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Innovations and Contributions Brain systems and Bionics

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Professor Paolini stands as a prominent figure in both the bionics landscape and the realm of neural mechanisms of sensory coding. Collaborating with Professor Graeme Clark, over the years, he has conducted research in areas such as electrical stimulation of the cochlea, auditory brainstem dynamics, and the use of conducting polymers in neural recording. These contributions have provided invaluable insights into auditory neural systems and brain coding, shaping the foundation for the next generation of neural prosthetics. His joint work with Professor Zambretta, another pioneer at ISN Innovations, is a testament to his dedication to blending neuroscientific understanding with AI-driven methodologies. This collaboration further underscores Paolini's steadfast commitment to delving deep into the confluence of neural systems, bionics, brain coding, and advanced computational techniques.  Key Innovations and Contributions Brain systems and Bionics (references 1-47) include:

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Electrical Stimulation of the Cochlea: Paolini & Clark paved the way for innovative cochlear implant technologies by examining pulsatile intracochlear electrical stimulation effects on cochlear nucleus neurons (References 1-3).

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Auditory Brainstem Dynamics: Paolini’s studies on the auditory brainstem's reactions to stimuli have enriched our comprehension of brainstem-level auditory processing, vital for high-tech auditory implants (References 4-15).

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Bionics and AI Synergy: A collaboration with Professor Zambetta,  showcased the power of merging bionics and AI in auditory systems. It underscored the potential of engineering methods to emulate natural auditory processes and harnessed AI’s capabilities to streamline and optimize these processes. The study particularly highlighted the usage of reinforcement learning, simulation environments, and deep learning techniques. This interplay suggests exciting future prospects like adaptable prosthetics and its broader applications.

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Neurophysiological Dynamics: Paolini provided vital insights on inferior colliculus responses to multichannel microstimulation, essential for future auditory brainstem implant models (References 16-21).

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Material Science in Neural Recording: Paolini's investigations into materials like PEDOT have yielded breakthroughs in neural recording techniques, emphasizing the intersection of material science and neural engineering (References 26-30, 35-41).

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Neural Dynamics of Epilepsy: Beyond auditory systems, Paolini’s forays into epilepsy neural dynamics have offered groundbreaking insights for potential therapeutic avenues (References 43-46).

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Behavioral Auditory Research: Paolini’s comprehensive studies have enhanced our grasp of auditory fear conditioning and the subsequent effects on the cochlear nucleus (Reference 47).

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Mathematics Meets Neurology: Collaborations with computational experts, particularly Burkitt, have enabled Paolini to intersect neural behaviors with mathematical modeling, fortifying computational approaches in the domain (References 5, 9).

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Contributions to field of Psychology

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Paolini's expansive work in psychology spans from the intricacies of sensory systems to the broad behavioral outcomes influenced by both physiological and environmental factors. His emphasis on the multisensory integration in children, especially, stands out as a significant contribution to developmental psychology and cognitive science. Key contributions to the field of Psychology (References 48-72) include:

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Sensory Systems and Behavioral Interactions:

• Olfactory Systems: Paolini's exploration of how lesions in various brain regions impact olfactory habituation provides foundational knowledge on sensory processing and behavior in rats. This work underscores the integral connection between sensory systems and behavioral outcomes (References 48, 50).

• Auditory Systems: Paolini’s studies on the auditory brainstem and cochlear dynamics have expanded our understanding of auditory processing at the neural and behavioral levels (References 51, 70).

 

Diet, Behavior, and Neurological Interactions:

• Caloric Restriction's Behavioral Impact: Through numerous studies, Paolini has illuminated the intricate dynamics between diet, particularly calorie restriction, and a host of behavioral outcomes, including anxiety, sexual behavior, and fear responses. This research has broader implications for understanding the physiological bases of behavior (References 53-63, 65-69, 71).

 

Multisensory Integration and Cognitive Development:

• Childhood Multisensory Processing: Paolini’s extensive work on multisensory perception in children provides key insights into how the developing brain integrates information from multiple sensory modalities. This area of research is essential for understanding not only basic brain function but also potential developmental disorders or differences (References 67-72).

• Cognitive and Multisensory Interplay: A specific study pinpoints the relationship between multisensory integration capabilities and intelligence (IQ) in children. This could have crucial implications for both education and cognitive psychology, as it links sensory processing directly with cognitive abilities (Reference 71).

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Emotional and Stress Responses:

• HPA Axis and Behavioral Outcomes: Paolini’s research also delves into the physiological bases of stress and emotional responses, particularly focusing on the HPA axis. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial in the broader context of psychology, as it offers insights into behavioral reactions to stressors and emotional triggers (Reference 60).

