Carnosine-like immunoreactivity in the primary olfactory neuron of the rat

Summary Using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique, carnosine-like immunoreactivity was demonstrated to localize specifically within the primary olfactory neuron.This study was supported by grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Japan (No. 61218016). Reprint requests to I. N., Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Fujita-Gakuen Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-11, Japan.     

Compensatory caspase activation in MPP+-induced cell death in dopaminergic neurons

Many have hypothesized that cell death in Parkinsons disease is via apoptosis and, specifically, by the mitochondrial-mediated apoptotic pathway. We tested this hypothesis using a mouse dopaminergic cell line of mesencephalic origin, MN9D, challenged with the Parkinsonism-causing neurotoxin MPP⁺ (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion). Apoptosis was the main mode of cell death when the cells were subjected to MPP⁺ treatment under serum-free conditions for 24 h. Caspase-3 and caspase-9, however, were not activated, thus indicating the existence of alternate or compensatory cell death pathway(s) in dopaminergic neuronal cells. Using caspase inhibitors, we demonstrated that these pathways involve caspase-2, –8, –6 and –7. A time-course study indicated that activation of caspase-2 and –8 occurred upstream of caspase-6 and caspase-7. Upon MPP⁺ challenge, the apoptosis-inducing factor was translocated from the mitochondria into the MN9D cytosol and nucleus. These results suggest the existence of alternative apoptotic pathways in dopaminergic neurons.Received 20 September 2004; received after revision 5 November 2004; accepted 22 November 2004     

Multifunctional interneurons in behavioral circuits of the medicinal leech

Summary We are using the medicinal leech to study the neuronal basis of behavioral choice. In particular, we are recording from neurons, both extracellularly and intracellularly, in preparations that can express three different behaviors: the shortening reflex, crawling and swimming. We have found that particular mechanosensory neurons can elicit any of the behaviors, and that the movements are produced by just four sets of muscles, each controlled by a small number of motor neurons. Hence, there must be three different pattern-generating neuronal circuits, each of which can be activated by the same set of sensory neurons. We are studying how the choice is made among the three behaviors by recording, while one behavior is being performed, from neurons known to be involved in the initiation of the other two. We have found that an interneuron, cell 204, which is known to initiate and maintain swimming, is also active during shortening and crawling. The activity level in this interneuron can influence whether a mechanosensory stimulus produces shortening or swimming. The neuronal mechanisms by which this choice is normally effected awaits further elucidation of the circuits that elicit and generate shortening and crawling.     

基于动态RBF神经网络在线辨识的单神经元PID控制

针对工业控制领域中复杂非线性时变系统,提出了基于动态RBF神经网络辨识的单神经元PID控制方法。采用动态RBF神经网络辨识器在线辨识系统模型,获得PID参数在线调整信息,并由单神经元PID控制器完成控制器参数的在线自整定,实现系统的智能控制。仿真结果表明,与常规RBF神经网络辨识的PID控制方法相比,该方法具有控制精度高、响应速度快的优点,并且具备较强的自适应性和鲁棒性。     

采用正交设计和响应曲面设计法优化芦苇随机扩增多态DNA体系

采用正交设计和响应曲面设计(RSD)优化适合于芦苇[Phragmites australis (Cav.)Trin.ex steud]增多态DNA(RAPD)的反应体系,结果确定芦苇RAPD反应体系的最佳方案为：在PCR扩增程序,冷启动,94℃变性1min,36℃复性90s,72℃延伸2min,40个循环;72℃延伸7min,4℃保存;25μl反应体系包括模板DNA 60ng、三磷酸脱氧核苷酸(dNTP)7．5mmol、Taq酶1．5u、引物5pmol。     

基于单神经元控制器交流 PWM 调速系统

针对常用的单神经元控制方法在交流ＰＷＭ调速系统中应用存在的问题,提出一种基于增量式单神经元控制方法,仿真结果表明该方法有效提高了控制效果和系统性能,且控制器结构简单,适于工程应用．     

基于复杂网络的信号检测与传递

近年来,关于复杂网络的研究已取得了长足的进展,且将复杂网络理论应用于其他学科的研究正方兴未艾.本文简要介绍复杂网络理论在信号检测与传递方面的一些初步研究进展,主要关注三方面的研究成果:(1)复杂网络上的信号放大;(2)与复杂网络有关的信号检测;(3)复杂网络上的自维持振荡.这些阶段性的研究成果从复杂网络的新角度加深了我们对神经元网络宏观动力学行为的微观机制的理解,并有助于刻画信息传递从神经元物理网络向脑功能网络的过渡.     

一类两神经元时滞神经网络稳定性和Hopf分支

研究了一类具有两个神经元两个时滞的时滞神经网络模型.以两个时滞的各种组合为参数,研究了模型的局部稳定性和Hopf分支,得到模型的局部稳定性和产生局部Hopf分支的充分条件.最后,给出仿真实例,验证了理论分析结果的正确性.     

脑认知功能的理论框架与方法学基础

在回顾80年代以前的一些重大理论并将之归纳为５个理论要点的基础上,综述了近年出现的新理论、新技术和新事实,说明脑认知功能研究正在发生重大历史转折。分析了各研究层次上的新进展和重大难题,包括分子神经生物学、细胞生理学、脑功能系统和网络研究、脑成像技术、心理学研究、认知理论和计算研究。提出以脑能量效率为量纲,沟通不同层次、不同学科的研究工作,并设想了这类跨学科研究的途径和方法,希望通过跨学科研究能形成脑认知功能的新理论。