Influence of sickle hemoglobin polymerization and membrane properties on deformability of sickle erythrocytes in the microcirculation.

PubMed Central

Dong, C; Chadwick, R S; Schechter, A N

1992-01-01

The rheological properties of normal erythrocytes appear to be largely determined by those of the red cell membrane. In sickle cell disease, the intracellular polymerization of sickle hemoglobin upon deoxygenation leads to a marked increase in intracellular viscosity and elastic stiffness as well as having indirect effects on the cell membrane. To estimate the components of abnormal cell rheology due to the polymerization process and that due to the membrane abnormalities, we have developed a simple mathematical model of whole cell deformability in narrow vessels. This model uses hydrodynamic lubrication theory to describe the pulsatile flow in the gap between a cell and the vessel wall. The interior of the cell is modeled as a Voigt viscoelastic solid with parameters for the viscous and elastic moduli, while the membrane is assigned an elastic shear modulus. In response to an oscillatory fluid shear stress, the cell--modeled as a cylinder of constant volume and surface area--undergoes a conical deformation which may be calculated. We use published values of normal and sickle cell membrane elastic modulus and of sickle hemoglobin viscous and elastic moduli as a function of oxygen saturation, to estimate normalized tip displacement, d/ho, and relative hydrodynamic resistance, Rr, as a function of polymer fraction of hemoglobin for sickle erythrocytes. These results show the transition from membrane to internal polymer dominance of deformability as oxygen saturation is lowered. More detailed experimental data, including those at other oscillatory frequencies and for cells with higher concentrations of hemoglobin S, are needed to apply fully this approach to understanding the deformability of sickle erythrocytes in the microcirculation. The model should be useful for reconciling the vast and disparate sets of data available on the abnormal properties of sickle cell hemoglobin and sickle erythrocyte membranes, the two main factors that lead to pathology in patients with this disease. PMID:1420913

Nonlinear adhesion dynamics of confined lipid membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

To, Tung; Le Goff, Thomas; Pierre-Louis, Olivier

Lipid membranes, which are ubiquitous objects in biological environments are often confined. For example, they can be sandwiched between a substrate and the cytoskeleton between cell adhesion, or between other membranes in stacks, or in the Golgi apparatus. We present a study of the nonlinear dynamics of membranes in a model system, where the membrane is confined between two flat walls. The dynamics derived from the lubrication approximation is highly nonlinear and nonlocal. The solution of this model in one dimension exhibits frozen states due to oscillatory interactions between membranes caused by the bending rigidity. We develope a kink model for these phenomena based on the historical work of Kawasaki and Otha. In two dimensions, the dynamics is more complex, and depends strongly on the amount of excess area in the system. We discuss the relevance of our findings for experiments on model membranes, and for biological systems. Supported by the grand ANR Biolub.

DNA Molecules in Microfluidic Oscillatory Flow

PubMed Central

Chen, Y.-L.; Graham, M.D.; de Pablo, J.J.; Jo, K.; Schwartz, D.C.

2008-01-01

The conformation and dynamics of a single DNA molecule undergoing oscillatory pressure-driven flow in microfluidic channels is studied using Brownian dynamics simulations, accounting for hydrodynamic interactions between segments in the bulk and between the chain and the walls. Oscillatory flow provides a scenario under which the polymers may remain in the channel for an indefinite amount of time as they are stretched and migrate away from the channel walls. We show that by controlling the chain length, flow rate and oscillatory flow frequency, we are able to manipulate the chain extension and the chain migration from the channel walls. The chain stretch and the chain depletion layer thickness near the wall are found to increase as the Weissenberg number increases and as the oscillatory frequency decreases. PMID:19057656

Effects of Oscillatory Flow on Fertilization in the Green Sea Urchin Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis

PubMed Central

Kregting, Louise T.; Bass, Anna L.; Guadayol, Òscar; Yund, Philip O.; Thomas, Florence I. M.

2013-01-01

Broadcast spawning invertebrates that live in shallow, high-energy coastal habitats are subjected to oscillatory water motion that creates unsteady flow fields above the surface of animals. The frequency of the oscillatory fluctuations is driven by the wave period, which will influence the stability of local flow structures and may affect fertilization processes. Using an oscillatory water tunnel, we quantified the percentage of eggs fertilized on or near spawning green sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. Eggs were sampled in the water column, wake eddy, substratum and aboral surface under a range of different periods (T = 4.5 – 12.7 s) and velocities of oscillatory flow. The root-mean-square wave velocity (rms(u w)) was a good predictor of fertilization in oscillatory flow, although the root-mean-square of total velocity (rms(u)), which incorporates all the components of flow (current, wave and turbulence), also provided significant predictions. The percentage of eggs fertilized varied between 50 – 85% at low flows (rms(u w) <0.02 m s−1), depending on the location sampled, but declined to below 10% for most locations at higher rms(u w). The water column was an important location for fertilization with a relative contribution greater than that of the aboral surface, especially at medium and high rms(u w) categories. We conclude that gametes can be successfully fertilized on or near the parent under a range of oscillatory flow conditions. PMID:24098766

Phorbol ester and spontaneous activity in SHR aorta

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Moisey, D.M.; Cox, R.H.

1986-03-01

Thoracic aortas (TA) were excised from 6-week old SHR and WKY. 2mm rings were mounted isometrically at optimum preload. Spontaneous rhythmical activity developed in TA from SHR and had a frequency of 3-4/min with varying periods of quiescence between bursts of activity. The spontaneous activity often produced an increase in tension development which was associated with increased frequency of oscillations. Verapamil (10/sup -7/ M) or Ca/sup + +/-free solution added during the contractile phase resulted in an immediate loss of tension and spontaneous activity. Addition of ouabain (10/sup -4/ M) during the contractile phase of spontaneous activity, increased the frequencymore » of oscillations which appeared to fuse into a tetanus. Spontaneous rhythmical activity was infrequently observed in TA from WKY. However, addition of phorbol 12-myristate-13 acetate (TPA), frequently induced spontaneous rhythmic oscillations associated with tension development in TA from WKY. TPA contracted the SHR TA and increased the frequency of oscillations. SHR TA were more sensitive to TPA than WKY. This study demonstrates (1) spontaneous rhythmical activity, independent of agonist stimulation in TA from 6-week old SHR and (2) TPA induced spontaneous oscillatory activity. The mechanism underlying the spontaneous oscillatory activity may involve membrane coupling events and Na-pump difference between SHR and WKY.« less

Nonlinear response of dense colloidal suspensions under oscillatory shear: mode-coupling theory and Fourier transform rheology experiments.

PubMed

Brader, J M; Siebenbürger, M; Ballauff, M; Reinheimer, K; Wilhelm, M; Frey, S J; Weysser, F; Fuchs, M

2010-12-01

Using a combination of theory, experiment, and simulation we investigate the nonlinear response of dense colloidal suspensions to large amplitude oscillatory shear flow. The time-dependent stress response is calculated using a recently developed schematic mode-coupling-type theory describing colloidal suspensions under externally applied flow. For finite strain amplitudes the theory generates a nonlinear response, characterized by significant higher harmonic contributions. An important feature of the theory is the prediction of an ideal glass transition at sufficiently strong coupling, which is accompanied by the discontinuous appearance of a dynamic yield stress. For the oscillatory shear flow under consideration we find that the yield stress plays an important role in determining the nonlinearity of the time-dependent stress response. Our theoretical findings are strongly supported by both large amplitude oscillatory experiments (with Fourier transform rheology analysis) on suspensions of thermosensitive core-shell particles dispersed in water and Brownian dynamics simulations performed on a two-dimensional binary hard-disk mixture. In particular, theory predicts nontrivial values of the exponents governing the final decay of the storage and loss moduli as a function of strain amplitude which are in good agreement with both simulation and experiment. A consistent set of parameters in the presented schematic model achieves to jointly describe linear moduli, nonlinear flow curves, and large amplitude oscillatory spectroscopy.

Dynamic modeling for flow-activated chloride-selective membrane current in vascular endothelial cells.

PubMed

Qin, Kai-Rong; Xiang, Cheng; Cao, Ling-Ling

2011-10-01

In this paper, a dynamic model is proposed to quantify the relationship between fluid flow and Cl(-)-selective membrane current in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). It is assumed that the external shear stress would first induce channel deformation in VECs. This deformation could activate the Cl(-) channels on the membrane, thus allowing Cl(-) transport across the membrane. A modified Hodgkin-Huxley model is embedded into our dynamic system to describe the electrophysiological properties of the membrane, such as the Cl(-)-selective membrane current (I), voltage (V) and conductance. Three flow patterns, i. e., steady flow, oscillatory flow, and pulsatile flow, are applied in our simulation studies. When the extracellular Cl(-) concentration is constant, the I-V characteristics predicted by our dynamic model shows strong consistency with the experimental observations. It is also interesting to note that the Cl(-) currents under different flow patterns show some differences, indicating that VECs distinguish among and respond differently to different types of flows. When the extracellular Cl(-) concentration keeps constant or varies slowly with time (i.e. oscillates at 0.02 Hz), the convection and diffusion of Cl(-) in extracellular space can be ignored and the Cl(-) current is well captured by the modified Hodgkin-Huxley model alone. However, when the extracellular Cl(-) varies fast (i.e., oscillates at 0.2 Hz), the convection and diffusion effect should be considered because the Cl(-) current dynamics is different from the case where the convection-diffusion effect is simply ignored. The proposed dynamic model along with the simulation results could not only provide more insights into the flow-regulated electrophysiological behavior of the cell membrane but also help to reveal new findings in the electrophysiological experimental investigations of VECs in response to dynamic flow and biochemical stimuli.

The Electro-Oxidation of Ethylene Glycol on Platinum over a Wide pH Range: Oscillations and Temperature Effects

PubMed Central

Sitta, Elton; Nagao, Raphael; Varela, Hamilton

2013-01-01

We report a comprehensive study of the electro-oxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) on platinum with emphasis on the effects exerted by the electrolyte pH, the EG concentration, and temperature, under both regular and oscillatory conditions. We extracted and discussed parameters such as voltammetric activity, reaction orders (with respect to [EG]), oscillation’s amplitude, frequency and waveform, and the evolution of the mean electrode potential at six pH values from 0 to 14. In addition, we obtained the apparent activation energies under several different conditions. Overall, we observed that increasing the electrolyte pH results in a discontinuous transition in most properties studied under both voltammetric and oscillatory regimes. As a relevant result in this direction, we found that the increase in the reaction order with pH is mediated by a minimum (~ 0) at pH = 12. Furthermore, the solution pH strongly affects all features investigated, c.f. the considerable increase in the oscillatory frequency and the decrease in the, oscillatory, activation energy as the pH increase. We suggest that adsorbed CO is probably the main surface-blocking species at low pH, and its absence at high pH is likely to be the main reason behind the differences observed. The size of the parameter region investigated and the amount of comparable parameters and properties presented in this study, as well as the discussion that followed illustrate the strategy of combining investigations under conventional and oscillatory regimes of electrocatalytic systems. PMID:24058650

Enhancement of oscillatory activity in the endopiriform nucleus of rats raised under abnormal oral conditions.

PubMed

Yoshimura, Hiroshi; Hasumoto-Honjo, Miho; Sugai, Tokio; Segami, Natsuki; Kato, Nobuo

2014-02-21

Endopiriform nucleus (EPN) is located deep to the piriform cortex, and has neural connections with not only neighboring sensory areas but also subcortical areas where emotional and nociceptive information is processed. Well-balanced oral condition might play an important role in stability of brain activities. When the oral condition is impaired, several areas in the brain might be affected. In the present study, we investigated whether abnormal conditions of oral region influence neural activities in the EPN. Orthodontic appliance that generates continuous force and chronic pain-related stress was fixed to maxillary incisors of rats, and raised. Field potential recordings were made from the EPN of brain slices. We previously reported that the EPN has an ability to generate membrane potential oscillation. In the present study, we have applied the same methods to assess activities of neuron clusters in the EPN. In the case of normal rats, stable field potential oscillations were induced in the EPN by application of low-frequency electrical stimulation under the medium with caffeine. In the case of rats with the orthodontic appliance, stable field potential oscillations were also induced, but both duration of oscillatory activities and wavelet number were increased. The enhanced oscillations were depressed by blockade of NMDA receptors. Thus, impairment of oral health under application of continuous orthodontic force and chronic pain-related stress enhanced neural activities in the EPN, in which up-regulation of NMDA receptors may be concerned. These findings suggest that the EPN might be involved in information processing with regard to abnormal conditions of oral region. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Mutation of a NCKX Eliminates Glial Microdomain Calcium Oscillations and Enhances Seizure Susceptibility

PubMed Central

Melom, Jan E.; Littleton, J. Troy

2013-01-01

Glia exhibit spontaneous and activity-dependent fluctuations in intracellular Ca2+, yet it is unclear whether glial Ca2+ oscillations are required during neuronal signaling. Somatic glial Ca2+ waves are primarily mediated by the release of intracellular Ca2+ stores, and their relative importance in normal brain physiology has been disputed. Recently, near-membrane microdomain Ca2+ transients were identified in fine astrocytic processes and found to arise via an intracellular store-independent process. Here, we describe the identification of rapid, near-membrane Ca2+ oscillations in Drosophila cortex glia of the CNS. In a screen for temperature-sensitive conditional seizure mutants, we identified a glial-specific Na+/Ca2+, K+ exchanger (zydeco) that is required for microdomain Ca2+ oscillatory activity. We found that zydeco mutant animals exhibit increased susceptibility to seizures in response to a variety of environmental stimuli, and that zydeco is required acutely in cortex glia to regulate seizure susceptibility. We also found that glial expression of calmodulin is required for stress-induced seizures in zydeco mutants, suggesting a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent glial signaling pathway underlies glial–neuronal communication. These studies demonstrate that microdomain glial Ca2+ oscillations require NCKX-mediated plasma membrane Ca2+ flux, and that acute dysregulation of glial Ca2+ signaling triggers seizures. PMID:23325253

Voltage Oscillations in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell with Pd-Pt/C and Pd/C Anodes.

PubMed

Nogueira, Jéssica Alves; Varela, Hamilton

2017-10-01

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) fed with H 2 contaminated with CO may exhibit oscillatory behavior when operated galvanostatically. The self-organization of the anodic overpotential is interesting because it can be accompanied by an increase in the average performance. Herein we report experimental studies of voltage oscillations that emerge in a PEMFC equipped with a Pd/C or PdPt/C anode and fed with H 2 contaminated with CO (100 ppm). We used on-line mass spectrometry to investigate how the mass fragments associated with CO 2 and CO ( m / z 44 and 28, respectively) varied with the voltage oscillations. Overall, we observed that oscillations in the anodic overpotential are in phase with that of the CO and CO 2 signals. This fact is consistent with an autonomous adsorption-oxidation cyclic process. For both anodes, it has been observed that, in general, an increase in current density implies an increase in oscillatory frequency. By using CO stripping, we also discuss how the onset of CO oxidation is related to the maximum overpotential reached during a cycle, whereas the minimum overpotential can be associated with the catalytic activity of the electrode for H 2 oxidation.

Bed Morphology and Sediment Transport under Oscillatory Flow

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Pedocchi Miljan, Francisco

2009-01-01

Recent laboratory and field experiments have shown the inability of existing oscillatory flow ripple predictors to accurately predict both ripple size and planform geometry. However, at this time, only partial adaptations of these predictors have been proposed in the literature to account for the observed discrepancies with experimental data…

Microrheology: Structural evolution under static and dynamic conditions by simultaneous analysis of confocal microscopy and diffusing wave spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolas, Yves; Paques, Marcel; Knaebel, Alexandra; Steyer, Alain; Munch, Jean-Pierre; Blijdenstein, Theo B. J.; van Aken, George A.

2003-08-01

An oscillatory shear configuration was developed to improve understanding of structural evolution during deformation. It combines an inverted confocal scanning laser microscope (CSLM) and a special sample holder that can apply to the sample specific deformation: oscillatory shear or steady strain. In this configuration, a zero-velocity plane is created in the sample by moving two plates in opposite directions, thereby providing stable observation conditions of the structural behavior under deformation. The configuration also includes diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS) to monitor the network properties via particle mobility under static and dynamic conditions. CSLM and DWS can be performed simultaneously and three-dimensional images can be obtained under static conditions. This configuration is mainly used to study mechanistic phenomena like particle interaction, aggregation, gelation and network disintegration, interactions at interfaces under static and dynamic conditions in semisolid food materials (desserts, dressings, sauces, dairy products) and in nonfood materials (mineral emulsions, etc.). Preliminary data obtained with this new oscillatory shear configuration are described that demonstrate their capabilities and the potential contribution to other areas of application also.

Oscillatory system I-, H2O2, HClO4: the modified form of the Bray-Liebhafsky reaction.

PubMed

Olexová, Anna; Mrákavová, Marta; Melichercík, Milan; Treindl, L'udovít

2010-07-08

The kinetics of iodide ions oxidation with hydrogen peroxide in solutions of perchloric acid at temperature of 60 degrees C has been studied in detail. We have found conditions under which this reaction proceeds oscillatory. The Bray-Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction started by the oxidation of iodide ions with hydrogen peroxide is described for the first time. The described results support our assumption (Olexová, A.; Mrákavová, M.; Melichercík, M.; Treindl, L. Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 2006, 71, 91-106) that singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) is an important intermediate of the BL oscillatory reaction in the sense of the Noyes-Treindl (N-T) skeleton mechanism (Treindl, L.; Noyes, R.M. J. Phys. Chem. 1993, 97, 11354-11362).

Dynamic behavior of the bray-liebhafsky oscillatory reaction controlled by sulfuric acid and temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pejić, N.; Vujković, M.; Maksimović, J.; Ivanović, A.; Anić, S.; Čupić, Ž.; Kolar-Anić, Lj.

2011-12-01

The non-periodic, periodic and chaotic regimes in the Bray-Liebhafsky (BL) oscillatory reaction observed in a continuously fed well stirred tank reactor (CSTR) under isothermal conditions at various inflow concentrations of the sulfuric acid were experimentally studied. In each series (at any fixed temperature), termination of oscillatory behavior via saddle loop infinite period bifurcation (SNIPER) as well as some kind of the Andronov-Hopf bifurcation is presented. In addition, it was found that an increase of temperature, in different series of experiments resulted in the shift of bifurcation point towards higher values of sulfuric acid concentration.

Binary Oscillatory Crossflow Electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molloy, Richard F.; Gallagher, Christopher T.; Leighton, David T., Jr.

1997-01-01

Electrophoresis has long been recognized as an effective analytic technique for the separation of proteins and other charged species, however attempts at scaling up to accommodate commercial volumes have met with limited success. In this report we describe a novel electrophoretic separation technique - Binary Oscillatory Crossflow Electrophoresis (BOCE). Numerical simulations indicate that the technique has the potential for preparative scale throughputs with high resolution, while simultaneously avoiding many problems common to conventional electrophoresis. The technique utilizes the interaction of an oscillatory electric field and a transverse oscillatory shear flow to create an active binary filter for the separation of charged protein species. An oscillatory electric field is applied across the narrow gap of a rectangular channel inducing a periodic motion of charged protein species. The amplitude of this motion depends on the dimensionless electrophoretic mobility, alpha = E(sub o)mu/(omega)d, where E(sub o) is the amplitude of the electric field oscillations, mu is the dimensional mobility, omega is the angular frequency of oscillation and d is the channel gap width. An oscillatory shear flow is induced along the length of the channel resulting in the separation of species with different mobilities. We present a model that predicts the oscillatory behavior of charged species and allows estimation of both the magnitude of the induced convective velocity and the effective diffusivity as a function of a in infinitely long channels. Numerical results indicate that in addition to the mobility dependence, the steady state behavior of solute species may be strongly affected by oscillating fluid into and out of the active electric field region at the ends of the cell. The effect is most pronounced using time dependent shear flows of the same frequency (cos((omega)t)) flow mode) as the electric field oscillations. Under such conditions, experiments indicate that solute is drawn into the cell from reservoirs at both ends of the cell leading to a large mass build up. As a consequence, any initially induced mass flux will vanish after short times. This effect was not captured by the infinite channel model and hence numerical and experimental results deviated significantly. The revised model including finite cell lengths and reservoir volumes allowed quantitative predictions of the time history of the concentration profile throughout the system. This latter model accurately describes the fluxes observed for both oscillatory flow modes in experiments using single protein species. Based on the results obtained from research funded under NASA grant NAG-8-1080.S, we conclude that binary separations are not possible using purely oscillatory flow modes because of end effects associated with the cos((omega)t) mode. Our research shows, however, that a combination of cos(2(omega)t) and steady flow should lead to efficient separation free of end effects. This possibility is currently under investigation.

Post-Self-Assembly Cross-Linking to Integrate Molecular Nanofibers with Copolymers in Oscillatory Hydrogels

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-05-09

The BZ reaction provides a model system to mimic a variety of complex processes, such as biological morphogenesis, in monodisperse microemulsions .15...surfaces, ion-exchange resins, membranes, and microemulsions . For example, in addition to minimizing the hydrodynamic effects and formation of bubbles...Reaction-Diffusion Microemulsions Reveals Three-Dimensional Tu- ring Patterns. Science (Washington, DC, U.S.) 2011, 331, 1309−1312. (16) Agladze, K. I

Direct Imaging of Individual Intrinsic Hydration Layers on Lipid Bilayers at Ångstrom Resolution

PubMed Central

Fukuma, Takeshi; Higgins, Michael J.; Jarvis, Suzanne P.

2007-01-01

The interactions between water and biological molecules have the potential to influence the structure, dynamics, and function of biological systems, hence the importance of revealing the nature of these interactions in relation to the local biochemical environment. We have investigated the structuring of water at the interface of supported dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers in the gel phase in phosphate buffer solution using frequency modulation atomic force microscopy (FM-AFM). We present experimental results supporting the existence of intrinsic (i.e., surface-induced) hydration layers adjacent to the bilayer. The force versus distance curves measured between the bilayer and the AFM tip show oscillatory force profiles with a peak spacing of 0.28 nm, indicative of the existence of up to two hydration layers next to the membrane surface. These oscillatory force profiles reveal the molecular-scale origin of the hydration force that has been observed between two apposing lipid bilayers. Furthermore, FM-AFM imaging at the water/lipid interface visualizes individual hydration layers in three dimensions, with molecular-scale corrugations corresponding to the lipid headgroups. The results demonstrate that the intrinsic hydration layers are stable enough to present multiple energy barriers to approaching nanoscale objects, such as proteins and solvated ions, and are expected to affect membrane permeability and transport. PMID:17325013

Voltage Oscillations in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell with Pd‐Pt/C and Pd/C Anodes

PubMed Central

Nogueira, Jéssica Alves

2017-01-01

Abstract Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) fed with H2 contaminated with CO may exhibit oscillatory behavior when operated galvanostatically. The self‐organization of the anodic overpotential is interesting because it can be accompanied by an increase in the average performance. Herein we report experimental studies of voltage oscillations that emerge in a PEMFC equipped with a Pd/C or PdPt/C anode and fed with H2 contaminated with CO (100 ppm). We used on‐line mass spectrometry to investigate how the mass fragments associated with CO2 and CO (m/z 44 and 28, respectively) varied with the voltage oscillations. Overall, we observed that oscillations in the anodic overpotential are in phase with that of the CO and CO2 signals. This fact is consistent with an autonomous adsorption–oxidation cyclic process. For both anodes, it has been observed that, in general, an increase in current density implies an increase in oscillatory frequency. By using CO stripping, we also discuss how the onset of CO oxidation is related to the maximum overpotential reached during a cycle, whereas the minimum overpotential can be associated with the catalytic activity of the electrode for H2 oxidation. PMID:29046857

Oscillatory electroosmotic flow in a parallel-plate microchannel under asymmetric zeta potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peralta, M.; Arcos, J.; Méndez, F.; Bautista, O.

2017-06-01

In this work, we conduct a theoretical analysis of the start-up of an oscillatory electroosmotic flow (EOF) in a parallel-plate microchannel under asymmetric zeta potentials. It is found that the transient evolution of the flow field is controlled by the parameters {R}ω , {R}\\zeta , and \\bar{κ }, which represent the dimensionless frequency, the ratio of the zeta potentials of the microchannel walls, and the electrokinetic parameter, which is defined as the ratio of the microchannel height to the Debye length. The analysis is performed for both low and high zeta potentials; in the former case, an analytical solution is derived, whereas in the latter, a numerical solution is obtained. These solutions provide the fundamental characteristics of the oscillatory EOFs for which, with suitable adjustment of the zeta potential and the dimensionless frequency, the velocity profiles of the fluid flow exhibit symmetric or asymmetric shapes.

Information-geometric measures estimate neural interactions during oscillatory brain states

PubMed Central

Nie, Yimin; Fellous, Jean-Marc; Tatsuno, Masami

2014-01-01

The characterization of functional network structures among multiple neurons is essential to understanding neural information processing. Information geometry (IG), a theory developed for investigating a space of probability distributions has recently been applied to spike-train analysis and has provided robust estimations of neural interactions. Although neural firing in the equilibrium state is often assumed in these studies, in reality, neural activity is non-stationary. The brain exhibits various oscillations depending on cognitive demands or when an animal is asleep. Therefore, the investigation of the IG measures during oscillatory network states is important for testing how the IG method can be applied to real neural data. Using model networks of binary neurons or more realistic spiking neurons, we studied how the single- and pairwise-IG measures were influenced by oscillatory neural activity. Two general oscillatory mechanisms, externally driven oscillations and internally induced oscillations, were considered. In both mechanisms, we found that the single-IG measure was linearly related to the magnitude of the external input, and that the pairwise-IG measure was linearly related to the sum of connection strengths between two neurons. We also observed that the pairwise-IG measure was not dependent on the oscillation frequency. These results are consistent with the previous findings that were obtained under the equilibrium conditions. Therefore, we demonstrate that the IG method provides useful insights into neural interactions under the oscillatory condition that can often be observed in the real brain. PMID:24605089

Information-geometric measures estimate neural interactions during oscillatory brain states.

PubMed

Nie, Yimin; Fellous, Jean-Marc; Tatsuno, Masami

2014-01-01

The characterization of functional network structures among multiple neurons is essential to understanding neural information processing. Information geometry (IG), a theory developed for investigating a space of probability distributions has recently been applied to spike-train analysis and has provided robust estimations of neural interactions. Although neural firing in the equilibrium state is often assumed in these studies, in reality, neural activity is non-stationary. The brain exhibits various oscillations depending on cognitive demands or when an animal is asleep. Therefore, the investigation of the IG measures during oscillatory network states is important for testing how the IG method can be applied to real neural data. Using model networks of binary neurons or more realistic spiking neurons, we studied how the single- and pairwise-IG measures were influenced by oscillatory neural activity. Two general oscillatory mechanisms, externally driven oscillations and internally induced oscillations, were considered. In both mechanisms, we found that the single-IG measure was linearly related to the magnitude of the external input, and that the pairwise-IG measure was linearly related to the sum of connection strengths between two neurons. We also observed that the pairwise-IG measure was not dependent on the oscillation frequency. These results are consistent with the previous findings that were obtained under the equilibrium conditions. Therefore, we demonstrate that the IG method provides useful insights into neural interactions under the oscillatory condition that can often be observed in the real brain.

Inferring oscillatory modulation in neural spike trains

PubMed Central

Arai, Kensuke; Kass, Robert E.

2017-01-01

Oscillations are observed at various frequency bands in continuous-valued neural recordings like the electroencephalogram (EEG) and local field potential (LFP) in bulk brain matter, and analysis of spike-field coherence reveals that spiking of single neurons often occurs at certain phases of the global oscillation. Oscillatory modulation has been examined in relation to continuous-valued oscillatory signals, and independently from the spike train alone, but behavior or stimulus triggered firing-rate modulation, spiking sparseness, presence of slow modulation not locked to stimuli and irregular oscillations with large variability in oscillatory periods, present challenges to searching for temporal structures present in the spike train. In order to study oscillatory modulation in real data collected under a variety of experimental conditions, we describe a flexible point-process framework we call the Latent Oscillatory Spike Train (LOST) model to decompose the instantaneous firing rate in biologically and behaviorally relevant factors: spiking refractoriness, event-locked firing rate non-stationarity, and trial-to-trial variability accounted for by baseline offset and a stochastic oscillatory modulation. We also extend the LOST model to accommodate changes in the modulatory structure over the duration of the experiment, and thereby discover trial-to-trial variability in the spike-field coherence of a rat primary motor cortical neuron to the LFP theta rhythm. Because LOST incorporates a latent stochastic auto-regressive term, LOST is able to detect oscillations when the firing rate is low, the modulation is weak, and when the modulating oscillation has a broad spectral peak. PMID:28985231

Spatio-temporal modelling of the NF-κB intracellular signalling pathway: the roles of diffusion, active transport, and cell geometry.

PubMed

Terry, Alan J; Chaplain, Mark A J

2011-12-07

The nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) intracellular signalling pathway is central to many stressful, inflammatory, and innate immune responses. NF-κB proteins themselves are transcription factors for hundreds of genes. Experiments have shown that the NF-κB pathway can exhibit oscillatory dynamics-a negative feedback loop causes oscillatory nuclear-cytoplasmic translocation of NF-κB. Given that cell size and shape are known to influence intracellular signal transduction, we consider a spatio-temporal model of partial differential equations for the NF-κB pathway, where we model molecular movement by diffusion and, for several key species including NF-κB, by active transport as well. Through numerical simulations we find values for model parameters such that sustained oscillatory dynamics occur. Our spatial profiles and animations bear a striking resemblance to experimental images and movie clips employing fluorescent fusion proteins. We discover that oscillations in nuclear NF-κB may occur when active transport is across the nuclear membrane only, or when no species are subject to active transport. However, when active transport is across the nuclear membrane and NF-κB is additionally actively transported through the cytoplasm, oscillations are lost. Hence transport mechanisms in a cell will influence its response to activation of its NF-κB pathway. We also demonstrate that sustained oscillations in nuclear NF-κB are somewhat robust to changes in the shape of the cell, or the shape, location, and size of its nucleus, or the location of ribosomes. Yet if the cell is particularly flat or the nucleus sufficiently small, then oscillations are lost. Thus the geometry of a cell may partly determine its response to NF-κB activation. The NF-κB pathway is known to be constitutively active in several human cancers. Our spatially explicit modelling approach will allow us, in future work, to investigate targeted drug therapy of tumours. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Membrane potential dynamics of grid cells

PubMed Central

Domnisoru, Cristina; Kinkhabwala, Amina A.; Tank, David W.

2014-01-01

During navigation, grid cells increase their spike rates in firing fields arranged on a strikingly regular triangular lattice, while their spike timing is often modulated by theta oscillations. Oscillatory interference models of grid cells predict theta amplitude modulations of membrane potential during firing field traversals, while competing attractor network models predict slow depolarizing ramps. Here, using in-vivo whole-cell recordings, we tested these models by directly measuring grid cell intracellular potentials in mice running along linear tracks in virtual reality. Grid cells had large and reproducible ramps of membrane potential depolarization that were the characteristic signature tightly correlated with firing fields. Grid cells also exhibited intracellular theta oscillations that influenced their spike timing. However, the properties of theta amplitude modulations were not consistent with the view that they determine firing field locations. Our results support cellular and network mechanisms in which grid fields are produced by slow ramps, as in attractor models, while theta oscillations control spike timing. PMID:23395984

Common resting brain dynamics indicate a possible mechanism underlying zolpidem response in severe brain injury

PubMed Central

Williams, Shawniqua T; Conte, Mary M; Goldfine, Andrew M; Noirhomme, Quentin; Gosseries, Olivia; Thonnard, Marie; Beattie, Bradley; Hersh, Jennifer; Katz, Douglas I; Victor, Jonathan D; Laureys, Steven; Schiff, Nicholas D

2013-01-01

Zolpidem produces paradoxical recovery of speech, cognitive and motor functions in select subjects with severe brain injury but underlying mechanisms remain unknown. In three diverse patients with known zolpidem responses we identify a distinctive pattern of EEG dynamics that suggests a mechanistic model. In the absence of zolpidem, all subjects show a strong low frequency oscillatory peak ∼6–10 Hz in the EEG power spectrum most prominent over frontocentral regions and with high coherence (∼0.7–0.8) within and between hemispheres. Zolpidem administration sharply reduces EEG power and coherence at these low frequencies. The ∼6–10 Hz activity is proposed to arise from intrinsic membrane properties of pyramidal neurons that are passively entrained across the cortex by locally-generated spontaneous activity. Activation by zolpidem is proposed to arise from a combination of initial direct drug effects on cortical, striatal, and thalamic populations and further activation of underactive brain regions induced by restoration of cognitively-mediated behaviors. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.01157.001 PMID:24252875

Oscillatory dynamics of investment and capacity utilization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Greenblatt, R. E.

2017-01-01

Capitalist economic systems display a wide variety of oscillatory phenomena whose underlying causes are often not well understood. In this paper, I consider a very simple model of the reciprocal interaction between investment, capacity utilization, and their time derivatives. The model, which gives rise periodic oscillations, predicts qualitatively the phase relations between these variables. These predictions are observed to be consistent in a statistical sense with econometric data from the US economy.

Laboratory Experiments of Sand Ripples with Bimodal Size Distributions Under Asymmetric Oscillatory Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calantoni, J.; Landry, B. J.

2010-12-01

The dynamics of sand ripples are vital to understanding numerous coastal processes such as sediment transport, wave attenuation, boundary layer development, and seafloor acoustic properties. Though significant laboratory research has been conducted to elucidate oscillatory flow morphodynamics under various constant and transient forcing conditions, the majority of the previous experiments were conducted only for beds with unimodal size distributions of sediment. Recent oscillatory flow experiments as well as past laboratory observations in uniform flows suggest that the presence of heterogeneous size sand compositions may significantly impact ripple morphology, resulting in a variety of observable effects (e.g., sediment sorting, bed armoring, and altered transport rates). Experimental work was conducted in a small oscillatory flow tunnel at the Sediment Dynamics Laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center. Three different monochromatic oscillatory forcings having velocity asymmetry were used to study sand ripple dynamics over five bimodal and two unimodal sediment beds. The seven different mixtures were composed using two unimodal sands of different colors (blue/white) and median grain diameters (d=0.31 mm / d=0.65 mm) combined into various mixtures by mass (i.e., 0/100; 10/90; 25/75; 50/50; 75/25; 90/10; and 100/0 which denotes mass percentage of blue/white sand, respectively, within each mixture). High-definition video of the sediment bed profile was acquired in conjunction with sediment trap measurements to resolve differences in ripple geometries, migration and evolution rates due to the different sediment mixtures and flow conditions. Observational findings clearly illustrate sediment stratification within ripple crests and the depth of the active mixing layer in addition to supporting sediment sorting in previous research on symmetric oscillatory flows in which the larger grains collect on top of ripple crests and smaller grains in the troughs. Preliminary quantitative results illuminate variations in equilibrium ripple geometry, ripple migration rates, and transition time scales between equilibrium states, all as functions of the sediment size mixture and flow forcing.

Oscillatory Correlates of Visual Consciousness

PubMed Central

Gallotto, Stefano; Sack, Alexander T.; Schuhmann, Teresa; de Graaf, Tom A.

2017-01-01

Conscious experiences are linked to activity in our brain: the neural correlates of consciousness (NCC). Empirical research on these NCCs covers a wide range of brain activity signals, measures, and methodologies. In this paper, we focus on spontaneous brain oscillations; rhythmic fluctuations of neuronal (population) activity which can be characterized by a range of parameters, such as frequency, amplitude (power), and phase. We provide an overview of oscillatory measures that appear to correlate with conscious perception. We also discuss how increasingly sophisticated techniques allow us to study the causal role of oscillatory activity in conscious perception (i.e., ‘entrainment’). This review of oscillatory correlates of consciousness suggests that, for example, activity in the alpha-band (7–13 Hz) may index, or even causally support, conscious perception. But such results also showcase an increasingly acknowledged difficulty in NCC research; the challenge of separating neural activity necessary for conscious experience to arise (prerequisites) from neural activity underlying the conscious experience itself (substrates) or its results (consequences). PMID:28736543

Numerical simulation and stability analysis of solutocapillary effect in ultrathin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordeeva, V. Yu.; Lyushnin, A. V.

2017-04-01

Polar fluids, like water or polydimethylsiloxane, are widely used in technical and medical applications. Capillary effects arising from surface tension gradients can be significant in thin liquid films. The present paper is dedicated to investigation of capillary flow due to a surfactant added to a polar liquid under conditions when intermolecular forces and disjoining pressure play an important role. Evolution equations are formulated for a film profile and the surfactant concentration. Stability analysis shows that the Marangoni effect destabilizes the film, and oscillatory modes appear at slow evaporation rates. We find that the film has four stability modes of at slow evaporation: monotonic stable, monotonic unstable, oscillatory stable, and oscillatory unstable, depending on the wave number of disturbances.

Impaired theta phase-resetting underlying auditory N1 suppression in chronic alcoholism.

PubMed

Fuentemilla, Lluis; Marco-Pallarés, Josep; Gual, Antoni; Escera, Carles; Polo, Maria Dolores; Grau, Carles

2009-02-18

It has been suggested that chronic alcoholism may lead to altered neural mechanisms related to inhibitory processes. Here, we studied auditory N1 suppression phenomena (i.e. amplitude reduction with repetitive stimuli) in chronic alcoholic patients as an early-stage information-processing brain function involving inhibition by the analysis of the N1 event-related potential and time-frequency computation (spectral power and phase-resetting). Our results showed enhanced neural theta oscillatory phase-resetting underlying N1 generation in suppressed N1 event-related potential. The present findings suggest that chronic alcoholism alters neural oscillatory synchrony dynamics at very early stages of information processing.

Extending the 3ω method: thermal conductivity characterization of thin films.

PubMed

Bodenschatz, Nico; Liemert, André; Schnurr, Sebastian; Wiedwald, Ulf; Ziemann, Paul

2013-08-01

A lock-in technique for measurement of thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity of thin films is presented. The technique is based on the 3ω approach using electrical generation and detection of oscillatory heat along a thin metal strip. Thin films are deposited onto the backside of commercial silicon nitride membranes, forming a bilayer geometry with distinct thermal parameters. Stepwise comparison to an adapted heat diffusion model delivers these parameters for both layers. Highest sensitivity is found for metallic thin films.

Identifying stochastic oscillations in single-cell live imaging time series using Gaussian processes

PubMed Central

Manning, Cerys; Rattray, Magnus

2017-01-01

Multiple biological processes are driven by oscillatory gene expression at different time scales. Pulsatile dynamics are thought to be widespread, and single-cell live imaging of gene expression has lead to a surge of dynamic, possibly oscillatory, data for different gene networks. However, the regulation of gene expression at the level of an individual cell involves reactions between finite numbers of molecules, and this can result in inherent randomness in expression dynamics, which blurs the boundaries between aperiodic fluctuations and noisy oscillators. This underlies a new challenge to the experimentalist because neither intuition nor pre-existing methods work well for identifying oscillatory activity in noisy biological time series. Thus, there is an acute need for an objective statistical method for classifying whether an experimentally derived noisy time series is periodic. Here, we present a new data analysis method that combines mechanistic stochastic modelling with the powerful methods of non-parametric regression with Gaussian processes. Our method can distinguish oscillatory gene expression from random fluctuations of non-oscillatory expression in single-cell time series, despite peak-to-peak variability in period and amplitude of single-cell oscillations. We show that our method outperforms the Lomb-Scargle periodogram in successfully classifying cells as oscillatory or non-oscillatory in data simulated from a simple genetic oscillator model and in experimental data. Analysis of bioluminescent live-cell imaging shows a significantly greater number of oscillatory cells when luciferase is driven by a Hes1 promoter (10/19), which has previously been reported to oscillate, than the constitutive MoMuLV 5’ LTR (MMLV) promoter (0/25). The method can be applied to data from any gene network to both quantify the proportion of oscillating cells within a population and to measure the period and quality of oscillations. It is publicly available as a MATLAB package. PMID:28493880

Oscillatory/Chaotic Thermocapillary Flow Induced by Radiant Heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeWitt, Kenneth J.

1998-01-01

There is a continuing need to understand the fluid physics occurring under low gravity conditions in processes such as crystal growth, materials processing, and the movement of bubbles or droplets. The fluid flow in such situations is often caused by a gradient in interfacial tension. If a temperature gradient is created due to a heat source, the resulting flow is called thermocapillary flow, a special case of Marangoni Convection. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted using silicone oil in cylindrical containers with a laser heat source at the free surface. It was desired to determine the conditions under which steady, axisymmetrical thermocapillary flow becomes unstable and oscillatory three-dimensional flow states develop. The critical Marangoni number for each observed oscillatory state was measured as a function of the container aspect ratio and the dynamic Bond number, a measure of buoyant force versus ii thermocapillary force. Various oscillatory modes were observed during three- dimensional convection, and chaotic flow was reached in one test condition. The critical Marangoni numbers are compared with those measured in previous studies, and the power spectra and phase trajectories of the instantaneous surface temperature distributions are used to characterize the routes of transitions to the chaotic flow state. Results show that only superharmonic modes appear in the routes to chaos while infinite number of subharmonic modes occur in flow transitions for pure Rayleigh convection.

Membrane-bound MinDE complex acts as a toggle switch that drives Min oscillation coupled to cytoplasmic depletion of MinD

PubMed Central

Vecchiarelli, Anthony G.; Li, Min; Mizuuchi, Michiyo; Hwang, Ling Chin; Seol, Yeonee; Neuman, Keir C.; Mizuuchi, Kiyoshi

2016-01-01

The Escherichia coli Min system self-organizes into a cell-pole to cell-pole oscillator on the membrane to prevent divisions at the cell poles. Reconstituting the Min system on a lipid bilayer has contributed to elucidating the oscillatory mechanism. However, previous in vitro patterns were attained with protein densities on the bilayer far in excess of those in vivo and failed to recapitulate the standing wave oscillations observed in vivo. Here we studied Min protein patterning at limiting MinD concentrations reflecting the in vivo conditions. We identified “burst” patterns—radially expanding and imploding binding zones of MinD, accompanied by a peripheral ring of MinE. Bursts share several features with the in vivo dynamics of the Min system including standing wave oscillations. Our data support a patterning mechanism whereby the MinD-to-MinE ratio on the membrane acts as a toggle switch: recruiting and stabilizing MinD on the membrane when the ratio is high and releasing MinD from the membrane when the ratio is low. Coupling this toggle switch behavior with MinD depletion from the cytoplasm drives a self-organized standing wave oscillator. PMID:26884160

Membrane-bound MinDE complex acts as a toggle switch that drives Min oscillation coupled to cytoplasmic depletion of MinD.

PubMed

Vecchiarelli, Anthony G; Li, Min; Mizuuchi, Michiyo; Hwang, Ling Chin; Seol, Yeonee; Neuman, Keir C; Mizuuchi, Kiyoshi

2016-03-15

The Escherichia coli Min system self-organizes into a cell-pole to cell-pole oscillator on the membrane to prevent divisions at the cell poles. Reconstituting the Min system on a lipid bilayer has contributed to elucidating the oscillatory mechanism. However, previous in vitro patterns were attained with protein densities on the bilayer far in excess of those in vivo and failed to recapitulate the standing wave oscillations observed in vivo. Here we studied Min protein patterning at limiting MinD concentrations reflecting the in vivo conditions. We identified "burst" patterns--radially expanding and imploding binding zones of MinD, accompanied by a peripheral ring of MinE. Bursts share several features with the in vivo dynamics of the Min system including standing wave oscillations. Our data support a patterning mechanism whereby the MinD-to-MinE ratio on the membrane acts as a toggle switch: recruiting and stabilizing MinD on the membrane when the ratio is high and releasing MinD from the membrane when the ratio is low. Coupling this toggle switch behavior with MinD depletion from the cytoplasm drives a self-organized standing wave oscillator.

Dynamical organization of the cytoskeletal cortex probed by micropipette aspiration

PubMed Central

Brugués, Jan; Maugis, Benoit; Casademunt, Jaume; Nassoy, Pierre; Amblard, François; Sens, Pierre

2010-01-01

Bleb-based cell motility proceeds by the successive inflation and retraction of large spherical membrane protrusions (“blebs”) coupled with substrate adhesion. In addition to their role in motility, cellular blebs constitute a remarkable illustration of the dynamical interactions between the cytoskeletal cortex and the plasma membrane. Here we study the bleb-based motions of Entamoeba histolytica in the constrained geometry of a micropipette. We construct a generic theoretical model that combines the polymerization of an actin cortex underneath the plasma membrane with the myosin-generated contractile stress in the cortex and the stress-induced failure of membrane-cortex adhesion. One major parameter dictating the cell response to micropipette suction is the stationary cortex thickness, controlled by actin polymerization and depolymerization. The other relevant physical parameters can be combined into two characteristic cortex thicknesses for which the myosin stress (i) balances the suction pressure and (ii) provokes membrane-cortex unbinding. We propose a general phase diagram for cell motions inside a micropipette by comparing these three thicknesses. In particular, we theoretically predict and experimentally verify the existence of saltatory and oscillatory motions for a well-defined range of micropipette suction pressures. PMID:20713731

Regulation Mechanism of the Lateral Diffusion of Band 3 in Erythrocyte Membranes by the Membrane Skeleton

PubMed Central

Tomishige, Michio; Sako, Yasushi; Kusumi, Akihiro

1998-01-01

Mechanisms that regulate the movement of a membrane spanning protein band 3 in erythrocyte ghosts were investigated at the level of a single or small groups of molecules using single particle tracking with an enhanced time resolution (0.22 ms). Two-thirds of band 3 undergo macroscopic diffusion: a band 3 molecule is temporarily corralled in a mesh of 110 nm in diameter, and hops to an adjacent mesh an average of every 350 ms. The rest (one-third) of band 3 exhibited oscillatory motion similar to that of spectrin, suggesting that these band 3 molecules are bound to spectrin. When the membrane skeletal network was dragged and deformed/translated using optical tweezers, band 3 molecules that were undergoing hop diffusion were displaced toward the same direction as the skeleton. Mild trypsin treatment of ghosts, which cleaves off the cytoplasmic portion of band 3 without affecting spectrin, actin, and protein 4.1, increased the intercompartmental hop rate of band 3 by a factor of 6, whereas it did not change the corral size and the microscopic diffusion rate within a corral. These results indicate that the cytoplasmic portion of band 3 collides with the membrane skeleton, which causes temporal confinement of band 3 inside a mesh of the membrane skeleton. PMID:9722611

Entrainment in solution of an oscillating NADH oxidase activity from the bovine milk fat globule membrane with a temperature-compensated period length suggestive of an ultradian time-keeping (clock) function

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morre, D. James; Lawler, Juliana; Wang, Sui; Keenan, Thomas W.; Morre, Dorothy M.

2002-01-01

Entrainment in solution of an oscillating activity with a temperature compensated period of 24 min is described for a NADH oxidase (NOX) activity of the bovine milk fat globule membrane, a derivative of the mammary epithelial cell plasma membrane. The period of 24 min remained unchanged at 17 degrees C, 27 degrees C and 37 degrees C whereas the amplitude approximately doubled with each 10 degree C rise in temperature (Q(10)congruent with 2). The periodicity was observed with both intact milk fat globule membranes and with detergent-solubilized membranes, demonstrating that the oscillations did not require an association with membranes. The periodicity was not the result of instrument variation or of chemical interactions among reactants in solution. Preparations with different periodicities entrained (autosynchronized) when mixed. Upon mixing, the preparations exhibited two oscillatory patterns but eventually a single pattern representing the mean of the farthest separated maxima of the two preparations analyzed separately emerged. The cell surface NOX protein is the first reported example of an entrainable biochemical entity with a temperature-compensated periodicity potentially capable of functioning as an ultradian or circadian clock driver.

An experimental study of oscillatory thermocapillary convection in cylindrical containers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kamotani, Y.; Lee, J. H.; Ostrach, S.; Pline, A.

1992-01-01

An experimental study of oscillatory thermocapillary in small cylindrical containers with a heating wire placed along the center axis is performed by investigating the flow structures and temperature distributions under various conditions. To supplement the flow visualization the surface is scanned using an infrared imager. Here, 2 cS viscosity (Pr = 27) silicone oil is used as the test fluid. It is observed that beyond a certain temperature difference between the container wall and the heating wire, a distinctive unsteady flow pattern appears. This unsteady phenomenon is identified as oscillatory thermocapillary. After the onset of oscillations the flow structure becomes nonaxisymmetric and wave motion is observed at the free surface. It is shown that the critical temperature difference is independent of container dimensions if the aspect ratio is fixed.

Rheological aspects of C. elegans suspensions under oscillatory shear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Malvar, Sara; Carmo, Bruno S.; Cunha, Francisco R.

2017-11-01

The rheological nature of an active suspension of nematodes is discussed. The nematode chosen for the study is Caenorhabditis elegans and its motion is subjected to the time reversibility of creeping flows. We investigate how the movement of the nematodes under different volumetric fractions alter the fluid rheological characteristics, considering collective behavior. We provide a deep discussion based on the experimental data obtained through a rotating disk rheometer. Oscillatory shear and step strain tests were conducted in order to present a discussion regarding zero shear viscosity and relaxation time for different nematodes concentrations. Moreover, theassociated time scales coupling provide a good physical comprehension of active suspensions. The authors wish to aknowledge the following Brazilian research foundation: Fapesp.

Nanofluidic Transistor Circuits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Hsueh-Chia; Cheng, Li-Jing; Yan, Yu; Slouka, Zdenek; Senapati, Satyajyoti

2012-02-01

Non-equilibrium ion/fluid transport physics across on-chip membranes/nanopores is used to construct rectifying, hysteretic, oscillatory, excitatory and inhibitory nanofluidic elements. Analogs to linear resistors, capacitors, inductors and constant-phase elements were reported earlier (Chang and Yossifon, BMF 2009). Nonlinear rectifier is designed by introducing intra-membrane conductivity gradient and by asymmetric external depletion with a reverse rectification (Yossifon and Chang, PRL, PRE, Europhys Lett 2009-2011). Gating phenomenon is introduced by functionalizing polyelectrolytes whose conformation is field/pH sensitive (Wang, Chang and Zhu, Macromolecules 2010). Surface ion depletion can drive Rubinstein's microvortex instability (Chang, Yossifon and Demekhin, Annual Rev of Fluid Mech, 2012) or Onsager-Wien's water dissociation phenomenon, leading to two distinct overlimiting I-V features. Bipolar membranes exhibit an S-hysteresis due to water dissociation (Cheng and Chang, BMF 2011). Coupling the hysteretic diode with some linear elements result in autonomous ion current oscillations, which undergo classical transitions to chaos. Our integrated nanofluidic circuits are used for molecular sensing, protein separation/concentration, electrospray etc.

Diffusion of chemically reactive species in MHD oscillatory flow with thermal radiation in the presence of constant suction and injection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sasikumar, J.; Bhuvaneshwari, S.; Govindarajan, A.

2018-04-01

In this project, it is proposed to investigate the effect of suction/injection on the unsteady oscillatory flow of an incompressible viscous electrically conducting fluid through a channel filled with porous medium and non-uniform wall temperature. The fluid is subjected to a uniform magnetic field normal to the channel and the velocity slip at the cold plate is taken into consideration. With the assumption of magnetic Reynolds number to be very small, the induced magnetic field is neglected. Assuming pressure gradient to be oscillatory across the ends of the channel, resulting flow as unsteady oscillatory flow. Under the usual Bousinessq approximation, a mathematical model representing this fluid flow consisting of governing equations with boundary conditions will be developed. Closed form solutions of the dimensionless governing equations of the fluid flow, namely momentum equation, energy equation and species concentration can be obtained . The effects of heat radiation and chemical reaction with suction and injection on temperature, velocity and species concentration profiles will be analysed with tables and graphs.

Temporal entrainment of cognitive functions: musical mnemonics induce brain plasticity and oscillatory synchrony in neural networks underlying memory.

PubMed

Thaut, Michael H; Peterson, David A; McIntosh, Gerald C

2005-12-01

In a series of experiments, we have begun to investigate the effect of music as a mnemonic device on learning and memory and the underlying plasticity of oscillatory neural networks. We used verbal learning and memory tests (standardized word lists, AVLT) in conjunction with electroencephalographic analysis to determine differences between verbal learning in either a spoken or musical (verbal materials as song lyrics) modality. In healthy adults, learning in both the spoken and music condition was associated with significant increases in oscillatory synchrony across all frequency bands. A significant difference between the spoken and music condition emerged in the cortical topography of the learning-related synchronization. When using EEG measures as predictors during learning for subsequent successful memory recall, significantly increased coherence (phase-locked synchronization) within and between oscillatory brain networks emerged for music in alpha and gamma bands. In a similar study with multiple sclerosis patients, superior learning and memory was shown in the music condition when controlled for word order recall, and subjects were instructed to sing back the word lists. Also, the music condition was associated with a significant power increase in the low-alpha band in bilateral frontal networks, indicating increased neuronal synchronization. Musical learning may access compensatory pathways for memory functions during compromised PFC functions associated with learning and recall. Music learning may also confer a neurophysiological advantage through the stronger synchronization of the neuronal cell assemblies underlying verbal learning and memory. Collectively our data provide evidence that melodic-rhythmic templates as temporal structures in music may drive internal rhythm formation in recurrent cortical networks involved in learning and memory.

Oscillations during observations: Dynamic oscillatory networks serving visuospatial attention.

PubMed

Wiesman, Alex I; Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; Proskovec, Amy L; McDermott, Timothy J; Wilson, Tony W

2017-10-01

The dynamic allocation of neural resources to discrete features within a visual scene enables us to react quickly and accurately to salient environmental circumstances. A network of bilateral cortical regions is known to subserve such visuospatial attention functions; however the oscillatory and functional connectivity dynamics of information coding within this network are not fully understood. Particularly, the coding of information within prototypical attention-network hubs and the subsecond functional connections formed between these hubs have not been adequately characterized. Herein, we use the precise temporal resolution of magnetoencephalography (MEG) to define spectrally specific functional nodes and connections that underlie the deployment of attention in visual space. Twenty-three healthy young adults completed a visuospatial discrimination task designed to elicit multispectral activity in visual cortex during MEG, and the resulting data were preprocessed and reconstructed in the time-frequency domain. Oscillatory responses were projected to the cortical surface using a beamformer, and time series were extracted from peak voxels to examine their temporal evolution. Dynamic functional connectivity was then computed between nodes within each frequency band of interest. We find that visual attention network nodes are defined functionally by oscillatory frequency, that the allocation of attention to the visual space dynamically modulates functional connectivity between these regions on a millisecond timescale, and that these modulations significantly correlate with performance on a spatial discrimination task. We conclude that functional hubs underlying visuospatial attention are segregated not only anatomically but also by oscillatory frequency, and importantly that these oscillatory signatures promote dynamic communication between these hubs. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5128-5140, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Electrophysiology of the mammillary complex in vitro. II. Medial mammillary neurons

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Alonso, A.; Llinas, R. R.

1992-01-01

1. The electrophysiological properties of guinea pig medial mammillary body (MMB) neurons were studied using an in vitro slice preparation. 2. The neurons (n = 80) had an average resting potential of -57 +/- 5.5 (SD) mV, an input resistance of 176 +/- 83 M omega, and a spike amplitude of 58 +/- 15.7 mV. Most of the neurons were silent at rest (n = 52), but some fired spontaneous single spikes (n = 16) or spike bursts (n = 14). 3. The main electrophysiological characteristic of MMB neurons was the ability to generate Ca(2+)-dependent regenerative events, which resulted in very robust burst responses. However, this regenerative event was not the same for all neurons, ranging from typical low-threshold Ca2+ spikes (LTSs) to intermediate-threshold plateau potentials (ITPs). 4. The ITPs were distinct from the LTSs in that they lasted > or = 100 ms and were not inactivated at membrane potentials at or positive to -55 mV. 5. Some cells with a prominent ITP and no LTS (n = 36) displayed repetitive, usually rhythmic, bursting (n = 14). This ITP could be powerful enough to maintain rhythmic membrane potential oscillations after pharmacological block of Na+ conductances. 6. A group of 32 MMB neurons displayed complex bursting that was generated by activation of both LTSs and ITPs. This was established on the basis of their distinct time- and voltage-dependent characteristics. In a group of neurons (n = 14), the burst responses were exclusively generated by an LTS; however, a Ca(2+)-dependent plateau potential contributed to the generation of rebound-triggered oscillatory firing. 7. In addition to the Ca(2+)-dependent LTS and/or ITP, MMB neurons always displayed high-threshold Ca2+ spikes after reduction of K+ conductances with tetraethylammonium. 8. MMB neurons display one of the richer varieties of voltage-dependent Ca2+ conductances so far encountered in mammalian CNS. We propose that the very prominent endogenous bursting and oscillatory properties of MB neurons allow this nuclear complex to function as an oscillatory relay for the transmission of low-frequency rhythmic activities throughout the limbic circuit.

Time-frequency analysis of neuronal populations with instantaneous resolution based on noise-assisted multivariate empirical mode decomposition.

PubMed

Alegre-Cortés, J; Soto-Sánchez, C; Pizá, Á G; Albarracín, A L; Farfán, F D; Felice, C J; Fernández, E

2016-07-15

Linear analysis has classically provided powerful tools for understanding the behavior of neural populations, but the neuron responses to real-world stimulation are nonlinear under some conditions, and many neuronal components demonstrate strong nonlinear behavior. In spite of this, temporal and frequency dynamics of neural populations to sensory stimulation have been usually analyzed with linear approaches. In this paper, we propose the use of Noise-Assisted Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition (NA-MEMD), a data-driven template-free algorithm, plus the Hilbert transform as a suitable tool for analyzing population oscillatory dynamics in a multi-dimensional space with instantaneous frequency (IF) resolution. The proposed approach was able to extract oscillatory information of neurophysiological data of deep vibrissal nerve and visual cortex multiunit recordings that were not evidenced using linear approaches with fixed bases such as the Fourier analysis. Texture discrimination analysis performance was increased when Noise-Assisted Multivariate Empirical Mode plus Hilbert transform was implemented, compared to linear techniques. Cortical oscillatory population activity was analyzed with precise time-frequency resolution. Similarly, NA-MEMD provided increased time-frequency resolution of cortical oscillatory population activity. Noise-Assisted Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition plus Hilbert transform is an improved method to analyze neuronal population oscillatory dynamics overcoming linear and stationary assumptions of classical methods. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrodynamics of the Semi-Immersed Cylinder by Forced Oscillation Model Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Chun-hui; Fu, Shi-xiao; Tang, Xiao-ying; Hu, Ke; Ma, Lei-xin; Ren, Tong-xin

2018-03-01

In this paper, the hydrodynamic coefficients of a horizontal semi-immersed cylinder in steady current and oscillatory flow combining with constant current are obtained via forced oscillation experiments in a towing tank. Three nondimensional parameters ( Re, KC and Fr) are introduced to investigate their effects on the hydrodynamic coefficients. The experimental results show that overtopping is evident and dominates when the Reynolds number exceeds 5×105 in the experiment. Under steady current condition, overtopping increases the drag coefficient significantly at high Reynolds numbers. Under oscillatory flow with constant current condition, the added mass coefficient can even reach a maximum value about 3.5 due to overtopping while the influence of overtopping on the drag coefficient is minor.

Theory of Tumbling Bodies Entering Planetary Atmospheres with Application to Probe Vehicles and the Australian Tektites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tobak, Murray; Peterson, Victor L.

1964-01-01

The tumbling motion of aerodynamically stable bodies entering planetary atmospheres is analyzed considering that the tumbling, its arrest, and the subsequent oscillatory motion are governed by the equation for the fifth Painleve' transcendent. Results based on the asymptotic behavior of the transcendent are applied to study (1) the oscillatory behavior of planetary probe vehicles in relation to aerodynamic heating and loads and (2) the dynamic behavior of the Australian tektites on entering the Earth's atmosphere, under the hypothesis that their origin was the Moon.

Transition metal partially supported graphene: Magnetism and oscillatory electrostatic potentials

DOE PAGES

Liu, Xiaojie; Wang, Cai-Zhuang

2017-08-07

Using first-principles calculations here, we show that Mn and Cr layers under graphene exhibit almost zero magnetic moment due to anti-ferromagnetic order, while ferromagnetic coupling in Fe, Co, and Ni leads to large magnetic moment. The transition metal partially supported graphene, with a mixture of supported and pristine areas, exhibits an oscillatory electrostatic potential, thus alternating the electric field across the supported and pristine areas. Such an effect can be utilized to control mass transport and nanostructure self-organization on graphene at the atomic level.

Transition metal partially supported graphene: Magnetism and oscillatory electrostatic potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Xiaojie; Wang, Cai-Zhuang

Using first-principles calculations here, we show that Mn and Cr layers under graphene exhibit almost zero magnetic moment due to anti-ferromagnetic order, while ferromagnetic coupling in Fe, Co, and Ni leads to large magnetic moment. The transition metal partially supported graphene, with a mixture of supported and pristine areas, exhibits an oscillatory electrostatic potential, thus alternating the electric field across the supported and pristine areas. Such an effect can be utilized to control mass transport and nanostructure self-organization on graphene at the atomic level.

Nonlinear Convective Flows in a Laterally Heated Two-Layer System with a Temperature-Dependent Heat Release/Consumption at the Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simanovskii, Ilya; Viviani, Antonio; Dubois, Frank; Queeckers, Patrick

2018-01-01

Nonlinear convective flows developed under the joint action of buoyant and thermocapillary effects in a laterally heated two-layer system filling the closed cavity, have been investigated. The influence of a temperature-dependent interfacial heat release/consumption on nonlinear steady and oscillatory regimes, has been studied. It is shown that sufficiently strong temperature dependence of interfacial heat sinks and heat sources can change the sequence of bifurcations and lead to the development of specific oscillatory regimes in the system.

Division site selection in Escherichia coli involves dynamic redistribution of Min proteins within coiled structures that extend between the two cell poles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shih, Yu-Ling; Le, Trung; Rothfield, Lawrence

2003-06-01

The MinCDE proteins of Escherichia coli are required for proper placement of the division septum at midcell. The site selection process requires the rapid oscillatory redistribution of the proteins from pole to pole. We report that the three Min proteins are organized into extended membrane-associated coiled structures that wind around the cell between the two poles. The pole-to-pole oscillation of the proteins reflects oscillatory changes in their distribution within the coiled structure. We also report that the E. coli MreB protein, which is required for maintaining the rod shape of the cell, also forms extended coiled structures, which are similar to the MreB structures that have previously been reported in Bacillus subtilis. The MreB and MinCDE coiled arrays do not appear identical. The results suggest that at least two functionally distinct cytoskeletal-like elements are present in E. coli and that structures of this type can undergo dynamic changes that play important roles in division site placement and possibly other aspects of the life of the cell.

Modulation of neuronal oscillatory activity in the beta- and gamma-band is associated with current individual anxiety levels.

PubMed

Schneider, Till R; Hipp, Joerg F; Domnick, Claudia; Carl, Christine; Büchel, Christian; Engel, Andreas K

2018-05-26

Human faces are among the most salient visual stimuli and act both as socially and emotionally relevant signals. Faces and especially faces with emotional expression receive prioritized processing in the human brain and activate a distributed network of brain areas reflected, e.g., in enhanced oscillatory neuronal activity. However, an inconsistent picture emerged so far regarding neuronal oscillatory activity across different frequency-bands modulated by emotionally and socially relevant stimuli. The individual level of anxiety among healthy populations might be one explanation for these inconsistent findings. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis whether oscillatory neuronal activity is associated with individual anxiety levels during perception of faces with neutral and fearful facial expressions. We recorded neuronal activity using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in 27 healthy participants and determined their individual state anxiety levels. Images of human faces with neutral and fearful expressions, and physically matched visual control stimuli were presented while participants performed a simple color detection task. Spectral analyses revealed that face processing and in particular processing of fearful faces was characterized by enhanced neuronal activity in the theta- and gamma-band and decreased activity in the beta-band in early visual cortex and the fusiform gyrus (FFG). Moreover, the individuals' state anxiety levels correlated positively with the gamma-band response and negatively with the beta response in the FFG and the amygdala. Our results suggest that oscillatory neuronal activity plays an important role in affective face processing and is dependent on the individual level of state anxiety. Our work provides new insights on the role of oscillatory neuronal activity underlying processing of faces. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Dissociation between two subgroups of the suprachiasmatic nucleus affected by the number of damped oscillated neurons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Changgui; Yang, Huijie; Rohling, Jos HT

2017-03-01

In mammals, the main clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain synchronizes the body rhythms to the environmental light-dark cycle. The SCN is composed of about 2 ×104 neurons which can be classified into three oscillatory phenotypes: self-sustained oscillators, damped oscillators, and arrhythmic neurons. Exposed to an artificial external light-dark cycle with a period of 22 h instead of 24 h , two subgroups of the SCN can become desynchronized (dissociated). The ventrolateral (VL) subgroup receives photic input and is entrained to the external cycle and a dorsomedial (DM) subgroup oscillates with its endogenous (i.e., free running) period and is synchronized to the external light-dark cycle through coupling from the VL. In the present study, we examined the effects of damped oscillatory neurons on the dissociation between VL and DM under an external 22 h cycle. We found that, with increasing numbers of damped oscillatory neurons located in the VL, the dissociation between the VL and DM emerges, but if these neurons are increasingly present in the DM the dissociation disappears. Hence, the damped oscillatory neurons in different subregions of the SCN play distinct roles in the dissociation between the two subregions of the SCN. This shows that synchrony between SCN subregions is affected by the number of damped oscillatory neurons and the location of these cells. We suggest that more knowledge on the number and the location of these cells may explain why some species do show a dissociation between the subregions and others do not, as the distribution of oscillatory types of neurons offers a plausible and novel candidate mechanism to explain heterogeneity.

Numerical analysis of the effect of turbulence transition on the hemodynamic parameters in human coronary arteries.

PubMed

Mahalingam, Arun; Gawandalkar, Udhav Ulhas; Kini, Girish; Buradi, Abdulrajak; Araki, Tadashi; Ikeda, Nobutaka; Nicolaides, Andrew; Laird, John R; Saba, Luca; Suri, Jasjit S

2016-06-01

Local hemodynamics plays an important role in atherogenesis and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis disease (CAD). The primary biological effect due to blood turbulence is the change in wall shear stress (WSS) on the endothelial cell membrane, while the local oscillatory nature of the blood flow affects the physiological changes in the coronary artery. In coronary arteries, the blood flow Reynolds number ranges from few tens to several hundreds and hence it is generally assumed to be laminar while calculating the WSS calculations. However, the pulsatile blood flow through coronary arteries under stenotic condition could result in transition from laminar to turbulent flow condition. In the present work, the onset of turbulent transition during pulsatile flow through coronary arteries for varying degree of stenosis (i.e., 0%, 30%, 50% and 70%) is quantitatively analyzed by calculating the turbulent parameters distal to the stenosis. Also, the effect of turbulence transition on hemodynamic parameters such as WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) for varying degree of stenosis is quantified. The validated transitional shear stress transport (SST) k-ω model used in the present investigation is the best suited Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence model to capture the turbulent transition. The arterial wall is assumed to be rigid and the dynamic curvature effect due to myocardial contraction on the blood flow has been neglected. Our observations shows that for stenosis 50% and above, the WSSavg, WSSmax and OSI calculated using turbulence model deviates from laminar by more than 10% and the flow disturbances seems to significantly increase only after 70% stenosis. Our model shows reliability and completely validated. Blood flow through stenosed coronary arteries seems to be turbulent in nature for area stenosis above 70% and the transition to turbulent flow begins from 50% stenosis.

Analysis of the cochlear amplifier fluid pump hypothesis.

PubMed

Zagadou, Brissi Franck; Mountain, David C

2012-04-01

We use analysis of a realistic three-dimensional finite-element model of the tunnel of Corti (ToC) in the middle turn of the gerbil cochlea tuned to the characteristic frequency (CF) of 4 kHz to show that the anatomical structure of the organ of Corti (OC) is consistent with the hypothesis that the cochlear amplifier functions as a fluid pump. The experimental evidence for the fluid pump is that outer hair cell (OHC) contraction and expansion induce oscillatory flow in the ToC. We show that this oscillatory flow can produce a fluid wave traveling in the ToC and that the outer pillar cells (OPC) do not present a significant barrier to fluid flow into the ToC. The wavelength of the resulting fluid wave launched into the tunnel at the CF is 1.5 mm, which is somewhat longer than the wavelength estimated for the classical traveling wave. This fluid wave propagates at least one wavelength before being significantly attenuated. We also investigated the effect of OPC spacing on fluid flow into the ToC and found that, for physiologically relevant spacing between the OPCs, the impedance estimate is similar to that of the underlying basilar membrane. We conclude that the row of OPCs does not significantly impede fluid exchange between ToC and the space between the row of OPC and the first row of OHC-Dieter's cells complex, and hence does not lead to excessive power loss. The BM displacement resulting from the fluid pumped into the ToC is significant for motion amplification. Our results support the hypothesis that there is an additional source of longitudinal coupling, provided by the ToC, as required in many non-classical models of the cochlear amplifier.

Structured Water Layers Adjacent to Biological Membranes

PubMed Central

Higgins, Michael J.; Polcik, Martin; Fukuma, Takeshi; Sader, John E.; Nakayama, Yoshikazu; Jarvis, Suzanne P.

2006-01-01

Water amid the restricted space of crowded biological macromolecules and at membrane interfaces is essential for cell function, though the structure and function of this “biological water” itself remains poorly defined. The force required to remove strongly bound water is referred to as the hydration force and due to its widespread importance, it has been studied in numerous systems. Here, by using a highly sensitive dynamic atomic force microscope technique in conjunction with a carbon nanotube probe, we reveal a hydration force with an oscillatory profile that reflects the removal of up to five structured water layers from between the probe and biological membrane surface. Further, we find that the hydration force can be modified by changing the membrane fluidity. For 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine gel (Lβ) phase bilayers, each oscillation in the force profile indicates the force required to displace a single layer of water molecules from between the probe and bilayer. In contrast, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine fluid (Lα) phase bilayers at 60°C and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine fluid (Lα) phase bilayers at 24°C seriously disrupt the molecular ordering of the water and result predominantly in a monotonic force profile. PMID:16798815

A generalized locomotion CPG architecture based on oscillatory building blocks.

PubMed

Yang, Zhijun; França, Felipe M G

2003-07-01

Neural oscillation is one of the most extensively investigated topics of artificial neural networks. Scientific approaches to the functionalities of both natural and artificial intelligences are strongly related to mechanisms underlying oscillatory activities. This paper concerns itself with the assumption of the existence of central pattern generators (CPGs), which are the plausible neural architectures with oscillatory capabilities, and presents a discrete and generalized approach to the functionality of locomotor CPGs of legged animals. Based on scheduling by multiple edge reversal (SMER), a primitive and deterministic distributed algorithm, it is shown how oscillatory building block (OBB) modules can be created and, hence, how OBB-based networks can be formulated as asymmetric Hopfield-like neural networks for the generation of complex coordinated rhythmic patterns observed among pairs of biological motor neurons working during different gait patterns. It is also shown that the resulting Hopfield-like network possesses the property of reproducing the whole spectrum of different gaits intrinsic to the target locomotor CPGs. Although the new approach is not restricted to the understanding of the neurolocomotor system of any particular animal, hexapodal and quadrupedal gait patterns are chosen as illustrations given the wide interest expressed by the ongoing research in the area.

Fresnel diffractograms from pure-phase wave fields under perfect spatio-temporal coherence: Non-linear/non-local aspects and far-field behavior.

PubMed

Trost, F; Hahn, S; Müller, Y; Gasilov, S; Hofmann, R; Baumbach, T

2017-12-18

Recently, the diffractogram, that is, the Fourier transform of the intensity contrast induced by Fresnel free-space propagation of a given (exit) wave field, was investigated non-perturbatively in the phase-scaling factor S (controlling the strength of phase variation) for the special case of a Gaussian phase of width [Formula: see text]. Surprisingly, an additional low-frequency zero σ *  = σ * (S, F) >0 emerges critically at small Fresnel number F (σ proportional to square of 2D spatial frequency). Here, we study the S-scaling behavior of the entire diffractogram. We identify a valley of maximum S-scaling linearity in the F - σ plane corresponding to a nearly universal physical frequency ξml = (0:143 ± 0.001)w -1/2 . Large values of F (near field) are shown to imply S-scaling linearity for low σ but nowhere else (overdamped non-oscillatory). In contrast, small F values (far field) entail distinct, sizable s-bands of good S-scaling linearity (damped oscillatory). These bands also occur in simulated diffractograms induced by a complex phase map (Lena). The transition from damped oscillatory to overdamped non-oscillatory diffractograms is shown to be a critical phenomenon for the Gaussian case. We also give evidence for the occurrence of this transition in an X-ray imaging experiment. Finally, we show that the extreme far-field limit generates a σ-universal diffractogram under certain requirements on the phase map: information on phase shape then is solely encoded in S-scaling behavior.

