# Nesting vs. Nesting over subjects

Aim

To select track segments based on the behavior of one or more subjects. In experiments with multiple animals per arena, the Data profile offers two types of nesting options,

Prerequisite

▪You have the Social Interaction Module.

Nesting

To analyze the track segments of a subject based on that subject’s behavior, choose an option under Nesting, and follow the procedure on How to select track segments .

Result: Each subject will be analyzed in different track segments (intervals), according to its own behavior (see B in the figure below).

Nesting over Subjects

To analyze the track segments of a subject based on the behavior of a specific subject (or combination of subjects, called Actors), choose an option under Nesting over Subjects, and select the Actors. See Nesting over subjects .

Result: Within the same arena, subjects will be analyzed in equal track segments, according to the behavior of the Actors (see C and D in the figure below).

Notes

▪Arenas are independent replicates. Therefore, nesting intervals are applied to each arena separately depending on the state of their subjects.

▪Selecting Time under Nesting or Nesting over Subjects makes no difference, because within one arena the tracks of multiple subjects start at the same time.

Effect of Nesting in one arena with three animals. Dotted lines: tracks. Black bars: time intervals when a behavioral state or Trial Control state is active (for example: In zone for the variable In zone, or Highly mobile for Mobility). White bars: data selected for analysis. A: Original data. B: Results of Nesting. Track segments are selected according to the state of the corresponding subject. C: Results of Nesting over Subjects, with one subject selected in the Actors tab. D: Results of Nesting over Subjects, with two or more subjects selected in the Actors tab. For reasons of space, the combinations “Any/All of Subjects 1 and 3” and “Any/All of Subjects 2 and 3" are not displayed.