Semi Restraining System, TaskForcer
The TaskForcer makes head fixation and partial restraint quick and stress-free, allowing researchers to obtain precise real-time measurements of neural circuits during operant behavior.
- Provides a platform for precise in vivo electrophysiology and imaging during behavior
- Quick operant conditioning training: Mice and rats can be trained in just 3 days
- Simplifying data collection and analysis: Head fixation and partial body restraints limit animal movement
Features
TaskForcer with imaging adapter base mount
The frame comes with a gridded floor for the animal to grip while inside the restraint operant chamber. This is useful for reducing the stress of the animal, as it gives the mouse something to hold on to.
TaskForcer with stereotaxic setup for neural recording
Licking unit with adapter
Cables and speakers are electromagnetically shielded and fully compatible with electrophysiology recording methods.
See the TaskForcer in action.
The TaskForcer is great because I was able to customize it to better suit my experimental needs. Instead of one spout port, my setup includes two which is critical for my experimental paradigm.
Selected Publications
Kimura, R. et al. Reinforcing operandum: rapid and reliable learning of skilled forelimb movements by head-fixed rodents. Journal of Neurophysiology 108, 1781–1792 (2012).
Kimura, R., Saiki, A., Fujiwara-Tsukamoto, Y., Sakai, Y. & Isomura, Y. Large-scale analysis reveals populational contributions of cortical spike rate and synchrony to behavioural functions: Large-scale analysis of cortical spike synchrony. J Physiol 595, 385–413 (2017).
Nonomura, S. et al. Monitoring and Updating of Action Selection for Goal-Directed Behavior through the Striatal Direct and Indirect Pathways. Neuron 99, 1302-1314.e5 (2018).
Aoki, R. et al. Phase-dependent activity of neurons in the rostral part of the thalamic reticular nucleus with saccharin intake in a cue-guided lever-manipulation task. Brain Research 1658, 42–50 (2017).
Terada, S., Sakurai, Y., Nakahara, H. & Fujisawa, S. Temporal and Rate Coding for Discrete Event Sequences in the Hippocampus. Neuron 94, 1248-1262.e4 (2017).
Masamizu, Y. et al. Two distinct layer-specific dynamics of cortical ensembles during learning of a motor task. Nature Neuroscience 17, 987–994 (2014).
Hori, Y. et al. Ventral striatum links motivational and motor networks during operant-conditioned movement in rats. NeuroImage 184, 943–953 (2019).
For a complete list of publications visit this page.
Parts and Accessories
Ohara-Mouse-Restrainer
Mouse Restraint (23, 25 or 28D mm)
Ohara-Rat-Restrainer
Rat Restraint (60D mm)
Ohara-Rat-Restrainer_ex_open
Open Restrainer
Ohara-Licking-Unit-with-Adaptor
Licking Unit with Adapter (Max stroke: 18.8 mm; Min torque: 2 g)
Ohara-Lever-Setting-Unit
Lever Setting Unit
Ohara-Outbox
Outbox
Ohara-TaskForcer-Sound-Stimulation-Unit
Sound Stimulation Unit
Ohara-TaskForcer-Interface_front
Interface Front View
Ohara-TaskForcer-Interface_back
Interface Back View
Ohara-TaskForcer-HeadFixationUnit
Head-Fixation Unit for Behavior
Ohara-task-forcer-water_supply_unit
Water Supply Unit (Range: 1-7 µL per lick)
Ohara-TaskForcer-GonioUnit_imaging
Imaging Adapter Base Mount
Ohara-TaskForcer-RestrainerAdapter
Restrainer Plus Adaptor
Ohara-TaskForcer-WholeSetwithGonio
TaskForcer with Imaging Adapter Base Mount
Ohara-TaskForcer-WithStereoTaxic-edit
TaskForcer with Stereotaxic Setup for Neural Recording
TaskForcer System Chart
Blog Entries
Image simultaneously during behavior with the TaskForcer
What’s unique about the imaging adapter base mount is that you can adjust x y and z positions, which allows you to adjust the TaskForcer angle under the 2-photon microscope.
A solution for precise optical imaging during head-fixed behavior
A major roadblock with the cranial window and optical imaging approach is the alignment of the mouse under the microscope. We offer the solution.
Uncovering Neural Circuits Involved in Motor Learning
Tanaka and colleagues in Dr. Matsuzaki’s lab at the University of Tokyo have been researching the role of thalamocortical axonal activity in motor learning using the TaskForcer.
Part V – Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Upon my return back to Tokyo, I had one final visit with Dr. Isomura at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. He originally developed the TaskForcer for rats with O’Hara over 8 years ago!
Mapping Motor Circuit Mechanisms During Voluntary Movement
Matsuzaki .et all are investigating the role of primary & secondary motor cortices in information processing during self-initiated vs externally triggered movements.
Part I – Learning from O’Hara by AMUZA’s users abroad
Amuza team member travels to Japan to learn more about the applications of O’Hara products from their users.
Image simultaneously during behavior with the TaskForcer
What’s unique about the imaging adapter base mount is that you can adjust x y and z positions, which allows you to adjust the TaskForcer angle under the 2-photon microscope.
A solution for precise optical imaging during head-fixed behavior
A major roadblock with the cranial window and optical imaging approach is the alignment of the mouse under the microscope. We offer the solution.
Uncovering Neural Circuits Involved in Motor Learning
Tanaka and colleagues in Dr. Matsuzaki’s lab at the University of Tokyo have been researching the role of thalamocortical axonal activity in motor learning using the TaskForcer.
Part V – Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Upon my return back to Tokyo, I had one final visit with Dr. Isomura at Tokyo Medical and Dental University. He originally developed the TaskForcer for rats with O’Hara over 8 years ago!
Mapping Motor Circuit Mechanisms During Voluntary Movement
Matsuzaki .et all are investigating the role of primary & secondary motor cortices in information processing during self-initiated vs externally triggered movements.
Part I – Learning from O’Hara by AMUZA’s users abroad
Amuza team member travels to Japan to learn more about the applications of O’Hara products from their users.
Questions?
Software that’s supported by us - to let you focus on your discoveries
You want to collect, analyze, and disseminate data—not provide software support! With our proven Task Studio software, simply assemble your trial with flowchart-like simplicity, and configure your triggers and executors with checklist-like ease. And if other researchers want to reproduce your findings, simply direct them to use Task Studio, too. This will save you from the headaches of “free software support” that you’d never intended to offer.