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Professor Paolini's multidisciplinary approach, merging rigorous research and innovations, has placed him at the forefront of the fields. Paolini's enduring vision exemplifies the confluence of neuroscience, AI, and bionics, offering inspiration to future researchers in the domain.  

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Select Refereed Publications:

1. Paolini A.G. and Clark G.M. (1997) The effect of pulsatile intracochlear electrical stimulation on intracellularly recorded cochlear nucleus neurons. In: Cochlear Implants (XVI world congress of otolaryngology head and neck surgery). G.M. Clark (ed). Monduzzi Editore, Bologna. pp119-124

2. Paolini A.G. and Clark G.M. (1998) Intracellular responses of the rat anteroventral cochlear nucleus to intracochlear electrical stimulation.  Brain Research Bulletin, 46, 317-327

3. Paolini A.G. and Clark G.M. (1999) Intracellular responses of onset chopper neurons in the ventral cochlear nucleus to tones: evidence of dual component processing. J. Neurophysiology, 81, 2347-2359

4. FitzGeral J.V., Burkitt A.N. Clark G.M. and Paolini A.G. (2001) Delay analysis in the auditory brainstem of the rat: comparison with click latency.  Hearing Research 159, 85-100

5. Kuhlmann L., Burkitt A.N., Paolini A.G.  and Clark G.M. (2002) Analysis of spatiotemporal summation in leaky integrate-and-fire neurons:  Application to neurons in the cochlear nucleus receiving converging auditory nerve fiber input.  Journal of Computational Neuroscience 12, 55-73

6. Mulders W.A.M., Paolini A.G., Needham K. and Robertson D. (2003) Olivocochlear collaterals evoke excitatory effects in onset neurones of the rat cochlear nucleus. Hearing Research, 176: 113-121

7. Needham K and Paolini A.G. (2003) Fast inhibition underlies the transmission of auditory information between cochlear nuclei. Journal of Neuroscience, 23: 6357-6361.

8. Clarey J.C., Paolini A.G., Grayden D.B., Burkitt A.N. and Clark, G.M. (2004) Ventral cochlear nucleus coding of voice onset time in naturally spoken syllables. Hearing Research 190, 37-59.

9. Grayden D.B., Burkitt A.N., Kenny O.P., Clarey J.C., Paolini, A.G. and Clark G.M. (2004) A cochlear implant speech processing strategy based on an auditory model. IEEE, ISSNIP. 

10. Paolini A.G., Clarey J.C., Needham K and Clark G.M. (2004) Fast inhibition alters first spike timing in auditory brainstem neurons.  Journal of Neurophysiology 92, 2615-21

11. Nayagam D., Clarey J.C. and Paolini A.G. (2005) Powerful, onset inhibition in the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus. Journal of Neurophysiology,  94: 1651-1654

12. Paolini A.G., Clarey J.C., Needham K and Clark G.M. (2005) Balanced inhibition and excitation underlies spike firing regularity in ventral cochlear nucleus chopper neurons. European  Journal of  Neuroscience 21: 1236-1248

13. Needham K and Paolini A.G. (2006) Neural timing, inhibition and the nature of stellate cell interaction in the ventral cochlear nucleus.  Hearing Research 216-217: 31-42

14. Nayagam D., Clarey J.C. and Paolini A.G. (2006) Intracellular Responses and Morphology of Rat Ventral Complex of the Lateral Lemniscus Neurons In Vivo. Journal of Comparative Neurology 498, 295-315

15. Needham K and Paolini A.G. (2007) The commissural pathway and cochlear nucleus bushy neurons: an in vivo intracellular investigation.  Brain Research 23;1134(1):113-21 

16. Shivadasani M. N., Mauger S. J., Rathbone G. D. and Paolini A. G. (2008) Inferior colliculus responses to multichannel microstimulation of the ventral cochlear nucleus: Implications for auditory brainstem implants. Journal of Neurophysiology 99 (1): 1-13

17. Shivdasani M.N. Mauger S. J., Rathbone G. D. and Paolini A. G. (2009) Neural synchrony in ventral cochlear nucleus neuron populations is not mediated by intrinsic processes but is stimulus induced: implications for auditory brainstem implants. J. Neural Eng. 6 :65003.

