Towards Large-Scale Multi-Agent Based Rodent Simulation: The “Mice In A Box” Scenario

Abstract

Some initial research concerning the provision of a Multi-Agent Based Simulation (MABS) frameworks, to support rodent simulation, is presented. The issues discussed include the representation of: (i) the environment and the characters that interact with the environment, (ii) the nature of the "intelligence" that these characters might posses and (iii) the mechanisms whereby characters interact with environments and each other. Two categories of character are identified: "dumb characters" and "smart characters", the obvious distinction being that the first posses no intelligence while the second have at least some sort of reasoning capability. The focus of the discussion is the provision of a simple "mice in a box" scenario simulation.

Using the mouse grimace scale and behaviour to assess pain in CBA mice following vasectomy

“…The significant reduction of pain behaviours and MGS score by 5 h post surgery and return to baseline by 24 h suggests that the most critical time period for the provision of analgesia to mice is in the first few hours immediately post surgery. Mice are very driven to explore their surroundings ( Agiriga et al, 2011 ) and rearing is a key behaviour carried out while exploring a new environment, such as an odour free filming cage containing only clean bedding. Therefore, the significant lack of rearing at 5 h post-surgery is a key indicator of compromised welfare as it represents a reduction in exploration highlighting this period of time as the most critical to monitor mice following vasectomy.…”