Delay selection by spike-timing-dependent plasticity in recurrent networks of spiking neurons receiving oscillatory inputs.

PubMed

Kerr, Robert R; Burkitt, Anthony N; Thomas, Doreen A; Gilson, Matthieu; Grayden, David B

2013-01-01

Learning rules, such as spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), change the structure of networks of neurons based on the firing activity. A network level understanding of these mechanisms can help infer how the brain learns patterns and processes information. Previous studies have shown that STDP selectively potentiates feed-forward connections that have specific axonal delays, and that this underlies behavioral functions such as sound localization in the auditory brainstem of the barn owl. In this study, we investigate how STDP leads to the selective potentiation of recurrent connections with different axonal and dendritic delays during oscillatory activity. We develop analytical models of learning with additive STDP in recurrent networks driven by oscillatory inputs, and support the results using simulations with leaky integrate-and-fire neurons. Our results show selective potentiation of connections with specific axonal delays, which depended on the input frequency. In addition, we demonstrate how this can lead to a network becoming selective in the amplitude of its oscillatory response to this frequency. We extend this model of axonal delay selection within a single recurrent network in two ways. First, we show the selective potentiation of connections with a range of both axonal and dendritic delays. Second, we show axonal delay selection between multiple groups receiving out-of-phase, oscillatory inputs. We discuss the application of these models to the formation and activation of neuronal ensembles or cell assemblies in the cortex, and also to missing fundamental pitch perception in the auditory brainstem.

Delay Selection by Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity in Recurrent Networks of Spiking Neurons Receiving Oscillatory Inputs

PubMed Central

Kerr, Robert R.; Burkitt, Anthony N.; Thomas, Doreen A.; Gilson, Matthieu; Grayden, David B.

2013-01-01

Learning rules, such as spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), change the structure of networks of neurons based on the firing activity. A network level understanding of these mechanisms can help infer how the brain learns patterns and processes information. Previous studies have shown that STDP selectively potentiates feed-forward connections that have specific axonal delays, and that this underlies behavioral functions such as sound localization in the auditory brainstem of the barn owl. In this study, we investigate how STDP leads to the selective potentiation of recurrent connections with different axonal and dendritic delays during oscillatory activity. We develop analytical models of learning with additive STDP in recurrent networks driven by oscillatory inputs, and support the results using simulations with leaky integrate-and-fire neurons. Our results show selective potentiation of connections with specific axonal delays, which depended on the input frequency. In addition, we demonstrate how this can lead to a network becoming selective in the amplitude of its oscillatory response to this frequency. We extend this model of axonal delay selection within a single recurrent network in two ways. First, we show the selective potentiation of connections with a range of both axonal and dendritic delays. Second, we show axonal delay selection between multiple groups receiving out-of-phase, oscillatory inputs. We discuss the application of these models to the formation and activation of neuronal ensembles or cell assemblies in the cortex, and also to missing fundamental pitch perception in the auditory brainstem. PMID:23408878

Design and Characterization of a Dynamic Vibrational Culture System

PubMed Central

Farran, Alexandra J. E.; Teller, Sean S.; Jia, Fang; Rodney, J. Clifton; Duncan, Randall L.; Jia, Xinqiao

2014-01-01

To engineer a functional vocal fold tissue, the mechanical environment of the native tissue needs to be emulated in vitro. We have created a dynamic culture system capable of generating vibratory stimulations at human phonation frequencies. The novel device is composed of a function generator, a power amplifier, an enclosed loudspeaker and a circumferentially-anchored silicone membrane. The vibration signals are translated to the membrane aerodynamically by the oscillating air pressure underneath. The vibration profiles detected on the membrane were symmetrical relative to the center of the membrane as well as the resting position over the range of frequencies (60–300 Hz) and amplitudes tested (1–30 μm). The oscillatory motion of the membrane gave rise to two orthogonal, in-plane strain components that are similar in magnitude (0.47%), and are strong functions of membrane thickness. Neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (NFFs) attached to the membrane were subjected to a 1-h vibration at 60, 110 and 300 Hz, with the displacement at the center of the membrane varying from 1 to 30 μm, followed by a 6-h rest. These regimens did not cause morphological changes to the cells. An increase in cell proliferation was detected when NFFs were driven into oscillation at 110 Hz with a normal displacement of 30 μm. qPCR results showed that the expression of genes encoding some extracellular matrix proteins was altered in response to changes in vibratory frequency and amplitude. The dynamic culture device provides a potentially useful in vitro platform for evaluating cellular responses to vibration. PMID:22095782

Recognition and processing of randomly fluctuating electric signals by Na,K-ATPase.

PubMed Central

Xie, T. D.; Marszalek, P.; Chen, Y. D.; Tsong, T. Y.

1994-01-01

Previous work has shown that Na,K-ATPase of human erythrocytes can extract free energy from sinusoidal electric fields to pump cations up their respective concentration gradients. Because regularly oscillating waveform is not a feature of the transmembrane electric potential of cells, questions have been raised whether these observed effects are biologically relevant. Here we show that a random-telegraph fluctuating electric field (RTF) consisting of alternating square electric pulses with random lifetimes can also stimulate the Rb(+)-pumping mode of the Na,K-ATPase. The net RTF-stimulated, ouabain-sensitive Rb+ pumping was monitored with 86Rb+. The tracer-measured, Rb+ influx exhibited frequency and amplitude dependencies that peaked at the mean frequency of 1.0 kHz and amplitude of 20 V/cm. At 4 degrees C, the maximal pumping activity under these optimal conditions was 28 Rb+/RBC-hr, which is approximately 50% higher than that obtained with the sinusoidal electric field. These findings indicate that Na,K-ATPase can recognize an electric signal, either regularly oscillatory or randomly fluctuating, for energy coupling, with high fidelity. The use of RTF for activation also allowed a quantitative theoretical analysis of kinetics of a membrane transport model of any complexity according to the theory of electroconformational coupling (ECC) by the diagram methods. A four-state ECC model was shown to produce the amplitude and the frequency windows of the Rb(+)-pumping if the free energy of interaction of the transporter with the membrane potential was to include a nonlinear quadratic term. Kinetic constants for the ECC model have been derived. These results indicate that the ECC is a plausible mechanism for the recognition and processing of electric signals by proteins of the cell membrane. PMID:7811939

Impaired Bioenergetics in Mutant Mitochondrial DNA Determines Cell Fate During Seizure-Like Activity.

PubMed

Kovac, Stjepana; Preza, Elisavet; Houlden, Henry; Walker, Matthew C; Abramov, Andrey Y

2018-04-27

Mutations in genes affecting mitochondrial proteins are increasingly recognised in patients with epilepsy, but the factors determining cell fate during seizure activity in these mutations remain unknown. Fluorescent dye imaging techniques were applied to fibroblast cell lines from patients suffering from common mitochondrial mutations and to age-matched controls. Using live cell imaging techniques in fibroblasts, we show that fibroblasts with mutations in the mitochondrial genome had reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and NADH pools and higher redox indices, indicative of respiratory chain dysfunction. Increasing concentrations of ferutinin, a Ca 2+ ionophore, led to oscillatory Ca 2+ signals in fibroblasts resembling dynamic Ca 2+ changes that occur during seizure-like activity. Co-monitoring of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ m ) changes induced by ferutinin showed accelerated membrane depolarisation and cell collapse in fibroblasts with mutations in the mitochondrial genome when compared to controls. Ca 2+ flash photolysis using caged Ca 2+ confirmed impaired Ca 2+ handling in fibroblasts with mitochondrial mutations. Findings indicate that intracellular Ca 2+ levels cannot be compensated during periods of hyperexcitability, leading to Ca 2+ overload and subsequent cell death in mitochondrial diseases.

Influence of chronic endurance exercise training on conduit artery retrograde and oscillatory shear in older adults.

PubMed

Casey, Darren P; Schneider, Aaron C; Ueda, Kenichi

2016-10-01

With aging, there tends to be an increase in retrograde and oscillatory shear in peripheral conduit arteries of humans. Whether the increase in shear rate is due to the aging process or an effect of a less active lifestyle that often accompanies aging is unknown. Therefore, we examined whether chronic endurance exercise training attenuates conduit artery retrograde and oscillatory shear in older adults. Brachial and common femoral artery mean blood velocities and diameter were determined via Doppler ultrasound under resting conditions, and shear rate was calculated in 13 young (24 ± 2 years), 17 older untrained (66 ± 3 years), and 16 older endurance exercise-trained adults (66 ± 7 years). Brachial artery retrograde (-9.1 ± 6.4 vs. -12.6 ± 9.4 s(-1); P = 0.35) and oscillatory (0.14 ± 0.08 vs. 0.14 ± 0.08 arbitrary units; P = 0.99) shear were similar between the older trained and untrained groups, whereas brachial artery retrograde and oscillatory shear were greater in older untrained compared to young adults (-5.0 ± 3.4, 0.08 ± 0.05 s(-1) arbitrary units, P = 0.017 and 0.048, respectively). There was no difference between the young and older trained brachial retrograde (P = 0.29) and oscillatory (P = 0.07) shear. Common femoral artery retrograde (-6.3 ± 2.9 s(-1)) and oscillatory (0.21 ± 0.08 arbitrary units) shear were reduced in older trained compared to the older untrained group (-10.4 ± 4.1 and 0.30 ± 0.09 s(-1) arbitrary units, both P = 0.005 and 0.006, respectively), yet similar to young adults (-7.1 ± 3.5 and 0.19 ± 0.06 s(-1) arbitrary units, P = 0.81 and 0.87, respectively). Our results suggest that chronic endurance exercise training in older adults ameliorates retrograde and oscillatory shear rate patterns, particularly in the common femoral artery.

The plasma membrane-associated NADH oxidase (ECTO-NOX) of mouse skin responds to blue light

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morre, D. James; Morre, Dorothy M.

2003-01-01

NADH oxidases of the external plasma membrane surface (ECTO-NOX proteins) are characterized by oscillations in activity with a regular period length of 24 min. Explants of mouse skin exhibit the oscillatory activity as estimated from the decrease in A(340) suggesting that individual ECTO-NOX molecules must somehow be induced to function synchronously. Transfer of explants of mouse skin from darkness to blue light (495 nm, 2 min, 50 micromol m(-1) s(-1)) resulted in initiation of a new activity maximum (entrainment) with a midpoint 36 min after light exposure followed by maxima every 24 min thereafter. Addition of melatonin resulted in a new maximum 24 min after melatonin addition. The findings suggest that the ECTO-NOX proteins play a central role in the entrainment of the biological clock both by light and by melatonin.

Cortical Actomyosin Breakage Triggers Shape Oscillations in Cells and Cell Fragments

PubMed Central

Paluch, Ewa; Piel, Matthieu; Prost, Jacques; Bornens, Michel; Sykes, Cécile

2005-01-01

Cell shape and movements rely on complex biochemical pathways that regulate actin, microtubules, and substrate adhesions. Some of these pathways act through altering the cortex contractility. Here we examined cellular systems where contractility is enhanced by disassembly of the microtubules. We found that adherent cells, when detached from their substrate, developed a membrane bulge devoid of detectable actin and myosin. A constriction ring at the base of the bulge oscillated from one side of the cell to the other. The movement was accompanied by sequential redistribution of actin and myosin to the membrane. We observed this oscillatory behavior also in cell fragments of various sizes, providing a simplified, nucleus-free system for biophysical studies. Our observations suggest a mechanism based on active gel dynamics and inspired by symmetry breaking of actin gels growing around beads. The proposed mechanism for breakage of the actomyosin cortex may be used for cell polarization. PMID:15879479

Constant flow-driven microfluidic oscillator for different duty cycles

PubMed Central

Kim, Sung-Jin; Yokokawa, Ryuji; Lesher-Perez, Sasha Cai; Takayama, Shuichi

2012-01-01

This paper presents microfluidic devices that autonomously convert two constant flow inputs into an alternating oscillatory flow output. We accomplish this hardware embedded self-control programming using normally closed membrane valves that have an inlet, an outlet, and a membrane-pressurization chamber connected to a third terminal. Adjustment of threshold opening pressures in these 3-terminal flow switching valves enabled adjustment of oscillation periods to between 57–360 s with duty cycles of 0.2–0.5. These values are in relatively good agreement with theoretical values, providing the way for rational design of an even wider range of different waveform oscillations. We also demonstrate the ability to use these oscillators to perform temporally patterned delivery of chemicals to living cells. The device only needs a syringe pump, thus removing the use of complex, expensive external actuators. These tunable waveform microfluidic oscillators are envisioned to facilitate cell-based studies that require temporal stimulation. PMID:22206453

Spatiotemporal dynamics of oscillatory cellular patterns in three-dimensional directional solidification.

PubMed

Bergeon, N; Tourret, D; Chen, L; Debierre, J-M; Guérin, R; Ramirez, A; Billia, B; Karma, A; Trivedi, R

2013-05-31

We report results of directional solidification experiments conducted on board the International Space Station and quantitative phase-field modeling of those experiments. The experiments image for the first time in situ the spatially extended dynamics of three-dimensional cellular array patterns formed under microgravity conditions where fluid flow is suppressed. Experiments and phase-field simulations reveal the existence of oscillatory breathing modes with time periods of several 10's of minutes. Oscillating cells are usually noncoherent due to array disorder, with the exception of small areas where the array structure is regular and stable.

Unsteady Oxygen Transfer in Space-Filling Models of the Pulmonary Acinus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofemeier, Philipp; Shachar-Berman, Lihi; Filoche, Marcel; Sznitman, Josue

2014-11-01

Diffusional screening in the pulmonary acinus is a well-known physical phenomenon that results from the depletion of fresh oxygen in proximal acinar generations diffusing through the alveolar wall membranes and effectively creating a gradient in the oxygen partial pressure along the acinar airways. Until present, most studies have focused on steady-state oxygen diffusion in generic sub-acinar structures and discarded convective oxygen transport due to low Peclet numbers in this region. Such studies, however, fall typically short in capturing the complex morphology of acinar airways as well as the oscillatory nature of convecive acinar breathing. Here, we revisit this problem and solve the convective-diffusive transport equations in breathing 3D acinar structures, underlining the significance of convective flows in proximal acinar generations as well as recirculating alveolar flow patterns. In particular, to assess diffusional screening, we monitor time-dependent efficiencies of the acinus under cyclic breathing motion. Our study emphasizes the necessity of capturing both a dynamically breathing and anatomically-realistic model of the sub-acinus to characterize unsteady oxygen transport across the acinar walls.

Biophysically realistic minimal model of dopamine neuron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oprisan, Sorinel

2008-03-01

We proposed and studied a new biophysically relevant computational model of dopaminergic neurons. Midbrain dopamine neurons are involved in motivation and the control of movement, and have been implicated in various pathologies such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug abuse. The model we developed is a single-compartment Hodgkin-Huxley (HH)-type parallel conductance membrane model. The model captures the essential mechanisms underlying the slow oscillatory potentials and plateau potential oscillations. The main currents involved are: 1) a voltage-dependent fast calcium current, 2) a small conductance potassium current that is modulated by the cytosolic concentration of calcium, and 3) a slow voltage-activated potassium current. We developed multidimensional bifurcation diagrams and extracted the effective domains of sustained oscillations. The model includes a calcium balance due to the fundamental importance of calcium influx as proved by simultaneous electrophysiological and calcium imaging procedure. Although there are significant evidences to suggest a partially electrogenic calcium pump, all previous models considered only elecrtogenic pumps. We investigated the effect of the electrogenic calcium pump on the bifurcation diagram of the model and compared our findings against the experimental results.

Modulation of alpha and gamma oscillations related to retrospectively orienting attention within working memory.

PubMed

Poch, Claudia; Campo, Pablo; Barnes, Gareth R

2014-07-01

Selective attention mechanisms allow us to focus on information that is relevant to the current behavior and, equally important, ignore irrelevant information. An influential model proposes that oscillatory neural activity in the alpha band serves as an active functional inhibitory mechanism. Recent studies have shown that, in the same way that attention can be selectively oriented to bias sensory processing in favor of relevant stimuli in perceptual tasks, it is also possible to retrospectively orient attention to internal representations held in working memory. However, these studies have not explored the associated oscillatory phenomena. In the current study, we analysed the patterns of neural oscillatory activity recorded with magnetoencephalography while participants performed a change detection task, in which a spatial retro-cue was presented during the maintenance period, indicating which item or items were relevant for subsequent retrieval. Participants benefited from retro-cues in terms of accuracy and reaction time. Retro-cues also modulated oscillatory activity in the alpha and gamma frequency bands. We observed greater alpha activity in a ventral visual region ipsilateral to the attended hemifield, thus supporting its suppressive role, i.e., a functional disengagement of task-irrelevant regions. Accompanying this modulation, we found an increase in gamma activity contralateral to the attended hemifield, which could reflect attentional orienting and selective processing. These findings suggest that the oscillatory mechanisms underlying attentional orienting to representations held in working memory are similar to those engaged when attention is oriented in the perceptual space. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Neuroscience published by Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Dynamical properties of the brain tissue under oscillatory shear stresses at large strain range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudjema, F.; Khelidj, B.; Lounis, M.

2017-01-01

In this experimental work, we study the viscoelastic behaviour of in vitro brain tissue, particularly the white matter, under oscillatory shear strain. The selective vulnerability of this tissue is the anisotropic mechanical properties of theirs different regions lead to a sensitivity to the angular shear rate and magnitude of strain. For this aim, shear storage modulus (G‧) and loss modulus (G″) were measured over a range of frequencies (1 to 100 Hz), for different levels of strain (1 %, to 50 %). The mechanical responses of the brain matter samples showed a viscoelastic behaviour that depend on the correlated strain level and frequency range and old age sample. The samples have been showed evolution behaviour by increasing then decreasing the strain level. Also, the stiffness anisotropy of brain matter was showed between regions and species.

On oscillatory microstructure during cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn–36at.%Ni peritectic alloy

PubMed Central

Peng, Peng; Li, Xinzhong; Li, Jiangong; Su, Yanqing; Guo, Jingjie

2016-01-01

An oscillatory microstructure has been observed during deep-cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn–36at.%Ni hyperperitectic alloy containing intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range. This oscillatory microstructure with a dimension of tens of micrometers has been observed for the first time. The morphology of this wave-like oscillatory structure is similar to secondary dendrite arms, and can be observed only in some local positions of the sample. Through analysis such as successive sectioning of the sample, it can be concluded that this oscillatory microstructure is caused by oscillatory convection of the mushy zone during solidification. And the influence of convection on this oscillatory microstructure was characterized through comparison between experimental and calculations results on the wavelength. Besides, the change in morphology of this oscillatory microstructure has been proved to be caused by peritectic transformation during solidification. Furthermore, the melt concentration increases continuously during solidification of intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range, which helps formation of this oscillatory microstructure. PMID:27066761

On oscillatory microstructure during cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn-36at.%Ni peritectic alloy.

PubMed

Peng, Peng; Li, Xinzhong; Li, Jiangong; Su, Yanqing; Guo, Jingjie

2016-04-12

An oscillatory microstructure has been observed during deep-cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn-36at.%Ni hyperperitectic alloy containing intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range. This oscillatory microstructure with a dimension of tens of micrometers has been observed for the first time. The morphology of this wave-like oscillatory structure is similar to secondary dendrite arms, and can be observed only in some local positions of the sample. Through analysis such as successive sectioning of the sample, it can be concluded that this oscillatory microstructure is caused by oscillatory convection of the mushy zone during solidification. And the influence of convection on this oscillatory microstructure was characterized through comparison between experimental and calculations results on the wavelength. Besides, the change in morphology of this oscillatory microstructure has been proved to be caused by peritectic transformation during solidification. Furthermore, the melt concentration increases continuously during solidification of intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range, which helps formation of this oscillatory microstructure.

Synchronization properties of networks of electrically coupled neurons in the presence of noise and heterogeneities.

PubMed

Ostojic, Srdjan; Brunel, Nicolas; Hakim, Vincent

2009-06-01

We investigate how synchrony can be generated or induced in networks of electrically coupled integrate-and-fire neurons subject to noisy and heterogeneous inputs. Using analytical tools, we find that in a network under constant external inputs, synchrony can appear via a Hopf bifurcation from the asynchronous state to an oscillatory state. In a homogeneous net work, in the oscillatory state all neurons fire in synchrony, while in a heterogeneous network synchrony is looser, many neurons skipping cycles of the oscillation. If the transmission of action potentials via the electrical synapses is effectively excitatory, the Hopf bifurcation is supercritical, while effectively inhibitory transmission due to pronounced hyperpolarization leads to a subcritical bifurcation. In the latter case, the network exhibits bistability between an asynchronous state and an oscillatory state where all the neurons fire in synchrony. Finally we show that for time-varying external inputs, electrical coupling enhances the synchronization in an asynchronous network via a resonance at the firing-rate frequency.

Sinusoidal Forcing of Interfacial Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rasheed, Fayaz; Raghunandan, Aditya; Hirsa, Amir; Lopez, Juan

2015-11-01

Fluid transport, in vivo, is accomplished via pumping mechanisms of the heart and lungs, which results in biological fluids being subjected to oscillatory shear. Flow is known to influence biological macromolecules, but predicting the effect of shear is incomplete without also accounting for the influence of complex interfaces ubiquitous throughout the body. Here, we investigated the oscillatory response of the structure of aqueous interfacial films using a cylindrical knife edge viscometer. Vitamin K1 was used as a model monolayer because its behaviour has been thoroughly quantified and it doesn't show any measurable hysteresis. The monolayer was subjected to sinusoidal forcing under varied conditions of surface concentrations, periodic frequencies, and knife edge amplitudes. Particle Image Velocimetry(PIV) data was collected using Brewster Angle Microscopy(BAM), revealing the influence of oscillatory interfacial shear stress on the monolayer. Insights were gained as to how the velocity profile dampens at specific distances from the knife edge contact depending on the amplitude, frequency, and concentration of Vitamin K1. Supported by NNX13AQ22G, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Cellular and oscillatory substrates of fear extinction learning.

PubMed

Davis, Patrick; Zaki, Yosif; Maguire, Jamie; Reijmers, Leon G

2017-11-01

The mammalian brain contains dedicated circuits for both the learned expression and suppression of fear. These circuits require precise coordination to facilitate the appropriate expression of fear behavior, but the mechanisms underlying this coordination remain unclear. Using a combination of chemogenetics, activity-based neuronal-ensemble labeling and in vivo electrophysiology, we found that fear extinction learning confers on parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) a dedicated role in the selective suppression of a previously encoded fear memory and BLA fear-encoding neurons. In addition, following extinction learning, PV interneurons enable a competing interaction between a 6-12 Hz oscillation and a fear-associated 3-6 Hz oscillation within the BLA. Loss of this competition increases a 3-6 Hz oscillatory signature, with BLA→medial prefrontal cortex directionality signaling the recurrence of fear expression. The discovery of cellular and oscillatory substrates of fear extinction learning that critically depend on BLA PV interneurons could inform therapies aimed at preventing the pathological recurrence of fear following extinction learning.

Cellular and Oscillatory Substrates of Fear Extinction Learning

PubMed Central

Davis, Patrick; Zaki, Yosif; Maguire, Jamie; Reijmers, Leon G.

2018-01-01

The mammalian brain contains dedicated circuits for both the learned expression and suppression of fear. These circuits require precise coordination to facilitate the appropriate expression of fear behavior, but the mechanisms underlying this coordination remain unclear. Using a novel combination of chemogenetics, activity-based neuronal-ensemble labeling, and in vivo electrophysiology, we found that fear extinction learning confers parvalbumin-expressing (PV) interneurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) with a dedicated role in the selective suppression of a previously encoded fear memory and BLA fear-encoding neurons. In addition, following extinction learning, PV interneurons enable a competing interaction between a 6–12 Hz oscillation and a fear-associated 3–6 Hz oscillation within the BLA. Loss of this competition increases a 3–6 Hz oscillatory signature, with BLA→mPFC directionality signaling the recurrence of fear expression. The discovery of cellular and oscillatory substrates of fear extinction learning that critically depend on BLA PV-interneurons could inform therapies aimed at preventing the pathological recurrence of fear following extinction learning. PMID:28967909

Calcium feedback mechanisms regulate oscillatory activity of a TRP-like Ca2+ conductance in C. elegans intestinal cells

PubMed Central

Estevez, Ana Y; Strange, Kevin

2005-01-01

Inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)-dependent Ca2+ oscillations in Caenorhabditis elegans intestinal epithelial cells regulate the nematode defecation cycle. The role of plasma membrane ion channels in intestinal cell oscillatory Ca2+ signalling is unknown. We have shown previously that cultured intestinal cells express a Ca2+-selective conductance, IORCa, that is biophysically similar to TRPM7 currents. IORCa activates slowly and stabilizes when cells are patch clamped with pipette solutions containing 10 mm BAPTA and free Ca2+ concentrations of ∼17 nm. However, when BAPTA concentration is lowered to 1 mm, IORCa oscillates. Oscillations in channel activity induced simultaneous oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ inhibited IORCa oscillations, whereas readdition of Ca2+ to the bath caused a rapid and transient reactivation of the current. Experimental manoeuvres that elevated intracellular Ca2+ blocked current oscillations. Elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in the presence of 10 mm BAPTA to block IORCa oscillations led to a dose-dependent increase in the rate of current activation. At intracellular Ca2+ concentrations of 250 nm, current activation was transient. Patch pipette solutions buffered with 1–4 mm of either BAPTA or EGTA gave rise to similar patterns of IORCa oscillations. We conclude that changes in Ca2+ concentration close to the intracellular opening of the channel pore regulate channel activity. Low concentrations of Ca2+ activate the channel. As Ca2+ enters and accumulates near the pore mouth, channel activity is inhibited. Oscillating plasma membrane Ca2+ entry may play a role in generating intracellular Ca2+ oscillations that regulate the C. elegans defecation rhythm. PMID:15961418

Synchronous Oscillations in Microtubule Polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlier, M. F.; Melki, R.; Pantaloni, D.; Hill, T. L.; Chen, Y.

1987-08-01

Under conditions where microtubule nucleation and growth are fast (i.e., high magnesium ion and tubulin concentrations and absence of glycerol), microtubule assembly in vitro exhibits an oscillatory regime preceding the establishment of steady state. The amplitude of the oscillations can represent >50% of the maximum turbidity change and oscillations persist for up to 20 periods of 80 s each. Oscillations are accompanied by extensive length redistribution of microtubules. Preliminary work suggests that the oscillatory kinetics can be simulated using a model in which many microtubules undergo synchronous transitions between growing and rapidly depolymerizing phases, complicated by the kinetically limiting rate of nucleotide exchange on free tubulin.

Characterizing Weak-Link Effects in Mo/Au Transition-Edge Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen

2011-01-01

We are developing Mo/Au bilayer transition-edge sensors (TESs) for applications in X-ray astronomy. Critical current measurements on these TESs show they act as weak superconducting links exhibiting oscillatory, Fraunhofer-like, behavior with applied magnetic field. In this contribution we investigate the implications of this behavior for TES detectors, under operational bias conditions. This includes characterizing the logarithmic resistance sensitivity with temperature, (alpha, and current, beta, as a function of applied magnetic field and bias point within the resistive transition. Results show that these important device parameters exhibit similar oscillatory behavior with applied magnetic field, which in turn affects the signal responsivity, noise and energy resolution.

Hydrodynamic parameters of mesh fillers relevant to miniature regenerative cryocoolers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landrum, E. C.; Conrad, T. J.; Ghiaasiaan, S. M.; Kirkconnell, Carl S.

2010-06-01

Directional hydrodynamic parameters of two fine-mesh porous materials that are suitable for miniature regenerative cryocoolers were studied under steady and oscillating flows of helium. These materials included stacked discs of #635 stainless steel (wire diameter of 20.3 μm) and #325 phosphor bronze (wire diameter of 35.6 μm) wire mesh screens, which are among the commercially available fillers for use in small-scale regenerators and heat exchangers, respectively. Experiments were performed in test sections in which pressure variations across these fillers, in the axial and lateral (radial) directions, were measured under steady and oscillatory flows. The directional permeability and Forchheimer's inertial coefficient were then obtained by using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-assisted method. The oscillatory flow experiments covered a frequency range of 50-200 Hz. The results confirmed the importance of anisotropy in the mesh screen fillers, and indicated differences between the directional hydrodynamic resistance parameters for steady and oscillating flow regimes.

Oscillatory Activities in Neurological Disorders of Elderly: Biomarkers to Target for Neuromodulation.

PubMed

Giovanni, Assenza; Capone, Fioravante; di Biase, Lazzaro; Ferreri, Florinda; Florio, Lucia; Guerra, Andrea; Marano, Massimo; Paolucci, Matteo; Ranieri, Federico; Salomone, Gaetano; Tombini, Mario; Thut, Gregor; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo

2017-01-01

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been under investigation as adjunct treatment of various neurological disorders with variable success. One challenge is the limited knowledge on what would be effective neuronal targets for an intervention, combined with limited knowledge on the neuronal mechanisms of NIBS. Motivated on the one hand by recent evidence that oscillatory activities in neural systems play a role in orchestrating brain functions and dysfunctions, in particular those of neurological disorders specific of elderly patients, and on the other hand that NIBS techniques may be used to interact with these brain oscillations in a controlled way, we here explore the potential of modulating brain oscillations as an effective strategy for clinical NIBS interventions. We first review the evidence for abnormal oscillatory profiles to be associated with a range of neurological disorders of elderly (e.g., Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, epilepsy), and for these signals of abnormal network activity to normalize with treatment, and/or to be predictive of disease progression or recovery. We then ask the question to what extent existing NIBS protocols have been tailored to interact with these oscillations and possibly associated dysfunctions. Our review shows that, despite evidence for both reliable neurophysiological markers of specific oscillatory dis-functionalities in neurological disorders and NIBS protocols potentially able to interact with them, there are few applications of NIBS aiming to explore clinical outcomes of this interaction. Our review article aims to point out oscillatory markers of neurological, which are also suitable targets for modification by NIBS, in order to facilitate in future studies the matching of technical application to clinical targets.

Oscillatory Activities in Neurological Disorders of Elderly: Biomarkers to Target for Neuromodulation

PubMed Central

Assenza, Giovanni; Capone, Fioravante; di Biase, Lazzaro; Ferreri, Florinda; Florio, Lucia; Guerra, Andrea; Marano, Massimo; Paolucci, Matteo; Ranieri, Federico; Salomone, Gaetano; Tombini, Mario; Thut, Gregor; Di Lazzaro, Vincenzo

2017-01-01

Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) has been under investigation as adjunct treatment of various neurological disorders with variable success. One challenge is the limited knowledge on what would be effective neuronal targets for an intervention, combined with limited knowledge on the neuronal mechanisms of NIBS. Motivated on the one hand by recent evidence that oscillatory activities in neural systems play a role in orchestrating brain functions and dysfunctions, in particular those of neurological disorders specific of elderly patients, and on the other hand that NIBS techniques may be used to interact with these brain oscillations in a controlled way, we here explore the potential of modulating brain oscillations as an effective strategy for clinical NIBS interventions. We first review the evidence for abnormal oscillatory profiles to be associated with a range of neurological disorders of elderly (e.g., Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), stroke, epilepsy), and for these signals of abnormal network activity to normalize with treatment, and/or to be predictive of disease progression or recovery. We then ask the question to what extent existing NIBS protocols have been tailored to interact with these oscillations and possibly associated dysfunctions. Our review shows that, despite evidence for both reliable neurophysiological markers of specific oscillatory dis-functionalities in neurological disorders and NIBS protocols potentially able to interact with them, there are few applications of NIBS aiming to explore clinical outcomes of this interaction. Our review article aims to point out oscillatory markers of neurological, which are also suitable targets for modification by NIBS, in order to facilitate in future studies the matching of technical application to clinical targets. PMID:28659788

Deoxycholate-hydrogels: novel drug carrier systems for topical use.

PubMed

Valenta, C; Nowack, E; Bernkop-Schnürch, A

1999-08-05

Na-deoxycholate (Na-DOC) forms a viscous thixotropic gel when in contact with excess buffer systems. The resulting gels have been tested as novel drug carrier systems for topical use. The influence of differing amounts of mannitol, glycerol and xylitol on the viscous modulus (G"/Pa) was evaluated by oscillatory measurements. Na-DOC (0.5%) in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) with 5% mannitol was chosen as an optimised formulation, taking into account viscosity, distribution and appearance. The release rate of the model drug rutin through an artificial membrane was higher than those from hydroxyethylcellulose- (HEC) and sodium polyacrylate (NaC934)-gels; permeation through excised rat skin was also highest for the Na-DOC systems. The results indicate that Na-DOC significantly increases the membrane permeability. The microbial stability was in the same range as HEC- and NaC934-gels, making a preservation necessary. Na-DOC-gels are novel low molecular weight, multifunctional drug carriers, which also act as penetration enhancers. Their thixotropy is an additional advantage for better application to large skin areas, nasal, vaginal and buccal membranes. Therefore, Na-DOC-gels can be considered promising, alternative drug carrier systems for topical pharmaceutical as well as cosmetic use.

Servo-controlled pneumatic pressure oscillator for respiratory impedance measurements and high-frequency ventilation.

PubMed

Kaczka, David W; Lutchen, Kenneth R

2004-04-01

The ability to provide forced oscillatory excitation of the respiratory system can be useful in mechanical impedance measurements as well as high frequency ventilation (HFV). Experimental systems currently used for generating forced oscillations are limited in their ability to provide high amplitude flows or maintain the respiratory system at a constant mean pressure during excitation. This paper presents the design and implementation of a pneumatic pressure oscillator based on a proportional solenoid valve. The device is capable of providing forced oscillatory excitations to the respiratory system over a bandwidth suitable for mechanical impedance measurements and HVF. It delivers high amplitude flows (> 1.4 l/s) and utilizes a servo-control mechanism to maintain a load at a fixed mean pressure during simultaneous oscillation. Under open-loop conditions, the device exhibited a static hysteresis of approximately 7%, while its dynamic magnitude and phase responses were flat out to 10 Hz. Broad-band measurement of total harmonic distortion was approximately 19%. Under closed-loop conditions, the oscillator was able to maintain a mechanical test load at both positive and negative mean pressures during oscillatory excitations from 0.1 to 10.0 Hz. Impedance of the test load agreed closely with theoretical predictions. We conclude that this servo-controlled oscillator can be a useful tool for respiratory impedance measurements as well as HFV.

Reliable binary cell-fate decisions based on oscillations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pfeuty, B.; Kaneko, K.

2014-02-01

Biological systems have often to perform binary decisions under highly dynamic and noisy environments, such as during cell-fate determination. These decisions can be implemented by two main bifurcation mechanisms based on the transitions from either monostability or oscillation to bistability. We compare these two mechanisms by using stochastic models with time-varying fields and by establishing asymptotic formulas for the choice probabilities. Different scaling laws for decision sensitivity with respect to noise strength and signal timescale are obtained, supporting a role for oscillatory dynamics in performing noise-robust and temporally tunable binary decision-making. This result provides a rationale for recent experimental evidences showing that oscillatory expression of proteins often precedes binary cell-fate decisions.

Asynchronous oscillations of rigid rods drive viscous fluid to swirl

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayashi, Rintaro; Takagi, Daisuke

2017-12-01

We present a minimal system for generating flow at low Reynolds number by oscillating a pair of rigid rods in silicone oil. Experiments show that oscillating them in phase produces no net flow, but a phase difference alone can generate rich flow fields. Tracer particles follow complex trajectory patterns consisting of small orbital movements every cycle and then drifting or swirling in larger regions after many cycles. Observations are consistent with simulations performed using the method of regularized Stokeslets, which reveal complex three-dimensional flow structures emerging from simple oscillatory actuation. Our findings reveal the basic underlying flow structure around oscillatory protrusions such as hairs and legs as commonly featured on living and nonliving bodies.

Dynamics of cochlear nonlinearity: Automatic gain control or instantaneous damping?

PubMed

Altoè, Alessandro; Charaziak, Karolina K; Shera, Christopher A

2017-12-01

Measurements of basilar-membrane (BM) motion show that the compressive nonlinearity of cochlear mechanical responses is not an instantaneous phenomenon. For this reason, the cochlear amplifier has been thought to incorporate an automatic gain control (AGC) mechanism characterized by a finite reaction time. This paper studies the effect of instantaneous nonlinear damping on the responses of oscillatory systems. The principal results are that (i) instantaneous nonlinear damping produces a noninstantaneous gain control that differs markedly from typical AGC strategies; (ii) the kinetics of compressive nonlinearity implied by the finite reaction time of an AGC system appear inconsistent with the nonlinear dynamics measured on the gerbil basilar membrane; and (iii) conversely, those nonlinear dynamics can be reproduced using an harmonic oscillator with instantaneous nonlinear damping. Furthermore, existing cochlear models that include instantaneous gain-control mechanisms capture the principal kinetics of BM nonlinearity. Thus, an AGC system with finite reaction time appears neither necessary nor sufficient to explain nonlinear gain control in the cochlea.

Active Mechanisms of Vibration Encoding and Frequency Filtering in Central Mechanosensory Neurons.

PubMed

Azevedo, Anthony W; Wilson, Rachel I

2017-10-11

To better understand biophysical mechanisms of mechanosensory processing, we investigated two cell types in the Drosophila brain (A2 and B1 cells) that are postsynaptic to antennal vibration receptors. A2 cells receive excitatory synaptic currents in response to both directions of movement: thus, twice per vibration cycle. The membrane acts as a low-pass filter, so that voltage and spiking mainly track the vibration envelope rather than individual cycles. By contrast, B1 cells are excited by only forward or backward movement, meaning they are sensitive to vibration phase. They receive oscillatory synaptic currents at the stimulus frequency, and they bandpass filter these inputs to favor specific frequencies. Different cells prefer different frequencies, due to differences in their voltage-gated conductances. Both Na + and K + conductances suppress low-frequency synaptic inputs, so cells with larger voltage-gated conductances prefer higher frequencies. These results illustrate how membrane properties and voltage-gated conductances can extract distinct stimulus features into parallel channels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Collective phase description of oscillatory convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kawamura, Yoji; Nakao, Hiroya

2013-12-01

We formulate a theory for the collective phase description of oscillatory convection in Hele-Shaw cells. It enables us to describe the dynamics of the oscillatory convection by a single degree of freedom which we call the collective phase. The theory can be considered as a phase reduction method for limit-cycle solutions in infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, namely, stable time-periodic solutions to partial differential equations, representing the oscillatory convection. We derive the phase sensitivity function, which quantifies the phase response of the oscillatory convection to weak perturbations applied at each spatial point, and analyze the phase synchronization between two weakly coupled Hele-Shaw cells exhibiting oscillatory convection on the basis of the derived phase equations.

The effect of shear flow on the rotational diffusivity of a single axisymmetric particle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leahy, Brian; Koch, Donald; Cohen, Itai

2014-11-01

Colloidal suspensions of nonspherical particles abound in the world around us, from red blood cells in arteries to kaolinite discs in clay. Understanding the orientation dynamics of these particles is important for suspension rheology and particle self-assembly. However, even for the simplest case of dilute suspensions in simple shear flow, the orientation dynamics of Brownian nonspherical particles are poorly understood at large shear rates. Here, we analytically calculate the time-dependent orientation distributions of particles confined to the flow-gradient plane when the rotary diffusion is small but nonzero. For both startup and oscillatory shear flows, we find a coordinate change that maps the convection-diffusion equation to a simple diffusion equation with an enhanced diffusion constant, simplifying the orientation dynamics. For oscillatory shear, this enhanced diffusion drastically alters the quasi-steady orientation distributions. Our theory of the unsteady orientation dynamics provides an understanding of a nonspherical particle suspension's rheology for a large class of unsteady flows. For particles with aspect ratio 10 under oscillatory shear, the rotary diffusion and intrinsic viscosity vary with amplitude by a factor of ~ 40 and ~ 2 , respectively.

From small molecules to polymeric catalysts in the oscillatory carbonylation reaction: multiple effects of adding HI.

PubMed

Isakova, Anna; Murdoch, Billy J; Novakovic, Katarina

2018-04-04

The oscillatory palladium-catalysed carbonylation reaction opens new horizons for applications in smart materials due to the versatility of its conditions and substrates, as well as the adjustability of amplitude and period of pH oscillations. A variety of viable substrates have been demonstrated, including polymeric alkyne-terminated substrates. However, so far, there have not been any reports of polymer-based palladium catalysts in oscillatory mode. In this paper, we demonstrate pH oscillations in various systems, using commercially available palladium acetate, a triphenylphosphine palladium acetate complex and a polymer-bound palladium catalyst. While palladium acetate was able to generate oscillations under the conditions already established in our previous research on PdI2-catalysed oscillators, the other two catalysts needed the addition of HI to induce oscillations. HI forced an initial pH drop, bringing pH into the range where oscillations generally occur. Addition of HI had a significant effect on all catalysts, modifying the amplitude and period of oscillations, oscillation mode, as well as starting material conversion and product distribution.

Simulation study of 2D spectrum of molecular aggregates coupled to correlated vibrations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abramavicius, Darius; Butkus, Vytautas; Valkunas, Leonas; Mukamel, Shaul

2011-03-01

Oscillatory dynamics of two-dimensional (2D) spectra of photosynthetic pigment-protein complexes raise the questions of how to disentangle various origins of these oscillations, which may include quantum beats, quantum transport, or molecular vibrations. We study the effects of correlated overdamped fluctuations and under-damped vibrations on the 2D spectra of Fenna-Matthews-Olson (FMO) aggregate, which has well-resolved exciton resonances, and a circular porphyrin aggregate (P6), whose absorption shows vibrational progression. We use a generic exciton Hamiltonian coupled to a bath, characterized by a spectral density. Fluctuations have smooth, while vibtations have δ -type spectral densities. We show how various scenarios of correlated molecular fluctuations lead to some highly oscillatory crosspeaks. Molecular vibrations cause progression of diagonal peaks in the 2D spectrum and make their corresponding cross-peaks highly oscillatory. We, thus, demonstrate that bath fluctuations and molecular vibrations of realistic molecular aggregates are highly entangled in 2D spectroscopy. DA acknowledges grant VP1-3.1-SMM-07-V, SM - the grants CHE0745892 (NSF), DRPA BAA-10-40 QUBE.

Signal Processing in Periodically Forced Gradient Frequency Neural Networks

PubMed Central

Kim, Ji Chul; Large, Edward W.

2015-01-01

Oscillatory instability at the Hopf bifurcation is a dynamical phenomenon that has been suggested to characterize active non-linear processes observed in the auditory system. Networks of oscillators poised near Hopf bifurcation points and tuned to tonotopically distributed frequencies have been used as models of auditory processing at various levels, but systematic investigation of the dynamical properties of such oscillatory networks is still lacking. Here we provide a dynamical systems analysis of a canonical model for gradient frequency neural networks driven by a periodic signal. We use linear stability analysis to identify various driven behaviors of canonical oscillators for all possible ranges of model and forcing parameters. The analysis shows that canonical oscillators exhibit qualitatively different sets of driven states and transitions for different regimes of model parameters. We classify the parameter regimes into four main categories based on their distinct signal processing capabilities. This analysis will lead to deeper understanding of the diverse behaviors of neural systems under periodic forcing and can inform the design of oscillatory network models of auditory signal processing. PMID:26733858

Numerical analysis of the effect of turbulence transition on the hemodynamic parameters in human coronary arteries

PubMed Central

Gawandalkar, Udhav Ulhas; Kini, Girish; Buradi, Abdulrajak; Araki, Tadashi; Ikeda, Nobutaka; Nicolaides, Andrew; Laird, John R.; Saba, Luca; Suri, Jasjit S.

2016-01-01

Background Local hemodynamics plays an important role in atherogenesis and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis disease (CAD). The primary biological effect due to blood turbulence is the change in wall shear stress (WSS) on the endothelial cell membrane, while the local oscillatory nature of the blood flow affects the physiological changes in the coronary artery. In coronary arteries, the blood flow Reynolds number ranges from few tens to several hundreds and hence it is generally assumed to be laminar while calculating the WSS calculations. However, the pulsatile blood flow through coronary arteries under stenotic condition could result in transition from laminar to turbulent flow condition. Methods In the present work, the onset of turbulent transition during pulsatile flow through coronary arteries for varying degree of stenosis (i.e., 0%, 30%, 50% and 70%) is quantitatively analyzed by calculating the turbulent parameters distal to the stenosis. Also, the effect of turbulence transition on hemodynamic parameters such as WSS and oscillatory shear index (OSI) for varying degree of stenosis is quantified. The validated transitional shear stress transport (SST) k-ω model used in the present investigation is the best suited Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence model to capture the turbulent transition. The arterial wall is assumed to be rigid and the dynamic curvature effect due to myocardial contraction on the blood flow has been neglected. Results Our observations shows that for stenosis 50% and above, the WSSavg, WSSmax and OSI calculated using turbulence model deviates from laminar by more than 10% and the flow disturbances seems to significantly increase only after 70% stenosis. Our model shows reliability and completely validated. Conclusions Blood flow through stenosed coronary arteries seems to be turbulent in nature for area stenosis above 70% and the transition to turbulent flow begins from 50% stenosis. PMID:27280084

Improved oxygenation 24 hours after transition to airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation accurately discriminates survival in immunocompromised pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome*.

PubMed

Yehya, Nadir; Topjian, Alexis A; Thomas, Neal J; Friess, Stuart H

2014-05-01

Children with an immunocompromised condition and requiring invasive mechanical ventilation have high risk of death. Such patients are commonly transitioned to rescue modes of nonconventional ventilation, including airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, for acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation. Our aim was to describe our experience with airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in children with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation and to identify factors associated with survival. Retrospective cohort study. Tertiary care, university-affiliated PICU. Sixty pediatric patients with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome refractory to conventional ventilation transitioned to either airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. None. Demographic data, ventilator settings, arterial blood gases, oxygenation index, and PaO(2)/FIO(2) were recorded before transition to either mode of nonconventional ventilation and at predetermined intervals after transition for up to 5 days. Mortality in the entire cohort was 63% and did not differ between patients transitioned to airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. For both airway pressure release ventilation and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, improvements in oxygenation index and PaO(2)/FIO(2) at 24 hours expressed as a fraction of pretransition values (oxygenation index(24)/oxygenation index(pre) and PaO(2)/FIO(224)/PaO(2)/FIO(2pre)) reliably discriminated nonsurvivors from survivors, with receiver operating characteristic areas under the curves between 0.89 and 0.95 (p for all curves < 0.001). Sensitivity-specificity analysis suggested that less than 15% reduction in oxygenation index (90% sensitive, 75% specific) or less than 90% increase in PaO(2)/FIO(2) (80% sensitive, 94% specific) 24 hours after transition to airway pressure release ventilation were the optimal cutoffs to identify nonsurvivors. The comparable values 24 hours after transition to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation were less than 5% reduction in oxygenation index (100% sensitive, 83% specific) or less than 80% increase in PaO(2)/FIO(2) (91% sensitive, 89% specific) to identify nonsurvivors. In this single-center retrospective study of pediatric patients with an immunocompromised condition and acute respiratory distress syndrome failing conventional ventilation transitioned to either airway pressure release ventilation or high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, improved oxygenation at 24 hours expressed as PaO(2)/FIO(224)/PaO(2)/FIO(2pre) or oxygenation index(24)/oxygenation indexpre reliably discriminates nonsurvivors from survivors. These findings should be prospectively verified.

Spatio-Temporal Self-Organization in Mudstones (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewers, T. A.

2010-12-01

Shales and other mudstones are the most abundant rock types in sedimentary basins, yet have received comparatively little attention. Common as hydrocarbon seals, these are increasingly being targeted as unconventional gas reservoirs, caprocks for CO2 sequestration, and storage repositories for waste. The small pore and grain size, large specific surface areas, and clay mineral structures lend themselves to rapid reaction rates, high capillary pressures, and semi-permeable membrane behavior accompanying changes in stress, pressure, temperature and chemical conditions. Under far from equilibrium conditions, mudrocks display a variety of spatio-temporal self-organized phenomena arising from nonlinear thermo-mechano-chemo-hydro coupling. Beginning with a detailed examination of nano-scale pore network structures in mudstones, we discuss the dynamics behind such self-organized phenomena as pressure solitons in unconsolidated muds, chemically-induced flow self focusing and permeability transients, localized compaction, time dependent well-bore failure, and oscillatory osmotic fluxes as they occur in clay-bearing sediments. Examples are draw from experiments, numerical simulation, and the field. These phenomena bear on the ability of these rocks to serve as containment barriers. This work is funded by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Sandia is a multiprogram laboratory operated by Sandia Corporation, a Lockheed Martin Company, for the United States Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-AC04-94AL85000

Collective phase description of oscillatory convection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kawamura, Yoji, E-mail: ykawamura@jamstec.go.jp; Nakao, Hiroya

We formulate a theory for the collective phase description of oscillatory convection in Hele-Shaw cells. It enables us to describe the dynamics of the oscillatory convection by a single degree of freedom which we call the collective phase. The theory can be considered as a phase reduction method for limit-cycle solutions in infinite-dimensional dynamical systems, namely, stable time-periodic solutions to partial differential equations, representing the oscillatory convection. We derive the phase sensitivity function, which quantifies the phase response of the oscillatory convection to weak perturbations applied at each spatial point, and analyze the phase synchronization between two weakly coupled Hele-Shawmore » cells exhibiting oscillatory convection on the basis of the derived phase equations.« less

Subthalamic stimulation, oscillatory activity and connectivity reveal functional role of STN and network mechanisms during decision making under conflict.

PubMed

Hell, Franz; Taylor, Paul C J; Mehrkens, Jan H; Bötzel, Kai

2018-05-01

Inhibitory control is an important executive function that is necessary to suppress premature actions and to block interference from irrelevant stimuli. Current experimental studies and models highlight proactive and reactive mechanisms and claim several cortical and subcortical structures to be involved in response inhibition. However, the involved structures, network mechanisms and the behavioral relevance of the underlying neural activity remain debated. We report cortical EEG and invasive subthalamic local field potential recordings from a fully implanted sensing neurostimulator in Parkinson's patients during a stimulus- and response conflict task with and without deep brain stimulation (DBS). DBS made reaction times faster overall while leaving the effects of conflict intact: this lack of any effect on conflict may have been inherent to our task encouraging a high level of proactive inhibition. Drift diffusion modelling hints that DBS influences decision thresholds and drift rates are modulated by stimulus conflict. Both cortical EEG and subthalamic (STN) LFP oscillations reflected reaction times (RT). With these results, we provide a different interpretation of previously conflict-related oscillations in the STN and suggest that the STN implements a general task-specific decision threshold. The timecourse and topography of subthalamic-cortical oscillatory connectivity suggest the involvement of motor, frontal midline and posterior regions in a larger network with complementary functionality, oscillatory mechanisms and structures. While beta oscillations are functionally associated with motor cortical-subthalamic connectivity, low frequency oscillations reveal a subthalamic-frontal-posterior network. With our results, we suggest that proactive as well as reactive mechanisms and structures are involved in implementing a task-related dynamic inhibitory signal. We propose that motor and executive control networks with complementary oscillatory mechanisms are tonically active, react to stimuli and release inhibition at the response when uncertainty is resolved and return to their default state afterwards. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nonlinear behavior of PP/PS blends with and without clay under large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salehiyan, Reza; Song, Hyeong Yong; Hyun, Kyu

2015-05-01

Dynamic oscillatory measurement, i.e., small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) test was used to investigate linear and non-linear viscoelastic properties of Polypropylene (PP)/Polystyrene (PS) blends with and without 5 wt.% clay (C20A). Fourier transform (FT-Rheology), Lissajous curves and stress decomposition methods were used to analyze non-linear responses under LAOS flow. Composition effects of blends were investigated prior to compatibilization effects. Elevated concentrations of dispersed phase (PS) increased the moduli G'(ω) from SAOS test and G*( γ 0) from LAOS test of the blends as well as strain thinning behavior. Interestingly, addition of 5 wt.% clay (C20A) boosted moduli of the blends as well as led to similar strain thinning behaviors among the PP/PS/C20A blends, except for the (90/10) PP/PS blend. The latter did not show improved rheological properties despite morphological improvements, as shown by SEM. Results from SEM and improved rheological properties of PP/PS/C20A blends revealed the compatibilization effects of clay (C20A) particles regardless of size reduction mechanisms. Third relative intensities ( I 3/1) from FT-rheology were found to be sensitive to clay (C20A) additions for the (70/30) and (30/70) PP/PS blends. Similarly, Lissajous curves could detect changes upon clay (C20A) addition, specifically at lower strain amplitudes whereupon addition of 5 wt.% clay resulted in the closed loops of Lissajous curves showing a more ellipsoidal shape due to increased elasticity in the blends. However, detection of these changes at larger strain amplitudes was more challenging. Therefore, stress decomposition (SD) method was applied for more precise characterization as it decomposes the total stress (σ) into elastic stress (σ') and viscous stress (σ″). Using SD method, elastic stress was more distorted, especially, strain hardening, while the total stress response remained almost unchanged at larger strain amplitudes.

A comparative study of the effects of cone-plate and parallel-plate geometries on rheological properties under oscillatory shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Hyeong Yong; Salehiyan, Reza; Li, Xiaolei; Lee, Seung Hak; Hyun, Kyu

2017-11-01

In this study, the effects of cone-plate (C/P) and parallel-plate (P/P) geometries were investigated on the rheological properties of various complex fluids, e.g. single-phase (polymer melts and solutions) and multiphase systems (polymer blend and nanocomposite, and suspension). Small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) tests were carried out to compare linear rheological responses while nonlinear responses were compared using large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) tests at different frequencies. Moreover, Fourier-transform (FT)-rheology method was used to analyze the nonlinear responses under LAOS flow. Experimental results were compared with predictions obtained by single-point correction and shear rate correction. For all systems, SAOS data measured by C/P and P/P coincide with each other, but results showed discordance between C/P and P/P measurements in the nonlinear regime. For all systems except xanthan gum solutions, first-harmonic moduli were corrected using a single horizontal shift factor, whereas FT rheology-based nonlinear parameters ( I 3/1, I 5/1, Q 3, and Q 5) were corrected using vertical shift factors that are well predicted by single-point correction. Xanthan gum solutions exhibited anomalous corrections. Their first-harmonic Fourier moduli were superposed using a horizontal shift factor predicted by shear rate correction applicable to highly shear thinning fluids. The distinguished corrections were observed for FT rheology-based nonlinear parameters. I 3/1 and I 5/1 were superposed by horizontal shifts, while the other systems displayed vertical shifts of I 3/1 and I 5/1. Q 3 and Q 5 of xanthan gum solutions were corrected using both horizontal and vertical shift factors. In particular, the obtained vertical shift factors for Q 3 and Q 5 were twice as large as predictions made by single-point correction. Such larger values are rationalized by the definitions of Q 3 and Q 5. These results highlight the significance of horizontal shift corrections in nonlinear oscillatory shear data.

Steady-streaming effects on the motion of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the spinal canal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lawrence, Jenna; Coenen, Wilfried; Sanchez, Antonio; Lasheras, Juan

2017-11-01

With each heart beat the oscillatory blood supply to the rigid cranial vault produces a time-periodic variation of the intracranial pressure that drives the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) periodically in and out of the compliant spinal canal. We have recently conducted an analysis of this flow-structure interaction problem taking advantage of the small compliance of the dura membrane bounding externally the CSF and of the disparity of length scales associated with the geometry of the subarachnoid space. We have shown in an idealized geometry that the steady-streaming motion associated with this periodic flow, resulting from the nonlinear cumulative effects of convective acceleration, causes a bulk recirculation of CSF inside the spinal canal, which has been observed in many radiological studies. We extend here our study to investigate the possible contribution arising from the flow around the nerve roots protruding from the spinal cord, an effect that was neglected in our previous work. For this purpose, we consider the oscillatory motion around a cylindrical post confined between two parallel plates. For large values of the relevant Strouhal number we find at leading order a harmonic Stokes flow, whereas steady-streaming effects enter in the first-order corrections, which are computed for realistic values of the Womersley number and of the cylinder height-to-radius ratio.

STIM and Orai proteins and the non-capacitative ARC channels

PubMed Central

Shuttleworth, Trevor J.

2012-01-01

The ARC channel is a small conductance, highly Ca2+-selective ion channel whose activation is specifically dependent on low concentrations of arachidonic acid acting at an intracellular site. They are widely distributed in diverse cell types where they provide an alternative, store-independent pathway for agonist-activated Ca2+ entry. Although biophysically similar to the store-operated CRAC channels, these two conductances function under distinct conditions of agonist stimulation, with the ARC channels providing the predominant route of Ca2+ entry during the oscillatory signals generated at low agonist concentrations. Despite these differences in function, like the CRAC channel, activation of the ARC channels is dependent on STIM1, but it is the pool of STIM1 that constitutively resides in the plasma membrane that is responsible. Similarly, both channels are formed by Orai proteins but, whilst the CRAC channel pore is a tetrameric assembly of Orai1 subunits, the ARC channel pore is formed by a heteropentameric assembly of three Orai1 subunits and two Orai3 subunits. There is increasing evidence that the activity of these channels plays a critical role a variety of different cellular activities. PMID:22201777

CO oxidation studies over supported noble metal catalysts and single crystals: A review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Boecker, Dirk; Gonzalez, Richard D.

1987-01-01

The catalytic oxidation of CO over noble metal catalysts is reviewed. Results obtained on supported noble metal catalysts and single crystals both at high pressures and under UHV conditions are compared. The underlying causes which result in surface instabilities and multiple steady-state oscillations are considered, in particular, the occurrence of hot spots. CO islands of reactivity, surface oxide formation and phase transformations under oscillatory conditions are discussed.

Modeling oscillatory dynamics in brain microcircuits as a way to help uncover neurological disease mechanisms: A proposal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Skinner, F. K.; Department of Medicine; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto Medical Sciences Building, 3rd Floor, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8

There is an undisputed need and requirement for theoretical and computational studies in Neuroscience today. Furthermore, it is clear that oscillatory dynamical output from brain networks is representative of various behavioural states, and it is becoming clear that one could consider these outputs as measures of normal and pathological brain states. Although mathematical modeling of oscillatory dynamics in the context of neurological disease exists, it is a highly challenging endeavour because of the many levels of organization in the nervous system. This challenge is coupled with the increasing knowledge of cellular specificity and network dysfunction that is associated with disease.more » Recently, whole hippocampus in vitro preparations from control animals have been shown to spontaneously express oscillatory activities. In addition, when using preparations derived from animal models of disease, these activities show particular alterations. These preparations present an opportunity to address challenges involved with using models to gain insight because of easier access to simultaneous cellular and network measurements, and pharmacological modulations. We propose that by developing and using models with direct links to experiment at multiple levels, which at least include cellular and microcircuit, a cycling can be set up and used to help us determine critical mechanisms underlying neurological disease. We illustrate our proposal using our previously developed inhibitory network models in the context of these whole hippocampus preparations and show the importance of having direct links at multiple levels.« less

[Recent results in research on oscillatory chemical reactions].

PubMed

Poros, Eszter; Kurin-Csörgei, Krisztina

2014-01-01

The mechanisms of the complicated periodical phenomenas in the nature (e.g. hearth beat, sleep cycle, circadian rhythms, etc) could be understood with using the laws of nonlinear chemical systems. In this article the newest result in the research of the subfield of nonlinear chemical dynamics aimed at constructing oscillatory chemical reactions, which are novel either in composition or in configuration, are presented. In the introductory part the concept of chemical periodicity is defined, then the forms as it can appear in time and space and the methods of their study are discussed. Detailed description of the experimental work that has resulted in two significant discoveries is provided. A method was developed to design pH-oscillators which are capable of operating under close conditions. The batch pH-oscillators are more convenient to use in some proposed applications than the equivalent CSTR variant. A redox oscillator that is new in composition was found. The permanganate oxidation of some amino acids was shown to take place according to oscillatory kinetics in a narrow range of the experimental parameters. The KMnO4 - glycine - Na2HPO4 system represents the first example in the family of manganese based oscillators where amino acids is involved. In the conclusion formal analogies between the simple chemical and some more complicated biological oscillatory phenomena are mentioned and the possibility of modeling periodic processes with the use of information gained from the studies of chemical oscillations is pointed out.

Trans-Golgi network localized small GTPase RabA1d is involved in cell plate formation and oscillatory root hair growth.

PubMed

Berson, Tobias; von Wangenheim, Daniel; Takáč, Tomáš; Šamajová, Olga; Rosero, Amparo; Ovečka, Miroslav; Komis, George; Stelzer, Ernst H K; Šamaj, Jozef

2014-09-27

Small Rab GTPases are important regulators of vesicular trafficking in plants. AtRabA1d, a member of the RabA1 subfamily of small GTPases, was previously found in the vesicle-rich apical dome of growing root hairs suggesting a role during tip growth; however, its specific intracellular localization and role in plants has not been well described. The transient expression of 35S::GFP:RabA1d construct in Allium porrum and Nicotiana benthamiana revealed vesicular structures, which were further corroborated in stable transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants. GFP-RabA1d colocalized with the trans-Golgi network marker mCherry-VTI12 and with early FM4-64-labeled endosomal compartments. Late endosomes and endoplasmic reticulum labeled with FYVE-DsRed and ER-DsRed, respectively, were devoid of GFP-RabA1d. The accumulation of GFP-RabA1d in the core of brefeldin A (BFA)-induced-compartments and the quantitative upregulation of RabA1d protein levels after BFA treatment confirmed the association of RabA1d with early endosomes/TGN and its role in vesicle trafficking. Light-sheet microscopy revealed involvement of RabA1d in root development. In root cells, GFP-RabA1d followed cell plate expansion consistently with cytokinesis-related vesicular trafficking and membrane recycling. GFP-RabA1d accumulated in disc-like structures of nascent cell plates, which progressively evolved to marginal ring-like structures of the growing cell plates. During root hair growth and development, GFP-RabA1d was enriched at root hair bulges and at the apical dome of vigorously elongating root hairs. Importantly, GFP-RabA1d signal intensity exhibited an oscillatory behavior in-phase with tip growth. Progressively, this tip localization dissapeared in mature root hairs suggesting a link between tip localization of RabA1d and root hair elongation. Our results support a RabA1d role in events that require vigorous membrane trafficking. RabA1d is located in early endosomes/TGN and is involved in vesicle trafficking. RabA1d participates in both cell plate formation and root hair oscillatory tip growth. The specific GFP-RabA1d subcellular localization confirms a correlation between its specific spatio-temporal accumulation and local vesicle trafficking requirements during cell plate and root hair formation.

Chirp-evoked potentials in the awake and anesthetized rat. A procedure to assess changes in cortical oscillatory activity.

PubMed

Pérez-Alcázar, M; Nicolás, M J; Valencia, M; Alegre, M; Iriarte, J; Artieda, J

2008-03-01

Steady-state potentials are oscillatory responses generated by rhythmic stimulation of a sensory pathway. The frequency of the response, which follows the frequency of stimulation and potentially indicates the preferential working frequency of the auditory neural network, is maximal at a stimulus rate of 40 Hz for auditory stimuli in humans, but may be different in other species. Our aim was to explore the responses to different frequencies in the rat. The stimulus was a tone modulated in amplitude by a sinusoid with linearly-increasing frequency from 1 to 250 Hz ("chirp"). Time-frequency transforms were used for response analysis in 12 animals, awake and under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia. We studied whether the responses were due to increases in amplitude or to phase-locking phenomena, using single-sweep time-frequency transforms and inter-trial phase analysis. A progressive decrease in the amplitude of the response was observed from the maximal values (around 15 Hz) up to the limit of the test (250 Hz). The high-frequency component was mainly due to phase-locking phenomena with a smaller amplitude contribution. Under anesthesia, the amplitude and phase-locking of lower frequencies (under 100 Hz) decreased, while the phase-locking over 200 Hz increased. In conclusion, amplitude-modulation following responses differ between humans and rats in response range and frequency of maximal amplitude. Anesthesia with ketamine/xylazine modifies differentially the amplitude and the phase-locking of the responses. These findings should be taken into account when assessing the changes in cortical oscillatory activity related to different drugs, in healthy rodents and in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases.

Mathematical model of the glucose-insulin regulatory system: From the bursting electrical activity in pancreatic β-cells to the glucose dynamics in the whole body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Kyungreem; Kang, Hyuk; Choi, M. Y.; Kim, Jinwoong; Lee, Myung-Shik

2012-10-01

A theoretical approach to the glucose-insulin regulatory system is presented. By means of integrated mathematical modeling and extensive numerical simulations, we probe the cell-level dynamics of the membrane potential, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells, together with the whole-body level glucose-insulin dynamics in the liver, brain, muscle, and adipose tissues. In particular, the three oscillatory modes of insulin secretion are reproduced successfully. Such comprehensive mathematical modeling may provide a theoretical basis for the simultaneous assessment of the β-cell function and insulin resistance in clinical examination.

Magnetic actuation of hair cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowland, David; Roongthumskul, Yuttana; Lee, Jae-Hyun; Cheon, Jinwoo; Bozovic, Dolores

2011-11-01

The bullfrog sacculus contains mechanically sensitive hair cells whose stereociliary bundles oscillate spontaneously when decoupled from the overlying membrane. Steady-state offsets on the resting position of a hair bundle can suppress or modulate this native motility. To probe the dynamics of spontaneous oscillation in the proximity of the critical point, we describe here a method for mechanical actuation that avoids loading the bundles or contributing to the viscous drag. Magnetite beads were attached to the tips of the stereocilia, and a magnetic probe was used to impose deflections. This technique allowed us to observe the transition from multi-mode to single-mode state in freely oscillating bundles, as well as the crossover from the oscillatory to the quiescent state.

Oscillatory radiatively-forced internal convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Llewellyn Smith, Stefan

2017-11-01

Internal convection, in which stably stratified fluid is destabilized by internal heating, shows interesting differences from the canonical situation of Rayleigh-Benard convection with forcing at the boundaries. We consider the case when the thermal forcing is the result of radiative heating, yielding an exponential profile in the vertical, rather than a uniformly distributed source of buoyancy, and when the forcing is oscillatory in time. These two effects do not appear to have been treated together previously. We examine the linear instability problem considering steady, harmonic and more general periodic forcings. We also discuss nonlinear effects. The underlying problem is relevant to Springtime heating in the Great Lakes, in which case heating destabilizes the water column because the temperature is in the anomalous regime when water becomes denser with heating.

Response of cat cerebellar vermis induced by sound. I. Influence of drugs on responses of single units.

PubMed

Jastreboff, P J; Tarnecki, R

1975-01-01

Experiments were done on the cats under Chloralose and/or Nembutal anesthesia. A click was used as a standard acoustic stimulus. The type of responses of single units from cerebellar vermis lobuli V-VII were analyzed. At least four different types of single unit reactions were observed and one of these - oscillatory - was produced by the presence of Flaxedil simultaneously with Chloralose. The system that controls the activity of the middle-ear-muscles can be suspected as the source of the oscillatory pattern of the cerebellar response. Latencies were found to be constant, independent of anesthesia, but it was necessary to have a low level of Nembutal anesthesia because of the overriding inhibitory influence of Nembutal.

Modulation of human time processing by subthalamic deep brain stimulation.

PubMed

Wojtecki, Lars; Elben, Saskia; Timmermann, Lars; Reck, Christiane; Maarouf, Mohammad; Jörgens, Silke; Ploner, Markus; Südmeyer, Martin; Groiss, Stefan Jun; Sturm, Volker; Niedeggen, Michael; Schnitzler, Alfons

2011-01-01

Timing in the range of seconds referred to as interval timing is crucial for cognitive operations and conscious time processing. According to recent models of interval timing basal ganglia (BG) oscillatory loops are involved in time interval recognition. Parkinsońs disease (PD) is a typical disease of the basal ganglia that shows distortions in interval timing. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a powerful treatment of PD which modulates motor and cognitive functions depending on stimulation frequency by affecting subcortical-cortical oscillatory loops. Thus, for the understanding of BG-involvement in interval timing it is of interest whether STN-DBS can modulate timing in a frequency dependent manner by interference with oscillatory time recognition processes. We examined production and reproduction of 5 and 15 second intervals and millisecond timing in a double blind, randomised, within-subject repeated-measures design of 12 PD-patients applying no, 10-Hz- and ≥ 130-Hz-STN-DBS compared to healthy controls. We found under(re-)production of the 15-second interval and a significant enhancement of this under(re-)production by 10-Hz-stimulation compared to no stimulation, ≥ 130-Hz-STN-DBS and controls. Milliseconds timing was not affected. We provide first evidence for a frequency-specific modulatory effect of STN-DBS on interval timing. Our results corroborate the involvement of BG in general and of the STN in particular in the cognitive representation of time intervals in the range of multiple seconds.

Modulation of Human Time Processing by Subthalamic Deep Brain Stimulation

PubMed Central

Timmermann, Lars; Reck, Christiane; Maarouf, Mohammad; Jörgens, Silke; Ploner, Markus; Südmeyer, Martin; Groiss, Stefan Jun; Sturm, Volker; Niedeggen, Michael; Schnitzler, Alfons

2011-01-01

Timing in the range of seconds referred to as interval timing is crucial for cognitive operations and conscious time processing. According to recent models of interval timing basal ganglia (BG) oscillatory loops are involved in time interval recognition. Parkinsońs disease (PD) is a typical disease of the basal ganglia that shows distortions in interval timing. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a powerful treatment of PD which modulates motor and cognitive functions depending on stimulation frequency by affecting subcortical-cortical oscillatory loops. Thus, for the understanding of BG-involvement in interval timing it is of interest whether STN-DBS can modulate timing in a frequency dependent manner by interference with oscillatory time recognition processes. We examined production and reproduction of 5 and 15 second intervals and millisecond timing in a double blind, randomised, within-subject repeated-measures design of 12 PD-patients applying no, 10-Hz- and ≥130-Hz-STN-DBS compared to healthy controls. We found under(re-)production of the 15-second interval and a significant enhancement of this under(re-)production by 10-Hz-stimulation compared to no stimulation, ≥130-Hz-STN-DBS and controls. Milliseconds timing was not affected. We provide first evidence for a frequency-specific modulatory effect of STN-DBS on interval timing. Our results corroborate the involvement of BG in general and of the STN in particular in the cognitive representation of time intervals in the range of multiple seconds. PMID:21931767

Nonlinear oscillatory rheology and structure of wormlike micellar solutions and colloidal suspensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurnon, Amanda Kate

The complex, nonlinear flow behavior of soft materials transcends industrial applications, smart material design and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. A long-standing, fundamental challenge in soft-matter science is establishing a quantitative connection between the deformation field, local microstructure and macroscopic dynamic flow properties i.e., the rheology. Soft materials are widely used in consumer products and industrial processes including energy recovery, surfactants for personal healthcare (e.g. soap and shampoo), coatings, plastics, drug delivery, medical devices and therapeutics. Oftentimes, these materials are processed by, used during, or exposed to non-equilibrium conditions for which the transient response of the complex fluid is critical. As such, designing new dynamic experiments is imperative to testing these materials and further developing micromechanical models to predict their transient response. Two of the most common classes of these soft materials stand as the focus of the present research; they are: solutions of polymer-like micelles (PLM or also known as wormlike micelles, WLM) and concentrated colloidal suspensions. In addition to their varied applications these two different classes of soft materials are also governed by different physics. In contrast, to the shear thinning behavior of the WLMs at high shear rates, the near hard-sphere colloidal suspensions are known to display increases, sometimes quite substantial, in viscosity (known as shear thickening). The stress response of these complex fluids derive from the shear-induced microstructure, thus measurements of the microstructure under flow are critical for understanding the mechanisms underlying the complex, nonlinear rheology of these complex fluids. A popular micromechanical model is reframed from its original derivation for predicting steady shear rheology of polymers and WLMs to be applicable to weakly nonlinear oscillatory shear flow. The validity, utility and limits of this constitutive model are tested by comparison with experiments on model WLM solutions. Further comparisons to the nonlinear oscillatory shear responses measured from colloidal suspensions establishes this analysis as a promising, quantitative method for understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for the nonlinear dynamic response of complex fluids. A new experimental technique is developed to measure the microstructure of complex fluids during steady and transient shear flow using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The Flow-SANS experimental method is now available to the broader user communities at the NIST Center for Neutron Research, Gaithersburg, MD and the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France. Using this new method, a model shear banding WLM solution is interrogated under steady and oscillatory shear. For the first time, the flow-SANS methods identify new metastable states for shear banding WLM solutions, thus establishing the method as capable of probing new states not accessible using traditional steady or linear oscillatory shear methods. The flow-induced three-dimensional microstructure of a colloidal suspension under steady and dynamic oscillatory shear is also measured using these rheo- and flow-SANS methods. A new structure state is identified in the shear thickening regime that proves critical for defining the "hydrocluster" microstructure state of the suspension that is responsible for shear thickening. For both the suspensions and the WLM solutions, stress-SANS rules with the measured microstructures define the individual stress components arising separately from conservative and hydrodynamic forces and these are compared with the macroscopic rheology. Analysis of these results defines the crucial length- and time-scales of the transient microstructure response. The novel dynamic microstructural measurements presented in this dissertation provide new insights into the complexities of shear thickening and shear banding flow phenomena, which are effects observed more broadly across many different types of soft materials. Consequently, the microstructure-rheology property relationships developed for these two classes of complex fluids will aid in the testing and advancement of micromechanical constitutive model development, smart material design, industrial processing and fundamental non-equilibrium thermodynamic research of a broad range of soft materials.

