The First Order Transfer Function in the Analysis of Agrochemical Data in Honey Bees (Apis Mellifera L.): Proboscis Extension Reflex (PER) Studies

Abstract

This paper describes a mathematical model of the learning process suitable for studies of conditioning using the proboscis extension reflex (PER) in honey bees when bees are exposed to agrochemicals. Although procedural variations exist in the way laboratories use the PER paradigm, proboscis conditioning is widely used to investigate the influence of pesticides and repellents on honey bee learning. Despite the availability of several mathematical models of the learning process, no attempts have been made to apply a mathematical model to the learning curve in honey bees exposed to agrochemicals. Our model is based on the standard transfer function in the form Y = B3e−B2 (X−1) + B4 (1−e−B2 (X−1)) where X is the trial number, Y is the proportion of correct responses, B2 is the learning rate, B3 is readiness to learn, and B4 is ability to learn. We reanalyze previously published data on the effect of several classes of agrochemicals including: (1) those that are considered harmless to bees (e.g., pymetrozine, essential oils, dicofol); (2) sublethal exposure to pesticides known to harm honey bees (e.g., coumaphos, cyfluthrin, fluvalinate, permethrin); and (3) putative repellents of honey bees (e.g., butyric acid, citronella). The model revealed additional effects not detected with standard statistical tests of significance.

Effect of Immune Inducers on Nosema ceranae Multiplication and Their Impact on Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Survivorship and Behaviors

“…However, N. ceranae does not seem to affect learning based on the proboscis extension reflex (PER) assay [16]. PER is a test of memory and learning based on the extension of the proboscis as a reflex to stimulation associated with a food reward (unconditioned stimulus) after training the bees with conditioned stimuli, such as odors [17,18]. Learning and memory are measured by assessing the association between the odor with the sugar reward [19].…”

From Flatworms to Humans: Demonstration of Learning Principles Using Activities Developed by the Laboratory of Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology – Additional Exercises

“…The model is based on the application of the transfer function of the first order linear system in response to a stepwise input. Among other applications, we have used this model to detect subspecies differences in the maze performance of rodents (Stepanov & Abramson, 2008), pesticide effects in honey bees (De Stefano et al, 2014), and interpreting results of the California Verbal Learning scale in individuals suffering from Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Stepanov et al, 2011).…”

Learning in Plants: Lessons from Mimosa pudica

“…These models can be applied to plant data and comparisons can made on the basis of, for example, differences in exponents ( Stepanov and Abramson, 2008 ). Learning models have successfully been applied in a wide variety of situations including the effects of pesticides on learning in bees ( De Stefano et al, 2014 ) and the assessment of recall in multiple sclerosis patients ( Stepanov et al, 2012 ).…”