INFORMATION PROCESSING BY THE ELECTROSENSORY SYSTEM

这是一个研究科学家发展奖的申请。那个女人 这项计划的长期目标是了解神经机制 动物处理感官信息并相应地产生 适应行为特别感兴趣的是识别神经元 感觉处理和运动产生的机制 非洲电鱼Gymnarchus的回避反应我最近 行为研究表明，空间和时间模式 两种感觉线索，微分相位调制和振幅 调制对于这种行为是必不可少的。在拟议的项目中， 计划研究检测这两个神经元机制 参数和促进机制，产生的行为 输出.具体来说，我的目的是（1）识别神经元机制 其处理差分相位信息（2）， 振幅编码系统的形态学和拓扑学，以及（3）确定 这种行为的最终电机输出机制。我会用 细胞内记录和标记技术以及细胞外 记录技术和电子显微镜来揭示形态， 神经元的功能。我也将采取比较的方法。 在拟议项目中得出的结果将与 已经知道的神经元机制相同的行为，在一个电 从裸腹鱼独立进化而来的鱼类。该比较 将使我们能够深入了解 调查结果。我计划学习电子显微镜技术和领域 提高我的研究生涯的技术。预期结果将 有助于理解信息的基本原则 大脑对脊椎动物行为的处理。

This is a request for a Research Scientist Development Award. The broad, long-term objective of this proposal is to understand neuronal mechanisms by which animals process sensory information and accordingly generate adaptive behaviors. Of particular interest is to identify the neuronal mechanisms for sensory processing and motor generation for the jamming avoidance response in an African electric fish, Gymnarchus. My recent behavioral studies demonstrated that the spatial and temporal patterns of two sensory cues, differential phase modulation and amplitude modulation are essential for this behavior. In the proposed project I plan to investigate neuronal mechanisms for detection of these two parameters and the promotor mechanisms which generate the behavioral output. Specifically, I prepose to (1) identify the neuronal mechanisms that process differential phase information (2) determine the precise morphology and topography of amplitude coding system, and (3) determine the final motor output mechanisms for this behavior. I will use intracellular recording and labeling techniques as well as extracellular recording techniques and electron microscopy to reveal morphology and function of neuronal elements. I will also take a comparative approach. The findings made in the proposed project will be compared with the already known neuronal mechanisms for the same behavior in an electric fish species which evolved independently from Gymnarchus. This comparison will allow us to obtain insights into general significance of the findings. I plan to learn electron microscopic techniques and field techniques to enhance my research career. The expected results will contribute to the understanding of basic principles of information processing by the brain for vertebrate behaviors.