Metastable equilibrium with random local fluctuations: Simulations of dynamic receptor pattern generation in a fluid mosaic membrane

The generation of receptors in the animal cell's membrane was simulated by a model consisting of units in four possible states within a hexagonal area (playboard) ofn units of a triangular network. The state of each unit was determined by the previous state or itself and of its six nearest neighbours, as regulated by a set of transition rules, which kept the mean relative frequency (m.r.f.) of each state constant. The transition rules were applied to the system exactlyn times, regardedless whether this involved selection of a unit on 0, 1, 2 or more occasions (programme random selection with repeat; RS-R). Comparison to previous results obtained by other ways of application of the rules has shown that the RS-R programme accounted for the highest m.r.f. of quiet (Q) units and Q clusters (sub-patterns), and also for the longest survival of Q configurations through several generations. Functioning of the model under the RS-R programme simulates an integrated system in metastable equilibrium with random local fluctuations, such as the cytoplasmic membrane is imagined to be in standardized environmental conditions. The formation-persistence-disintegration cycle of the sub-patterns is believed to simulate the dynamic generation of transitory receptor configurations in the cell membrane.     

Influence of M-phase chromatin on the anisotropy of microtubule asters

In many eukaryotic cells going through M-phase, a bipolar spindle is formed by microtubules nucleated from centrosomes. These microtubules, in addition to being "captured" by kinetochores, may be stabilized by chromatin in two different ways: short-range stabilization effects may affect microtubules in close contact with the chromatin, while long- range stabilization effects may "guide" microtubule growth towards the chromatin (e.g., by introducing a diffusive gradient of an enzymatic activity that affects microtubule assembly). Here, we use both meiotic and mitotic extracts from Xenopus laevis eggs to study microtubule aster formation and microtubule dynamics in the presence of chromatin. In "low-speed" meiotic extracts, in the presence of salmon sperm chromatin, we find that short-range stabilization effects lead to a strong anisotropy of the microtubule asters. Analysis of the dynamic parameters of microtubule growth show that this anisotropy arises from a decrease in the catastrophe frequency, an increase in the rescue frequency and a decrease in the growth velocity. In this system we also find evidence for long-range "guidance" effects, which lead to a weak anisotropy of the asters. Statistically relevant results on these long- range effects are obtained in "high-speed" mitotic extracts in the presence of artificially constructed chromatin stripes. We find that aster anisotropy is biased in the direction of the chromatin and that the catastrophe frequency is reduced in its vicinity. In this system we also find a surprising dependence of the catastrophe and the rescue frequencies on the length of microtubules nucleated from centrosomes: the catastrophe frequency increase and the rescue frequency decreases with microtubule length.     

Enzymatic mechanisms of compensation of deleterious mutations

Mechanisms of stabilization and compensation, that occur in biochemical systems with enzymes modified by harmful mutations are considered. The compensation of such mutations can result in their evolutionary neutralism. The stabilization is considered due to kinetic signals of metabolites which form the direct and feedback connections with enzymes (temporal stabilization), and also the compensation in enzymatic aggregates determined by the changes of conformation (spatial stabilization). Examples of the stabilization in one or several steady states of enzymatic systems are presented. The neutralism of the distortion of inhibitory and catalytic properties of enzymes is shown in the region of stabilization of these properties.     

Invariance and selectivity in the ventral visual pathway.

Pattern recognition systems that are invariant to shape, pose, lighting and texture are never sufficiently selective; they suffer a high rate of "false alarms". How are biological vision systems both invariant and selective? Specifically, how are proper arrangements of sub-patterns distinguished from the chance arrangements that defeat selectivity in artificial systems? The answer may lie in the nonlinear dynamics that characterize complex and other invariant cell types: these cells are temporarily more receptive to some inputs than to others (functional connectivity). One consequence is that pairs of such cells with overlapping receptive fields will possess a related property that might be termed functional common input. Functional common input would induce high correlation exactly when there is a match in the sub-patterns appearing in the overlapping receptive fields. These correlations, possibly expressed as a partial and highly local synchrony, would preserve the selectivity otherwise lost to invariance.     