Deviation of tracheal pressure from airway opening pressure during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in a porcine lung model.

PubMed

Johannes, Amélie; Zollhoefer, Bernd; Eujen, Ulrike; Kredel, Markus; Rauch, Stefan; Roewer, Norbert; Muellenbach, Ralf M

2013-04-01

Oxygenation during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation is secured by a high level of mean airway pressure. Our objective was to identify a pressure difference between the airway opening of the respiratory circuit and the trachea during application of different oscillatory frequencies. Six female Pietrain pigs (57.1 ± 3.6 kg) were first ventilated in a conventional mechanical ventilation mode. Subsequently, the animals were switched to high-frequency oscillatory ventilation by setting mean airway opening pressure 5 cmH(2)O above the one measured during controlled mechanical ventilation. Measurements at the airway opening and at tracheal levels were performed in healthy lungs and after induction of acute lung injury by surfactant depletion. During high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, the airway opening pressure was set at a constant level. The pressure amplitude was fixed at 90 cmH(2)O. Starting from an oscillatory frequency of 3 Hz, the frequency was increased in steps of 3 Hz to 15 Hz and then decreased accordingly. At each frequency, measurements were performed in the trachea through a side-lumen of the endotracheal tube and the airway opening pressure was recorded. The pressure difference was calculated. At every oscillatory frequency, a pressure loss towards the trachea could be shown. This pressure difference increased with higher oscillatory frequencies (3 Hz 2.2 ± 2.1 cmH(2)O vs. 15 Hz 7.5 ± 1.8 cmH(2)O). The results for healthy and injured lungs were similar. Tracheal pressures decreased with higher oscillatory frequencies. This may lead to pulmonary derecruitment. This has to be taken into consideration when increasing oscillatory frequencies and differentiated pressure settings are mandatory.

Endothelial ATP-binding cassette G1 in mouse endothelium protects against hemodynamic-induced atherosclerosis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xue, Shanshan; Department of Pediatrics, Baodi District People’s Hospital of Tianjin City, Tianjin, 301800; Wang, Jiaxing

Activated vascular endothelium inflammation under persistent hyperlipidemia is the initial step of atherogenesis. ATP-binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) is a crucial factor maintaining sterol and lipid homeostasis by transporting cholesterol efflux to high-density lipoprotein. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of ABCG1 in endothelial inflammation activation during early-stage atherogenesis in mice and the underlying mechanisms. Endothelial cell (EC)-specific ABCG1 transgenic (EC-ABCG1-Tg) mice were generated and cross-bred with low-density lipoprotein receptor–deficient (Ldlr{sup −/−}) mice. After a 4-week Western-type diet, the mice were sacrificed for assessing atherosclerosis. Human umbilical vein ECs were treated with different flows, and ABCG1 was adenovirally overexpressedmore » to investigate the mechanism in vitro. Compared with Ldlr{sup −/−} mouse aortas, EC-ABCG1-Tg/Ldlr{sup −/−} aortas showed decreased early-stage lesions. Furthermore, the lesion area in the EC-ABCG1-Tg/Ldlr{sup −/−} mouse aortic arch but not thoracic aorta was significantly reduced, which suggests a protective role of ABCG1 under atheroprone flow. In vitro, overexpression of ABCG1 attenuated EC activation caused by oscillatory shear stress. Overexpression of ABCG1 blunted cholesterol-activated ECs in vitro. In exploring the mechanisms of ABCG1 attenuating endothelial inflammation, we found that ABCG1 inhibited oscillatory flow-activated nuclear factor kappa B and NLRP3 inflammasome in ECs. ABCG1 may play a protective role in early-stage atherosclerosis by reducing endothelial activation induced by oscillatory shear stress via suppressing the inflammatory response. - Highlights: • EC-ABCG1-Tg mice in a Ldlr{sup −/−} background showed decreased atherosclerosis. • Overexpression of ABCG1 in ECs decreased OSS-induced EC activation. • NLRP3 and NF-κB might be an underlying mechanism of ABCG1 protective role.« less

Corticomuscular transmission of tremor signals by propriospinal neurons in Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Hao, Manzhao; He, Xin; Xiao, Qin; Alstermark, Bror; Lan, Ning

2013-01-01

Cortical oscillatory signals of single and double tremor frequencies act together to cause tremor in the peripheral limbs of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). But the corticospinal pathway that transmits the tremor signals has not been clarified, and how alternating bursts of antagonistic muscle activations are generated from the cortical oscillatory signals is not well understood. This paper investigates the plausible role of propriospinal neurons (PN) in C3-C4 in transmitting the cortical oscillatory signals to peripheral muscles. Kinematics data and surface electromyogram (EMG) of tremor in forearm were collected from PD patients. A PN network model was constructed based on known neurophysiological connections of PN. The cortical efferent signal of double tremor frequencies were integrated at the PN network, whose outputs drove the muscles of a virtual arm (VA) model to simulate tremor behaviors. The cortical efferent signal of single tremor frequency actuated muscle spindles. By comparing tremor data of PD patients and the results of model simulation, we examined two hypotheses regarding the corticospinal transmission of oscillatory signals in Parkinsonian tremor. Hypothesis I stated that the oscillatory cortical signals were transmitted via the mono-synaptic corticospinal pathways bypassing the PN network. The alternative hypothesis II stated that they were transmitted by way of PN multi-synaptic corticospinal pathway. Simulations indicated that without the PN network, the alternating burst patterns of antagonistic muscle EMGs could not be reliably generated, rejecting the first hypothesis. However, with the PN network, the alternating burst patterns of antagonist EMGs were naturally reproduced under all conditions of cortical oscillations. The results suggest that cortical commands of single and double tremor frequencies are further processed at PN to compute the alternating burst patterns in flexor and extensor muscles, and the neuromuscular dynamics demonstrated a frequency dependent damping on tremor, which may prevent tremor above 8 Hz to occur.

Corticomuscular Transmission of Tremor Signals by Propriospinal Neurons in Parkinson's Disease

PubMed Central

Hao, Manzhao; He, Xin; Xiao, Qin; Alstermark, Bror; Lan, Ning

2013-01-01

Cortical oscillatory signals of single and double tremor frequencies act together to cause tremor in the peripheral limbs of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). But the corticospinal pathway that transmits the tremor signals has not been clarified, and how alternating bursts of antagonistic muscle activations are generated from the cortical oscillatory signals is not well understood. This paper investigates the plausible role of propriospinal neurons (PN) in C3–C4 in transmitting the cortical oscillatory signals to peripheral muscles. Kinematics data and surface electromyogram (EMG) of tremor in forearm were collected from PD patients. A PN network model was constructed based on known neurophysiological connections of PN. The cortical efferent signal of double tremor frequencies were integrated at the PN network, whose outputs drove the muscles of a virtual arm (VA) model to simulate tremor behaviors. The cortical efferent signal of single tremor frequency actuated muscle spindles. By comparing tremor data of PD patients and the results of model simulation, we examined two hypotheses regarding the corticospinal transmission of oscillatory signals in Parkinsonian tremor. Hypothesis I stated that the oscillatory cortical signals were transmitted via the mono-synaptic corticospinal pathways bypassing the PN network. The alternative hypothesis II stated that they were transmitted by way of PN multi-synaptic corticospinal pathway. Simulations indicated that without the PN network, the alternating burst patterns of antagonistic muscle EMGs could not be reliably generated, rejecting the first hypothesis. However, with the PN network, the alternating burst patterns of antagonist EMGs were naturally reproduced under all conditions of cortical oscillations. The results suggest that cortical commands of single and double tremor frequencies are further processed at PN to compute the alternating burst patterns in flexor and extensor muscles, and the neuromuscular dynamics demonstrated a frequency dependent damping on tremor, which may prevent tremor above 8 Hz to occur. PMID:24278189

Reconstruction of equilibrium trajectories and joint stiffness patterns during single-joint voluntary movements under different instructions.

PubMed

Latash, M L

1994-01-01

A method for reconstructing joint compliant characteristics during voluntary movements was applied to the analysis of oscillatory and unidirectional elbow flexion movements. In different series, the subjects were given one of the following instructions: (1) do not intervene voluntarily; (2) keep the trajectory; (3) in cases of perturbations, return back to the starting position as quickly as possible (only during unidirectional movements). Under the instruction 'keep trajectory', the apparent joint stiffness increased by 50% to 250%. During oscillatory movements, this was accompanied by a decrease in the maximal difference between the actual and equilibrium joint trajectories and, in several cases, led to a change in the phase relation between the two trajectories. The coefficients of correlation between joint torque and angle were very high (commonly, over 0.9) under the 'do not intervene' instruction. They dropped to about 0.6 under the 'keep trajectory' and to about 0.3 under the 'return back' instructions. Under these two instructions, the low values of the coefficients of correlation did not allow reconstruction of segments of equilibrium trajectories and joint stiffness values in all the subjects. The results provide further support for the lambda-version of the equilibrium-point hypothesis and for using the instruction 'do not intervene voluntarily' to obtain reproducible time patterns of the central motor command.

Oscillatory patterns in the light curves of five long-term monitored type 1 active galactic nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kovačević, Andjelka B.; Pérez-Hernández, Ernesto; Popović, Luka Č.; Shapovalova, Alla I.; Kollatschny, Wolfram; Ilić, Dragana

2018-04-01

New combined data of five well-known type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) are probed with a novel hybrid method in a search for oscillatory behaviour. Additional analysis of artificial light curves obtained from the coupled oscillatory models gives confirmation for detected periods that could have a physical background. We find periodic variations in the long-term light curves of 3C 390.3, NGC 4151 and NGC 5548, and E1821 + 643, with correlation coefficients larger than 0.6. We show that the oscillatory patterns of two binary black hole candidates, NGC 5548 and E1821 + 643, correspond to qualitatively different dynamical regimes of chaos and stability, respectively. We demonstrate that the absence of oscillatory patterns in Arp 102B could be the result of a weak coupling between oscillatory mechanisms. This is the first good evidence that 3C 390.3 and Arp 102B, categorized as double-peaked Balmer line objects, have qualitative different dynamics. Our analysis shows a novelty in the oscillatory dynamical patterns of the light curves of these type 1 AGNs.

A brief historical perspective on the advent of brain oscillations in the biological and psychological disciplines.

PubMed

Karakaş, Sirel; Barry, Robert J

2017-04-01

We aim to review the historical evolution that has led to the study of the brain (body)-mind relationship based on brain oscillations, to outline and illustrate the principles of neuro-oscillatory dynamics using research findings. The paper addresses the relevant developments in behavioral sciences after Wundt established the science of psychology, and developments in the neurosciences after alpha and gamma oscillations were discovered by Berger and Adrian, respectively. Basic neuroscientific studies have led to a number of principles: (1) spontaneous EEG is composed of a set of oscillatory components, (2) the brain responds with oscillatory activity, (3) poststimulus oscillatory activity is a function of prestimulus activity, (4) the brain response results from a superposition of oscillatory components, (5) there are multiplicities with regard to oscillations and functions, and (6) oscillations are spatially integrated. Findings of clinical studies suggest that oscillatory responses can serve as biomarkers for neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the field of psychology is still making limited use of neuro-oscillatory dynamics for a bio-behavioral understanding of cognitive-affective processes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Driving working memory with frequency-tuned noninvasive brain stimulation.

PubMed

Albouy, Philippe; Baillet, Sylvain; Zatorre, Robert J

2018-04-29

Frequency-tuned noninvasive brain stimulation is a recent approach in cognitive neuroscience that involves matching the frequency of transcranially applied electromagnetic fields to that of specific oscillatory components of the underlying neurophysiology. The objective of this method is to modulate ongoing/intrinsic brain oscillations, which correspond to rhythmic fluctuations of neural excitability, to causally change behavior. We review the impact of frequency-tuned noninvasive brain stimulation on the research field of human working memory. We argue that this is a powerful method to probe and understand the mechanisms of memory functions, targeting specifically task-related oscillatory dynamics, neuronal representations, and brain networks. We report the main behavioral and neurophysiological outcomes published to date, in particular, how functionally relevant oscillatory signatures in signal power and interregional connectivity yield causal changes of working memory abilities. We also present recent developments of the technique that aim to modulate cross-frequency coupling in polyrhythmic neural activity. Overall, the method has led to significant advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of systems neuroscience, and the role of brain oscillations in cognition and behavior. We also emphasize the translational impact of noninvasive brain stimulation techniques in the development of therapeutic approaches. © 2018 New York Academy of Sciences.

Unruh effect under non-equilibrium conditions: oscillatory motion of an Unruh-DeWitt detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Doukas, Jason; Lin, Shih-Yuin; Hu, B. L.; Mann, Robert B.

2013-11-01

The Unruh effect refers to the thermal fluctuations a detector experiences while undergoing linear motion with uniform acceleration in a Minkowski vacuum. This thermality can be demonstrated by tracing the vacuum state of the field over the modes beyond the accelerated detector's event horizon. However, the event horizon is well-defined only if the detector moves with eternal uniform linear acceleration. This idealized condition cannot be fulfilled in realistic situations when the motion unavoidably involves periods of non-uniform acceleration. Many experimental proposals to test the Unruh effect are of this nature. Often circular or oscillatory motion, which lacks an obvious geometric description, is considered in such proposals. The proper perspective for theoretically going beyond, or experimentally testing, the Unruh-Hawking effect in these more general conditions has to be offered by concepts and techniques in non-equilibrium quantum field theory. In this paper we provide a detailed analysis of how an Unruh-DeWitt detector undergoing oscillatory motion responds to the fluctuations of a quantum field. Numerical results for the late-time temperatures of the oscillating detector are presented. We comment on the digressions of these results from what one would obtain from a naive application of Unruh's result.

Stuck in default mode: inefficient cross-frequency synchronization may lead to age-related short-term memory decline.

PubMed

Pinal, Diego; Zurrón, Montserrat; Díaz, Fernando; Sauseng, Paul

2015-04-01

Aging-related decline in short-term memory capacity seems to be caused by deficient balancing of task-related and resting state brain networks activity; however, the exact neural mechanism underlying this deficit remains elusive. Here, we studied brain oscillatory activity in healthy young and old adults during visual information maintenance in a delayed match-to-sample task. Particular emphasis was on long range phase:amplitude coupling of frontal alpha (8-12 Hz) and posterior fast oscillatory activity (>30 Hz). It is argued that through posterior fast oscillatory activity nesting into the excitatory or the inhibitory phase of frontal alpha wave, long-range networks can be efficiently coupled or decoupled, respectively. On the basis of this mechanism, we show that healthy, elderly participants exhibit a lack of synchronization in task-relevant networks while maintaining synchronized regions of the resting state network. Lacking disconnection of this resting state network is predictive of aging-related short-term memory decline. These results support the idea of inefficient orchestration of competing brain networks in the aging human brain and identify the neural mechanism responsible for this control breakdown. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Passive swimming in viscous oscillatory flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jo, Ikhee; Huang, Yangyang; Zimmermann, Walter; Kanso, Eva

2016-12-01

Fluid-based locomotion at low Reynolds number is subject to the constraints of Purcell's scallop theorem: reciprocal shape kinematics identical under a time-reversal symmetry cannot cause locomotion. In particular, a single degree-of-freedom scallop undergoing opening and closing motions cannot swim. Most strategies for symmetry breaking and locomotion rely on direct control of the swimmer's shape kinematics. Less is known about indirect control via actuation of the fluid medium. To address how such indirect actuation strategies can lead to locomotion, we analyze a Λ -shaped model system analogous to Purcell's scallop but able to deform passively in oscillatory flows. Neutrally buoyant scallops undergo no net locomotion. We show that dense, elastic scallops can exhibit passive locomotion in zero-mean oscillatory flows. We examine the efficiency of swimming parallel to the background flow and analyze the stability of these motions. We observe transitions from stable to unstable swimming, including ordered transitions from fluttering to chaoticlike motions and tumbling. Our results demonstrate that flow oscillations can be used to passively actuate and control the motion of microswimmers, which may be relevant to applications such as surgical robots and cell sorting and manipulation in microfluidic devices.

Modelling Quasi-Periodic Pulsations in Solar and Stellar Flares

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McLaughlin, J. A.; Nakariakov, V. M.; Dominique, M.; Jelínek, P.; Takasao, S.

2018-02-01

Solar flare emission is detected in all EM bands and variations in flux density of solar energetic particles. Often the EM radiation generated in solar and stellar flares shows a pronounced oscillatory pattern, with characteristic periods ranging from a fraction of a second to several minutes. These oscillations are referred to as quasi-periodic pulsations (QPPs), to emphasise that they often contain apparent amplitude and period modulation. We review the current understanding of quasi-periodic pulsations in solar and stellar flares. In particular, we focus on the possible physical mechanisms, with an emphasis on the underlying physics that generates the resultant range of periodicities. These physical mechanisms include MHD oscillations, self-oscillatory mechanisms, oscillatory reconnection/reconnection reversal, wave-driven reconnection, two loop coalescence, MHD flow over-stability, the equivalent LCR-contour mechanism, and thermal-dynamical cycles. We also provide a histogram of all QPP events published in the literature at this time. The occurrence of QPPs puts additional constraints on the interpretation and understanding of the fundamental processes operating in flares, e.g. magnetic energy liberation and particle acceleration. Therefore, a full understanding of QPPs is essential in order to work towards an integrated model of solar and stellar flares.

Fractional hereditariness of lipid membranes: Instabilities and linearized evolution.

PubMed

Deseri, L; Pollaci, P; Zingales, M; Dayal, K

2016-05-01

In this work lipid ordering phase changes arising in planar membrane bilayers is investigated both accounting for elasticity alone and for effective viscoelastic response of such assemblies. The mechanical response of such membranes is studied by minimizing the Gibbs free energy which penalizes perturbations of the changes of areal stretch and their gradients only (Deseri and Zurlo, 2013). As material instabilities arise whenever areal stretches characterizing homogeneous configurations lie inside the spinoidal zone of the free energy density, bifurcations from such configurations are shown to occur as oscillatory perturbations of the in-plane displacement. Experimental observations (Espinosa et al., 2011) show a power-law in-plane viscous behavior of lipid structures allowing for an effective viscoelastic behavior of lipid membranes, which falls in the framework of Fractional Hereditariness. A suitable generalization of the variational principle invoked for the elasticity is applied in this case, and the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equation is found together with a set of boundary and initial conditions. Separation of variables allows for showing how Fractional Hereditariness owes bifurcated modes with a larger number of spatial oscillations than the corresponding elastic analog. Indeed, the available range of areal stresses for material instabilities is found to increase with respect to the purely elastic case. Nevertheless, the time evolution of the perturbations solving the Euler-Lagrange equation above exhibits time-decay and the large number of spatial oscillation slowly relaxes, thereby keeping the features of a long-tail type time-response. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Noise measurements during high-frequency oscillatory and conventional mechanical ventilation.

PubMed

Berens, R J; Weigle, C G

1995-10-01

To evaluate the noise levels with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation and conventional mechanical ventilation. An observational, prospective study. Pediatric intensive care unit. The caretakers and environment of the pediatric intensive care unit. High-frequency oscillatory and conventional mechanical ventilation. Caretakers evaluated noise using a visual analog scale. Noise was measured with a decibel meter and an octave band frequency filter. There was twice as much noise perceived by the caretakers and as measured on the decibel A scale. All measures showed significantly greater noise, especially at low frequencies, with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation. High-frequency oscillatory ventilation exposes the patient to twice as much noise as does the use of conventional mechanical ventilation.

Single polymer dynamics under large amplitude oscillatory extension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Yuecheng; Schroeder, Charles M.

2016-09-01

Understanding the conformational dynamics of polymers in time-dependent flows is of key importance for controlling materials properties during processing. Despite this importance, however, it has been challenging to study polymer dynamics in controlled time-dependent or oscillatory extensional flows. In this work, we study the dynamics of single polymers in large-amplitude oscillatory extension (LAOE) using a combination of experiments and Brownian dynamics (BD) simulations. Two-dimensional LAOE flow is generated using a feedback-controlled stagnation point device known as the Stokes trap, thereby generating an oscillatory planar extensional flow with alternating principal axes of extension and compression. Our results show that polymers experience periodic cycles of compression, reorientation, and extension in LAOE, and dynamics are generally governed by a dimensionless flow strength (Weissenberg number Wi) and dimensionless frequency (Deborah number De). Single molecule experiments are compared to BD simulations with and without intramolecular hydrodynamic interactions (HI) and excluded volume (EV) interactions, and good agreement is obtained across a range of parameters. Moreover, transient bulk stress in LAOE is determined from simulations using the Kramers relation, which reveals interesting and unique rheological signatures for this time-dependent flow. We further construct a series of single polymer stretch-flow rate curves (defined as single molecule Lissajous curves) as a function of Wi and De, and we observe qualitatively different dynamic signatures (butterfly, bow tie, arch, and line shapes) across the two-dimensional Pipkin space defined by Wi and De. Finally, polymer dynamics spanning from the linear to nonlinear response regimes are interpreted in the context of accumulated fluid strain in LAOE.

Paradoxical Expectation: Oscillatory Brain Activity Reveals Social Interaction Impairment in Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Billeke, Pablo; Armijo, Alejandra; Castillo, Daniel; López, Tamara; Zamorano, Francisco; Cosmelli, Diego; Aboitiz, Francisco

2015-09-15

People with schizophrenia show social impairments that are related to functional outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that social interaction impairments in people with schizophrenia are related to alterations in the predictions of others' behavior and explored their underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Electroencephalography was performed in 20 patients with schizophrenia and 25 well-matched control subjects. Participants played as proposers in the repeated version of the Ultimatum Game believing that they were playing with another human or with a computer. The power of oscillatory brain activity was obtained by means of the wavelet transform. We performed a trial-by-trial correlation between the oscillatory activity and the risk of the offer. Control subjects adapted their offers when playing with computers and tended to maintain their offers when playing with humans, as such revealing learning and bargaining strategies, respectively. People with schizophrenia presented the opposite pattern of behavior in both games. During the anticipation of others' responses, the power of alpha oscillations correlated with the risk of the offers made, in a different way in both games. Patients with schizophrenia presented a greater correlation in computer games than in human games; control subjects showed the opposite pattern. The alpha activity correlated with positive symptoms. Our results reveal an alteration in social interaction in patients with schizophrenia that is related to oscillatory brain activity, suggesting maladjustment of expectation when patients face social and nonsocial agents. This alteration is related to psychotic symptoms and could guide further therapies for improving social functioning in patients with schizophrenia. Copyright © 2015 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-diffusive effects on the onset of double-diffusive convection in a horizontal saturated porous fluid layer heated and salted from above

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rajib, Basu; C. Layek, G.

2013-05-01

Double-diffusive stationary and oscillatory instabilities at the marginal state in a saturated porous horizontal fluid layer heated and salted from above are investigated theoretically under the Darcy's framework for a porous medium. The contributions of Soret and Dufour coefficients are taken into account in the analysis. Linear stability analysis shows that the critical value of the Darcy—Rayleigh number depends on cross-diffusive parameters at marginally stationary convection, while the marginal state characterized by oscillatory convection does not depend on the cross-diffusion terms even if the condition and frequency of oscillatory convection depends on the cross-diffusive parameters. The critical value of the Darcy—Rayleigh number increases with increasing value of the solutal Darcy—Rayleigh number in the absence of cross-diffusive parameters. The critical Darcy—Rayleigh number decreases with increasing Soret number, resulting in destabilization of the system, while its value increases with increasing Dufour number, resulting in stabilization of the system at the marginal state characterized by stationary convection. The analysis reveals that the Dufour and Soret parameters as well as the porosity parameter play an important role in deciding the type of instability at the onset. This analysis also indicates that the stationary convection is followed by the oscillatory convection for certain fluid mixtures. It is interesting to note that the roles of cross-diffusive parameters on the double-diffusive system heated and salted from above are reciprocal to the double-diffusive system heated and salted from below.

Fourier decomposition of polymer orientation in large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow

DOE PAGES

Giacomin, A. J.; Gilbert, P. H.; Schmalzer, A. M.

2015-03-19

In our previous work, we explored the dynamics of a dilute suspension of rigid dumbbells as a model for polymeric liquids in large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow, a flow experiment that has gained a significant following in recent years. We chose rigid dumbbells since these are the simplest molecular model to give higher harmonics in the components of the stress response. We derived the expression for the dumbbell orientation distribution, and then we used this function to calculate the shear stress response, and normal stress difference responses in large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow. In this paper, we deepen our understanding of themore » polymer motion underlying large-amplitude oscillatory shear flow by decomposing the orientation distribution function into its first five Fourier components (the zeroth, first, second, third, and fourth harmonics). We use three-dimensional images to explore each harmonic of the polymer motion. Our analysis includes the three most important cases: (i) nonlinear steady shear flow (where the Deborah number λω is zero and the Weissenberg number λγ 0 is above unity), (ii) nonlinear viscoelasticity (where both λω and λγ 0 exceed unity), and (iii) linear viscoelasticity (where λω exceeds unity and where λγ 0 approaches zero). We learn that the polymer orientation distribution is spherical in the linear viscoelastic regime, and otherwise tilted and peanut-shaped. We find that the peanut-shaping is mainly caused by the zeroth harmonic, and the tilting, by the second. The first, third, and fourth harmonics of the orientation distribution make only slight contributions to the overall polymer motion.« less

Oscillatory activity in neocortical networks during tactile discrimination near the limit of spatial acuity.

PubMed

Adhikari, Bhim M; Sathian, K; Epstein, Charles M; Lamichhane, Bidhan; Dhamala, Mukesh

2014-05-01

Oscillatory interactions within functionally specialized but distributed brain regions are believed to be central to perceptual and cognitive functions. Here, using human scalp electroencephalography (EEG) recordings combined with source reconstruction techniques, we study how oscillatory activity functionally organizes different neocortical regions during a tactile discrimination task near the limit of spatial acuity. While undergoing EEG recordings, blindfolded participants felt a linear three-dot array presented electromechanically, under computer control, and reported whether the central dot was offset to the left or right. The average brain response differed significantly for trials with correct and incorrect perceptual responses in the timeframe approximately between 130 and 175ms. During trials with correct responses, source-level peak activity appeared in the left primary somatosensory cortex (SI) at around 45ms, in the right lateral occipital complex (LOC) at 130ms, in the right posterior intraparietal sulcus (pIPS) at 160ms, and finally in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) at 175ms. Spectral interdependency analysis of activity in these nodes showed two distinct distributed networks, a dominantly feedforward network in the beta band (12-30Hz) that included all four nodes and a recurrent network in the gamma band (30-100Hz) that linked SI, pIPS and dlPFC. Measures of network activity in both bands were correlated with the accuracy of task performance. These findings suggest that beta and gamma band oscillatory networks coordinate activity between neocortical regions mediating sensory and cognitive processing to arrive at tactile perceptual decisions. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cross-frequency coupling in deep brain structures upon processing the painful sensory inputs.

PubMed

Liu, C C; Chien, J H; Kim, J H; Chuang, Y F; Cheng, D T; Anderson, W S; Lenz, F A

2015-09-10

Cross-frequency coupling has been shown to be functionally significant in cortical information processing, potentially serving as a mechanism for integrating functionally relevant regions in the brain. In this study, we evaluate the hypothesis that pain-related gamma oscillatory responses are coupled with low-frequency oscillations in the frontal lobe, amygdala and hippocampus, areas known to have roles in pain processing. We delivered painful laser pulses to random locations on the dorsal hand of five patients with uncontrolled epilepsy requiring depth electrode implantation for seizure monitoring. Two blocks of 40 laser stimulations were delivered to each subject and the pain-intensity was controlled at five in a 0-10 scale by adjusting the energy level of the laser pulses. Local-field-potentials (LFPs) were recorded through bilaterally implanted depth electrode contacts to study the oscillatory responses upon processing the painful laser stimulations. Our results show that painful laser stimulations enhanced low-gamma (LH, 40-70 Hz) and high-gamma (HG, 70-110 Hz) oscillatory responses in the amygdala and hippocampal regions on the right hemisphere and these gamma responses were significantly coupled with the phases of theta (4-7 Hz) and alpha (8-1 2 Hz) rhythms during pain processing. Given the roles of these deep brain structures in emotion, these findings suggest that the oscillatory responses in these regions may play a role in integrating the affective component of pain, which may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the affective information processing in humans. Copyright © 2015 IBRO. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strongly nonlinear theory of rapid solidification near absolute stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kowal, Katarzyna N.; Altieri, Anthony L.; Davis, Stephen H.

2017-10-01

We investigate the nonlinear evolution of the morphological deformation of a solid-liquid interface of a binary melt under rapid solidification conditions near two absolute stability limits. The first of these involves the complete stabilization of the system to cellular instabilities as a result of large enough surface energy. We derive nonlinear evolution equations in several limits in this scenario and investigate the effect of interfacial disequilibrium on the nonlinear deformations that arise. In contrast to the morphological stability problem in equilibrium, in which only cellular instabilities appear and only one absolute stability boundary exists, in disequilibrium the system is prone to oscillatory instabilities and a second absolute stability boundary involving attachment kinetics arises. Large enough attachment kinetics stabilize the oscillatory instabilities. We derive a nonlinear evolution equation to describe the nonlinear development of the solid-liquid interface near this oscillatory absolute stability limit. We find that strong asymmetries develop with time. For uniform oscillations, the evolution equation for the interface reduces to the simple form f''+(βf')2+f =0 , where β is the disequilibrium parameter. Lastly, we investigate a distinguished limit near both absolute stability limits in which the system is prone to both cellular and oscillatory instabilities and derive a nonlinear evolution equation that captures the nonlinear deformations in this limit. Common to all these scenarios is the emergence of larger asymmetries in the resulting shapes of the solid-liquid interface with greater departures from equilibrium and larger morphological numbers. The disturbances additionally sharpen near the oscillatory absolute stability boundary, where the interface becomes deep-rooted. The oscillations are time-periodic only for small-enough initial amplitudes and their frequency depends on a single combination of physical parameters, including the morphological number, as well as the amplitude. The critical amplitude, at which solutions loose periodicity, depends on a single combination of parameters independent of the morphological number that indicate that non-periodic growth is most commonly present for moderate disequilibrium parameters. The spatial distribution of the interface develops deepening roots at late times. Similar spatial distributions are also seen in the limit in which both the cellular and oscillatory modes are close to absolute stability, and the roots deepen with larger departures from the two absolute stability boundaries.

Experimental observation of phase-flip transitions in the brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dotson, Nicholas M.; Gray, Charles M.

2016-10-01

The phase-flip transition has been demonstrated in a host of coupled nonlinear oscillator models, many pertaining directly to understanding neural dynamics. However, there is little evidence that this phenomenon occurs in the brain. Using simultaneous microelectrode recordings in the nonhuman primate cerebral cortex, we demonstrate the presence of phase-flip transitions between oscillatory narrow-band local field potential signals separated by several centimeters. Specifically, we show that sharp transitions between in-phase and antiphase synchronization are accompanied by a jump in synchronization frequency. These findings are significant for two reasons. First, they validate predictions made by model systems. Second, they have potentially far reaching implications for our understanding of the mechanisms underlying corticocortical communication, which are thought to rely on narrow-band oscillatory synchronization with specific relative phase relationships.

Effects of stochastic time-delayed feedback on a dynamical system modeling a chemical oscillator.

PubMed

González Ochoa, Héctor O; Perales, Gualberto Solís; Epstein, Irving R; Femat, Ricardo

2018-05-01

We examine how stochastic time-delayed negative feedback affects the dynamical behavior of a model oscillatory reaction. We apply constant and stochastic time-delayed negative feedbacks to a point Field-Körös-Noyes photosensitive oscillator and compare their effects. Negative feedback is applied in the form of simulated inhibitory electromagnetic radiation with an intensity proportional to the concentration of oxidized light-sensitive catalyst in the oscillator. We first characterize the system under nondelayed inhibitory feedback; then we explore and compare the effects of constant (deterministic) versus stochastic time-delayed feedback. We find that the oscillatory amplitude, frequency, and waveform are essentially preserved when low-dispersion stochastic delayed feedback is used, whereas small but measurable changes appear when a large dispersion is applied.

Oscillatory Activity in the Infant Brain and the Representation of Small Numbers

PubMed Central

Leung, Sumie; Mareschal, Denis; Rowsell, Renee; Simpson, David; Iaria, Leon; Grbic, Amanda; Kaufman, Jordy

2016-01-01

Gamma-band oscillatory activity (GBA) is an established neural signature of sustained occluded object representation in infants and adults. However, it is not yet known whether the magnitude of GBA in the infant brain reflects the quantity of occluded items held in memory. To examine this, we compared GBA of 6–8 month-old infants during occlusion periods after the representation of two objects vs. that of one object. We found that maintaining a representation of two objects during occlusion resulted in significantly greater GBA relative to maintaining a single object. Further, this enhancement was located in the right occipital region, which is consistent with previous object representation research in adults and infants. We conclude that enhanced GBA reflects neural processes underlying infants’ representation of small numbers. PMID:26903821

Oscillatory Activity in the Infant Brain and the Representation of Small Numbers.

PubMed

Leung, Sumie; Mareschal, Denis; Rowsell, Renee; Simpson, David; Iaria, Leon; Grbic, Amanda; Kaufman, Jordy

2016-01-01

Gamma-band oscillatory activity (GBA) is an established neural signature of sustained occluded object representation in infants and adults. However, it is not yet known whether the magnitude of GBA in the infant brain reflects the quantity of occluded items held in memory. To examine this, we compared GBA of 6-8 month-old infants during occlusion periods after the representation of two objects vs. that of one object. We found that maintaining a representation of two objects during occlusion resulted in significantly greater GBA relative to maintaining a single object. Further, this enhancement was located in the right occipital region, which is consistent with previous object representation research in adults and infants. We conclude that enhanced GBA reflects neural processes underlying infants' representation of small numbers.

Effects of stochastic time-delayed feedback on a dynamical system modeling a chemical oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

González Ochoa, Héctor O.; Perales, Gualberto Solís; Epstein, Irving R.; Femat, Ricardo

2018-05-01

We examine how stochastic time-delayed negative feedback affects the dynamical behavior of a model oscillatory reaction. We apply constant and stochastic time-delayed negative feedbacks to a point Field-Körös-Noyes photosensitive oscillator and compare their effects. Negative feedback is applied in the form of simulated inhibitory electromagnetic radiation with an intensity proportional to the concentration of oxidized light-sensitive catalyst in the oscillator. We first characterize the system under nondelayed inhibitory feedback; then we explore and compare the effects of constant (deterministic) versus stochastic time-delayed feedback. We find that the oscillatory amplitude, frequency, and waveform are essentially preserved when low-dispersion stochastic delayed feedback is used, whereas small but measurable changes appear when a large dispersion is applied.

A non-oscillatory energy-splitting method for the computation of compressible multi-fluid flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, Xin; Li, Jiequan

2018-04-01

This paper proposes a new non-oscillatory energy-splitting conservative algorithm for computing multi-fluid flows in the Eulerian framework. In comparison with existing multi-fluid algorithms in the literature, it is shown that the mass fraction model with isobaric hypothesis is a plausible choice for designing numerical methods for multi-fluid flows. Then we construct a conservative Godunov-based scheme with the high order accurate extension by using the generalized Riemann problem solver, through the detailed analysis of kinetic energy exchange when fluids are mixed under the hypothesis of isobaric equilibrium. Numerical experiments are carried out for the shock-interface interaction and shock-bubble interaction problems, which display the excellent performance of this type of schemes and demonstrate that nonphysical oscillations are suppressed around material interfaces substantially.

Dielectric Characteristics of Oil filled Transformer under Non-standard Lightning Surge Waveforms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okabe, Shigemitsu; Kawashima, Takeshi; Inoue, Tamotsu; Teranishi, Tsuneharu; Nagaoka, Satoshi

To achieve a rational insulation design for transformers, it is important to evaluate dielectric strength against actually impinging on equipment on-site This paper deals with the dielectric characteristics of a turn-to-turn insulation model for oil filled transformer under non-standard lightning surge waveforms combined with oscillatory voltage. As the results‚ the breakdown voltages and the partial discharge inception voltages of a turn-to-turn insulation model under non-standard impulse wave forms are higher than standard impulse voltages.

Validation of Multi-Dimensional Stirling Engine Design Codes: Measurements in the 90-Degree Turn Test Section

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, Terrence W.; Adolfson, David

2006-01-01

The work to be presented herein was motivated largely by a desire to improve the understanding of oscillatory fluid mechanics inside a Stirling engine. To this end, a CFD project was undertaken at Cleveland State University with the goal of accurately predicting the fluid dynamics within an engine or engine component. Along with the CFD efforts, a code validation project was undertaken at the University of Minnesota. The material covered herein consists of four main parts. In section 1, an experimental investigation of a small aspect ratio impinging jet is discussed. Included in this discussion is a description of the test facilities and instrumentation. A presentation of the collected data is given and comments are made. Next, in section 2, a parallel experimental investigation is presented in which the same geometry as that of section 1 is used, but the flow conditions are changed from steady unidirectional flow to sinusoidally oscillating flow. In section Two, collected data are presented and comments are made. In section 3, a comparison is made between the results of sections 1 and 2, namely, sinusoidally oscillating flow results are compared to steady, unidirectional flow results from the same geometry. Finally, in section 4, a comparison is made between experimentally collected data (the main subject of this work) and CFD generated results. Furthermore, in appendix A, an introductory description of the primary measurement tool used in the experimental process the hot wire anemometer is given for the unfamiliar. The anemometer calibration procedure is described in appendix B. A portfolio of data reduction and data processing codes is provided in appendix C and lastly, a DVD and a roadmap of its contents is provided in an appendix D. 1.0 Unidirectional Flow Investigations 1.1 Introduction This unidirectional experimental program was undertaken to complement an oscillatory flow investigation conducted at the University of Minnesota. The oscillatory investigation is discussed thoroughly in section 2. We defer the description of the motivation behind these experiments until the introduction of section 2. The work that is discussed in this thesis began (chronologically) with oscillatory flow visualization experiments. It was decided that it would be valuable and important to investigate the flow under unidirectional conditions in the same geometry as that of the oscillatory experiments. The thought was that the unidirectional case would be less complicated to model with a CFD program (a moving boundary would be replaced with a steady state boundary condition). Thus, a series of unidirectional experiments were carried out to capture the important features of the flow within the test section. The purpose of these experiments was to provide a data set for comparison to CFD generated velocity fields. Hot-wire anemometry data were taken and flow visualization was conducted as a standard for code validation. The flow geometry was simple, such that it could be easily gridded in a CFD program. However, the geometry provided separation and transition zones, shear layers and recirculation zones. These characteristics made the flow complex and challenging for CFD computation. We comment that the order of experiments that produced this report is as follows: experimental flow visualization under oscillatory flow conditions was carried out; this was followed by unidirectional flow visualization and hot wire anemometry; finally, oscillatory hot wire anemometry was conducted. We present the results out of chronological order for the following reason: the unidirectional results are easier

Effect of exercise on hemodynamic conditions in the abdominal aorta.

PubMed

Taylor, C A; Hughes, T J; Zarins, C K

1999-06-01

The beneficial effect of exercise in the retardation of the progression of cardiovascular disease is hypothesized to be caused, at least in part, by the elimination of adverse hemodynamic conditions, including flow recirculation and low wall shear stress. In vitro and in vivo investigations have provided qualitative and limited quantitative information on flow patterns in the abdominal aorta and on the effect of exercise on the elimination of adverse hemodynamic conditions. We used computational fluid mechanics methods to examine the effects of simulated exercise on hemodynamic conditions in an idealized model of the human abdominal aorta. A three-dimensional computer model of a healthy human abdominal aorta was created to simulate pulsatile aortic blood flow under conditions of rest and graded exercise. Flow velocity patterns and wall shear stress were computed in the lesion-prone infrarenal aorta, and the effects of exercise were determined. A recirculation zone was observed to form along the posterior wall of the aorta immediately distal to the renal vessels under resting conditions. Low time-averaged wall shear stress was present in this location, along the posterior wall opposite the superior mesenteric artery and along the anterior wall between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries. Shear stress temporal oscillations, as measured with an oscillatory shear index, were elevated in these regions. Under simulated light exercise conditions, a region of low wall shear stress and high oscillatory shear index remained along the posterior wall immediately distal to the renal arteries. Under simulated moderate exercise conditions, all the regions of low wall shear stress and high oscillatory shear index were eliminated. This numeric investigation provided detailed quantitative data on the effect of exercise on hemodynamic conditions in the abdominal aorta. Our results indicated that moderate levels of lower limb exercise are necessary to eliminate the flow reversal and regions of low wall shear stress in the abdominal aorta that exist under resting conditions. The lack of flow reversal and increased wall shear stress during exercise suggest a mechanism by which exercise may promote arterial health, namely with the elimination of adverse hemodynamic conditions.

Role of xanthine oxidoreductase and NAD(P)H oxidase in endothelial superoxide production in response to oscillatory shear stress

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McNally, J. Scott; Davis, Michael E.; Giddens, Don P.; Saha, Aniket; Hwang, Jinah; Dikalov, Sergey; Jo, Hanjoong; Harrison, David G.

2003-01-01

Oscillatory shear stress occurs at sites of the circulation that are vulnerable to atherosclerosis. Because oxidative stress contributes to atherosclerosis, we sought to determine whether oscillatory shear stress increases endothelial production of reactive oxygen species and to define the enzymes responsible for this phenomenon. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were exposed to static, laminar (15 dyn/cm2), and oscillatory shear stress (+/-15 dyn/cm2). Oscillatory shear increased superoxide (O2.-) production by more than threefold over static and laminar conditions as detected using electron spin resonance (ESR). This increase in O2*- was inhibited by oxypurinol and culture of endothelial cells with tungsten but not by inhibitors of other enzymatic sources. Oxypurinol also prevented H2O2 production in response to oscillatory shear stress as measured by dichlorofluorescin diacetate and Amplex Red fluorescence. Xanthine-dependent O2*- production was increased in homogenates of endothelial cells exposed to oscillatory shear stress. This was associated with decreased xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) protein levels and enzymatic activity resulting in an elevated ratio of xanthine oxidase (XO) to XDH. We also studied endothelial cells lacking the p47phox subunit of the NAD(P)H oxidase. These cells exhibited dramatically depressed O2*- production and had minimal XO protein and activity. Transfection of these cells with p47phox restored XO protein levels. Finally, in bovine aortic endothelial cells, prolonged inhibition of the NAD(P)H oxidase with apocynin decreased XO protein levels and prevented endothelial cell stimulation of O2*- production in response to oscillatory shear stress. These data suggest that the NAD(P)H oxidase maintains endothelial cell XO levels and that XO is responsible for increased reactive oxygen species production in response to oscillatory shear stress.

Detecting oscillatory patterns and time lags from proxy records with non-uniform sampling: Some pitfalls and possible solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donner, Reik

2013-04-01

Time series analysis offers a rich toolbox for deciphering information from high-resolution geological and geomorphological archives and linking the thus obtained results to distinct climate and environmental processes. Specifically, on various time-scales from inter-annual to multi-millenial, underlying driving forces exhibit more or less periodic oscillations, the detection of which in proxy records often allows linking them to specific mechanisms by which the corresponding drivers may have affected the archive under study. A persistent problem in geomorphology is that available records do not present a clear signal of the variability of environmental conditions, but exhibit considerable uncertainties of both the measured proxy variables and the associated age model. Particularly, time-scale uncertainty as well as the heterogeneity of sampling in the time domain are source of severe conceptual problems that may lead to false conclusions about the presence or absence of oscillatory patterns and their mutual phasing in different archives. In my presentation, I will discuss how one can cope with non-uniformly sampled proxy records to detect and quantify oscillatory patterns in one or more data sets. For this purpose, correlation analysis is reformulated using kernel estimates which are found superior to classical estimators based on interpolation or Fourier transform techniques. In order to characterize non-stationary or noisy periodicities and their relative phasing between different records, an extension of continuous wavelet transform is utilized. The performance of both methods is illustrated for different case studies. An extension to explicitly considering time-scale uncertainties by means of Bayesian techniques is briefly outlined.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Submerged Objects Under Unidirectional and Oscillatory Flows.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fytanidis, D. K.; Wu, H.; Landry, B. J.; Garcia, M. H.

2017-12-01

Abandoned Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) from wartime events, accidents, training or other military activities can be found in coastal environments. While the interest for these hazardous submerged objects is increased, there are still existing knowledge gaps regarding the mechanisms of incipient motion and flow behavior around UXOs lying on the seafloor. Numerical modeling of flow around near bed placed UXOs is conducted for unidirectional and oscillatory flow conditions using Computational Fluid Dynamics techniques. The Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) approach is used to simulate the complex turbulent flow field around UXOs. The numerical results are compared with two-dimensional Particle Image Velocimetry measurements from experiments conducted in unidirectional and oscillatory flow facilities within the Ven Te Chow Hydrosystems Laboratory to evaluate the accuracy of the applied RANS-based solver. Realistic boundary conditions are imposed in the numerical models to mimic the experimental conditions in the laboratory facilities. The comparison between the numerical results and the experimental data agrees well. In addition, the effect of the angle of attack on the forces that UXOs experience is examined. Numerical results suggest that the orientation of UXOs with respect to the mean flow is an important parameter for incipient motion under critical flow conditions which is in agreement with prior laboratory experimental results regarding the identification of critical flow conditions for the initiation of motion of UXOs. Finally, an extensive parametric analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of the maximum current velocity and wave characteristics (maximum velocity and period) on the flow forces and the mean flow pattern around the objects.

Sterol synthesis and cell size distribution under oscillatory growth conditions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae scale-down cultivations.

PubMed

Marbà-Ardébol, Anna-Maria; Bockisch, Anika; Neubauer, Peter; Junne, Stefan

2018-02-01

Physiological responses of yeast to oscillatory environments as they appear in the liquid phase in large-scale bioreactors have been the subject of past studies. So far, however, the impact on the sterol content and intracellular regulation remains to be investigated. Since oxygen is a cofactor in several reaction steps within sterol metabolism, changes in oxygen availability, as occurs in production-scale aerated bioreactors, might have an influence on the regulation and incorporation of free sterols into the cell lipid layer. Therefore, sterol and fatty acid synthesis in two- and three-compartment scale-down Saccharomyces cerevisiae cultivation were studied and compared with typical values obtained in homogeneous lab-scale cultivations. While cells were exposed to oscillating substrate and oxygen availability in the scale-down cultivations, growth was reduced and accumulation of carboxylic acids was increased. Sterol synthesis was elevated to ergosterol at the same time. The higher fluxes led to increased concentrations of esterified sterols. The cells thus seem to utilize the increased availability of precursors to fill their sterol reservoirs; however, this seems to be limited in the three-compartment reactor cultivation due to a prolonged exposure to oxygen limitation. Besides, a larger heterogeneity within the single-cell size distribution was observed under oscillatory growth conditions with three-dimensional holographic microscopy. Hence the impact of gradients is also observable at the morphological level. The consideration of such a single-cell-based analysis provides useful information about the homogeneity of responses among the population. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Simulations of the cardiac action potential based on the Hodgkin-Huxley kinetics with the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.

PubMed

Wu, Sheng-Nan

2004-03-31

The purpose of this study was to develop a method to simulate the cardiac action potential using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet. The mathematical model contained voltage-gated ionic currents that were modeled using either Beeler-Reuter (B-R) or Luo-Rudy (L-R) phase 1 kinetics. The simulation protocol involves the use of in-cell formulas directly typed into a spreadsheet. The capability of spreadsheet iteration was used in these simulations. It does not require any prior knowledge of computer programming, although the use of the macro language can speed up the calculation. The normal configuration of the cardiac ventricular action potential can be well simulated in the B-R model that is defined by four individual ionic currents, each representing the diffusion of ions through channels in the membrane. The contribution of Na+ inward current to the rate of depolarization is reproduced in this model. After removal of Na+ current from the model, a constant current stimulus elicits an oscillatory change in membrane potential. In the L-R phase 1 model where six types of ionic currents were defined, the effect of extracellular K+ concentration on changes both in the time course of repolarization and in the time-independent K+ current can be demonstrated, when the solutions are implemented in Excel. Using the simulation protocols described here, the users can readily study and graphically display the underlying properties of ionic currents to see how changes in these properties determine the behavior of the heart cell. The method employed in these simulation protocols may also be extended or modified to other biological simulation programs.

Oxygen-induced excitability of the belousov-zhabotinskii oscillatory system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Treindl, Ľudovit; Mrákavová, Marta

1985-12-01

The modified Belousov-Zhabotinskii ferroin-catalyzed oscillatory system with the ethyl ester of 3-oxobutanoic acid is described. After an induction period of about 120 s its oscillatory state consisting of four or five oscillations of absorbancy at a wavenumber of 22×10 3 cm -1 can be revived three or four times, if the solution is shaken for 25 s after the oscillatory state has finished. This apparently "mechanical" excitability, which can be observed spectrophotometrically and also polarographically using a rotating platinum disc electrode, proved to be oxygen-induced.

Effects of transverse oscillatory waves on turbulent boundary waves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matulevich, Jonathan; Jacobs, Harold R.

1994-01-01

Studies of the interaction of unsteady (oscillatory) flows with the growth of a turbulent boundary layer on a flat plate have primarily dealt with an oscillatory component in the primary flow direction. Past studies of the 2-D flow have shown little or no increase in the time averaged heat transfer. The present paper deals with a steady axial and an oscillatory transverse flow. It is shown that for such flows the temporal variation for both the turbulent skin friction and heat transfer are such as to yield increased time averaged values.

Self-sustained oscillations of a sinusoidally-deformed plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Muriel, Diego F.; Cowen, Edwin A.

2015-11-01

Motivated by energy harvesting, the oscillatory motion of a deformed elastic material with aspect ratio Length/Width=2, immerse in an incompressible flow is studied experimentally. To induce the wave-like deformation a polycarbonate sheet is placed under longitudinal compression with external forcing provided by equispaced tension lines anchored in a frame. No additional constrains are placed in the material. Based on quantitative image-based edge detection, ADV, and PIV measurements, we document the existence of three natural states of motion. Bellow a critical velocity, a stable state presents a sinusoidal-like deformation with weak small perturbations. Above a critical velocity, instability appears in the form of a traveling wave with predictable dominant frequency accompanied by higher-order harmonics. As the flow velocity increases the instability converges faster to its limit cycle in the phase plane (e.g., vertical velocity and position), until the stable oscillatory mode transitions to chaos showing a broad energy spectrum and unstable limit cycle. The underlying objective is to induce the onset of the instability at lower critical velocities for higher bending rigidities, promoting possible energy extraction and increasing the range at which stable oscillations appear.

Model Adaptation in Parametric Space for POD-Galerkin Models

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Haotian; Wei, Mingjun

2017-11-01

The development of low-order POD-Galerkin models is largely motivated by the expectation to use the model developed with a set of parameters at their native values to predict the dynamic behaviors of the same system under different parametric values, in other words, a successful model adaptation in parametric space. However, most of time, even small deviation of parameters from their original value may lead to large deviation or unstable results. It has been shown that adding more information (e.g. a steady state, mean value of a different unsteady state, or an entire different set of POD modes) may improve the prediction of flow with other parametric states. For a simple case of the flow passing a fixed cylinder, an orthogonal mean mode at a different Reynolds number may stabilize the POD-Galerkin model when Reynolds number is changed. For a more complicated case of the flow passing an oscillatory cylinder, a global POD-Galerkin model is first applied to handle the moving boundaries, then more information (e.g. more POD modes) is required to predicate the flow under different oscillatory frequencies. Supported by ARL.

Core regulatory network motif underlies the ocellar complex patterning in Drosophila melanogaster

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aguilar-Hidalgo, D.; Lemos, M. C.; Córdoba, A.

2015-03-01

During organogenesis, developmental programs governed by Gene Regulatory Networks (GRN) define the functionality, size and shape of the different constituents of living organisms. Robustness, thus, is an essential characteristic that GRNs need to fulfill in order to maintain viability and reproducibility in a species. In the present work we analyze the robustness of the patterning for the ocellar complex formation in Drosophila melanogaster fly. We have systematically pruned the GRN that drives the development of this visual system to obtain the minimum pathway able to satisfy this pattern. We found that the mechanism underlying the patterning obeys to the dynamics of a 3-nodes network motif with a double negative feedback loop fed by a morphogenetic gradient that triggers the inhibition in a French flag problem fashion. A Boolean modeling of the GRN confirms robustness in the patterning mechanism showing the same result for different network complexity levels. Interestingly, the network provides a steady state solution in the interocellar part of the patterning and an oscillatory regime in the ocelli. This theoretical result predicts that the ocellar pattern may underlie oscillatory dynamics in its genetic regulation.

A numerical resolution study of high order essentially non-oscillatory schemes applied to incompressible flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinan, E.; Shu, Chi-Wang

1994-01-01

High order essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) schemes, originally designed for compressible flow and in general for hyperbolic conservation laws, are applied to incompressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations with periodic boundary conditions. The projection to divergence-free velocity fields is achieved by fourth-order central differences through fast Fourier transforms (FFT) and a mild high-order filtering. The objective of this work is to assess the resolution of ENO schemes for large scale features of the flow when a coarse grid is used and small scale features of the flow, such as shears and roll-ups, are not fully resolved. It is found that high-order ENO schemes remain stable under such situations and quantities related to large scale features, such as the total circulation around the roll-up region, are adequately resolved.

A numerical resolution study of high order essentially non-oscillatory schemes applied to incompressible flow

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weinan, E.; Shu, Chi-Wang

1992-01-01

High order essentially non-oscillatory (ENO) schemes, originally designed for compressible flow and in general for hyperbolic conservation laws, are applied to incompressible Euler and Navier-Stokes equations with periodic boundary conditions. The projection to divergence-free velocity fields is achieved by fourth order central differences through Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and a mild high-order filtering. The objective of this work is to assess the resolution of ENO schemes for large scale features of the flow when a coarse grid is used and small scale features of the flow, such as shears and roll-ups, are not fully resolved. It is found that high-order ENO schemes remain stable under such situations and quantities related to large-scale features, such as the total circulation around the roll-up region, are adequately resolved.

Modeling high-frequency electromotility of cochlear outer hair cell in microchamber experiment.

PubMed

Liao, Zhijie; Popel, Aleksander S; Brownell, William E; Spector, Alexander A

2005-04-01

Cochlear outer hair cells (OHC) are critically important for the amplification and sharp frequency selectivity of the mammalian ear. The microchamber experiment has been an effective tool to analyze the OHC high-frequency performance. In this study, the OHC electrical stimulation in the microchamber is simulated. The model takes into account the inertial and viscous properties of fluids inside and outside the cell as well as the viscoelastic and piezoelectric properties of the cell composite membrane (wall). The closed ends of the cylindrical cell were considered as oscillatory rigid plates. The final solution was obtained in terms of Fourier series, and it was checked against the available results of the microchamber experiment. The conditions of the interaction between the cell and pipette was analyzed, and it was found that the amount of slip along the contact surface has a significant effect on the cell electromotile response. The cell's length changes were computed as a function of frequency, and their dependence on the viscosities of both fluids and the cell wall was analyzed. The distribution of the viscous losses inside the fluids was also estimated. The proposed approach can help in a better understanding of the high-frequency OHC electromotility under experimental and physiological conditions.

Sound and vision: visualization of music with a soap film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaulon, C.; Derec, C.; Combriat, T.; Marmottant, P.; Elias, F.

2017-07-01

A vertical soap film, freely suspended at the end of a tube, is vibrated by a sound wave that propagates in the tube. If the sound wave is a piece of music, the soap film ‘comes alive’: colours, due to iridescences in the soap film, swirl, split and merge in time with the music (see the snapshots in figure 1 below). In this article, we analyse the rich physics behind these fascinating dynamical patterns: it combines the acoustic propagation in a tube, the light interferences, and the static and dynamic properties of soap films. The interaction between the acoustic wave and the liquid membrane results in capillary waves on the soap film, as well as non-linear effects leading to a non-oscillatory flow of liquid in the plane of the film, which induces several spectacular effects: generation of vortices, diphasic dynamical patterns inside the film, and swelling of the soap film under certain conditions. Each of these effects is associated with a characteristic time scale, which interacts with the characteristic time of the music play. This article shows the richness of those characteristic times that lead to dynamical patterns. Through its artistic interest, the experiments presented in this article provide a tool for popularizing and demonstrating science in the classroom or to a broader audience.

Oscillatory Extinction Of Spherical Diffusion Flames

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Law, C. K.; Yoo, S. W.; Christianson, E. W.

2003-01-01

Since extinction has been observed in an oscillatory manner in Le greater than 1 premixed flames, it is not unreasonable to expect that extinction could occur in an unsteady manner for diffusion flames. Indeed, near-limit oscillations have been observed experimentally under microgravity conditions for both candle flames and droplet flames. Furthermore, the analysis of Cheatham and Matalon on the unsteady behavior of diffusion flames with heat loss, identified an oscillatory regime which could be triggered by either a sufficiently large Lewis number (even without heat loss) or an appreciable heat loss (even for Le=1). In light of these recent understanding, the present investigation aims to provide a well-controlled experiment that can unambiguously demonstrate the oscillation of diffusion flames near both the transport- and radiation-induced limits. That is, since candle and jet flames are stabilized through flame segments that are fundamentally premixed in nature, and since premixed flames are prone to oscillate, there is the possibility that the observed oscillation of these bulk diffusion flames could be triggered and sustained by the oscillation of the premixed flame segments. Concerning the observed oscillatory droplet extinction, it is well-known that gas-phase oscillation in heterogeneous burning can be induced by and is thereby coupled with condensed-phase unsteadiness. Consequently, a convincing experiment on diffusion flame oscillation must exclude any ingredients of premixed flames and other sources that may either oscillate themselves or promote the oscillation of the diffusion flame. The present experiment on burner-generated spherical flames with a constant reactant supply endeavored to accomplish this goal. The results are further compared with those from computational simulation for further understanding and quantification of the flame dynamics and extinction.

Characterization of vertical mixing in oscillatory vegetated flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdolahpour, M.; Ghisalberti, M.; Lavery, P.; McMahon, K.

2016-02-01

Seagrass meadows are primary producers that provide important ecosystem services, such as improved water quality, sediment stabilisation and trapping and recycling of nutrients. Most of these ecological services are strongly influenced by the vertical exchange of water across the canopy-water interface. That is, vertical mixing is the main hydrodynamic process governing the large-scale ecological and environmental impact of seagrass meadows. The majority of studies into mixing in vegetated flows have focused on steady flow environments whereas many coastal canopies are subjected to oscillatory flows driven by surface waves. It is known that the rate of mass transfer will vary greatly between unidirectional and oscillatory flows, necessitating a specific investigation of mixing in oscillatory canopy flows. In this study, we conducted an extensive laboratory investigation to characterise the rate of vertical mixing through a vertical turbulent diffusivity (Dt,z). This has been done through gauging the evolution of vertical profiles of concentration (C) of a dye sheet injected into a wave-canopy flow. Instantaneous measurement of the variance of the vertical concentration distribution ( allowed the estimation of a vertical turbulent diffusivity (). Two types of model canopies, rigid and flexible, with identical heights and frontal areas, were subjected to a wide and realistic range of wave height and period. The results showed two important mechanisms that dominate vertical mixing under different conditions: a shear layer that forms at the top of the canopy and wake turbulence generated by the stems. By allowing a coupled contribution of wake and shear layer mixing, we present a relationship that can be used to predict the rate of vertical mixing in coastal canopies. The results further showed that the rate of vertical mixing within flexible vegetation was always lower than the corresponding rigid canopy, confirming the impact of plant flexibility on canopy-flow interactions.

Harmonic motion imaging for abdominal tumor detection and high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation monitoring: an in vivo feasibility study in a transgenic mouse model of pancreatic cancer.

PubMed

Chen, Hong; Hou, Gary Y; Han, Yang; Payen, Thomas; Palermo, Carmine F; Olive, Kenneth P; Konofagou, Elisa E

2015-09-01

Harmonic motion imaging (HMI) is a radiationforce- based elasticity imaging technique that tracks oscillatory tissue displacements induced by sinusoidal ultrasonic radiation force to assess the resulting oscillatory displacement denoting the underlying tissue stiffness. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of HMI in pancreatic tumor detection and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment monitoring. The HMI system consisted of a focused ultrasound transducer, which generated sinusoidal radiation force to induce oscillatory tissue motion at 50 Hz, and a diagnostic ultrasound transducer, which detected the axial tissue displacements based on acquired radio-frequency signals using a 1-D cross-correlation algorithm. For pancreatic tumor detection, HMI images were generated for pancreatic tumors in transgenic mice and normal pancreases in wild-type mice. The obtained HMI images showed a high contrast between normal and malignant pancreases with an average peak-to-peak HMI displacement ratio of 3.2. Histological analysis showed that no tissue damage was associated with HMI when it was used for the sole purpose of elasticity imaging. For pancreatic tumor ablation monitoring, the focused ultrasound transducer was operated at a higher acoustic power and longer pulse length than that used in tumor detection to simultaneously induce HIFU thermal ablation and oscillatory tissue displacements, allowing HMI monitoring without interrupting tumor ablation. HMI monitoring of HIFU ablation found significant decreases in the peak-to-peak HMI displacements before and after HIFU ablation with a reduction rate ranging from 15.8% to 57.0%. The formation of thermal lesions after HIFU exposure was confirmed by histological analysis. This study demonstrated the feasibility of HMI in abdominal tumor detection and HIFU ablation monitoring.

Oscillatory support for rapid frequency change processing in infants.

PubMed

Musacchia, Gabriella; Choudhury, Naseem A; Ortiz-Mantilla, Silvia; Realpe-Bonilla, Teresa; Roesler, Cynthia P; Benasich, April A

2013-11-01

Rapid auditory processing and auditory change detection abilities are crucial aspects of speech and language development, particularly in the first year of life. Animal models and adult studies suggest that oscillatory synchrony, and in particular low-frequency oscillations play key roles in this process. We hypothesize that infant perception of rapid pitch and timing changes is mediated, at least in part, by oscillatory mechanisms. Using event-related potentials (ERPs), source localization and time-frequency analysis of event-related oscillations (EROs), we examined the neural substrates of rapid auditory processing in 4-month-olds. During a standard oddball paradigm, infants listened to tone pairs with invariant standard (STD, 800-800 Hz) and variant deviant (DEV, 800-1200 Hz) pitch. STD and DEV tone pairs were first presented in a block with a short inter-stimulus interval (ISI) (Rapid Rate: 70 ms ISI), followed by a block of stimuli with a longer ISI (Control Rate: 300 ms ISI). Results showed greater ERP peak amplitude in response to the DEV tone in both conditions and later and larger peaks during Rapid Rate presentation, compared to the Control condition. Sources of neural activity, localized to right and left auditory regions, showed larger and faster activation in the right hemisphere for both rate conditions. Time-frequency analysis of the source activity revealed clusters of theta band enhancement to the DEV tone in right auditory cortex for both conditions. Left auditory activity was enhanced only during Rapid Rate presentation. These data suggest that local low-frequency oscillatory synchrony underlies rapid processing and can robustly index auditory perception in young infants. Furthermore, left hemisphere recruitment during rapid frequency change discrimination suggests a difference in the spectral and temporal resolution of right and left hemispheres at a very young age. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Exercise training improves characteristics of exercise oscillatory ventilation in chronic heart failure.

PubMed

Panagopoulou, Niki; Karatzanos, Eleftherios; Dimopoulos, Stavros; Tasoulis, Athanasios; Tachliabouris, Ioannis; Vakrou, Styliani; Sideris, Antonios; Gratziou, Christina; Nanas, Serafim

2017-05-01

Background Exercise oscillatory ventilation in chronic heart failure has been suggested as a factor related to adverse cardiac events, aggravated prognosis and higher mortality. Exercise training is well known to affect exercise capacity and mechanisms of pathophysiology beneficially in chronic heart failure. Little is known, however, about the exercise training effects on characteristics of exercise oscillatory ventilation in chronic heart failure patients. Design and methods Twenty (out of 38) stable chronic heart failure patients exhibited exercise oscillatory ventilation (age 54 ± 11 years, peak oxygen uptake 15.0 ± 5.0 ml/kg per minute). Patients attended 36 sessions of high intensity interval exercise. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing before and after the programme. Assessment of exercise oscillatory ventilation was based on the amplitude of cyclic fluctuations in breathing during rest and exercise. All values are mean ± SD. Results Exercise training reduced ( P < 0.05) the percentage of exercise oscillatory ventilation duration (79.0 ± 13.0 to 50.0 ± 25.0%), while average amplitude (5.2 ± 2.0 to 4.9 ± 1.6 L/minute) and length (44.0 ± 10.9 to 41.0 ± 6.7 seconds) did not change ( P > 0.05). Exercise oscillatory ventilation patients also increased exercise capacity ( P < 0.05). Conclusions A rehabilitation programme based on high intensity interval training improved exercise oscillatory ventilation observed in chronic heart failure patients, as well as cardiopulmonary efficiency and functional capacity.

Periodicity of Strong Seismicity in Italy: Schuster Spectrum Analysis Extended to the Destructive Earthquakes of 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bragato, P. L.

2017-10-01

The strong earthquakes that occurred in Italy between 2009 and 2016 represent an abrupt acceleration of seismicity in respect of the previous 30 years. Such behavior seems to agree with the periodic rate change I observed in a previous paper. The present work improves that study by extending the data set up to the end of 2016, adopting the latest version of the historical seismic catalog of Italy, and introducing Schuster spectrum analysis for the detection of the oscillatory period and the assessment of its statistical significance. Applied to the declustered catalog of M w ≥ 6 earthquakes that occurred between 1600 and 2016, the analysis individuates a marked periodicity of 46 years, which is recognized above the 95% confidence level. Monte Carlo simulation shows that the oscillatory behavior is stable in respect of random errors on magnitude estimation. A parametric oscillatory model for the annual rate of seismicity is estimated by likelihood maximization under the hypothesis of inhomogeneous Poisson point process. According to the Akaike Information Criterion, such model outperforms the simpler homogeneous one with constant annual rate. A further element emerges form the analysis: so far, despite recent earthquakes, the Italian seismicity is still within a long-term decreasing trend established since the first half of the twentieth century.

Dopamine D2 receptors preferentially regulate the development of light responses of the inner retina

PubMed Central

Tian, Ning; Xu, Hong-ping; Wang, Ping

2014-01-01

Retinal light responsiveness measured via electroretinography undergoes developmental modulation and is thought to be critically regulated by both visual experience and dopamine. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether the dopamine D2 receptor regulates the visual experience-dependent functional development of the retina. Accordingly, we recorded electroretinograms from wild type mice and mice with a genetic deletion of the gene that encodes the dopamine D2 receptor raised under normal cyclic light conditions and constant darkness. Our results demonstrate that mutation of the dopamine D2 receptors preferentially increases the amplitude of the inner retinal light responses evoked by high intensity light measured as oscillatory potentials in adult mice. During postnatal development, all three major components of electroretinograms, the a-wave, b-wave and oscillatory potentials, increase with age. Comparatively, mutation of the dopamine D2 receptors preferentially reduces the age-dependent increase of b-waves evoked by low intensity light. Light deprivation from birth reduces the amplitude of b-waves and completely diminishes the increased amplitude of oscillatory potentials. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the dopamine D2 receptor plays an important role in the activity-dependent functional development of the mouse retina. PMID:25393815

Variational method enabling simplified solutions to the linearized Boltzmann equation for oscillatory gas flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladiges, Daniel R.; Sader, John E.

2018-05-01

Nanomechanical resonators and sensors, operated in ambient conditions, often generate low-Mach-number oscillating rarefied gas flows. Cercignani [C. Cercignani, J. Stat. Phys. 1, 297 (1969), 10.1007/BF01007482] proposed a variational principle for the linearized Boltzmann equation, which can be used to derive approximate analytical solutions of steady (time-independent) flows. Here we extend and generalize this principle to unsteady oscillatory rarefied flows and thus accommodate resonating nanomechanical devices. This includes a mathematical approach that facilitates its general use and allows for systematic improvements in accuracy. This formulation is demonstrated for two canonical flow problems: oscillatory Couette flow and Stokes' second problem. Approximate analytical formulas giving the bulk velocity and shear stress, valid for arbitrary oscillation frequency, are obtained for Couette flow. For Stokes' second problem, a simple system of ordinary differential equations is derived which may be solved to obtain the desired flow fields. Using this framework, a simple and accurate formula is provided for the shear stress at the oscillating boundary, again for arbitrary frequency, which may prove useful in application. These solutions are easily implemented on any symbolic or numerical package, such as Mathematica or matlab, facilitating the characterization of flows produced by nanomechanical devices and providing insight into the underlying flow physics.

Inhibitory interneuron circuits at cortical and spinal levels are associated with individual differences in corticomuscular coherence during isometric voluntary contraction

PubMed Central

Matsuya, Ryosuke; Ushiyama, Junichi; Ushiba, Junichi

2017-01-01

Corticomuscular coherence (CMC) is an oscillatory synchronization of 15–35 Hz (β-band) between electroencephalogram (EEG) of the sensorimotor cortex and electromyogram of contracting muscles. Although we reported that the magnitude of CMC varies among individuals, the physiological mechanisms underlying this variation are still unclear. Here, we aimed to investigate the associations between CMC and intracortical inhibition (ICI) in the primary motor cortex (M1)/recurrent inhibition (RI) in the spinal cord, which probably affect oscillatory neural activities. Firstly, we quantified ICI from changes in motor-evoked potentials induced by paired-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation in M1 during tonic isometric voluntary contraction of the first dorsal interosseous. ICI showed a significant, negative correlation with the strength of EEG β-oscillation, but not with the magnitude of CMC across individuals. Next, we quantified RI from changes in H-reflexes induced by paired-pulse electrical nerve stimulation to the posterior tibial nerve during isometric contraction of the soleus muscle. We observed a significant, positive correlation between RI and peak CMC across individuals. These results suggest that the local inhibitory interneuron networks in cortical and spinal levels are associated with the oscillatory activity in corticospinal loop. PMID:28290507

Unified thalamic model generates multiple distinct oscillations with state-dependent entrainment by stimulation

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The thalamus plays a critical role in the genesis of thalamocortical oscillations, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. To understand whether the isolated thalamus can generate multiple distinct oscillations, we developed a biophysical thalamic model to test the hypothesis that generation of and transition between distinct thalamic oscillations can be explained as a function of neuromodulation by acetylcholine (ACh) and norepinephrine (NE) and afferent synaptic excitation. Indeed, the model exhibited four distinct thalamic rhythms (delta, sleep spindle, alpha and gamma oscillations) that span the physiological states corresponding to different arousal levels from deep sleep to focused attention. Our simulation results indicate that generation of these distinct thalamic oscillations is a result of both intrinsic oscillatory cellular properties and specific network connectivity patterns. We then systematically varied the ACh/NE and input levels to generate a complete map of the different oscillatory states and their transitions. Lastly, we applied periodic stimulation to the thalamic network and found that entrainment of thalamic oscillations is highly state-dependent. Our results support the hypothesis that ACh/NE modulation and afferent excitation define thalamic oscillatory states and their response to brain stimulation. Our model proposes a broader and more central role of the thalamus in the genesis of multiple distinct thalamo-cortical rhythms than previously assumed. PMID:29073146

Electrical and Thermal Modulation of Protein Synthesis in Cartilage: A Model for Field Effects on Biological Tissues.

