Intersegmental Coordination: Lessons from Modeling Systems of Coupled Non-Linear Oscillators

SYNOPSIS. Intersegmental coordination of both vertebrates andinvertebrates is poorly understood primarily because so littleis known about the substrate of the neural underpinnings andhow the elements interact to produce the complex timing relationshipsrequired by the organism. We describe here a systems approachcombining experimental and theoretical treatment of the lampreylocomotor central pattern generator. The central pattern generatoris viewed as a chain of coupled non-linear oscillators correspondingto segmental burst generators. We analyze various coupling schemesin terms of their ability to produce a stable traveling wavesimilar to that seen in the isolated spinal cord and the intactanimal. The role of long coordinating neurons is particularlydiscussed.     

The problem of the mentally defective child

Continued effort is necessary not only to prevent mental deficiency but to find methods of treating it. Meanwhile, physicians must have a keener appreciation of the feelings of the parents about their retarded children and must interpret the implications of the problems in a way the parents can understand. Further community effort is necessary to provide institutional and foster home care for those who need it. Educational and training programs should be extended and developed for all those who can benefit from such programs. The problem of mental deficiency is not that of the parents alone, nor of physicians, nor of the psychologists, nor of the social workers, nor of the educators. It is a problem which requires the cooperation of all these groups for solution.