Reduced nucleus pulposus glycosaminoglycan content alters intervertebral disc dynamic viscoelastic mechanics

The intervertebral disc functions over a range of dynamic loading regimes including axial loads applied across a spectrum of frequencies at varying compressive loads. Biochemical changes occurring in early degeneration, including reduced nucleus pulposus glycosaminoglycan content, may alter disc mechanical behavior and thus may contribute to the progression of degeneration. The objective of this study was to determine disc dynamic viscoelastic properties under several equilibrium loads and loading frequencies, and further, to determine how reduced nucleus glycosaminoglycan content alters dynamic mechanics. We hypothesized that (1) dynamic stiffness would be elevated with increasing equilibrium load and increasing frequency, (2) the disc would behave more elastically at higher frequencies, and finally, (3) dynamic stiffness would be reduced at low equilibrium loads under all frequencies due to nucleus glycosaminoglycan loss. We mechanically tested control and chondroitinase ABC injected rat lumbar motion segments at several equilibrium loads using oscillatory loading at frequencies ranging from 0.05 to 5 Hz. The rat lumbar disc behaved non-linearly with higher dynamic stiffness at elevated compressive loads irrespective of frequency. Phase angle was not affected by equilibrium load, although it decreased as frequency was increased. Reduced glycosaminoglycan decreased dynamic stiffness at low loads but not at high equilibrium loads and led to increased phase angle at all loads and frequencies. The findings of this study demonstrate the effect of equilibrium load and loading frequencies on dynamic disc mechanics and indicate possible mechanical mechanisms through which disc degeneration can progress.     

Development of the auditory sensitivity and formation of the acoustically guided defensive behavior in nestlings of the pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

Age dynamics of generation of the evoked potentials (EP) in the field L of caudal nidopallium (the higher integrative center of the avian auditory system) and development of the auditory-guided defensive behavior were studied in control and visually deprived pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca nestlings. It was shown that the rhythmically organized monofrequency signals with sound frequency 3.5 kHz and higher produced the defensive behavior as the auditory sensitivity to these frequencies matured. After 9 days, the species-specific alarm signal produced more effectively the defensive behavior than the tonal signals. The rhythmically organized sound with filling frequency 0.5 kHz, occupying the less low-frequency diapason than the feeding signal, produced the effect opposite to the alarm signal to increase the nestling mobility. At the initial stage of the defensive behavior development the auditory threshold fell markedly in the frequency diapason corresponding to the frequency diapason of the alarm signal (5–6 kHz), which seemed to facilitate involvement of this diapason signals in the defensive integration. The auditory EP generation thresholds in the whole studied diapason were lower in the visually deprived nestlings than in the normally developing one; however, the ability of the acoustic signals to suppress alimentary reactions fell significantly.     

Generic UMTS test signal for RF bioelectromagnetic studies

This report outlines the characteristics of universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS) signals and discusses the signal parameters with respect to their possible biological relevance in order to define a generic UMTS test signal (GUS) for experiments aiming at the investigation of biological effects of weak electromagnetic fields. The GUS includes features of a real UMTS signal and especially the characteristics of UMTS, which differ from those of already applied second generation mobile communication systems (GSM 900, DCS1800, PCS1900, IS-95). It has been specified on the basis of the recommendations of a working group of the German Forschungsgemeinschaft Funk (FGF) with a focus on the mechanisms of UMTS which are responsible for slow term signal contributions, i.e., low frequency variations of the radio frequency (RF) envelope, since the hypothetical possibility of biological relevance of weak electromagnetic fields is often attributed to time variations of the RF envelope with frequencies close to those of natural processes. In this respect, it is also shown that the mandatory power control loop in UMTS gives rise to very strong 1.5 kHz variations on the air interface. Based upon the concept of the GUS, a UMTS test signal generator (GUS6960S) is described.     

