Bifurcation-based parameter tuning in a model of the GnRH pulse and surge generator

We investigate a model of the GnRH pulse and surge generator, with the definite aim of constraining the model GnRH output with respect to a physiologically relevant list of specifications. The alternating pulse and surge pattern of secretion results from the interaction between a GnRH secreting system and a regulating system exhibiting fast-slow dynamics. The mechanisms underlying the behavior of the model are reminded from the study of the Boundary-Layer System according to the "dissection method" principle. Using singular perturbation theory, we describe the sequence of bifurcations undergone by the regulating (FitzHugh-Nagumo) system, encompassing the rarely investigated case of homoclinic connexion. Basing on pure dynamical considerations, we restrict the space of parameter search for the regulating system and describe a foliation of this restricted space, whose leaves define constant duration ratios between the surge and the pulsatility phase in the whole system. We propose an algorithm to fix the parameter values to also meet the other prescribed ratios dealing with amplitude and frequency features of the secretion signal. We finally apply these results to illustrate the dynamics of GnRH secretion in the ovine species and the rhesus monkey

Edge and waveguide THz surface plasmon modes in graphene micro-ribbons

Surface plasmon modes supported by graphene ribbon waveguides are studied and classified. The properties of both modes with the field concentration within the ribbon area (waveguiding modes) and on the edges (edge modes) are discussed. The waveguide and edge modes are shown to be separated from each other by a gap in wavenumbers. The even-parity hybridized edge mode results to be the fundamental electromagnetic mode of the ribbon, possessing also the lowest losses. All the plasmonic modes in the ribbons have an optimum frequency, at which the absorption losses are minimum, due to competition between the plasmon confinement and the frequency dependence of absorption in graphene.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Asymptotic entanglement capacity of the Ising and anisotropic Heisenberg interactions

We compute the asymptotic entanglement capacity of the Ising interaction ZZ, the anisotropic Heisenberg interaction XX + YY, and more generally, any two-qubit Hamiltonian with canonical form K = a XX + b YY. We also describe an entanglement assisted classical communication protocol using the Hamiltonian K with rate equal to the asymptotic entanglement capacity.Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure; minor corrections, conjecture adde

Numerical study of the hard-core Bose-Hubbard Model on an Infinite Square Lattice

We present a study of the hard-core Bose-Hubbard model at zero temperature on an infinite square lattice using the infinite Projected Entangled Pair State algorithm [Jordan et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 250602 (2008)]. Throughout the whole phase diagram our values for the ground state energy, particle density and condensate fraction accurately reproduce those previously obtained by other methods. We also explore ground state entanglement, compute two-point correlators and conduct a fidelity-based analysis of the phase diagram. Furthermore, for illustrative purposes we simulate the response of the system when a perturbation is suddenly added to the Hamiltonian.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure