Asynchronous Phase Research Articles

Efficient transmission of subthreshold signals in complex networks of spiking neurons.

We investigate the efficient transmission and processing of weak, subthreshold signals in a realistic neural medium in the presence of different levels of the underlying noise. Assuming Hebbian weights for maximal synaptic conductances—that naturally balances the network with excitatory and inhibitory synapses—and considering short-term synaptic plasticity affecting such conductances, we found different dynamic phases in the system. This includes a memory phase where population of neurons remain synchronized, an oscillatory phase where transitions between different synchronized populations of neurons appears and an asynchronous or noisy phase. When a weak stimulus input is applied to each neuron, increasing the level of noise in the medium we found an efficient transmission of such stimuli around the transition and critical points separating different phases for well-defined different levels of stochasticity in the system. We proved that this intriguing phenomenon is quite robust, as it occurs in different situations including several types of synaptic plasticity, different type and number of stored patterns and diverse network topologies, namely, diluted networks and complex topologies such as scale-free and small-world networks. We conclude that the robustness of the phenomenon in different realistic scenarios, including spiking neurons, short-term synaptic plasticity and complex networks topologies, make very likely that it could also occur in actual neural systems as recent psycho-physical experiments suggest.

Asynchronous RTK precise DGNSS positioning method for deriving a low-latency high-rate output

Low-latency high-rate ( $$>$$ 1 Hz) precise real-time kinematic (RTK) can be applied in high-speed scenarios such as aircraft automatic landing, precise agriculture and intelligent vehicle. The classic synchronous RTK (SRTK) precise differential GNSS (DGNSS) positioning technology, however, is not able to obtain a low-latency high-rate output for the rover receiver because of long data link transmission time delays (DLTTD) from the reference receiver. To overcome the long DLTTD, this paper proposes an asynchronous real-time kinematic (ARTK) method using asynchronous observations from two receivers. The asynchronous observation model (AOM) is developed based on undifferenced carrier phase observation equations of the two receivers at different epochs with short baseline. The ephemeris error and atmosphere delay are the possible main error sources on positioning accuracy in this model, and they are analyzed theoretically. In a short DLTTD and during a period of quiet ionosphere activity, the main error sources decreasing positioning accuracy are satellite orbital errors: the “inverted ephemeris error” and the integration of satellite velocity error which increase linearly along with DLTTD. The cycle slip of asynchronous double-differencing carrier phase is detected by TurboEdit method and repaired by the additional ambiguity parameter method. The AOM can deal with synchronous observation model (SOM) and achieve precise positioning solution with synchronous observations as well, since the SOM is only a specific case of AOM. The proposed method not only can reduce the cost of data collection and transmission, but can also support the mobile phone network data link transfer mode for the data of the reference receiver. This method can avoid data synchronizing process besides ambiguity initialization step, which is very convenient for real-time navigation of vehicles. The static and kinematic experiment results show that this method achieves 20 Hz or even higher rate output in real time. The ARTK positioning accuracy is better and more robust than the combination of phase difference over time (PDOT) and SRTK method at a high rate. The ARTK positioning accuracy is equivalent to SRTK solution when the DLTTD is 0.5 s, and centimeter level accuracy can be achieved even when DLTTD is 15 s.

Nonlinear Susceptibility Magnitude Imaging of Magnetic Nanoparticles.

This study demonstrates a method for improving the resolution of susceptibility magnitude imaging (SMI) using spatial information that arises from the nonlinear magnetization characteristics of magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs). In this proof-of-concept study of nonlinear SMI, a pair of drive coils and several permanent magnets generate applied magnetic fields and a coil is used as a magnetic field sensor. Sinusoidal alternating current (AC) in the drive coils results in linear mNP magnetization responses at primary frequencies, and nonlinear responses at harmonic frequencies and intermodulation frequencies. The spatial information content of the nonlinear responses is evaluated by reconstructing tomographic images with sequentially increasing voxel counts using the combined linear and nonlinear data. Using the linear data alone it is not possible to accurately reconstruct more than 2 voxels with a pair of drive coils and a single sensor. However, nonlinear SMI is found to accurately reconstruct 12 voxels (R2 = 0.99, CNR = 84.9) using the same physical configuration. Several time-multiplexing methods are then explored to determine if additional spatial information can be obtained by varying the amplitude, phase and frequency of the applied magnetic fields from the two drive coils. Asynchronous phase modulation, amplitude modulation, intermodulation phase modulation, and frequency modulation all resulted in accurate reconstruction of 6 voxels (R2 > 0.9) indicating that time multiplexing is a valid approach to further increase the resolution of nonlinear SMI. The spatial information content of nonlinear mNP responses and the potential for resolution enhancement with time multiplexing demonstrate the concept and advantages of nonlinear SMI.