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-01-15

76] under physiological conditions. Oscillatory streaming currents of 1-5 pA/cm’ were recently demonstrated in bovine knee articular cartilage...in cellular metabolism or cellular acidosis ). In general, these agents are lethal in high enough doses. The stress proteins are highly conserved...which under reducing conditions subdivides into subunits of 35 kD (on SDS-PAGE) in bovine fetal epiphyseal and articular cartilage [170]. The tissue

Binary Oscillatory Crossflow Electrophoresis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Molloy, Richard F.; Gallagher, Christopher T.; Leighton, David T., Jr.

1996-01-01

We present preliminary results of our implementation of a novel electrophoresis separation technique: Binary Oscillatory Cross flow Electrophoresis (BOCE). The technique utilizes the interaction of two driving forces, an oscillatory electric field and an oscillatory shear flow, to create an active binary filter for the separation of charged species. Analytical and numerical studies have indicated that this technique is capable of separating proteins with electrophoretic mobilities differing by less than 10%. With an experimental device containing a separation chamber 20 cm long, 5 cm wide, and 1 mm thick, an order of magnitude increase in throughput over commercially available electrophoresis devices is theoretically possible.

The interplay of seven subthreshold conductances controls the resting membrane potential and the oscillatory behavior of thalamocortical neurons

PubMed Central

Zagha, Edward; Mato, German; Rudy, Bernardo; Nadal, Marcela S.

2014-01-01

The signaling properties of thalamocortical (TC) neurons depend on the diversity of ion conductance mechanisms that underlie their rich membrane behavior at subthreshold potentials. Using patch-clamp recordings of TC neurons in brain slices from mice and a realistic conductance-based computational model, we characterized seven subthreshold ion currents of TC neurons and quantified their individual contributions to the total steady-state conductance at levels below tonic firing threshold. We then used the TC neuron model to show that the resting membrane potential results from the interplay of several inward and outward currents over a background provided by the potassium and sodium leak currents. The steady-state conductances of depolarizing Ih (hyperpolarization-activated cationic current), IT (low-threshold calcium current), and INaP (persistent sodium current) move the membrane potential away from the reversal potential of the leak conductances. This depolarization is counteracted in turn by the hyperpolarizing steady-state current of IA (fast transient A-type potassium current) and IKir (inwardly rectifying potassium current). Using the computational model, we have shown that single parameter variations compatible with physiological or pathological modulation promote burst firing periodicity. The balance between three amplifying variables (activation of IT, activation of INaP, and activation of IKir) and three recovering variables (inactivation of IT, activation of IA, and activation of Ih) determines the propensity, or lack thereof, of repetitive burst firing of TC neurons. We also have determined the specific roles that each of these variables have during the intrinsic oscillation. PMID:24760784

Neuronal Spike Timing Adaptation Described with a Fractional Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Model

PubMed Central

Teka, Wondimu; Marinov, Toma M.; Santamaria, Fidel

2014-01-01

The voltage trace of neuronal activities can follow multiple timescale dynamics that arise from correlated membrane conductances. Such processes can result in power-law behavior in which the membrane voltage cannot be characterized with a single time constant. The emergent effect of these membrane correlations is a non-Markovian process that can be modeled with a fractional derivative. A fractional derivative is a non-local process in which the value of the variable is determined by integrating a temporal weighted voltage trace, also called the memory trace. Here we developed and analyzed a fractional leaky integrate-and-fire model in which the exponent of the fractional derivative can vary from 0 to 1, with 1 representing the normal derivative. As the exponent of the fractional derivative decreases, the weights of the voltage trace increase. Thus, the value of the voltage is increasingly correlated with the trajectory of the voltage in the past. By varying only the fractional exponent, our model can reproduce upward and downward spike adaptations found experimentally in neocortical pyramidal cells and tectal neurons in vitro. The model also produces spikes with longer first-spike latency and high inter-spike variability with power-law distribution. We further analyze spike adaptation and the responses to noisy and oscillatory input. The fractional model generates reliable spike patterns in response to noisy input. Overall, the spiking activity of the fractional leaky integrate-and-fire model deviates from the spiking activity of the Markovian model and reflects the temporal accumulated intrinsic membrane dynamics that affect the response of the neuron to external stimulation. PMID:24675903

Control of Cavity Resonance Using Oscillatory Blowing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Scarfe, Alison Lamp; Chokani, Ndaona

2000-01-01

The near-zero net mass oscillatory blowing control of a subsonic cavity flow has been experimentally investigated. An actuator was designed and fabricated to provide both steady and oscillatory blowing over a range of blowing amplitudes and forcing frequencies. The blowing was applied just upstream of the cavity front Wall through interchangeable plate configurations These configurations enabled the effects of hole size, hole shape, and blowing angle to be examined. A significant finding is that in terms of the blowing amplitude, the near zero net mass oscillatory blowing is much more effective than steady blowing; momentum coefficients Lip two orders of magnitude smaller than those required for steady blowing are sufficient to accomplish the same control of cavity resonance. The detailed measurements obtained in the experiment include fluctuating pressure data within the cavity wall, and hot-wire measurements of the cavity shear layer. Spectral and wavelet analysis techniques are applied to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of the cavity flow with control. The oscillatory blowing, is effective in enhancing the mixing in the cavity shear layer and thus modifying the feedback loop associated with the cavity resonance. The nonlinear interactions in the cavity flow are no longer driven by the resonant cavity modes but by the forcing associated with the oscillatory blowing. The oscillatory blowing does not suppress the mode switching behavior of the cavity flow, but the amplitude modulation is reduced.

Flow field and oscillatory shear stress in a tuning-fork-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation.

PubMed

Ding, Z; Wang, K; Li, J; Cong, X

2001-12-01

The oscillatory shear index (OSI) was developed based on the hypothesis that intimal hyperplasia was correlated with oscillatory shear stresses. However, the validity of the OSI was in question since the correlation between intimal thickness and the OSI at the side walls of the sinus in the Y-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation (Y-AHCB) was weak. The objectives of this paper are to examine whether the reason for the weak correlation lies in the deviation in geometry of Y-AHCB from real human carotid bifurcation, and whether this correlation is clearly improved in the tuning-fork-shaped model of the average human carotid bifurcation (TF-AHCB). The geometry of the TF-AHCB model was based on observation and statistical analysis of specimens from 74 cadavers. The flow fields in both models were studied and compared by using flow visualization methods under steady flow conditions and by using laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) under pulsatile flow conditions. The TF-shaped geometry leads to a more complex flow field than the Y-shaped geometry. This added complexity includes strengthened helical movements in the sinus, new flow separation zone, and directional changes in the secondary flow patterns. The results show that the OSI-values at the side walls of the sinus in the TF-shaped model were more than two times as large as those in the Y-shaped model. This study confirmed the stronger correlation between the OSI and intimal thickness in the tuning-fork geometry of human carotid bifurcation, and the TF-AHCB model is a significant improvement over the traditional Y-shaped model.

Interplay between non-NMDA and NMDA receptor activation during oscillatory wave propagation: Analyses of caffeine-induced oscillations in the visual cortex of rats.

PubMed

Yoshimura, Hiroshi; Sugai, Tokio; Kato, Nobuo; Tominaga, Takashi; Tominaga, Yoko; Hasegawa, Takahiro; Yao, Chenjuan; Akamatsu, Tetsuya

2016-07-01

Generation and propagation of oscillatory activities in cortical networks are important features of the brain. However, many issues related to oscillatory phenomena are unclear. We previously reported neocortical oscillation following caffeine treatment of rat brain slices. Input to the primary visual cortex (Oc1) generates N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent oscillations, and we proposed that the oscillatory signals originate in the secondary visual cortex (Oc2). Because non-NMDA and NMDA receptors cooperate in synaptic transmission, non-NMDA receptors may also play an important role in oscillatory activities. Here we investigated how non-NMDA receptor activities contribute to NMDA receptor-dependent oscillations by using optical recording methods. After induction of stable oscillations with caffeine application, blockade of NMDA receptors abolished the late stable oscillatory phase, but elicited 'hidden' non-NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation during the early depolarizing phase. An interesting finding is that the origin of the non-NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation moved from the Oc1, during the early phase, toward the origin of the NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation that is fixed in the Oc2. In addition, the frequency of the non-NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation was higher than that of the NMDA receptor-dependent oscillation. Thus, in one course of spatiotemporal oscillatory activities, the relative balance in receptor activities between non-NMDA and NMDA receptors gradually changes, and this may be due to the different kinetics of the two receptor types. These results suggest that interplay between the two receptor types in the areas of Oc1 and Oc2 may play an important role in oscillatory signal communication. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Influence of Oscillatory Fractions on Mass Transfer of Non-Newtonian Fluid in Wavy-Walled Tubes for Pulsatile Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Donghui; Bian, Yongning

2018-03-01

The shape of pipeline structure, fluid medium and flow state have important influence on the heat transfer and mass effect of fluid. In this paper, we investigated the mass transfer behavior of Non-Newtonian fluid CMC solution with 700ppm concentration in five different-sized axisymmetric wave-walled tubes for pulsatile flow. It is revealed that the effect of mass transfer is enhanced with the increase of oscillatory fractions P based on the PIV measurements. Besides, mass transfer rate was measured by the electrochemical method in the larger oscillatory points rate range. It is observed that mass transfer rate increases with the increase in P and reached the maximum mass transfer rate at the most optimal oscillatory fractions P opt. After reaching the optimal oscillatory fractions P opt, the mass transfer rate decreases with increasing P.

Support for Simulation-Based Learning; The Effects of Model Progression and Assignments on Learning about Oscillatory Motion.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Swaak, Janine; And Others

In this study, learners worked with a simulation of harmonic oscillation. Two supportive measures were introduced: model progression and assignments. In model progression, the model underlying the simulation is not offered in its full complexity from the start, but variables are gradually introduced. Assignments are small exercises that help the…

Gelation studies on cross-linking of zein with various reagents using oscillatory rheometry and sample property comparison

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Zein, the dominant protein present in the co-products of the bio-ethanol industry, is a resource that is currently under-utilized. This is mainly due to poor physical properties and solvent sensitivity. It has been found by various researchers that treatment of zein with suitable cross-linking rea...

Functionally Specific Oscillatory Activity Correlates between Visual and Auditory Cortex in the Blind

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schepers, Inga M.; Hipp, Joerg F.; Schneider, Till R.; Roder, Brigitte; Engel, Andreas K.

2012-01-01

Many studies have shown that the visual cortex of blind humans is activated in non-visual tasks. However, the electrophysiological signals underlying this cross-modal plasticity are largely unknown. Here, we characterize the neuronal population activity in the visual and auditory cortex of congenitally blind humans and sighted controls in a…

Theoretical analysis of oscillatory terms in lattice heat-current time correlation functions and their contributions to thermal conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereverzev, Andrey; Sewell, Tommy

2018-03-01

Lattice heat-current time correlation functions for insulators and semiconductors obtained using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations exhibit features of both pure exponential decay and oscillatory-exponential decay. For some materials the oscillatory terms contribute significantly to the lattice heat conductivity calculated from the correlation functions. However, the origin of the oscillatory terms is not well understood, and their contribution to the heat conductivity is accounted for by fitting them to empirical functions. Here, a translationally invariant expression for the heat current in terms of creation and annihilation operators is derived. By using this full phonon-picture definition of the heat current and applying the relaxation-time approximation we explain, at least in part, the origin of the oscillatory terms in the lattice heat-current correlation function. We discuss the relationship between the crystal Hamiltonian and the magnitude of the oscillatory terms. A solvable one-dimensional model is used to illustrate the potential importance of terms that are omitted in the commonly used phonon-picture expression for the heat current. While the derivations are fully quantum mechanical, classical-limit expressions are provided that enable direct contact with classical quantities obtainable from MD.

Oscillatory squeeze film analysis of soft contact lenses.

PubMed

Donnchadha, Éanna Mac; Leal, Cristina; Esmonde, Harry

2018-04-13

The complex modulus of a soft contact lens affects the optical performance, fitting, on-eye movement, wettability, physiological impact and overall comfort of the lens. However, despite acknowledgement that the mechanical behaviour of contact lenses is time-dependent, the rheological characteristics of contact lenses remain under-defined. While existing studies have focussed on elasticity to describe lens behaviour, this paper proposes using oscillatory squeeze film analysis to evaluate the complex modulus. The effects of excitation amplitude, repeatability and surface wetness are examined for four commercially available lenses. Slip at the lens/platen interface is considered along with bias introduced by pre-compressing the lens between platens. Test results when compared to results reported from other test methods indicate that a high degree of slip occurs at the lens platen interface suggesting that deformation is primarily due to biaxial extension. Copyright © 2018 British Contact Lens Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Wobbled electronic properties of lithium clusters: Deterministic approach through first principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kushwaha, Anoop Kumar; Nayak, Saroj Kumar

2018-03-01

The innate tendency to form dendritic growth promoted through cluster formation leading to the failure of a Li-ion battery system have drawn significant attention of the researchers towards the effective destabilization of the cluster growth through selective implementation of electrolytic media such as acetonitrile (MeCN). In the present work, using first principles density functional theory and continuum dielectric model, we have investigated the origin of oscillatory nature of binding energy per atom of Lin (n ≤ 8) under the influence of MeCN. In the gas phase, we found that static mean polarizability is strongly correlated with binding energy and shows oscillatory nature with cluster size due to the open shell of Lin cluster. However, in acetonitrile medium, the binding energy has been correlated with electrostatic Lin -MeCN interaction and it has been found that both of them possess wobbled behavior characterized by the cluster size.

Stabilization of dynamics of oscillatory systems by nonautonomous perturbation.

PubMed

Lucas, Maxime; Newman, Julian; Stefanovska, Aneta

2018-04-01

Synchronization and stability under periodic oscillatory driving are well understood, but little is known about the effects of aperiodic driving, despite its abundance in nature. Here, we consider oscillators subject to driving with slowly varying frequency, and investigate both short-term and long-term stability properties. For a phase oscillator, we find that, counterintuitively, such variation is guaranteed to enlarge the Arnold tongue in parameter space. Using analytical and numerical methods that provide information on time-variable dynamical properties, we find that the growth of the Arnold tongue is specifically due to the growth of a region of intermittent synchronization where trajectories alternate between short-term stability and short-term neutral stability, giving rise to stability on average. We also present examples of higher-dimensional nonlinear oscillators where a similar stabilization phenomenon is numerically observed. Our findings help support the case that in general, deterministic nonautonomous perturbation is a very good candidate for stabilizing complex dynamics.

Stabilization of dynamics of oscillatory systems by nonautonomous perturbation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lucas, Maxime; Newman, Julian; Stefanovska, Aneta

2018-04-01

Synchronization and stability under periodic oscillatory driving are well understood, but little is known about the effects of aperiodic driving, despite its abundance in nature. Here, we consider oscillators subject to driving with slowly varying frequency, and investigate both short-term and long-term stability properties. For a phase oscillator, we find that, counterintuitively, such variation is guaranteed to enlarge the Arnold tongue in parameter space. Using analytical and numerical methods that provide information on time-variable dynamical properties, we find that the growth of the Arnold tongue is specifically due to the growth of a region of intermittent synchronization where trajectories alternate between short-term stability and short-term neutral stability, giving rise to stability on average. We also present examples of higher-dimensional nonlinear oscillators where a similar stabilization phenomenon is numerically observed. Our findings help support the case that in general, deterministic nonautonomous perturbation is a very good candidate for stabilizing complex dynamics.

Cycle-Triggered Cortical Stimulation during Slow Wave Sleep Facilitates Learning a BMI Task: A Case Report in a Non-Human Primate

PubMed Central

Rembado, Irene; Zanos, Stavros; Fetz, Eberhard E.

2017-01-01

Slow wave sleep (SWS) has been identified as the sleep stage involved in consolidating newly acquired information. A growing body of evidence has shown that delta (1–4 Hz) oscillatory activity, the characteristic electroencephalographic signature of SWS, is involved in coordinating interaction between the hippocampus and the neocortex and is thought to take a role in stabilizing memory traces related to a novel task. This case report describes a new protocol that uses neuroprosthetics training of a non-human primate to evaluate the effects of surface cortical electrical stimulation triggered from SWS cycles. The results suggest that stimulation phase-locked to SWS oscillatory activity promoted learning of the neuroprosthetic task. This protocol could be used to elucidate mechanisms of synaptic plasticity underlying off-line learning during sleep and offers new insights into the role of brain oscillations in information processing and memory consolidation. PMID:28450831

Stability Analysis and Internal Heating Effect on Oscillatory Convection in a Viscoelastic Fluid Saturated Porous Medium Under Gravity Modulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhadauria, B. S.; Singh, M. K.; Singh, A.; Singh, B. K.; Kiran, P.

2016-12-01

In this paper, we investigate the combined effect of internal heating and time periodic gravity modulation in a viscoelastic fluid saturated porous medium by reducing the problem into a complex non-autonomous Ginzgburg-Landau equation. Weak nonlinear stability analysis has been performed by using power series expansion in terms of the amplitude of gravity modulation, which is assumed to be small. The Nusselt number is obtained in terms of the amplitude for oscillatory mode of convection. The influence of viscoelastic parameters on heat transfer has been discussed. Gravity modulation is found to have a destabilizing effect at low frequencies and a stabilizing effect at high frequencies. Finally, it is found that overstability advances the onset of convection, more with internal heating. The conditions for which the complex Ginzgburg-Landau equation undergoes Hopf bifurcation and the amplitude equation undergoes supercritical pitchfork bifurcation are studied.

Force microscopy of layering and friction in an ionic liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoth, Judith; Hausen, Florian; Müser, Martin H.; Bennewitz, Roland

2014-07-01

The mechanical properties of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl) trifluorophosphate ([Py1,4][FAP]) in confinement between a SiOx and a Au(1 1 1) surface are investigated by means of atomic force microscopy (AFM) under electrochemical control. Up to 12 layers of ion pairs can be detected through force measurements while approaching the tip of the AFM to the surface. The particular shape of the force versus distance curve is explained by a model for the interaction between tip, gold surface and ionic liquid, which assumes an exponentially decaying oscillatory force originating from bulk liquid density correlations. Jumps in the tip-sample distance upon approach correspond to jumps of the compliant force sensor between branches of the oscillatory force curve. Frictional force between the laterally moving tip and the surface is detected only after partial penetration of the last double layer between tip and surface.

The dynamics of integrate-and-fire: mean versus variance modulations and dependence on baseline parameters.

PubMed

Pressley, Joanna; Troyer, Todd W

2011-05-01

The leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) is the simplest neuron model that captures the essential properties of neuronal signaling. Yet common intuitions are inadequate to explain basic properties of LIF responses to sinusoidal modulations of the input. Here we examine responses to low and moderate frequency modulations of both the mean and variance of the input current and quantify how these responses depend on baseline parameters. Across parameters, responses to modulations in the mean current are low pass, approaching zero in the limit of high frequencies. For very low baseline firing rates, the response cutoff frequency matches that expected from membrane integration. However, the cutoff shows a rapid, supralinear increase with firing rate, with a steeper increase in the case of lower noise. For modulations of the input variance, the gain at high frequency remains finite. Here, we show that the low-frequency responses depend strongly on baseline parameters and derive an analytic condition specifying the parameters at which responses switch from being dominated by low versus high frequencies. Additionally, we show that the resonant responses for variance modulations have properties not expected for common oscillatory resonances: they peak at frequencies higher than the baseline firing rate and persist when oscillatory spiking is disrupted by high noise. Finally, the responses to mean and variance modulations are shown to have a complementary dependence on baseline parameters at higher frequencies, resulting in responses to modulations of Poisson input rates that are independent of baseline input statistics.

The Art of Grid Fields: Geometry of Neuronal Time

PubMed Central

Shilnikov, Andrey L.; Maurer, Andrew Porter

2016-01-01

The discovery of grid cells in the entorhinal cortex has both elucidated our understanding of spatial representations in the brain, and germinated a large number of theoretical models regarding the mechanisms of these cells’ striking spatial firing characteristics. These models cross multiple neurobiological levels that include intrinsic membrane resonance, dendritic integration, after hyperpolarization characteristics and attractor dynamics. Despite the breadth of the models, to our knowledge, parallels can be drawn between grid fields and other temporal dynamics observed in nature, much of which was described by Art Winfree and colleagues long before the initial description of grid fields. Using theoretical and mathematical investigations of oscillators, in a wide array of mediums far from the neurobiology of grid cells, Art Winfree has provided a substantial amount of research with significant and profound similarities. These theories provide specific inferences into the biological mechanisms and extraordinary resemblances across phenomenon. Therefore, this manuscript provides a novel interpretation on the phenomenon of grid fields, from the perspective of coupled oscillators, postulating that grid fields are the spatial representation of phase resetting curves in the brain. In contrast to prior models of gird cells, the current manuscript provides a sketch by which a small network of neurons, each with oscillatory components can operate to form grid cells, perhaps providing a unique hybrid between the competing attractor neural network and oscillatory interference models. The intention of this new interpretation of the data is to encourage novel testable hypotheses. PMID:27013981

Neuronal oscillations on an ultra-slow timescale: daily rhythms in electrical activity and gene expression in the mammalian master circadian clockwork.

PubMed

Belle, Mino D C; Diekman, Casey O

2018-02-03

Neuronal oscillations of the brain, such as those observed in the cortices and hippocampi of behaving animals and humans, span across wide frequency bands, from slow delta waves (0.1 Hz) to ultra-fast ripples (600 Hz). Here, we focus on ultra-slow neuronal oscillators in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the master daily clock that operates on interlocking transcription-translation feedback loops to produce circadian rhythms in clock gene expression with a period of near 24 h (< 0.001 Hz). This intracellular molecular clock interacts with the cell's membrane through poorly understood mechanisms to drive the daily pattern in the electrical excitability of SCN neurons, exhibiting an up-state during the day and a down-state at night. In turn, the membrane activity feeds back to regulate the oscillatory activity of clock gene programs. In this review, we emphasise the circadian processes that drive daily electrical oscillations in SCN neurons, and highlight how mathematical modelling contributes to our increasing understanding of circadian rhythm generation, synchronisation and communication within this hypothalamic region and across other brain circuits. © 2018 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Decomposition Analyses Applied to a Complex Ultradian Biorhythm: The Oscillating NADH Oxidase Activity of Plasma Membranes Having a Potential Time-Keeping (Clock) Function

PubMed Central

Foster, Ken; Anwar, Nasim; Pogue, Rhea; Morré, Dorothy M.; Keenan, T. W.; Morré, D. James

2003-01-01

Seasonal decomposition analyses were applied to the statistical evaluation of an oscillating activity for a plasma membrane NADH oxidase activity with a temperature compensated period of 24 min. The decomposition fits were used to validate the cyclic oscillatory pattern. Three measured values, average percentage error (MAPE), a measure of the periodic oscillation, mean average deviation (MAD), a measure of the absolute average deviations from the fitted values, and mean standard deviation (MSD), the measure of standard deviation from the fitted values plus R-squared and the Henriksson-Merton p value were used to evaluate accuracy. Decomposition was carried out by fitting a trend line to the data, then detrending the data if necessary, by subtracting the trend component. The data, with or without detrending, were then smoothed by subtracting a centered moving average of length equal to the period length determined by Fourier analysis. Finally, the time series were decomposed into cyclic and error components. The findings not only validate the periodic nature of the major oscillations but suggest, as well, that the minor intervening fluctuations also recur within each period with a reproducible pattern of recurrence. PMID:19330112

Microfluidic mixing through oscillatory transverse perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J. W.; Xia, H. M.; Zhang, Y. Y.; Zhu, P.

2018-05-01

Fluid mixing in miniaturized fluidic devices is a challenging task. In this work, the mixing enhancement through oscillatory transverse perturbations coupling with divergent circular chambers is studied. To simplify the design, an autonomous microfluidic oscillator is used to produce the oscillatory flow. It is then applied to four side-channels that intersect with a central channel of constant flow. The mixing performance is tested at high fluid viscosities of up to 16 cP. Results show that the oscillatory flow can cause strong transverse perturbations which effectively enhance the mixing. The influence of a fluidic capacitor in the central channel is also examined, which at low viscosities can intensify the perturbations and further improve the mixing.

Resting state EEG correlates of memory consolidation.

PubMed

Brokaw, Kate; Tishler, Ward; Manceor, Stephanie; Hamilton, Kelly; Gaulden, Andrew; Parr, Elaine; Wamsley, Erin J

2016-04-01

Numerous studies demonstrate that post-training sleep benefits human memory. At the same time, emerging data suggest that other resting states may similarly facilitate consolidation. In order to identify the conditions under which non-sleep resting states benefit memory, we conducted an EEG (electroencephalographic) study of verbal memory retention across 15min of eyes-closed rest. Participants (n=26) listened to a short story and then either rested with their eyes closed, or else completed a distractor task for 15min. A delayed recall test was administered immediately following the rest period. We found, first, that quiet rest enhanced memory for the short story. Improved memory was associated with a particular EEG signature of increased slow oscillatory activity (<1Hz), in concert with reduced alpha (8-12Hz) activity. Mindwandering during the retention interval was also associated with improved memory. These observations suggest that a short period of quiet rest can facilitate memory, and that this may occur via an active process of consolidation supported by slow oscillatory EEG activity and characterized by decreased attention to the external environment. Slow oscillatory EEG rhythms are proposed to facilitate memory consolidation during sleep by promoting hippocampal-cortical communication. Our findings suggest that EEG slow oscillations could play a significant role in memory consolidation during other resting states as well. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

On the Inference of Functional Circadian Networks Using Granger Causality

PubMed Central

Pourzanjani, Arya; Herzog, Erik D.; Petzold, Linda R.

2015-01-01

Being able to infer one way direct connections in an oscillatory network such as the suprachiastmatic nucleus (SCN) of the mammalian brain using time series data is difficult but crucial to understanding network dynamics. Although techniques have been developed for inferring networks from time series data, there have been no attempts to adapt these techniques to infer directional connections in oscillatory time series, while accurately distinguishing between direct and indirect connections. In this paper an adaptation of Granger Causality is proposed that allows for inference of circadian networks and oscillatory networks in general called Adaptive Frequency Granger Causality (AFGC). Additionally, an extension of this method is proposed to infer networks with large numbers of cells called LASSO AFGC. The method was validated using simulated data from several different networks. For the smaller networks the method was able to identify all one way direct connections without identifying connections that were not present. For larger networks of up to twenty cells the method shows excellent performance in identifying true and false connections; this is quantified by an area-under-the-curve (AUC) 96.88%. We note that this method like other Granger Causality-based methods, is based on the detection of high frequency signals propagating between cell traces. Thus it requires a relatively high sampling rate and a network that can propagate high frequency signals. PMID:26413748

Simulation of Oscillatory Domain Wall Motion Driven by Spin Waves in Nanostrip with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Shang Fan; Chang, Liang Juan; Spintronics Laboratory Team

2014-03-01

We numerically investigate the spin waves (SW) induced domain wall (DW) oscillatory motion in a nanostrip with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy by means of micromagnetic simulation. SW carries spin angular momentum and can interact with DWs via Spin Transfer Torque (STT). Propagating SW can drive a DW motion depending on the in-plane tilt angle φ of the wall magnetization. We calculate the instantaneous velocity of DWs as a function of φwith different SW frequency f. We find that the DW motion under propagating SW depends not only on the frequencies f, but also on the in-plane tilt angle φ. The nanostrip considered is 50 nm wide and 4000 nm long. A DW at the center is subjected to a SW source 500 nm apart on the left with amplitude in the transverse direction and varying frequency f. The motions of the DW induced by the SW are accompanied by in-plane rotation of magnetization of DW. Once rotated by 90 degrees, the DW shows a backward motion towards the SW source. The oscillatory amplitude and frequency of the DW motion is analyzed. A phase diagram will be presented. This study provides new perspectives for the control and manipulation of DW in a nanostrip. Financial supports by Academia Sinica and National Science Council are acknowledged

Estimation of shear stress by using a myocardial bridge-mural coronary artery simulating device.

PubMed

Ding, Hao; Yang, Qian; Shang, Kun; Lan, Hailian; Lv, Jie; Liu, Zhilin; Liu, Yang; Sheng, Lixing; Zeng, Yanjun

2017-01-01

This study was aimed at developing a myocardial bridge-mural coronary artery simulative device and analyzing the relationship between shear stress on the mural coronary artery and atherosclerosis. A myocardial bridge-mural coronary artery simulative device was used to simulate experiments in vitro. In the condition of maintaining any related parameters such as system temperature, average flow rate, and heart rate, we calculated and observed changes in proximal and distal mean values, and oscillatory value of shear stress on the mural coronary artery by regulating the compression level of the myocardial bridge to the mural coronary artery. Under 0% compression, no significant differences were observed in distal and proximal mean values and oscillatory value of the shear stress on the mural coronary artery. With the increase in the degree of compression, the mean shear stress at the distal end was greater than that at the proximal end, but the oscillatory value of the shear stress at the proximal end was greater than that at the distal end. The experimental results of this study indicate that myocardial bridge compression leads to abnormal hemodynamics at the proximal end of the mural coronary artery. This abnormal phenomenon is of great significance in the study of atherosclerosis hemodynamic pathogenesis, which has potential clinical value for pathological effects and treatments of myocardial bridge.

Effect of Marangoni Convection on Surfactant Transfer Between the Drop Connected to the Reservoir and Surrounding Liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostarev, K.; Denisova, M.; Shmyrov, A.

2018-03-01

The paper presents the results of comparative investigation of the interaction between the capillary and buoyant mechanisms of motion in a problem of surfactant mass transfer between an insoluble drop and surrounding fluid under different gravity conditions. The research was performed for the drop that is coupled with the reservoir filled with a source mixture through a long thin tube (needle). Visualization of the flow patterns and concentration fields has shown that surfactant diffusion from the needle at normal gravity leads to the onset of the oscillatory mode of the capillary convection in the drop. It has been found that the frequency of the Marangoni convection outbursts, the lifetime of the oscillatory flow modes and the amount of the source mixture involved in the process of mass transfer depend on the drop size and initial concentration of the surfactant. The obtained results are compared with the cases of surfactant diffusion from the isolated drop under terrestrial conditions and from the drop coupled with reservoir in microgravity. Additionally, a series of experiments were performed to investigate diffusion of a surfactant from the surrounding solution into a drop.

Mechanophysical Stimulations of Mucin Secretion in Cultures of Nasal Epithelial Cells

PubMed Central

Even-Tzur Davidovich, Nurit; Kloog, Yoel; Wolf, Michael; Elad, David

2011-01-01

Nasal epithelial cells secret mucins and are exposed in vivo to airflow-induced mechanophysical stresses, including wall shear stress (WSS), temperature, and humidity. In this work, human nasal epithelial cells cultured under air-liquid interface conditions were subjected to fields of airflow-induced oscillatory WSS at different temperature and humidity conditions. Changes in mucin secretion due to WSS were measured and the role of the cytoskeleton in mucin secretion was explored. Mucin secretion significantly increased in response to WSS in a magnitude-dependent manner with respect to static cultures and independently of the airflow temperature and humidity. In static cultures, mucin secretion decreased at high humidity with or without elevation of the temperature with respect to cultures at a comfortable climate. In cultures exposed to WSS, mucin secretion increased at high temperature with respect to cultures at comfortable climate conditions. The polymerization of actin microfilaments was shown to increase mucin secretion under WSS, whereas the dynamics of microtubule polymerization did not affect secretion. In conclusion, the data in this study show that mucin secretion is sensitive to oscillatory WSS as well as high temperature and humidity conditions. PMID:21689518

Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure: a clinician interview qualitative study.

PubMed

Odetola, Folafoluwa O; Anspach, Renee R; Han, Yong Y; Clark, Sarah J

2017-02-01

To investigate the decision making underlying transfer of children with respiratory failure from level II to level I pediatric intensive care unit care. Interviews with 19 eligible level II pediatric intensive care unit physicians about a hypothetical scenario of a 2-year-old girl in respiratory failure: RESULTS: At baseline, indices critical to management were as follows: OI (53%), partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (Pao 2 )/Fio 2 (32%), and inflation pressure (16%). Poor clinical response was signified by high OI, inflation pressure, and Fio 2 , and low Pao 2 /Fio 2 . At EP 1, 18 of 19 respondents would initiate high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, and 1 would transfer. At EP 2, 15 of 18 respondents would maintain high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, 9 of them calling to discuss transfer. All respondents would transfer if escalated therapies failed to reverse the patient's clinical deterioration. Interhospital transfer of children in respiratory failure is triggered by poor response to escalation of locally available care modalities. This finding provides new insight into decision making underlying interhospital transfer of children with respiratory failure. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Aberrant Modulation of Brain Oscillatory Activity and Attentional Impairment in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

PubMed

Lenartowicz, Agatha; Mazaheri, Ali; Jensen, Ole; Loo, Sandra K

2018-01-01

Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography are noninvasive neuroimaging techniques that have been used extensively to study various resting-state and cognitive processes in the brain. The purpose of this review is to highlight a number of recent studies that have investigated the alpha band (8-12 Hz) oscillatory activity present in magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography, to provide new insights into the maladaptive network activity underlying attentional impairments in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Studies reviewed demonstrate that event-related decrease in alpha is attenuated during visual selective attention, primarily in ADHD inattentive type, and is often significantly associated with accuracy and reaction time during task performance. Furthermore, aberrant modulation of alpha activity has been reported across development and may have abnormal or atypical lateralization patterns in ADHD. Modulations in the alpha band thus represent a robust, relatively unexplored putative biomarker of attentional impairment and a strong prospect for future studies aimed at examining underlying neural mechanisms and treatment response among individuals with ADHD. Potential limitations of its use as a diagnostic biomarker and directions for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2017 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Analysis of Wind Tunnel Longitudinal Static and Oscillatory Data of the F-16XL Aircraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Klein, Vladislav; Murphy, Patrick C.; Curry, Timothy J.; Brandon, Jay M.

1997-01-01

Static and oscillatory wind tunnel data are presented for a 10-percent-scale model of an F-16XL aircraft. Static data include the effect of angle of attack, sideslip angle, and control surface deflections on aerodynamic coefficients. Dynamic data from small-amplitude oscillatory tests are presented at nominal values of angle of attack between 20 and 60 degrees. Model oscillations were performed at five frequencies from 0.6 to 2.9 Hz and one amplitude of 5 degrees. A simple harmonic analysis of the oscillatory data provided Fourier coefficients associated with the in-phase and out-of-phase components of the aerodynamic coefficients. A strong dependence of the oscillatory data on frequency led to the development of models with unsteady terms in the form of indicial functions. Two models expressing the variation of the in-phase and out-of-phase components with angle of attack and frequency were proposed and their parameters estimated from measured data.

On oscillatory convection with the Cattaneo–Christov hyperbolic heat-flow model

PubMed Central

Bissell, J. J.

2015-01-01

Adoption of the hyperbolic Cattaneo–Christov heat-flow model in place of the more usual parabolic Fourier law is shown to raise the possibility of oscillatory convection in the classic Bénard problem of a Boussinesq fluid heated from below. By comparing the critical Rayleigh numbers for stationary and oscillatory convection, Rc and RS respectively, oscillatory convection is found to represent the preferred form of instability whenever the Cattaneo number C exceeds a threshold value CT≥8/27π2≈0.03. In the case of free boundaries, analytical approaches permit direct treatment of the role played by the Prandtl number P1, which—in contrast to the classical stationary scenario—can impact on oscillatory modes significantly owing to the non-zero frequency of convection. Numerical investigation indicates that the behaviour found analytically for free boundaries applies in a qualitatively similar fashion for fixed boundaries, while the threshold Cattaneo number CT is computed as a function of P1∈[10−2,10+2] for both boundary regimes. PMID:25792960

Psychoacoustic Tinnitus Loudness and Tinnitus-Related Distress Show Different Associations with Oscillatory Brain Activity

PubMed Central

Balkenhol, Tobias; Wallhäusser-Franke, Elisabeth; Delb, Wolfgang

2013-01-01

Background The phantom auditory perception of subjective tinnitus is associated with aberrant brain activity as evidenced by magneto- and electroencephalographic studies. We tested the hypotheses (1) that psychoacoustically measured tinnitus loudness is related to gamma oscillatory band power, and (2) that tinnitus loudness and tinnitus-related distress are related to distinct brain activity patterns as suggested by the distinction between loudness and distress experienced by tinnitus patients. Furthermore, we explored (3) how hearing impairment, minimum masking level, and (4) psychological comorbidities are related to spontaneous oscillatory brain activity in tinnitus patients. Methods and Findings Resting state oscillatory brain activity recorded electroencephalographically from 46 male tinnitus patients showed a positive correlation between gamma band oscillations and psychoacoustic tinnitus loudness determined with the reconstructed tinnitus sound, but not with the other psychoacoustic loudness measures that were used. Tinnitus-related distress did also correlate with delta band activity, but at electrode positions different from those associated with tinnitus loudness. Furthermore, highly distressed tinnitus patients exhibited a higher level of theta band activity. Moreover, mean hearing loss between 0.125 kHz and 16 kHz was associated with a decrease in gamma activity, whereas minimum masking levels correlated positively with delta band power. In contrast, psychological comorbidities did not express significant correlations with oscillatory brain activity. Conclusion Different clinically relevant tinnitus characteristics show distinctive associations with spontaneous brain oscillatory power. Results support hypothesis (1), but exclusively for the tinnitus loudness derived from matching to the reconstructed tinnitus sound. This suggests to preferably use the reconstructed tinnitus spectrum to determine psychoacoustic tinnitus loudness. Results also support hypothesis (2). Moreover, hearing loss and minimum masking level correlate with oscillatory power in distinctive frequency bands. The lack of an association between psychological comorbidities and oscillatory power may be attributed to the overall low level of mental health problems in the present sample. PMID:23326394

Spike Phase Locking in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons depends on Background Conductance and Firing Rate

PubMed Central

Broiche, Tilman; Malerba, Paola; Dorval, Alan D.; Borisyuk, Alla; Fernandez, Fernando R.; White, John A.

2012-01-01

Oscillatory activity in neuronal networks correlates with different behavioral states throughout the nervous system, and the frequency-response characteristics of individual neurons are believed to be critical for network oscillations. Recent in vivo studies suggest that neurons experience periods of high membrane conductance, and that action potentials are often driven by membrane-potential fluctuations in the living animal. To investigate the frequency-response characteristics of CA1 pyramidal neurons in the presence of high conductance and voltage fluctuations, we performed dynamic-clamp experiments in rat hippocampal brain slices. We drove neurons with noisy stimuli that included a sinusoidal component ranging, in different trials, from 0.1 to 500 Hz. In subsequent data analysis, we determined action potential phase-locking profiles with respect to background conductance, average firing rate, and frequency of the sinusoidal component. We found that background conductance and firing rate qualitatively change the phase-locking profiles of CA1 pyramidal neurons vs. frequency. In particular, higher average spiking rates promoted band-pass profiles, and the high-conductance state promoted phase-locking at frequencies well above what would be predicted from changes in the membrane time constant. Mechanistically, spike-rate adaptation and frequency resonance in the spike-generating mechanism are implicated in shaping the different phase-locking profiles. Our results demonstrate that CA1 pyramidal cells can actively change their synchronization properties in response to global changes in activity associated with different behavioral states. PMID:23055508

Traffic jams induced by fluctuation of a leading car.

PubMed

Nagatani, T

2000-04-01

We present a phase diagram of the different kinds of congested traffic triggered by fluctuation of a leading car in an open system without sources and sinks. Traffic states and density waves are investigated numerically by varying the amplitude of fluctuation using a car following model. The phase transitions among the free traffic, oscillatory congested traffic, and homogeneous congested traffic occur by fluctuation of a leading car. With increasing the amplitude of fluctuation, the transition between the free traffic and oscillatory traffic occurs at lower density and the transition between the homogeneous congested traffic and the oscillatory traffic occurs at higher density. The oscillatory congested traffic corresponds to the coexisting phase. Also, the moving localized clusters appear just above the transition lines.

Effects of Pressure, Temperature, Treatment Time, and Storage on Rheological, Textural, and Structural Properties of Heat-Induced Chickpea Gels

PubMed Central

Alvarez, María Dolores; Fuentes, Raúl; Canet, Wenceslao

2015-01-01

Pressure-induced gelatinization of chickpea flour (CF) was studied in combination with subsequent temperature-induced gelatinization. CF slurries (with 1:5 flour-to-water ratio) and CF in powder form were treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), temperature (T), and treatment time (t) at three levels (200, 400, 600 MPa; 10, 25, 50 °C; 5, 15, 25 min). In order to investigate the effect of storage (S), half of the HHP-treated CF slurries were immediately analyzed for changes in oscillatory rheological properties under isothermal heating at 75 °C for 15 min followed by cooling to 25 °C. The other half of the HHP-treated CF slurries were refrigerated (at 4 °C) for one week and subsequently analyzed for changes in oscillatory properties under the same heating conditions as the unrefrigerated samples. HHP-treated CF in powder form was analyzed for changes in textural properties of heat-induced CF gels under isothermal heating at 90 °C for 5 min and subsequent cooling to 25 °C. Structural changes during gelatinization were investigated using microscopy. Pressure had a more significant effect on rheological and textural properties, followed by T and treatment t (in that order). Gel aging in HHP-treated CF slurries during storage was supported by rheological measurements. PMID:28231191

Spatiotemporal oscillatory dynamics of visual selective attention during a flanker task.

PubMed

McDermott, Timothy J; Wiesman, Alex I; Proskovec, Amy L; Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; Wilson, Tony W

2017-08-01

The flanker task is a test of visual selective attention that has been widely used to probe error monitoring, response conflict, and related constructs. However, to date, few studies have focused on the selective attention component of this task and imaged the underlying oscillatory dynamics serving task performance. In this study, 21 healthy adults successfully completed an arrow-based version of the Eriksen flanker task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). All MEG data were pre-processed and transformed into the time-frequency domain. Significant oscillatory brain responses were imaged using a beamforming approach, and voxel time series were extracted from the peak responses to identify the temporal dynamics. Across both congruent and incongruent flanker conditions, our results indicated robust decreases in alpha (9-12Hz) activity in medial and lateral occipital regions, bilateral parietal cortices, and cerebellar areas during task performance. In parallel, increases in theta (3-7Hz) oscillatory activity were detected in dorsal and ventral frontal regions, and the anterior cingulate. As per conditional effects, stronger alpha responses (i.e., greater desynchronization) were observed in parietal, occipital, and cerebellar cortices during incongruent relative to congruent trials, whereas the opposite pattern emerged for theta responses (i.e., synchronization) in the anterior cingulate, left dorsolateral prefrontal, and ventral prefrontal cortices. Interestingly, the peak latency of theta responses in these latter brain regions was significantly correlated with reaction time, and may partially explain the amplitude difference observed between congruent and incongruent trials. Lastly, whole-brain exploratory analyses implicated the frontal eye fields, right temporoparietal junction, and premotor cortices. These findings suggest that regions of both the dorsal and ventral attention networks contribute to visual selective attention processes during incongruent trials, and that such differential processes are transient and fully completed shortly after the behavioral response in most trials. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cortical oscillations scan using chirp-evoked potentials in 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Pérez-Alcázar, Marta; Nicolás, María Jesús; Valencia, Miguel; Alegre, Manuel; López-Azcárate, Jon; Iriarte, Jorge; Artieda, Julio

2010-01-15

There has been a growing interest during the last years on the relationship between Parkinson's disease and changes in the oscillatory activity, mostly in the cortico-basal motor loop. As Parkinson's disease (PD) is not limited to motor symptoms, it is logical to assume that the changes in oscillatory activity are not limited to this loop. Steady-state responses (SSR) are the result of averaging individual responses to trains of rhythmic stimuli delivered at a constant frequency. The amplitude of the response varies depending on the stimulus modality and stimulation rate, with a frequency of maximal response that is probably associated to the working frequency of the pathway involved. The study of SSR may be of interest in PD as a non-invasive test of cortical oscillatory activity. Our aim was to study the changes in auditory steady-state responses (ASSR) in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) model of Parkinson's disease in rats. We recorded the ASSR over the auditory cortex in a group of 10 control and 17 6-OHDA lesioned rats (the latter before and after the administration of the dopaminergic agonist apomorphine) both awake and under anesthesia with ketamine/xylazine, using chirp-modulated stimuli. The three conditions (control, lesion, lesion plus apomorphine) were compared with special emphasis on the amplitude, inter-trial phase coherence, and frequency of maximal response. A reduction in the frequency of maximal response (between 40 and 60 Hz) was observed in the 6-OHDA lesioned rats that was normalized after apomorphine injection. The administration of this dopaminergic agonist also reduced the inter-trial phase coherence of the response in frequencies above 170 Hz. These findings suggest that the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system may be involved in the regulation of oscillatory activity not only in motor circuits, but also in sensory responses. Copyright 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Physiological epidermal growth factor concentrations activate high affinity receptors to elicit calcium oscillations.

PubMed

Marquèze-Pouey, Béatrice; Mailfert, Sébastien; Rouger, Vincent; Goaillard, Jean-Marc; Marguet, Didier

2014-01-01

Signaling mediated by the epidermal growth factor (EGF) is crucial in tissue development, homeostasis and tumorigenesis. EGF is mitogenic at picomolar concentrations and is known to bind its receptor on high affinity binding sites depending of the oligomerization state of the receptor (monomer or dimer). In spite of these observations, the cellular response induced by EGF has been mainly characterized for nanomolar concentrations of the growth factor, and a clear definition of the cellular response to circulating (picomolar) concentrations is still lacking. We investigated Ca2+ signaling, an early event in EGF responses, in response to picomolar doses in COS-7 cells where the monomer/dimer equilibrium is unaltered by the synthesis of exogenous EGFR. Using the fluo5F Ca2+ indicator, we found that picomolar concentrations of EGF induced in 50% of the cells a robust oscillatory Ca2+ signal quantitatively similar to the Ca2+ signal induced by nanomolar concentrations. However, responses to nanomolar and picomolar concentrations differed in their underlying mechanisms as the picomolar EGF response involved essentially plasma membrane Ca2+ channels that are not activated by internal Ca2+ store depletion, while the nanomolar EGF response involved internal Ca2+ release. Moreover, while the picomolar EGF response was modulated by charybdotoxin-sensitive K+ channels, the nanomolar response was insensitive to the blockade of these ion channels.

Relationship Between Acoustic Voice Onset and Offset and Selected Instances of Oscillatory Onset and Offset in Young Healthy Men and Women.

PubMed

Patel, Rita R; Forrest, Karen; Hedges, Drew

2017-05-01

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between (1) onset of the acoustic signal (X 1 a ) and prephonatory phases associated with oscillatory onset and (2) offset of the acoustic signal (X 2 a ) with the postphonatory events associated with oscillatory offset across vocally healthy adults. High-speed videoendoscopy was captured simultaneously with the acoustic signal during repeated production of /hi.hi.hi/ at typical pitch and loudness from 56 vocally healthy adults (aged 20-42 years; 21 men, 35 women). The relationships between the acoustic sound pressure signal and oscillatory onset and offset events from the glottal area waveforms (GAWs) were statistically investigated using a multivariate linear regression analysis. The X 1 a is a significant predictor of the onset of first oscillatory motion (X 1 g ) and onset of sustained oscillations (X 2 g ). X 1 a as well as gender are significant predictors of the first medial contact of the vocal folds (X 1.5 g ). The X 2 a is a significant predictor of the first instance of oscillatory offset (X 3 g ), first instance of incomplete glottal closure (X 3.5 g ), and complete cessation of (vocal fold) oscillatory motion (X 4 g ). The acoustic signal onset is closely related to the X 1.5 g , but the latency between these events is longer for women compared to men. The X 2 a occurs immediately after incomplete glottal adduction. The emerging normative group latencies between the onset and offset of the acoustic and the GAW from this study appear promising for future investigations. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oscillation transmission and volume delivery during face mask-delivered HFOV in infants: Bench and in vivo study.

PubMed

De Luca, Daniele; Costa, Roberta; Visconti, Federico; Piastra, Marco; Conti, Giorgio

2016-07-01

Noninvasive high frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) has not been studied beyond neonatal age and with interfaces other than nasal prongs. We set up a preliminary study to investigate feasibility, oscillation transmission, and volume delivery of face mask-delivered NHFOV in a bench model mimicking a normal 1-year infant without any lung disease and then in vivo in a series of infants with same characteristics. A mannequin with upper airways was connected to an electronic active lung simulator ventilated through NHFOV with varying parameters. Volume delivered by oscillations (oTv), oscillatory pressure ratio, and estimation of ventilation (DCO2) were measured at the lung simulator. Four infants were ventilated with face mask-delivered NHFOV for 2 hr and monitored with respiratory inductance plethismography. Vital parameters, oscillatory pressure ratio, oscillatory (RIPo), and spontaneous cage/abdomen displacement (RIPs) were recorded. There was a dampening of oscillation amplitude both on the bench model and in vivo: oscillatory pressure ratios at the mask were 80% and 17%, respectively. Significant correlations exist between oscillatory pressure ratio (only when this latter was <0.038) and oTv (r = 0.48; P < 0.001) or DCO2 (r = 0.47; P < 0.001). At multivariate analysis, oscillatory pressure ratio was a main determinant of oTv and DCO2. Oscillations were slightly visible on the chest in vivo and RIPo was about 5% of RIPs. NHFOV did not change vital parameters and did not cause discomfort. Face mask-delivered NHFOV is feasible in a model of 1-year infant. No major complications occurred in vivo. Oscillations are superimposed to the spontaneous breathing and are significantly dampened. Pediatr Pulmonol. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:705-712. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Altered Neural Oscillations During Multisensory Integration in Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

PubMed

Bolaños, Alfredo D; Coffman, Brian A; Candelaria-Cook, Felicha T; Kodituwakku, Piyadasa; Stephen, Julia M

2017-12-01

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), who were exposed to alcohol in utero, display a broad range of sensory, cognitive, and behavioral deficits, which are broadly theorized to be rooted in altered brain function and structure. Based on the role of neural oscillations in multisensory integration from past studies, we hypothesized that adolescents with FASD would show a decrease in oscillatory power during event-related gamma oscillatory activity (30 to 100 Hz), when compared to typically developing healthy controls (HC), and that such decrease in oscillatory power would predict behavioral performance. We measured sensory neurophysiology using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during passive auditory, somatosensory, and multisensory (synchronous) stimulation in 19 adolescents (12 to 21 years) with FASD and 23 age- and gender-matched HC. We employed a cross-hemisphere multisensory paradigm to assess interhemispheric connectivity deficits in children with FASD. Time-frequency analysis of MEG data revealed a significant decrease in gamma oscillatory power for both unisensory and multisensory conditions in the FASD group relative to HC, based on permutation testing of significant group differences. Greater beta oscillatory power (15 to 30 Hz) was also noted in the FASD group compared to HC in both unisensory and multisensory conditions. Regression analysis revealed greater predictive power of multisensory oscillations from unisensory oscillations in the FASD group compared to the HC group. Furthermore, multisensory oscillatory power, for both groups, predicted performance on the Intra-Extradimensional Set Shift Task and the Cambridge Gambling Task. Altered oscillatory power in the FASD group may reflect a restricted ability to process somatosensory and multisensory stimuli during day-to-day interactions. These alterations in neural oscillations may be associated with the neurobehavioral deficits experienced by adolescents with FASD and may carry over to adulthood. Copyright © 2017 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Development of Improved Algorithms and Multiscale Modeling Capability with SUNTANS

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-30

solves the Navier-Stokes equations under the Boussinesq approximation (Fringer et al.,2006). The formulation is based on the method outlined by...stratified systems . Figure 4 shows a nonhydrostatic isopycnal simulation of oscillatory flow in a continuously stratified fluid over a Gaussian sill. This...Modeling the Earth System , Boulder (invited). Sankaranarayanan, S., and Fringer, O. B., 2013, "Dynamics of barotropic low-frequency fluctuations in

Bubble, Drop and Particle Unit (BDPU)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1998-01-01

This section of the Life and Microgravity Spacelab (LMS) publication includes the following articles entitled: (1) Oscillatory Thermocapillary Instability; (2) Thermocapillary Convection in Multilayer Systems; (3) Bubble and Drop Interaction with Solidification Front; (4) A Liquid Electrohydrodynamics Experiment; (5) Boiling on Small Plate Heaters under Microgravity and a Comparison with Earth Gravity; (6) Thermocapillary Migration and Interactions of Bubbles and Drops; and (7) Nonlinear Surface Tension Driven Bubble Migration

Breathing chimera in a system of phase oscillators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolotov, M. I.; Smirnov, L. A.; Osipov, G. V.; Pikovsky, A. S.

2017-09-01

Chimera states consisting of synchronous and asynchronous domains in a medium of nonlinearly coupled phase oscillators have been considered. Stationary inhomogeneous solutions of the Ott-Antonsen equation for a complex order parameter that correspond to fundamental chimeras have been constructed. The direct numerical simulation has shown that these structures under certain conditions are transformed to oscillatory (breathing) chimera regimes because of the development of instability.

Modelling coupled turbulence - dissolved oxygen dynamics near the sediment-water interface under wind waves and sea swell.

PubMed

Chatelain, Mathieu; Guizien, Katell

2010-03-01

A one-dimensional vertical unsteady numerical model for diffusion-consumption of dissolved oxygen (DO) above and below the sediment-water interface was developed to investigate DO profile dynamics under wind waves and sea swell (high-frequency oscillatory flows with periods ranging from 2 to 30s). We tested a new approach to modelling DO profiles that coupled an oscillatory turbulent bottom boundary layer model with a Michaelis-Menten based consumption model. The flow regime controls both the mean value and the fluctuations of the oxygen mass transfer efficiency during a wave cycle, as expressed by the non-dimensional Sherwood number defined with the maximum shear velocity (Sh). The Sherwood number was found to be non-dependent on the sediment biogeochemical activity (mu). In the laminar regime, both cycle-averaged and variance of the Sherwood number are very low (Sh <0.05, VAR(Sh)<0.1%). In the turbulent regime, the cycle-averaged Sherwood number is larger (Sh approximately 0.2). The Sherwood number also has intra-wave cycle fluctuations that increase with the wave Reynolds number (VAR(Sh) up to 30%). Our computations show that DO mass transfer efficiency under high-frequency oscillatory flows in the turbulent regime are water-side controlled by: (a) the diffusion time across the diffusive boundary layer and (b) diffusive boundary layer dynamics during a wave cycle. As a result of these two processes, when the wave period decreases, the Sh minimum increases and the Sh maximum decreases. Sh values vary little, ranging from 0.17 to 0.23. For periods up to 30s, oxygen penetration depth into the sediment did not show any intra-wave fluctuations. Values for the laminar regime are small (

Decision-making ability of Physarum polycephalum enhanced by its coordinated spatiotemporal oscillatory dynamics.

PubMed

Iwayama, Koji; Zhu, Liping; Hirata, Yoshito; Aono, Masashi; Hara, Masahiko; Aihara, Kazuyuki

2016-04-12

An amoeboid unicellular organism, a plasmodium of the true slime mold Physarum polycephalum, exhibits complex spatiotemporal oscillatory dynamics and sophisticated information processing capabilities while deforming its amorphous body. We previously devised an 'amoeba-based computer (ABC),' that implemented optical feedback control to lead this amoeboid organism to search for a solution to the traveling salesman problem (TSP). In the ABC, the shortest TSP route (the optimal solution) is represented by the shape of the organism in which the body area (nutrient absorption) is maximized while the risk of being exposed to aversive light stimuli is minimized. The shortness of the TSP route found by ABC, therefore, serves as a quantitative measure of the optimality of the decision made by the organism. However, it remains unclear how the decision-making ability of the organism originates from the oscillatory dynamics of the organism. We investigated the number of coexisting traveling waves in the spatiotemporal patterns of the oscillatory dynamics of the organism. We show that a shorter TSP route can be found when the organism exhibits a lower number of traveling waves. The results imply that the oscillatory dynamics are highly coordinated throughout the global body. Based on the results, we discuss the fact that the decision-making ability of the organism can be enhanced not by uncorrelated random fluctuations, but by its highly coordinated oscillatory dynamics.

Improved Filon-type asymptotic methods for highly oscillatory differential equations with multiple time scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Bin; Wu, Xinyuan

2014-11-01

In this paper we consider multi-frequency highly oscillatory second-order differential equations x″ (t) + Mx (t) = f (t , x (t) ,x‧ (t)) where high-frequency oscillations are generated by the linear part Mx (t), and M is positive semi-definite (not necessarily nonsingular). It is known that Filon-type methods are effective approach to numerically solving highly oscillatory problems. Unfortunately, however, existing Filon-type asymptotic methods fail to apply to the highly oscillatory second-order differential equations when M is singular. We study and propose an efficient improvement on the existing Filon-type asymptotic methods, so that the improved Filon-type asymptotic methods can be able to numerically solving this class of multi-frequency highly oscillatory systems with a singular matrix M. The improved Filon-type asymptotic methods are designed by combining Filon-type methods with the asymptotic methods based on the variation-of-constants formula. We also present one efficient and practical improved Filon-type asymptotic method which can be performed at lower cost. Accompanying numerical results show the remarkable efficiency.

Characteristics of membrane fouling in submerged membrane bioreactor under sub-critical flux operation.

PubMed

Su, Y C; Huang, C P; Pan, Jill R; Lee, H C

2008-01-01

Recently, the membrane bioreactor (MBR) process has become one of the novel technologies to enhance the performance of biological treatment of wastewater. Membrane bioreactor process uses the membrane unit to replace a sediment tank, and this can greatly enhance treatment performance. However, membrane fouling in MBR restricts its widespread application because it leads to permeate flux decline, making more frequent membrane cleaning and replacement necessary, which then increases operating and maintenance costs. This study investigated the sludge characteristics in membrane fouling under sub-critical flux operation and also assessed the effect of shear stress on membrane fouling. Membrane fouling was slow under sub-critical flux operation. However, as filamentous microbes became dominant in the reactor, membrane fouling increased dramatically due to the increased viscosity and polysaccharides. A close link was found between membrane fouling and the amount of polysaccharides in soluble EPS. The predominant resistance was the cake resistance which could be minimized by increasing the shear stress. However, the resistance of colloids and solutes was not apparently reduced by increasing shear stress. Therefore, smaller particles such as macromolecules (e.g. polysaccharides) may play an important role in membrane fouling under sub-critical flux operation.

Laboratory investigation of the erosion of cohesive sediments under oscillatory flows using a synchronized imaging technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sou, I.; Calantoni, J.; Reed, A. H.; Furukawa, Y.

2012-12-01

A synchronized dual stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement technique is used to examine the erosion process of a cohesive sediment core in the Small Oscillatory Flow Tunnel (S-OFT) in the Sediment Dynamics Laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS. The PIV system uses four cameras and a dual cavity Nd:YAG laser. The system allows for a pair of stereo PIV windows of about 10 cm by 10 cm each to be arbitrarily located within a single light sheet. Image pairs were acquired with all four cameras at 50 Hz for 50 consecutive seconds for each flow condition. The stereo PIV windows were positioned on either side of sediment cores inserted along the centerline of the S-OFT allowing for a total measurement window of about 20 cm long by 10 cm high with sub-millimeter spacing on resolved velocity vectors. The oscillatory flows are generated by two types of driving mechanism (scotch yoke and crank lever) for converting the rotational motion of the flywheel into the linear motion of a piston. The period of oscillation ranged from 2.86 to 6.12 seconds with constant semi-excursion amplitude in the test section of 9 cm. Two kinds of inorganic sediment samples were examined. One was a mixture of 50% kaolinite and 50% 500-micron sand under flows driven by the crank lever mechanism. Another sediment core was a mixture of 50% mud collected in Galveston Bay, TX, and 50% 250-micron sand under flows driven by the scotch-yoke mechanism. During the erosion process, Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities were observed as the flow accelerated in each direction and eventually were broken down when the flow reversed. An example of the instantaneous velocity field superimposed on the raw image is shown in Figure 1. The relative concentration of suspended sediments under different flow conditions was estimated using the intensity of light scattered from the sediment particles in suspension. By subtracting the initial light scattered from the mud core, the residual light intensity was assumed to be scattered from suspended sediments eroded from the core. Relative comparisons were only made using the same sample mixture since it is difficult, if not impossible, to calibrate the light scattering from different sediments.; Figure 1. An example of the instantaneous time-resolved velocity field superimposed on the raw image.

Al-Mg Isotope Study of Allende 5241

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerekgyarto, A. G.; Jeffcoat, C. R.; Lapen, T. J.; Andreasen, R.; Righter, M.; Ross, D. K.; Simon, J. I.

2016-01-01

The defining characteristic of type B1 CAIs is a large (.5- 3mm) concentric melilite mantle [1]. In [2] we presented two isochrons from separate traverses across the melilite mantle of Allende EK 459-5-1. The primary petrographic differences between the traverses was the preservation of strong oscillatory zoning. The traverse that crossed the distinctive oscillatory zone produced a pristine internal isochron, while the other that did not have a strongly preserved oscillatory zone produced a disturbed isochron indicated by more scatter (higher MSWD) and a positive (delta)26Mg* intercept. The implication simply being that the oscillatory zone may represent varying conditions during the mantle formation event. We targeted a similar texture in Allende 5241 using the same methodology in an attempt to achieve similar results.

Attention training improves aberrant neural dynamics during working memory processing in veterans with PTSD.

PubMed

McDermott, Timothy J; Badura-Brack, Amy S; Becker, Katherine M; Ryan, Tara J; Bar-Haim, Yair; Pine, Daniel S; Khanna, Maya M; Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; Wilson, Tony W

2016-12-01

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with executive functioning deficits, including disruptions in working memory (WM). Recent studies suggest that attention training reduces PTSD symptomatology, but the underlying neural mechanisms are unknown. We used high-density magnetoencephalography (MEG) to evaluate whether attention training modulates brain regions serving WM processing in PTSD. Fourteen veterans with PTSD completed a WM task during a 306-sensor MEG recording before and after 8 sessions of attention training treatment. A matched comparison sample of 12 combat-exposed veterans without PTSD completed the same WM task during a single MEG session. To identify the spatiotemporal dynamics, each group's data were transformed into the time-frequency domain, and significant oscillatory brain responses were imaged using a beamforming approach. All participants exhibited activity in left hemispheric language areas consistent with a verbal WM task. Additionally, veterans with PTSD and combat-exposed healthy controls each exhibited oscillatory responses in right hemispheric homologue regions (e.g., right Broca's area); however, these responses were in opposite directions. Group differences in oscillatory activity emerged in the theta band (4-8 Hz) during encoding and in the alpha band (9-12 Hz) during maintenance and were significant in right prefrontal and right supramarginal and inferior parietal regions. Importantly, following attention training, these significant group differences were reduced or eliminated. This study provides initial evidence that attention training improves aberrant neural activity in brain networks serving WM processing.

Multifaceted roles for low-frequency oscillations in bottom-up and top-down processing during navigation and memory.

PubMed

Ekstrom, Arne D; Watrous, Andrew J

2014-01-15

A prominent and replicated finding is the correlation between running speed and increases in low-frequency oscillatory activity in the hippocampal local field potential. A more recent finding concerns low-frequency oscillations that increase in coherence between the hippocampus and neocortical brain areas such as prefrontal cortex during memory-related behaviors (i.e., remembering the correct location to visit). In this review, we tie together movement-related and memory-related low-frequency oscillations in the rodent with similar findings in humans. We argue that although movement-related low-frequency oscillations, in particular, may have slightly different characteristics in humans than rodents, placing important constraints on our thinking about this issue, both phenomena have similar functional foundations. We review four prominent theoretical models that provide partially conflicting accounts of movement-related low-frequency oscillations. We attempt to tie together these theoretical proposals, and existing data in rodents and humans, with memory-related low-frequency oscillations. We propose that movement-related low-frequency oscillations and memory-related low-frequency oscillatory activity, both of which show significant coherence with oscillations in other brain regions, represent different facets of "spectral fingerprints," or different resonant frequencies within the same brain networks underlying different cognitive processes. Together, movement-related and memory-related low-frequency oscillatory coupling may be linked by their distinct contributions to bottom-up, sensorimotor driven processing and top-down, controlled processing characterizing aspects of memory encoding and retrieval. Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Oxygen Uptake Efficiency Plateau Best Predicts Early Death in Heart Failure

PubMed Central

Hansen, James E.; Stringer, William W.

2012-01-01

Background: The responses of oxygen uptake efficiency (ie, oxygen uptake/ventilation = V˙o2/V˙e) and its highest plateau (OUEP) during incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with chronic left heart failure (HF) have not been previously reported. We planned to test the hypothesis that OUEP during CPET is the best single predictor of early death in HF. Methods: We evaluated OUEP, slope of V˙o2 to log(V˙e) (oxygen uptake efficiency slope), oscillatory breathing, and all usual resting and CPET measurements in 508 patients with low-ejection-fraction (< 35%) HF. Each had further evaluations at other sites, including cardiac catheterization. Outcomes were 6-month all-reason mortality and morbidity (death or > 24 h cardiac hospitalization). Statistical analyses included area under curve of receiver operating characteristics, ORs, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier plots. Results: OUEP, which requires only moderate exercise, was often reduced in patients with HF. A low % predicted OUEP was the single best predictor of mortality (P < .0001), with an OR of 13.0 (P < .001). When combined with oscillatory breathing, the OR increased to 56.3, superior to all other resting or exercise parameters or combinations of parameters. Other statistical analyses and morbidity analysis confirmed those findings. Conclusions: OUEP is often reduced in patients with HF. Low % predicted OUEP (< 65% predicted) is the single best predictor of early death, better than any other CPET or other cardiovascular measurement. Paired with oscillatory breathing, it is even more powerful. PMID:22030802

Multifaceted roles for low-frequency oscillations in bottom-up and top-down processing during navigation and memory

PubMed Central

Ekstrom, Arne D.; Watrous, Andrew J.

2014-01-01

A prominent and replicated finding is the correlation between running speed and increases in low-frequency oscillatory activity in the hippocampal local field potential. A more recent finding concerns low-frequency oscillations that increase in coherence between the hippocampus and neocortical brain areas such as prefrontal cortex during memory-related behaviors (i.e., remembering the correct arm to explore). In this review, we tie together movement-related and memory-related low-frequency oscillations in the rodent with similar findings in humans. We argue that although movement-related low-frequency oscillations, in particular, may have slightly different characteristics in humans than rodents, placing important constraints on our thinking about this issue, both phenomena have similar functional foundations. We review four prominent theoretical models that provide partially conflicting accounts of movement-related low-frequency oscillations. We attempt to tie together these theoretical proposals, and existing data in rodents and humans, with memory-related low-frequency oscillations. We propose that movement-related low-frequency oscillations and memory-related low-frequency oscillatory activity, both of which show significant coherence with oscillations in other brain regions, represent different facets of “spectral fingerprints,” or different resonant frequencies within the same brain networks underlying different cognitive processes. Together, movement-related and memory-related low-frequency oscillatory coupling may be linked by their distinct contributions to bottom-up, sensorimotor driven processing and top-down, controlled processing characterizing aspects of memory encoding and retrieval. PMID:23792985

Pattern Storage, Bifurcations, and Groupwise Correlation Structure of an Exactly Solvable Asymmetric Neural Network Model.

PubMed

Fasoli, Diego; Cattani, Anna; Panzeri, Stefano

2018-05-01

Despite their biological plausibility, neural network models with asymmetric weights are rarely solved analytically, and closed-form solutions are available only in some limiting cases or in some mean-field approximations. We found exact analytical solutions of an asymmetric spin model of neural networks with arbitrary size without resorting to any approximation, and we comprehensively studied its dynamical and statistical properties. The network had discrete time evolution equations and binary firing rates, and it could be driven by noise with any distribution. We found analytical expressions of the conditional and stationary joint probability distributions of the membrane potentials and the firing rates. By manipulating the conditional probability distribution of the firing rates, we extend to stochastic networks the associating learning rule previously introduced by Personnaz and coworkers. The new learning rule allowed the safe storage, under the presence of noise, of point and cyclic attractors, with useful implications for content-addressable memories. Furthermore, we studied the bifurcation structure of the network dynamics in the zero-noise limit. We analytically derived examples of the codimension 1 and codimension 2 bifurcation diagrams of the network, which describe how the neuronal dynamics changes with the external stimuli. This showed that the network may undergo transitions among multistable regimes, oscillatory behavior elicited by asymmetric synaptic connections, and various forms of spontaneous symmetry breaking. We also calculated analytically groupwise correlations of neural activity in the network in the stationary regime. This revealed neuronal regimes where, statistically, the membrane potentials and the firing rates are either synchronous or asynchronous. Our results are valid for networks with any number of neurons, although our equations can be realistically solved only for small networks. For completeness, we also derived the network equations in the thermodynamic limit of infinite network size and we analytically studied their local bifurcations. All the analytical results were extensively validated by numerical simulations.

Subthreshold membrane potential oscillations in inferior olive neurons are dynamically regulated by P/Q- and T-type calcium channels: a study in mutant mice.

PubMed

Choi, Soonwook; Yu, Eunah; Kim, Daesoo; Urbano, Francisco J; Makarenko, Vladimir; Shin, Hee-Sup; Llinás, Rodolfo R

2010-08-15

The role of P/Q- and T-type calcium channels in the rhythmic oscillatory behaviour of inferior olive (IO) neurons was investigated in mutant mice. Mice lacking either the CaV2.1 gene of the pore-forming alpha1A subunit for P/Q-type calcium channel, or the CaV3.1 gene of the pore-forming alpha1G subunit for T-type calcium channel were used. In vitro intracellular recording from IO neurons reveals that the amplitude and frequency of sinusoidal subthreshold oscillations (SSTOs) were reduced in the CaV2.1-/- mice. In the CaV3.1-/- mice, IO neurons also showed altered patterns of SSTOs and the probability of SSTO generation was significantly lower (15%, 5 of 34 neurons) than that of wild-type (78%, 31 of 40 neurons) or CaV2.1-/- mice (73%, 22 of 30 neurons). In addition, the low-threshold calcium spike and the sustained endogenous oscillation following rebound potentials were absent in IO neurons from CaV3.1-/- mice. Moreover, the phase-reset dynamics of oscillatory properties of single neurons and neuronal clusters in IO were remarkably altered in both CaV2.1-/- and CaV3.1-/- mice. These results suggest that both alpha1A P/Q- and alpha1G T-type calcium channels are required for the dynamic control of neuronal oscillations in the IO. These findings were supported by results from a mathematical IO neuronal model that incorporated T and P/Q channel kinetics.