18. Mulders W.H.A.M., Paolini A.G., Needham K. and Robertson D (2009) Synaptic Responses in Cochlear Nucleus Neurons Evoked by Activation of the Olivocochlear System. Hearing Research 256, 85-92

19. Crea K.N., Shivdasani M.N., Argent R.E., Mauger S.J., Rathbone G.D., O’Leary S.J. and Paolini A.G. (2010) Acute cochlear nucleus compression alters tuning properties of inferior colliculus neurons. Audiology & Neurotology 15:18-26

20. Shivdasani M.N., Mauger S.J., Argent R.E., Rathbone G.D. and Paolini A.G. (2010) Inferior Colliculus Responses to Dual Site Intra-Lamina Stimulation in the Ventral Cochlear Nucleus. J. Comp. Neurol. 518, 4226-4242.

21. Mauger S.J., Shivdasani M.N., Rathbone G.D., Argent R.E., Paolini A.G. (2010) An in-vivo investigation of first spike latencies in the inferior colliculus in response to multichannel penetrating auditory brainstem implant stimulation. J Neural Eng. 7(3):036004.

22. Morgan S and Paolini A.G. (2012) Behavioural determination of stimulus pair discrimination of auditory acoustic and electrical stimuli using a classical conditioning and heart-rate approach.  J. Vis. Exp. (64), e3598, DOI: 10.3791/3598

23. Allitt B.J., Morgan S. Bell S., Nayagam D., Arhatari, B., Clark G.M. and Paolini A.G. (2012)  Midbrain responses to micro-stimulation of the cochlea using high density thin-film arrays. Hearing Research 287(1-2):30-42. IF 2.848

24. Arhatari B.D., Harris A.R., Paolini A.G., Peele A.G. (2012) Enhanced imaging for a thin film cochlear implant with metal artifacts using phase retrieval tomography. J. Appl. Phys. 111, 114904 IF 2.185

25. Mauger S.J., Shivdasani M.N., Rathbone G.D., Paolini A.G. (2012) An invivo investigation of inferior colliculus single neuron responses to cochlear nucleus pulse train stimulation. J. Neurophysiol. 108, 2999-3008 IF 3.30

26. Harris A.R., Morgan S.J., Chen J., Kapsa R.M.I., Wallace G.G. and Paolini  A.G. (2013) Conducting polymer coated neural recording electrodes. J. Neural. Eng. 10(1):016004 IF 3.415

27. Allitt B.J., Benjaminsen C, Morgan S. and Paolini A.G. (2013) Intralaminar neural activation of the inferior colliculus facilitates frequency-specific activation in the auditory cortex. J. Neural. Eng. 10(4):046008. IF 3.415

28. Harris A.R., Morgan S.J., Wallace G.G and Paolini A.G. (2014) A Method for Systematic Electrochemical and Electrophysiological Evaluation of Neural Recording Electrodes. J Vis Exp. 85: doi: 10.3791/51084. 

29. Harris, A., Molino, P., Kapsa, R., Clark, GM.,  Paolini, AG. and Wallace, G. (2015) Optical and Electrochemical Methods for Determining the Effective Area and Charge Density of Conducting Polymer Modified Electrodes for Neural Stimulation. Anal. Chem., 2015, 87 (1), pp 738–746 IF 5.825

30. Harris, A., Molino, P., Kapsa, R., Clark, GM.,  Paolini, AG. and Wallace, G. (2015) Correlation of Impedance and Effective Electrode Area of Doped PEDOT Modified Electrodes for Brain-Machine Interfaces. Analyst. 2015 May 7;140(9):3164-74. IF 3.906

31. Spencer MJ, Nayagam DA, Clarey JC, Paolini AG, Meffin H, Burkitt AN, Grayden DB. (2015) Broadband onset inhibition can suppress spectral splatter in the auditory brainstem.  PLoS One. 15;10(5):e0126500. IF 3.534

32. Allitt B. J. Harris, A.R., Morgan S.J., Clark, G. M. and Paolini, A.G. (2015) Neurophysiological responses to micro-electrode stimulation in the cochlea of deafened rats. Hearing Research 331:13-26 IF 2.8

33. Barry KM., Paolini AG., Robertson D and Mulders WHAM (2015) Modulation of medial geniculate nucleus neuronal activity by electrical stimulation of the nucleus accembens. Neuroscience 12;308:1-10 IF. 3.357

34. Harris, A., Molino, P., Kapsa, R., Clark, GM., Paolini, AG. and Wallace, G. (2015) Correction to Optical and Electrochemical Methods for Determining the Effective Area and Charge Density of Conducting Polymer Modified Electrodes for Neural Stimulation. Anal. Chem.  87, 22, 11600-11600 IF 5.825

35. Lee G., Zambetta F, Xiaodong L and Paolini AG (2016) Utilising Reinforcement Learning to Develop Strategies for Driving Auditory Neural Implants.  J. Neural Engineering 13(4), 046027

36. Harris, A., Molino, P., Kapsa, R., Clark, GM., Paolini, AG. and Wallace, G. (2016) Correlation of Impedance and Effective Electrode Area of Dextran Sulphate Doped PEDOT Modified Electrodes.  Journal of Electrochemical Society 163 (7), H534-H540.

