7,460 research outputs found
In Synch but Not in Step: Circadian Clock Circuits Regulating Plasticity in Daily Rhythms
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is a network of neural oscillators that program daily rhythms in mammalian behavior and physiology. Over the last decade much has been learned about how SCN clock neurons coordinate together in time and space to form a cohesive population. Despite this insight, much remains unknown about how SCN neurons communicate with one another to produce emergent properties of the network. Here we review the current understanding of communication among SCN clock cells and highlight a collection of formal assays where changes in SCN interactions provide for plasticity in the waveform of circadian rhythms in behavior. Future studies that pair analytical behavioral assays with modern neuroscience techniques have the potential to provide deeper insight into SCN circuit mechanisms
Recent Results on the Decay of Metastable Phases
We review some aspects of current knowledge regarding the decay of metastable
phases in many-particle systems. In particular we emphasize recent theoretical
and computational developments and numerical results regarding homogeneous
nucleation and growth in kinetic Ising and lattice-gas models. An introductory
discussion of the droplet theory of homogeneous nucleation is followed by a
discussion of Monte Carlo and transfer-matrix methods commonly used for
numerical study of metastable decay, including some new algorithms. Next we
discuss specific classes of systems. These include a brief discussion of recent
progress for fluids, and more exhaustive considerations of ferromagnetic Ising
models ({\it i.e.}, attractive lattice-gas models) with weak long-range
interactions and with short-range interactions. Whereas weak-long-range-force
(WLRF) models have infinitely long-lived metastable phases in the
infinite-range limit, metastable phases in short-range-force (SRF) models
eventually decay, albeit extremely slowly. Recent results on the finite-size
scaling of metastable lifetimes in SRF models are reviewed, and it is pointed
out that such effects may be experimentally observable.Comment: 34 pages, LaTex, 8 ps figs. on request, preprint FSU-SCRI-94-6
Benchmarking high fidelity single-shot readout of semiconductor qubits
Determination of qubit initialisation and measurement fidelity is important
for the overall performance of a quantum computer. However, the method by which
it is calculated in semiconductor qubits varies between experiments. In this
paper we present a full theoretical analysis of electronic single-shot readout
and describe critical parameters to achieve high fidelity readout. In
particular, we derive a model for energy selective state readout based on a
charge detector response and examine how to optimise the fidelity by choosing
correct experimental parameters. Although we focus on single electron spin
readout, the theory presented can be applied to other electronic readout
techniques in semiconductors that use a reservoir.Comment: 19 pages, 8 figure
Enhancement of L-Dopa Incorporation into Melanoma by Dopa Decarboxylase Inhibition
Melanoma cells possess a special biochemical pathway for the conversion of L-dopa to melanin. Selective incorporation of exogenous L-dopa into melanoma cells in vivo has been limited by extensive decarboxylation to dopamine. Pretreatment of animals bearing the S-91 Cloudman or ACI melanomas with Ro4-4602, a potent dopa decarboxylase inhibitor limited incorporation of label into adrenal tissue and enhanced entry of label into tumor. Six hours following pretreatment, the ratio of tumor to adrenal specific activities was altered from 0.25 to 1.5 for the S-91 melanoma and 0.68 to 1.99 for the ACI melanoma indicating diversion of metabolism away from catecholamine formation. The possibility of a selective diagnostic and/or therapeutic approach is proposed
Patient-specific CFD models for intraventricular flow analysis from 3D ultrasound imaging : comparison of three clinical cases
Background: As the intracardiac flow field is affected by changes in shape and motility of the heart, intraventricular flow features can provide diagnostic indications. Ventricular flow patterns differ depending on the cardiac condition and the exploration of different clinical cases can provide insights into how flow fields alter in different pathologies. Methods: In this study, we applied a patient-specific computational fluid dynamics model of the left ventricle and mitral valve, with prescribed moving boundaries based on transesophageal ultrasound images for three cardiac pathologies, to verify the abnormal flow patterns in impaired hearts. One case (P1) had normal ejection fraction but low stroke volume and cardiac output, P2 showed low stroke volume and reduced ejection fraction, P3 had a dilated ventricle and reduced ejection fraction. Results: The shape of the ventricle and mitral valve, together with the pathology influence the flow field in the left ventricle, leading to distinct flow features. Of particular interest is the pattern of the vortex formation and evolution, influenced by the valvular orifice and the ventricular shape. The base-to-apex pressure difference of maximum 2 mmHg is consistent with reported data. Conclusion: We used a CFD model with prescribed boundary motion to describe the intraventricular flow field in three patients with impaired diastolic function. The calculated intraventricular flow dynamics are consistent with the diagnostic patient records and highlight the differences between the different cases. The integration of clinical images and computational techniques, therefore, allows for a deeper investigation intraventricular hemodynamics in patho-physiology. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Scenarios of domain pattern formation in a reaction-diffusion system
We performed an extensive numerical study of a two-dimensional
reaction-diffusion system of the activator-inhibitor type in which domain
patterns can form. We showed that both multidomain and labyrinthine patterns
may form spontaneously as a result of Turing instability. In the stable
homogeneous system with the fast inhibitor one can excite both localized and
extended patterns by applying a localized stimulus. Depending on the parameters
and the excitation level of the system stripes, spots, wriggled stripes, or
labyrinthine patterns form. The labyrinthine patterns may be both connected and
disconnected. In the the stable homogeneous system with the slow inhibitor one
can excite self-replicating spots, breathing patterns, autowaves and
turbulence. The parameter regions in which different types of patterns are
realized are explained on the basis of the asymptotic theory of instabilities
for patterns with sharp interfaces developed by us in Phys. Rev. E. 53, 3101
(1996). The dynamics of the patterns observed in our simulations is very
similar to that of the patterns forming in the ferrocyanide-iodate-sulfite
reaction.Comment: 15 pages (REVTeX), 15 figures (postscript and gif), submitted to
Phys. Rev.
Expressive Art to Facilitate the Development of the Occupational Profile: A Scoping Review
Background. The American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Medical Association have changed CPT codes to require a completed occupational profile at every evaluation and re-evaluation session for reimbursement as of January 1, 2017. A revitalization of art in occupational therapy has led to a recent increase in the evidence supporting the use of expressive art in practice. The benefits of expressive art can directly enhance the occupational profile required by these changing reimbursement requirements.
Methods. A scoping review method was applied in the current study. Out of 347 initial articles, 12 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed through critical appraisal of topics and use of a matrix.
Results. Analysis of the data elucidated emergent themes of expressive art’s positive effects on verbal communication, the client’s therapeutic reflection, the accuracy of information, the clinician’s use of prompting, the therapeutic relationship, and client engagement.
Conclusion. Expressive art can strengthen the occupational profile and information-gathering process. The benefits related to using art in occupational therapy may enhance the complexity of the overall evaluation process, as described by newly changing CPT codes. Expressive art techniques can facilitate the development of client-centered goals and individualized intervention planning, creating an overall positive service delivery process
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