Parameters analysis of FitzHugh-Nagumo model for a reliable simulation.

Derived from the pioneer ionic Hodgkin-Huxley model and due to its simplicity and richness from a point view of nonlinear dynamics, the FitzHugh-Nagumo model (FHN) is one of the most successful simplified neuron / cardiac cell model. There exist many variations of the original FHN model. Though these FHN type models help to enrich the dynamics of the FHN model, the parameters used in these models are often in biased conditions. The related results would be questionable. So, in this study, the aim is to find the parameter thresholds for one of the commonly used FHN model in order to provide a better simulation environment. The results showed at first that inappropriate time step and integration tolerance in numerical solution of FHN model can give some biased results which would make some publications questionable. Then the thresholds of parameters α, γ and ε are presented. α controls the global dynamics of FHN. α > 0, the cell is in refractory mode; α <; 0, the cell is excitable. ε controls the main morphology of the action potential generated and has a relation with the period (P = 3.065 × αα,γ(-0.8275)+ 4.397). To show oscillations of relaxation with FHN, ε should be smaller than 0.0085. 7 influences barely action potential, it showed linear relationship with the period and duration of action potential. Even though α <; 0.1, ε <; 0.0085, there is no definite threshold for γ, smaller values are recommended.

Estimation of muscular fatigue under electromyostimulation using CWT.

The aim of this study is to investigate muscular fatigue and to propose a new fatigue index based on the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) which is compared to the standard fatigue indexes from literature. Fatigue indexes are all based on the electrical activity of muscles [electromyogram (EMG)] acquired during an electrically stimulated contraction thanks to two modules (electromyostimulation + electromyography recording) that can analyze EMG signals in real time during electromyostimulation. The extracted parameters are compared with each other and their sensitivity to noise is studied. The effect of truncation of M waves is then investigated, enlightening the robustness of the index obtained using CWT.

Compact-envelope bright solitary wave in a DNA double strand.

We study the nonlinear dynamics of a homogeneous DNA chain that is based on site-dependent finite stacking and pairing enthalpies. We introduce an extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation describing the dynamics of modulated wave in DNA model. We obtain envelope bright solitary waves with compact support as a solution. Analytical criteria of existence of this solution are derived. The stability of bright compactons is confirmed by numerical simulations of the exact equations of the lattice. The impact of the finite stacking energy is investigated, and we show that some of these compact bright solitary waves are robust, while others decompose very quickly depending on the finite stacking parameters.

A mixed FES/EMG system for real time analysis of muscular fatigue.

In this article, we present a functional electrical stimulator allowing the extraction in real time of M-wave characteristics from resulting EMG recodings in order to quantify muscle fatigue. This system is composed of three parts. A Labview software managing the stimulation output and electromyogram (EMG) input signal, a hardware part amplifying the output and input signal and a link between the two previous parts which is made up from input/output module (NIdaq USB 6251). In order to characterize the fatigue level, the Continuous Wavelet Transform is applied yielding a local maxima detection. The fatigue is represented on a scale from 0 for a fine shaped muscle to 100 for a very tired muscle. Premilary results are given.

Spiking dynamics of interacting oscillatory neurons.

Spiking sequences emerging from dynamical interaction in a pair of oscillatory neurons are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The model comprises two unidirectionally coupled FitzHugh-Nagumo units with modified excitability (MFHN). The first (master) unit exhibits a periodic spike sequence with a certain frequency. The second (slave) unit is in its excitable mode and responds on the input signal with a complex (chaotic) spike trains. We analyze the dynamic mechanisms underlying different response behavior depending on interaction strength. Spiking phase maps describing the response dynamics are obtained. Complex phase locking and chaotic sequences are investigated. We show how the response spike trains can be effectively controlled by the interaction parameter and discuss the problem of neuronal information encoding.

Spiking patterns emerging from wave instabilities in a one-dimensional neural lattice.

The dynamics of a one-dimensional lattice (chain) of electrically coupled neurons modeled by the FitzHugh-Nagumo excitable system with modified nonlinearity is investigated. We have found that for certain conditions the lattice exhibits a countable set of pulselike wave solutions. The analysis of homoclinic and heteroclinic bifurcations is given. Corresponding bifurcation sets have the shapes of spirals twisting to the same center. The appearance of chaotic spiking patterns emerging from wave instabilities is discussed.