2,559 research outputs found
A theory for the alignment of cortical feature maps during\ud development
We present a developmental model of ocular dominance column formation that takes into account the existence of an array of intrinsically specified cytochrome oxidase blobs. We assume that there is some molecular substrate for the blobs early in development, which generates a spatially periodic modulation of experience–dependent plasticity. We determine the effects of such a modulation on a competitive Hebbian mechanism for the modification of the feedforward afferents from the left and right eyes. We show how alternating left and right eye dominated columns can develop, in which the blobs are aligned with the centers of the ocular dominance columns and receive a greater density of feedforward connections, thus becoming defined extrinsically. More generally, our results suggest that the presence of periodically distributed anatomical markers early in development could provide a mechanism for the alignment of cortical feature maps
The mean velocity of two-state models of molecular motor
The motion of molecular motor is essential to the biophysical functioning of
living cells. In principle, this motion can be regraded as a multiple chemical
states process. In which, the molecular motor can jump between different
chemical states, and in each chemical state, the motor moves forward or
backward in a corresponding potential. So, mathematically, the motion of
molecular motor can be described by several coupled one-dimensional hopping
models or by several coupled Fokker-Planck equations. To know the basic
properties of molecular motor, in this paper, we will give detailed analysis
about the simplest cases: in which there are only two chemical states.
Actually, many of the existing models, such as the flashing ratchet model, can
be regarded as a two-state model. From the explicit expression of the mean
velocity, we find that the mean velocity of molecular motor might be nonzero
even if the potential in each state is periodic, which means that there is no
energy input to the molecular motor in each of the two states. At the same
time, the mean velocity might be zero even if there is energy input to the
molecular motor. Generally, the velocity of molecular motor depends not only on
the potentials (or corresponding forward and backward transition rates) in the
two states, but also on the transition rates between the two chemical states
Spatial and spatio-temporal patterns in a cell-haptotaxis model
We investigate a cell-haptotaxis model for the generation of spatial and spatio-temporal patterns in one dimension. We analyse the steady state problem for specific boundary conditions and show the existence of spatially hetero-geneous steady states. A linear analysis shows that stability is lost through a Hopf bifurcation. We carry out a nonlinear multi-time scale perturbation procedure to study the evolution of the resulting spatio-temporal patterns. We also analyse the model in a parameter domain wherein it exhibits a singular dispersion relation
A mechanical model for biological pattern formation: A nonlinear bifurcation analysis
We present a mechanical model for cell aggregation in embryonic development. The model is based on the large traction forces exerted by fibroblast cells which deform the extracellular matrix (ECM) on which they move. It is shown that the subsequent changes in the cell environment can combine to produce pattern. A linear analysis is carried out for this model. This reveals a wide spectrum of different types of dispersion relations. A non-linear bifurcation analysis is presented for a simple version of the field equations: a non-standard element is required. Biological applications are briefly discussed
An analysis of one- and two-dimensional patterns in a mechanical model for morphogenesis
In early embryonic development, fibroblast cells move through an extracellular matrix (ECM) exerting large traction forces which deform the ECM. We model these mechanical interactions mathematically and show that the various effects involved can combine to produce pattern in cell density. A linear analysis exhibits a wide selection of dispersion relations, suggesting a richness in pattern forming capability of the model. A nonlinear bifurcation analysis is presented for a simple version of the governing field equations. The one-dimensional analysis requires a non-standard element. The two-dimensional analysis shows the possibility of roll and hexagon pattern formation. A realistic biological application to the formation of feather germ primordia is briefly discussed
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Consumer and carer consultants in mental health: The formation of their role identity
Following the introduction of the first National Mental Health Plan in 1992 consumer participation was and continues to be identified as a key component of the reform of Australia's mental health services. One strategy to achieve participation has been the creation of the role of consumer and carer consultants (CCCs) who have been employed in public mental health services since the early 1990s. Despite over two decades of service by CCCs there seems to be little consensus between the CCCs and mental health professionals regarding the roles and function of these positions. This qualitative study sought to explore the question of 'what is the role of consultants?' from the perspective of CCCs, focusing in particular on the formation of CCCs' role identity. Four themes were identified, namely: role motivation; role preparation; role practice/focus; and role ambiguity/conflict. This paper explores these themes and their implications, and finally makes recommendations regarding clinical practice
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