A Core Circuit Module for Cost/Benefit Decision

Abstract

A simple circuit for cost-benefit decision derived from behavioral and neural studies of the predatory sea-slug Pleurobranchaea may closely resemble that upon which the more complex valuation and decision processes of the social vertebrates are built. The neuronal natures of the pathways in the connectionist model comprise classic central pattern generators, bipolar switch mechanisms, and neuromodulatory state regulation. Marked potential exists for exploring more complex neuroeconomic behavior by appending appropriate circuitry in simulo.

Implementing Goal-Directed Foraging Decisions of a Simpler Nervous System in Simulation

“…Negative feedback to the feeding network from the turn network during avoidance transiently suppresses feeding, while feeding network activity is reduced as satiation increases. The model is modified from Gillette et al, 2000; Hirayama et al 2012. …”

“…Further, motor choice in Pleurobranchaea ’s learned discrimination of odors paired with unconditioned stimuli (USs) is also mediated at the feeding motor network level (Davis et al, 1980; Mpitsos and Cohan, 1986a; Noboa and Gillette, 2013). These relations indicate a simple neural model for cost-benefit-based decision in the animal’s foraging (Gillette et al, 2000; Hirayama et al, 2012). …”

“…The neuronal circuitry of decision has been characterized down to the single-neuron level (Gillette et al, 1982; London and Gillette, 1986; Jing and Gillette, 2000, 2003; Hirayama and Gillette, 2012; Hirayama et al, 2012, 2014). In particular, a key decision mechanism was found to lie in regulation of the turn motor network by the feeding network, whose excitation state depends on sensory input, memory, and satiation.…”

Invertebrate behavior—actions or responses?

“…Far from simply being relayed to “higher” centers of the nervous system, from the sensory neurons onwards, other information is constantly being cross-correlated with and related to the sensory stream. While the coding properties of sensory neurons are the focus of Marsat and Pollack's ( 2012 ) review on ultrasound avoidance in crickets—neuronal bursts encode a “danger signal” from ultrasound often emitted by hunting bats—the work they review also shows that the final decision to initiate evasion behavior in crickets is formed in the brain of the animals, two to four synapses downstream of the sensory neurons that encode the “danger signal.” Analogously, Hirayama et al's ( 2012 ) contribution on the predatory sea-slug Pleurobranchea details the neural processes by which the animal's satiation state regulates approach/avoidance behavior.…”

Internal States and Behavioral Decision-Making: Toward an Integration of Emotion and Cognition

“…For example, in the case of an agonistic encounter between conspecific males, the appetitive phase includes investigation to determine the sex and assess the relative size or strength of the opponent; this is often followed by threat displays and then finally overt attack or retreat (Miczek et al 2007). This progression is also accompanied by an increasing risk of injury, illness, or death; therefore, such behavioral transitions involve cost-benefit decisions (Gillette et al 2000;Hirayama et al 2012).…”