Asynchronous stoichiometric response in lithium iron phosphate batteries

Abstract

Catecholamine exocytosis during low frequency stimulation in mouse adrenal chromaffin cells is primarily asynchronous and controlled by the novel mechanism of Ca2+ syntilla suppression.

Adrenal chromaffin cells (ACCs), stimulated by the splanchnic nerve, generate action potentials (APs) at a frequency near 0.5Hz in the resting physiological state, at times described as 'rest and digest'. How such low frequency stimulation in turn elicits sufficient catecholamine exocytosis to set basal sympathetic tone is not readily explained by the classical mechanism of stimulus-secretion coupling, where exocytosis is synchronized to AP-induced Ca(2+) influx. By using simulated action potentials (sAPs) at 0.5Hz in isolated patch-clamped mouse ACCs, we show here that less than 10% of all catecholaminergic exocytosis, measured by carbon fibre amperometry, is synchronized to an AP. The asynchronous phase, the dominant phase, of exocytosis does not require Ca(2+) influx. Furthermore, increased asynchronous exocytosis is accompanied by an AP-dependent decrease in frequency of Ca(2+) syntillas (i.e. transient, focal Ca(2+) release from internal stores) and is ryanodine sensitive. We propose a mechanism of disinhibition, wherein APs suppress Ca(2+) syntillas, which themselves inhibit exocytosis as they do in the case of spontaneous catecholaminergic exocytosis.

Kinetics of neurotransmitter release in neuromuscular synapses of newborn and adult rats

The kinetics of the phasic synchronous and delayed asynchronous release of acetylcholine quanta was studied at the neuromuscular junctions of aging rats from infant to mature animals at various frequencies of rhythmic stimulation of the motor nerve. We found that in infants 6 (P6) and 10 (P10) days after birth a strongly asynchronous phase of quantal release was observed, along with a reduced number of quanta compared to the synapses of adults. The rise time and decay of uni-quantal end-plate currents were significantly longer in infant synapses. The presynaptic immunostaining revealed that the area of the synapses in infants was significantly (up to six times) smaller than in mature junctions. The intensity of delayed asynchronous release in infants increased with the frequency of stimulation more than in adults. A blockade of the ryanodine receptors, which can contribute to the formation of delayed asynchronous release, had no effect on the kinetics of delayed secretion in the infants unlike synapses of adults. Therefore, high degree of asynchrony of quantal release in infants is not associated with the activity of ryanodine receptors and with the liberation of calcium ions from intracellular calcium stores.

Physiological sharp wave-ripples and interictal events in vitro: what’s the difference?

Sharp wave-ripples and interictal events are physiological and pathological forms of transient high activity in the hippocampus with similar features. Sharp wave-ripples have been shown to be essential in memory consolidation, whereas epileptiform (interictal) events are thought to be damaging. It is essential to grasp the difference between physiological sharp wave-ripples and pathological interictal events to understand the failure of control mechanisms in the latter case. We investigated the dynamics of activity generated intrinsically in the Cornu Ammonis region 3 of the mouse hippocampus in vitro, using four different types of intervention to induce epileptiform activity. As a result, sharp wave-ripples spontaneously occurring in Cornu Ammonis region 3 disappeared, and following an asynchronous transitory phase, activity reorganized into a new form of pathological synchrony. During epileptiform events, all neurons increased their firing rate compared to sharp wave-ripples. Different cell types showed complementary firing: parvalbumin-positive basket cells and some axo-axonic cells stopped firing as a result of a depolarization block at the climax of the events in high potassium, 4-aminopyridine and zero magnesium models, but not in the gabazine model. In contrast, pyramidal cells began firing maximally at this stage. To understand the underlying mechanism we measured changes of intrinsic neuronal and transmission parameters in the high potassium model. We found that the cellular excitability increased and excitatory transmission was enhanced, whereas inhibitory transmission was compromised. We observed a strong short-term depression in parvalbumin-positive basket cell to pyramidal cell transmission. Thus, the collapse of pyramidal cell perisomatic inhibition appears to be a crucial factor in the emergence of epileptiform events.

