Time Factors; D014743:Videotape Recording
chemical_list: D003913:Dextroamphetamine