Spatial variation in the fitness of divergent aposematic phenotypes of the poison frog, Dendrobates tinctorius

Aposematic species use brightly coloured signals to warn potential predators of their unpalatability. The function of these signals is largely believed to be frequency-dependent. All else being equal, stabilizing selection is expected to constrain the evolution of novel signals. However, despite the expected frequency-dependent function of aposematic signals, interpopulation variation in aposematic signals is ubiquitous in nature. Here, we used clay models of the poison frog Dendrobates tinctorius to test the nature of selection in regions containing varying frequencies of frogs possessing the local aposematic signal. Our findings support a role for stabilizing selection in maintaining the local signal type in a region of high signal frequency; however, we observe a lack of stabilizing selection at one site coincident with a decrease in the density of frogs possessing the local signal. Spatial variation in local aposematic signal frequencies may facilitate the evolution of novel signal types by altering the adaptive landscape for divergent aposematic phenotypes. Our results provide evidence for spatial variation in the selective regime acting on aposematic signals within an established aposematic system and highlight the need for further study of the nature of selection acting across different spatial scales in diverse aposematic systems.     

Regression analysis of non-stationary discharges in neurons; Adaptation in the electrosensory afferent of dogfish

Interspike interval histograms, as usually regarded for the estimation of statistical variabilities in neuronal spike trains, were applied to non-stationary dynamic responses of a PD receptor. Sliding mean values were introduced describing the average receptor response on defined, recurrent stimuli; mean spike frequencies and interspike intervals were computed a) for fixed sequential analysis periods (of e.g. 500 ms), b) for analysis periods shifted by every consecutive interspike interval (thus the number of spikes being constant), and c) by fitting the dynamic responses for suitable analytic functions (e.g. exponential functions). With these methods variabilities in the non-stationary neuronal impulse patterns were investigated for electrosensory PD afferents in Lorenzinian ampulla of dogfish (Scyliorhinus canicula) with electric stimuli up to 50 nA and defined temperatures between 7° C and 25° C. In this temperature range all investigated ampullae were spontaneously active, the irregularities in neuronal discharges and averaged spike frequencies depended strongly on temperature, the latter showing maxima between 13° C and 19° C. In preparations with small disturbances we generally found static interspike interval histograms following approximatively a Gaussian distribution. The same was true for the momentary spike frequency and its deviation during the dynamic response to given electrical stimuli. A suprathreshold rectangular current (e.g.-0.5 nA) led to a marked but transient synchronisation in spike generation; the higher the stimulus strength, the smaller the standard deviation (s.d.) from mean spike frequency in the beginning of the dynamic response; during adaptation the s.d. increased up to that of the static response frequency. Relating, however, s.d. for different currents, times, and temperatures to the corresponding mean spike frequency led to fairly constant coefficients of variation; s.d. was approximatively a linear function of the sliding mean value even in the dynamic response of the electroreceptor (scaling).Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Br 310/11)     

A New Method for Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of the Multi-kinetics Neural Mass Model

ObjectiveThe aim was to use a new method to analyze the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the multi-kinetics neural mass model. We hope that this new method can be as an auxiliary judgment tool for the diagnosis of brain diseases and the identification of brain activity states.MethodsWe apply the Lorenz plot to analyze the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from the multi-kinetics neural mass models. The standard deviations in two orthogonal directions of the Lorenz plot are further used to quantify the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of EEG signals.ResultsThe results show that the normalized signal frequency power spectrum may not be able to distinguish normal EEG signals and epileptiform spikes, but the Lorenz plot can distinguish the normal EEG signals and epileptiform spikes effectively. For EEG signals with multi-rhythms, the Lorenz plot of all the simulated signals are oval, but the value of SD1/SD2 increases monotonically when the multi-rhythm EEG signals change from low frequency to high frequency.ConclusionThe Lorenz plot of EEG signals with different rhythms presents different distribution. It is an effective nonlinear analysis method for EEG signals.     

Dynamics of foreign protein secretion from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

A mathematical model describing the dynamics of foreign protein secretion from yeast cells is developed. The secretion events, which are a series of complicated enzymatic reactions and carrier-involved transport, are lumped to a practically applicable model structure, based on the major interactions between the heterologous polypeptides and the host cell's secretory machinery through the pathway. The developed model structure predicts that the secretion rate constant is represented as a saturated form with respect to the host cell's specific growth rate. The validity of the proposed model structure is tested by generating dynamic response data to a step input of cycloheximide. The model system used in the experiment is SEY2102-s21, which has an integrated copy of a yeast secretion-mutant invertase that simulates well typical gene cassettes designed to secrete mature foreign proteins utilizing the yeast cell's secretion signals. Protein quantification is done by gel electrophoresis followed by immuno-blot on nitrocellulose filters and subsequent scanning with a reflectance densitometer. Experimental data confirm the proposed model structure.     