Contribution of near-threshold currents to intrinsic oscillatory activity in rat medial entorhinal cortex layer II stellate cells

PubMed Central

Boehlen, Anne; Henneberger, Christian; Erchova, Irina

2013-01-01

The temporal lobe is well known for its oscillatory activity associated with exploration, navigation, and learning. Intrinsic membrane potential oscillations (MPOs) and resonance of stellate cells (SCs) in layer II of the entorhinal cortex are thought to contribute to network oscillations and thereby to the encoding of spatial information. Generation of both MPOs and resonance relies on the expression of specific voltage-dependent ion currents such as the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (IH), the persistent sodium current (INaP), and the noninactivating muscarine-modulated potassium current (IM). However, the differential contributions of these currents remain a matter of debate. We therefore examined how they modify neuronal excitability near threshold and generation of near-threshold MPOs and resonance in vitro. We found that resonance mainly relied on IH and was reduced by IH blockers and modulated by cAMP and an IM enhancer but that neither of the currents exhibited full control over MPOs in these cells. As previously reported, IH controlled a theta-frequency component of MPOs such that blockade of IH resulted in fewer regular oscillations that retained low-frequency components and high peak amplitude. However, pharmacological inhibition and augmentation of IM also affected MPO frequencies and amplitudes. In contrast to other cell types, inhibition of INaP did not result in suppression of MPOs but only in a moderation of their properties. We reproduced the experimentally observed effects in a single-compartment stochastic model of SCs, providing further insight into the interactions between different ionic conductances. PMID:23076110

Odor Evoked Neural Oscillations in Drosophila Are Mediated by Widely Branching Interneurons

PubMed Central

Tanaka, Nobuaki K.; Ito, Kei; Stopfer, Mark

2009-01-01

Stimulus-evoked oscillatory synchronization of neurons has been observed in a wide range of species. Here, we combined genetic strategies with paired intracellular and local field potential (LFP) recordings from the intact brain of Drosophila to study mechanisms of odor-evoked neural oscillations. We found common food odors at natural concentrations elicited oscillations in LFP recordings made from the mushroom body (MB), a site of sensory integration and analogous to the vertebrate pyriform cortex. The oscillations were reversibly abolished by application of the GABAa blocker picrotoxin. Intracellular recordings from local and projection neurons within the antennal lobe (AL, analogous to the olfactory bulb) revealed odor-elicited spikes and sub-threshold membrane potential oscillations that were tightly phase-locked to LFP oscillations recorded downstream in the MBs. These results suggested that, as in locusts, odors may elicit the oscillatory synchronization of AL neurons by means of GABAergic inhibition from local neurons (LNs). An analysis of the morphologies of genetically distinguished LNs revealed two populations of GABAergic neurons in the AL. One population of LNs innervated parts of glomeruli lacking terminals of receptor neurons, whereas the other branched more widely, innervating throughout the glomeruli, suggesting the two populations might participate in different neural circuits. To test the functional roles of these LNs, we used the temperature-sensitive dynamin mutant gene, shibire, to conditionally and reversibly block chemical transmission from each or both of these populations of LNs. We found only the more widely branching population of LNs is necessary for generating odor-elicited oscillations. PMID:19571150

The frequency preference of neurons and synapses in a recurrent oscillatory network.

PubMed

Tseng, Hua-an; Martinez, Diana; Nadim, Farzan

2014-09-17

A variety of neurons and synapses shows a maximal response at a preferred frequency, generally considered to be important in shaping network activity. We are interested in whether all neurons and synapses in a recurrent oscillatory network can have preferred frequencies and, if so, whether these frequencies are the same or correlated, and whether they influence the network activity. We address this question using identified neurons in the pyloric network of the crab Cancer borealis. Previous work has shown that the pyloric pacemaker neurons exhibit membrane potential resonance whose resonance frequency is correlated with the network frequency. The follower lateral pyloric (LP) neuron makes reciprocally inhibitory synapses with the pacemakers. We find that LP shows resonance at a higher frequency than the pacemakers and the network frequency falls between the two. We also find that the reciprocal synapses between the pacemakers and LP have preferred frequencies but at significantly lower values. The preferred frequency of the LP to pacemaker synapse is correlated with the presynaptic preferred frequency, which is most pronounced when the peak voltage of the LP waveform is within the dynamic range of the synaptic activation curve and a shift in the activation curve by the modulatory neuropeptide proctolin shifts the frequency preference. Proctolin also changes the power of the LP neuron resonance without significantly changing the resonance frequency. These results indicate that different neuron types and synapses in a network may have distinct preferred frequencies, which are subject to neuromodulation and may interact to shape network oscillations. Copyright © 2014 the authors 0270-6474/14/3412933-13$15.00/0.

Selective entrainment of brain oscillations drives auditory perceptual organization.

PubMed

Costa-Faidella, Jordi; Sussman, Elyse S; Escera, Carles

2017-10-01

Perceptual sound organization supports our ability to make sense of the complex acoustic environment, to understand speech and to enjoy music. However, the neuronal mechanisms underlying the subjective experience of perceiving univocal auditory patterns that can be listened to, despite hearing all sounds in a scene, are poorly understood. We hereby investigated the manner in which competing sound organizations are simultaneously represented by specific brain activity patterns and the way attention and task demands prime the internal model generating the current percept. Using a selective attention task on ambiguous auditory stimulation coupled with EEG recordings, we found that the phase of low-frequency oscillatory activity dynamically tracks multiple sound organizations concurrently. However, whereas the representation of ignored sound patterns is circumscribed to auditory regions, large-scale oscillatory entrainment in auditory, sensory-motor and executive-control network areas reflects the active perceptual organization, thereby giving rise to the subjective experience of a unitary percept. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Large-scale cortical correlation structure of spontaneous oscillatory activity

PubMed Central

Hipp, Joerg F.; Hawellek, David J.; Corbetta, Maurizio; Siegel, Markus; Engel, Andreas K.

2013-01-01

Little is known about the brain-wide correlation of electrophysiological signals. Here we show that spontaneous oscillatory neuronal activity exhibits frequency-specific spatial correlation structure in the human brain. We developed an analysis approach that discounts spurious correlation of signal power caused by the limited spatial resolution of electrophysiological measures. We applied this approach to source estimates of spontaneous neuronal activity reconstructed from magnetoencephalography (MEG). Overall, correlation of power across cortical regions was strongest in the alpha to beta frequency range (8–32 Hz) and correlation patterns depended on the underlying oscillation frequency. Global hubs resided in the medial temporal lobe in the theta frequency range (4–6 Hz), in lateral parietal areas in the alpha to beta frequency range (8–23 Hz), and in sensorimotor areas for higher frequencies (32–45 Hz). Our data suggest that interactions in various large-scale cortical networks may be reflected in frequency specific power-envelope correlations. PMID:22561454

Parametric Study of Flow Control Over a Hump Model Using an Unsteady Reynolds- Averaged Navier-Stokes Code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rumsey, Christopher L.; Greenblatt, David

2007-01-01

This is an expanded version of a limited-length paper that appeared at the 5th International Symposium on Turbulence and Shear Flow Phenomena by the same authors. A computational study was performed for steady and oscillatory flow control over a hump model with flow separation to assess how well the steady and unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations predict trends due to Reynolds number, control magnitude, and control frequency. As demonstrated in earlier studies, the hump model case is useful because it clearly demonstrates a failing in all known turbulence models: they under-predict the turbulent shear stress in the separated region and consequently reattachment occurs too far downstream. In spite of this known failing, three different turbulence models were employed to determine if trends can be captured even though absolute levels are not. Overall the three turbulence models showed very similar trends as experiment for steady suction, but only agreed qualitatively with some of the trends for oscillatory control.

The effect of gravity modulation on thermosolutal convection in an infinite layer of fluid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, B. V.; Murray, B. T.; McFadden, G. B.; Coriell, S. R.; Wheeler, A. A.

1992-06-01

The effect of time-periodic vertical gravity modulation on the onset of thermosolutal convection in an infinite horizontal layer with stress-free boundaries is investigated using Floquet theory for the linear stability analysis. Situations for which the fluid layer is stably stratified in either the fingering or diffusive regimes of double-diffusive convection are considered. Results are presented both with and without steady background acceleration. Modulation may stabilize an unstable base solution or destabilize a stable base solution. In addition to synchronous and subharmonic response to the modulation frequency, instability in the double diffusive system can occur via a complex conjugate mode. In the diffusive regime, where oscillatory onset occurs in the unmodulated system, regions of resonant instability occur and exhibit strong coupling with the unmodulated oscillatory frequency. The response to modulation of the fundamental instability of the unmodulated system is described both analytically and numerically; in the double-diffusive system this mode persists under subcritical conditions as a high-frequency lobe.

The effect of gravity modulation on thermosolutal convection in an infinite layer of fluid

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Saunders, B. V.; Murray, B. T.; Mcfadden, G. B.; Coriell, S. R.; Wheeler, A. A.

1992-01-01

The effect of time-periodic vertical gravity modulation on the onset of thermosolutal convection in an infinite horizontal layer with stress-free boundaries is investigated using Floquet theory for the linear stability analysis. Situations for which the fluid layer is stably stratified in either the fingering or diffusive regimes of double-diffusive convection are considered. Results are presented both with and without steady background acceleration. Modulation may stabilize an unstable base solution or destabilize a stable base solution. In addition to synchronous and subharmonic response to the modulation frequency, instability in the double diffusive system can occur via a complex conjugate mode. In the diffusive regime, where oscillatory onset occurs in the unmodulated system, regions of resonant instability occur and exhibit strong coupling with the unmodulated oscillatory frequency. The response to modulation of the fundamental instability of the unmodulated system is described both analytically and numerically; in the double-diffusive system this mode persists under subcritical conditions as a high-frequency lobe.

Design principles for enhancing phase sensitivity and suppressing phase fluctuations simultaneously in biochemical oscillatory systems.

PubMed

Fei, Chenyi; Cao, Yuansheng; Ouyang, Qi; Tu, Yuhai

2018-04-12

Biological systems need to function accurately in the presence of strong noise and at the same time respond sensitively to subtle external cues. Here we study design principles in biochemical oscillatory circuits to achieve these two seemingly incompatible goals. We show that energy dissipation can enhance phase sensitivity linearly by driving the phase-amplitude coupling and increase timing accuracy by suppressing phase diffusion. Two general design principles in the key underlying reaction loop formed by two antiparallel pathways are found to optimize oscillation performance with a given energy budget: balancing the forward-to-backward flux ratio between the two pathways to reduce phase diffusion and maximizing the net flux of the phase-advancing pathway relative to that of the phase-retreating pathway to enhance phase sensitivity. Experimental evidences consistent with these design principles are found in the circadian clock of cyanobacteria. Future experiments to test the predicted dependence of phase sensitivity on energy dissipation are proposed.

Beta band oscillations in motor cortex reflect neural population signals that delay movement onset

PubMed Central

Khanna, Preeya; Carmena, Jose M

2017-01-01

Motor cortical beta oscillations have been reported for decades, yet their behavioral correlates remain unresolved. Some studies link beta oscillations to changes in underlying neural activity, but the specific behavioral manifestations of these reported changes remain elusive. To investigate how changes in population neural activity, beta oscillations, and behavior are linked, we recorded multi-scale neural activity from motor cortex while three macaques performed a novel neurofeedback task. Subjects volitionally brought their beta oscillatory power to an instructed state and subsequently executed an arm reach. Reaches preceded by a reduction in beta power exhibited significantly faster movement onset times than reaches preceded by an increase in beta power. Further, population neural activity was found to shift farther from a movement onset state during beta oscillations that were neurofeedback-induced or naturally occurring during reaching tasks. This finding establishes a population neural basis for slowed movement onset following periods of beta oscillatory activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.24573.001 PMID:28467303

Understanding oscillatory phenomena in molecular hydrogen generation via sodium borohydride hydrolysis.

PubMed

Budroni, M A; Biosa, E; Garroni, S; Mulas, G R C; Marchettini, N; Culeddu, N; Rustici, M

2013-11-14

The hydrolysis of borohydride salts represents one of the most promising processes for the generation of high purity molecular hydrogen under mild conditions. In this work we show that the sodium borohydride hydrolysis exhibits a fingerprinting periodic oscillatory transient in the hydrogen flow over a wide range of experimental conditions. We disproved the possibility that flow oscillations are driven by supersaturation phenomena of gaseous bubbles in the reactive mixture or by a nonlinear thermal feedback according to a thermokinetic model. Our experimental results indicate that the NaBH4 hydrolysis is a spontaneous inorganic oscillator, in which the hydrogen flow oscillations are coupled to an "oscillophor" in the reactive solution. The discovery of this original oscillator paves the way for a new class of chemical oscillators, with fundamental implications not only for testing the general theory on oscillations, but also with a view to chemical control of borohydride systems used as a source of hydrogen based green fuel.

Uniting functional network topology and oscillations in the fronto-parietal single unit network of behaving primates.

PubMed

Dann, Benjamin; Michaels, Jonathan A; Schaffelhofer, Stefan; Scherberger, Hansjörg

2016-08-15

The functional communication of neurons in cortical networks underlies higher cognitive processes. Yet, little is known about the organization of the single neuron network or its relationship to the synchronization processes that are essential for its formation. Here, we show that the functional single neuron network of three fronto-parietal areas during active behavior of macaque monkeys is highly complex. The network was closely connected (small-world) and consisted of functional modules spanning these areas. Surprisingly, the importance of different neurons to the network was highly heterogeneous with a small number of neurons contributing strongly to the network function (hubs), which were in turn strongly inter-connected (rich-club). Examination of the network synchronization revealed that the identified rich-club consisted of neurons that were synchronized in the beta or low frequency range, whereas other neurons were mostly non-oscillatory synchronized. Therefore, oscillatory synchrony may be a central communication mechanism for highly organized functional spiking networks.

Oscillatory dynamics and place field maps reflect hippocampal ensemble processing of sequence and place memory under NMDA receptor control.

PubMed

Cabral, Henrique O; Vinck, Martin; Fouquet, Celine; Pennartz, Cyriel M A; Rondi-Reig, Laure; Battaglia, Francesco P

2014-01-22

Place coding in the hippocampus requires flexible combination of sensory inputs (e.g., environmental and self-motion information) with memory of past events. We show that mouse CA1 hippocampal spatial representations may either be anchored to external landmarks (place memory) or reflect memorized sequences of cell assemblies depending on the behavioral strategy spontaneously selected. These computational modalities correspond to different CA1 dynamical states, as expressed by theta and low- and high-frequency gamma oscillations, when switching from place to sequence memory-based processing. These changes are consistent with a shift from entorhinal to CA3 input dominance on CA1. In mice with a deletion of forebrain NMDA receptors, the ability of place cells to maintain a map based on sequence memory is selectively impaired and oscillatory dynamics are correspondingly altered, suggesting that oscillations contribute to selecting behaviorally appropriate computations in the hippocampus and that NMDA receptors are crucial for this function. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Fractional blood flow in oscillatory arteries with thermal radiation and magnetic field effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bansi, C. D. K.; Tabi, C. B.; Motsumi, T. G.; Mohamadou, A.

2018-06-01

A fractional model is proposed to study the effect of heat transfer and magnetic field on the blood flowing inside oscillatory arteries. The flow is due to periodic pressure gradient and the fractional model equations include body acceleration. The proposed velocity and temperature distribution equations are solved using the Laplace and Hankel transforms. The effect of the fluid parameters such as the Reynolds number (Re), the magnetic parameter (M) and the radiation parameter (N) is studied graphically with changing the fractional-order parameter. It is found that the fractional derivative is a valuable tool to control both the temperature and velocity of blood when flow parameters change under treatment, for example. Besides, this work highlights the fact that in the presence of strong magnetic field, blood velocity and temperature reduce. A reversed effect is observed where the applied thermal radiation increase; the velocity and temperature of blood increase. However, the temperature remains high around the artery centerline, which is appropriate during treatment to avoid tissues damage.

Opto-mechanical analysis of nonlinear elastomer membrane deformation under hydraulic pressure for variable-focus liquid-filled microlenses.

PubMed

Choi, Seung Tae; Son, Byeong Soo; Seo, Gye Won; Park, Si-Young; Lee, Kyung-Sick

2014-03-10

Nonlinear large deformation of a transparent elastomer membrane under hydraulic pressure was analyzed to investigate its optical performance for a variable-focus liquid-filled membrane microlens. In most membrane microlenses, actuators control the hydraulic pressure of optical fluid so that the elastomer membrane together with the internal optical fluid changes its shape, which alters the light path of the microlens to adapt its optical power. A fluid-structure interaction simulation was performed to estimate the transient behavior of the microlens under the operation of electroactive polymer actuators, demonstrating that the viscosity of the optical fluid successfully stabilizes the fluctuations within a fairly short period of time during dynamic operations. Axisymmetric nonlinear plate theory was used to calculate the deformation profile of the membrane under hydrostatic pressure, with which optical characteristics of the membrane microlens were estimated. The effects of gravitation and viscoelastic behavior of the elastomer membrane on the optical performance of the membrane microlens were also evaluated with finite element analysis.

Numerical thermal analyses of heat exchangers for the stirling engine application

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kannapareddy, Mohan Raj

1995-01-01

The Regenerator, Cooler and Heater for the NASA Space Power Research Engine (SPRE) have been analyzed in detail for laminar, incompressible and oscillatory flow conditions. Each component has been analyzed independently and in detail with the regenerator being modeled as two-parallel-plates channel with a solid wall. The ends of the channel are exposed to two reservoir maintained at different temperature thus providing an axial temperature gradient along the channel. The cooler and heater components have been modeled as circular pipes with isothermal walls. Two different types of thermal boundary conditions have been investigated for the cooler and heater, namely, symmetric and asymmetric temperature inflow. In symmetric temperature inflow the flow enters the channel with the same temperature in throughout the velocity cycle whereas, in asymmetric temperature inflow the flow enters with a different temperature in each half cycle. The study was conducted over a wide range of Maximum Reynolds number (RE(max) varying from 75 to 60000, Valensi number (Va) from 2.5 to 800, and relative amplitude of fluid displacement (A(sub r) from 0.357 to 1.34. A two dimensional Finite volume method based on the SIMPLE algorithm was used to solve the governing partial differential equations. Post processing programs were developed to effectively describe the heat transfer mechanism under oscillatory flows. The computer code was validated by comparing with existing analytical solutions for oscillating flows. The thermal field have been studied with the help of temperature contour and three dimensional plots. The instantaneous friction factor, wall heat flux and heat transfer coefficient have been examined. It has been concluded that in general, the frictional factor and heat transfer coefficient are higher under oscillatory flow conditions when the Valensi number is high. Also, the thermal efficiency decreases for lower A(r) values. Further, the usual steady state definition for the heat transfer coefficient does not seem to be valid.

The situated HKB model: how sensorimotor spatial coupling can alter oscillatory brain dynamics

PubMed Central

Aguilera, Miguel; Bedia, Manuel G.; Santos, Bruno A.; Barandiaran, Xabier E.

2013-01-01

Despite the increase of both dynamic and embodied/situated approaches in cognitive science, there is still little research on how coordination dynamics under a closed sensorimotor loop might induce qualitatively different patterns of neural oscillations compared to those found in isolated systems. We take as a departure point the Haken-Kelso-Bunz (HKB) model, a generic model for dynamic coordination between two oscillatory components, which has proven useful for a vast range of applications in cognitive science and whose dynamical properties are well understood. In order to explore the properties of this model under closed sensorimotor conditions we present what we call the situated HKB model: a robotic model that performs a gradient climbing task and whose “brain” is modeled by the HKB equation. We solve the differential equations that define the agent-environment coupling for increasing values of the agent's sensitivity (sensor gain), finding different behavioral strategies. These results are compared with two different models: a decoupled HKB with no sensory input and a passively-coupled HKB that is also decoupled but receives a structured input generated by a situated agent. We can precisely quantify and qualitatively describe how the properties of the system, when studied in coupled conditions, radically change in a manner that cannot be deduced from the decoupled HKB models alone. We also present the notion of neurodynamic signature as the dynamic pattern that correlates with a specific behavior and we show how only a situated agent can display this signature compared to an agent that simply receives the exact same sensory input. To our knowledge, this is the first analytical solution of the HKB equation in a sensorimotor loop and qualitative and quantitative analytic comparison of spatially coupled vs. decoupled oscillatory controllers. Finally, we discuss the limitations and possible generalization of our model to contemporary neuroscience and philosophy of mind. PMID:23986692

Linear viscoelasticity and thermorheological simplicity of n-hexadecane fluids under oscillatory shear via non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.

PubMed

Tseng, Huan-Chang; Wu, Jiann-Shing; Chang, Rong-Yeu

2010-04-28

A small amplitude oscillatory shear flows with the classic characteristic of a phase shift when using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations for n-hexadecane fluids. In a suitable range of strain amplitude, the fluid possesses significant linear viscoelastic behavior. Non-linear viscoelastic behavior of strain thinning, which means the dynamic modulus monotonously decreased with increasing strain amplitudes, was found at extreme strain amplitudes. Under isobaric conditions, different temperatures strongly affected the range of linear viscoelasticity and the slope of strain thinning. The fluid's phase states, containing solid-, liquid-, and gel-like states, can be distinguished through a criterion of the viscoelastic spectrum. As a result, a particular condition for the viscoelastic behavior of n-hexadecane molecules approaching that of the Rouse chain was obtained. Besides, more importantly, evidence of thermorheologically simple materials was presented in which the relaxation modulus obeys the time-temperature superposition principle. Therefore, using shift factors from the time-temperature superposition principle, the estimated Arrhenius flow activation energy was in good agreement with related experimental values. Furthermore, one relaxation modulus master curve well exhibited both transition and terminal zones. Especially regarding non-equilibrium thermodynamic states, variations in the density, with respect to frequencies, were revealed.

An analytical approach to fluid ratcheting in oscillatory boundary layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jie

2013-11-01

It is well known that oscillatory flows close to a rigid or flexible boundary induces a steady streaming due to viscosity. Under progressive motions, this becomes a unidirectional streaming near the boundary (e.g. mass transport or peristaltic pumping in water waves). This mechanism is shared by the phenomenon of ratcheting fluid in a narrow channel by vibrating the channel walls that are lined with asymmetric corrugations (shown by a recent experiment BAPS.2010.DFD.HC.3). A theory is presented here to describe the ratcheting effects in such a channel. A conformal transformation method, developed for waves over arbitrary periodic topographies (Yu & Howard, J. Fluid Mech. 2012), is adapted to deal with large corrugations of the channel walls. Under the assumption that the wall oscillations are of small amplitude, the vorticity dynamics can be analyzed in the mapped plane, obtaining the solution that describes the steady streaming field due to nonlinear convective inertia. The results are discussed, regarding the dependency of the pumping direction on the oscillation frequency of the walls and the effects of the end position relative to the phase of corrugations in the case of a finite length channel. Preliminary experimental data will be presented if time permits. Support by NFS (Grant CBET-0845957) during the period of this work is gratefully acknowledged.

Laboratory investigation of the erosion of cohesive sediments under oscillatory flows using a synchronized imaging technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sou, In Mei; Calantoni, Joseph; Reed, Allen; Furukawa, Yoko

2012-11-01

A synchronized dual stereo particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement technique is used to examine the erosion process of a cohesive sediment core in the Small Oscillatory Flow Tunnel (S-OFT) in the Sediment Dynamics Laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center, MS. The dual stereo PIV windows were positioned on either side of a sediment core inserted along the centerline of the S-OFT allowing for a total measurement window of about 20 cm long by 10 cm high with sub-millimeter spacing on resolved velocity vectors. The period of oscillation ranged from 2.86 to 6.12 seconds with constant semi-excursion amplitude in the test section of 9 cm. During the erosion process, Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities were observed as the flow accelerated in each direction and eventually were broken down when the flow reversed. The relative concentration of suspended sediments under different flow conditions was estimated using the intensity of light scattered from the sediment particles in suspension. By subtracting the initial light scattered from the core, the residual light intensity was assumed to be scattered from suspended sediments eroded from the core. Results from two different sediment core samples of mud and sand mixtures will be presented.

Gravity amplifies and microgravity decreases circumnutations in Arabidopsis thaliana stems: results from a space experiment.

PubMed

Johnsson, A; Solheim, B G B; Iversen, T-H

2009-01-01

In a microgravity experiment onboard the International Space Station, circumnutations of Arabidopsis thaliana were studied. Plants were cultivated on rotors under a light:dark (LD) cycle of 16 : 8 h, and it was possible to apply controlled centrifugation pulses. Time-lapse images of inflorescence stems (primary, primary axillary and lateral inflorescences) documented the effect of microgravity on the circumnutations. Self-sustained circumnutations of side stems were present in microgravity but amplitudes were mostly very small. In darkness, centrifugation at 0.8 g increased the amplitude by a factor of five to ten. The period at 0.8 g was c. 85 min, in microgravity roughly of the same magnitude. In white light the period decreased to c. 60 min at 0.8 g (microgravity value not measurable). Three-dimensional data showed that under 0.8 g side stems rotated in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. Circumnutation data for the main stem in light showed a doubling of the amplitude and a longer period at 0.8 g than in microgravity (c. 80 vs 60 min). For the first time, the importance of gravity in amplifying minute oscillatory movements in microgravity into high-amplitude circumnutations was unequivocally demonstrated. The importance of these findings for the modelling of gravity effects on self-sustained oscillatory movements is discussed.

Weak temporal signals can synchronize and accelerate the transition dynamics of biopolymers under tension.

PubMed

Kim, Won Kyu; Hyeon, Changbong; Sung, Wokyung

2012-09-04

In addition to thermal noise, which is essential to promote conformational transitions in biopolymers, the cellular environment is replete with a spectrum of athermal fluctuations that are produced from a plethora of active processes. To understand the effect of athermal noise on biological processes, we studied how a small oscillatory force affects the thermally induced folding and unfolding transition of an RNA hairpin, whose response to constant tension had been investigated extensively in both theory and experiments. Strikingly, our molecular simulations performed under overdamped condition show that even at a high (low) tension that renders the hairpin (un)folding improbable, a weak external oscillatory force at a certain frequency can synchronously enhance the transition dynamics of RNA hairpin and increase the mean transition rate. Furthermore, the RNA dynamics can still discriminate a signal with resonance frequency even when the signal is mixed among other signals with nonresonant frequencies. In fact, our computational demonstration of thermally induced resonance in RNA hairpin dynamics is a direct realization of the phenomena called stochastic resonance and resonant activation. Our study, amenable to experimental tests using optical tweezers, is of great significance to the folding of biopolymers in vivo that are subject to the broad spectrum of cellular noises.

Nonlinear viscoelastic characterization of human vocal fold tissues under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS)

PubMed Central

Chan, Roger W.

2018-01-01

Viscoelastic shear properties of human vocal fold tissues were previously quantified by the shear moduli (G′ and G″). Yet these small-strain linear measures were unable to describe any nonlinear tissue behavior. This study attempted to characterize the nonlinear viscoelastic response of the vocal fold lamina propria under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) with a stress decomposition approach. Human vocal fold cover and vocal ligament specimens from eight subjects were subjected to LAOS rheometric testing with a simple-shear rheometer. The empirical total stress response was decomposed into elastic and viscous stress components, based on odd-integer harmonic decomposition approach with Fourier transform. Nonlinear viscoelastic measures derived from the decomposition were plotted in Pipkin space and as rheological fingerprints to observe the onset of nonlinearity and the type of nonlinear behavior. Results showed that both the vocal fold cover and the vocal ligament experienced intercycle strain softening, intracycle strain stiffening, as well as shear thinning both intercycle and intracycle. The vocal ligament appeared to demonstrate an earlier onset of nonlinearity at phonatory frequencies, and higher sensitivity to changes in frequency and strain. In summary, the stress decomposition approach provided much better insights into the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of the vocal fold lamina propria than the traditional linear measures. PMID:29780189

Nonlinear viscoelastic characterization of human vocal fold tissues under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS).

PubMed

Chan, Roger W

2018-05-01

Viscoelastic shear properties of human vocal fold tissues were previously quantified by the shear moduli ( G' and G″ ). Yet these small-strain linear measures were unable to describe any nonlinear tissue behavior. This study attempted to characterize the nonlinear viscoelastic response of the vocal fold lamina propria under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) with a stress decomposition approach. Human vocal fold cover and vocal ligament specimens from eight subjects were subjected to LAOS rheometric testing with a simple-shear rheometer. The empirical total stress response was decomposed into elastic and viscous stress components, based on odd-integer harmonic decomposition approach with Fourier transform. Nonlinear viscoelastic measures derived from the decomposition were plotted in Pipkin space and as rheological fingerprints to observe the onset of nonlinearity and the type of nonlinear behavior. Results showed that both the vocal fold cover and the vocal ligament experienced intercycle strain softening, intracycle strain stiffening, as well as shear thinning both intercycle and intracycle. The vocal ligament appeared to demonstrate an earlier onset of nonlinearity at phonatory frequencies, and higher sensitivity to changes in frequency and strain. In summary, the stress decomposition approach provided much better insights into the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of the vocal fold lamina propria than the traditional linear measures.

Stability of exact solutions describing two-layer flows with evaporation at the interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bekezhanova, V. B.; Goncharova, O. N.

2016-12-01

A new exact solution of the equations of free convection has been constructed in the framework of the Oberbeck-Boussinesq approximation of the Navier-Stokes equations. The solution describes the joint flow of an evaporating viscous heat-conducting liquid and gas-vapor mixture in a horizontal channel. In the gas phase the Dufour and Soret effects are taken into account. The consideration of the exact solution allows one to describe different classes of flows depending on the values of the problem parameters and boundary conditions for the vapor concentration. A classification of solutions and results of the solution analysis are presented. The effects of the external disturbing influences (of the liquid flow rates and longitudinal gradients of temperature on the channel walls) on the stability characteristics have been numerically studied for the system HFE7100-nitrogen in the common case, when the longitudinal temperature gradients on the boundaries of the channel are not equal. In the system both monotonic and oscillatory modes can be formed, which damp or grow depending on the values of the initial perturbations, flow rates and temperature gradients. Hydrodynamic perturbations are most dangerous under large gas flow rates. The increasing oscillatory perturbations are developed due to the thermocapillary effect under large longitudinal gradients of temperature. The typical forms of the disturbances are shown.

Distinct collective states due to trade-off between attractive and repulsive couplings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sathiyadevi, K.; Chandrasekar, V. K.; Senthilkumar, D. V.; Lakshmanan, M.

2018-03-01

We investigate the effect of repulsive coupling together with an attractive coupling in a network of nonlocally coupled oscillators. To understand the complex interaction between these two couplings we introduce a control parameter in the repulsive coupling which plays a crucial role in inducing distinct complex collective patterns. In particular, we show the emergence of various cluster chimera death states through a dynamically distinct transition route, namely the oscillatory cluster state and coherent oscillation death state as a function of the repulsive coupling in the presence of the attractive coupling. In the oscillatory cluster state, the oscillators in the network are grouped into two distinct dynamical states of homogeneous and inhomogeneous oscillatory states. Further, the network of coupled oscillators follow the same transition route in the entire coupling range. Depending upon distinct coupling ranges, the system displays different number of clusters in the death state and oscillatory state. We also observe that the number of coherent domains in the oscillatory cluster state exponentially decreases with increase in coupling range and obeys a power-law decay. Additionally, we show analytical stability for observed solitary state, synchronized state, and incoherent oscillation death state.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

PubMed

Nair, P M C; Bataclan, Maria Flordeliz A

2004-06-01

This article attempts to define a complicated, yet not rare disease of the neonate, which presents with extreme hypoxemia due to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, resulting in diversion of the pulmonary venous blood through persistent fetal channels, namely ductus arteriosus and foramen ovale. Pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and the various modalities of management are analyzed. Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is multi-factorial, which is reflected in the management as well. These babies are extremely labile to hypoxia and should be stabilized with minimum handling. One hundred percent oxygen and ventilation are the mainstay of treatment. The role of hyperventilation, alkalinization, various non-specific vasodilators such as tolazoline, magnesium sulphate, selective vasodilators such as inhaled nitric oxide, adenosine and the role of high frequency oscillatory ventilation and extra corporeal membrane oxygenation are discussed. With the newer modalities of management, the outlook has improved with mortality of less than 20% and fewer long-term deficits.

Soybean cell enlargement oscillates with a temperature-compensated period length of ca. 24 min

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morre, D. J.; Pogue, R.; Morre, D. M.

2001-01-01

Rate of enlargement of epidermal cells from soybean, when measured at intervals of 1 min using a light microscope equipped with a video measurement system, oscillated with a period length of about 24 min. This oscillation parallels the 24-min periodicity observed for the oxidation of NADH by the external plasma membrane NADH oxidase. The increase in length was not only non-linear, but intervals of rapid increase in area alternated with intervals of rapid decrease in area. The length of the period was temperature compensated, and was approximately the same when measured at 14, 24 and 34 degrees C even though the rate of cell enlargement varied over this same range of temperatures. These observations represent the first demonstration of an oscillatory growth behavior correlated with a biochemical activity where the period length of both is independent of temperature (temperature compensated) as is the hallmark of clock-related biological phenomena.

Oscillatory phase separation in giant lipid vesicles induced by transmembrane osmotic differentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Oglęcka, Kamila; Rangamani, Padmini; Liedberg, Bo

Giant lipid vesicles are closed compartments consisting of semi-permeable shells, which isolate femto- to pico-liter quantities of aqueous core from the bulk. Although water permeates readily across vesicular walls, passive permeation of solutes is hindered. In this study, we show that, when subject to a hypotonic bath, giant vesicles consisting of phase separating lipid mixtures undergo osmotic relaxation exhibiting damped oscillations in phase behavior, which is synchronized with swell–burst lytic cycles: in the swelled state, osmotic pressure and elevated membrane tension due to the influx of water promote domain formation. During bursting, solute leakage through transient pores relaxes the pressuremore » and tension, replacing the domain texture by a uniform one. This isothermal phase transition—resulting from a well-coordinated sequence of mechanochemical events—suggests a complex emergent behavior allowing synthetic vesicles produced from simple components, namely, water, osmolytes, and lipids to sense and regulate their micro-environment.« less

Oscillatory phase separation in giant lipid vesicles induced by transmembrane osmotic differentials

DOE PAGES

Oglęcka, Kamila; Rangamani, Padmini; Liedberg, Bo; ...

2014-10-15

Giant lipid vesicles are closed compartments consisting of semi-permeable shells, which isolate femto- to pico-liter quantities of aqueous core from the bulk. Although water permeates readily across vesicular walls, passive permeation of solutes is hindered. In this study, we show that, when subject to a hypotonic bath, giant vesicles consisting of phase separating lipid mixtures undergo osmotic relaxation exhibiting damped oscillations in phase behavior, which is synchronized with swell–burst lytic cycles: in the swelled state, osmotic pressure and elevated membrane tension due to the influx of water promote domain formation. During bursting, solute leakage through transient pores relaxes the pressuremore » and tension, replacing the domain texture by a uniform one. This isothermal phase transition—resulting from a well-coordinated sequence of mechanochemical events—suggests a complex emergent behavior allowing synthetic vesicles produced from simple components, namely, water, osmolytes, and lipids to sense and regulate their micro-environment.« less

Harmonic generation by yeast cells in response to low-frequency electric fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawarathna, D.; Claycomb, J. R.; Cardenas, G.; Gardner, J.; Warmflash, D.; Miller, J. H., Jr.; Widger, W. R.

2006-05-01

We report on harmonic generation by budding yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 108cells/ml ) in response to sinusoidal electric fields with amplitudes ranging from zero to 5V/cm in the frequency range 10-300Hz . The cell-generated harmonics are found to exhibit strong amplitude and frequency dependence. Sodium metavanadate, an inhibitor of the proton pump known as H+ -ATPase, and glucose, a substrate of H+ -ATPase, are found to increase harmonic production at low amplitudes while reducing it at large amplitudes. This P-type proton pump can be driven by an oscillatory transmembrane potential, and its nonlinear response is believed to be largely responsible for harmonic production at low frequencies in yeast cells. We find that the observed harmonics show dramatic changes with time and in their field and frequency dependence after perturbing the system by adding an inhibitor, substrate, or membrane depolarizer to the cell suspension.

Non-scaling behavior of electroosmotic flow in voltage-gated nanopores

DOE PAGES

Lian, Cheng; Gallegos, Alejandro; Liu, Honglai; ...

2016-11-17

Ionic transport through nanopores is of fundamental importance for the design and development of nanofiltration membranes and novel electrochemical devices including supercapacitors, fuel cells and batteries. Recent experiments have shown an unusual variation of electrical conductance with the pore size and the electrolyte parameters that defies conventional scaling relations. Here ionic transport through voltage-gated nanopores was studied by using the classical density functional theory for ion distributions in combination with the Navier–Stokes equation for the electroosmotic flow. We also identified a significant influence of the gating potential on the scaling behavior of the conductance with changes in the pore sizemore » and the salt concentration. Finally, for ion transport in narrow pores with a high gating voltage, the conductivity shows an oscillatory dependence on the pore size owing to the strong overlap of electric double layers.« less

Internal mechanisms underlying anticipatory language processing: Evidence from event-related-potentials and neural oscillations.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Yuping; Xia, Jinyan; Swaab, Tamara Y

2017-07-28

Although numerous studies have demonstrated that the language processing system can predict upcoming content during comprehension, there is still no clear picture of the anticipatory stage of predictive processing. This electroencephalograph study examined the cognitive and neural oscillatory mechanisms underlying anticipatory processing during language comprehension, and the consequences of this prediction for bottom-up processing of predicted/unpredicted content. Participants read Mandarin Chinese sentences that were either strongly or weakly constraining and that contained critical nouns that were congruent or incongruent with the sentence contexts. We examined the effects of semantic predictability on anticipatory processing prior to the onset of the critical nouns and on integration of the critical nouns. The results revealed that, at the integration stage, the strong-constraint condition (compared to the weak-constraint condition) elicited a reduced N400 and reduced theta activity (4-7Hz) for the congruent nouns, but induced beta (13-18Hz) and theta (4-7Hz) power decreases for the incongruent nouns, indicating benefits of confirmed predictions and potential costs of disconfirmed predictions. More importantly, at the anticipatory stage, the strongly constraining context elicited an enhanced sustained anterior negativity and beta power decrease (19-25Hz), which indicates that strong prediction places a higher processing load on the anticipatory stage of processing. The differences (in the ease of processing and the underlying neural oscillatory activities) between anticipatory and integration stages of lexical processing were discussed with regard to predictive processing models. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strain accumulation in bituminous binders under repeated creep-recovery loading predicted from small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laukkanen, Olli-Ville; Winter, H. Henning

2017-11-01

The creep-recovery (CR) test starts out with a period of shearing at constant stress (creep) and is followed by a period of zero-shear stress where some of the accumulated shear strain gets reversed. Linear viscoelasticity (LVE) allows one to predict the strain response to repeated creep-recovery (RCR) loading from measured small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) data. Only the relaxation and retardation time spectra of a material need to be known and these can be determined from SAOS data. In an application of the Boltzmann superposition principle (BSP), the strain response to RCR loading can be obtained as a linear superposition of the strain response to many single creep-recovery tests. SAOS and RCR data were collected for several unmodified and modified bituminous binders, and the measured and predicted RCR responses were compared. Generally good agreement was found between the measured and predicted strain accumulation under RCR loading. However, in the case of modified binders, the strain accumulation was slightly overestimated (≤20% relative error) due to the insufficient SAOS information at long relaxation times. Our analysis also demonstrates that the evolution in the strain response under RCR loading, caused by incomplete recovery, can be reasonably well predicted by the presented methodology. It was also shown that the outlined modeling framework can be used, as a first approximation, to estimate the rutting resistance of bituminous binders by predicting the values of the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test parameters.

Oscillatory lower body negative pressure impairs working memory task-related functional hyperemia in healthy volunteers.

PubMed

Merchant, Sana; Medow, Marvin S; Visintainer, Paul; Terilli, Courtney; Stewart, Julian M

2017-04-01

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) describes the link between an increase in task-related neural activity and increased cerebral blood flow denoted "functional hyperemia." We previously showed induced cerebral blood flow oscillations suppressed functional hyperemia; conversely functional hyperemia also suppressed cerebral blood flow oscillations. We used lower body negative pressure (OLBNP) oscillations to force oscillations in middle cerebral artery cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv). Here, we used N-back testing, an intellectual memory challenge as a neural activation task, to test the hypothesis that OLBNP-induced oscillatory cerebral blood flow can reduce functional hyperemia and NVC produced by a working memory task and can interfere with working memory. We used OLBNP (-30 mmHg) at 0.03, 0.05, and 0.10 Hz and measured spectral power of CBFv at all frequencies. Neither OLBNP nor N-back, alone or combined, affected hemodynamic parameters. 2-Back power and OLBNP individually were compared with 2-back power during OLBNP. 2-Back alone produced a narrow band increase in oscillatory arterial pressure (OAP) and oscillatory cerebral blood flow power centered at 0.0083 Hz. Functional hyperemia in response to 2-back was reduced to near baseline and 2-back memory performance was decreased by 0.03-, 0.05-, and 0.10-Hz OLBNP. OLBNP alone produced increased oscillatory power at frequencies of oscillation not suppressed by added 2-back. However, 2-back preceding OLBNP suppressed OLBNP power. OLBNP-driven oscillatory CBFv blunts NVC and memory performance, while memory task reciprocally interfered with forced CBFv oscillations. This shows that induced cerebral blood flow oscillations suppress functional hyperemia and functional hyperemia suppresses cerebral blood flow oscillations. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that induced cerebral blood flow oscillations suppress functional hyperemia produced by a working memory task as well as memory task performance. We conclude that oscillatory cerebral blood flow produces causal reductions of memory task neurovascular coupling and memory task performance. Reductions of functional hyperemia are constrained by autoregulation. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

A novel electro-driven membrane for removal of chromium ions using polymer inclusion membrane under constant D.C. electric current.

PubMed

Kaya, Ahmet; Onac, Canan; Alpoguz, H Korkmaz

2016-11-05

In this study, the use of polymer inclusion membrane under constant electric current for the removal of Cr(VI) from water has investigated for the first time. Transport of Cr(VI) is performed by an electric current from the donor phase to the acceptor phase with a constant electric current of 0.5A. The optimized membrane includes of 12.1% 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE), 77.6% cellulose triacetate (CTA), 10.3% tricapryl-methylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) as a carrier. We tested the applicability of the selected membrane for Cr(VI) removal in real environmental water samples and evaluated its reusability. Electro membrane experiments were carried out under various parameters, such as the effect of electro membrane voltage at constant DC electric current; electro membrane current at constant voltage, acceptor phase pH, and stable electro membrane; and a comparison of polymer inclusion membrane and electro membrane transport studies. The Cr(VI) transport was achieved 98.33% after 40min under optimized conditions. An alternative method has been employed that eliminates the changing of electrical current by the application of constant electric current for higher reproducibility of electro membrane extraction experiments by combining the excellent selective and long-term use features of polymer inclusion membrane. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Information coding with frequency of oscillations in Belousov-Zhabotinsky encapsulated disks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorecki, J.; Gorecka, J. N.; Adamatzky, Andrew

2014-04-01

Information processing with an excitable chemical medium, like the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction, is typically based on information coding in the presence or absence of excitation pulses. Here we present a new concept of Boolean coding that can be applied to an oscillatory medium. A medium represents the logical TRUE state if a selected region oscillates with a high frequency. If the frequency fails below a specified value, it represents the logical FALSE state. We consider a medium composed of disks encapsulating an oscillatory mixture of reagents, as related to our recent experiments with lipid-coated BZ droplets. We demonstrate that by using specific geometrical arrangements of disks containing the oscillatory medium one can perform logical operations on variables coded in oscillation frequency. Realizations of a chemical signal diode and of a single-bit memory with oscillatory disks are also discussed.

Essentially Non-Oscillatory and Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory Schemes for Hyperbolic Conservation Laws

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shu, Chi-Wang

1997-01-01

In these lecture notes we describe the construction, analysis, and application of ENO (Essentially Non-Oscillatory) and WENO (Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory) schemes for hyperbolic conservation laws and related Hamilton- Jacobi equations. ENO and WENO schemes are high order accurate finite difference schemes designed for problems with piecewise smooth solutions containing discontinuities. The key idea lies at the approximation level, where a nonlinear adaptive procedure is used to automatically choose the locally smoothest stencil, hence avoiding crossing discontinuities in the interpolation procedure as much as possible. ENO and WENO schemes have been quite successful in applications, especially for problems containing both shocks and complicated smooth solution structures, such as compressible turbulence simulations and aeroacoustics. These lecture notes are basically self-contained. It is our hope that with these notes and with the help of the quoted references, the reader can understand the algorithms and code them up for applications.

The role of high-frequency oscillatory activity in reward processing and learning.

PubMed

Marco-Pallarés, Josep; Münte, Thomas F; Rodríguez-Fornells, Antoni

2015-02-01

Oscillatory activity has been proposed as a key mechanism in the integration of brain activity of distant structures. Particularly, high frequency brain oscillatory activity in the beta and gamma range has received increasing interest in the domains of attention and memory. In addition, a number of recent studies have revealed an increase of beta-gamma activity (20-35 Hz) after unexpected or relevant positive reward outcomes. In the present manuscript we review the literature on this phenomenon and we propose that this activity is a brain signature elicited by unexpected positive outcomes in order to transmit a fast motivational value signal to the reward network. In addition, we hypothesize that beta-gamma oscillatory activity indexes the interaction between attentional and emotional systems, and that it directly reflects the appearance of unexpected positive rewards in learning-related contexts. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Airfoil flutter model suspension system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Reed, Wilmer H. (Inventor)

1987-01-01

A wind tunnel suspension system for testing flutter models under various loads and at various angles of attack is described. The invention comprises a mounting bracket assembly affixing the suspension system to the wind tunnel, a drag-link assembly and a compound spring arrangement comprises a plunge spring working in opposition to a compressive spring so as to provide a high stiffness to trim out steady state loads and simultaneously a low stiffness to dynamic loads. By this arrangement an airfoil may be tested for oscillatory response in both plunge and pitch modes while being held under high lifting loads in a wind tunnel.

Brain reflections: A circuit-based framework for understanding information processing and cognitive control.

PubMed

Gratton, Gabriele

2018-03-01

Here, I propose a view of the architecture of the human information processing system, and of how it can be adapted to changing task demands (which is the hallmark of cognitive control). This view is informed by an interpretation of brain activity as reflecting the excitability level of neural representations, encoding not only stimuli and temporal contexts, but also action plans and task goals. The proposed cognitive architecture includes three types of circuits: open circuits, involved in feed-forward processing such as that connecting stimuli with responses and characterized by brief, transient brain activity; and two types of closed circuits, positive feedback circuits (characterized by sustained, high-frequency oscillatory activity), which help select and maintain representations, and negative feedback circuits (characterized by brief, low-frequency oscillatory bursts), which are instead associated with changes in representations. Feed-forward activity is primarily responsible for the spread of activation along the information processing system. Oscillatory activity, instead, controls this spread. Sustained oscillatory activity due to both local cortical circuits (gamma) and longer corticothalamic circuits (alpha and beta) allows for the selection of individuated representations. Through the interaction of these circuits, it also allows for the preservation of representations across different temporal spans (sensory and working memory) and their spread across the brain. In contrast, brief bursts of oscillatory activity, generated by novel and/or conflicting information, lead to the interruption of sustained oscillatory activity and promote the generation of new representations. I discuss how this framework can account for a number of psychological and behavioral phenomena. © 2017 Society for Psychophysiological Research.

Sparsity-optimized separation of body waves and ground-roll by constructing dictionaries using tunable Q-factor wavelet transforms with different Q-factors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xin; Chen, Wenchao; Wang, Xiaokai; Wang, Wei

2017-10-01

Low-frequency oscillatory ground-roll is regarded as one of the main regular interference waves, which obscures primary reflections in land seismic data. Suppressing the ground-roll can reasonably improve the signal-to-noise ratio of seismic data. Conventional suppression methods, such as high-pass and various f-k filtering, usually cause waveform distortions and loss of body wave information because of their simple cut-off operation. In this study, a sparsity-optimized separation of body waves and ground-roll, which is based on morphological component analysis theory, is realized by constructing dictionaries using tunable Q-factor wavelet transforms with different Q-factors. Our separation model is grounded on the fact that the input seismic data are composed of low-oscillatory body waves and high-oscillatory ground-roll. Two different waveform dictionaries using a low Q-factor and a high Q-factor, respectively, are confirmed as able to sparsely represent each component based on their diverse morphologies. Thus, seismic data including body waves and ground-roll can be nonlinearly decomposed into low-oscillatory and high-oscillatory components. This is a new noise attenuation approach according to the oscillatory behaviour of the signal rather than the scale or frequency. We illustrate the method using both synthetic and field shot data. Compared with results from conventional high-pass and f-k filtering, the results of the proposed method prove this method to be effective and advantageous in preserving the waveform and bandwidth of reflections.

Model for the dynamic responses of taste receptor cells to salty stimuli. I. Function of lipid bilayer membranes.

PubMed Central

Naito, M; Fuchikami, N; Sasaki, N; Kambara, T

1991-01-01

The dynamic response of the lipid bilayer membrane is studied theoretically using a microscopic model of the membrane. The time courses of membrane potential variations due to monovalent salt stimulation are calculated explicitly under various conditions. A set of equations describing the time evolution of membrane surface potential and diffusion potential is derived and solved numerically. It is shown that a rather simple membrane such as lipid bilayer has functions capable of reproducing the following properties of dynamic response observed in gustatory receptor potential. Initial transient depolarization does not occur under Ringer adaptation but does under water. It appears only for comparatively rapid flows of stimuli, the peak height of transient response is expressed by a power function of the flow rate, and the membrane potential gradually decreases after reaching its peak under long and strong stimulation. The dynamic responses in the present model arise from the differences between the time dependences in the surface potential phi s and the diffusion potential phi d across a membrane. Under salt stimulation phi d cannot immediately follow the variation in phi s because of the delay due to the charging up of membrane capacitance. It is suggested that lipid bilayer in the apical membrane is the most probable agency producing the initial phasic response to the stimulation. PMID:1873461

Effect of intermittent shear stress on corneal epithelial cells using an in vitro flow culture model.

PubMed

Hampel, Ulrike; Garreis, Fabian; Burgemeister, Fabian; Eßel, Nicole; Paulsen, Friedrich

2018-04-27

The aim of this study was to establish and to evaluate an in vitro model for culturing human telomerase-immortalized corneal epithelial (hTCEpi) cells under adjustable medium flow mimicking the movements of the tear film on the ocular surface. Using an IBIDI pump system, cells were cultured under unidirectional, continuous or oscillating, discontinuous medium flow. Cell surface and cytoskeletal architecture were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and immunofluorescence. Gene expression of e-cadherin, occludin, tight junction protein (TJP), desmoplakin, desmocollin and mucins was investigated by real-time PCR. Protein expression of desmoplakin, TJP, occludin and e-cadherin was analyzed by western blot and localization was detected by immunofluorescence. Rose bengal staining was used to assess mucin (MUC) barrier integrity. MUC1, -4 and -16 proteins were localized by immunofluorescence. Medium flow-induced shear stress dramatically changed cellular morphology of hTCEpi. Cells subjected to discontinuous shear stress displayed the typical flattened, polygonal cell shape of the superficial layer of stratified squamous epithelia. Cell surfaces showed less bulging under shear stress and less extracellular gaps. The mRNA expression of E-cadherin, occludin and TJP were increased under oscillatory medium flow. Desmoplakin and occludin protein were upregulated under oscillatory shear stress. Stress fiber formation was not aligned to flow direction. MUC1, -4, and -16 protein were localized under all culture conditions, a regulation on mRNA expression was not detectable. Rose Bengal uptake was diminished under unidirectional conditions. Our findings suggest that shear stress as it occurs at the ocular surface during blinking exerts marked effects on corneal epithelial cells, such as changes in cellular morphology and expression of cell junctions. The described model may be useful for in vitro investigations of ocular surface epithelia as it represents a much more physiologic reproduction of the in vivo situation than the commonly applied static culture conditions. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Shear Viscosity of Aluminium under Shock Compression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Fu-Sheng; Yang, Mei-Xia; Liu, Qi-Wen; Chen, Jun-Xiang; Jing, Fu-Qian

2005-03-01

Based on the Newtonian viscous fluid model and the analytic perturbation theory of Miller and Ahrens for the oscillatory damping of a sinusoidal shock front, a flyer-impact technique is developed to investigate the effective viscosity of shocked aluminium. The shear viscosity coefficient is determined to be about 5000 poises at 42 GPa with strain rate of 1.27×106 s-1, which is a reasonable estimation compared with the results of other measurement methods.

A NON-OSCILLATORY SCHEME FOR OPEN CHANNEL FLOWS. (R825200)

EPA Science Inventory

In modeling shocks in open channel flows, the traditional finite difference schemes become inefficient and warrant special numerical treatment for smooth computations. This paper provides a general introduction to the non-oscillatory high-resolution methodology, coupled with the ...

Persistent nuclear wave packet oscillation coexistent with incoherent vibrational population at excited F centers in KI.

PubMed

Koyama, Takeshi; Takahashi, Youtarou; Nakajima, Makoto; Suemoto, Tohru

2006-06-14

We investigated nuclear wave packet dynamics in the excited state of KI F centers at 10 K using time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Observed transient spectrum is divided into oscillatory and non-oscillatory components. The former lasts over 11 ps without appreciable damping and is attributed to the oscillation of the wave packet consisting mainly of the A(1g) mode around the center. The non-oscillatory part rises quickly after photo-excitation exhibiting a cooling of incoherent vibrational population. This behavior suggests the fast energy dissipation due to the dephasing of the bulk phonon modes.

Oscillatory supersonic kernel function method for interfering surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cunningham, A. M., Jr.

1974-01-01

In the method presented in this paper, a collocation technique is used with the nonplanar supersonic kernel function to solve multiple lifting surface problems with interference in steady or oscillatory flow. The pressure functions used are based on conical flow theory solutions and provide faster solution convergence than is possible with conventional functions. In the application of the nonplanar supersonic kernel function, an improper integral of a 3/2 power singularity along the Mach hyperbola is described and treated. The method is compared with other theories and experiment for two wing-tail configurations in steady and oscillatory flow.

Oscillatory/chaotic thermocapillary flow induced by radiant heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hsieh, Kwang-Chung; Thompson, Robert L.; Vanzandt, David; Dewitt, Kenneth; Nash, Jon

1994-01-01

The objective of this paper is to conduct ground-based experiments to measure the onset conditions of oscillatory Marangoni flow in laser-heated silicone oil in a cylindrical container. For a single fluid, experimental data are presented using the aspect ratio and the dynamic Bond number. It is found that for a fixed aspect ratio, there seems to be an asymptotic limit of the dynamic Bond number beyond which no onset of flow oscillation could occur. Experimental results also suggested that there could be a lower limit of the aspect ratio below which there is no onset of oscillatory flow.

Emotions and stress increase respiratory resistance in asthma.

PubMed

Ritz, T; Steptoe, A; DeWilde, S; Costa, M

2000-01-01

Clinical reports suggest that various emotions and types of stress can precipitate asthmatic symptoms, but there is little experimental evidence to substantiate this claim. We studied the impact of different emotional states and stress on respiratory resistance in asthmatic and nonasthmatic individuals. Participants (24 asthmatic and 24 nonasthmatic patients) viewed short film sequences selected to induce anxiety, anger, depression, elation, happiness, contentment, or a neutral affective state and completed two stressful tasks, mental arithmetic to induce active coping efforts and viewing of medical slides to induce passive coping efforts. Oscillatory resistance, heart rate, blood pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, skin conductance level, respiration rate and volume, and self-reported affective state were measured throughout the session. Uniform increases in oscillatory resistance were found in all emotional states compared with the neutral state and during mental arithmetic in both groups. Asthmatic patients showed stronger reactions to the medical slides than healthy control subjects, with significant increases in oscillatory resistance, blood pressure, skin conductance level, and minute volume, as well as higher levels of self-reported depression, arousal, and shortness of breath. Changes in oscillatory resistance were inconsistently correlated with other physiological indices. Various emotional states and stress increase oscillatory resistance largely independently of concurrent increases in autonomic or ventilatory activity. The particular sensitivity of asthmatics to passive coping demand requires additional research.

Experience-dependent emergence of beta and gamma band oscillations in the primary visual cortex during the critical period

PubMed Central

Chen, Guang; Rasch, Malte J.; Wang, Ran; Zhang, Xiao-hui

2015-01-01

Neural oscillatory activities have been shown to play important roles in neural information processing and the shaping of circuit connections during development. However, it remains unknown whether and how specific neural oscillations emerge during a postnatal critical period (CP), in which neuronal connections are most substantially modified by neural activity and experience. By recording local field potentials (LFPs) and single unit activity in developing primary visual cortex (V1) of head-fixed awake mice, we here demonstrate an emergence of characteristic oscillatory activities during the CP. From the pre-CP to CP, the peak frequency of spontaneous fast oscillatory activities shifts from the beta band (15–35 Hz) to the gamma band (40–70 Hz), accompanied by a decrease of cross-frequency coupling (CFC) and broadband spike-field coherence (SFC). Moreover, visual stimulation induced a large increase of beta-band activity but a reduction of gamma-band activity specifically from the CP onwards. Dark rearing of animals from the birth delayed this emergence of oscillatory activities during the CP, suggesting its dependence on early visual experience. These findings suggest that the characteristic neuronal oscillatory activities emerged specifically during the CP may represent as neural activity trait markers for the experience-dependent maturation of developing visual cortical circuits. PMID:26648548

Proton conducting ceramic membranes for hydrogen separation

DOEpatents

Elangovan, S [South Jordan, UT; Nair, Balakrishnan G [Sandy, UT; Small, Troy [Midvale, UT; Heck, Brian [Salt Lake City, UT

2011-09-06

A multi-phase proton conducting material comprising a proton-conducting ceramic phase and a stabilizing ceramic phase. Under the presence of a partial pressure gradient of hydrogen across the membrane or under the influence of an electrical potential, a membrane fabricated with this material selectively transports hydrogen ions through the proton conducting phase, which results in ultrahigh purity hydrogen permeation through the membrane. The stabilizing ceramic phase may be substantially structurally and chemically identical to at least one product of a reaction between the proton conducting phase and at least one expected gas under operating conditions of a membrane fabricated using the material. In a barium cerate-based proton conducting membrane, one stabilizing phase is ceria.

Autism, Attention, and Alpha Oscillations: An Electrophysiological Study of Attentional Capture.

PubMed

Keehn, Brandon; Westerfield, Marissa; Müller, Ralph-Axel; Townsend, Jeanne

2017-09-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with deficits in adaptively orienting attention to behaviorally-relevant information. Neural oscillatory activity plays a key role in brain function and provides a high-resolution temporal marker of attention dynamics. Alpha band (8-12 Hz) activity is associated with both selecting task-relevant stimuli and filtering task-irrelevant information. The present study used electroencephalography (EEG) to examine alpha-band oscillatory activity associated with attentional capture in nineteen children with ASD and twenty-one age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) children. Participants completed a rapid serial visual presentation paradigm designed to investigate responses to behaviorally-relevant targets and contingent attention capture by task-irrelevant distractors, which either did or did not share a behaviorally-relevant feature. Participants also completed six minutes of eyes-open resting EEG. In contrast to their TD peers, children with ASD did not evidence posterior alpha desynchronization to behaviorally-relevant targets. Additionally, reduced target-related desynchronization and poorer target detection were associated with increased ASD symptomatology. TD children also showed behavioral and electrophysiological evidence of contingent attention capture, whereas children with ASD showed no behavioral facilitation or alpha desynchronization to distractors that shared a task-relevant feature. Lastly, children with ASD had significantly decreased resting alpha power, and for all participants increased resting alpha levels were associated with greater task-related alpha desynchronization. These results suggest that in ASD under-responsivity and impairments in orienting to salient events within their environment are reflected by atypical EEG oscillatory neurodynamics, which may signify atypical arousal levels and/or an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance.

Pattern formation and mass transfer under stationary solutal Marangoni instability.

PubMed

Schwarzenberger, Karin; Köllner, Thomas; Linde, Hartmut; Boeck, Thomas; Odenbach, Stefan; Eckert, Kerstin

2014-04-01

According to the seminal theory by Sternling and Scriven, solutal Marangoni convection during mass transfer of surface-active solutes may occur as either oscillatory or stationary instability. With strong support of Manuel G. Velarde, a combined initiative of experimental works, in particular to mention those of Linde, Wierschem and coworkers, and theory has enabled a classification of dominant wave types of the oscillatory mode and their interactions. In this way a rather comprehensive understanding of the nonlinear evolution of the oscillatory instability could be achieved. A comparably advanced state-of-the-art with respect to the stationary counterpart seemed to be out of reach a short time ago. Recent developments on both the numerical and experimental side, in combination with assessing an extensive number of older experiments, now allow one to draw a more unified picture. By reviewing these works, we show that three main building blocks exist during the nonlinear evolution: roll cells, relaxation oscillations and relaxation oscillations waves. What is frequently called interfacial turbulence results from the interaction between these partly coexisting basic patterns which may additionally occur in different hierarchy levels. The second focus of this review lies on the practical importance of such convection patterns concerning their influence on mass transfer characteristics. Particular attention is paid here to the interaction between Marangoni and buoyancy effects which frequently complicates the pattern formation even more. To shed more light on these dependencies, new simulations regarding the limiting case of stabilizing density stratification and vanishing buoyancy are incorporated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlation transfer from basal ganglia to thalamus in Parkinson's disease

PubMed Central

Pamela, Reitsma; Brent, Doiron; Jonathan, Rubin

2011-01-01

Spike trains from neurons in the basal ganglia of parkinsonian primates show increased pairwise correlations, oscillatory activity, and burst rate compared to those from neurons recorded during normal brain activity. However, it is not known how these changes affect the behavior of downstream thalamic neurons. To understand how patterns of basal ganglia population activity may affect thalamic spike statistics, we study pairs of model thalamocortical (TC) relay neurons receiving correlated inhibitory input from the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi), a primary output nucleus of the basal ganglia. We observe that the strength of correlations of TC neuron spike trains increases with the GPi correlation level, and bursty firing patterns such as those seen in the parkinsonian GPi allow for stronger transfer of correlations than do firing patterns found under normal conditions. We also show that the T-current in the TC neurons does not significantly affect correlation transfer, despite its pronounced effects on spiking. Oscillatory firing patterns in GPi are shown to affect the timescale at which correlations are best transferred through the system. To explain this last result, we analytically compute the spike count correlation coefficient for oscillatory cases in a reduced point process model. Our analysis indicates that the dependence of the timescale of correlation transfer is robust to different levels of input spike and rate correlations and arises due to differences in instantaneous spike correlations, even when the long timescale rhythmic modulations of neurons are identical. Overall, these results show that parkinsonian firing patterns in GPi do affect the transfer of correlations to the thalamus. PMID:22355287

Low Reynolds number kappa-epsilon and empirical transition models for oscillatory pipe flow and heat transfer. M.S. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bauer, Christopher

1993-01-01

Stirling engine heat exchangers are shell-and-tube type with oscillatory flow (zero-mean velocity) for the inner fluid. This heat transfer process involves laminar-transition turbulent flow motions under oscillatory flow conditions. A low Reynolds number kappa-epsilon model, (Lam-Bremhorst form), was utilized in the present study to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in a circular tube. An empirical transition model was used to activate the low Reynolds number k-e model at the appropriate time within the cycle for a given axial location within the tube. The computational results were compared with experimental flow and heat transfer data for: (1) velocity profiles, (2) kinetic energy of turbulence, (3) skin friction factor, (4) temperature profiles, and (5) wall heat flux. The experimental data were obtained for flow in a tube (38 mm diameter and 60 diameter long), with the maximum Reynolds number based on velocity being Re(sub max) = 11840, a dimensionless frequency (Valensi number) of Va = 80.2, at three axial locations X/D = 16, 30 and 44. The agreement between the computations and the experiment is excellent in the laminar portion of the cycle and good in the turbulent portion. Moreover, the location of transition was predicted accurately. The Low Reynolds Number kappa-epsilon model, together with an empirical transition model, is proposed herein to generate the wall heat flux values at different operating parameters than the experimental conditions. Those computational data can be used for testing the much simpler and less accurate one dimensional models utilized in 1-D Stirling Engine design codes.

Design and testing of a unique randomized gravity, continuous flow bioreactor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lassiter, Carroll B.

1993-01-01

A rotating, null gravity simulator, or Couette bioreactor was successfully used for the culture of mammalian cells in a simulated microgravity environment. Two limited studies using Lipomyces starkeyi and Streptomyces clavuligerus were also conducted under conditions of simulated weightlessness. Although these studies with microorganisms showed promising preliminary results, oxygen limitations presented significant limitations in studying the biochemical and cultural characteristics of these cell types. Microbial cell systems such as bacteria and yeast promise significant potential as investigative models to study the effects of microgravity on membrane transport, as well as substrate induction of inactive enzyme systems. Additionally, the smaller size of the microorganisms should further reduce the gravity induced oscillatory particle motion and thereby improve the microgravity simulation on earth. Focus is on the unique conceptual design, and subsequent development of a rotating bioreactor that is compatible with the culture and investigation of microgravity effects on microbial systems. The new reactor design will allow testing of highly aerobic cell types under simulated microgravity conditions. The described reactor affords a mechanism for investigating the long term effects of reduced gravity on cellular respiration, membrane transfer, ion exchange, and substrate conversions. It offers the capability of dynamically altering nutrients, oxygenation, pH, carbon dioxide, and substrate concentration without disturbing the microgravity simulation, or Couette flow, of the reactor. All progeny of the original cell inoculum may be acclimated to the simulated microgravity in the absence of a substrate or nutrient. The reactor has the promise of allowing scientists to probe the long term effects of weightlessness on cell interactions in plants, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The reactor is designed to have a flow field growth chamber with uniform shear stress, yet transfer high concentrations of oxygen into the culture medium. The system described allows for continuous, on line sampling for production of product without disturbing fluid and particle dynamics in the reaction chamber. It provides for the introduction of substrate, or control substances after cell adaptation to simulated microgravity has been accomplished. The reactor system provides for the nondisruptive, continuous flow replacement of nutrient and removal of product. On line monitoring and control of growth conditions such as pH and nutrient status are provided. A rotating distribution valve allows cessation of growth chamber rotation, thereby preserving the simulated microgravity conditions over longer periods of time.

A Microsaccadic Account of Attentional Capture and Inhibition of Return in Posner Cueing

PubMed Central

Tian, Xiaoguang; Yoshida, Masatoshi; Hafed, Ziad M.

2016-01-01

Microsaccades exhibit systematic oscillations in direction after spatial cueing, and these oscillations correlate with facilitatory and inhibitory changes in behavioral performance in the same tasks. However, independent of cueing, facilitatory and inhibitory changes in visual sensitivity also arise pre-microsaccadically. Given such pre-microsaccadic modulation, an imperative question to ask becomes: how much of task performance in spatial cueing may be attributable to these peri-movement changes in visual sensitivity? To investigate this question, we adopted a theoretical approach. We developed a minimalist model in which: (1) microsaccades are repetitively generated using a rise-to-threshold mechanism, and (2) pre-microsaccadic target onset is associated with direction-dependent modulation of visual sensitivity, as found experimentally. We asked whether such a model alone is sufficient to account for performance dynamics in spatial cueing. Our model not only explained fine-scale microsaccade frequency and direction modulations after spatial cueing, but it also generated classic facilitatory (i.e., attentional capture) and inhibitory [i.e., inhibition of return (IOR)] effects of the cue on behavioral performance. According to the model, cues reflexively reset the oculomotor system, which unmasks oscillatory processes underlying microsaccade generation; once these oscillatory processes are unmasked, “attentional capture” and “IOR” become direct outcomes of pre-microsaccadic enhancement or suppression, respectively. Interestingly, our model predicted that facilitatory and inhibitory effects on behavior should appear as a function of target onset relative to microsaccades even without prior cues. We experimentally validated this prediction for both saccadic and manual responses. We also established a potential causal mechanism for the microsaccadic oscillatory processes hypothesized by our model. We used retinal-image stabilization to experimentally control instantaneous foveal motor error during the presentation of peripheral cues, and we found that post-cue microsaccadic oscillations were severely disrupted. This suggests that microsaccades in spatial cueing tasks reflect active oculomotor correction of foveal motor error, rather than presumed oscillatory covert attentional processes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that peri-microsaccadic changes in vision can go a long way in accounting for some classic behavioral phenomena. PMID:27013991

Stimulus dependent neural oscillatory patterns show reliable statistical identification of autism spectrum disorder in a face perceptual decision task.

PubMed

Castelhano, João; Tavares, Paula; Mouga, Susana; Oliveira, Guiomar; Castelo-Branco, Miguel

2018-05-01

Electroencephalographic biomarkers have been widely investigated in autism, in the search for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic outcome measures. Here we took advantage of the information available in temporal oscillatory patterns evoked by simple perceptual decisions to investigate whether stimulus dependent oscillatory signatures can be used as potential biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We studied an extensive set of stimuli (9 categories of faces) and performed data driven classification (Support vector machine, SVM) of ASD vs. Controls with features based on the EEG power responses. We carried out an extensive time-frequency and synchrony analysis of distinct face categories requiring different processing mechanisms in terms of non-holistic vs. holistic processing. We found that the neuronal oscillatory responses of low gamma frequency band, locked to photographic and abstract two-tone (Mooney) face stimulus presentation are decreased in ASD vs. the control group. We also found decreased time-frequency (TF) responses in the beta band in ASD after 350 ms, possibly related to motor preparation. On the other hand, synchrony in the 30-45 Hz band showed a distinct spatial pattern in ASD. These power changes enabled accurate classification of ASD with an SVM approach. SVM accuracy was approximately 85%. ROC curves showed about 94% AUC (area under the curve). Combination of Mooney and Photographic face stimuli evoked features enabled a better separation between groups, reaching an AUC of 98.6%. We identified a relative decrease in EEG responses to face stimuli in ASD in the beta (15-30 Hz; >350 ms) and gamma (30-45 Hz; 55-80 Hz; 50-350 ms) frequency ranges. These can be used as input of a machine learning approach to separate between groups with high accuracy. Future studies can use EEG time-frequency patterns evoked by particular types of faces as a diagnostic biomarker and potentially as outcome measures in therapeutic trials. Copyright © 2018 International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chain scission and anti fungal effect of electron beam on cellulose membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wanichapichart, Pikul; Taweepreeda, Wirach; Nawae, Safitree; Choomgan, Pastraporn; Yasenchak, Dan

2012-08-01

Two types of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were produced under a modified H&S medium using sucrose as a carbon source, with (CCB) and without (SHB) coconut juice supplement. Both membranes showed similar crystallinity of 69.24 and 71.55%. After being irradiated with E-beams under oxygen limited and ambient condition, the results from water contact angle showed that only the irradiated membrane CCB was increased from 30 to 40 degrees, and irradiation under oxygen ambient condition provided the greatest value. Comparing with the control membranes, smaller water flux was the cases after electron beam irradiation which indicated a reduction of membrane pore area. However, the results from molecular weight cut off (MWCO) revealed that chain scission was greater for membrane SHB and its cut off was increased from 28,000 Da to more than 35,000 Da. FTIR analysis revealed some changes in membrane functional groups, corresponding with the above results. These changes initiated new property of cellulose membranes, an anti-fungal food wrap.

Cell-cell bioelectrical interactions and local heterogeneities in genetic networks: a model for the stabilization of single-cell states and multicellular oscillations.

PubMed

Cervera, Javier; Manzanares, José A; Mafe, Salvador

2018-04-04

Genetic networks operate in the presence of local heterogeneities in single-cell transcription and translation rates. Bioelectrical networks and spatio-temporal maps of cell electric potentials can influence multicellular ensembles. Could cell-cell bioelectrical interactions mediated by intercellular gap junctions contribute to the stabilization of multicellular states against local genetic heterogeneities? We theoretically analyze this question on the basis of two well-established experimental facts: (i) the membrane potential is a reliable read-out of the single-cell electrical state and (ii) when the cells are coupled together, their individual cell potentials can be influenced by ensemble-averaged electrical potentials. We propose a minimal biophysical model for the coupling between genetic and bioelectrical networks that associates the local changes occurring in the transcription and translation rates of an ion channel protein with abnormally low (depolarized) cell potentials. We then analyze the conditions under which the depolarization of a small region (patch) in a multicellular ensemble can be reverted by its bioelectrical coupling with the (normally polarized) neighboring cells. We show also that the coupling between genetic and bioelectric networks of non-excitable cells, modulated by average electric potentials at the multicellular ensemble level, can produce oscillatory phenomena. The simulations show the importance of single-cell potentials characteristic of polarized and depolarized states, the relative sizes of the abnormally polarized patch and the rest of the normally polarized ensemble, and intercellular coupling.

Gamma oscillation maintains stimulus structure-dependent synchronization in cat visual cortex.

PubMed

Samonds, Jason M; Bonds, A B

2005-01-01

Visual cortical cells demonstrate both oscillation and synchronization, although the underlying causes and functional significance of these behaviors remain uncertain. We simultaneously recorded single-unit activity with microelectrode arrays in supragranular layers of area 17 of cats paralyzed and anesthetized with propofol and N(2)O. Rate-normalized autocorrelograms of 24 cells reveal bursting (100%) and gamma oscillation (63%). Renewal density analysis, used to explore the source of oscillation, suggests a contribution from extrinsic influences such as feedback. However, a bursting refractory period, presumably membrane-based, could also encourage oscillatory firing. When we investigated the source of synchronization for 60 cell pairs we found only moderate correlation of synchrony with bursts and oscillation. We did, nonetheless, discover a possible functional role for oscillation. In all cases of cross-correlograms that exhibited oscillation, the strength of the synchrony was maintained throughout the stimulation period. When no oscillation was apparent, 75% of the cell pairs showed decay in their synchronization. The synchrony between cells is strongly dependent on similar response onset latencies. We therefore propose that structured input, which yields tight organization of latency, is a more likely candidate for the source of synchronization than oscillation. The reliable synchrony at response onset could be driven by spatial and temporal correlation of the stimulus that is preserved through the earlier stages of the visual system. Oscillation then contributes to maintenance of the synchrony to enhance reliable transmission of the information for higher cognitive processing.