37. Allitt Bj, Harris AR., Morgan Sj., Clark GM., Paolini AG (2016) Thin-film microelectrode stimulation of the cochlea in rats exposed to aminoglycoside induced hearing loss.  Hearing Research 331, 13-26.

38. Harris AR, Molini PJ, Paolini AG., and Wallace GG (2016_ Effective area and charge density of chondroitin sulphate dopped PEDOT modified electrodes. Electrochimicia Acta 197, 99-106.

39. Harris AR, Molini PJ, Kapsa RMI, Clark GM Paolini AG., and Wallace GG (2016) Effective area and charge density of dextran sulphate dopped PEDOT modified electrodes. Synthetic Metals 220, 394-401.

40. Harris AR, Molino PJ, Paolini AG and Wallace GG (2016) Correlation of impedance and effective electrode area of chondroitin sulphate doped PEDOT modified electrodes. Synthetic Metals 222, 338-343.

41. Harris AR, Paolini AG and Wallace GG (2017) Effective area and charge density of iridium oxide neural electrodes. Electochimica Acta 230, 285-292.

42. Harris AR and Paolini AG Correlation of Impedance and Effective Electrode Area of Iridium Oxide Neural Electrodes.  Aus J. Chemisty 70(9) 1016-1024

43. JC Young, DN Vaughan, AG Paolini, GD Jackson (2018) Electrical stimulation of the piriform cortex for the treatment of epilepsy: a review of the supporting evidence.  Epilepsy & Behavior 88, 152-161

44. AR Harris, BJ Allitt, AG Paolini (2019) Predicting neural recording performance of implantable electrodes.  Analyst 144 (9), 2973-2983

45. JC Young, AG Paolini, M Pedersen, GD Jackson (2020) Genetic absence epilepsy: effective connectivity from piriform cortex to mediodorsal thalamus  Epilepsy & Behavior 97, 219-228

46. James C Young, Helen M Nasser, Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa, Terence J O'Brien, Graeme D Jackson, Antonio G Paolini (2020) Multiunit cluster firing patterns of piriform cortex and mediodorsal thalamus in absence epilepsy Epilepsy & Behavior 97, 229-243

47. AG Paolini, SJ Morgan, JH Kim (2020) Auditory fear conditioning alters neural gain in the cochlear nucleus: a wireless neural recording study in freely behaving rats. Neuronal signaling 4 (4)

48. Paolini A.G. and McKenzie J.S. (1993) Effects of lesions in the horizontal diagonal band nucleus on olfactory habituation in the rat. Neuroscience, 57, 717—724

49. McKenzie J.S. and Paolini A.G. (1996) Magnocellular pre-optic nucleus, the basal magnocellular complex, and the basal ganglia.  In: The Basal Ganglia V. C. Ohye, M. Kimura and J.S. McKenzie (eds). Plenum Press, N.Y. pp 193-200.

50. Paolini A.G. and McKenzie J.S. (1996) Lesions in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus decrease olfactory investigation in rats.  Behavioural Brain Research, 81, 223-232

51. Paolini A.G., Cotterill E.L., Bairaktaris D. and Clark G.M. (1998b) Muscimol suppression of the dorsal cochlear nucleus impairs frequency discrimination in rats. Behavioural Brain Research, 97, 79-88

52. Talarico M., Abdilla G., Aliferis M., Balazic I., Giaprakis I., Stefanakis T., Foenander K., Grayden D.B. and Paolini A.G. (2007) Effect of age and cognition on childhood speech in noise perception abilities. Audiology & Neurotology, 12(1):13-9. 

53. Levay E. A., Govic A., Penman J., Paolini A. G., and Kent S. (2007) Effects of adult-onset calorie restriction on anxiety-like behavior in rats. Physiology and Behavior 5;92(5): 889-96

54. Govic A., Levay E. A., Hazi, A, Penman J., Kent S. and Paolini A.G. (2008) Alterations in male sexual behaviour, attractiveness and testosterone levels induced by an adult-onset calorie restriction regimen. Behavioral Brain Research 26;190(1):140-6.