Dynamic output feedback stabilization for nonlinear systems based on standard neural network models

A neural-model-based control design for some nonlinear systems is addressed. The design approach is to approximate the nonlinear systems with neural networks of which the activation functions satisfy the sector conditions. A novel neural network model termed standard neural network model (SNNM) is advanced for describing this class of approximating neural networks. Full-order dynamic output feedback control laws are then designed for the SNNMs with inputs and outputs to stabilize the closed-loop systems. The control design equations are shown to be a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) which can be easily solved by various convex optimization algorithms to determine the control signals. It is shown that most neural-network-based nonlinear systems can be transformed into input-output SNNMs to be stabilization synthesized in a unified way. Finally, some application examples are presented to illustrate the control design procedures.     

GM plants as sources of im/possibility: a developmental systems view of stabilization

This paper generates a heuristic understanding of the stabilization dynamic of genetically modified plants. This heuristic, the paper argues, can provide a fruitful platform for studying the political dimensions embedded in GM plants. Focusing on stabilization is important, because outside laboratories a plant can have an intermediating role only as a cultivar; as something which has integrated into biological processes and human practices. The actual stabilizing entity is not just an object, but a dynamic analogous to what is called a developmental system. The empowering or suppressing consequences of GM plants depend significantly on the qualities of this spatio-temporal order stabilizing; on the “possibility space” it opens up. Moreover, stabilization connects and makes things possible, but it does not do so automatically, predictably – or for everyone. Centralized control may support stability, but it may also increase vulnerability by reducing local possibility space.     

Computer simulated discharges of thalamic ventrobasal neurones during sleep and wakefulness

A theoretical model is described which in response to combinations of poissonian pulse trains with different mean frequencies on three independent incoming lines, generated output signals simulating spontaneous discharges of thalamic ventrobasal (VB) neurones during sleep and wakefulness. Some dynamic neuronal properties as refractoriness, facilitation, short term memory were simulated and characteristics of response to single pulses on different lines properly selected to reproduce those exhibited by VB neurones upon artificial stimulation of thalamic afferent systems. The data obtained from the model are briefly discussed in relation to possible contributions of specific and nonspecific afferent systems in producing spontaneous VB discharges characteristic of different levels of vigilance.     

Measurement of total respiratory impedance in calves by the forced oscillation technique

We have determined the resistance (Rrs) and the reactance (Xrs) of the total respiratory system in unsedated spontaneously breathing calves at various frequencies. A pseudorandom noise pressure wave was produced at the nostrils of the animals by means of a loudspeaker adapted to the nose by a tightly fitting mask. A Fourier analysis of the pressure in the nostrils and flow signals yielded mean Rrs and Xrs, over 16 s, at frequencies of 2-26 Hz. A good correlation was found between values of pulmonary resistances measured by the isovolume method at the respiratory frequency of animals and values obtained at a frequency of 6 Hz by use of our technique. The linearity of the respiratory system, the reproducibility of the technique, and the effects of upper airways on results have been studied. In healthy calves, Rrs increases with frequency. Mean resonant frequency is 7.5 Hz. Bronchospasm was induced in six calves by administration of intravenous organophosphates. Rrs tended to decrease with increasing frequency. Resonant frequency exceeded 26 Hz. All parameters returned to initial values after administration of atropine. In healthy calves, atropine produces a decrease in Rrs, especially at low frequencies. Values of resonant frequency are not modified.     

Using priced timed automaton to analyse the energy consumption in cloud computing environment

According to the fact that cloud servers have different energy consumption on different running states, as well as the energy waste problem caused by the mismatching between cloud servers and cloud tasks, we carry out researches on the energy optimal method achieved by a priced timed automaton for the cloud computing center in this paper. The priced timed automaton is used to model the running behaviors of the cloud computing system. After introducing the matching matrix of cloud tasks and cloud resources as well as the power matrix of the running states of cloud servers, we design a generation algorithm for the cloud system automaton based on the generation rules and reduction rules given ahead. Then, we propose another algorithm to settle the minimum path energy consumption problem in the cloud system automaton, therefore obtaining an energy optimal solution and an energy optimal value for the cloud system. A case study and repeated experimental analyses manifest that our method is effective and feasible.     