Floral phenology, secondary pollen presentation and pollination mechanism in Inula racemosa (Angiosperms: Asteraceae)

Inula racemosa Hook. f. is protandrous, discharges pollen grains inside the anther tube and presents pollen secondarily onto the sweeping hairs of the style. The style and stigmatic branches present the yellow clumped pollen grains for pollination. This study describes floral functional morphology and phenology, anther dehiscence and pollen presentation, growth and behaviour of style during anthesis and pollination mechanism of I. racemosa. The species is entomophilous and is characterized by a highly asynchronous sexual phase. A large degree of asynchrony from floret to floret in a capitulum, and capitulum to capitulum in a plant, keeps the pollen dispersed for a longer duration. Two insect families were represented in the pollinator survey: Hymenoptera and Diptera. A significant correlation was observed between the number of capitula visited per bout and foraging time. We discuss morphological features of the ?owers which may enhance the pollen removal rate per bee visit and consequently cause a high visitation and pollination rate.

Synaptic Ribbons Influence the Size and Frequency of Miniature-like Evoked Postsynaptic Currents

Nonspiking cells of several sensory systems respond to stimuli with graded changes in neurotransmitter release and possess specialized synaptic ribbons. Here, we show that manipulations to synaptic ribbons caused dramatic effects on mEPSC-like (mlEPSC) amplitude and frequency. Damage to rod-bipolar cell ribbons using fluorophore-assisted light inactivation resulted in the immediate reduction of mlEPSC amplitude and frequency, whereas the first evoked response after damage remained largely intact. The reduction in amplitude could not be recovered by increasing release frequency after ribbon damage. In parallel experiments, we looked at mlEPSCs from cones of hibernating ground squirrels, which exhibit dramatically smaller ribbons than awake animals. Fewer and smaller mlEPSCs were observed postsynaptic to cones from hibernating animals, although depolarized cones were able to generate larger mlEPSCs. Our results indicate that ribbon size may influence mlEPSC frequency and support a role for ribbons in coordinating multivesicular release.

Role of Intracellular Calcium in Release from Nerve Terminals

Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are released from terminals in the neurohypophysis (NH). These neuropeptides (NP) are contained in large dense core vesicles (LDCV). Ryanodine receptors (RyR) in NH terminals can induce spontaneous focal Ca2+ transients (DeCrescenzo, et al., 2004 J. Neurosci.24:1226-1235), making them ideal for studying the role of intraterminal Ca2+ in NP release.Fluorescent immunolabeling and immunogold micrographs of NH terminals show that RyR are localized specifically to LDCV. Furthermore, a large conductance non-specific cation channel, previously identified in the LDCV membrane with properties similar to that of a RyR (Lee, et al., 1992 Neuron 8:335-342), is pharmacologically affected in the same characteristic manner as a RyR.We found that individual Ca2+ release events alone are not enough to drive peptide release (McNally, et al., 2009 J. Neurosci. 29:14120-14126). However, these RyR sensitive events could potentially play a role in modulating NP release. To test this hypothesis, the association of LDCV within an area 0.45 µm of the plasma membrane was assessed using immunolabeling of Neurophysins I (OT) and II (AVP) in isolated NH terminals. We found that the amount of membrane associated NP-immunoreactivity varies significantly between terminal types and that this distribution pattern can be enhanced by agonist concentrations of ryanodine, but only in OT terminals.Importantly, Ca2+-evoked NP release from permeabilized-terminals was increased by agonist concentrations of ryanodine and decreased by antagonist concentrations of this drug. Amperometric recording of spontaneous release events from artificial transmitter-loaded terminals corroborated these ryanodine effects. Agonist concentrations of ryanodine were also able to increase the asynchronous phase of low frequency electrically-stimulated capacitance increases in NH terminals. Thus, the ryanodine-sensitive mobilization of LDCV seems to have a functional role in modulating secretion of NP from NH terminals. [Support: NS29470, NS40966, P60037094900000].

Analysis and Optimization of Error Performance of a WiMAX Transceiver using Novel Adaptive Cyclic Prefix Strategy under AWGN and Rayleigh Fading Scenario

In order to increase channel capacity at lowchannel SNR selection of higher order modulation and coderates are crucial. However, poor channel condition causessevere ISI resulting in asynchronous phase error betweenthe subcarriers hindering the selection of higher ordermodulation schemes at low channel SNR condition. In thispaper, a complete novel and unique selection strategy forAdaptive Cyclic Prefix (ACP) is proposed for IEEE 802.16e-WiMAX Physical Layer (PHY) using a Simulink-VSA basedsimulation model. ACP selects higher order modulation andcode rates for low channel SNR condition by dynamicselection of Cyclic Prefix (CP). Better Quality of Service(QoS) is guaranteed in the form of lowest average error(0.034 dB) for low channel SNR condition, compared to theexisting Fixed Cyclic Prefix (FCP) scenario (3dB) inWiMAX. In addition to implementing ACP algorithm forAWGN scenario, a Modified ACP (MACP) algorithm is alsoproposed for a Rayleigh multipath fading scenario.Simulation results reflect the efficiency of both ACP andMACP for low channel SNR condition in the selection ofhigher order modulation and coding schemes in a WiMAXbased system. Moreover, an elaborate performance study onthe effect of EVM and RCE on Symbol Error Probability(SEP) for all possible modulations has been addressed inthis paper. Results confirm that effective reduction in EVMand RCE, reduces SEP significantly and thus selection ofhigher order modulation and code rates is possible even inlow channel SNR condition (0dB -20dB).