Brain Oscillatory Correlates of Altered Executive Functioning in Positive and Negative Symptomatic Schizophrenia Patients and Healthy Controls.

PubMed

Berger, Barbara; Minarik, Tamas; Griesmayr, Birgit; Stelzig-Schoeler, Renate; Aichhorn, Wolfgang; Sauseng, Paul

2016-01-01

Working Memory and executive functioning deficits are core characteristics of patients suffering from schizophrenia. Electrophysiological research indicates that altered patterns of neural oscillatory mechanisms underpinning executive functioning are associated with the psychiatric disorder. Such brain oscillatory changes have been found in local amplitude differences at gamma and theta frequencies in task-specific cortical areas. Moreover, interregional interactions are also disrupted as signified by decreased phase coherence of fronto-posterior theta activity in schizophrenia patients. However, schizophrenia is not a one-dimensional psychiatric disorder but has various forms and expressions. A common distinction is between positive and negative symptomatology but most patients have both negative and positive symptoms to some extent. Here, we examined three groups-healthy controls, predominantly negative, and predominantly positive symptomatic schizophrenia patients-when performing a working memory task with increasing cognitive demand and increasing need for executive control. We analyzed brain oscillatory activity in the three groups separately and investigated how predominant symptomatology might explain differences in brain oscillatory patterns. Our results indicate that differences in task specific fronto-posterior network activity (i.e., executive control network) expressed by interregional phase synchronization are able to account for working memory dysfunctions between groups. Local changes in the theta and gamma frequency range also show differences between patients and healthy controls, and more importantly, between the two patient groups. We conclude that differences in oscillatory brain activation patterns related to executive processing can be an indicator for positive and negative symptomatology in schizophrenia. Furthermore, changes in cognitive and especially executive functioning in patients are expressed by alterations in a task-specific fronto-posterior connectivity even in the absence of behavioral impairment.

Imaging of neural oscillations with embedded inferential and group prevalence statistics.

PubMed

Donhauser, Peter W; Florin, Esther; Baillet, Sylvain

2018-02-01

Magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography (MEG, EEG) are essential techniques for studying distributed signal dynamics in the human brain. In particular, the functional role of neural oscillations remains to be clarified. For that reason, imaging methods need to identify distinct brain regions that concurrently generate oscillatory activity, with adequate separation in space and time. Yet, spatial smearing and inhomogeneous signal-to-noise are challenging factors to source reconstruction from external sensor data. The detection of weak sources in the presence of stronger regional activity nearby is a typical complication of MEG/EEG source imaging. We propose a novel, hypothesis-driven source reconstruction approach to address these methodological challenges. The imaging with embedded statistics (iES) method is a subspace scanning technique that constrains the mapping problem to the actual experimental design. A major benefit is that, regardless of signal strength, the contributions from all oscillatory sources, which activity is consistent with the tested hypothesis, are equalized in the statistical maps produced. We present extensive evaluations of iES on group MEG data, for mapping 1) induced oscillations using experimental contrasts, 2) ongoing narrow-band oscillations in the resting-state, 3) co-modulation of brain-wide oscillatory power with a seed region, and 4) co-modulation of oscillatory power with peripheral signals (pupil dilation). Along the way, we demonstrate several advantages of iES over standard source imaging approaches. These include the detection of oscillatory coupling without rejection of zero-phase coupling, and detection of ongoing oscillations in deeper brain regions, where signal-to-noise conditions are unfavorable. We also show that iES provides a separate evaluation of oscillatory synchronization and desynchronization in experimental contrasts, which has important statistical advantages. The flexibility of iES allows it to be adjusted to many experimental questions in systems neuroscience.

Imaging of neural oscillations with embedded inferential and group prevalence statistics

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Magnetoencephalography and electroencephalography (MEG, EEG) are essential techniques for studying distributed signal dynamics in the human brain. In particular, the functional role of neural oscillations remains to be clarified. For that reason, imaging methods need to identify distinct brain regions that concurrently generate oscillatory activity, with adequate separation in space and time. Yet, spatial smearing and inhomogeneous signal-to-noise are challenging factors to source reconstruction from external sensor data. The detection of weak sources in the presence of stronger regional activity nearby is a typical complication of MEG/EEG source imaging. We propose a novel, hypothesis-driven source reconstruction approach to address these methodological challenges. The imaging with embedded statistics (iES) method is a subspace scanning technique that constrains the mapping problem to the actual experimental design. A major benefit is that, regardless of signal strength, the contributions from all oscillatory sources, which activity is consistent with the tested hypothesis, are equalized in the statistical maps produced. We present extensive evaluations of iES on group MEG data, for mapping 1) induced oscillations using experimental contrasts, 2) ongoing narrow-band oscillations in the resting-state, 3) co-modulation of brain-wide oscillatory power with a seed region, and 4) co-modulation of oscillatory power with peripheral signals (pupil dilation). Along the way, we demonstrate several advantages of iES over standard source imaging approaches. These include the detection of oscillatory coupling without rejection of zero-phase coupling, and detection of ongoing oscillations in deeper brain regions, where signal-to-noise conditions are unfavorable. We also show that iES provides a separate evaluation of oscillatory synchronization and desynchronization in experimental contrasts, which has important statistical advantages. The flexibility of iES allows it to be adjusted to many experimental questions in systems neuroscience. PMID:29408902

Subthreshold membrane potential oscillations in inferior olive neurons are dynamically regulated by P/Q- and T-type calcium channels: a study in mutant mice

PubMed Central

Choi, Soonwook; Yu, Eunah; Kim, Daesoo; Urbano, Francisco J; Makarenko, Vladimir; Shin, Hee-Sup; Llinás, Rodolfo R

2010-01-01

The role of P/Q- and T-type calcium channels in the rhythmic oscillatory behaviour of inferior olive (IO) neurons was investigated in mutant mice. Mice lacking either the CaV2.1 gene of the pore-forming α1A subunit for P/Q-type calcium channel, or the CaV3.1 gene of the pore-forming α1G subunit for T-type calcium channel were used. In vitro intracellular recording from IO neurons reveals that the amplitude and frequency of sinusoidal subthreshold oscillations (SSTOs) were reduced in the CaV2.1−/− mice. In the CaV3.1−/− mice, IO neurons also showed altered patterns of SSTOs and the probability of SSTO generation was significantly lower (15%, 5 of 34 neurons) than that of wild-type (78%, 31 of 40 neurons) or CaV2.1−/− mice (73%, 22 of 30 neurons). In addition, the low-threshold calcium spike and the sustained endogenous oscillation following rebound potentials were absent in IO neurons from CaV3.1−/− mice. Moreover, the phase-reset dynamics of oscillatory properties of single neurons and neuronal clusters in IO were remarkably altered in both CaV2.1−/− and CaV3.1−/− mice. These results suggest that both α1A P/Q- and α1G T-type calcium channels are required for the dynamic control of neuronal oscillations in the IO. These findings were supported by results from a mathematical IO neuronal model that incorporated T and P/Q channel kinetics. PMID:20547676

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in the treatment of neonatal respiratory disturbances: case reports of two infants.

PubMed

Kiszel, J; Seri, I; Machay, T

1985-01-01

The technique of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) was successfully used in a preterm infant with severe hyaline membrane disease and in a term neonate presenting with intrauterine pneumonia and associated severe pneumomediastinum. None of the infants could adequately be ventilated by conventional ventilation; both of them deteriorated owing to severe hypoxaemia and hypercapnia. In the preterm infant with HMD a rapid and progressive improvement of oxygenation had been observed immediately after the beginning of HFOV, and he was successfully weaned off the ventilator after 71 hours on HFOV. His recovery was uncomplicated and definitive. In the term neonate presenting with IUP and associated severe PM, an improvement in oxygenation was detected, whereas the retention of paCO2 remained unaltered. On leaving the MAP unchanged but doubling the flow rate, paCO2 and arterial pH also normalised. No sign of PM was seen on the X-ray picture 17.5 hours after the start of HFOV. This patient was weaned off the ventilator after 29 hours on HFOV and his recovery was also uncomplicated. It is believed that recovery of the PM was secondary to the low MAP and to the higher arterial pO2 levels, and that HFOV may also have a direct role in the treatment of preexisting air leaks and perhaps also in their prevention. In our patients HFOV resulted in a definitive recovery, while no improvement had occurred on using conventional ventilation. To determine the exact mechanism of action, the clear cut fields of indications and the possible side effects of HFOV, further investigations are needed.

Energetic Constraints Produce Self-sustained Oscillatory Dynamics in Neuronal Networks

PubMed Central

Burroni, Javier; Taylor, P.; Corey, Cassian; Vachnadze, Tengiz; Siegelmann, Hava T.

2017-01-01

Overview: We model energy constraints in a network of spiking neurons, while exploring general questions of resource limitation on network function abstractly. Background: Metabolic states like dietary ketosis or hypoglycemia have a large impact on brain function and disease outcomes. Glia provide metabolic support for neurons, among other functions. Yet, in computational models of glia-neuron cooperation, there have been no previous attempts to explore the effects of direct realistic energy costs on network activity in spiking neurons. Currently, biologically realistic spiking neural networks assume that membrane potential is the main driving factor for neural spiking, and do not take into consideration energetic costs. Methods: We define local energy pools to constrain a neuron model, termed Spiking Neuron Energy Pool (SNEP), which explicitly incorporates energy limitations. Each neuron requires energy to spike, and resources in the pool regenerate over time. Our simulation displays an easy-to-use GUI, which can be run locally in a web browser, and is freely available. Results: Energy dependence drastically changes behavior of these neural networks, causing emergent oscillations similar to those in networks of biological neurons. We analyze the system via Lotka-Volterra equations, producing several observations: (1) energy can drive self-sustained oscillations, (2) the energetic cost of spiking modulates the degree and type of oscillations, (3) harmonics emerge with frequencies determined by energy parameters, and (4) varying energetic costs have non-linear effects on energy consumption and firing rates. Conclusions: Models of neuron function which attempt biological realism may benefit from including energy constraints. Further, we assert that observed oscillatory effects of energy limitations exist in networks of many kinds, and that these findings generalize to abstract graphs and technological applications. PMID:28289370

Effect of biocompatible polymers on the structural integrity of lipid bilayers under external stimuli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jia-Yu; Kausik, Ravinath; Chen, Chi-Yuan; Han, Song-I.; Marks, Jeremy; Lee, Ka Yee

2010-03-01

Cell membrane dysfunction due to loss of structural integrity is the pathology of tissue death in trauma and common diseases. It is now established that certain biocompatible polymers, such as Poloxamer 188, Poloxamine 1107 and polyethylene glycol (PEG), are effective in sealing of injured cell membranes, and able to prevent acute necrosis. Despite these broad applications of these polymers for human health, the fundamental mechanisms by which these polymers interact with cell membranes are still under debate. Here, the effects of a group of biocompatible polymers on phospholipid membrane integrity under osmotic and oxidative stress were explored using giant unilamellar vesicles as model cell membranes. Our results suggest that the adsorption of the polymers on the membrane surface is responsible for the cell membrane resealing process due to its capability of slowing down the surface hydration dynamics.

Design principles for robust oscillatory behavior.

PubMed

Castillo-Hair, Sebastian M; Villota, Elizabeth R; Coronado, Alberto M

2015-09-01

Oscillatory responses are ubiquitous in regulatory networks of living organisms, a fact that has led to extensive efforts to study and replicate the circuits involved. However, to date, design principles that underlie the robustness of natural oscillators are not completely known. Here we study a three-component enzymatic network model in order to determine the topological requirements for robust oscillation. First, by simulating every possible topological arrangement and varying their parameter values, we demonstrate that robust oscillators can be obtained by augmenting the number of both negative feedback loops and positive autoregulations while maintaining an appropriate balance of positive and negative interactions. We then identify network motifs, whose presence in more complex topologies is a necessary condition for obtaining oscillatory responses. Finally, we pinpoint a series of simple architectural patterns that progressively render more robust oscillators. Together, these findings can help in the design of more reliable synthetic biomolecular networks and may also have implications in the understanding of other oscillatory systems.

Oscillatory network with self-organized dynamical connections for synchronization-based image segmentation.

PubMed

Kuzmina, Margarita; Manykin, Eduard; Surina, Irina

2004-01-01

An oscillatory network of columnar architecture located in 3D spatial lattice was recently designed by the authors as oscillatory model of the brain visual cortex. Single network oscillator is a relaxational neural oscillator with internal dynamics tunable by visual image characteristics - local brightness and elementary bar orientation. It is able to demonstrate either activity state (stable undamped oscillations) or "silence" (quickly damped oscillations). Self-organized nonlocal dynamical connections of oscillators depend on oscillator activity levels and orientations of cortical receptive fields. Network performance consists in transfer into a state of clusterized synchronization. At current stage grey-level image segmentation tasks are carried out by 2D oscillatory network, obtained as a limit version of the source model. Due to supplemented network coupling strength control the 2D reduced network provides synchronization-based image segmentation. New results on segmentation of brightness and texture images presented in the paper demonstrate accurate network performance and informative visualization of segmentation results, inherent in the model.

Asymmetry in Signal Oscillations Contributes to Efficiency of Periodic Systems.

PubMed

Bae, Seul-A; Acevedo, Alison; Androulakis, Ioannis P

2016-01-01

Oscillations are an important feature of cellular signaling that result from complex combinations of positive- and negative-feedback loops. The encoding and decoding mechanisms of oscillations based on amplitude and frequency have been extensively discussed in the literature in the context of intercellular and intracellular signaling. However, the fundamental questions of whether and how oscillatory signals offer any competitive advantages-and, if so, what-have not been fully answered. We investigated established oscillatory mechanisms and designed a study to analyze the oscillatory characteristics of signaling molecules and system output in an effort to answer these questions. Two classic oscillators, Goodwin and PER, were selected as the model systems, and corresponding no-feedback models were created for each oscillator to discover the advantage of oscillating signals. Through simulating the original oscillators and the matching no-feedback models, we show that oscillating systems have the capability to achieve better resource-to-output efficiency, and we identify oscillatory characteristics that lead to improved efficiency.

Eighth-order explicit two-step hybrid methods with symmetric nodes and weights for solving orbital and oscillatory IVPs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franco, J. M.; Rández, L.

The construction of new two-step hybrid (TSH) methods of explicit type with symmetric nodes and weights for the numerical integration of orbital and oscillatory second-order initial value problems (IVPs) is analyzed. These methods attain algebraic order eight with a computational cost of six or eight function evaluations per step (it is one of the lowest costs that we know in the literature) and they are optimal among the TSH methods in the sense that they reach a certain order of accuracy with minimal cost per step. The new TSH schemes also have high dispersion and dissipation orders (greater than 8) in order to be adapted to the solution of IVPs with oscillatory solutions. The numerical experiments carried out with several orbital and oscillatory problems show that the new eighth-order explicit TSH methods are more efficient than other standard TSH or Numerov-type methods proposed in the scientific literature.

Evolution of the dynamic properties of the cortex-basal ganglia network after dopaminergic depletion in rats.

PubMed

Dejean, Cyril; Nadjar, Agnes; Le Moine, Catherine; Bioulac, Bernard; Gross, Christian E; Boraud, Thomas

2012-05-01

It is well established that parkinsonian syndrome is associated with alterations of neuronal activity temporal pattern basal ganglia (BG). An increase in synchronized oscillations has been observed in different BG nuclei in Parkinson's disease patients as well as animal models such as 6-hydroxydopamine treated rats. We recently demonstrated that this increase in oscillatory synchronization is present during high-voltage spindles (HVS) probably underpinned by the disorganization of cortex-BG interactions. Here we investigated the time course of both oscillatory and motor alterations. For that purpose we performed daily simultaneous recordings of neuronal activity in motor cortex, striatum and substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), before and after 6-hydroxydopamine lesion in awake rats. After a brief non-dopamine-specific desynchronization, oscillatory activity first increased during HVS followed by progressive motor impairment and the shortening of SNr activation delay. While the oscillatory firing increase reflects dopaminergic depletion, response alteration in SNr neurons is closely related to motor symptom. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Acoustic streaming in the cochlea under compressive bone conduction excitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aho, Katherine; Sunny, Megha; Nabat, Taoufik; Au, Jenny; Thompson, Charles

2012-02-01

This work examines the acoustic streaming in the cochlea. A model will be developed to examine the steady flow over a flexible boundary that is induced by compressive excitation of the cochlear capsule. A stokeslet based analysis of oscillatory flows was used to model fluid motion. The influence of evanescent modes on the pressure field is considered as the limit of the aspect ratio epsilon approaches zero. We will show a uniformly valid solution in space.

Quantum standard clocks in the primordial trispectrum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xingang; Zhen Chua, Wan; Guo, Yuxun; Wang, Yi; Xianyu, Zhong-Zhi; Xie, Tianyou

2018-05-01

We calculate the primordial trispectrum of curvature perturbation in quasi-single field inflation, with general sound speeds for both the inflaton and the massive scalar. Special attention is paid to various soft limits of the trispectrum, where the shape function shows characteristic oscillatory pattern (known as the quantum primordial standard clock signal) as a function of the momentum ratio. Our calculation is greatly simplified by using the "mixed propagator" developed under a diagrammatic representation of the in-in formalism.

The physics of hearing: fluid mechanics and the active process of the inner ear.

PubMed

Reichenbach, Tobias; Hudspeth, A J

2014-07-01

Most sounds of interest consist of complex, time-dependent admixtures of tones of diverse frequencies and variable amplitudes. To detect and process these signals, the ear employs a highly nonlinear, adaptive, real-time spectral analyzer: the cochlea. Sound excites vibration of the eardrum and the three miniscule bones of the middle ear, the last of which acts as a piston to initiate oscillatory pressure changes within the liquid-filled chambers of the cochlea. The basilar membrane, an elastic band spiraling along the cochlea between two of these chambers, responds to these pressures by conducting a largely independent traveling wave for each frequency component of the input. Because the basilar membrane is graded in mass and stiffness along its length, however, each traveling wave grows in magnitude and decreases in wavelength until it peaks at a specific, frequency-dependent position: low frequencies propagate to the cochlear apex, whereas high frequencies culminate at the base. The oscillations of the basilar membrane deflect hair bundles, the mechanically sensitive organelles of the ear's sensory receptors, the hair cells. As mechanically sensitive ion channels open and close, each hair cell responds with an electrical signal that is chemically transmitted to an afferent nerve fiber and thence into the brain. In addition to transducing mechanical inputs, hair cells amplify them by two means. Channel gating endows a hair bundle with negative stiffness, an instability that interacts with the motor protein myosin-1c to produce a mechanical amplifier and oscillator. Acting through the piezoelectric membrane protein prestin, electrical responses also cause outer hair cells to elongate and shorten, thus pumping energy into the basilar membrane's movements. The two forms of motility constitute an active process that amplifies mechanical inputs, sharpens frequency discrimination, and confers a compressive nonlinearity on responsiveness. These features arise because the active process operates near a Hopf bifurcation, the generic properties of which explain several key features of hearing. Moreover, when the gain of the active process rises sufficiently in ultraquiet circumstances, the system traverses the bifurcation and even a normal ear actually emits sound. The remarkable properties of hearing thus stem from the propagation of traveling waves on a nonlinear and excitable medium.

The physics of hearing: fluid mechanics and the active process of the inner ear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reichenbach, Tobias; Hudspeth, A. J.

2014-07-01

Most sounds of interest consist of complex, time-dependent admixtures of tones of diverse frequencies and variable amplitudes. To detect and process these signals, the ear employs a highly nonlinear, adaptive, real-time spectral analyzer: the cochlea. Sound excites vibration of the eardrum and the three miniscule bones of the middle ear, the last of which acts as a piston to initiate oscillatory pressure changes within the liquid-filled chambers of the cochlea. The basilar membrane, an elastic band spiraling along the cochlea between two of these chambers, responds to these pressures by conducting a largely independent traveling wave for each frequency component of the input. Because the basilar membrane is graded in mass and stiffness along its length, however, each traveling wave grows in magnitude and decreases in wavelength until it peaks at a specific, frequency-dependent position: low frequencies propagate to the cochlear apex, whereas high frequencies culminate at the base. The oscillations of the basilar membrane deflect hair bundles, the mechanically sensitive organelles of the ear's sensory receptors, the hair cells. As mechanically sensitive ion channels open and close, each hair cell responds with an electrical signal that is chemically transmitted to an afferent nerve fiber and thence into the brain. In addition to transducing mechanical inputs, hair cells amplify them by two means. Channel gating endows a hair bundle with negative stiffness, an instability that interacts with the motor protein myosin-1c to produce a mechanical amplifier and oscillator. Acting through the piezoelectric membrane protein prestin, electrical responses also cause outer hair cells to elongate and shorten, thus pumping energy into the basilar membrane's movements. The two forms of motility constitute an active process that amplifies mechanical inputs, sharpens frequency discrimination, and confers a compressive nonlinearity on responsiveness. These features arise because the active process operates near a Hopf bifurcation, the generic properties of which explain several key features of hearing. Moreover, when the gain of the active process rises sufficiently in ultraquiet circumstances, the system traverses the bifurcation and even a normal ear actually emits sound. The remarkable properties of hearing thus stem from the propagation of traveling waves on a nonlinear and excitable medium.

A new parallel plate shear cell for in situ real-space measurements of complex fluids under shear flow.

PubMed

Wu, Yu Ling; Brand, Joost H J; van Gemert, Josephus L A; Verkerk, Jaap; Wisman, Hans; van Blaaderen, Alfons; Imhof, Arnout

2007-10-01

We developed and tested a parallel plate shear cell that can be mounted on top of an inverted microscope to perform confocal real-space measurements on complex fluids under shear. To follow structural changes in time, a plane of zero velocity is created by letting the plates move in opposite directions. The location of this plane is varied by changing the relative velocities of the plates. The gap width is variable between 20 and 200 microm with parallelism better than 1 microm. Such a small gap width enables us to examine the total sample thickness using high numerical aperture objective lenses. The achieved shear rates cover the range of 0.02-10(3) s(-1). This shear cell can apply an oscillatory shear with adjustable amplitude and frequency. The maximum travel of each plate equals 1 cm, so that strains up to 500 can be applied. For most complex fluids, an oscillatory shear with such a large amplitude can be regarded as a continuous shear. We measured the flow profile of a suspension of silica colloids in this shear cell. It was linear except for a small deviation caused by sedimentation. To demonstrate the excellent performance and capabilities of this new setup we examined shear induced crystallization and melting of concentrated suspensions of 1 microm diameter silica colloids.

Theta-Modulated Gamma-Band Synchronization Among Activated Regions During a Verb Generation Task

PubMed Central

Doesburg, Sam M.; Vinette, Sarah A.; Cheung, Michael J.; Pang, Elizabeth W.

2012-01-01

Expressive language is complex and involves processing within a distributed network of cortical regions. Functional MRI and magnetoencephalography (MEG) have identified brain areas critical for expressive language, but how these regions communicate across the network remains poorly understood. It is thought that synchronization of oscillations between neural populations, particularly at a gamma rate (>30 Hz), underlies functional integration within cortical networks. Modulation of gamma rhythms by theta-band oscillations (4–8 Hz) has been proposed as a mechanism for the integration of local cell coalitions into large-scale networks underlying cognition and perception. The present study tested the hypothesis that these oscillatory mechanisms of functional integration were present within the expressive language network. We recorded MEG while subjects performed a covert verb generation task. We localized activated cortical regions using beamformer analysis, calculated inter-regional phase locking between activated areas, and measured modulation of inter-regional gamma synchronization by theta phase. The results show task-dependent gamma-band synchronization among regions activated during the performance of the verb generation task, and we provide evidence that these transient and periodic instances of high-frequency connectivity were modulated by the phase of cortical theta oscillations. These findings suggest that oscillatory synchronization and cross-frequency interactions are mechanisms for functional integration among distributed brain areas supporting expressive language processing. PMID:22707946

Development of synchronized, autonomous, and self-regulated oscillations in transpiration rate of a whole tomato plant under water stress.

PubMed

Wallach, Rony; Da-Costa, Noam; Raviv, Michael; Moshelion, Menachem

2010-07-01

Plants respond to many environmental changes by rapidly adjusting their hydraulic conductivity and transpiration rate, thereby optimizing water-use efficiency and preventing damage due to low water potential. A multiple-load-cell apparatus, time-series analysis of the measured data, and residual low-pass filtering methods were used to monitor continuously and analyse transpiration of potted tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Ailsa Craig) grown in a temperature-controlled greenhouse during well-irrigated and drought periods. A time derivative of the filtered residual time series yielded oscillatory behaviour of the whole plant's transpiration (WPT) rate. A subsequent cross-correlation analysis between the WPT oscillatory pattern and wet-wick evaporation rates (vertical cotton fabric, 0.14 m(2) partly submerged in water in a container placed on an adjacent load cell) revealed that autonomous oscillations in WPT rate develop under a continuous increase in water stress, whereas these oscillations correspond with the fluctuations in evaporation rate when water is fully available. The relative amplitude of these autonomous oscillations increased with water stress as transpiration rate decreased. These results support the recent finding that an increase in xylem tension triggers hydraulic signals that spread instantaneously via the plant vascular system and control leaf conductance. The regulatory role of synchronized oscillations in WPT rate in eliminating critical xylem tension points and preventing embolism is discussed.

Interaction of oscillations, and their suppression via deep brain stimulation, in a model of the cortico-basal ganglia network.

PubMed

Kang, Guiyeom; Lowery, Madeleine M

2013-03-01

Growing evidence suggests that synchronized neural oscillations in the cortico-basal ganglia network may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. In this study, a new model of the closed loop network is used to explore the generation and interaction of network oscillations and their suppression through deep brain stimulation (DBS). Under simulated dopamine depletion conditions, increased gain through the hyperdirect pathway resulted in the interaction of neural oscillations at different frequencies in the cortex and subthalamic nucleus (STN), leading to the emergence of synchronized oscillations at a new intermediate frequency. Further increases in synaptic gain resulted in the cortex driving synchronous oscillatory activity throughout the network. When DBS was added to the model a progressive reduction in STN power at the tremor and beta frequencies was observed as the frequency of stimulation was increased, with resonance effects occurring for low frequency DBS (40 Hz) in agreement with experimental observations. The results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which synchronous oscillations can arise within the network and how DBS may suppress unwanted oscillatory activity.

A laboratory validation study of the time-lapse oscillatory pumping test concept for leakage detection in geological repositories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, A. Y.; Islam, A.; Lu, J.

2017-12-01

Time-lapse oscillatory pumping test (OPT) has been introduced recently as a pressure-based monitoring technique for detecting potential leakage in geologic repositories. By routinely conducting OPT at a number of pulsing frequencies, a site operator may identify the potential anomalies in the frequency domain, alleviating the ambiguity caused by reservoir noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Building on previous theoretical and field studies, this work performed a series of laboratory experiments to validate the concept of time-lapse OPT using a custom made, stainless steel tank under relatively high pressures ( 120psi). The experimental configuration simulates a miniature geologic storage repository consisting of three layers (i.e., injection zone, caprock, and above-zone aquifer). Results show that leakage in the injection zone led to deviations in the power spectrum of observed pressure data, and the amplitude of which also increases with decreasing pulsing frequencies. The experimental results were further analyzed by developing a 3D flow model, using which the model parameters were estimated through frequency domain inversion.

Magnetohydrodynamic Oscillations in the Solar Corona and Earth's Magnetosphere: Towards Consolidated Understanding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakariakov, V. M.; Pilipenko, V.; Heilig, B.; Jelínek, P.; Karlický, M.; Klimushkin, D. Y.; Kolotkov, D. Y.; Lee, D.-H.; Nisticò, G.; Van Doorsselaere, T.; Verth, G.; Zimovets, I. V.

2016-04-01

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) oscillatory processes in different plasma systems, such as the corona of the Sun and the Earth's magnetosphere, show interesting similarities and differences, which so far received little attention and remain under-exploited. The successful commissioning within the past ten years of THEMIS, Hinode, STEREO and SDO spacecraft, in combination with matured analysis of data from earlier spacecraft (Wind, SOHO, ACE, Cluster, TRACE and RHESSI) makes it very timely to survey the breadth of observations giving evidence for MHD oscillatory processes in solar and space plasmas, and state-of-the-art theoretical modelling. The paper reviews several important topics, such as Alfvénic resonances and mode conversion; MHD waveguides, such as the magnetotail, coronal loops, coronal streamers; mechanisms for periodicities produced in energy releases during substorms and solar flares, possibility of Alfvénic resonators along open field lines; possible drivers of MHD waves; diagnostics of plasmas with MHD waves; interaction of MHD waves with partly-ionised boundaries (ionosphere and chromosphere). The review is mainly oriented to specialists in magnetospheric physics and solar physics, but not familiar with specifics of the adjacent research fields.

Stabilizing the long-time behavior of the forced Navier-Stokes and damped Euler systems by large mean flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cyranka, Jacek; Mucha, Piotr B.; Titi, Edriss S.; Zgliczyński, Piotr

2018-04-01

The paper studies the issue of stability of solutions to the forced Navier-Stokes and damped Euler systems in periodic boxes. It is shown that for large, but fixed, Grashoff (Reynolds) number the turbulent behavior of all Leray-Hopf weak solutions of the three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, in periodic box, is suppressed, when viewed in the right frame of reference, by large enough average flow of the initial data; a phenomenon that is similar in spirit to the Landau damping. Specifically, we consider an initial data which have large enough spatial average, then by means of the Galilean transformation, and thanks to the periodic boundary conditions, the large time independent forcing term changes into a highly oscillatory force; which then allows us to employ some averaging principles to establish our result. Moreover, we also show that under the action of fast oscillatory-in-time external forces all two-dimensional regular solutions of the Navier-Stokes and the damped Euler equations converge to a unique time-periodic solution.

Sustained magnetization oscillations in polyaniline-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanocomposites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Araújo, A. C. V. de; Rodrigues, A. R., E-mail: ricalde@df.ufpe.br; Machado, F. L. A.

2015-09-28

We report experiments with polyaniline-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (PANI-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) nanocomposites synthesized under several different conditions. With a reaction carried out at room temperature and assisted by intense ultra-violet (UV) irradiation, we observe sustained oscillations in the magnetization with a period of about 25 min. The oscillations are interpreted as the result of an oscillatory chemical reaction in which part of the Fe{sup +2} ions of magnetite, Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}, are oxidized by the UV irradiation to form Fe{sup +3} so that a fraction of the magnetite content transforms into maghemite, γ-Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3}. Then, Fe{sup +3} ions at themore » nanoparticle surfaces are reduced and transformed back into Fe{sup +2}, when acting as an oxidizing agent for polyaniline in the polymerization process. Since maghemite has smaller magnetization than magnetite, the oscillating chemical reaction results in the oscillatory magnetization. The observations are interpreted with the Lotka-Volterra nonlinear coupled equations with parameters that can be adjusted to fit very well the experimental data.« less

Fully Resolved Simulations of Particle-Bed-Turbulence Interactions in Oscillatory Flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apte, S.; Ghodke, C.

2017-12-01

Particle-resolved direct numerical simulations (DNS) are performed to investigate the behavior of an oscillatory flow field over a bed of closely packed fixed spherical particles for a range of Reynolds numbers in transitional and rough turbulent flow regime. Presence of roughness leads to a substantial modification of the underlying boundary layer mechanism resulting in increased bed shear stress, reduction in the near-bed anisotropy, modification of the near-bed sweep and ejection motions along with marked changes in turbulent energy transport mechanisms. Characterization of such resulting flow field is performed by studying statistical descriptions of the near-bed turbulence for different roughness parameters. A double-averaging technique is employed to reveal spatial inhomogeneities at the roughness scale that provide alternate paths of energy transport in the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budget. Spatio-temporal characteristics of unsteady particle forces by studying their spatial distribution, temporal auto-correlations, frequency spectra, cross-correlations with near-bed turbulent flow variables and intermittency intermittency in the forces using the concept of impulse are investigated in detail. These first principle simulations provide substantial insights into the modeling of incipient motion of sediments.

Marangoni instability in a thin film heated from below: Effect of nonmonotonic dependence of surface tension on temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarma, Rajkumar; Mondal, Pranab Kumar

2018-04-01

We investigate Marangoni instability in a thin liquid film resting on a substrate of low thermal conductivity and separated from the surrounding gas phase by a deformable free surface. Considering a nonmonotonic variation of surface tension with temperature, here we analytically derive the neutral stability curve for the monotonic and oscillatory modes of instability (for both the long-wave and short-wave perturbations) under the framework of linear stability analysis. For the long-wave instability, we derive a set of amplitude equations using the scaling k ˜(Bi) 1 /2 , where k is the wave number and Bi is the Biot number. Through this investigation, we demonstrate that for such a fluid layer upon heating from below, both monotonic and oscillatory instability can appear for a certain range of the dimensionless parameters, viz., Biot number (Bi ) , Galileo number (Ga ) , and inverse capillary number (Σ ) . Moreover, we unveil, through this study, the influential role of the above-mentioned parameters on the stability of the system and identify the critical values of these parameters above which instability initiates in the liquid layer.

Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) of Acrylic Emulsion-Based Pressure Sensitive Adhesives (PSAs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Sipei; Nakatani, Alan; Griffith, William

Large Amplitude Oscillatory Shear (LAOS) testing has recently taken on renewed interest in the rheological community. It is a very useful tool to probe the viscoelastic response of materials in the non-linear regime. Much of the discussion on polymers in the LAOS field has focused on melts in or near the terminal flow regime. Here we present a LAOS study conducted on a commercial rheometer for acrylic emulsion-based pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) films in the plateau regime. The films behaved qualitatively similar over an oscillation frequency range of 0.5-5 rad/s. From Fourier transform analysis, the fifth or even the seventh order harmonic could be observed at large applied strains. From stress decomposition analysis or Lissajous curves, inter-cycle elastic softening, or type I behavior, was observed for all films as the strain increases, while intra-cycle strain hardening occurred at strains in the LAOS regime. Overall, as acid content increases, it was found that the trend in elasticity under large applied strains agreed very well with the trend in cohesive strength of the films.

Acoustic-pseudoelastic effect and internal friction during stress-induced martensitic transformation in Cu-Al-Ni single crystals

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sapozhnikov, K.V.; Vetrov, V.V.; Pulnev, S.A.

1996-05-15

Internal friction (IF) during temperature-induced thermoelastic martensitic transformation (TMT) has been studied extensively, whereas IF behavior during stress-induced TMT has not attracted much attention so far. It is known that quasistatic flow stress may decrease under superimposition of an oscillatory stress in the case of dislocation plasticity (acoustoplastic or Blaha effect). Strain originating from the reversible TMT (so-called transformation pseudoelasticity), in contrast to the dislocation plastic strain, may be completely reversible, however, accompanied by macroscopic hysteresis. The existence of the pseudoelastic hysteresis is usually attributed to the presence of obstacles impeding the mobility of interfaces during stress-induced transformation. A numbermore » of theories also consider the mobility of interfaces as the main source of IF during TMT. As a consequence, one should expect certain interconnection between the ADIF during stress-induced TMT and the macroscopically observed hysteresis. Thus the purpose of present paper is to study in a wide oscillatory strain amplitude range the ADIF during stress-induced TMT and the effect of ultrasound on this mode of deformation.« less

Oscillatory EEG dynamics underlying automatic chunking during sentence processing.

PubMed

Bonhage, Corinna E; Meyer, Lars; Gruber, Thomas; Friederici, Angela D; Mueller, Jutta L

2017-05-15

Sentences are easier to remember than random word sequences, likely because linguistic regularities facilitate chunking of words into meaningful groups. The present electroencephalography study investigated the neural oscillations modulated by this so-called sentence superiority effect during the encoding and maintenance of sentence fragments versus word lists. We hypothesized a chunking-related modulation of neural processing during the encoding and retention of sentences (i.e., sentence fragments) as compared to word lists. Time-frequency analysis revealed a two-fold oscillatory pattern for the memorization of sentences: Sentence encoding was accompanied by higher delta amplitude (4Hz), originating both from regions processing syntax as well as semantics (bilateral superior/middle temporal regions and fusiform gyrus). Subsequent sentence retention was reflected in decreased theta (6Hz) and beta/gamma (27-32Hz) amplitude instead. Notably, whether participants simply read or properly memorized the sentences did not impact chunking-related activity during encoding. Therefore, we argue that the sentence superiority effect is grounded in highly automatized language processing mechanisms, which generate meaningful memory chunks irrespective of task demands. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Theta and Alpha Oscillation Impairments in Autistic Spectrum Disorder Reflect Working Memory Deficit.

PubMed

Larrain-Valenzuela, Josefina; Zamorano, Francisco; Soto-Icaza, Patricia; Carrasco, Ximena; Herrera, Claudia; Daiber, Francisca; Aboitiz, Francisco; Billeke, Pablo

2017-10-30

A dysfunction in the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) coordination in neuronal assembly has been proposed as a possible neurobiological mechanism of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the potential impact of this mechanism in cognitive performance is not fully explored. Since the main consequence of E/I dysfunction is an impairment in oscillatory activity and its underlying cognitive computations, we assessed the electroencephalographic activity of ASD and typically developing (TD) subjects during a working-memory task. We found that ASD subjects committed more errors than TD subjects. Moreover, TD subjects demonstrated a parametric modulation in the power of alpha and theta band while ASD subjects did not demonstrate significant modulations. The preceding leads to significant differences between the groups in both the alpha power placed on the occipital cortex and the theta power placed on the left premotor and the right prefrontal cortex. The impaired theta modulation correlated with autistic symptoms. The results indicated that ASD may present an alteration in the recruitment of the oscillatory activity during working-memory, and this alteration could be related to the physiopathology of the disorder.

Uniting functional network topology and oscillations in the fronto-parietal single unit network of behaving primates

PubMed Central

Dann, Benjamin; Michaels, Jonathan A; Schaffelhofer, Stefan; Scherberger, Hansjörg

2016-01-01

The functional communication of neurons in cortical networks underlies higher cognitive processes. Yet, little is known about the organization of the single neuron network or its relationship to the synchronization processes that are essential for its formation. Here, we show that the functional single neuron network of three fronto-parietal areas during active behavior of macaque monkeys is highly complex. The network was closely connected (small-world) and consisted of functional modules spanning these areas. Surprisingly, the importance of different neurons to the network was highly heterogeneous with a small number of neurons contributing strongly to the network function (hubs), which were in turn strongly inter-connected (rich-club). Examination of the network synchronization revealed that the identified rich-club consisted of neurons that were synchronized in the beta or low frequency range, whereas other neurons were mostly non-oscillatory synchronized. Therefore, oscillatory synchrony may be a central communication mechanism for highly organized functional spiking networks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.15719.001 PMID:27525488

Human Genomic Signatures of Brain Oscillations During Memory Encoding.

PubMed

Berto, Stefano; Wang, Guang-Zhong; Germi, James; Lega, Bradley C; Konopka, Genevieve

2018-05-01

Memory encoding is an essential step for all learning. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying human memory encoding remain poorly understood, and how this molecular framework permits the emergence of specific patterns of brain oscillations observed during mnemonic processing is unknown. Here, we directly compare intracranial electroencephalography recordings from the neocortex in individuals performing an episodic memory task with human gene expression from the same areas. We identify genes correlated with oscillatory memory effects across 6 frequency bands. These genes are enriched for autism-related genes and have preferential expression in neurons, in particular genes encoding synaptic proteins and ion channels, supporting the idea that the genes regulating voltage gradients are involved in the modulation of oscillatory patterns during successful memory encoding across brain areas. Memory-related genes are distinct from those correlated with other forms of cognitive processing and resting state fMRI. These data are the first to identify correlations between gene expression and active human brain states as well as provide a molecular window into memory encoding oscillations in the human brain.

Implications of Weak-Link Behavior on the Performance of Mo/Au Bilayer Transition-Edge Sensors

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Stephen J.

2011-01-01

Understanding the physical properties of the superconducting-to-normal transition is fundamental for optimizing the design and performance of transition-edge sensors (TESs). Recent critical current measurements of Mol Au bilayer test structures show that they act as weak superconducting links, exhibiting oscillatory, Fraunhofer-like behavior with applied magnetic field. In this paper we investigate the implications of this behavior for TES X-ray detectors, under operational bias conditions. These devices include normal metal features used for absorber attachment and unexplained noise suppression, which result in modifications to the previously reported critical current behavior. We present measurements of the logarithmic resistance sensitivity with temperature, a, and current, b, as a function of applied magnetic field and bias point within the resistive transition. Results show that these important device parameters exhibit similar oscillatory behavior with applied magnetic field, which in turn affects the signal responsivity and noise, and hence the energy resolution. These results show the significance of the critical current in determining the performance of TESs and hold promise to improve future.

Transient Dynamic Mechanical Analysis of Resilin-based Elastomeric Hydrogels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Linqing; Kiick, Kristi

2014-04-01

The outstanding high-frequency properties of emerging resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) have motivated their development for vocal fold tissue regeneration and other applications. Recombinant RLP hydrogels show efficient gelation, tunable mechanical properties, and display excellent extensibility, but little has been reported about their transient mechanical properties. In this manuscript, we describe the transient mechanical behavior of new RLP hydrogels investigated via both sinusoidal oscillatory shear deformation and uniaxial tensile testing. Oscillatory stress relaxation and creep experiments confirm that RLP-based hydrogels display significantly reduced stress relaxation and improved strain recovery compared to PEG-based control hydrogels. Uniaxial tensile testing confirms the negligible hysteresis, reversible elasticity and superior resilience (up to 98%) of hydrated RLP hydrogels, with Young’s modulus values that compare favorably with those previously reported for resilin and that mimic the tensile properties of the vocal fold ligament at low strain (< 15%). These studies expand our understanding of the properties of these RLP materials under a variety of conditions, and confirm the unique applicability, for mechanically demanding tissue engineering applications, of a range of RLP hydrogels.

Prediction of Unsteady Aerodynamic Coefficients at High Angles of Attack

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pamadi, Bandu N.; Murphy, Patrick C.; Klein, Vladislav; Brandon, Jay M.

2001-01-01

The nonlinear indicial response method is used to model the unsteady aerodynamic coefficients in the low speed longitudinal oscillatory wind tunnel test data of the 0.1 scale model of the F-16XL aircraft. Exponential functions are used to approximate the deficiency function in the indicial response. Using one set of oscillatory wind tunnel data and parameter identification method, the unknown parameters in the exponential functions are estimated. The genetic algorithm is used as a least square minimizing algorithm. The assumed model structures and parameter estimates are validated by comparing the predictions with other sets of available oscillatory wind tunnel test data.

Bias-dependent oscillatory electron transport of monatomic sulfur chains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Jing-Xin; Cheng, Yan; Sanvito, Stefano; Chen, Xiang-Rong

2012-03-01

The bias-dependent oscillatory electron transport of monatomic sulfur chains sandwiched between gold electrodes is investigated with density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function method. At zero bias, in contrast to the typical odd-even oscillations observed in most metallic chains, we find that the conductance oscillates with a period of four atoms. However, as the bias voltage is increased the current displays a two-atom periodicity. This emerges gradually, first for the longer chains and then, at voltages larger than 0.7 V, for lengths. The oscillatory behaviors are analyzed by the density of states and the energy-dependent and bias-dependent transmission coefficients.

Malonic acid concentration as a control parameter in the kinetic analysis of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction under batch conditions.

PubMed

Blagojević, Slavica M; Anić, Slobodan R; Cupić, Zeljko D; Pejić, Natasa D; Kolar-Anić, Ljiljana Z

2008-11-28

The influence of the initial malonic acid concentration [MA]0 (8.00 x 10(-3) < or = [MA]0 < or = 4.30 x 10(-2) mol dm(-3)) in the presence of bromate (6.20 x 10(-2) mol dm(-3)), bromide (1.50 x 10(-5) mol dm(-3)), sulfuric acid (1.00 mol dm(-3)) and cerium sulfate (2.50 x 10(-3) mol dm(-3)) on the dynamics and the kinetics of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reactions was examined under batch conditions at 30.0 degrees C. The kinetics of the BZ reaction was analyzed by the earlier proposed method convenient for the examinations of the oscillatory reactions. In the defined region of parameters where oscillograms with only large-amplitude relaxation oscillations appeared, the pseudo-first order of the overall malonic acid decomposition with a corresponding rate constant of 2.14 x 10(-2) min(-1) was established. The numerical results on the dynamics and kinetics of the BZ reaction, carried out by the known skeleton model including the Br2O species, were in good agreement with the experimental ones. The already found saddle node infinite period (SNIPER) bifurcation point in transition from a stable quasi-steady state to periodic orbits and vice versa is confirmed by both experimental and numerical investigations of the system under consideration. Namely, the large-amplitude relaxation oscillations with increasing periods between oscillations in approaching the bifurcation points at the beginning and the end of the oscillatory domain, together with excitability of the stable quasi-steady states in their vicinity are obtained.

Shadows of Music-Language Interaction on Low Frequency Brain Oscillatory Patterns

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Carrus, Elisa; Koelsch, Stefan; Bhattacharya, Joydeep

2011-01-01

Electrophysiological studies investigating similarities between music and language perception have relied exclusively on the signal averaging technique, which does not adequately represent oscillatory aspects of electrical brain activity that are relevant for higher cognition. The current study investigated the patterns of brain oscillations…

Oscillatory phase dynamics in neural entrainment underpin illusory percepts of time.

PubMed

Herrmann, Björn; Henry, Molly J; Grigutsch, Maren; Obleser, Jonas

2013-10-02

Neural oscillatory dynamics are a candidate mechanism to steer perception of time and temporal rate change. While oscillator models of time perception are strongly supported by behavioral evidence, a direct link to neural oscillations and oscillatory entrainment has not yet been provided. In addition, it has thus far remained unaddressed how context-induced illusory percepts of time are coded for in oscillator models of time perception. To investigate these questions, we used magnetoencephalography and examined the neural oscillatory dynamics that underpin pitch-induced illusory percepts of temporal rate change. Human participants listened to frequency-modulated sounds that varied over time in both modulation rate and pitch, and judged the direction of rate change (decrease vs increase). Our results demonstrate distinct neural mechanisms of rate perception: Modulation rate changes directly affected listeners' rate percept as well as the exact frequency of the neural oscillation. However, pitch-induced illusory rate changes were unrelated to the exact frequency of the neural responses. The rate change illusion was instead linked to changes in neural phase patterns, which allowed for single-trial decoding of percepts. That is, illusory underestimations or overestimations of perceived rate change were tightly coupled to increased intertrial phase coherence and changes in cerebro-acoustic phase lag. The results provide insight on how illusory percepts of time are coded for by neural oscillatory dynamics.

[Effect of sludge bulking on membrane fouling of MBR under low temperature].

PubMed

Ren, Nan-qi; Liu, Jiao; Wang, Xiu-heng

2009-01-01

The performance and membrane fouling of submerged membrane bioreactor were studied in the case of active sludge bulking under low temperature. The factors contributing to membrane fouling were discussed from the microorganism aspect. The results showed that COD removal efficiencies of supernatant and permeate were 85% and 92% respectively and filamentous sludge bulking had little impact on them. The sludge settleability became bad and the filament index (FI) increased from 2 to 5 during the formation of filamentous sludge bulking under low temperature. The filamentous bacteria extending from the sludge flocs formed net structure. Membrane fouling changed with time in linear under low temperature and the operation period of MBR was 15 d. However, membrane fouling was more serious in the condition of filamentous sludge bulking at low temperature, shortening the operation period of MBR to 7 d. The extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content of bulking sludge was three times as that of normal sludge and the relative hydrophobicity (RH) of sludge flocs was decreased as FI increased. The increase of EPS and RH may cause more materials to deposit on the membrane surface, thus the membrane fouling rate improved and the operation period of MBR became short. Further analysis indicated that the mixed liquid viscosity, Zeta potential and sludge floc structure were all important factors of membrane fouling.

Comparative study of the energy potential of cyanide waters using two osmotic membrane modules under dead-end flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

García-Díaz, Y.; Quiñones-Bolaños, E.; Bustos-Blanco, C.; Vives-Pérez, L.; Bustillo-Lecompte, C.; Saba, M.

2017-12-01

The energy potential of the osmotic pressure gradient of cyanide waters is evaluated using two membrane modules, horizontal and vertical, operated under dead-end flow. The membrane was characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). The membrane is mainly composed of carbon, oxygen, and sulphur. The properties of the membrane were unchanged and had no pore clogging after exposure to the cyanide waters. Potentials of 1.78×10-4 and 6.36×10-5Wm-2 were found for the horizontal and vertical modules, respectively, using the Van’t Hoff equation. Likewise, the permeability coefficient of the membrane was higher in the vertical module. Although the energy potential is low under the studied conditions the vertical configuration has a greater potential due to the action of gravity and the homogenous contact of the fluid with the membrane.

Oscillatory Dynamics Related to the Unagreement Pattern in Spanish

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Perez, Alejandro; Molinaro, Nicola; Mancini, Simona; Barraza, Paulo; Carreiras, Manuel

2012-01-01

Unagreement patterns consist in a person feature mismatch between subject and verb that is nonetheless grammatical in Spanish. The processing of this type of construction gives new insights into the understanding of agreement processes during language comprehension. Here, we contrasted oscillatory brain activity triggered by Unagreement in…

Resting-State Oscillatory Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cornew, Lauren; Roberts, Timothy P. L.; Blaskey, Lisa; Edgar, J. Christopher

2012-01-01

Neural oscillatory anomalies in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) suggest an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance; however, the nature and clinical relevance of these anomalies are unclear. Whole-cortex magnetoencephalography data were collected while 50 children (27 with ASD, 23 controls) underwent an eyes-closed resting-state exam. A Fast Fourier…

Yielding and flow of colloidal glasses.

PubMed

Petekidis, Georgios; Vlassopoulos, Dimitris; Pusey, Peter N

2003-01-01

We investigate the yielding and flow of hard-sphere colloidal glasses by combining rheological measurements with the technique of light scattering echo. The polymethylmethacrylate particles used are sufficiently polydisperse that crystallization is suppressed. Creep and recovery measurements show that the glasses can tolerate surprisingly large strains, up to at least 15%, before yielding irreversibly. We attribute this behaviour to 'cage elasticity', the ability of a particle and its cage of neighbours to retain their identity under quite large distortion. Results from light scattering echo, which measures the extent of irreversible particle rearrangement under oscillatory shear, support the notion of cage elasticity. In the lower concentration glasses we find that particle trajectories are partly reversible under strains which significantly exceed the yield strain.

Recording Gamma Band Oscillations in Pedunculopontine Nucleus Neurons.

PubMed

Urbano, Francisco J; Luster, Brennon R; D'Onofrio, Stasia; Mahaffey, Susan; Garcia-Rill, Edgar

2016-09-14

Synaptic efferents from the PPN are known to modulate the neuronal activity of several intralaminar thalamic regions (e.g., the centrolateral/parafascicular; Cl/Pf nucleus). The activation of either the PPN or Cl/Pf nuclei in vivo has been described to induce the arousal of the animal and an increment in gamma band activity in the cortical electroencephalogram (EEG). The cellular mechanisms for the generation of gamma band oscillations in Reticular Activating System (RAS) neurons are the same as those found to generate gamma band oscillations in other brains nuclei. During current-clamp recordings of PPN neurons (from parasagittal slices from 9 - 25 day-old rats), the use of depolarizing square steps rapidly activated voltage-dependent potassium channels that prevented PPN neurons from being depolarized beyond -25 mV. Injecting 1 - 2 sec long depolarizing current ramps gradually depolarized PPN membrane potential resting values towards 0 mV. However, injecting depolarizing square pulses generated gamma-band oscillations of membrane potential that showed to be smaller in amplitude compared to the oscillations generated by ramps. All experiments were performed in the presence of voltage-gated sodium channels and fast synaptic receptors blockers. It has been shown that the activation of high-threshold voltage-dependent calcium channels underlie gamma-band oscillatory activity in PPN neurons. Specific methodological and pharmacological interventions are described here, providing the necessary tools to induce and sustain PPN subthreshold gamma band oscillation in vitro.

Proton exchange membranes prepared by grafting of styrene/divinylbenzene into crosslinked PTFE membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jingye; Ichizuri, Shogo; Asano, Saneto; Mutou, Fumihiro; Ikeda, Shigetoshi; Iida, Minoru; Miura, Takaharu; Oshima, Akihiro; Tabata, Yoneho; Washio, Masakazu

2005-07-01

Thin PTFE membranes were prepared by coating the PTFE dispersion onto the aluminum films. Thus the thin crosslinked PTFE (RX-PTFE) membranes were obtained by means of electron beam irradiation above the melting temperature of PTFE under oxygen-free atmosphere. The RX-PTFE membranes were pre-irradiated and grafted by styrene with or without divinylbenzene (DVB) in liquid phase. The existence of DVB accelerated the initial grafting rate. The styrene grafted RX-PTFE membranes are white colored, on the other hand, the styrene/DVB grafted RX-PTFE membranes are colorless. The proton exchange membranes (PEMs) were obtained by sulfonating the grafted membranes using chlorosulfonic acid. The ion exchange capacity (IEC) values of the PEMs ranging from 1.5 to 2.8 meq/g were obtained. The PEMs made from the styrene/DVB grafted membranes showed higher chemical stability than those of the styrene grafted membranes under oxidative circumstance.

Using Nonlinearity and Contact Lines to Control Fluid Flow in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perlin, M.; Schultz, W. W.; Bian, X.; Agarwal, M.

2002-01-01

Slug flows in a tube are affected by surface tension and contact lines, especially under microgravity. Numerical analyses and experiments are conducted of slug flows in small-diameter tubes with horizontal, inclined and vertical orientations. A PID-controlled, meter-long platform capable of following specified motions is used. An improved understanding of the contact line boundary condition for steady and unsteady contact-line motion is expected. Lastly, a direct fluid-handling method using nonlinear oscillatory motion of a tube is presented.

Using a 1200 kHz workhorse ADCP with mode 12 to measure near bottom mean currents

USGS Publications Warehouse

Martini, M.; ,

2003-01-01

Using high frequency Acoustic Doppler Current (ADCP) profiling technology, it is possible to make high-resolution measurements of mean current profiles within a few meters of the seabed. In coastal applications, mean current speeds may be 10 cm/s or less, and oscillatory wave currents may exceed 100 cm/s during storm events. To resolve mean flows of 10 cm/s or less under these conditions, accuracies of 1 cm/s or better are desirable.

A model of economic growth with physical and human capital: The role of time delays.

PubMed

Gori, Luca; Guerrini, Luca; Sodini, Mauro

2016-09-01

This article aims at analysing a two-sector economic growth model with discrete delays. The focus is on the dynamic properties of the emerging system. In particular, this study concentrates on the stability properties of the stationary solution, characterised by analytical results and geometrical techniques (stability crossing curves), and the conditions under which oscillatory dynamics emerge (through Hopf bifurcations). In addition, this article proposes some numerical simulations to illustrate the behaviour of the system when the stationary equilibrium is unstable.

Forced convection in vertical Bridgman configuration with the submerged heater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, S.; Ostrogorsky, A. G.

1997-02-01

Ga-doped Ge single crystals were grown in vertical Bridgman configuration, using the submerged heater method (SHM). When used without rotation, the submerged heater drastically reduces convection at the solid-liquid interface. When the submerged heater is set in to rotation or oscillatory rotation, it acts as a centrifugal viscous pump, inducing forced convection (radial-inward flow) along the interface. The flow produced by a rotation and oscillatory rotation of the submerged heater was visualized using a 1 : 1 scale model. The vigorous mixing produced by the oscillatory rotation creates a nearly perfectly stirred melt, and yields a uniform lateral distribution of the dopant. The crystals were free of unintentionally produced striae.

Oscillatory wake potential with exchange-correlation in plasmas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khan, Arroj A.; Zeba, I.; Jamil, M.; Asif, M.

2017-12-01

The oscillatory wake potential of a moving test charge is studied in quantum dusty plasmas. The plasma system consisting of electrons, ions and negatively charged dust species is embedded in an ambient magnetic field. The modified equation of dispersion is derived using a Quantum Hydrodynamic Model for magnetized plasmas. The quantum effects are inculcated through Fermi degenerate pressure, the tunneling effect and exchange-correlation effects. The study of oscillatory wake is important to know the existence of silence zones in space and astrophysical objects as well as for crystal formation. The graphical description of the potential depicts the significance of the exchange and correlation effects arising through spin and other variables on the wake potential.

Design and analysis of linear oscillatory single-phase permanent magnet generator for free-piston stirling engine systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeong-Man; Choi, Jang-Young; Lee, Kyu-Seok; Lee, Sung-Ho

2017-05-01

This study focuses on the design and analysis of a linear oscillatory single-phase permanent magnet generator for free-piston stirling engine (FPSE) systems. In order to implement the design of linear oscillatory generator (LOG) for suitable FPSEs, we conducted electromagnetic analysis of LOGs with varying design parameters. Then, detent force analysis was conducted using assisted PM. Using the assisted PM gave us the advantage of using mechanical strength by detent force. To improve the efficiency, we conducted characteristic analysis of eddy-current loss with respect to the PM segment. Finally, the experimental result was analyzed to confirm the prediction of the FEA.

Mechanism for Spiral Wave Breakup in Excitable and Oscillatory Media

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Junzhong; Xie, Fagen; Qu, Zhilin; Garfinkel, Alan

2003-10-01

We study spiral wave breakup using a Fitzhugh-Nagumo type system. We find that spiral wave breakup can occur near the core or far from it in both excitable and oscillatory regimes. There is a faraway breakup scenario in both excitable and oscillatory media that depends on long wavelength modulation modes. We observed three distinct scenarios, including one that involves breakup that does not develop into turbulence. However, we find that the mechanisms behind these three scenarios are the same: they are caused by the interaction between the dispersion relation and the asymptotic behavior of the modulation mode. The difference in phenomenology is due to the asymptotic behavior of the modulation mode.

INTERDISCIPLINARY PHYSICS AND RELATED AREAS OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: Multi-mode Spiral Wave in a Coupled Oscillatory Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Qun; Gao, Qing-Yu; Lü, Hua-Ping; Zheng, Zhi-Gang

2010-05-01

Multi-mode spiral wave and its breakup in 1-d and 2-d coupled oscillatory media is studied here by theoretic analysis and numerical simulations. The analysis in 1-d system shows that the dispersion relation curve could be non-monotonic depending on the coupling strength. It may also lead to the coexistence of different wave numbers within one system. Direct numerical observations in 1-d and 2-d systems conform to the prediction of dispersion relation analysis. Our findings indicate that the wave grouping can also be observed in oscillatory media without tip meandering and waves with negative group velocity can occur without inhomogeneity.

Dopamine D1 Receptors Regulate the Light Dependent Development of Retinal Synaptic Responses

PubMed Central

He, Quanhua; Xu, Hong-ping; Wang, Ping; Tian, Ning

2013-01-01

Retinal synaptic connections and function are developmentally regulated. Retinal synaptic activity plays critical roles in the development of retinal synaptic circuitry. Dopamine receptors have been thought to play important roles in the activity-dependent synaptic plasticity in central nervous system. The primary goal of this study is to determine whether dopamine D1 receptor regulates the activity-dependent development of retinal light responsiveness. Accordingly, we recorded electroretinogram from wild type mice and mice with genetic deletion of D1 dopamine receptor (D1−/− mice) raised under cyclic light conditions and constant darkness. Our results demonstrated that D1−/− mice have reduced amplitudes of all three major components of electroretinogram in adulthood. When the relative strength of the responses is considered, the D1−/− mice have selective reduction of the amplitudes of a-wave and oscillatory potentials evoked by low-intermediate intensities of lights. During postnatal development, D1−/− mice have increased amplitude of b-wave at the time of eye-opening but reduced developmental increase of the amplitude of b-wave after eye opening. Light deprivation from birth significantly reduced the amplitudes of b-wave and oscillatory potentials, increased the outer retinal light response gain and altered the light response kinetics of both a- and b-waves of wild type mice. In D1−/− mice, the effect of dark rearing on the amplitude of oscillatory potentials was diminished and dark rearing induced effects on the response gain of outer retina and the kinetics of a-wave were reversed. These results demonstrated roles of dopamine D1 receptor in the activity-dependent functional development of mouse retina. PMID:24260267

Resting-State Pallidal-Cortical Oscillatory Couplings in Patients With Predominant Phasic and Tonic Dystonia.

PubMed

Yokochi, Fusako; Kato, Kenji; Iwamuro, Hirokazu; Kamiyama, Tsutomu; Kimura, Katsuo; Yugeta, Akihiro; Okiyama, Ryoichi; Taniguchi, Makoto; Kumada, Satoko; Ushiba, Junichi

2018-01-01

Pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) improves the symptoms of dystonia. The improvement processes of dystonic movements (phasic symptoms) and tonic symptoms differ. Phasic symptoms improve rapidly after starting DBS treatment, but tonic symptoms improve gradually. This difference implies distinct neuronal mechanisms for phasic and tonic symptoms in the underlying cortico-basal ganglia neuronal network. Phasic symptoms are related to the pallido-thalamo-cortical pathway. The pathway related to tonic symptoms has been assumed to be different from that for phasic symptoms. In the present study, local field potentials of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) and globus pallidus externus (GPe) and electroencephalograms from the motor cortex (MCx) were recorded in 19 dystonia patients to analyze the differences between the two types of symptoms. The 19 patients were divided into two groups, 10 with predominant phasic symptoms (phasic patients) and 9 with predominant tonic symptoms (tonic patients). To investigate the distinct features of oscillations and functional couplings across the GPi, GPe, and MCx by clinical phenotype, power and coherence were calculated over the delta (2-4 Hz), theta (5-7 Hz), alpha (8-13 Hz), and beta (14-35 Hz) frequencies. In phasic patients, the alpha spectral peaks emerged in the GPi oscillatory activities, and alpha GPi coherence with the GPe and MCx was higher than in tonic patients. On the other hand, delta GPi oscillatory activities were prominent, and delta GPi-GPe coherence was significantly higher in tonic than in phasic patients. However, there was no significant delta coherence between the GPi/GPe and MCx in tonic patients. These results suggest that different pathophysiological cortico-pallidal oscillations are related to tonic and phasic symptoms.

Transcranial direct-current stimulation modulates offline visual oscillatory activity: A magnetoencephalography study

PubMed Central

Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; McDermott, Timothy J.; Mills, Mackenzie S.; Coolidge, Nathan M.; Wilson, Tony W.

2017-01-01

Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulatory method that involves delivering low amplitude, direct current to specific regions of the brain. While a wealth of literature shows changes in behavior and cognition following tDCS administration, the underlying neuronal mechanisms remain largely unknown. Neuroimaging studies have generally used fMRI and shown only limited consensus to date, while the few electrophysiological studies have reported mostly null or counterintuitive findings. The goal of the current investigation was to quantify tDCS-induced alterations in the oscillatory dynamics of visual processing. To this end, we performed either active or sham tDCS using an occipital-frontal electrode configuration, and then recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) offline during a visual entrainment task. Significant oscillatory responses were imaged in the time-frequency domain using beamforming, and the effects of tDCS on absolute and relative power were assessed. The results indicated significantly increased basal alpha levels in the occipital cortex following anodal tDCS, as well as reduced occipital synchronization at the second harmonic of the stimulus-flicker frequency relative to sham stimulation. In addition, we found reduced power in brain regions near the cathode (e.g., right inferior frontal gyrus) following active tDCS, which was absent in the sham group. Taken together, these results suggest that anodal tDCS of the occipital cortices differentially modulates spontaneous and induced activity, and may interfere with the entrainment of neuronal populations by a visual-flicker stimulus. These findings also demonstrate the importance of electrode configuration on whole-brain dynamics, and highlight the deceptively complicated nature of tDCS in the context of neurophysiology. PMID:28042984

Comparison of Uniform Flux and Uniform Head Wellbore Boundary for the Multilevel Slug Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, C.

2012-12-01

The multilevel slug test (MLST) is useful in characterizing the vertical distribution of hydraulic conductivity K(z) around a well. Most MLST models assume a uniform flux (UF) distribution along the screen length ls during the test. This assumption leads to a nonuniform head distribution along ls, which is of question under the field conditions. To this end, the head distribution along ls is assumed to be uniform (UH). The MLST model associated with the UH assumption is mathematically more complicated and thus is less used. The difference of using UF and UH in modeling the MLST is investigated here for confined aquifers. For the low-K conditions of monotonic recovery of well water level, it is found that the well water level recovery predicted by the UH model is faster than that predicted by the UF model, and the discrepancy is more pronounced for a larger aspect ratio of rw/ls with rw being the well radius, a smaller partial penetration ratio of ls/b with b being aquifer thickness, and/or a smaller anisotropy ratio of Kz/Kr. For the high-K condition where oscillatory well water level recovery is oscillatory about its initial position, it is found that amplitude of the oscillatory recovery predicted by the UH model is larger than that by the UF model, and the discrepancy gets larger for a larger aspect ratio, a smaller partial penetration ratio, or a smaller anisotropy ratio. For the fully penetrating condition, both the UH and UF models give the same results, regardless of low- or high-K conditions. For the same set of data, the K value estimated by the UH model will be greater than that by the UF model.

Large-Scale Laboratory Experiments of Initiation of Motion and Burial of Objects under Currents and Waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landry, B. J.; Wu, H.; Wenzel, S. P.; Gates, S. J.; Fytanidis, D. K.; Garcia, M. H.

2017-12-01

Unexploded ordnances (UXOs) can be found at the bottom of coastal areas as the residue of military wartime activities, training or accidents. These underwater objects are hazards for humans and the coastal environment increasing the need for addressing the knowledge gaps regarding the initiation of motion, fate and transport of UXOs under currents and wave conditions. Extensive experimental analysis was conducted for the initiation of motion of UXOs under various rigid bed roughness conditions (smooth PVC, pitted steel, marbles, gravels and bed of spherical particles) for both unidirectional and oscillatory flows. Particle image velocimetry measurements were conducted under both flow conditions to resolve the flow structure estimate the critical flow conditions for initiation of motion of UXOs. Analysis of the experimental observations shows that the geometrical characteristics of the UXOs, their properties (i.e. volume, mass) and their orientation with respect to the mean flow play an important role on the reorientation and mobility of the examined objects. A novel unified initiation of motion diagram is proposed using an effective/unified hydrodynamic roughness and a new length scale which includes the effect of the projected area and the bed-UXO contact area. Both unidirectional and oscillatory critical flow conditions collapsed into a single dimensionless diagram highlighting the importance and practical applicability of the proposed work. In addition to the rigid bed experiments, the burial dynamics of proud UXOs on a mobile sand bed were also examined. The complex flow-bedform-UXOs interactions were evaluated which highlighted the effect of munition density on burial rate and final burial depth. Burial dynamics and mechanisms for motion were examined for various UXOs types, and results show that, for the case of the low density UXOs under energetic conditions, lateral transport coexists with burial. Prior to burial, UXO re-orientation was also observed depending on the geometric characteristics of the objects.

Effects of changing the ionic environment on passive and active membrane properties of pregnant rat uterus

PubMed Central

Abe, Y.

1971-01-01

1. In pregnant rat myometrium electrotonic potentials, produced by externally applied current, were recorded intracellularly. 2. The space constant, λ, was 1·8 mm, the time constant, τm, 120 msec. The values obtained on the 7th day and on the 20th day of pregnancy were the same. 3. The magnitude of the electrotonic potential and the time constant of the membrane were increased in the absence of potassium from the external solution and decreased by excess potassium. 4. The magnitude of the electrotonic potential and the time constant of the membrane were increased by the replacement of chloride with C6H5SO3- or SO42-, and decreased with NO3- or I- replacement. 5. When the sodium chloride was replaced with sucrose (16·7 mM sodium remaining in the buffers) the spontaneous spikes deteriorated and activity stopped within 30 min. However, for periods up to 4 hr, a spike of larger amplitude and faster rate of rise than in normal solution could be evoked when a depolarizing current was applied. 6. When the external calcium concentration was raised (5 and 10 mM) the amplitude and the rate of rise of the evoked spike were increased. They were decreased by reducing calcium. In zero calcium spontaneous activity stopped within 15 min. 7. The effects of calcium deficiency were much less marked and slower in onset when, simultaneously, the sodium concentration was reduced to 16·7 mM. 8. When calcium was replaced with strontium (2·5 mM), the membrane was depolarized and the duration of the spontaneous and evoked action potential was prolonged, mainly due to a slowed rate of repolarization. When the concentration of strontium was raised to 7·5 or 12·5 mM the membrane was hyperpolarized, the duration of the action potential became short and the amplitude of the spike was increased. 9. Addition of barium or the replacement of calcium with barium caused depolarization and oscillatory membrane activity. However, a spike could be evoked by applying conditioning hyperpolarization. 10. Manganese abolished the spontaneous and evoked spike. Tetrodotoxin had no effect. 11. The results show that rat uterus has cable-like properties. The action potential may be due to calcium entry, while sodium, by influencing the membrane potential in competition with calcium, may be involved in the spontaneous spike generation and the spread of excitation. PMID:5103422

Recycling of used perfluorosulfonic acid membranes

DOEpatents

Grot, Stephen [Middletown, DE; Grot, Walther [Chadds Ford, PA

2007-08-14

A method for recovering and recycling catalyst coated fuel cell membranes includes dissolving the used membranes in water and solvent, heating the dissolved membranes under pressure and separating the components. Active membranes are produced from the recycled materials.

Friction and work function oscillatory behavior for an even and odd number of layers in polycrystalline MoS 2

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lavini, Francesco; Calò, Annalisa; Gao, Yang

We report on a new oscillatory behavior of nanoscopic friction in continuous polycrystalline MoS 2 films for an odd and even number of atomic layers, related to the different in-plane polarization of crystalline grains and different capability of absorbing charged molecules.

Oscillatory singular integrals and harmonic analysis on nilpotent groups

PubMed Central

Ricci, F.; Stein, E. M.

1986-01-01

Several related classes of operators on nilpotent Lie groups are considered. These operators involve the following features: (i) oscillatory factors that are exponentials of imaginary polynomials, (ii) convolutions with singular kernels supported on lower-dimensional submanifolds, (iii) validity in the general context not requiring the existence of dilations that are automorphisms. PMID:16593640

Friction and work function oscillatory behavior for an even and odd number of layers in polycrystalline MoS 2

DOE PAGES

Lavini, Francesco; Calò, Annalisa; Gao, Yang; ...

2018-01-01

We report on a new oscillatory behavior of nanoscopic friction in continuous polycrystalline MoS 2 films for an odd and even number of atomic layers, related to the different in-plane polarization of crystalline grains and different capability of absorbing charged molecules.

Norman Ramsey and the Separated Oscillatory Fields Method

Science.gov Websites

methods of investigation; in particular, he contributed many refinements of the molecular beam method for the study of atomic and molecular properties, he invented the separated oscillatory field method of atomic and molecular spectroscopy and it is the practical basis for the most precise atomic clocks

Frontal Oscillatory Dynamics Predict Feedback Learning and Action Adjustment

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van de Vijver, Irene; Ridderinkhof, K. Richard; Cohen, Michael X.

2011-01-01

Frontal oscillatory dynamics in the theta (4-8 Hz) and beta (20-30 Hz) frequency bands have been implicated in cognitive control processes. Here we investigated the changes in coordinated activity within and between frontal brain areas during feedback-based response learning. In a time estimation task, participants learned to press a button after…

An Extended Motor Network Generates Beta and Gamma Oscillatory Perturbations during Development

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wilson, Tony W.; Slason, Erin; Asherin, Ryan; Kronberg, Eugene; Reite, Martin L.; Teale, Peter D.; Rojas, Donald C.

2010-01-01

This study examines the time course and neural generators of oscillatory beta and gamma motor responses in typically-developing children. Participants completed a unilateral flexion-extension task using each index finger as whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG) data were acquired. These MEG data were imaged in the frequency-domain using spatial…

Brain Oscillatory Activity during Spatial Navigation: Theta and Gamma Activity Link Medial Temporal and Parietal Regions

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, David J.; Congedo, Marco; Ciorciari, Joseph; Silberstein, Richard B.

