The overall objective of this component project is to understand batter the coding ofintensity in the tactile systems. The motivation for the experiments derive from three sources: Zwislocki's theory that the jnd is independent of the shape of the sensation magnitude function, that the integrity of the four-channel model persists and can be identified at the superthreshold levels of stimulation, and that our findings can be generalized to include both the auditory and tactile systems. The research plan is divided into four specific, but not mutually exclusive areas, those being: 1) channel specificity, 2) temporal parameters, 3) response variability and 4) interactions between pain and taction. Specific experiments include measurements of the jnd within each of the four tactile channels; the effects of temperature, contractor indentation, and the use of a surround of the jnd; to test further the independence of the jnd from the shape of the sensation magnitude function when sensation magnitude is held constant; the source of discontinuities in the subjective-magnitude functions, the effects of variation temporal parameters on the jnd and procedures using pedestal and test stimuli and testing the Zwislocki theory of intensity coding by the standard deviations of subjective-magnitude matches. Standard and proven psychophysical procedures will be used throughout, those being: 1) DL/JND; 2) Sensation Magnitude; 3) Masking and Adaption; 4) Temporal and Spatial Summation and 5) Thermally Induced Pain. The theoretical bases that drive all specific hypotheses are the four channel model of cutaneous mechanoreception and Zwislocki's theory of differential intensity sensitivity, developed under the aegis of this program project. Extensive modifications have been made to satisfy the concern of the sensory disorders and language review group.

Project Start
2001-04-01
Project End
2003-03-31
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
13
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$228,547
Indirect Cost
Name
Syracuse University
Department
Type
DUNS #
002257350
City
Syracuse
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
13244
Gescheider, George A; Wright, John H (2013) Roughness perception in tactile channels: evidence for an opponent process in the sense of touch. Somatosens Mot Res 30:120-32
Gescheider, George A; Wright, John H (2012) Learning in tactile channels. J Exp Psychol Hum Percept Perform 38:302-13
Smith 2nd, Joseph L; Sterns, Anita R; Prieve, Beth A et al. (2008) Effects of anesthesia on DPOAE level and phase in rats. Hear Res 235:47-59
Shi, Lu-Feng; Doherty, Karen A; Zwislockit, Jozef J (2007) Aided loudness growth and satisfaction with everyday loudness perception in compression hearing aid users. J Am Acad Audiol 18:206-19
Relkin, E M; Sterns, A; Azeredo, W et al. (2005) Physiological mechanisms of onset adaptation and contralateral suppression of DPOAEs in the rat. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 6:119-35
Gescheider, G A; Bolanowski, S J; Verrillo, R T (2004) Some characteristics of tactile channels. Behav Brain Res 148:35-40
Verrillo, Ronald T; Bolanowski, Stanley J (2003) Effects of temperature on the subjective magnitude of vibration. Somatosens Mot Res 20:133-7
Verrillo, Ronald T; Bolanowski, Stanley J; McGlone, Francis P (2003) Intra- and interactive touch on the face. Somatosens Mot Res 20:3-11
Bane, Brian C; MacRae, Thomas H; Xiang, Hui et al. (2002) Microtubule cold stability in supporting cells of the gerbil auditory sensory epithelium: correlation with tubulin post-translational modifications. Cell Tissue Res 307:57-67
Verrillo, Ronald T; Bolanowski, Stanley J; Gescheider, George A (2002) Effect of aging on the subjective magnitude of vibration. Somatosens Mot Res 19:238-44

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