Robust [formula omitted] output tracking control for switched systems under asynchronous switching

In this paper, the output tracking control of switched systems with time-varying delay under asynchronous switching is investigated. When the augmented system composed of the given switched system and tracking error system is robust exponentially stabilizable, the output tracking control problem under asynchronous switching is solved. A new Lyapunov function dependent on the controllers’ switching signal is constructed, which can effectively counteract the difficulty of controller design to achieve tracking objective under asynchronous switching. Moreover, the value of the Lyapunov function is allowed to increase during the asynchronous phase. Based on the average dwell time approach, the controllers are designed and H∞ performance level is developed. Finally, a numerical example illustrates the effectiveness of the results.

Digital holographic microtomography for high‐resolution refractive index mapping of live cells

Quantification of three-dimensional (3D) refractive index (RI) with sub-cellular resolution is achieved by digital holographic microtomography (DHμT) using quantitative phase images measured at multiple illumination angles. The DHμT system achieves sensitive and fast phase measurements based on iterative phase extraction algorithm and asynchronous phase shifting interferometry without any phase monitoring or active control mechanism. A reconstruction algorithm, optical diffraction tomography with projection on convex sets and total variation minimization, is implemented to substantially reduce the number of angular scattered fields needed for reconstruction without sacrificing the accuracy and quality of the reconstructed 3D RI distribution. Tomogram of a living CA9-22 cell is presented to demonstrate the performance of the method. Further, a statistical analysis of the average RI of the nucleoli, the nucleus excluding the nucleoli and the cytoplasm of twenty CA9-22 cells is performed.

Nonlocal elasticity based magnetic field affected vibration response of double single-walled carbon nanotube systems

The behaviour of carbon nanotubes in a magnetic field has attracted considerable attention in the scientific community. This paper reports the effects of a longitudinal magnetic field on the vibration of a magnetically sensitive double single-walled carbon nanotube system (DSWNTS). The two nanotubes of the DSWNTS are coupled by an elastic medium. The dynamical equations of the DSWNTS are derived using nonlocal elasticity theory. The two nanotubes are defined as an equivalent nonlocal double-Euler-Bernoulli beam system. Governing equations for nonlocal bending-vibration of the DSWNTS under a longitudinal magnetic field are derived considering the Lorentz magnetic force obtained from Maxwell’s relation. An analytical method is proposed to obtain nonlocal natural frequencies of the DSWNTS. The influence of (i) nanoscale effects and (ii) strength of longitudinal magnetic field on the synchronous and asynchronous vibration phase of the DSWNTS is examined. Nonlocal effects with and without the effect of magnetic field are illustrated. Results reveal the difference (quantitatively) by which the longitudinal magnetic field affects the nonlocal frequency in the synchronous and asynchronous vibration modes of a DSWNTS.

Dueling Ca 2+ Sensors in Neurotransmitter Release

Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release is characterized by two kinetically distinct components: a fast synchronous phase and a slow asynchronous phase. Yao et al. (2011) now report that double C2 domain (Doc2) proteins function as high-affinity Ca(2+) sensors to specifically regulate the asynchronous component of neurotransmitter release.

Doc2 Is a Ca 2+ Sensor Required for Asynchronous Neurotransmitter Release

Synaptic transmission involves a fast synchronous phase and a slower asynchronous phase of neurotransmitter release that are regulated by distinct Ca(2+) sensors. Though the Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis, synaptotagmin I, has been studied in depth, the sensor for asynchronous release remains unknown. In a screen for neuronal Ca(2+) sensors that respond to changes in [Ca(2+)] with markedly slower kinetics than synaptotagmin I, we observed that Doc2--another Ca(2+), SNARE, and lipid-binding protein--operates on timescales consistent with asynchronous release. Moreover, up- and downregulation of Doc2 expression levels in hippocampal neurons increased or decreased, respectively, the slow phase of synaptic transmission. Synchronous release, when triggered by single action potentials, was unaffected by manipulation of Doc2 but was enhanced during repetitive stimulation in Doc2 knockdown neurons, potentially due to greater vesicle availability. In summary, we propose that Doc2 is a Ca(2+) sensor that is kinetically tuned to regulate asynchronous neurotransmitter release.