55. Govic A., Kent S., Levay E. A., Hazi, A, Penman J. and Paolini A.G. (2008) Testosterone, social and sexual behavior of perinatally and lifelong calorie restricted offspring. Physiology and Behaviour 9;94(3):516-22

56. Levay E. A., Paolini A.G., Govic A., Hazi, A, Penman J. and Kent S. (2008) Anxiety-like behaviour in adult rats perinatally exposed to maternal calorie restriction. Behavioral Brain Research 22;191(2):164-72.

57. Govic A., Levay E. A., Kent S. and Paolini A.G. (2009) The Social Behavior of Male Rats Administered an Adult-onset Calorie Restriction Regimen. Physiology & Behavior, 96, 581-585

58. Abbott J.D., Kent S., Levay E.A., Tucker R.V., Penman J., Tammer A.H. and Paolini A.G. (2009) The effects of calorie restriction olfactory cues on conspecific anxiety-like behaviour. Behav. Brain Res. 201: 305-310.

59. Barutchu A., Danaher J., Innes-Brown H., Shivdasani M.N., Crewther S. and Paolini A.G. (2010) Audiovisual Integration in Noise by Children and Adults. J Exp Child Psychol. 105, 38-50

60. Levay, E.A.; Paolini A.G, Govic A., Hazi A, Penman J. and Kent S. (2010) HPA and sympathoadrenal activity of adult rats perinatally exposed to maternal mild calorie restriction. Behav. Brain Res. 208 :202-208

61. Barret G.L., Reid C.A., Tsafoulis C., Zhu, W., Williams D.A., Paolini A.G., Trieu J. and Murphy M. (2010) Enhanced Spatial Memory and Hippocampal Long Term Potentiation in p75 Neurotrophin Receptor Knockout Mice. Hippocampus 20:145-52

62. Levay E.A., Tammer A.H., Penman J., Kent S., Paolini A.G. (2010) Calorie restriction at increasing levels leads to augmented concentrations of corticosterone and decreasing concentrations of testosterone in rats. Nutr. Res. 30(5):366-73

63. Barutchu A., Crewther SG, Fifer J.M., Shivdasani M.N., Innes-Brown H., Toohey S, Danaher J. and Paolini A.G. (2011) The Relationship between Multisensory Integration and IQ in Children. Develop. Psychol. 47(3): 877-85

64. Innes-Brown H. Barutchu A., Shivdasani M.N., Crewther D.B., Paolini A.G. (2011) Susceptibility to the flash-beep illusion is increased in children compared to adults. Develop. Sci. 14, 1089-99.

65. MacDonald L., Radler M., Paolini A.G.  and  Kent S. (2011) Calorie restriction attenuates LPS-induced sickness behaviour and shifts hypothalamic signalling pathways to an anti-inflammatory bias. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 301, R172-84. IF 3.28

66. Guccione L., Paolini A.G., Penman J. and Djourma E. (2012) The effects of calorie restriction on operant responding for alcohol. Behav. Brain Res. 230, 281-7. IF 3.391

67. Guccione L., Djourma E., Penman J. and Paolini A.G. (2013) Calorie restriction inhibits relapse behavior and preference for alcohol within a two bottle free choice paradigm in the alcohol preferring (iP) rat. Physiology and  Behaviour, 110-111, 34-41   IF 3.033

68. MacDonald L., Hazi A., Paolini A.G. and  Kent S. (2014) Calorie restriction dose-dependently abates lipopolysaccharide-induced fever, sickness behavior, and circulating interleukin-6 while increasing corticosterone. Brain Behav Immun 40:18-26 IF 6.128

69. Govic A., Bell V., Samuel A., Penman J., Paolini AG (2014) Calorie restriction and corticosterone elevation during lactation can each modulate adult male fear and anxiety-like behaviour.  Hormones and Behavior 66(4):591-601 IF 4.511

70. Govic A. and Paolini A.G. (2015) In vivo electrophysiological recordings in amygdala subnuclei reveal selective and distinct responses to a behaviorally identified predator odor. J. Neurophysiology, 1;113(5):1423-36. IF 3.30

71. A Barutchu, JM Fifer, MN Shivdasani, SG Crewther, AG Paolini (2020) The Interplay Between Multisensory Associative Learning and IQ in Children Child development 91 (2), 620-637

72. Ayla Barutchu, Sarah Toohey, Mohit N Shivdasani, Joanne M Fifer, Sheila G Crewther, David B Grayden, Antonio G Paolini (2019) Multisensory perception and attention in school-age children  Journal of experimental child psychology 180, 141-155