The nucleus accumbens is a major input structure of the basal ganglia and integrates
information from cortical and limbic structures to mediate goal-directed behaviors. Chronic …

Since the original characterization of the ventral visual pathway, our knowledge of its
neuroanatomy, functional properties, and extrinsic targets has grown considerably. Here we …

An increasingly popular method of assessing cognitive functions in rodents is the automated
touchscreen platform, on which a number of different cognitive tests can be run in a manner …

Emotions are multifaceted, but a key aspect of emotion involves the assessment of the value
of environmental stimuli. This article reviews the many psychological representations …

Of the many conceptual distinctions present in psychology today, the approach-avoidance
distinction stands out as one of, if not the, most fundamental and basic. The distinction …

A framework for mental fatigue is proposed, that involves an integrated evaluation of both
expected rewards and energetical costs associated with continued performance. Adequate …

Background. Risk-taking behavior is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
adolescence. In the context of decision theory and motivated (goal-directed) behavior, risk …

The ability to predict favorable outcomes using environmental cues is an essential part of
learned behavior. Dopamine neurons in the midbrain encode such stimulus-reward …

Drugs of abuse acquire different degrees of control over thoughts and actions based not
only on the effects of drugs themselves, but also on predispositions of the individual. Those …

Adolescents' propensity for risk-taking and reward-seeking behaviors suggests a
heightened sensitivity for reward, reflected by greater feedback-related activity changes in …