Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Locomotion in C. Elegans

Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Locomotion in C. Elegans PDF Author: Carter L. Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Understanding principles of neurolocomotion requires the synthesis of neural activity, sensory feedback, and biomechanics. The nematode C. elegans is an ideal model organism for studying locomotion in an integrated neuromechanical setting because its nervous system is well characterized and its forward swimming gait adapts to the surrounding fluid using sensory feedback. However, it is not understood how the gait emerges from mechanical forces, neuronal coupling, and sensory feedback mechanisms. Here, a modular neuromechanical model of C. elegans forward locomotion is developed and analyzed. The model captures the experimentally observed gait adaptation over a wide range of parameters, provided that the muscle response to input from the nervous system is faster than the body response to changes in internal and external forces. The model is analyzed as a system of coupled neuromechanical oscillator modules using the theory of weakly coupled oscillators to identify the relative roles of body mechanics, neural coupling, and proprioceptive coupling in coordinating the undulatory gait. The analysis shows that the wavelength of body undulations is set by the relative strengths of these three coupling forms and the experimentally observed decrease in wavelength in response to increasing fluid viscosity is the result of an increase in the relative strength of mechanical coupling, which promotes a short wavelength. Parameters of the neuromechanical modules were also explored to assess their effects on the existence, period, amplitude, and phase response properties of the oscillations; this analysis allows the coordination trend of the full neuromechanical model to be inferred from the properties of the individual neuromechanical oscillator modules themselves. The neuromechanical module is also reduced to a form that is analytically piecewise solvable, which allows for the construction of a 1-D Poincaré map that captures the limit cycle dynamics. This builds a framework for future analysis of the biophysical mechanisms underlying the oscillator properties and thus the coordination of the full neuromechanical model. The systematic analysis of the neuromechanical model presented in this dissertation provides a deeper understanding of how the interactions between the neuromechanical components of the C. elegans forward locomotion system produce coordination and gait adaptation.

Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Locomotion in C. Elegans

Neuromechanical Mechanisms of Locomotion in C. Elegans PDF Author: Carter L. Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Understanding principles of neurolocomotion requires the synthesis of neural activity, sensory feedback, and biomechanics. The nematode C. elegans is an ideal model organism for studying locomotion in an integrated neuromechanical setting because its nervous system is well characterized and its forward swimming gait adapts to the surrounding fluid using sensory feedback. However, it is not understood how the gait emerges from mechanical forces, neuronal coupling, and sensory feedback mechanisms. Here, a modular neuromechanical model of C. elegans forward locomotion is developed and analyzed. The model captures the experimentally observed gait adaptation over a wide range of parameters, provided that the muscle response to input from the nervous system is faster than the body response to changes in internal and external forces. The model is analyzed as a system of coupled neuromechanical oscillator modules using the theory of weakly coupled oscillators to identify the relative roles of body mechanics, neural coupling, and proprioceptive coupling in coordinating the undulatory gait. The analysis shows that the wavelength of body undulations is set by the relative strengths of these three coupling forms and the experimentally observed decrease in wavelength in response to increasing fluid viscosity is the result of an increase in the relative strength of mechanical coupling, which promotes a short wavelength. Parameters of the neuromechanical modules were also explored to assess their effects on the existence, period, amplitude, and phase response properties of the oscillations; this analysis allows the coordination trend of the full neuromechanical model to be inferred from the properties of the individual neuromechanical oscillator modules themselves. The neuromechanical module is also reduced to a form that is analytically piecewise solvable, which allows for the construction of a 1-D Poincaré map that captures the limit cycle dynamics. This builds a framework for future analysis of the biophysical mechanisms underlying the oscillator properties and thus the coordination of the full neuromechanical model. The systematic analysis of the neuromechanical model presented in this dissertation provides a deeper understanding of how the interactions between the neuromechanical components of the C. elegans forward locomotion system produce coordination and gait adaptation.

Molecular and Neuromuscular Mechanisms Underlying Locomotion and Proprioception in Caenorhabditis Elegans

Molecular and Neuromuscular Mechanisms Underlying Locomotion and Proprioception in Caenorhabditis Elegans PDF Author: Victoria Jayne Butler
Publisher:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Neuromechanical Modelling of C. Elegans Locomotion

Neuromechanical Modelling of C. Elegans Locomotion PDF Author: Jack Edward Denham
Publisher:
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Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Neurobiology of Motor Control

Neurobiology of Motor Control PDF Author: Scott L. Hooper
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118873408
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 510

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Book Description
A multi-disciplinary look at the current state of knowledge regarding motor control and movement—from molecular biology to robotics The last two decades have seen a dramatic increase in the number of sophisticated tools and methodologies for exploring motor control and movement. Multi-unit recordings, molecular neurogenetics, computer simulation, and new scientific approaches for studying how muscles and body anatomy transform motor neuron activity into movement have helped revolutionize the field. Neurobiology of Motor Control brings together contributions from an interdisciplinary group of experts to provide a review of the current state of knowledge about the initiation and execution of movement, as well as the latest methods and tools for investigating them. The book ranges from the findings of basic scientists studying model organisms such as mollusks and Drosophila, to biomedical researchers investigating vertebrate motor production to neuroengineers working to develop robotic and smart prostheses technologies. Following foundational chapters on current molecular biological techniques, neuronal ensemble recording, and computer simulation, it explores a broad range of related topics, including the evolution of motor systems, directed targeted movements, plasticity and learning, and robotics. Explores motor control and movement in a wide variety of organisms, from simple invertebrates to human beings Offers concise summaries of motor control systems across a variety of animals and movement types Explores an array of tools and methodologies, including electrophysiological techniques, neurogenic and molecular techniques, large ensemble recordings, and computational methods Considers unresolved questions and how current scientific advances may be used to solve them going forward Written specifically to encourage interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration, and offering the most wide-ranging, timely, and comprehensive look at the science of motor control and movement currently available, Neurobiology of Motor Control is a must-read for all who study movement production and the neurobiological basis of movement—from molecular biologists to roboticists.

