Dataset Information

Neuromechanical simulation of the locust jump.

ABSTRACT: The neural circuitry and biomechanics of kicking in locusts have been studied to understand their roles in the control of both kicking and jumping. It has been hypothesized that the same neural circuit and biomechanics governed both behaviors but this hypothesis was not testable with current technology. We built a neuromechanical model to test this and to gain a better understanding of the role of the semi-lunar process (SLP) in jump dynamics. The jumping and kicking behaviors of the model were tested by comparing them with a variety of published data, and were found to reproduce the results from live animals. This confirmed that the kick neural circuitry can produce the jump behavior. The SLP is a set of highly sclerotized bands of cuticle that can be bent to store energy for use during kicking and jumping. It has not been possible to directly test the effects of the SLP on jump performance because it is an integral part of the joint, and attempts to remove its influence prevent the locust from being able to jump. Simulations demonstrated that the SLP can significantly increase jump distance, power, total energy and duration of the jump impulse. In addition, the geometry of the joint enables the SLP force to assist leg flexion when the leg is flexed, and to assist extension once the leg has begun to extend.

SUBMITTER: Cofer D

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2837733 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Neuromechanical simulation of the locust jump.

Cofer D D Cymbalyuk G G Heitler W J WJ Edwards D H DH

The Journal of experimental biology 20100401 Pt 7

The neural circuitry and biomechanics of kicking in locusts have been studied to understand their roles in the control of both kicking and jumping. It has been hypothesized that the same neural circuit and biomechanics governed both behaviors but this hypothesis was not testable with current technology. We built a neuromechanical model to test this and to gain a better understanding of the role of the semi-lunar process (SLP) in jump dynamics. The jumping and kicking behaviors of the model were ...[more]

PMID: 20228342

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Project description:The dynamical properties of the brain and the dynamics of the body strongly influence one another. Their interaction generates complex adaptive behavior. While a wide variety of simulation tools exist for neural dynamics or biomechanics separately, there are few options for integrated brain-body modeling. Here, we provide a tutorial to demonstrate how the widely-used NEURON simulation platform can support integrated neuromechanical modeling. As a first step toward incorporating biomechanics into a NEURON simulation, we provide a framework for integrating inputs from a "periphery" and outputs to that periphery. In other words, "body" dynamics are driven in part by "brain" variables, such as voltages or firing rates, and "brain" dynamics are influenced by "body" variables through sensory feedback. To couple the "brain" and "body" components, we use NEURON's pointer construct to share information between "brain" and "body" modules. This approach allows separate specification of brain and body dynamics and code reuse. Though simple in concept, the use of pointers can be challenging due to a complicated syntax and several different programming options. In this paper, we present five different computational models, with increasing levels of complexity, to demonstrate the concepts of code modularity using pointers and the integration of neural and biomechanical modeling within NEURON. The models include: (1) a neuromuscular model of calcium dynamics and muscle force, (2) a neuromechanical, closed-loop model of a half-center oscillator coupled to a rudimentary motor system, (3) a closed-loop model of neural control for respiration, (4) a pedagogical model of a non-smooth "brain/body" system, and (5) a closed-loop model of feeding behavior in the sea hare Aplysia californica that incorporates biologically-motivated non-smooth dynamics. This tutorial illustrates how NEURON can be integrated with a broad range of neuromechanical models.Code available athttps://github.com/fietkiewicz/PointerBuilder.

Dataset Information

Neuromechanical simulation of the locust jump.

Publications

Neuromechanical simulation of the locust jump.

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