A microcomputer-based system for multi-channel neurophysiological recording

Systematic changes in gaping during the ontogeny of pecking in ring doves (Streptopelia risoria)

Food pecking in the ring dove is a skilled prehensile response that is similar to, but simpler than, many other prehensile responses. Previous work has shown that this response is initially poorly executed and requires experience for its accurate direction and coordination. The response involves two components: the thrusting of the bird's head toward food, and the opening and closure of the beak around food. Here, this second component, called gape, is followed through development with a precise measurement system. Four squabs moved through a similar sequence of three gape topographies, each of which is more efficient in picking up seed, during development. The present outcome, together with other work, argues for a substantial contribution of experience with pecking to the development of food pecking. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the ontogeny of motor control and for understanding how experience affects behavioral development.

Jaw movement kinematics and jaw muscle (EMG) activity during drinking in the pigeon (Columba livia)

Movements of the maxilla and mandible were recorded during drinking in the head-fixed pigeon and correlated with electromyographic activity in representative jaw muscle groups. During drinking, each jaw exhibits opening and closing movements along both the dorso-ventral and rostro-caudal axes which may be linked with or independent of each other. All subjects showed small but systematic increases in cycle duration over the course of individual drinking bouts. Cyclic jaw movements during drinking were correlated with nearly synchronous activity in the protractor (levator) of the upper jaw and in several jaw closer muscles, as well as with alternating activity in tongue protractor and retractor muscles. No EMG activity was ever recorded in the lower jaw opener muscle, suggesting that lower jaw opening in this preparation is produced, indirectly, by the contraction of other muscles. The results clarify the contribution of the individual jaws to the generation of gape variations during drinking in this species.

Data acquisition and analysis system for intracellular neuronal signals

A comprehensive system for the acquisition and analysis of neurophysiological data is described, with a focus on intracellular data. The software comprising the system will evaluate a number of neuronal signals, including intracellular as well as extracellular recordings from neurons, evoked potentials and computer simulation data. Significant enhancements enable sampling at high resolution (50 kHz throughput to disk; +/- 15 bit or 96 db), concurrent with extensive on-line analysis capabilities and display. Modifications of existing software and development of new types of input and output devices and analysis can be incorporated as needed, using a binary digital database as the primary storage for the experimental signals and device-independent graphics.

Heterogeneous computer network for real-time hemodynamic signal processing

A computer network is described that allows real-time processing, graphical monitoring and off-line analysis of blood pressure, nervous activity and Doppler signals recorded in conscious rats. Real-time processing is performed by an acquisition station using a powerful microprocessor, allowing extraction and storage of several characteristic parameters from each cardiac cycle and real-time graphical monitoring. The experimenter can thereby follow the time evolution of the hemodynamic parameters. Experimental data are sent through the local network to a workstation that ensures off-line processing such as chronograms, histograms and statistical analyses.