A novel mechanics model of parametric helical-end mills for 3D cutting force prediction

Cutting force prediction plays an important role in modern manufacturing systems to effectively design cutters, fixtures, and machine tools. A novel mechanics model of parametric helical-end mills is systematically presented for three-dimensional (3D) cutting force prediction in the article, which is different from mechanistic approach and Oxley’s predictive machining theory in model formulation and shear stress identification process. The single-flute cutting edge and multiflute cutting edge of helical-end mills are modelled according to kinematic analysis with vector algebra. Based on Merchant’s oblique cutting theory, a new mechanics model of 3D cutting force with runout has been developed. Meanwhile, the asynchronous problem between predicted and measured curves is solved by adjusting phase angle to minimize the average deviation. After minimizing the asynchronous phase angle deviation, shear stress can be estimated directly using corresponding peak-to-peak ratio or valley-to-valley ratio of the predicted curves and the measured curves in X- and Y-directions of an arbitrary selected milling test. To assess the feasibility of the general model, over 100 milling experiments of aluminium alloy (7075) using flat-end mills and ball-end mills were conducted, respectively, and numerical tests implemented in time domain on MathWorks platform. The comparative results indicated that the predicted and the measured waveforms were quite satisfied in both pulsation pattern and period.

Design and Analysis of a Cooperative Multichannel MAC Protocol for Heterogeneous Networks

Many incompatible wireless protocols proliferate in unlicensed bands, creating complex coexistence and connectivity problems. If the trend continues, such problems will continue to exist in future unlicensed bands. We take a different approach to spectrum sharing. Instead of proposing a distinct medium-access control (MAC) protocol for each type of application, we propose a family of parameterized MAC protocols called WiFlex, which can be tailored to different application needs, ranging from wireless sensors to media centers. However, these protocols allow communication and spectrum-sharing coordination among different types of devices. We envision this family to be based on a multichannel physical layer. The contributions of this paper include a novel asynchronous split phase (ASP) protocol with dynamic priority support, even in multiple-collision-domain environments. When links are bidirectional, WiFlex resolves the multichannel hidden-node problem, achieving collision-free data exchange in a multihop environment. ASP provides a mechanism for prioritization and fairness. The performance of the protocol is evaluated through analysis and simulation. The coexistence of heterogeneous devices and the support for different applications with high performance are demonstrated.

Chaotic synchronization on directed networks

The phenomenon of synchronization occurring in coupled chaotic maps on a directed random network is studied. The network is characterized by the average degree of its nodes and the fraction of directed links. It is found that the required coupling strength so that the chaotic synchronization emerges is smaller when the fraction of directed links is increased. In addition, the system undergoes a transition from an asynchronous phase to a synchronous one at some critical values of its parameters. The critical boundary separating the synchronous from the asynchronous regime is calculated on the parameter space of the system, given by the coupling strength and the fraction of directed links of the network. The phase transition between the two regimes is of second order for all values of the fraction of directed links, and the critical exponent depends of it.

UV radiation reduces epidermal cell expansion in leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana

Plants have evolved a broad spectrum of mechanisms to ensure survival under changing and suboptimal environmental conditions. Alterations of plant architecture are commonly observed following exposure to abiotic stressors. The mechanisms behind these environmentally controlled morphogenic traits are, however, poorly understood. In this report, the effects of a low dose of chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation on leaf development are detailed. Arabidopsis rosette leaves exposed for 7, 12, or 19 d to supplemental UV radiation expanded less compared with non-UV controls. The UV-mediated decrease in leaf expansion is associated with a decrease in adaxial pavement cell expansion. Elevated UV does not affect the number and shape of adaxial pavement cells, nor the stomatal index. Cell expansion in young Arabidopsis leaves is asynchronous along a top-to-base gradient whereas, later in development, cells localized at both the proximal and distal half expand synchronously. The prominent, UV-mediated inhibition of cell expansion in young leaves comprises effects on the early asynchronous growing stage. Subsequent cell expansion during the synchronous phase cannot nullify the UV impact established during the asynchronous phase. The developmental stage of the leaf at the onset of UV treatment determines whether UV alters cell expansion during the synchronous and/or asynchronous stage. The effect of UV radiation on adaxial epidermal cell size appears permanent, whereas leaf shape is transiently altered with a reduced length/width ratio in young leaves. The data show that UV-altered morphogenesis is a temporal- and spatial-dependent process, implying that common single time point or single leaf zone analyses are inadequate.