A Framework to Control Functional Connectivity in the Human Brain

In this paper, we propose a framework to control brain-wide functional connectivity by selectively acting on the brain's structure and parameters. Functional connectivity, which measures the degree of correlation between neural activities in different brain regions, can be used to distinguish between healthy and certain diseased brain dynamics and, possibly, as a control parameter to restore healthy functions. In this work, we use a collection of interconnected Kuramoto oscillators to model oscillatory neural activity, and show that functional connectivity is essentially regulated by the degree of synchronization between different clusters of oscillators. Then, we propose a minimally invasive method to correct the oscillators' interconnections and frequencies to enforce arbitrary and stable synchronization patterns among the oscillators and, consequently, a desired pattern of functional connectivity. Additionally, we show that our synchronization-based framework is robust to parameter mismatches and numerical inaccuracies, and validate it using a realistic neurovascular model to simulate neural activity and functional connectivity in the human brain

On the Number of Strongly Structurally Controllable Networks

Network controllability is a structural property, that is, mild and well-understood conditions on the network interconnection pattern ensure controllability from a given set of control nodes for most choices of the edge weights. To ensure network controllability for all choices of edge weights, namely strong structural controllability, more stringent connectivity conditions need to be satisfied. In this paper we derive an alternative algebraic characterization of strong structural controllability of networks with self-loops. This characterization allows us to systematically enumerate all strongly structurally controllable networks with given cardinality and number of control nodes. Differently from the case of (weak) structural controllability we show that, when the ratio of control nodes to the total number of nodes converges to zero, then the fraction of strongly structurally controllable networks decreases to zero. Conversely, when the ratio of control nodes to the total number of nodes converges to one, then the fraction of strongly structurally controllable networks remains lower bounded. Altogether, the results in this paper complement existing studies on the asymptotic number of controllable graphs

In-vitro Culture of Phytomonas Sp Isolated From Euphorbia-characias - Metabolic Studies By H-1-nmr

We describe the in vitro culture of Phytomonas species isolated from Euphorbia characias. The best choice between tested media was SDM-79, in which promastigotes, after 6 days of culture, reached cell densities as high as 4 x 10(7) cells/ml. Cells growing in LIT or MTL medium showed longer division times and lower cell densities. We succeeded in obtaining Phytomonas sp. amastigote and spheromastigote forms in modified GRACE's medium, yielding transformation rates of up to 70%. Electron microscopy studies were performed in order to characterize the ultrastructural features of these forms obtained in vitro. On the other hand, metabolic studies based on qualitative (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and quantitative metabolic methods (enzymatic assays) showed that promastigote forms secreted mainly ethanol, acetate, glycine, glycerol, piruvate and succinate in SDM-79 medium, whereas the major metabolites found after transformation in modified Grace's medium were ethanol, acetate, glycine, piruvate and smaller amounts of glycerol

Control for Societal-Scale Challenges Roadmap 2030

The world faces some of its greatest challenges of modern time and how we address them will have a dramatic impact on the life for generations to come. Simultaneously, control systems, consisting of information enriched by various degrees of analytics followed by decision-making, are pervading a variety of sectors, not only in engineering but beyond, into financial services, socio-economic analysis, entertainment and sports, and political and social sciences. Increased levels of automation are sought after in various sectors and being introduced into new domains. All of these advances and transformations urge a shift in the conversation toward how control systems can meet grand societal- scale challenges. The document seeks to chart a roadmap for the evolution of control systems, identifying several areas where our discipline can have an impact over the next decade

Consensus Statement on next-generation-sequencing-based diagnostic testing of hereditary phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are neural-crest-derived tumours of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system that are often inherited and are genetically heterogeneous. Genetic testing is recommended for patients with these tumours and for family members of patients with hereditary forms of PPGLs. Due to the large number of susceptibility genes implicated in the diagnosis of inherited PPGLs, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is ideally suited for carrying out genetic screening of these individuals. This Consensus Statement, formulated by a study group comprised of experts in the field, proposes specific recommendations for the use of diagnostic NGS in hereditary PPGLs. In brief, the study group recommends target gene panels for screening of germ line DNA, technical adaptations to address different modes of disease transmission, orthogonal validation of NGS findings, standardized classification of variant pathogenicity and uniform reporting of the findings. The use of supplementary assays, to aid in the interpretation of the results, and sequencing of tumour DNA, for identification of somatic mutations, is encouraged. In addition, the study group launches an initiative to develop a gene-centric curated database of PPGL variants, with annual re-evaluation of variants of unknown significance by an expert group for purposes of reclassification and clinical guidance.Funding Agencies|Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) [RP101202, RP57154]; Department of Defense [CDMRP W81XWH-12-1-0508]; Voelcker Fund; National Institutes of Health (NIH)s National Center for Research Resources; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences [8UL1TR000149]; INSERM; French National Cancer Institute (INCA); Direction Generale de lOffre de Soins (DGOS); INCA [INCA-DGOS_8663]; European Union [633983]; Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq); Cancer Research for PErsonalized Medicine (CARPEM); ERC Advanced Researcher Award</p