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Abstract:
The primary objective of this research project was to carry out a behavioral cellular and computational analysis of operant conditioning of the head-waving response in the marine mollusc Aplysia. The major motor components of the operant response (head-waving) were revealed with detailed kinematic analysis; the biomechanical principles underlying the operant response have been elucidated and a fluid-hydrostat model of head-waving was constructed; the critical muscle groups involved in the generation and maintenance of the operant response have been identified; the timing and pattern of muscle interactions and their relationship both to motor neuron activity and to behavioral generation of the operant response have been specified; the endogenous firing rates of single identified motor neurons can be operantly conditioned using behaviorally relevant stimuli; the interganglionic connections responsible for coordinating the operant response have been identified; the reinforcement pathway necessary for operant conditioning has been identified and, techniques have now been developed to generate a network model for information processing involved in operant conditioning, as well as other forms of plasticity, in the CNS of Aplysia. One hallmark for a successful project is that it opens new and exciting areas of inquiry at the same time that it satisfies the basic project mission.
| Limitations: |
 APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE |
| Description: |
Final rept. 1 Jul 89-30 Apr 93 |
| Pages: |
5 |
| Report Date: |
14 SEP 93 |
| Contract Number: |
AFOSR-89-0362 |
| Report Number: |
A378962 |
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