Frequency modulation between low- and high-frequency components of the heart rate variability spectrum.

Interactions among physiological mechanisms are abundant in biomedical signals, and they may exist to maintain efficient homeostasis. For example, sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activities interact to either elevate or depress the heart rate to maintain homeostasis. There has been considerable effort devoted to developing algorithms that can detect interactions between various physiological mechanisms. However, methods used to detect the presence of interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, to take one example, have had limited success. This may be because interactions in physiological systems are non-linear and non-stationary. The goal of this work was to identify non-linear interactions between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems in the form of frequency and amplitude modulations in human heart-rate data (n=6). To this end, wavelet analysis was performed, followed by frequency analysis of the resultant wavelet decomposed signals in several frequency brackets we define as: very low frequency (f<0.04 Hz), low frequency (0.04-0.15 Hz) and high frequency (0.15-0.4 Hz). Our analysis suggests that the high-frequency bracket is modulated by the low-frequency bracket in the heart rate data obtained in both upright and sitting positions. However, there was no evidence of amplitude modulation among these frequencies.     

Rapid jamming avoidance in biosonar

The sonar systems of bats and dolphins are in many ways superior to man-made sonar and radar systems, and considerable effort has been devoted to understanding the signal-processing strategies underlying these capabilities. A major feature determining the efficiency of sonar systems is the sensitivity to noise and jamming signals. Previous studies indicated that echolocating bats may adjust their signal structure to avoid jamming ('jamming avoidance response'; JAR). However, these studies relied on behavioural correlations and not controlled experiments. Here, we provide the first experimental evidence for JAR in bats. We presented bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) with 'playback stimuli' consisting of recorded echolocation calls at one of six frequencies. The bats exhibited a JAR by shifting their call frequency away from the presented playback frequency. When the approaching bats were challenged by an abrupt change in the playback stimulus, they responded by shifting their call frequencies upwards, away from the playback. Interestingly, even bats initially calling below the playback's frequency shifted their frequencies upwards, 'jumping' over the playback frequency. These spectral shifts in the bats' calls occurred often within less than 200 ms, in the first echolocation call emitted after the stimulus switch-suggesting that rapid jamming avoidance is important for the bat.     

Effect of an anomalous broadening of the synchronization band after electric stimulation of heart tissues

Synchronization effects of the second order induced by a change of the action potential (AP) shape in relation to the frequency of periodic stimulation were studied. Mechanism of anomalous increase of the synchronization band at periodic stimulation of the heart fibers was explained. By means of a modified method of synchronization diagrams the synchronization bands were calculated for possible stimulation regimes taking into account a change in RP shape and dynamic threshold (DT) depending on the frequency of the initiated regimes. Regions of stimulating signals parameters (multiplicity regions or prolonging regions) were discovered, within the range of which the same stimulating signal may induce different synchronization regimes. Physiological meaning of the existence of anomalous synchronization regimes which significantly broaden the adaptation possibilities of the heart is discussed.     

Activity of the forewing stretch receptor in immature and mature adult locusts

Maturation of the flight system of Locusta migratoria occurs during the first two weeks following imaginal ecdysis. One aspect of maturation is an increase in the wingbeat frequency from about 13 Hz to about 23 Hz. We investigated physiological and anatomical mechanisms that may contribute to this process. The difference between the frequencies of the central flight rhythms of immature and mature deafferented preparations was not as great as that between the wingbeat frequencies of immature and mature intact animals. Results from static and dynamic wing elevation showed that the intensity of the forewing stretch receptor response to a given stimulus increased during maturation. The diameter of the main stretch receptor axon was larger and the conduction velocity of signals conveyed along the forewing stretch receptor and the dorsal longitudinal motoneuron was faster in mature than in immature animals. We conclude that during maturation of the flight system the forewing stretch receptor responds to wing elevation with a higher frequency signal that reaches the central circuitry faster. These findings are discussed in the context of a model that describes the influence of stretch receptor input on wingbeat frequency along with other potential mechanisms involved in flight maturation.Abbreviations fDLMn forewing dorsal longitudinal motoneuron - fSR forewing stretch receptor - SR stretch receptor