2012-01-01

Brain oscillatory correlates of spatial navigation were investigated using blind source separation (BSS) and standardized low resolution electromagnetic tomography (sLORETA) analyses of 62-channel EEG recordings. Twenty-five participants were instructed to navigate to distinct landmark buildings in a previously learned virtual reality town…

The interactions of peripheral membrane proteins with biological membranes

DOE PAGES

Johs, Alexander; Whited, A. M.

2015-07-29

The interactions of peripheral proteins with membrane surfaces are critical to many biological processes, including signaling, recognition, membrane trafficking, cell division and cell structure. On a molecular level, peripheral membrane proteins can modulate lipid composition, membrane dynamics and protein-protein interactions. Biochemical and biophysical studies have shown that these interactions are in fact highly complex, dominated by several different types of interactions, and have an interdependent effect on both the protein and membrane. Here we examine three major mechanisms underlying the interactions between peripheral membrane proteins and membranes: electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, and fatty acid modification of proteins. While experimental approachesmore » continue to provide critical insights into specific interaction mechanisms, emerging bioinformatics resources and tools contribute to a systems-level picture of protein-lipid interactions. Through these recent advances, we begin to understand the pivotal role of protein-lipid interactions underlying complex biological functions at membrane interfaces.« less

Stationary and oscillatory bound states of dissipative solitons created by third-order dispersion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakaguchi, Hidetsugu; Skryabin, Dmitry V.; Malomed, Boris A.

2018-06-01

We consider the model of fiber-laser cavities near the zero-dispersion point, based on the complex Ginzburg-Landau equation with the cubic-quintic nonlinearity, including the third-order dispersion (TOD) term. It is well known that this model supports stable dissipative solitons. We demonstrate that the same model gives rise to several families of robust bound states of the solitons, which exists only in the presence of the TOD. There are both stationary and dynamical bound states, with oscillating separation between the bound solitons. Stationary states are multistable, corresponding to different values of the separation. With the increase of the TOD coefficient, the bound state with the smallest separation gives rise the oscillatory state through the Hopf bifurcation. Further growth of TOD leads to a bifurcation transforming the oscillatory limit cycle into a strange attractor, which represents a chaotically oscillating dynamical bound state. Families of multistable three- and four-soliton complexes are found too, the ones with the smallest separation between the solitons again ending by a transition to oscillatory states through the Hopf bifurcation.

Influence of Pb 2+ ions in the H 2 oxidation on Pt catalyzed hydrogen diffusion anodes in sulfuric acid: presence of oscillatory phenomena

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Expósito, E.; Sánchez-Sánchez, C. M.; Solla-Gullón, J.; Montiel, V.

The influence of Pb 2+ ions in sulfuric acid medium on the behavior of a platinum catalyzed hydrogen diffusion electrode (HDE) in a filter press reactor has been studied. A voltammetric study of the H 2 oxidation reaction on a polyoriented platinum electrode and a platinum rotating disk electrode (RDE) in presence of lead ions in solution has also been carried out. Potential oscillations were found in galvanostatic experiments of H 2 oxidation using a HDE catalyzed with platinum when Pb 2+ ions are present in solution. This oscillatory phenomenon was also observed when hydrogen oxidation was carried out in presence of Pb 2+ ions using a platinum RDE. The oscillatory behavior observed has been attributed to an adsorption-oxidation-desorption process of lead on the platinum surface. Due to the low solubility of Pb 2+ in sulfuric acid, at high values of coverage, lead is oxidised to insoluble lead sulfate that blocks the Pt surface. The coupling of the dissolution of lead sulfate and the Pb electrochemical adsorption-oxidation processes cause the oscillatory phenomenon.

Regional gas transport in the heterogeneous lung during oscillatory ventilation

PubMed Central

Herrmann, Jacob; Tawhai, Merryn H.

2016-01-01

Regional ventilation in the injured lung is heterogeneous and frequency dependent, making it difficult to predict how an oscillatory flow waveform at a specified frequency will be distributed throughout the periphery. To predict the impact of mechanical heterogeneity on regional ventilation distribution and gas transport, we developed a computational model of distributed gas flow and CO2 elimination during oscillatory ventilation from 0.1 to 30 Hz. The model consists of a three-dimensional airway network of a canine lung, with heterogeneous parenchymal tissues to mimic effects of gravity and injury. Model CO2 elimination during single frequency oscillation was validated against previously published experimental data (Venegas JG, Hales CA, Strieder DJ, J Appl Physiol 60: 1025–1030, 1986). Simulations of gas transport demonstrated a critical transition in flow distribution at the resonant frequency, where the reactive components of mechanical impedance due to airway inertia and parenchymal elastance were equal. For frequencies above resonance, the distribution of ventilation became spatially clustered and frequency dependent. These results highlight the importance of oscillatory frequency in managing the regional distribution of ventilation and gas exchange in the heterogeneous lung. PMID:27763872

LES-based characterization of a suction and oscillatory blowing fluidic actuator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Jeonglae; Moin, Parviz

2015-11-01

Recently, a novel fluidic actuator using steady suction and oscillatory blowing was developed for control of turbulent flows. The suction and oscillatory blowing (SaOB) actuator combines steady suction and pulsed oscillatory blowing into a single device. The actuation is based upon a self-sustained mechanism of confined jets and does not require any moving parts. The control output is determined by a pressure source and the geometric details, and no additional input is needed. While its basic mechanisms have been investigated to some extent, detailed characteristics of internal turbulent flows are not well understood. In this study, internal flows of the SaOB actuator are simulated using large-eddy simulation (LES). Flow characteristics within the actuator are described in detail for a better understanding of the physical mechanisms and improving the actuator design. LES predicts the self-sustained oscillations of the turbulent jet. Switching frequency, maximum velocity at the actuator outlets, and wall pressure distribution are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. The computational results are used to develop simplified boundary conditions for numerical experiments of active flow control. Supported by the Boeing company.

Differential Membrane Dipolar Orientation Induced by Acute and Chronic Cholesterol Depletion.

PubMed

Sarkar, Parijat; Chakraborty, Hirak; Chattopadhyay, Amitabha

2017-06-30

Cholesterol plays a crucial role in cell membrane organization, dynamics and function. Depletion of cholesterol represents a popular approach to explore cholesterol-sensitivity of membrane proteins. An emerging body of literature shows that the consequence of membrane cholesterol depletion often depends on the actual process (acute or chronic), although the molecular mechanism underlying the difference is not clear. Acute depletion, using cyclodextrin-type carriers, is faster relative to chronic depletion, in which inhibitors of cholesterol biosynthesis are used. With the overall goal of addressing molecular differences underlying these processes, we monitored membrane dipole potential under conditions of acute and chronic cholesterol depletion in CHO-K1 cells, using a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye in dual wavelength ratiometric mode. Our results show that the observed membrane dipole potential exhibits difference under acute and chronic cholesterol depletion conditions, even when cholesterol content was identical. To the best of our knowledge, these results provide, for the first time, molecular insight highlighting differences in dipolar reorganization in these processes. A comprehensive understanding of processes in which membrane cholesterol gets modulated would provide novel insight in its interaction with membrane proteins and receptors, thereby allowing us to understand the role of cholesterol in cellular physiology associated with health and disease.

Mammalian plasma membrane proteins as potential biomarkers and drug targets.

PubMed

Rucevic, Marijana; Hixson, Douglas; Josic, Djuro

2011-06-01

Defining the plasma membrane proteome is crucial to understand the role of plasma membrane in fundamental biological processes. Change in membrane proteins is one of the first events that take place under pathological conditions, making plasma membrane proteins a likely source of potential disease biomarkers with prognostic or diagnostic potential. Membrane proteins are also potential targets for monoclonal antibodies and other drugs that block receptors or inhibit enzymes essential to the disease progress. Despite several advanced methods recently developed for the analysis of hydrophobic proteins and proteins with posttranslational modifications, integral membrane proteins are still under-represented in plasma membrane proteome. Recent advances in proteomic investigation of plasma membrane proteins, defining their roles as diagnostic and prognostic disease biomarkers and as target molecules in disease treatment, are presented. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Resonance-Based Time-Frequency Manifold for Feature Extraction of Ship-Radiated Noise.

PubMed

Yan, Jiaquan; Sun, Haixin; Chen, Hailan; Junejo, Naveed Ur Rehman; Cheng, En

2018-03-22

In this paper, a novel time-frequency signature using resonance-based sparse signal decomposition (RSSD), phase space reconstruction (PSR), time-frequency distribution (TFD) and manifold learning is proposed for feature extraction of ship-radiated noise, which is called resonance-based time-frequency manifold (RTFM). This is suitable for analyzing signals with oscillatory, non-stationary and non-linear characteristics in a situation of serious noise pollution. Unlike the traditional methods which are sensitive to noise and just consider one side of oscillatory, non-stationary and non-linear characteristics, the proposed RTFM can provide the intact feature signature of all these characteristics in the form of a time-frequency signature by the following steps: first, RSSD is employed on the raw signal to extract the high-oscillatory component and abandon the low-oscillatory component. Second, PSR is performed on the high-oscillatory component to map the one-dimensional signal to the high-dimensional phase space. Third, TFD is employed to reveal non-stationary information in the phase space. Finally, manifold learning is applied to the TFDs to fetch the intrinsic non-linear manifold. A proportional addition of the top two RTFMs is adopted to produce the improved RTFM signature. All of the case studies are validated on real audio recordings of ship-radiated noise. Case studies of ship-radiated noise on different datasets and various degrees of noise pollution manifest the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.

Resonance-Based Time-Frequency Manifold for Feature Extraction of Ship-Radiated Noise

PubMed Central

Yan, Jiaquan; Sun, Haixin; Chen, Hailan; Junejo, Naveed Ur Rehman; Cheng, En

2018-01-01

In this paper, a novel time-frequency signature using resonance-based sparse signal decomposition (RSSD), phase space reconstruction (PSR), time-frequency distribution (TFD) and manifold learning is proposed for feature extraction of ship-radiated noise, which is called resonance-based time-frequency manifold (RTFM). This is suitable for analyzing signals with oscillatory, non-stationary and non-linear characteristics in a situation of serious noise pollution. Unlike the traditional methods which are sensitive to noise and just consider one side of oscillatory, non-stationary and non-linear characteristics, the proposed RTFM can provide the intact feature signature of all these characteristics in the form of a time-frequency signature by the following steps: first, RSSD is employed on the raw signal to extract the high-oscillatory component and abandon the low-oscillatory component. Second, PSR is performed on the high-oscillatory component to map the one-dimensional signal to the high-dimensional phase space. Third, TFD is employed to reveal non-stationary information in the phase space. Finally, manifold learning is applied to the TFDs to fetch the intrinsic non-linear manifold. A proportional addition of the top two RTFMs is adopted to produce the improved RTFM signature. All of the case studies are validated on real audio recordings of ship-radiated noise. Case studies of ship-radiated noise on different datasets and various degrees of noise pollution manifest the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method. PMID:29565288

Oscillatory Critical Amplitudes in Hierarchical Models and the Harris Function of Branching Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costin, Ovidiu; Giacomin, Giambattista

2013-02-01

Oscillatory critical amplitudes have been repeatedly observed in hierarchical models and, in the cases that have been taken into consideration, these oscillations are so small to be hardly detectable. Hierarchical models are tightly related to iteration of maps and, in fact, very similar phenomena have been repeatedly reported in many fields of mathematics, like combinatorial evaluations and discrete branching processes. It is precisely in the context of branching processes with bounded off-spring that T. Harris, in 1948, first set forth the possibility that the logarithm of the moment generating function of the rescaled population size, in the super-critical regime, does not grow near infinity as a power, but it has an oscillatory prefactor (the Harris function). These oscillations have been observed numerically only much later and, while the origin is clearly tied to the discrete character of the iteration, the amplitude size is not so well understood. The purpose of this note is to reconsider the issue for hierarchical models and in what is arguably the most elementary setting—the pinning model—that actually just boils down to iteration of polynomial maps (and, notably, quadratic maps). In this note we show that the oscillatory critical amplitude for pinning models and the Harris function coincide. Moreover we make explicit the link between these oscillatory functions and the geometry of the Julia set of the map, making thus rigorous and quantitative some ideas set forth in Derrida et al. (Commun. Math. Phys. 94:115-132, 1984).

Observations of Running Penumbral Waves Emerging in a Sunspot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, T. G.; Wenda, Cao; Jiangtao, Su; Jie, Chen; Xinjie, Mao; Yuanyong, Deng; Robert, Erdélyi

2018-01-01

We present results from the investigation of 5 minute umbral oscillations in a single-polarity sunspot of active region NOAA 12132. The spectra of TiO, Hα, and 304 Å are used for corresponding atmospheric heights from the photosphere to lower corona. Power spectrum analysis at the formation height of Hα – 0.6 Å to the Hα center resulted in the detection of 5 minute oscillation signals in intensity interpreted as running waves outside the umbral center, mostly with vertical magnetic field inclination >15°. A phase-speed filter is used to extract the running wave signals with speed v ph > 4 km s‑1, from the time series of Hα – 0.4 Å images, and found twenty-four 3 minute umbral oscillatory events in a duration of one hour. Interestingly, the initial emergence of the 3 minute umbral oscillatory events are noticed closer to or at umbral boundaries. These 3 minute umbral oscillatory events are observed for the first time as propagating from a fraction of preceding running penumbral waves (RPWs). These fractional wavefronts rapidly separate from RPWs and move toward the umbral center, wherein they expand radially outwards suggesting the beginning of a new umbral oscillatory event. We found that most of these umbral oscillatory events develop further into RPWs. We speculate that the waveguides of running waves are twisted in spiral structures and hence the wavefronts are first seen at high latitudes of umbral boundaries and later at lower latitudes of the umbral center.

Characterizing Oscillatory Bursts in Single-Trial EEG Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Knuth, K. H.; Shah, A. S.; Lakatos, P.; Schroeder, C. E.

2004-01-01

Oscillatory bursts in numerous bands ranging from low (theta) to high frequencies (e.g., gamma) undoubtedly play an important role in cortical dynamics. Largely because of the inadequacy of existing analytic techniques. however, oscillatory bursts and their role in cortical processing remains poorly understood. To study oscillatory bursts effectively one must be able to isolate them and characterize them in the single trial. We describe a series of straightforward analysis techniques that produce useful indices of burst characteristics. First, stimulus-evoked responses are estimated using Differentially Variable Component Analysis (dVCA), and are subtracted from the single-trial. The single-trial characteristics of the evoked responses are stored to identify possible correlations with burst activity. Time-frequency (T-F), or wavelet, analyses are then applied to the single trial residuals. While T-F plots have been used in recent studies to identify and isolate bursts, we go further by fitting each burst in the T-F plot with a two-dimensional Gaussian. This provides a set of burst characteristics, such as, center time. burst duration, center frequency. frequency dispersion. and amplitude, all of which contribute to the accurate characterization of the individual burst. The burst phase can also be estimated. Burst characteristics can be quantified with several standard techniques (e.g.. histogramming and clustering), as well as Bayesian techniques (e.g., blocking) to allow a more parametric description analysis of the characteristics of oscillatory bursts, and the relationships of specific parameters to cortical excitability and stimulus integration.

Changes of spontaneous oscillatory activity to tonic heat pain.

PubMed

Peng, Weiwei; Hu, Li; Zhang, Zhiguo; Hu, Yong

2014-01-01

Transient painful stimuli could induce suppression of alpha oscillatory activities and enhancement of gamma oscillatory activities that also could be greatly modulated by attention. Here, we attempted to characterize changes in cortical activities during tonic heat pain perception and investigated the influence of directed/distracted attention on these responses. We collected 5-minute long continuous Electroencephalography (EEG) data from 38 healthy volunteers during four conditions presented in a counterbalanced order: (A) resting condition; (B) innoxious-distracted condition; (C) noxious-distracted condition; (D) noxious-attended condition. The effects of tonic heat pain stimulation and selective attention on oscillatory activities were investigated by comparing the EEG power spectra among the four experimental conditions and assessing the relationship between spectral power difference and subjective pain intensity. The change of oscillatory activities in condition D was characterized by stable and persistent decrease of alpha oscillation power over contralateral-central electrodes and widespread increase of gamma oscillation power, which were even significantly correlated with subjective pain intensity. Since EEG responses in the alpha and gamma frequency band were affected by attention in different manners, they are likely related to different aspects of the multidimensional sensory experience of pain. The observed contralateral-central alpha suppression (conditions D vs. B and D vs. C) may reflect primarily a top-down cognitive process such as attention, while the widespread gamma enhancement (conditions D vs. A) may partly reflect tonic pain processing, representing the summary effects of bottom-up stimulus-related and top-down subject-driven cognitive processes.

Changes of Spontaneous Oscillatory Activity to Tonic Heat Pain

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zhiguo; Hu, Yong

2014-01-01

Transient painful stimuli could induce suppression of alpha oscillatory activities and enhancement of gamma oscillatory activities that also could be greatly modulated by attention. Here, we attempted to characterize changes in cortical activities during tonic heat pain perception and investigated the influence of directed/distracted attention on these responses. We collected 5-minute long continuous Electroencephalography (EEG) data from 38 healthy volunteers during four conditions presented in a counterbalanced order: (A) resting condition; (B) innoxious-distracted condition; (C) noxious-distracted condition; (D) noxious-attended condition. The effects of tonic heat pain stimulation and selective attention on oscillatory activities were investigated by comparing the EEG power spectra among the four experimental conditions and assessing the relationship between spectral power difference and subjective pain intensity. The change of oscillatory activities in condition D was characterized by stable and persistent decrease of alpha oscillation power over contralateral-central electrodes and widespread increase of gamma oscillation power, which were even significantly correlated with subjective pain intensity. Since EEG responses in the alpha and gamma frequency band were affected by attention in different manners, they are likely related to different aspects of the multidimensional sensory experience of pain. The observed contralateral-central alpha suppression (conditions D vs. B and D vs. C) may reflect primarily a top-down cognitive process such as attention, while the widespread gamma enhancement (conditions D vs. A) may partly reflect tonic pain processing, representing the summary effects of bottom-up stimulus-related and top-down subject-driven cognitive processes. PMID:24603703

Detailed Characterization of Local Field Potential Oscillations and Their Relationship to Spike Timing in the Antennal Lobe of the Moth Manduca sexta

PubMed Central

Daly, Kevin C.; Galán, Roberto F.; Peters, Oakland J.; Staudacher, Erich M.

2011-01-01

The transient oscillatory model of odor identity encoding seeks to explain how odorants with spatially overlapped patterns of input into primary olfactory networks can be discriminated. This model provides several testable predictions about the distributed nature of network oscillations and how they control spike timing. To test these predictions, 16 channel electrode arrays were placed within the antennal lobe (AL) of the moth Manduca sexta. Unitary spiking and multi site local field potential (LFP) recordings were made during spontaneous activity and in response to repeated presentations of an odor panel. We quantified oscillatory frequency, cross correlations between LFP recording sites, and spike–LFP phase relationships. We show that odor-driven AL oscillations in Manduca are frequency modulating (FM) from ∼100 to 30 Hz; this was odorant and stimulus duration dependent. FM oscillatory responses were localized to one or two recording sites suggesting a localized (perhaps glomerular) not distributed source. LFP cross correlations further demonstrated that only a small (r < 0.05) distributed and oscillatory component was present. Cross spectral density analysis demonstrated the frequency of these weakly distributed oscillations was state dependent (spontaneous activity = 25–55 Hz; odor-driven = 55–85 Hz). Surprisingly, vector strength analysis indicated that unitary phase locking of spikes to the LFP was strongest during spontaneous activity and dropped significantly during responses. Application of bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, significantly lowered the frequency content of odor-driven distributed oscillatory activity. Bicuculline significantly reduced spike phase locking generally, but the ubiquitous pattern of increased phase locking during spontaneous activity persisted. Collectively, these results indicate that oscillations perform poorly as a stimulus-mediated spike synchronizing mechanism for Manduca and hence are incongruent with the transient oscillatory model. PMID:22046161

Structural state diagram of concentrated suspensions of jammed soft particles in oscillatory shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khabaz, Fardin; Cloitre, Michel; Bonnecaze, Roger T.

2018-03-01

In a recent study [Khabaz et al., Phys. Rev. Fluids 2, 093301 (2017), 10.1103/PhysRevFluids.2.093301], we showed that jammed soft particle glasses (SPGs) crystallize and order in steady shear flow. Here we investigate the rheology and microstructures of these suspensions in oscillatory shear flow using particle-dynamics simulations. The microstructures in both types of flows are similar, but their evolutions are very different. In both cases the monodisperse and polydisperse suspensions form crystalline and layered structures, respectively, at high shear rates. The crystals obtained in the oscillatory shear flow show fewer defects compared to those in the steady shear. SPGs remain glassy for maximum oscillatory strains less than about the yield strain of the material. For maximum strains greater than the yield strain, microstructural and rheological transitions occur for SPGs. Polydisperse SPGs rearrange into a layered structure parallel to the flow-vorticity plane for sufficiently high maximum shear rates and maximum strains about 10 times greater than the yield strain. Monodisperse suspensions form a face-centered cubic (FCC) structure when the maximum shear rate is low and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structure when the maximum shear rate is high. In steady shear, the transition from a glassy state to a layered one for polydisperse suspensions included a significant induction strain before the transformation. In oscillatory shear, the transformation begins to occur immediately and with different microstructural changes. A state diagram for suspensions in large amplitude oscillatory shear flow is found to be in close but not exact agreement with the state diagram for steady shear flow. For more modest amplitudes of around one to five times the yield strain, there is a transition from a glassy structure to FCC and HCP crystals, at low and high frequencies, respectively, for monodisperse suspensions. At moderate frequencies, the transition is from glassy to HCP via an intermediate FCC phase.

Enhanced proton conductivity of Nafion hybrid membrane under different humidities by incorporating metal-organic frameworks with high phytic acid loading.

PubMed

Li, Zhen; He, Guangwei; Zhang, Bei; Cao, Ying; Wu, Hong; Jiang, Zhongyi; Tiantian, Zhou

2014-06-25

In this study, phytic acid (myo-inositol hexaphosphonic acid) was first immobilized by MIL101 via vacuum-assisted impregnation method. The obtained phytic@MIL101 was then utilized as a novel filler to incorporate into Nafion to fabricate hybrid proton exchange membrane for application in PEMFC under different relative humidities (RHs), especially under low RHs. High loading and uniform dispersion of phytic acid in MIL 101(Cr) were achieved as demonstrated by ICP, FT-IR, XPS, and EDS-mapping. The phytic@MIL101 was dispersed homogeneously in the Nafion matrix when the filler content was less than 12%. Hybrid membranes were evaluated by proton conductivity, mechanical property, thermal stability, and so forth. Remarkably, the Nafion/phytic@MIL hybrid membranes showed high proton conductivity at different RHs, especially under low RHs, which was up to 0.0608 S cm(-1) and 7.63 × 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 57.4% RH and 10.5% RH (2.8 and 11.0 times higher than that of pristine membrane), respectively. Moreover, the mechanical property of Nafion/phtic@MIL hybrid membranes was substantially enhanced and the thermal stability of membranes was well preserved.

Excitability in chemical and biochemical pH-autocatalytic systems.

PubMed

Zagora, J; Voslar, M; Schreiberová, L; Schreiber, I

2001-01-01

Using two different kinds of pH systems--the papain catalyzed hydrolysis of N-benzoyl-L-arginine ethyl ester in a membrane reactor and the bromate-sulfite-ferrocyanide (BSF) reaction in the CSTR--we study the relation among excitability, oscillations and bistability, and the ability of the system to respond to external periodic perturbations. Excitable properties of dynamical systems are examined in terms of a threshold set which is used to characterise dynamics in the reactor subject to external periodic stimuli. A precise definition and a method of calculating the threshold set are formulated. Two kinds of excitability distinguished by either direct or indirect initiation of the activatory process are found in both pH systems. Periodic pulsed perturbations of the BSF system display a nontrivial dependence of an excitation number on the forcing period. We examined this system also in oscillatory mode by looking at the phase shifts caused by single-pulse perturbations and constructing the phase transition curves (PTCs).

Imaging host cell-Leishmania interaction dynamics implicates parasite motility, lysosome recruitment, and host cell wounding in the infection process.

PubMed

Forestier, Claire-Lise; Machu, Christophe; Loussert, Celine; Pescher, Pascale; Späth, Gerald F

2011-04-21

Leishmania donovani causes human visceral leishmaniasis. The parasite infectious cycle comprises extracellular flagellated promastigotes that proliferate inside the insect vector, and intracellular nonmotile amastigotes that multiply within infected host cells. Using primary macrophages infected with virulent metacyclic promastigotes and high spatiotemporal resolution microscopy, we dissect the dynamics of the early infection process. We find that motile promastigotes enter macrophages in a polarized manner through their flagellar tip and are engulfed into host lysosomal compartments. Persistent intracellular flagellar activity leads to reorientation of the parasite flagellum toward the host cell periphery and results in oscillatory parasite movement. The latter is associated with local lysosomal exocytosis and host cell plasma membrane wounding. These findings implicate lysosome recruitment followed by lysosome exocytosis, consistent with parasite-driven host cell injury, as key cellular events in Leishmania host cell infection. This work highlights the role of promastigote polarity and motility during parasite entry. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Oscillatory phase separation in giant lipid vesicles induced by transmembrane osmotic differentials

PubMed Central

Oglęcka, Kamila; Rangamani, Padmini; Liedberg, Bo; Kraut, Rachel S; Parikh, Atul N

2014-01-01

Giant lipid vesicles are closed compartments consisting of semi-permeable shells, which isolate femto- to pico-liter quantities of aqueous core from the bulk. Although water permeates readily across vesicular walls, passive permeation of solutes is hindered. In this study, we show that, when subject to a hypotonic bath, giant vesicles consisting of phase separating lipid mixtures undergo osmotic relaxation exhibiting damped oscillations in phase behavior, which is synchronized with swell–burst lytic cycles: in the swelled state, osmotic pressure and elevated membrane tension due to the influx of water promote domain formation. During bursting, solute leakage through transient pores relaxes the pressure and tension, replacing the domain texture by a uniform one. This isothermal phase transition—resulting from a well-coordinated sequence of mechanochemical events—suggests a complex emergent behavior allowing synthetic vesicles produced from simple components, namely, water, osmolytes, and lipids to sense and regulate their micro-environment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03695.001 PMID:25318069

Melatonin: A Mitochondrial Targeting Molecule Involving Mitochondrial Protection and Dynamics

PubMed Central

Tan, Dun-Xian; Manchester, Lucien C.; Qin, Lilan; Reiter, Russel J.

2016-01-01

Melatonin has been speculated to be mainly synthesized by mitochondria. This speculation is supported by the recent discovery that aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase/serotonin N-acetyltransferase (AANAT/SNAT) is localized in mitochondria of oocytes and the isolated mitochondria generate melatonin. We have also speculated that melatonin is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant. It accumulates in mitochondria with high concentration against a concentration gradient. This is probably achieved by an active transportation via mitochondrial melatonin transporter(s). Melatonin protects mitochondria by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibiting the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP), and activating uncoupling proteins (UCPs). Thus, melatonin maintains the optimal mitochondrial membrane potential and preserves mitochondrial functions. In addition, mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics is also regulated by melatonin. In most cases, melatonin reduces mitochondrial fission and elevates their fusion. Mitochondrial dynamics exhibit an oscillatory pattern which matches the melatonin circadian secretory rhythm in pinealeocytes and probably in other cells. Recently, melatonin has been found to promote mitophagy and improve homeostasis of mitochondria. PMID:27999288

Nonlinear electromagnetic responses of active molecular motors in live cells and organelles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nawarathna, Dharmakirthi; Gardner, Jeffrey; Cardenas, Gustavo; Warmflash, David; Miller, John; Widger, William; Claycomb, James

2006-03-01

The response of biological cells to an oscillatory electric field contains both linear and nonlinear (eg. induced harmonic) components. At low frequencies (about 10Hz), harmonic generation by budding yeast cells is observed. These induced harmonics are sensitive to sodium metavanadate, an inhibitor, and glucose, a substrate, respectively, of P-type ATPase membrane pumps. At higher frequencies, two peaks, around 3kHz and 12kHz, are observed in the frequency-dependent harmonic responses. These are sensitive to potassium cyanide, a respiratory inhibitor that blocks cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. We have also measured the response of uncoupled mitochondria extracted from bovine heart cells, for which a second harmonic sensitive to pericidin A and carboxin is detected at applied frequencies of 3-4kHz. Finally, in coupled mouse mitochondria, an ADP sensitive peak (12-15kHz) is observed, likely due to the F0 domain of ATP synthase, which acts as a molecular turbine.

Transcranial direct current stimulation and power spectral parameters: a tDCS/EEG co-registration study

PubMed Central

Mangia, Anna L.; Pirini, Marco; Cappello, Angelo

2014-01-01

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivers low electric currents to the brain through the scalp. Constant electric currents induce shifts in neuronal membrane excitability, resulting in secondary changes in cortical activity. Concomitant electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring during tDCS can provide valuable information on the tDCS mechanisms of action. This study examined the effects of anodal tDCS on spontaneous cortical activity in a resting brain to disclose possible modulation of spontaneous oscillatory brain activity. EEG activity was measured in ten healthy subjects during and after a session of anodal stimulation of the postero-parietal cortex to detect the tDCS-induced alterations. Changes in the theta, alpha, beta, and gamma power bands were investigated. Three main findings emerged: (1) an increase in theta band activity during the first minutes of stimulation; (2) an increase in alpha and beta power during and after stimulation; (3) a widespread activation in several brain regions. PMID:25147519

Membrane projection lithography

DOEpatents

Burckel, David Bruce; Davids, Paul S; Resnick, Paul J; Draper, Bruce L

2015-03-17

The various technologies presented herein relate to a three dimensional manufacturing technique for application with semiconductor technologies. A membrane layer can be formed over a cavity. An opening can be formed in the membrane such that the membrane can act as a mask layer to the underlying wall surfaces and bottom surface of the cavity. A beam to facilitate an operation comprising any of implantation, etching or deposition can be directed through the opening onto the underlying surface, with the opening acting as a mask to control the area of the underlying surfaces on which any of implantation occurs, material is removed, and/or material is deposited. The membrane can be removed, a new membrane placed over the cavity and a new opening formed to facilitate another implantation, etching, or deposition operation. By changing the direction of the beam different wall/bottom surfaces can be utilized to form a plurality of structures.

Under-oil superhydrophilic wetted PVDF electrospun modified membrane for continuous gravitational oil/water separation with outstanding flux.

PubMed

Obaid, M; Mohamed, Hend Omar; Yasin, Ahmed S; Yassin, Mohamed A; Fadali, Olfat A; Kim, HakYong; Barakat, Nasser A M

2017-10-15

Water in the world is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity and the membrane technology is a most effective strategy to address this issue. However, the fouling and low flux of the polymeric membrane remains the big challenges. Novel modified Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane was introduced, in this work, using a novel treatment technique for an electrospun polymeric PVDF membrane to be used in oil/water separation systems. The Characterizations of the modified and pristine membranes showed distinct changes in the phase and crystal structure of the membrane material as well as the wettability. The modification process altered the surface morphology and structure of the membrane by forming hydrophilic microspheres on the membrane surface. Therefore, the proposed treatment converts the membrane from highly hydrophobic to be a superhydrophilic under-oil when wetted with water. Accordingly, in the separation of oil/water mixtures, the modified membrane can achieve an outstanding flux of 20664 L/m 2 . hr under gravity, which is higher than the pristine membrane by infinite times. Moreover, in the separation of the emulsion, a high flux of 2727 L/m 2 . h was achieved. The results exhibited that the modified membrane can treat a huge amount of oily water with a minimal energy consumption. The corresponding separation efficiencies of both of oil/water mixtures and emulsion are more than 99%. The achieved characteristics for the modified and pristine membranes could be exploited to design a novel continuous system for oil/water separation with an excellent efficiency. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Geometrical Series and Phase Space in a Finite Oscillatory Motion

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mareco, H. R. Olmedo

2006-01-01

This article discusses some interesting physical properties of oscillatory motion of a particle on two joined inclined planes. The geometrical series demonstrates that the particle will oscillate during a finite time. Another detail is the converging path to the origin of the phase space. Due to its simplicity, this motion may be used as a…

The Effect of Platinum Electrocatalyst on Membrane Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells.

PubMed

Bodner, Merit; Cermenek, Bernd; Rami, Mija; Hacker, Viktor

2015-12-08

Membrane degradation is a severe factor limiting the lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Therefore, obtaining a deeper knowledge is fundamental in order to establish fuel cells as competitive product. A segmented single cell was operated under open circuit voltage with alternating relative humidity. The influence of the catalyst layer on membrane degradation was evaluated by measuring a membrane without electrodes and a membrane-electrode-assembly under identical conditions. After 100 h of accelerated stress testing the proton conductivity of membrane samples near the anode and cathode was investigated by means of ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The membrane sample near the cathode inlet exhibited twofold lower membrane resistance and a resulting twofold higher proton conductivity than the membrane sample near the anode inlet. The results from the fluoride ion analysis have shown that the presence of platinum reduces the fluoride emission rate; which supports conclusions drawn from the literature.

The Effect of Platinum Electrocatalyst on Membrane Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells

PubMed Central

Bodner, Merit; Cermenek, Bernd; Rami, Mija; Hacker, Viktor

2015-01-01

Membrane degradation is a severe factor limiting the lifetime of polymer electrolyte fuel cells. Therefore, obtaining a deeper knowledge is fundamental in order to establish fuel cells as competitive product. A segmented single cell was operated under open circuit voltage with alternating relative humidity. The influence of the catalyst layer on membrane degradation was evaluated by measuring a membrane without electrodes and a membrane-electrode-assembly under identical conditions. After 100 h of accelerated stress testing the proton conductivity of membrane samples near the anode and cathode was investigated by means of ex situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The membrane sample near the cathode inlet exhibited twofold lower membrane resistance and a resulting twofold higher proton conductivity than the membrane sample near the anode inlet. The results from the fluoride ion analysis have shown that the presence of platinum reduces the fluoride emission rate; which supports conclusions drawn from the literature. PMID:26670258

Theories of dynamical phenomena in sunspots

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thomas, J. H.

1981-01-01

Attempts that have been made to understand and explain observed dynamical phenomena in sunspots within the framework of magnetohydrodynamic theory are surveyed. The qualitative aspects of the theory and physical arguments are emphasized, with mathematical details generally avoided. The dynamical phenomena in sunspots are divided into two categories: aperiodic (quasi-steady) and oscillatory. For each phenomenon discussed, the salient observational features that any theory should explain are summarized. The two contending theoretical models that can account for the fine structure of the Evershed motion, namely the convective roll model and the siphon flow model, are described. With regard to oscillatory phenomena, attention is given to overstability and oscillatory convection, umbral oscillations and flashes. penumbral waves, five-minute oscillations in sunspots, and the wave cooling of sunspots.

On the generation of umbral flashes and running penumbral waves.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Moore, R. L.

1973-01-01

From a review of the observed properties of umbral flashes and running penumbral waves it is proposed that the source of these periodic phenomena is the oscillatory convection which Danielson and Savage (1968) and Savage (1969) have shown is likely to occur in the superadiabatic subphotospheric layers of sunspot umbras. Periods and growth rates are computed for oscillatory modes arising in a simple two-layer model umbra. The results suggest that umbral flashes result from disturbances produced by oscillatory convection occurring in the upper subphotospheric layer of the umbra, where the superadiabatic temperature gradient is much enhanced over that in lower layers, while running penumbral waves are due to oscillations in a layer just below this upper layer.

Qualitative simulation for process modeling and control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dalle Molle, D. T.; Edgar, T. F.

1989-01-01

A qualitative model is developed for a first-order system with a proportional-integral controller without precise knowledge of the process or controller parameters. Simulation of the qualitative model yields all of the solutions to the system equations. In developing the qualitative model, a necessary condition for the occurrence of oscillatory behavior is identified. Initializations that cannot exhibit oscillatory behavior produce a finite set of behaviors. When the phase-space behavior of the oscillatory behavior is properly constrained, these initializations produce an infinite but comprehensible set of asymptotically stable behaviors. While the predictions include all possible behaviors of the real system, a class of spurious behaviors has been identified. When limited numerical information is included in the model, the number of predictions is significantly reduced.

Comparative analysis of soybean plasma membrane proteins under osmotic stress using gel-based and LC MS/MS-based proteomics approaches.

PubMed

Nouri, Mohammad-Zaman; Komatsu, Setsuko

2010-05-01

To study the soybean plasma membrane proteome under osmotic stress, two methods were used: a gel-based and a LC MS/MS-based proteomics method. Two-day-old seedlings were subjected to 10% PEG for 2 days. Plasma membranes were purified from seedlings using a two-phase partitioning method and their purity was verified by measuring ATPase activity. Using the gel-based proteomics, four and eight protein spots were identified as up- and downregulated, respectively, whereas in the nanoLC MS/MS approach, 11 and 75 proteins were identified as up- and downregulated, respectively, under PEG treatment. Out of osmotic stress responsive proteins, most of the transporter proteins and all proteins with high number of transmembrane helices as well as low-abundance proteins could be identified by the LC MS/MS-based method. Three homologues of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase, which are transporter proteins involved in ion efflux, were upregulated under osmotic stress. Gene expression of this protein was increased after 12 h of stress exposure. Among the identified proteins, seven proteins were mutual in two proteomics techniques, in which calnexin was the highly upregulated protein. Accumulation of calnexin in plasma membrane was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. These results suggest that under hyperosmotic conditions, calnexin accumulates in the plasma membrane and ion efflux accelerates by upregulation of plasma membrane H(+)-ATPase protein.

Enhancing thermo-induced recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli by temperature oscillations and post-induction nutrient feeding strategies.

PubMed

Caspeta, Luis; Lara, Alvaro R; Pérez, Néstor O; Flores, Noemí; Bolívar, Francisco; Ramírez, Octavio T

2013-08-10

Traditional strategies for production of thermo-induced recombinant protein in Escherichia coli consist of a two-phase culture, with an initial growth stage at low temperature (commonly 30°C) followed by a production stage where temperature is increased stepwise (commonly up to 42°C). A disadvantage of such strategies is that growth is inhibited upon temperature increase, limiting the duration of the production stage and consequently limiting recombinant protein production. In this work, a novel oscillatory thermo-induction strategy, consisting on temperature fluctuations between 37 and 42°C or 30 and 42°C, was tested for improving recombinant protein production. In addition, the induction schemes were combined with one of three different nutrient feeding strategies: two exponential and one linear. Recombinant human preproinsulin (HPPI), produced under control of the λP(L)-cI857 system in the E. coli BL21 strain, was used as the model protein. Compared to the conventional induction scheme at constant temperature (42°C), longer productive times were attained under oscillatory induction, which resulted in a 1.3- to 1.7-fold increase in maximum HPPI concentration. Temperature oscillations led to a 2.3- to 4.0-fold increase in biomass accumulation and a decrease of 48-62% in the concentration of organic acids, compared to conventional induction. Under constant induction, growth ceased upon temperature increase and the maximum concentration of HPPI was 3.9 g/L, regardless of the post-induction feeding strategy used. In comparison, the combination of temperature oscillations and a high nutrient-feeding rate allowed sustained growth after induction and reaching up to 5.8 g/L of HPPI. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Humidification during high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for adults: a bench study.

PubMed

Chikata, Yusuke; Imanaka, Hideaki; Ueta, Masahiko; Nishimura, Masaji

2010-12-01

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) has recently been applied to acute respiratory distress syndrome patients. However, the issue of humidification during HFOV has not been investigated. In a bench study, we evaluated humidification during HFOV for adults to test if adequate humidification was achieved in 2 different HFOV systems. We tested 2 brands of adult HFOV ventilators, the R100 (Metran, Japan) and the 3100B (SensorMedics, CA), under identical bias flow. A heated humidifier consisting of porous hollow fiber (Hummax II, Metran) was set for the R100, and a passover-type heated humidifier (MR850, Fisher & Paykel) was set for the 3100B, while inspiratory heating wire was applied to both systems. Each ventilator was connected to a lung model in an incubator. Absolute humidity, relative humidity and temperature at the airway opening were measured using a hygrometer under a variety of ventilatory settings: 3 stroke volumes/amplitudes, 3 frequencies, and 2 mean airway pressures. The R100 ventilator showed higher absolute humidity, higher relative humidity, and lower temperature than the 3100B. In the R100, as stroke volume and frequency increased, absolute humidity and temperature increased. In the 3100B, amplitude, frequency, and mean airway pressure minimally affected absolute humidity and temperature. Relative humidity was almost 100% in the R100, while it was 80.5±2.3% in the 3100B. Humidification during HFOV for adults was affected by stroke volume and frequency in the R100, but was not in the 3100B. Absolute humidity was above 33 mgH_2 O/L in these 2 systems under a range of settings.

A limit cycle oscillator model for cycling mood variations of bipolar disorder patients derived from cellular biochemical reaction equations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Frank, T. D.

2013-08-01

We derive a nonlinear limit cycle model for oscillatory mood variations as observed in patients with cycling bipolar disorder. To this end, we consider two signaling pathways leading to the activation of two enzymes that play a key role for cellular and neural processes. We model pathway cross-talk in terms of an inhibitory impact of the first pathway on the second and an excitatory impact of the second on the first. The model also involves a negative feedback loop (inhibitory self-regulation) for the first pathway and a positive feedback loop (excitatory self-regulation) for the second pathway. We demonstrate that due to the cross-talk the biochemical dynamics is described by an oscillator equation. Under disease-free conditions the oscillatory system exhibits a stable fixed point. The breakdown of the self-inhibition of the first pathway at higher concentration levels is studied by means of a scalar control parameter ξ, where ξ equal to zero refers to intact self-inhibition at all concentration levels. Under certain conditions, stable limit cycle solutions emerge at critical parameter values of ξ larger than zero. These oscillations mimic pathological cycling mood variations that emerge due to a disease-induced bifurcation. Consequently, our modeling analysis supports the notion of bipolar disorder as a dynamical disease. In addition, our study establishes a connection between mechanistic biochemical modeling of bipolar disorder and phenomenological nonlinear oscillator approaches to bipolar disorder suggested in the literature.

Layering, melting, and recrystallization of a close-packed micellar crystal under steady and large-amplitude oscillatory shear flows

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

López-Barrón, Carlos R., E-mail: carlos.r.lopez-barron@exxonmobil.com; Wagner, Norman J.; Porcar, Lionel

2015-05-15

The rheology and three-dimensional microstructure of a concentrated viscoelastic solution of the triblock copolymer poly(ethylene oxide){sub 106}-poly(propylene oxide){sub 68}-poly(ethylene oxide){sub 106} (Pluronic F127) in the protic ionic liquid ethylammonium nitrate are measured by small angle neutron scattering (SANS) under flow in three orthogonal planes. This solution's shear-thinning viscosity is due to the formation of two-dimensional hexagonal close-packed (HCP) sliding layer structure. Shear-melting of the crystalline structure is observed without disruption of the self-assembled micelles, resulting in a change in flow properties. Spatially resolved measurements in the 1–2 plane reveal that both shear-melting and sliding are not uniform across the Couettemore » gap. Melting and recrystallization of the HCP layers occur cyclically during a single large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) cycle, in agreement with the “stick-slip” flow mechanism proposed by Hamley et al. [Phys. Rev. E 58, 7620–7628 (1998)]. Analysis of 3D “structural” Lissajous curves show that the cyclic melting and sliding are direct functions of the strain rate amplitude and show perfect correlation with the cyclic stress response during LAOS. Both viscosity and structural order obey the Delaware–Rutgers rule. Combining rheology with in situ spatiotemporally resolved SANS is demonstrated to elucidate the structural origins of the nonlinear rheology of complex fluids.« less

The Application of Electro- and Magneto-Encephalography in Tinnitus Research – Methods and Interpretations

PubMed Central

Adjamian, Peyman

2014-01-01

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate changes in oscillatory brain activity associated with tinnitus with many conflicting results. Current view of the underlying mechanism of tinnitus is that it results from changes in brain activity in various structures of the brain as a consequence of sensory deprivation. This in turn gives rise to increased spontaneous activity and/or synchrony in the auditory centers but also involves modulation from non-auditory processes from structures of the limbic and paralimbic system. Some of the neural changes associated with tinnitus may be assessed non-invasively in human beings with MEG and EEG (M/EEG) in ways, which are superior to animal studies and other non-invasive imaging techniques. However, both MEG and EEG have their limitations and research results can be misinterpreted without appropriate consideration of these limitations. In this article, I intend to provide a brief review of these techniques, describe what the recorded signals reflect in terms of the underlying neural activity, and their strengths and limitations. I also discuss some pertinent methodological issues involved in tinnitus-related studies and conclude with suggestions to minimize possible discrepancies between results. The overall message is that while MEG and EEG are extremely useful techniques, the interpretation of results from tinnitus studies requires much caution given the individual variability in oscillatory activity and the limits of these techniques. PMID:25431567

Nonsinusoidal Beta Oscillations Reflect Cortical Pathophysiology in Parkinson's Disease.

PubMed

Cole, Scott R; van der Meij, Roemer; Peterson, Erik J; de Hemptinne, Coralie; Starr, Philip A; Voytek, Bradley

2017-05-03

Oscillations in neural activity play a critical role in neural computation and communication. There is intriguing new evidence that the nonsinusoidal features of the oscillatory waveforms may inform underlying physiological and pathophysiological characteristics. Time-domain waveform analysis approaches stand in contrast to traditional Fourier-based methods, which alter or destroy subtle waveform features. Recently, it has been shown that the waveform features of oscillatory beta (13-30 Hz) events, a prominent motor cortical oscillation, may reflect near-synchronous excitatory synaptic inputs onto cortical pyramidal neurons. Here we analyze data from invasive human primary motor cortex (M1) recordings from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) implanted with a deep brain stimulator (DBS) to test the hypothesis that the beta waveform becomes less sharp with DBS, suggesting that M1 input synchrony may be decreased. We find that, in PD, M1 beta oscillations have sharp, asymmetric, nonsinusoidal features, specifically asymmetries in the ratio between the sharpness of the beta peaks compared with the troughs. This waveform feature is nearly perfectly correlated with beta-high gamma phase-amplitude coupling ( r = 0.94), a neural index previously shown to track PD-related motor deficit. Our results suggest that the pathophysiological beta generator is altered by DBS, smoothing out the beta waveform. This has implications not only for the interpretation of the physiological mechanism by which DBS reduces PD-related motor symptoms, but more broadly for our analytic toolkit in general. That is, the often-overlooked time-domain features of oscillatory waveforms may carry critical physiological information about neural processes and dynamics. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT To better understand the neural basis of cognition and disease, we need to understand how groups of neurons interact to communicate with one another. For example, there is evidence that parkinsonian bradykinesia and rigidity may arise from an oversynchronization of afferents to the motor cortex, and that these symptoms are treatable using deep brain stimulation. Here we show that the waveform shape of beta (13-30 Hz) oscillations, which may reflect input synchrony onto the cortex, is altered by deep brain stimulation. This suggests that mechanistic inferences regarding physiological and pathophysiological neural communication may be made from the temporal dynamics of oscillatory waveform shape. Copyright © 2017 the authors 0270-6474/17/374830-11$15.00/0.

Out-of-equilibrium dynamics in the cytoskeleton of the living cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lenormand, Guillaume; Bursac, Predrag; Butler, James P.; Fredberg, Jeffrey J.

2007-10-01

We report here measurements of rheological properties of the human airway smooth muscle cell using forced nanoscale motions of Arg-Gly-Asp RGD-coated microbeads tightly bound to the cytoskeleton. With changes of forcing amplitude, the storage modulus showed small but systematic nonlinearities, especially after treatment with a contractile agonist. In a dose-dependent manner, a large oscillatory shear applied from a few seconds up to 400s caused the cytoskeleton matrix to soften, a behavior comparable to physical rejuvenation observed in certain inert soft materials; the stiffness remained constant for as long as the large oscillatory shear was maintained, but suddenly fell with shear cessation. Stiffness then followed a slow scale-free recovery, a phenomenon comparable to physical aging. However, acetylated low-density lipoprotein acLDL-coated microbeads, which connect mainly to scavenger receptors, did not show similar out-of-equilibrium behaviors. Taken together, these data demonstrate in the cytoskeleton of the living cell behaviors with all the same signatures as that of soft inert condensed systems. This unexpected intersection of condensed matter physics and cytoskeletal biology suggests that trapping, intermittency, and approach to kinetic arrest represent central mesoscale features linking underlying molecular events to integrative cellular functions.

Multiple yielding processes in a colloidal gel under large amplitude oscillatory stress

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gibaud, Thomas; Perge, Christophe; Lindström, Stefan B.; Taberlet, Nicolas; Manneville, Sébastien

Fatigue refers to the changes in material properties caused by repeatedly applied loads. It has been widely studied for, e.g., construction materials, but much less has been done on soft materials. Here, we characterize the fatigue dynamics of a colloidal gel. Fatigue is induced by large amplitude oscillatory stress (LAOStress), and the local displacements of the gel are measured through high-frequency ultrasonic imaging. We show that fatigue eventually leads to rupture and fluidization. We evidence four successive steps associated with these dynamics: (i) the gel first remains solid, (ii) it then slides against the walls, (iii) the bulk of the sample becomes heterogeneous and displays solid-fluid coexistence, and (iv) it is finally fully fluidized. It is possible to homogeneously scale the duration of each step with respect to the stress oscillation amplitude $\\sigma_0$. The data are compatible with both exponential and power-law scalings with $\\sigma_0$, which hints at two possible interpretations in terms of delayed yielding in terms activated processes or of the Basquin law. Surprisingly, we find that the model parameters behave nonmonotonically as we change the oscillation frequency and/or the gel concentration.

Processing oscillatory signals by incoherent feedforward loops

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Carolyn; Wu, Feilun; Tsoi, Ryan; Shats, Igor; You, Lingchong

From the timing of amoeba development to the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency,many biological signaling pathways exhibit the ability to differentiate between pulsatile and sustained signals in the regulation of downstream gene expression.While networks underlying this signal decoding are diverse,many are built around a common motif, the incoherent feedforward loop (IFFL),where an input simultaneously activates an output and an inhibitor of the output.With appropriate parameters,this motif can generate temporal adaptation,where the system is desensitized to a sustained input.This property serves as the foundation for distinguishing signals with varying temporal profiles.Here,we use quantitative modeling to examine another property of IFFLs,the ability to process oscillatory signals.Our results indicate that the system's ability to translate pulsatile dynamics is limited by two constraints.The kinetics of IFFL components dictate the input range for which the network can decode pulsatile dynamics.In addition,a match between the network parameters and signal characteristics is required for optimal ``counting''.We elucidate one potential mechanism by which information processing occurs in natural networks with implications in the design of synthetic gene circuits for this purpose. This work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (CZ).

A laboratory validation study of the time-lapse oscillatory pumping test for leakage detection in geological repositories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Alexander Y.; Lu, Jiemin; Islam, Akand

2017-05-01

Geologic repositories are extensively used for disposing byproducts in mineral and energy industries. The safety and reliability of these repositories are a primary concern to environmental regulators and the public. Time-lapse oscillatory pumping test (OPT) has been introduced recently as a pressure-based technique for detecting potential leakage in geologic repositories. By routinely conducting OPT at a number of pulsing frequencies, an operator may identify the potential repository anomalies in the frequency domain, alleviating the ambiguity caused by reservoir noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio. Building on previous theoretical and field studies, this work performed a series of laboratory experiments to validate the concept of time-lapse OPT using a custom made, stainless steel tank under relatively high pressures. The experimental configuration simulates a miniature geologic storage repository consisting of three layers (i.e., injection zone, caprock, and above-zone aquifer). Results show that leakage in the injection zone led to deviations in the power spectrum of observed pressure data, and the amplitude of which also increases with decreasing pulsing frequencies. The experimental results are further analyzed by developing a 3D flow model, using which the model parameters are estimated through frequency domain inversion.

Frequency-Dependent Enhancement of Fluid Intelligence Induced by Transcranial Oscillatory Potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Santarnecchi, Emiliano; Polizzotto, Nicola Riccardo; Godone, Marco

Everyday problem solving requires the ability to go beyond experience by efficiently encoding and manipulating new information, i.e., fluid intelligence (Gf) [1]. Performance in tasks involving Gf, such as logical and abstract reasoning, has been shown to rely on distributed neural networks, with a crucial role played by prefrontal regions [2]. Synchronization of neuronal activity in the gamma band is a ubiquitous phenomenon within the brain; however, no evidence of its causal involvement in cognition exists to date [3]. Here, we show an enhancement of Gf ability in a cognitive task induced by exogenous rhythmic stimulation within the gamma band.more » Imperceptible alternating current [4] delivered through the scalp over the left middle frontal gyrus resulted in a frequency-specific shortening of the time required to find the correct solution in a visuospatial abstract reasoning task classically employed to measure Gf abilities (i.e., Raven’s matrices) [5]. Crucially, gamma-band stimulation (γ-tACS) selectively enhanced performance only on more complex trials involving conditional/logical reasoning. The finding presented here supports a direct involvement of gamma oscillatory activity in the mechanisms underlying higher-order human cognition.« less

Bone morphogenic protein 4 produced in endothelial cells by oscillatory shear stress stimulates an inflammatory response

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sorescu, George P.; Sykes, Michelle; Weiss, Daiana; Platt, Manu O.; Saha, Aniket; Hwang, Jinah; Boyd, Nolan; Boo, Yong C.; Vega, J. David; Taylor, W. Robert;

Impaired brainstem and thalamic high-frequency oscillatory EEG activity in migraine between attacks.

PubMed

Porcaro, Camillo; Di Lorenzo, Giorgio; Seri, Stefano; Pierelli, Francesco; Tecchio, Franca; Coppola, Gianluca

2017-09-01

Introduction We investigated whether interictal thalamic dysfunction in migraine without aura (MO) patients is a primary determinant or the expression of its functional disconnection from proximal or distal areas along the somatosensory pathway. Methods Twenty MO patients and twenty healthy volunteers (HVs) underwent an electroencephalographic (EEG) recording during electrical stimulation of the median nerve at the wrist. We used the functional source separation algorithm to extract four functionally constrained nodes (brainstem, thalamus, primary sensory radial, and primary sensory motor tangential parietal sources) along the somatosensory pathway. Two digital filters (1-400 Hz and 450-750 Hz) were applied in order to extract low- (LFO) and high- frequency (HFO) oscillatory activity from the broadband signal. Results Compared to HVs, patients presented significantly lower brainstem (BS) and thalamic (Th) HFO activation bilaterally. No difference between the two cortical HFO as well as in LFO peak activations between the two groups was seen. The age of onset of the headache was positively correlated with HFO power in the right brainstem and thalamus. Conclusions This study provides evidence for complex dysfunction of brainstem and thalamocortical networks under the control of genetic factors that might act by modulating the severity of migraine phenotype.

Processing Oscillatory Signals by Incoherent Feedforward Loops

PubMed Central

Zhang, Carolyn; You, Lingchong

2016-01-01

From the timing of amoeba development to the maintenance of stem cell pluripotency, many biological signaling pathways exhibit the ability to differentiate between pulsatile and sustained signals in the regulation of downstream gene expression. While the networks underlying this signal decoding are diverse, many are built around a common motif, the incoherent feedforward loop (IFFL), where an input simultaneously activates an output and an inhibitor of the output. With appropriate parameters, this motif can exhibit temporal adaptation, where the system is desensitized to a sustained input. This property serves as the foundation for distinguishing input signals with varying temporal profiles. Here, we use quantitative modeling to examine another property of IFFLs—the ability to process oscillatory signals. Our results indicate that the system’s ability to translate pulsatile dynamics is limited by two constraints. The kinetics of the IFFL components dictate the input range for which the network is able to decode pulsatile dynamics. In addition, a match between the network parameters and input signal characteristics is required for optimal “counting”. We elucidate one potential mechanism by which information processing occurs in natural networks, and our work has implications in the design of synthetic gene circuits for this purpose. PMID:27623175

Ongoing slow oscillatory phase modulates speech intelligibility in cooperation with motor cortical activity.

PubMed

Onojima, Takayuki; Kitajo, Keiichi; Mizuhara, Hiroaki

2017-01-01

Neural oscillation is attracting attention as an underlying mechanism for speech recognition. Speech intelligibility is enhanced by the synchronization of speech rhythms and slow neural oscillation, which is typically observed as human scalp electroencephalography (EEG). In addition to the effect of neural oscillation, it has been proposed that speech recognition is enhanced by the identification of a speaker's motor signals, which are used for speech production. To verify the relationship between the effect of neural oscillation and motor cortical activity, we measured scalp EEG, and simultaneous EEG and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a speech recognition task in which participants were required to recognize spoken words embedded in noise sound. We proposed an index to quantitatively evaluate the EEG phase effect on behavioral performance. The results showed that the delta and theta EEG phase before speech inputs modulated the participant's response time when conducting speech recognition tasks. The simultaneous EEG-fMRI experiment showed that slow EEG activity was correlated with motor cortical activity. These results suggested that the effect of the slow oscillatory phase was associated with the activity of the motor cortex during speech recognition.

[Three-dimensional finite element analysis on cell culture membrane under mechanical load].

PubMed

Guo, Xin; Fan, Yubo; Song, Jinlin; Chen, Junkai

2002-01-01

A three-dimensional finite element model of the cell culture membrane was developed in the culture device under tension state made by us. The magnitude of tension and the displacement distribution in the membrane made of silicon rubber under different hydrostatic load were obtained by use of FEM analysis. A comparative study was made between the numerical and the experimental results. These results can serve as guides to the related cellular mechanical research.

Wavelet analysis of corneal endothelial electrical potential difference reveals cyclic operation of the secretory mechanism.

PubMed

Cacace, V I; Montalbetti, N; Kusnier, C; Gomez, M P; Fischbarg, J

2011-09-01

The corneal endothelium is a fluid-transporting epithelium. As other similar tissues, it displays an electrical potential of ~1 mV (aqueous side negative) across the entire layer [transendothelial potential difference (TEPD)]. It appears that this electrical potential is mainly the result of the transport of anions across the cell layer (from stroma to aqueous). There is substantial evidence that the TEPD is related linearly to fluid transport; hence, under proper conditions, its measure could serve as a measure of fluid transport. Furthermore, the TEPD is not steady; instead, it displays a spectrum of frequency components (0-15 Hz) recognized recently using Fourier transforms. Such frequency components appear due to charge-separating (electrogenic) processes mediated by epithelial plasma membrane proteins (both ionic channels and ionic cotransporters). In particular, the endothelial TEPD oscillations of the highest amplitude (1-2 Hz) were linked to the operation of so-called sodium bicarbonate cotransporters. However, no time localization of that activity could be obtained with the Fourier methodology utilized. For that reason we now characterize the TEPD using wavelet analysis with the aim to localize in time the variations in TEPD. We find that the mentioned high-amplitude oscillatory components of the TEPD appear cyclically during the several hours that an endothelial preparation survives in vitro. They have a period of 4.6 ± 0.4 s on average (n=4). The wavelet power value at the peak of such oscillations is 1.5 ± 0.1 mV(2) Hz on average (n = 4), and is remarkably narrow in its distribution.

Oscillation patterns are enhanced and firing threshold is lowered in medullary respiratory neuron discharges by threshold doses of a μ-opioid receptor agonist

PubMed Central

Mifflin, Steve W.

2017-01-01

μ-Opioid receptors are distributed widely in the brain stem respiratory network, and opioids with selectivity for μ-type receptors slow in vivo respiratory rhythm in lowest effective doses. Several studies have reported μ-opioid receptor effects on the three-phase rhythm of respiratory neurons, but there are until now no reports of opioid effects on oscillatory activity within respiratory discharges. In this study, effects of the μ-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl on spike train discharge properties of several different types of rhythm-modulating medullary respiratory neuron discharges were analyzed. Doses of fentanyl that were just sufficient for prolongation of discharges and slowing of the three-phase respiratory rhythm also produced pronounced enhancement of spike train properties. Oscillation and burst patterns detected by autocorrelation measurements were greatly enhanced, and interspike intervals were prolonged. Spike train properties under control conditions and after fentanyl were uniform within each experiment, but varied considerably between experiments, which might be related to variability in acid-base balance in the brain stem extracellular fluid. Discharge threshold was shifted to more negative levels of membrane potential. The effects on threshold are postulated to result from opioid-mediated disinhibition and postsynaptic enhancement of N-methyl-d- aspartate receptor current. Lowering of firing threshold, enhancement of spike train oscillations and bursts and prolongation of discharges by lowest effective doses of fentanyl could represent compensatory adjustments in the brain stem respiratory network to override opioid blunting of CO2/pH chemosensitivity. PMID:28202437

Acetylcholine-induced seizure-like activity and modified cholinergic gene expression in chronically epileptic rats.

PubMed

Zimmerman, Gabriel; Njunting, Marleisje; Ivens, Sebastian; Tolner, Else A; Tolner, Elsa; Behrens, Christoph J; Gross, Miriam; Soreq, Hermona; Heinemann, Uwe; Friedman, Alon

2008-02-01

The entorhinal cortex (EC) plays an important role in temporal lobe epilepsy. Under normal conditions, the enriched cholinergic innervation of the EC modulates local synchronized oscillatory activity; however, its role in epilepsy is unknown. Enhanced neuronal activation has been shown to induce transcriptional changes of key cholinergic genes and thus alter cholinergic responses. To examine cholinergic modulations in epileptic tissue we studied molecular and electrophysiological cholinergic responses in the EC of chronically epileptic rats following exposure to pilocarpine or kainic acid. We confirmed that while the total activity of the acetylcholine (ACh)-hydrolysing enzyme, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was not altered, epileptic rats showed alternative splicing of AChE pre-mRNA transcripts, accompanied by a shift from membrane-bound AChE tetramers to soluble monomers. This was associated with increased sensitivity to ACh application: thus, in control rats, ACh (10-100 microm) induced slow (< 1Hz), periodic events confined to the EC; however, in epileptic rats, ACh evoked seconds-long seizure-like events with initial appearance in the EC, and frequent propagation to neighbouring cortical regions. ACh-induced seizure-like events could be completely blocked by the non-specific muscarinic antagonist, atropine, and were partially blocked by the muscarinic-1 receptor antagonist, pirenzepine; but were not affected by the non-specific nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine. Epileptic rats presented reduced transcript levels of muscarinic receptors with no evidence of mRNA editing or altered mRNA levels for nicotinic ACh receptors. Our findings suggest that altered cholinergic modulation may initiate seizure events in the epileptic temporal cortex.

Oscillation patterns are enhanced and firing threshold is lowered in medullary respiratory neuron discharges by threshold doses of a μ-opioid receptor agonist.

PubMed

Lalley, Peter M; Mifflin, Steve W

2017-05-01

μ-Opioid receptors are distributed widely in the brain stem respiratory network, and opioids with selectivity for μ-type receptors slow in vivo respiratory rhythm in lowest effective doses. Several studies have reported μ-opioid receptor effects on the three-phase rhythm of respiratory neurons, but there are until now no reports of opioid effects on oscillatory activity within respiratory discharges. In this study, effects of the μ-opioid receptor agonist fentanyl on spike train discharge properties of several different types of rhythm-modulating medullary respiratory neuron discharges were analyzed. Doses of fentanyl that were just sufficient for prolongation of discharges and slowing of the three-phase respiratory rhythm also produced pronounced enhancement of spike train properties. Oscillation and burst patterns detected by autocorrelation measurements were greatly enhanced, and interspike intervals were prolonged. Spike train properties under control conditions and after fentanyl were uniform within each experiment, but varied considerably between experiments, which might be related to variability in acid-base balance in the brain stem extracellular fluid. Discharge threshold was shifted to more negative levels of membrane potential. The effects on threshold are postulated to result from opioid-mediated disinhibition and postsynaptic enhancement of N -methyl-d- aspartate receptor current. Lowering of firing threshold, enhancement of spike train oscillations and bursts and prolongation of discharges by lowest effective doses of fentanyl could represent compensatory adjustments in the brain stem respiratory network to override opioid blunting of CO 2 /pH chemosensitivity. Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.

Analysis of current-driven oscillatory dynamics of single-layer homoepitaxial islands on crystalline conducting substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Dwaipayan; Kumar, Ashish; Maroudas, Dimitrios

2018-03-01

We report results of a systematic study on the complex oscillatory current-driven dynamics of single-layer homoepitaxial islands on crystalline substrate surfaces and the dependence of this driven dynamical behavior on important physical parameters, including island size, substrate surface orientation, and direction of externally applied electric field. The analysis is based on a nonlinear model of driven island edge morphological evolution that accounts for curvature-driven edge diffusion, edge electromigration, and edge diffusional anisotropy. Using a linear theory of island edge morphological stability, we calculate a critical island size at which the island's equilibrium edge shape becomes unstable, which sets a lower bound for the onset of time-periodic oscillatory dynamical response. Using direct dynamical simulations, we study the edge morphological dynamics of current-driven single-layer islands at larger-than-critical size, and determine the actual island size at which the migrating islands undergo a transition from steady to time-periodic asymptotic states through a subcritical Hopf bifurcation. At the highest symmetry of diffusional anisotropy examined, on {111} surfaces of face-centered cubic crystalline substrates, we find that more complex stable oscillatory states can be reached through period-doubling bifurcation at island sizes larger than those at the Hopf points. We characterize in detail the island morphology and dynamical response at the stable time-periodic asymptotic states, determine the range of stability of these oscillatory states terminated by island breakup, and explain the morphological features of the stable oscillating islands on the basis of linear stability theory.

Dynamics of viscous liquid bridges inside microchannels subject to external oscillatory flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadlouydarab, Majid; Azaiez, Jalel; Chen, Zhangxin

2015-02-01

We report on two-dimensional simulations of liquid bridges' dynamics inside microchannels of uniform wettability and subject to an external oscillatory flow rate. The oscillatory flow results in a zero net flow rate and its effects are compared to those of a stationary system. To handle the three phase contact lines motion, Cahn-Hilliard diffuse-interface formulation was used and the flow equations were solved using the finite element method with adaptively refined unstructured grids. The results indicate that the liquid bridge responds in three different ways depending on the substrate wettability properties and the frequency of the oscillatory flow. In particular below a critical frequency, the liquid bridge will rupture when the channel walls are philic or detach from the surface when they are phobic. However, at high frequencies, the liquid bridge shows a perpetual periodic oscillatory motion for both philic and phobic surfaces. Furthermore, an increase in the frequency of the flow velocity results in stabilization effects and a behavior approaching that of the stationary system where no rupture or detachment can be observed. This stable behavior is the direct result of less deformation of the liquid bridge due to the fast flow direction change and motion of contact lines on the solid substrate. Moreover, it was found that the flow velocity is out of phase with the footprint and throat lengths and that the latter two also show a phase difference. These differences were explained in terms of the motion of the two contact lines on the solid substrates and the deformation of the two fluid-fluid interfaces.

Dynamics of viscous liquid bridges inside microchannels subject to external oscillatory flow.

PubMed

Ahmadlouydarab, Majid; Azaiez, Jalel; Chen, Zhangxin

2015-02-01

We report on two-dimensional simulations of liquid bridges' dynamics inside microchannels of uniform wettability and subject to an external oscillatory flow rate. The oscillatory flow results in a zero net flow rate and its effects are compared to those of a stationary system. To handle the three phase contact lines motion, Cahn-Hilliard diffuse-interface formulation was used and the flow equations were solved using the finite element method with adaptively refined unstructured grids. The results indicate that the liquid bridge responds in three different ways depending on the substrate wettability properties and the frequency of the oscillatory flow. In particular below a critical frequency, the liquid bridge will rupture when the channel walls are philic or detach from the surface when they are phobic. However, at high frequencies, the liquid bridge shows a perpetual periodic oscillatory motion for both philic and phobic surfaces. Furthermore, an increase in the frequency of the flow velocity results in stabilization effects and a behavior approaching that of the stationary system where no rupture or detachment can be observed. This stable behavior is the direct result of less deformation of the liquid bridge due to the fast flow direction change and motion of contact lines on the solid substrate. Moreover, it was found that the flow velocity is out of phase with the footprint and throat lengths and that the latter two also show a phase difference. These differences were explained in terms of the motion of the two contact lines on the solid substrates and the deformation of the two fluid-fluid interfaces.

Lasting EEG/MEG Aftereffects of Rhythmic Transcranial Brain Stimulation: Level of Control Over Oscillatory Network Activity

PubMed Central

Veniero, Domenica; Vossen, Alexandra; Gross, Joachim; Thut, Gregor

2015-01-01

A number of rhythmic protocols have emerged for non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) in humans, including transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), oscillatory transcranial direct current stimulation (otDCS), and repetitive (also called rhythmic) transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). With these techniques, it is possible to match the frequency of the externally applied electromagnetic fields to the intrinsic frequency of oscillatory neural population activity (“frequency-tuning”). Mounting evidence suggests that by this means tACS, otDCS, and rTMS can entrain brain oscillations and promote associated functions in a frequency-specific manner, in particular during (i.e., online to) stimulation. Here, we focus instead on the changes in oscillatory brain activity that persist after the end of stimulation. Understanding such aftereffects in healthy participants is an important step for developing these techniques into potentially useful clinical tools for the treatment of specific patient groups. Reviewing the electrophysiological evidence in healthy participants, we find aftereffects on brain oscillations to be a common outcome following tACS/otDCS and rTMS. However, we did not find a consistent, predictable pattern of aftereffects across studies, which is in contrast to the relative homogeneity of reported online effects. This indicates that aftereffects are partially dissociated from online, frequency-specific (entrainment) effects during tACS/otDCS and rTMS. We outline possible accounts and future directions for a better understanding of the link between online entrainment and offline aftereffects, which will be key for developing more targeted interventions into oscillatory brain activity. PMID:26696834

Numerical and Experimental Dynamic Characteristics of Thin-Film Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, Leyland G.; Ramanathan, Suresh; Hu, Jia-Zhu; Pai, P. Frank

2004-01-01

Presented is a total-Lagrangian displacement-based non-linear finite-element model of thin-film membranes for static and dynamic large-displacement analyses. The membrane theory fully accounts for geometric non-linearities. Fully non-linear static analysis followed by linear modal analysis is performed for an inflated circular cylindrical Kapton membrane tube under different pressures, and for a rectangular membrane under different tension loads at four comers. Finite element results show that shell modes dominate the dynamics of the inflated tube when the inflation pressure is low, and that vibration modes localized along four edges dominate the dynamics of the rectangular membrane. Numerical dynamic characteristics of the two membrane structures were experimentally verified using a Polytec PI PSV-200 scanning laser vibrometer and an EAGLE-500 8-camera motion analysis system.

Membrane glycerolipid equilibrium under endoplasmic reticulum stress in Arabidopsis thaliana.

PubMed

Yu, Chao-Yuan; Nguyen, Van Cam; Chuang, Ling; Kanehara, Kazue

2018-06-02

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an indispensable organelle for secretory protein synthesis as well as metabolism of phospholipids and their derivatives in eukaryotic cells. Various external and internal factors may cause an accumulation of aberrant proteins in the ER, which causes ER stress and activates cellular ER stress responses to cope with the stress. In animal research, molecular mechanisms for protein quality control upon ER stress are well documented; however, how cells maintain lipid homeostasis under ER stress is an emerging issue. The ratio of phosphatidylcholine (PC) to phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), two major phospholipid classes, is important under ER stress in animal cells. However, in seed plants, no study has reported on the changes in membrane lipid content under ER stress, although a number of physiologically important environmental stresses, such as heat and salinity, induce ER stress. Here, we investigated membrane glycerolipid metabolism under ER stress in Arabidopsis. ER stress transcriptionally affected PC and PE biosynthesis pathways differentially, with no significant changes in membrane glycerolipid content. Our results suggest that higher plants maintain membrane lipid equilibrium during active transcription of phospholipid biosynthetic genes under ER stress. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Macromolecular Origins of Harmonics Higher than the Third in Large-Amplitude Oscillatory Shear Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Giacomin, Alan; Jbara, Layal; Gilbert, Peter; Chemical Engineering Department Team

2016-11-01

In 1935, Andrew Gemant conceived of the complex viscosity, a rheological material function measured by "jiggling" an elastic liquid in oscillatory shear. This test reveals information about both the viscous and elastic properties of the liquid, and about how these properties depend on frequency. The test gained popularity with chemists when John Ferry perfected instruments for measuring both the real and imaginary parts of the complex viscosity. In 1958, Cox and Merz discovered that the steady shear viscosity curve was easily deduced from the magnitude of the complex viscosity, and today oscillatory shear is the single most popular rheological property measurement. With oscillatory shear, we can control two things: the frequency (Deborah number) and the shear rate amplitude (Weissenberg number). When the Weissenberg number is large, the elastic liquids respond with a shear stress over a series of odd-multiples of the test frequency. In this lecture we will explore recent attempts to deepen our understand of the physics of these higher harmonics, including especially harmonics higher than the third. Canada Research Chairs program of the Government of Canada for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Rheology.

