Synaptic Communication in Diverse Astrocytic Connectivity: A Computational Model.

Astrocytes are recently considered active components in neural communication by modulating tripartite synaptic activity and the signaling mechanism facilitated by intercellular calcium wave (ICW) propagation. The heterogeneity in astrocytic connectivity produces diverse spatiotemporal signals equating to a diverse influence in synaptic communication. We developed a functional model of a neuron-astrocyte network consisting of tripartite synaptic interactions, gap-junction coupled astrocytic network, intra-, intercellular calcium diffusion, and varying topology to determine the effects of astrocytic connectivity to synaptic communication.

A multilayer-multiplexer network processing scheme based on the dendritic integration in a single neuron.

Advances in neuronal studies suggest that a single neuron can perform integration functions previously associated only with neuronal networks. Here, we proposed a dendritic abstraction employing a dynamic thresholding function that models the spatiotemporal dendritic integration process of a CA3 pyramidal neuron. First, we developed an input-output quantification process that considers the natural neuronal response and the full range of dendritic dynamics.

A Computational Study on Synaptic Plasticity Regulation and Information Processing in Neuron-Astrocyte Networks.

Postsynaptic ionotropic receptors critically shape synaptic currents and underpin their activity-dependent plasticity. In recent years, regulation of expression of these receptors by slow inward and outward currents mediated by gliotransmitter release from astrocytes has come under scrutiny as a potentially important mechanism for the regulation of synaptic information transfer. In this study, we consider a model of astrocyte-regulated synapses to investigate this hypothesis at the level of layered networks of interacting neurons and astrocytes.

Spatiotemporal model of tripartite synapse with perinodal astrocytic process.

Information transfer may not be limited only to synapses. Therefore, the processes and dynamics of biological neuron-astrocyte coupling and intercellular interaction within this domain are worth investigating. Existing models of tripartite synapse consider an astrocyte as a point process.

A New Mathematical Force Model that Predicts the Force-pulse Amplitude Relationship of Human Skeletal Muscle.

Current functional electrical stimulation (FES) systems vary the stimulation intensity to control the muscle force in order to produce precise functional movements. However, mathematical model that predicts the intensity effect on the muscle force is required for model-based controller design. The most previous force model designed by Ding et al was validated only for a standardized stimulation pulse amplitude (intensity).