The Biology of Nematodes

The Biology of Nematodes PDF Author: Donald L Lee
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 0203166434
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 648

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Book Description
The Biology of Nematodes synthesizes knowledge of the biology of free-living, plant-parasitic, and animal-parasitic nematodes. Contributed works by recognized researchers apply groundbreaking molecular techniques, many of which resulted from work on Caenorhabditis elegans, toward new approaches to the study of nematode worms. Topics covered include: ̈ Systematics and phylogeny ̈ Neuromuscular physiology ̈ Locomotion ̈ Sense organs ̈ Behavior ̈ Aging ̈ The nematode genome ̈ Survival strategies ̈ Immunology ̈ Epidemiology ̈ Structure and organization ̈ Gametes and fertilization ̈ Development ̈ Feeding, digestion, and metabolism

Neuronal Mechanisms for Generating Locomotor Activity

Neuronal Mechanisms for Generating Locomotor Activity PDF Author: Ole Kiehn
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 600

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Book Description
At this conference, developments in the understanding of the neuronal basis for locomotion in higher vertebrates were presented and discussed. Amongst the developments covered in this report are a number of in vitro spinal cord preparations, which enable researchers to study locomotor pattern generation from cellular and molecular perspectives. The general principles for rhythmic pattern generation as well as avenues for future research are also discussed,

C. Elegans Atlas

C. Elegans Atlas PDF Author: David H. Hall
Publisher: CSHL Press
ISBN: 0879697156
Category : Caenorhabditis elegans
Languages : en
Pages : 353

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Book Description
Derived from the acclaimed online “WormAtlas,†C. elegansAtlas is a large-format, full-color atlas of the hermaphroditic form of the model organism C. elegans, known affectionately as “the worm†by workers in the field. Prepared by the editors of the WormAtlas Consortium, David H. Hall and Zeynep F. Altun, this book combines explanatory text with copious, labeled, color illustrations and electron micrographs of the major body systems of C. elegans. Also included are electron microscopy cross sections of the worm. This laboratory reference is essential for the working worm biologist, at the bench and at the microscope, and provides a superb companion to the C. elegansII monograph. It is also a valuable tool for investigators in the fields of developmental biology, neurobiology, reproductive biology, gene expression, and molecular biology.

The Oxford Handbook of Invertebrate Neurobiology

The Oxford Handbook of Invertebrate Neurobiology PDF Author: John H. Byrne
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0190456787
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 608

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Book Description
Invertebrates have proven to be extremely useful model systems for gaining insights into the neural and molecular mechanisms of sensory processing, motor control and higher functions such as feeding behavior, learning and memory, navigation, and social behavior. A major factor in their enormous contributions to neuroscience is the relative simplicity of invertebrate nervous systems. In addition, some invertebrates, primarily the molluscs, have large cells, which allow analyses to take place at the level of individually identified neurons. Individual neurons can be surgically removed and assayed for expression of membrane channels, levels of second messengers, protein phosphorylation, and RNA and protein synthesis. Moreover, peptides and nucleotides can be injected into individual neurons. Other invertebrate model systems such as Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans offer tremendous advantages for obtaining insights into the neuronal bases of behavior through the application of genetic approaches. The Oxford Handbook of Invertebrate Neurobiology reviews the many neurobiological principles that have emerged from invertebrate analyses, such as motor pattern generation, mechanisms of synaptic transmission, and learning and memory. It also covers general features of the neurobiology of invertebrate circadian rhythms, development, and regeneration and reproduction. Some neurobiological phenomena are species-specific and diverse, especially in the domain of the neuronal control of locomotion and camouflage. Thus, separate chapters are provided on the control of swimming in annelids, crustaea and molluscs, locomotion in hexapods, and camouflage in cephalopods. Unique features of the handbook include chapters that review social behavior and intentionality in invertebrates. A chapter is devoted to summarizing past contributions of invertebrates to the understanding of nervous systems and identifying areas for future studies that will continue to advance that understanding.

Neurons, Networks, and Motor Behavior

Neurons, Networks, and Motor Behavior PDF Author: Paul S. G. Stein
Publisher: MIT Press
ISBN: 9780262692274
Category : Locomotion
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
Recent advances in motor behavior research rely on detailed knowledge of the characteristics of the neurons and networks that generate motor behavior. At the cellular level, Neurons, Networks, and Motor Behavior describes the computational characteristics of individual neurons and how these characteristics are modified by neuromodulators. At the network and behavioral levels, the volume discusses how network structure is dynamically modulated to produce adaptive behavior. Comparisons of model systems throughout the animal kingdom provide insights into general principles of motor control. Contributors describe how networks generate such motor behaviors as walking, swimming, flying, scratching, reaching, breathing, feeding, and chewing. An emerging principle of organization is that nervous systems are remarkably efficient in constructing neural networks that control multiple tasks and dynamically adapt to change.The volume contains six sections: selection and initiation of motor patterns; generation and formation of motor patterns: cellular and systems properties; generation and formation of motor patterns: computational approaches; modulation and reconfiguration; short-term modulation of pattern generating circuits; and sensory modification of motor output to control whole body orientation.

Comparative Neuromechanical Circuits of the Sensorimotor System

Comparative Neuromechanical Circuits of the Sensorimotor System PDF Author: Richard Nichols
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889765490
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 150

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Book Description