The Effects of High Frequency Oscillatory Flow on Particles' Deposition in Upper Human Lung Airways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonifacio, Jeremy; Rahai, Hamid; Taherian, Shahab

2016-11-01

The effects of oscillatory inspiration on particles' deposition in upper airways of a human lung during inhalation/exhalation have been numerically investigated and results of flow characteristics, and particles' deposition pattern have been compared with the corresponding results without oscillation. The objective of the investigation was to develop an improved method for drug delivery for Asthma and COPD patients. Previous clinical investigations of using oral airway oscillations have shown enhanced expectoration in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients, when the frequency of oscillation was at 8 Hz with 9:1 inspiratory/expiratory (I:E) ratio. Other investigations on oscillatory ventilation had frequency range of 0.5 Hz to 2.5 Hz. In the present investigations, the frequency of oscillation was changed between 2 Hz to 10 Hz. The particles were injected at the inlet and particle velocity was equal to the inlet air velocity. One-way coupling of air and particles was assumed. Lagrangian phase model was used for transport and depositions of solid 2.5 micron diameter round particles with 1200 kg/m3 density. Preliminary results have shown enhanced PM deposition with oscillatory flow with lower frequency having a higher deposition rate Graduate Assistant.

Regional gas transport in the heterogeneous lung during oscillatory ventilation.

PubMed

Herrmann, Jacob; Tawhai, Merryn H; Kaczka, David W

2016-12-01

Regional ventilation in the injured lung is heterogeneous and frequency dependent, making it difficult to predict how an oscillatory flow waveform at a specified frequency will be distributed throughout the periphery. To predict the impact of mechanical heterogeneity on regional ventilation distribution and gas transport, we developed a computational model of distributed gas flow and CO 2 elimination during oscillatory ventilation from 0.1 to 30 Hz. The model consists of a three-dimensional airway network of a canine lung, with heterogeneous parenchymal tissues to mimic effects of gravity and injury. Model CO 2 elimination during single frequency oscillation was validated against previously published experimental data (Venegas JG, Hales CA, Strieder DJ, J Appl Physiol 60: 1025-1030, 1986). Simulations of gas transport demonstrated a critical transition in flow distribution at the resonant frequency, where the reactive components of mechanical impedance due to airway inertia and parenchymal elastance were equal. For frequencies above resonance, the distribution of ventilation became spatially clustered and frequency dependent. These results highlight the importance of oscillatory frequency in managing the regional distribution of ventilation and gas exchange in the heterogeneous lung. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

EEG Oscillatory States: Universality, Uniqueness and Specificity across Healthy-Normal, Altered and Pathological Brain Conditions

PubMed Central

Fingelkurts, Alexander A.; Fingelkurts, Andrew A.

2014-01-01

For the first time the dynamic repertoires and oscillatory types of local EEG states in 13 diverse conditions (examined over 9 studies) that covered healthy-normal, altered and pathological brain states were quantified within the same methodological and conceptual framework. EEG oscillatory states were assessed by the probability-classification analysis of short-term EEG spectral patterns. The results demonstrated that brain activity consists of a limited repertoire of local EEG states in any of the examined conditions. The size of the state repertoires was associated with changes in cognition and vigilance or neuropsychopathologic conditions. Additionally universal, optional and unique EEG states across 13 diverse conditions were observed. It was demonstrated also that EEG oscillations which constituted EEG states were characteristic for different groups of conditions in accordance to oscillations’ functional significance. The results suggested that (a) there is a limit in the number of local states available to the cortex and many ways in which these local states can rearrange themselves and still produce the same global state and (b) EEG individuality is determined by varying proportions of universal, optional and unique oscillatory states. The results enriched our understanding about dynamic microstructure of EEG-signal. PMID:24505292

On oscillatory magnetoconvection in a nanofluid layer in the presence of internal heat source and Soret effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khalid, Izzati Khalidah; Mokhtar, Nor Fadzillah Mohd; Bakri, Nur Amirah; Siri, Zailan; Ibrahim, Zarina Bibi; Gani, Siti Salwa Abd

2017-11-01

The onset of oscillatory magnetoconvection for an infinite horizontal nanofluid layer subjected to Soret effect and internal heat source heated from below is examined theoretically with the implementation of linear stability theory. Two important properties that are thermophoresis and Brownian motion are included in the model and three types of lower-upper bounding systems of the model: rigid-rigid, rigid-free as well as free-free boundaries are examined. Eigenvalue equations are gained from a normal mode analysis and executed using Galerkin technique. Magnetic field effect, internal heat source effect, Soret effect and other nanofluid parameters on the oscillatory convection are presented graphically. For oscillatory mode, it is found that the effect of internal heat source is quite significant for small values of the non-dimensional parameter and elevating the internal heat source speed up the onset of convection. Meanwhile, the increasing of the strength of magnetic field in a nanofluid layer reduced the rate of thermal instability and sustain the stabilization of the system. For the Soret effect, the onset of convection in the system is accelerated when the values of the Soret effect is increased.

Cerebral oscillatory activity during simulated driving using MEG.

PubMed

Sakihara, Kotoe; Hirata, Masayuki; Ebe, Kazutoshi; Kimura, Kenji; Yi Ryu, Seong; Kono, Yoshiyuki; Muto, Nozomi; Yoshioka, Masako; Yoshimine, Toshiki; Yorifuji, Shiro

2014-01-01

We aimed to examine cerebral oscillatory differences associated with psychological processes during simulated car driving. We recorded neuromagnetic signals in 14 healthy volunteers using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during simulated driving. MEG data were analyzed using synthetic aperture magnetometry to detect the spatial distribution of cerebral oscillations. Group effects between subjects were analyzed statistically using a non-parametric permutation test. Oscillatory differences were calculated by comparison between "passive viewing" and "active driving." "Passive viewing" was the baseline, and oscillatory differences during "active driving" showed an increase or decrease in comparison with a baseline. Power increase in the theta band was detected in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) during active driving. Power decreases in the alpha, beta, and low gamma bands were detected in the right inferior parietal lobe (IPL), left postcentral gyrus (PoCG), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and posterior cingulate gyrus (PCiG) during active driving. Power increase in the theta band in the SFG may play a role in attention. Power decrease in the right IPL may reflect selectively divided attention and visuospatial processing, whereas that in the left PoCG reflects sensorimotor activation related to driving manipulation. Power decreases in the MTG and PCiG may be associated with object recognition.

Effects from Unsaturated Zone Flow during Oscillatory Hydraulic Testing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, D.; Zhou, Y.; Cardiff, M. A.; Barrash, W.

2014-12-01

In analyzing pumping tests on unconfined aquifers, the impact of the unsaturated zone is often neglected. Instead, desaturation at the water table is often treated as a free-surface boundary, which is simple and allows for relatively fast computation. Richards' equation models, which account for unsaturated flow, can be compared with saturated flow models to validate the use of Darcy's Law. In this presentation, we examine the appropriateness of using fast linear steady-periodic models based on linearized water table conditions in order to simulate oscillatory pumping tests in phreatic aquifers. We compare oscillatory pumping test models including: 1) a 2-D radially-symmetric phreatic aquifer model with a partially penetrating well, simulated using both Darcy's Law and Richards' Equation in COMSOL; and 2) a linear phase-domain numerical model developed in MATLAB. Both COMSOL and MATLAB models are calibrated to match oscillatory pumping test data collected in the summer of 2013 at the Boise Hydrogeophysical Research Site (BHRS), and we examine the effect of model type on the associated parameter estimates. The results of this research will aid unconfined aquifer characterization efforts and help to constrain the impact of the simplifying physical assumptions often employed during test analysis.

Wavelet-based localization of oscillatory sources from magnetoencephalography data.

PubMed

Lina, J M; Chowdhury, R; Lemay, E; Kobayashi, E; Grova, C

2014-08-01

Transient brain oscillatory activities recorded with Eelectroencephalography (EEG) or magnetoencephalography (MEG) are characteristic features in physiological and pathological processes. This study is aimed at describing, evaluating, and illustrating with clinical data a new method for localizing the sources of oscillatory cortical activity recorded by MEG. The method combines time-frequency representation and an entropic regularization technique in a common framework, assuming that brain activity is sparse in time and space. Spatial sparsity relies on the assumption that brain activity is organized among cortical parcels. Sparsity in time is achieved by transposing the inverse problem in the wavelet representation, for both data and sources. We propose an estimator of the wavelet coefficients of the sources based on the maximum entropy on the mean (MEM) principle. The full dynamics of the sources is obtained from the inverse wavelet transform, and principal component analysis of the reconstructed time courses is applied to extract oscillatory components. This methodology is evaluated using realistic simulations of single-trial signals, combining fast and sudden discharges (spike) along with bursts of oscillating activity. The method is finally illustrated with a clinical application using MEG data acquired on a patient with a right orbitofrontal epilepsy.

Ultrathin graphene oxide-based hollow fiber membranes with brush-like CO2-philic agent for highly efficient CO2 capture.

PubMed

Zhou, Fanglei; Tien, Huynh Ngoc; Xu, Weiwei L; Chen, Jung-Tsai; Liu, Qiuli; Hicks, Ethan; Fathizadeh, Mahdi; Li, Shiguang; Yu, Miao

2017-12-13

Among the current CO 2 capture technologies, membrane gas separation has many inherent advantages over other conventional techniques. However, fabricating gas separation membranes with both high CO 2 permeance and high CO 2 /N 2 selectivity, especially under wet conditions, is a challenge. In this study, sub-20-nm thick, layered graphene oxide (GO)-based hollow fiber membranes with grafted, brush-like CO 2 -philic agent alternating between GO layers are prepared by a facile coating process for highly efficient CO 2 /N 2 separation under wet conditions. Piperazine, as an effective CO 2 -philic agent, is introduced as a carrier-brush into the GO nanochannels with chemical bonding. The membrane exhibits excellent separation performance under simulated flue gas conditions with CO 2 permeance of 1,020 GPU and CO 2 /N 2 selectivity as high as 680, demonstrating its potential for CO 2 capture from flue gas. We expect this GO-based membrane structure combined with the facile coating process to facilitate the development of ultrathin GO-based membranes for CO 2 capture.

[Results of the NASA/University Joint Venture (JOVE) Program at the University of Vermont

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yu, Jun

1996-01-01

Sea ice parameters in the north and south polar regions are important components of the global climate system. Current air-sea-ice models do not take into account oscillatory behavior in the ice covers other than for the seasonal cycle, since the relative importance of such oscillations is not known. An analysis of oscillatory behavior then becomes important from the standpoints of determining the significance of the various oscillatory components and perhaps discovery of some new aspects of the air-sea-ice interaction processes. One of these components, the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is known to be associated with weather changes on a global scale. Indeed, its spectral components have also been observed in the sea ice distribution in both hemispheres.

Phonon-assisted oscillatory exciton dynamics in monolayer MoSe 2

DOE PAGES

Chow, Colin M.; Yu, Hongyi; Jones, Aaron M.; ...

2017-10-13

In monolayer semiconductor transition metal dichalcogenides, the exciton–phonon interaction strongly affects the photocarrier dynamics. Here, we report on an unusual oscillatory enhancement of the neutral exciton photoluminescence with the excitation laser frequency in monolayer MoSe 2. The frequency of oscillation matches that of the M-point longitudinal acoustic phonon, LA(M), suggesting the significance of zone-edge acoustic phonons and hence the deformation potential in exciton-phonon coupling in MoSe 2. Moreover, oscillatory behavior is observed in the steady-state emission linewidth and in time-resolved PLE data, which reveals variation with excitation energy in the exciton lifetime. These results clearly expose the key role playedmore » by phonons in the exciton formation and relaxation dynamics of two-dimensional van der Waals semiconductors.« less

SWAYING THREADS OF A SOLAR FILAMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Y.; Engvold, O.; Langangen, Oe.

From recent high-resolution observations obtained with the Swedish 1 m Solar Telescope in La Palma, we detect swaying motions of individual filament threads in the plane of the sky. The oscillatory characters of these motions are comparable with oscillatory Doppler signals obtained from corresponding filament threads. Simultaneous recordings of motions in the line of sight and in the plane of the sky give information about the orientation of the oscillatory plane. These oscillations are interpreted in the context of the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) theory. Kink MHD waves supported by the thread body are proposed as an explanation of the observed threadmore » oscillations. On the basis of this interpretation and by means of seismological arguments, we give an estimation of the thread Alfven speed and magnetic field strength by means of seismological arguments.« less

Effects of Electrical and Mechanical Overstimulus on Spontaneous Oscillations in Hair Bundles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, Albert; Strimbu, C. Elliott; Bozovic, Dolores

2011-11-01

Spontaneous oscillations constitute one of the manifestations of the active process operant in hair cells and provides a sensitive probe for their internal dynamics. The influx of ions into the stereocilia can be modulated by applying an electrical current across the epithelium and has been previously shown to strongly affect the oscillatory profiles. We applied strong transient stimuli and demonstrated that they can induce a transition from the oscillatory to the quiescent state, an effect that can last over several seconds post stimulus cessation. The dynamics of recovery to the oscillatory state was found to be dependent on the amplitude and the duration of the stimulus. Similar dynamics were observed after high-amplitude mechanical stimulus, which mimics the effects of loud sound on an individual bundle.

Unzip instabilities: Straight to oscillatory transitions in the cutting of thin polymer sheets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reis, P. M.; Kumar, A.; Shattuck, M. D.; Roman, B.

2008-06-01

We report an experimental investigation of the cutting of a thin brittle polymer sheet with a blunt tool. It was recently shown that the fracture path becomes oscillatory when the tool is much wider than the sheet thickness. Here we uncover two novel transitions from straight to oscillatory fracture by varying either the tilt angle of the tool or the speed of cutting, respectively. We denote these by angle and speed unzip instabilities and analyze them by quantifying both the dynamics of the crack tip and the final shapes of the fracture paths. Moreover, for the speed unzip instability, the straight crack lip obtained at low speeds exhibits out-of-plane buckling undulations (as opposed to being flat above the instability threshold) suggesting a transition from ductile to brittle fracture.

Oscillation of two-dimensional linear second-order differential systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kwong, M.K.; Kaper, H.G.

This article is concerned with the oscillatory behavior at infinity of the solution y: (a, infinity) ..-->.. R/sup 2/ of a system of two second-order differential equations, y''(t) + Q(t) y(t) = 0, t epsilon(a, infinity); Q is a continuous matrix-valued function on (a, infinity) whose values are real symmetric matrices of order 2. It is shown that the solution is oscillatory at infinity if the largest eigenvalue of the matrix integral/sub a//sup t/ Q(s) ds tends to infinity as t ..-->.. infinity. This proves a conjecture of D. Hinton and R.T. Lewis for the two-dimensional case. Furthermore, it ismore » shown that considerably weaker forms of the condition still suffice for oscillatory behavior at infinity. 7 references.« less

Fouling of nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultrafiltration membranes by protein mixtures: the role of inter-foulant-species interaction.

PubMed

Wang, Yi-Ning; Tang, Chuyang Y

2011-08-01

Protein fouling of nanofiltration (NF), reverse osmosis (RO), and ultrafiltration (UF) membranes by bovine serum albumin (BSA), lysozyme (LYS), and their mixture was investigated under cross-flow conditions. The effect of solution chemistry, membrane properties, and permeate flux level was systematically studied. When the solution pH was within the isoelectric points (IEPs) of the two proteins (i.e., pH 4.7-10.4), the mixed protein system experienced more severe flux decline compared to the respective single protein systems, which may be attributed to the electrostatic attraction between the negatively charged BSA and positively charged LYS molecules. Unlike a typical single protein system, membrane fouling by BSA-LYS mixture was only weakly dependent on solution pH within this pH range, and increased ionic strength was found to enhance the membrane flux as a result of the suppressed BSA-LYS electrostatic attraction. Membrane fouling was likely controlled by foulant-fouled-membrane interaction under severe fouling conditions (elevated flux level and unfavorable solution chemistry that promotes fouling), whereas it was likely dominated by foulant-clean-membrane interaction under mild fouling conditions. Compared to nonporous NF and RO membranes, the porous UF membrane was more susceptible to dramatic flux decline due to the increased risk of membrane pore plugging. This study reveals that membrane fouling by mixed macromolecules may behave very differently from that by typical single foulant system, especially when the inter-foulant-species interaction dominates over the intra-species interaction in the mixed foulant system.

Dissipative and Autonomous Square-Wave Self-Oscillation of a Macroscopic Hybrid Self-Assembly under Continuous Light Irradiation.

PubMed

Ikegami, Tomonori; Kageyama, Yoshiyuki; Obara, Kazuma; Takeda, Sadamu

2016-07-11

Building a bottom-up supramolecular system to perform continuously autonomous motions will pave the way for the next generation of biomimetic mechanical systems. In biological systems, hierarchical molecular synchronization underlies the generation of spatio-temporal patterns with dissipative structures. However, it remains difficult to build such self-organized working objects via artificial techniques. Herein, we show the first example of a square-wave limit-cycle self-oscillatory motion of a noncovalent assembly of oleic acid and an azobenzene derivative. The assembly steadily flips under continuous blue-light irradiation. Mechanical self-oscillation is established by successively alternating photoisomerization processes and multi-stable phase transitions. These results offer a fundamental strategy for creating a supramolecular motor that works progressively under the operation of molecule-based machines. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mechanics of water pore formation in lipid membrane under electric field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bu, Bing; Li, Dechang; Diao, Jiajie; Ji, Baohua

2017-04-01

Transmembrane water pores are crucial for substance transport through cell membranes via membrane fusion, such as in neural communication. However, the molecular mechanism of water pore formation is not clear. In this study, we apply all-atom molecular dynamics and bias-exchange metadynamics simulations to study the process of water pore formation under an electric field. We show that water molecules can enter a membrane under an electric field and form a water pore of a few nanometers in diameter. These water molecules disturb the interactions between lipid head groups and the ordered arrangement of lipids. Following the movement of water molecules, the lipid head groups are rotated and driven into the hydrophobic region of the membrane. The reorientated lipid head groups inside the membrane form a hydrophilic surface of the water pore. This study reveals the atomic details of how an electric field influences the movement of water molecules and lipid head groups, resulting in water pore formation.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Laser Powered Carbon Nanotube Gears

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Srivastava, Deepak; Globus, Al; Han, Jie; Chancellor, Marisa K. (Technical Monitor)

1997-01-01

Dynamics of laser powered carbon nanotube gears is investigated by molecular dynamics simulations with Brenner's hydrocarbon potential. We find that when the frequency of the laser electric field is much less than the intrinsic frequency of the carbon nanotube, the tube exhibits an oscillatory pendulam behavior. However, a unidirectional rotation of the gear with oscillating frequency is observed under conditions of resonance between the laser field and intrinsic gear frequencies. The operating conditions for stable rotations of the nanotube gears, powered by laser electric fields are explored, in these simulations.

Nonlinear convective flows in a two-layer system under the action of spatial temperature modulation of heat release/consumption at the interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simanovskii, Ilya B.; Viviani, Antonio; Dubois, Frank

2018-06-01

An influence of a spatial temperature modulation of the interfacial heat release/consumption on nonlinear convective flows in the 47v2 silicone oil - water system, is studied. Rigid heat-insulated lateral walls, corresponding to the case of closed cavities, have been considered. Transitions between the flows with different spatial structures, have been investigated. It is shown that the spatial modulation can change the sequence of bifurcations and lead to the appearance of specific steady and oscillatory flows in the system.

A balance between membrane elasticity and polymerization energy sets the shape of spherical clathrin coats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleem, Mohammed; Morlot, Sandrine; Hohendahl, Annika; Manzi, John; Lenz, Martin; Roux, Aurélien

2015-02-01

In endocytosis, scaffolding is one of the mechanisms to create membrane curvature by moulding the membrane into the spherical shape of the clathrin cage. However, the impact of membrane elastic parameters on the assembly and shape of clathrin lattices has never been experimentally evaluated. Here, we show that membrane tension opposes clathrin polymerization. We reconstitute clathrin budding in vitro with giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), purified adaptors and clathrin. By changing the osmotic conditions, we find that clathrin coats cause extensive budding of GUVs under low membrane tension while polymerizing into shallow pits under moderate tension. High tension fully inhibits polymerization. Theoretically, we predict the tension values for which transitions between different clathrin coat shapes occur. We measure the changes in membrane tension during clathrin polymerization, and use our theoretical framework to estimate the polymerization energy from these data. Our results show that membrane tension controls clathrin-mediated budding by varying the membrane budding energy.

Colour-Value Based Method for Polydopamine Coating-Stability Characterization on Polyethersulfone Membranes

PubMed Central

Bucher, Thomas; Clodt, Juliana I.; Grabowski, Andrej; Hein, Martin; Filiz, Volkan

2017-01-01

Porous polyethersulfone membranes as used in oenology were investigated in order to evaluate temperature-dependent permeances in a temperature range from 10 to 35 °C. A temperature correction factor was determined for this type of membrane to get accurate and comparable results for further developments. Moreover, the membranes were modified with a bio-inspired polydopamine coating in order to reduce fouling. The performance of the membranes could be increased with respect to permeance and flux recovery under cross-flow conditions. In order to test the applicability and stability of the coating layer, they were treated with basic and acidic cleaning agents as used in industry for fouled membranes. The chemical stability of the coating layer was studied under basic and acidic conditions, by systematic observation of the colour change of the coated membranes over treatment time. PMID:29258193

Colour-Value Based Method for Polydopamine Coating-Stability Characterization on Polyethersulfone Membranes.

PubMed

Bucher, Thomas; Clodt, Juliana I; Grabowski, Andrej; Hein, Martin; Filiz, Volkan

2017-12-16

Porous polyethersulfone membranes as used in oenology were investigated in order to evaluate temperature-dependent permeances in a temperature range from 10 to 35 °C. A temperature correction factor was determined for this type of membrane to get accurate and comparable results for further developments. Moreover, the membranes were modified with a bio-inspired polydopamine coating in order to reduce fouling. The performance of the membranes could be increased with respect to permeance and flux recovery under cross-flow conditions. In order to test the applicability and stability of the coating layer, they were treated with basic and acidic cleaning agents as used in industry for fouled membranes. The chemical stability of the coating layer was studied under basic and acidic conditions, by systematic observation of the colour change of the coated membranes over treatment time.

Identification of a novel mutation in the PTCH gene in a patient with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome with unusual ocular disorders.

PubMed

Romano, Mary; Iacovello, Daniela; Cascone, Nikhil C; Contestabile, Maria Teresa

2011-01-01

To document the clinical, functional, and in vivo microanatomic characteristics of a patient with Gorlin-Goltz syndrome with a novel nonsense mutation in PTCH (patched). Optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, electrophysiologic testing, visual field, magnetic resonance imaging, and mutation screening of PTCH gene. Visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left. Fundus examination revealed myelinated nerve fibers in the left eye and bilateral epiretinal membranes with lamellar macular hole also documented with macular OCT. A reduction of the retinal nerve fiber layers in both eyes was found with fiber nervous OCT. Fluorescein angiography showed bilaterally foveal hyperfluorescence and the visual field revealed inferior hemianopia in the right eye. Pattern visual evoked potentials registered a reduction of amplitude in both eyes and latency was delayed in the left eye. Pattern electroretinogram showed a reduction in P50 and N95 peak time and a delay in P50 peak time in the left eye. Flash electroretinogram was reduced in rod response, maximal response, and oscillatory potentials in both eyes. Cone response was normal and 30-Hz flicker was slightly reduced in both eyes. Mutation screening identified a novel nonsense mutation in PTCH. A novel nonsense mutation in the PTCH gene was found. We report the occurrence of epiretinal membranes and the persistence of myelinated nerve fibers. Electrophysiologic and visual field alterations, supporting a neuroretinal dysfunction, were also documented.

Chronic Glucose Exposure Systematically Shifts the Oscillatory Threshold of Mouse Islets: Experimental Evidence for an Early Intrinsic Mechanism of Compensation for Hyperglycemia

PubMed Central

Glynn, Eric; Thompson, Benjamin; Vadrevu, Suryakiran; Lu, Shusheng; Kennedy, Robert T.; Ha, Joon; Sherman, Arthur

2016-01-01

Mouse islets exhibit glucose-dependent oscillations in electrical activity, intracellular Ca2+ and insulin secretion. We developed a mathematical model in which a left shift in glucose threshold helps compensate for insulin resistance. To test this experimentally, we exposed isolated mouse islets to varying glucose concentrations overnight and monitored their glucose sensitivity the next day by measuring intracellular Ca2+, electrical activity, and insulin secretion. Glucose sensitivity of all oscillation modes was increased when overnight glucose was greater than 2.8mM. To determine whether threshold shifts were a direct effect of glucose or involved secreted insulin, the KATP opener diazoxide (Dz) was coapplied with glucose to inhibit insulin secretion. The addition of Dz or the insulin receptor antagonist s961 increased islet glucose sensitivity, whereas the KATP blocker tolbutamide tended to reduce it. This suggests insulin and glucose have opposing actions on the islet glucose threshold. To test the hypothesis that the threshold shifts were due to changes in plasma membrane KATP channels, we measured cell KATP conductance, which was confirmed to be reduced by high glucose pretreatment and further reduced by Dz. Finally, treatment of INS-1 cells with glucose and Dz overnight reduced high affinity sulfonylurea receptor (SUR1) trafficking to the plasma membrane vs glucose alone, consistent with insulin increasing KATP conductance by altering channel number. The results support a role for metabolically regulated KATP channels in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis. PMID:26697721

Different kinetic properties of two T-type Ca2+ currents of rat reticular thalamic neurones and their modulation by enflurane

PubMed Central

Joksovic, Pavle M; Bayliss, Douglas A; Todorovic, Slobodan M

2005-01-01

Currents arising from T-type Ca2+ channels in nucleus reticularis thalami (nRT) play a critical role in generation of low-amplitude oscillatory bursting involving mutually interconnected cortical and thalamic neurones, and are implicated in the state of arousal and sleep, as well as seizures. Here we show in brain slices from young rats that two kinetically different T-type Ca2+ currents exist in nRT neurones, with a slowly inactivating current expressed only on proximal dendrites, and fast inactivating current predominantly expressed on soma. Nickel was about twofold more potent in blocking fast (IC50 64 μm) than slow current (IC50 107 μm). The halogenated volatile anaesthetic enflurane blocked both currents, but only the slowly inactivating current was affected in voltage-dependent fashion. Slow dendritic current was essential for generation of low-threshold Ca2+ spikes (LTS), and both enflurane and nickel also suppressed LTS and neuronal burst firing at concentrations that blocked isolated T currents. Differential kinetic properties of T currents expressed in cell soma and proximal dendrites of nRT neurones indicate that various subcellular compartments may exhibit different membrane properties in response to small membrane depolarizations. Furthermore, since blockade of two different T currents in nRT neurones by enflurane and other volatile anaesthetics occurs within concentrations that are relevant during clinical anaesthesia, our findings suggest that these actions could contribute to some important clinical effects of anaesthetics. PMID:15845580

Relationship between acoustic voice onset and offset and selected instances of oscillatory onset and offset in young healthy males and females

PubMed Central

Patel, Rita; Forrest, Karen; Hedges, Drew

2016-01-01

Objective To investigate the relationship between (1) onset of the acoustic signal and pre-phonatory phases associated with oscillatory onset and (2) offset of the acoustic signal with the post-phonatory events associated with oscillatory offset across vocally healthy adults. Subjects and Methods High-speed videoendoscopy was captured simultaneously with the acoustic signal during repeated production of /hi.hi.hi/ at typical pitch and loudness from 56 vocally healthy adults (age 20–42 years; 21 male, 35 female). The relationship between the acoustic sound pressure signal and oscillatory onset /offset events from the glottal area waveforms (GAW), were statistically investigated using a multivariate linear regression analysis. Results The onset of the acoustic signal (X1a) is a significant predictor of the onset of first oscillations (X1g) and onset of sustained oscillations (X2g). X1a as well as gender are significant predictors of the first instance of medial contact (X1.5g). The offset of the acoustic signal (X2a) is a significant predictor of the first instance of oscillatory offset (X3g), first instance of incomplete glottal closure (X3.5g), and cessation of vocal fold motion (X4g). Conclusions The acoustic signal onset is closely related to the first medial contact of the vocal folds but the latency between these events is longer for females compared to males. The offset of the acoustic signal occurs immediately after incomplete glottal adduction. The emerging normative group latencies between the onset/offset of the acoustic and the GAW from this study appear promising for future investigations. PMID:27769696

Delta and gamma oscillations in operculo-insular cortex underlie innocuous cold thermosensation

PubMed Central

Vinding, Mikkel C.; Allen, Micah; Jensen, Troels Staehelin; Finnerup, Nanna Brix

2017-01-01

Cold-sensitive and nociceptive neural pathways interact to shape the quality and intensity of thermal and pain perception. Yet the central processing of cold thermosensation in the human brain has not been extensively studied. Here, we used magnetoencephalography and EEG in healthy volunteers to investigate the time course (evoked fields and potentials) and oscillatory activity associated with the perception of cold temperature changes. Nonnoxious cold stimuli consisting of Δ3°C and Δ5°C decrements from an adapting temperature of 35°C were delivered on the dorsum of the left hand via a contact thermode. Cold-evoked fields peaked at around 240 and 500 ms, at peak latencies similar to the N1 and P2 cold-evoked potentials. Importantly, cold-related changes in oscillatory power indicated that innocuous thermosensation is mediated by oscillatory activity in the range of delta (1–4 Hz) and gamma (55–90 Hz) rhythms, originating in operculo-insular cortical regions. We suggest that delta rhythms coordinate functional integration between operculo-insular and frontoparietal regions, while gamma rhythms reflect local sensory processing in operculo-insular areas. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using magnetoencephalography, we identified spatiotemporal features of central cold processing, with respect to the time course, oscillatory profile, and neural generators of cold-evoked responses in healthy human volunteers. Cold thermosensation was associated with low- and high-frequency oscillatory rhythms, both originating in operculo-insular regions. These results support further investigations of central cold processing using magnetoencephalography or EEG and the clinical utility of cold-evoked potentials for neurophysiological assessment of cold-related small-fiber function and damage. PMID:28250150

Genome-wide association analysis links multiple psychiatric liability genes to oscillatory brain activity.

PubMed

Smit, Dirk J A; Wright, Margaret J; Meyers, Jacquelyn L; Martin, Nicholas G; Ho, Yvonne Y W; Malone, Stephen M; Zhang, Jian; Burwell, Scott J; Chorlian, David B; de Geus, Eco J C; Denys, Damiaan; Hansell, Narelle K; Hottenga, Jouke-Jan; McGue, Matt; van Beijsterveldt, Catharina E M; Jahanshad, Neda; Thompson, Paul M; Whelan, Christopher D; Medland, Sarah E; Porjesz, Bernice; Lacono, William G; Boomsma, Dorret I

2018-06-26

Oscillatory activity is crucial for information processing in the brain, and has a long history as a biomarker for psychopathology. Variation in oscillatory activity is highly heritable, but current understanding of specific genetic influences remains limited. We performed the largest genome-wide association study to date of oscillatory power during eyes-closed resting electroencephalogram (EEG) across a range of frequencies (delta 1-3.75 Hz, theta 4-7.75 Hz, alpha 8-12.75 Hz, and beta 13-30 Hz) in 8,425 subjects. Additionally, we performed KGG positional gene-based analysis and brain-expression analyses. GABRA2-a known genetic marker for alcohol use disorder and epilepsy-significantly affected beta power, consistent with the known relation between GABA A interneuron activity and beta oscillations. Tissue-specific SNP-based imputation of gene-expression levels based on the GTEx database revealed that hippocampal GABRA2 expression may mediate this effect. Twenty-four genes at 3p21.1 were significant for alpha power (FDR q < .05). SNPs in this region were linked to expression of GLYCTK in hippocampal tissue, and GNL3 and ITIH4 in the frontal cortex-genes that were previously implicated in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. In sum, we identified several novel genetic variants associated with oscillatory brain activity; furthermore, we replicated and advanced understanding of previously known genes associated with psychopathology (i.e., schizophrenia and alcohol use disorders). Importantly, these psychopathological liability genes affect brain functioning, linking the genes' expression to specific cortical/subcortical brain regions. © 2018 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Separation of crack extension modes in orthotropic delamination models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beuth, Jack L.

1995-01-01

In the analysis of an interface crack between dissimilar elastic materials, the mode of crack extension is typically not unique, due to oscillatory behavior of near-tip stresses and displacements. This behavior currently limits the applicability of interfacial fracture mechanics as a means to predict composite delamination. The Virtual Crack Closure Technique (VCCT) is a method used to extract mode 1 and mode 2 energy release rates from numerical fracture solutions. The mode of crack extension extracted from an oscillatory solution using the VCCT is not unique due to the dependence of mode on the virtual crack extension length, Delta. In this work, a method is presented for using the VCCT to extract Delta-independent crack extension modes for the case of an interface crack between two in-plane orthotropic materials. The method does not involve altering the analysis to eliminate its oscillatory behavior. Instead, it is argued that physically reasonable, Delta-independent modes of crack extension can be extracted from oscillatory solutions. Knowledge of near-tip fields is used to determine the explicit Delta dependence of energy release rate parameters. Energy release rates are then defined that are separated from the oscillatory dependence on Delta. A modified VCCT using these energy release rate definitions is applied to results from finite element analyses, showing that Delta-independent modes of crack extension result. The modified technique has potential as a consistent method for extracting crack extension modes from numerical solutions. The Delta-independent modes extracted using this technique can also serve as guides for testing the convergence of finite element models. Direct applications of this work include the analysis of planar composite delamination problems, where plies or debonded laminates are modeled as in-plane orthotropic materials.

MULTI-FREQUENCY OSCILLATORY VENTILATION IN THE PREMATURE LUNG: EFFECTS ON GAS EXCHANGE, MECHANICS, AND VENTILATION DISTRIBUTION

PubMed Central

Kaczka, David W.; Herrmann, Jacob; Zonneveld, C. Elroy; Tingay, David G.; Lavizzari, Anna; Noble, Peter B.; Pillow, J. Jane

2015-01-01

Background Despite the theoretical benefits of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) in preterm infants, systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials do not confirm improved outcomes. We hypothesized that oscillating a premature lung with multiple frequencies simultaneously would improve gas exchange compared to traditional single-frequency oscillatory ventilation (SFOV). The goal of this study was to develop a novel method for HFOV, termed ‘multi-frequency oscillatory ventilation’ (MFOV), which relies on a broadband flow waveform more suitable for the heterogeneous mechanics of the immature lung. Methods Thirteen intubated preterm lambs were randomized to either SFOV or MFOV for 1 hour, followed by crossover to the alternative regimen for 1 hour. The SFOV waveform consisted of a pure sinusoidal flow at 5 Hz, while the customized MFOV waveform consisted of a 5 Hz fundamental with additional energy at 10 and 15 Hz. Per standardized protocol, mean pressure at airway opening (P̅ao) and inspired O2 fraction were adjusted as needed, and root mean square of the delivered oscillatory volume waveform (Vrms) was adjusted 15-minute intervals. A ventilatory cost function for SFOV and MFOV was defined as VC=(Vrms2PaCO2)Wt−1, where Wt denotes body weight. Results Averaged over all time points, MFOV resulted in significantly lower VC (246.9±6.0 vs. 363.5±15.9 mL2 mmHg kg−1) and P̅ao (12.8±0.3 vs. 14.1±0.5 cmH2O) compared to SFOV, suggesting more efficient gas exchange and enhanced lung recruitment at lower mean airway pressures. Conclusions Oscillation with simultaneous multiple frequencies may be a more efficient ventilator modality in premature lungs compared to traditional single-frequency HFOV. PMID:26495977

Water-Gas-Shift Membrane Reactor for High-Pressure Hydrogen Production. A comprehensive project report (FY2010 - FY2012)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Klaehn, John; Peterson, Eric; Orme, Christopher

2013-01-01

Idaho National Laboratory (INL), GE Global Research (GEGR), and Western Research Institute (WRI) have successfully produced hydrogen-selective membranes for water-gas-shift (WGS) modules that enable high-pressure hydrogen product streams. Several high performance (HP) polymer membranes were investigated for their gas separation performance under simulated (mixed gas) and actual syngas conditions. To enable optimal module performance, membranes with high hydrogen (H 2) selectivity, permeance, and stability under WGS conditions are required. The team determined that the VTEC PI 80-051 and VTEC PI 1388 (polyimide from Richard Blaine International, Inc.) are prime candidates for the H 2 gas separations at operating temperatures (~200°C).more » VTEC PI 80-051 was thoroughly analyzed for its H 2 separations under syngas processing conditions using more-complex membrane configurations, such as tube modules and hollow fibers. These membrane formats have demonstrated that the selected VTEC membrane is capable of providing highly selective H 2/CO 2 separation (α = 7-9) and H 2/CO separation (α = 40-80) in humidified syngas streams. In addition, the VTEC polymer membranes are resilient within the syngas environment (WRI coal gasification) at 200°C for over 1000 hours. The information within this report conveys current developments of VTEC PI 80-051 as an effective H 2 gas separations membrane for high-temperature syngas streams.« less

Modeling of the axon membrane skeleton structure and implications for its mechanical properties

PubMed Central

Tzingounis, Anastasios V.

2017-01-01

Super-resolution microscopy recently revealed that, unlike the soma and dendrites, the axon membrane skeleton is structured as a series of actin rings connected by spectrin filaments that are held under tension. Currently, the structure-function relationship of the axonal structure is unclear. Here, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that the stiffness of the axon plasma membrane is significantly higher than the stiffnesses of dendrites and somata. To examine whether the structure of the axon plasma membrane determines its overall stiffness, we introduced a coarse-grain molecular dynamics model of the axon membrane skeleton that reproduces the structure identified by super-resolution microscopy. Our proposed computational model accurately simulates the median value of the Young’s modulus of the axon plasma membrane determined by atomic force microscopy. It also predicts that because the spectrin filaments are under entropic tension, the thermal random motion of the voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), which are bound to ankyrin particles, a critical axonal protein, is reduced compared to the thermal motion when spectrin filaments are held at equilibrium. Lastly, our model predicts that because spectrin filaments are under tension, any axonal injuries that lacerate spectrin filaments will likely lead to a permanent disruption of the membrane skeleton due to the inability of spectrin filaments to spontaneously form their initial under-tension configuration. PMID:28241082

Modeling of the axon membrane skeleton structure and implications for its mechanical properties.

PubMed

Zhang, Yihao; Abiraman, Krithika; Li, He; Pierce, David M; Tzingounis, Anastasios V; Lykotrafitis, George

2017-02-01

Super-resolution microscopy recently revealed that, unlike the soma and dendrites, the axon membrane skeleton is structured as a series of actin rings connected by spectrin filaments that are held under tension. Currently, the structure-function relationship of the axonal structure is unclear. Here, we used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to show that the stiffness of the axon plasma membrane is significantly higher than the stiffnesses of dendrites and somata. To examine whether the structure of the axon plasma membrane determines its overall stiffness, we introduced a coarse-grain molecular dynamics model of the axon membrane skeleton that reproduces the structure identified by super-resolution microscopy. Our proposed computational model accurately simulates the median value of the Young's modulus of the axon plasma membrane determined by atomic force microscopy. It also predicts that because the spectrin filaments are under entropic tension, the thermal random motion of the voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav), which are bound to ankyrin particles, a critical axonal protein, is reduced compared to the thermal motion when spectrin filaments are held at equilibrium. Lastly, our model predicts that because spectrin filaments are under tension, any axonal injuries that lacerate spectrin filaments will likely lead to a permanent disruption of the membrane skeleton due to the inability of spectrin filaments to spontaneously form their initial under-tension configuration.

[The effect of alpha-tocopherol and ionol on the physical structure of the membranes of rat liver microsomes under conditions of antioxidant insufficiency].

PubMed

Gubskiĭ, Iu I; Boldeskul, A E; Primak, R G; Zadorina, O V

1989-01-01

Physiochemical conformity of the alpha-tocopherol interaction with hepatic microsomal membranes has been studied by means of fluorescent probes (pyrene and 1-anilinonaphthalene-8-sulphonate). The microsomal membrane microviscosity is shown to sharply decrease under conditions of the antioxidant deficiency with vitamin E expelled into animals normalizes microviscosity, but feebly influences the microsomal surface charge. Microcalorimetry has been used to establish that penetration of tocopherol into microsomal membranes was accompanied by the exothermic effect.

Dynamics of landslide model with time delay and periodic parameter perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kostić, Srđan; Vasović, Nebojša; Franović, Igor; Jevremović, Dragutin; Mitrinovic, David; Todorović, Kristina

2014-09-01

In present paper, we analyze the dynamics of a single-block model on an inclined slope with Dieterich-Ruina friction law under the variation of two new introduced parameters: time delay Td and initial shear stress μ. It is assumed that this phenomenological model qualitatively simulates the motion along the infinite creeping slope. The introduction of time delay is proposed to mimic the memory effect of the sliding surface and it is generally considered as a function of history of sliding. On the other hand, periodic perturbation of initial shear stress emulates external triggering effect of long-distant earthquakes or some non-natural vibration source. The effects of variation of a single observed parameter, Td or μ, as well as their co-action, are estimated for three different sliding regimes: β < 1, β = 1 and β > 1, where β stands for the ratio of long-term to short-term stress changes. The results of standard local bifurcation analysis indicate the onset of complex dynamics for very low values of time delay. On the other side, numerical approach confirms an additional complexity that was not observed by local analysis, due to the possible effect of global bifurcations. The most complex dynamics is detected for β < 1, with a complete Ruelle-Takens-Newhouse route to chaos under the variation of Td, or the co-action of both parameters Td and μ. These results correspond well with the previous experimental observations on clay and siltstone with low clay fraction. In the same regime, the perturbation of only a single parameter, μ, renders the oscillatory motion of the block. Within the velocity-independent regime, β = 1, the inclusion and variation of Td generates a transition to equilibrium state, whereas the small oscillations of μ induce oscillatory motion with decreasing amplitude. The co-action of both parameters, in the same regime, causes the decrease of block's velocity. As for β > 1, highly-frequent, limit-amplitude oscillations of initial stress give rise to oscillatory motion. Also for β > 1, in case of perturbing only the initial shear stress, with smaller amplitude, velocity of the block changes exponentially fast. If the time delay is introduced, besides the stress perturbation, within the same regime, the co-action of Td (Td < 0.1) and small oscillations of μ induce the onset of deterministic chaos.

Oscillatory multiphase flow strategy for chemistry and biology.

PubMed

Abolhasani, Milad; Jensen, Klavs F

2016-07-19

Continuous multiphase flow strategies are commonly employed for high-throughput parameter screening of physical, chemical, and biological processes as well as continuous preparation of a wide range of fine chemicals and micro/nano particles with processing times up to 10 min. The inter-dependency of mixing and residence times, and their direct correlation with reactor length have limited the adaptation of multiphase flow strategies for studies of processes with relatively long processing times (0.5-24 h). In this frontier article, we describe an oscillatory multiphase flow strategy to decouple mixing and residence times and enable investigation of longer timescale experiments than typically feasible with conventional continuous multiphase flow approaches. We review current oscillatory multiphase flow technologies, provide an overview of the advancements of this relatively new strategy in chemistry and biology, and close with a perspective on future opportunities.

The oscillatory entrainment of virtual pitch perception

PubMed Central

Aksentijevic, Aleksandar; Northeast, Anthony; Canty, Daniel; Elliott, Mark A.

2013-01-01

Evidence suggests that synchronized brain oscillations in the low gamma range (around 33 Hz) are involved in the perceptual integration of harmonic complex tones. This process involves the binding of harmonic components into “harmonic templates” – neural structures responsible for pitch coding in the brain. We investigated the hypothesis that oscillatory harmonic binding promotes a change in pitch perception style from spectral (frequency) to virtual (relational). Using oscillatory priming we asked 24 participants to judge as rapidly as possible, the direction of an ambiguous target with ascending spectral and descending virtual contour. They made significantly more virtual responses when primed at 29, 31, and 33 Hz and when the first target tone was harmonically related to the prime, suggesting that neural synchronization in the low gamma range could facilitate a shift toward virtual pitch processing. PMID:23630515

Edge-augmented Fourier partial sums with applications to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larriva-Latt, Jade; Morrison, Angela; Radgowski, Alison; Tobin, Joseph; Iwen, Mark; Viswanathan, Aditya

2017-08-01

Certain applications such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) require the reconstruction of functions from Fourier spectral data. When the underlying functions are piecewise-smooth, standard Fourier approximation methods suffer from the Gibbs phenomenon - with associated oscillatory artifacts in the vicinity of edges and an overall reduced order of convergence in the approximation. This paper proposes an edge-augmented Fourier reconstruction procedure which uses only the first few Fourier coefficients of an underlying piecewise-smooth function to accurately estimate jump information and then incorporate it into a Fourier partial sum approximation. We provide both theoretical and empirical results showing the improved accuracy of the proposed method, as well as comparisons demonstrating superior performance over existing state-of-the-art sparse optimization-based methods.

Monolayer phosphorene under time-dependent magnetic field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nascimento, J. P. G.; Aguiar, V.; Guedes, I.

2018-02-01

We obtain the exact wave function of a monolayer phosphorene under a low-intensity time-dependent magnetic field using the dynamical invariant method. We calculate the quantum-mechanical energy expectation value and the transition probability for a constant and an oscillatory magnetic field. For the former we observe that the Landau level energy varies linearly with the quantum numbers n and m and the magnetic field intensity B0. No transition takes place. For the latter, we observe that the energy oscillates in time, increasing linearly with the Landau level n and m and nonlinearly with the magnetic field. The (k , l) →(n , m) transitions take place only for l = m. We investigate the (0,0) →(n , 0) and (1 , l) and (2 , l) probability transitions.

Positron annihilation lifetime study of Nafion/titanium dioxide nano-composite membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lei, M.; Wang, Y. J.; Liang, C.; Huang, K.; Ye, C. X.; Wang, W. J.; Jin, S. F.; Zhang, R.; Fan, D. Y.; Yang, H. J.; Wang, Y. G.

2014-01-01

Positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) technique is applied for investigation of size and number density of free volumes in Nafion/TiO2-nanoparticles composite membrane. The proton transporting ability is correlated with the properties of free volume inside the membrane. It is revealed that composite membrane with 5 wt% of TiO2 nano-fillers exhibits good electrochemical performance under reduced humidity and it can be saturated with water at relative humidity of 50%, under which ionic clusters and proton transporting channels are formed, indicating that composite membranes with 5 wt% of TiO2 nano-fillers are effective electrolyte for fuel cells operated at reduced humidification levels. The results suggest that PAL can be a powerful tool for elucidating the relationship between microstructure and ion transport in polymer electrolyte membranes.

Enhancement of fuel cell performance with less-water dependent composite membranes having polyoxometalate anchored nanofibrous interlayer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abouzari-lotf, Ebrahim; Jacob, Mohan V.; Ghassemi, Hossein; Ahmad, Arshad; Nasef, Mohamed Mahmoud; Zakeri, Masoumeh; Mehdipour-Ataei, Shahram

2016-09-01

Polyoxometalate immobilized nanofiber was used to fabricate low gas permeable layer for composite membranes designed for proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) operating at low relative humidity (RH). The composite membranes revealed enhanced proton conductivity in dry conditions compared with state-of-the-art pristine membrane (Nafion 112, N112). This was coupled with a low fuel crossover inheriting the composite membranes about 100 mV higher OCV than N112 when tested in PEMFC at 60 °C and 40% RH. A maximum power density of up to 930 mW cm-2 was also achieved which is substantially higher than the N112 under similar conditions (577 mW cm-2). Such remarkable performance enhancement along with undetectable leaching of immobilized polyoxometalate, high dimensional stability and low water uptake of the composite membranes suggest a strong potential for PEMFC under low RH operation.

Study of the Photocatalytic Property of Polysulfone Membrane Incorporating TiO2 Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Xingxing; Zhou, Weiqi; Chen, Zhe; Yao, Lei

In order to investigate the effect of the incorporated nanoparticles on the photocatalytic property of the hybrid membranes, the uncovered and covered polysulfone/TiO2 hybrid membranes were prepared. Positron annihilation γ-ray spectroscopy coupled with a positron beam was utilized to examine the depth profiles of the two membranes. The photocatalytic activities of the membranes were evaluated by the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) aqueous solution under the irradiation of Xe lamp. UV-Vis spectroscopy was applied to study the UV transmission through the polysulfone layer. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was used to detect the photo-generated charges by the covered membrane during the irradiation. It can be found that UV light can penetrate through the covered layer (about 230nm), and the incorporated nanoparticles can still generate charges under irradiation, which endows the photocatalytic ability of the covered membrane.

WENO schemes on arbitrary mixed-element unstructured meshes in three space dimensions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsoutsanis, P.; Titarev, V. A.; Drikakis, D.

2011-02-01

The paper extends weighted essentially non-oscillatory (WENO) methods to three dimensional mixed-element unstructured meshes, comprising tetrahedral, hexahedral, prismatic and pyramidal elements. Numerical results illustrate the convergence rates and non-oscillatory properties of the schemes for various smooth and discontinuous solutions test cases and the compressible Euler equations on various types of grids. Schemes of up to fifth order of spatial accuracy are considered.

Parametric resonance in the early Universe—a fitting analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Figueroa, Daniel G.; Torrentí, Francisco, E-mail: daniel.figueroa@cern.ch, E-mail: f.torrenti@csic.es

Particle production via parametric resonance in the early Universe, is a non-perturbative, non-linear and out-of-equilibrium phenomenon. Although it is a well studied topic, whenever a new scenario exhibits parametric resonance, a full re-analysis is normally required. To avoid this tedious task, many works present often only a simplified linear treatment of the problem. In order to surpass this circumstance in the future, we provide a fitting analysis of parametric resonance through all its relevant stages: initial linear growth, non-linear evolution, and relaxation towards equilibrium. Using lattice simulations in an expanding grid in 3+1 dimensions, we parametrize the dynamics' outcome scanningmore » over the relevant ingredients: role of the oscillatory field, particle coupling strength, initial conditions, and background expansion rate. We emphasize the inaccuracy of the linear calculation of the decay time of the oscillatory field, and propose a more appropriate definition of this scale based on the subsequent non-linear dynamics. We provide simple fits to the relevant time scales and particle energy fractions at each stage. Our fits can be applied to post-inflationary preheating scenarios, where the oscillatory field is the inflaton, or to spectator-field scenarios, where the oscillatory field can be e.g. a curvaton, or the Standard Model Higgs.« less

The influence of oscillations on product selectivity during the palladium-catalysed phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction.

PubMed

Novakovic, Katarina; Grosjean, Christophe; Scott, Stephen K; Whiting, Andrew; Willis, Mark J; Wright, Allen R

2008-02-07

This paper reports on the influence of oscillations on product selectivity as well as the dynamics of product formation during the palladium-catalysed phenylacetylene oxidative carbonylation reaction in a catalytic system (PdI2, KI, Air, NaOAc in methanol). The occurrence of the pH oscillations is related to PdI2 granularity and the initial pH drop after phenylacetylene addition. To achieve pH and reaction exotherm oscillations regulation of the amount of PdI2 is required, ensuring that the initial pH does not fall significantly below 1 after phenylacetylene addition. Experiments in both oscillatory and non-oscillatory pH regimes were performed in an HEL SIMULAR reaction calorimeter with the concentration-time profiles measured using a GC-MS. It is demonstrated that when operating in an oscillatory pH regime product formation may be suppressed until oscillations occur after which there is a steep increase in the formation of Z-2-phenyl-but-2-enedioic acid dimethyl ester. When operating in non-oscillatory pH mode the products are formed steadily over time with the main products being Z-2-phenyl-but-2-enedioic acid dimethyl ester, 2-phenyl-acrylic acid methyl ester and E-3-phenyl-acrylic acid methyl ester.

Mean Field Analysis of Stochastic Neural Network Models with Synaptic Depression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yasuhiko Igarashi,; Masafumi Oizumi,; Masato Okada,

2010-08-01

We investigated the effects of synaptic depression on the macroscopic behavior of stochastic neural networks. Dynamical mean field equations were derived for such networks by taking the average of two stochastic variables: a firing-state variable and a synaptic variable. In these equations, the average product of thesevariables is decoupled as the product of their averages because the two stochastic variables are independent. We proved the independence of these two stochastic variables assuming that the synaptic weight Jij is of the order of 1/N with respect to the number of neurons N. Using these equations, we derived macroscopic steady-state equations for a network with uniform connections and for a ring attractor network with Mexican hat type connectivity and investigated the stability of the steady-state solutions. An oscillatory uniform state was observed in the network with uniform connections owing to a Hopf instability. For the ring network, high-frequency perturbations were shown not to affect system stability. Two mechanisms destabilize the inhomogeneous steady state, leading to two oscillatory states. A Turing instability leads to a rotating bump state, while a Hopf instability leads to an oscillatory bump state, which was previously unreported. Various oscillatory states take place in a network with synaptic depression depending on the strength of the interneuron connections.

Laboratory Observations of Sand Ripple Evolution in a Small Oscillatory Flow Tunnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Calantoni, J.; Palmsten, M. L.; Chu, J.; Landry, B. J.; Penko, A.

2014-12-01

The dynamics of sand ripples are vital to understanding numerous coastal processes such as sediment transport, wave attenuation, boundary layer development, and seafloor acoustic properties. Experimental work was conducted in a small oscillatory flow tunnel at the Sediment Dynamics Laboratory at the Naval Research Laboratory, Stennis Space Center. Six different monochromatic oscillatory forcings, three with velocity asymmetry and three without, were used to investigate sand ripple dynamics using a unimodal grain size distribution with D50=0.65 mm. The experiments represent an extension of previous work using bimodal grain size distributions. A DSLR camera with a 180-degree fisheye lens collected images of the sediment bed profile every 2 seconds to resolve changes in ripple geometries and migration rates resulting from the different flow conditions for over 127 hours (229,388 images). Matlab © algorithms undistorted the fisheye images and quantified the ripple geometries, wavelengths, heights, and migration rates as a function of flow forcing. The mobility number was kept nearly constant by increasing and decreasing the semi-excursion amplitude and the wave frequency, respectively. We observed distinct changes in ripple geometry and migration rate for the pair of oscillatory forcings having nearly identical mobility numbers. The results suggested that the commonly used mobility number might not be appropriate to characterize ripple geometry or migration rates.

Oscillatory device for use with linear tribometer, for tribological evaluation of biomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athayde, J. N.; Siqueira, C. J. M.; Kuromoto, N. K.; Cambraia, H. N.

2017-07-01

Orthopedic implants still have limitations regarding their durability, despite being in use for over fifty years. Particles arising from wear due to the relative motion of their surfaces remain responsible for aseptic failure. This paper presents a device to be coupled with a reciprocal linear tribometer to reproduce the ex vivo wear of biomaterials, allowing the measurement of force and coefficient of friction. The device consists of a structure connected to the tribometer that transforms its reciprocal linear motion into one that is oscillatory for the mechanical assembly that contains the samples to test the desired biomaterials. The tribological pair used for testing consisted of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) in conjunction with the austenitic stainless steel AISI 316L in dry lubrication. The results showed that the values of the coefficient of friction in the linear mode and oscillatory mode and the UHMWPE life curve in the oscillatory mode were consistent with those cited in the literature for tests in a dry lubrication environment. Moreover, the UHMWPE sample life curve showed a reduction in the wear rate that can be explained by the preponderance of a wear mechanism over the others. The volumetric wear showed an increase with the number of cycles.

A fluid-filled soft robot that exhibits spontaneous switching among versatile spatiotemporal oscillatory patterns inspired by the true slime mold.

PubMed

Umedachi, Takuya; Idei, Ryo; Ito, Kentaro; Ishiguro, Akio

2013-01-01

Behavioral diversity is an essential feature of living systems, enabling them to exhibit adaptive behavior in hostile and dynamically changing environments. However, traditional engineering approaches strive to avoid, or suppress, the behavioral diversity in artificial systems to achieve high performance in specific environments for given tasks. The goals of this research include understanding how living systems exhibit behavioral diversity and using these findings to build lifelike robots that exhibit truly adaptive behaviors. To this end, we have focused on one of the most primitive forms of intelligence concerning behavioral diversity, namely, a plasmodium of true slime mold. The plasmodium is a large amoeba-like unicellular organism that does not possess any nervous system or specialized organs. However, it exhibits versatile spatiotemporal oscillatory patterns and switches spontaneously between these. Inspired by the plasmodium, we built a mathematical model that exhibits versatile oscillatory patterns and spontaneously transitions between these patterns. This model demonstrates that, in contrast to coupled nonlinear oscillators with a well-designed complex diffusion network, physically interacting mechanosensory oscillators are capable of generating versatile oscillatory patterns without changing any parameters. Thus, the results are expected to shed new light on the design scheme for lifelike robots that exhibit amazingly versatile and adaptive behaviors.

Cerebral oscillatory activity during simulated driving using MEG

PubMed Central

Sakihara, Kotoe; Hirata, Masayuki; Ebe, Kazutoshi; Kimura, Kenji; Yi Ryu, Seong; Kono, Yoshiyuki; Muto, Nozomi; Yoshioka, Masako; Yoshimine, Toshiki; Yorifuji, Shiro

2014-01-01

We aimed to examine cerebral oscillatory differences associated with psychological processes during simulated car driving. We recorded neuromagnetic signals in 14 healthy volunteers using magnetoencephalography (MEG) during simulated driving. MEG data were analyzed using synthetic aperture magnetometry to detect the spatial distribution of cerebral oscillations. Group effects between subjects were analyzed statistically using a non-parametric permutation test. Oscillatory differences were calculated by comparison between “passive viewing” and “active driving.” “Passive viewing” was the baseline, and oscillatory differences during “active driving” showed an increase or decrease in comparison with a baseline. Power increase in the theta band was detected in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG) during active driving. Power decreases in the alpha, beta, and low gamma bands were detected in the right inferior parietal lobe (IPL), left postcentral gyrus (PoCG), middle temporal gyrus (MTG), and posterior cingulate gyrus (PCiG) during active driving. Power increase in the theta band in the SFG may play a role in attention. Power decrease in the right IPL may reflect selectively divided attention and visuospatial processing, whereas that in the left PoCG reflects sensorimotor activation related to driving manipulation. Power decreases in the MTG and PCiG may be associated with object recognition. PMID:25566017

Beta Oscillatory Dynamics in the Prefrontal and Superior Temporal Cortices Predict Spatial Working Memory Performance.

PubMed

Proskovec, Amy L; Wiesman, Alex I; Heinrichs-Graham, Elizabeth; Wilson, Tony W

2018-05-31

The oscillatory dynamics serving spatial working memory (SWM), and how such dynamics relate to performance, are poorly understood. To address these topics, the present study recruited 22 healthy adults to perform a SWM task during magnetoencephalography (MEG). The resulting MEG data were transformed into the time-frequency domain, and significant oscillatory responses were imaged using a beamformer. Voxel time series data were extracted from the cluster peaks to quantify the dynamics, while whole-brain partial correlation maps were computed to identify regions where oscillatory strength varied with accuracy on the SWM task. The results indicated transient theta oscillations in spatially distinct subregions of the prefrontal cortices at the onset of encoding and maintenance, which may underlie selection of goal-relevant information. Additionally, strong and persistent decreases in alpha and beta oscillations were observed throughout encoding and maintenance in parietal, temporal, and occipital regions, which could serve sustained attention and maintenance processes during SWM performance. The neuro-behavioral correlations revealed that beta activity within left dorsolateral prefrontal control regions and bilateral superior temporal integration regions was negatively correlated with SWM accuracy. Notably, this is the first study to employ a whole-brain approach to significantly link neural oscillations to behavioral performance in the context of SWM.

Effect of the radial buoyancy on a circular Couette flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer, Antoine; Yoshikawa, Harunori N.; Mutabazi, Innocent

2015-11-01

The effect of a radial temperature gradient on the stability of a circular Couette flow is investigated when the gravitational acceleration is neglected. The induced radial stratification of the fluid density coupled with the centrifugal acceleration generates radial buoyancy which is centrifugal for inward heating and centripetal for outward heating. This radial buoyancy modifies the Rayleigh discriminant and induces the asymmetry between inward heating and outward heating in flow behavior. The critical modes are axisymmetric and stationary for inward heating while for outward heating, they can be oscillatory axisymmetric or nonaxisymmetric depending on fluid diffusion properties, i.e., on the Prandtl number Pr. The dependence of the critical modes on Pr is explored for different values of the radius ratio of the annulus. The power input of the radial buoyancy is compared with other power terms. The critical frequency of the oscillatory axisymmetric modes is linked to the Brunt-Väisälä frequency due to the density stratification in the radial gravity field induced by the rotation. These modes are associated with inertial waves. The dispersion relation of the oscillatory axisymmetric modes is derived in the vicinity of the critical conditions. A weakly nonlinear amplitude equation with a forcing term is proposed to explain the domination of these axisymmetric oscillatory modes over the stationary centrifugal mode.

FAS grafted superhydrophobic ceramic membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Jun; Yu, Yun; Zhou, Jianer; Song, Lixin; Hu, Xingfang; Larbot, Andre

2009-08-01

The hydrophobic properties of γ-Al 2O 3 membrane have been obtained by grafting fluoroalkylsilane (FAS) on the surface of the membrane. The following grafting parameters were studied: the eroding time of the original membrane, the grafting time, the concentration of FAS solution and the multiplicity of grafting. Hydrophobicity of the membranes was characterized by contact angle (CA) measurement. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate the weight loss process (25-800 °C) of the fluoroalkylsilane grafted on Al 2O 3 powders under different grafting conditions. The morphologies of the membranes modified under different parameters were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and the surface roughness (Ra) was measured using white light interferometers. A needle-like structure was observed on the membrane surface after modification, which causes the change of Ra. On the results above, we speculated a model to describe the reaction between FAS and γ-Al 2O 3 membrane surface as well as the formed surface morphology.

Local Area Water Removal Analysis of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell under Gas Purge Conditions

PubMed Central

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Lee, Yu-Ming; Lee, Shuo-Jen

2012-01-01

In this study, local area water content distribution under various gas purging conditions are experimentally analyzed for the first time. The local high frequency resistance (HFR) is measured using novel micro sensors. The results reveal that the liquid water removal rate in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is non-uniform. In the under-the-channel area, the removal of liquid water is governed by both convective and diffusive flux of the through-plane drying. Thus, almost all of the liquid water is removed within 30 s of purging with gas. However, liquid water that is stored in the under-the-rib area is not easy to remove during 1 min of gas purging. Therefore, the re-hydration of the membrane by internal diffusive flux is faster than that in the under-the-channel area. Consequently, local fuel starvation and membrane degradation can degrade the performance of a fuel cell that is started from cold. PMID:22368495

Local area water removal analysis of a proton exchange membrane fuel cell under gas purge conditions.

PubMed

Lee, Chi-Yuan; Lee, Yu-Ming; Lee, Shuo-Jen

2012-01-01

In this study, local area water content distribution under various gas purging conditions are experimentally analyzed for the first time. The local high frequency resistance (HFR) is measured using novel micro sensors. The results reveal that the liquid water removal rate in a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is non-uniform. In the under-the-channel area, the removal of liquid water is governed by both convective and diffusive flux of the through-plane drying. Thus, almost all of the liquid water is removed within 30 s of purging with gas. However, liquid water that is stored in the under-the-rib area is not easy to remove during 1 min of gas purging. Therefore, the re-hydration of the membrane by internal diffusive flux is faster than that in the under-the-channel area. Consequently, local fuel starvation and membrane degradation can degrade the performance of a fuel cell that is started from cold.

Crystallization kinetics of olivine-phyric shergottites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ennis, Megan E.; McSween, Harry Y.

2014-08-01

Crystal size distribution (CSD) and spatial distribution pattern (SDP) analyses are applied to the early crystallizing phases, olivine and pyroxene, in olivine-phyric shergottites (Elephant moraine [EET] 79001A, Dar al Gani [DaG] 476, and dhofar [Dho] 019) from each sampling locality inferred from Mars ejection ages. Trace element zonation patterns (P and Cr) in olivine are also used to characterize the crystallization history of these Martian basalts. Previously reported 2-D CSDs for these meteorites are re-evaluated using a newer stereographically corrected methodology. Kinks in the olivine CSD plots suggest several populations that crystallized under different conditions. CSDs for pyroxene in DaG 476 and EET 79001A reveal single populations that grew under steady-state conditions; pyroxenes in Dho 019 were too intergrown for CSD analysis. Magma chamber residence times of several days for small grains to several months for olivine megacrysts are calculated using the CSD slopes and growth rates inferred from previous experimental data. Phosphorus imaging in olivines in DaG 476 and Dho 019 indicate rapid growth of skeletal, sector-zoned, or patchy cores, probably in response to delayed nucleation, followed by slow growth, and finally rapid dendritic growth with back-filling to form oscillatory zoning in rims. SPD analyses indicate that olivine and pyroxene crystals grew or accumulated in clusters rather than as randomly distributed grains. These data reveal complex solidification histories for Martian basalts, and are generally consistent with the formation at depth of olivine megacryst cores, which were entrained in ascending magmas that crystallized pyroxenes, small olivines, and oscillatory rims on megacrysts.

Heterogeneous oxygen availability affects the titer and topology but not the fidelity of plasmid DNA produced by Escherichia coli.

PubMed

Jaén, Karim E; Sigala, Juan-Carlos; Olivares-Hernández, Roberto; Niehaus, Karsten; Lara, Alvaro R

2017-07-04

Dissolved oxygen tension (DOT) is hardly constant and homogenously distributed in a bioreactor, which can have a negative impact in the metabolism and product synthesis. However, the effects of DOT on plasmid DNA (pDNA) production and quality have not been thoroughly investigated. In the present study, the effects of aerobic (DOT ≥30% air sat.), microaerobic (constant DOT = 3% air sat.) and oscillatory DOT (from 0 to 100% air sat.) conditions on pDNA production, quality and host performance were characterized. Microaerobic conditions had little effect on pDNA production, supercoiled fraction and sequence fidelity. By contrast, oscillatory DOT caused a 22% decrease in pDNA production compared with aerobic cultures. Although in aerobic cultures the pDNA supercoiled fraction was 98%, it decreased to 80% under heterogeneous DOT conditions. The different oxygen availabilities had no effect on the fidelity of the produced pDNA. The estimated metabolic fluxes indicated substantial differences at the level of the pentose phosphate pathway and TCA cycle under different conditions. Cyclic changes in fermentative pathway fluxes, as well as fast shifts in the fluxes through cytochromes, were also estimated. Model-based genetic modifications that can potentially improve the process performance are suggested. DOT heterogeneities strongly affected cell performance, pDNA production and topology. This should be considered when operating or scaling-up a bioreactor with deficient mixing. Constant microaerobic conditions affected the bacterial metabolism but not the amount or quality of pDNA. Therefore, pDNA production in microaerobic cultures may be an alternative for bioreactor operation at higher oxygen transfer rates.

Abdominal expiratory activity in the rat brainstem–spinal cord in situ: patterns, origins and implications for respiratory rhythm generation

PubMed Central

Abdala, A P L; Rybak, I A; Smith, J C; Paton, J F R

2009-01-01

We studied respiratory neural activity generated during expiration. Motoneuronal activity was recorded simultaneously from abdominal (AbN), phrenic (PN), hypoglossal (HN) and central vagus nerves from neonatal and juvenile rats in situ. During eupnoeic activity, low-amplitude post-inspiratory (post-I) discharge was only present in AbN motor outflow. Expression of AbN late-expiratory (late-E) activity, preceding PN bursts, occurred during hypercapnia. Biphasic expiratory (biphasic-E) activity with pre-inspiratory (pre-I) and post-I discharges occurred only during eucapnic anoxia or hypercapnic anoxia. Late-E activity generated during hypercapnia (7–10% CO2) was abolished with pontine transections or chemical suppression of retrotrapezoid nucleus/ventrolateral parafacial (RTN/vlPF). AbN late-E activity during hypercapnia is coupled with augmented pre-I discharge in HN, truncated PN burst, and was quiescent during inspiration. Our data suggest that the pons provides a necessary excitatory drive to an additional neural oscillatory mechanism that is only activated under conditions of high respiratory drive to generate late-E activity destined for AbN motoneurones. This mechanism may arise from neurons located in the RTN/vlPF or the latter may relay late-E activity generated elsewhere. We hypothesize that this oscillatory mechanism is not a necessary component of the respiratory central pattern generator but constitutes a defensive mechanism activated under critical metabolic conditions to provide forced expiration and reduced upper airway resistance simultaneously. Possible interactions of this oscillator with components of the brainstem respiratory network are discussed. PMID:19491247

Alpha and Beta Oscillations Index Semantic Congruency between Speech and Gestures in Clear and Degraded Speech.

PubMed

Drijvers, Linda; Özyürek, Asli; Jensen, Ole

2018-06-19

Previous work revealed that visual semantic information conveyed by gestures can enhance degraded speech comprehension, but the mechanisms underlying these integration processes under adverse listening conditions remain poorly understood. We used MEG to investigate how oscillatory dynamics support speech-gesture integration when integration load is manipulated by auditory (e.g., speech degradation) and visual semantic (e.g., gesture congruency) factors. Participants were presented with videos of an actress uttering an action verb in clear or degraded speech, accompanied by a matching (mixing gesture + "mixing") or mismatching (drinking gesture + "walking") gesture. In clear speech, alpha/beta power was more suppressed in the left inferior frontal gyrus and motor and visual cortices when integration load increased in response to mismatching versus matching gestures. In degraded speech, beta power was less suppressed over posterior STS and medial temporal lobe for mismatching compared with matching gestures, showing that integration load was lowest when speech was degraded and mismatching gestures could not be integrated and disambiguate the degraded signal. Our results thus provide novel insights on how low-frequency oscillatory modulations in different parts of the cortex support the semantic audiovisual integration of gestures in clear and degraded speech: When speech is clear, the left inferior frontal gyrus and motor and visual cortices engage because higher-level semantic information increases semantic integration load. When speech is degraded, posterior STS/middle temporal gyrus and medial temporal lobe are less engaged because integration load is lowest when visual semantic information does not aid lexical retrieval and speech and gestures cannot be integrated.

A time-frequency analysis of the dynamics of cortical networks of sleep spindles from MEG-EEG recordings

PubMed Central

Zerouali, Younes; Lina, Jean-Marc; Sekerovic, Zoran; Godbout, Jonathan; Dube, Jonathan; Jolicoeur, Pierre; Carrier, Julie

2014-01-01

Sleep spindles are a hallmark of NREM sleep. They result from a widespread thalamo-cortical loop and involve synchronous cortical networks that are still poorly understood. We investigated whether brain activity during spindles can be characterized by specific patterns of functional connectivity among cortical generators. For that purpose, we developed a wavelet-based approach aimed at imaging the synchronous oscillatory cortical networks from simultaneous MEG-EEG recordings. First, we detected spindles on the EEG and extracted the corresponding frequency-locked MEG activity under the form of an analytic ridge signal in the time-frequency plane (Zerouali et al., 2013). Secondly, we performed source reconstruction of the ridge signal within the Maximum Entropy on the Mean framework (Amblard et al., 2004), yielding a robust estimate of the cortical sources producing observed oscillations. Lastly, we quantified functional connectivity among cortical sources using phase-locking values. The main innovations of this methodology are (1) to reveal the dynamic behavior of functional networks resolved in the time-frequency plane and (2) to characterize functional connectivity among MEG sources through phase interactions. We showed, for the first time, that the switch from fast to slow oscillatory mode during sleep spindles is required for the emergence of specific patterns of connectivity. Moreover, we show that earlier synchrony during spindles was associated with mainly intra-hemispheric connectivity whereas later synchrony was associated with global long-range connectivity. We propose that our methodology can be a valuable tool for studying the connectivity underlying neural processes involving sleep spindles, such as memory, plasticity or aging. PMID:25389381