A Virtual Library for Behavioral Performance in Standard Conditions – Experiment 04 Q28 Effect of an NMDA lesion of the OFC on the development of sensitization and compulsive checking

Beyond their specific experiment, video records of behavior have future value; for example, as inputs for new experiments or for yet unknown types of analysis of behavior—similar to tissue or blood sample banks in life sciences where clinically-derived or otherwise well-described experimental samples are stored to be available for some unknown potential future purpose. Research using an animal model of obsessive-compulsive disorder employed a standardized paradigm where the behavior of rats in a large open field was video recorded for 55 min on each test. From 43 experiments, there are 19,976 such trials that amount to over 2 years of continuous recording. In addition to videos, there are two video-derived raw data objects: XY locomotion coordinates, and plots of animal trajectory. To motivate future use, the three raw data objects are annotated with a general schema—one that abstracts the data records from their particular experiment while providing, at the same time a detailed list of independent variables bearing on behavioral performance. The raw data objects are deposited as 43 datasets but constitute, functionally, a library containing one large dataset. Size and annotation schema give the library high re-use potential: in applications using machine learning techniques, statistical evaluation of subtle factors, simulation of new experiments, or as educational resource. Ultimately, the library can serve both as the seed and the test bed to create a machine searchable virtual library of linked open datasets for behavioral performance in defined conditions.