Biology subjects

Hou, W.

Publications and source records attributed to Hou, W..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2018

On the Number of Driver Nodes for Controlling a Boolean Network to Attractors

It is known that many driver nodes are required to control complex biological networks. Previous studies imply that O(N) driver nodes are required in both linear complex network and Boolean network models with N nodes if an arbitrary state is specified as the target. In this paper, we mathematically prove under a reasonable assumption that the expected number of driver nodes is only O(log2 N + log2 M) for controlling Boolean networks if the targets are restricted to attractors, where M is the number of attractors. Since it is expected that M is not very large in many practical networks, this is a significant improvement. This result is based on discovery of novel relationships between control problems on Boolean networks and the coupon collectors problem, a well-known concept in combinatorics. We also provide lower bounds of the number of driver nodes as well as simulation results using artificial and realistic network data, which support our theoretical findings.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2018

Non-invasive spinal electro-magnetic stimulation (SEMS): a tool for evaluation and modulation of lower limb spinal-muscular transmission in healthy adults

ObjectiveOur earlier electrophysiological recordings using animal models revealed diminished transmission through spared fibers to motoneurons and leg muscles after incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Administration of spinal electro-magnetic stimulation (SEMS) at specific parameters induced transient improvement of transmission at neuro-muscular circuitry in SCI animals. In the current human study, we sought translate this knowledge to establish optimal parameters of SEMS for (i) neurophysiological evaluation via Compound Motor Action Potential (CMAP); and (ii) modulation at neuro-muscular circuitry via H-reflex and M-wave response in 12 healthy adults.\n\nMethodsSEMS application was with a coil positioned over T12-S1 spinal levels. SEMS-evoked CMAP-responses were wirelessly measured simultaneously from biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), vastus lateralis (VL), soleus (SOL), medial gastrocnemius (MG) and lateral gastrocnemius (LG) muscles. We also examined effects of SEMS trains on H-reflex and M-wave responses. H-reflexes and M-waves were measured simultaneously from SOL, MG and LG muscles and evoked by peripheral electrical stimulation of tibial nerves before and after each SEMS session.\n\nResultsSpinal levels for SEMS application to evoke CMAP-responses in corresponding muscles and amplitude/latency of these responses have been established. SEMS applied over L4-S1 spinal levels at 0.2 Hz rate for 30 min induced facilitation of H-reflexes and M-responses. Facilitation lasted for at least 1 hour after stopping SEMS and was associated with a decrease in threshold intensity and leftward shift of recruitment curve for H-reflex and M-wave. SEMS did not alter TMS-evoked responses in hand muscles.\n\nConclusionSEMS is a novel, non-invasive approach for sustained neuromodulation of H-reflex and M-wave responses in triceps surae muscle group. The parameters of SEMS application established in this study for evaluation and neuromodulation of neural pathways innervating leg muscles in healthy individuals may be used as a reference for neurophysiological evaluation and long-lasting plasticity of the lower limb spino-neuromuscular circuitry in individuals with SCI.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Myricetin Attenuates LPS-induced Inflammation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and Mouse Models

BackgroundMyricetin has been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation in a variety of diseases, but little is known about its characters in acute lung injury (ALI). In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of myricetin on inflammation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and a LPS-induced lung injury model.\n\nMethodsSpecifically, we investigated its effects on lung edema and histological damage by lung W/D weight ratio, HE staining and Evans Blue dye. Then macrophage activation was detected by evaluating the TNF-, IL-6 and IL-1{beta} mRNA and protein iNOS and COX-2. Myricetin was used to detect the impact on the inflammatory responses in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells with the same manners in mouse model. Finally, NF-{kappa}B and MAPK signaling pathways were investigated with Western blot assay in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.\n\nResultsMyricetin significantly inhibited the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and in vivo. The in vivo experiments showed that pretreatment with Myricetin markedly attenuated the development of pulmonary edema, histological severities and macrophage activation in mice with ALI. The underlying mechanisms were further demonstrated in vitro that myricetin exerted an anti-inflammatory effect through suppressing the NF-{kappa}B p65 and AKT activation in NF-{kappa}B pathway and JNK, p-ERK and p38 in mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway.\n\nConclusionMyricetin alleviated ALI by inhibiting macrophage activation, and inhibited inflammation in vitro and in vivo. It may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of inflammatory diseases.

cell biology↗

bioRxiv2017

Increased anxiety and decreased sociability in adulthood following paternal deprivation involve oxytocin in the mPFC

Early adverse experiences often have devastating consequences on adult emotional and social behavior. However, whether paternal deprivation (PD) during the pre-weaning period affects brain and behavioral development remains unexplored in socially mandarin vole (Microtus mandarinus). We found that PD increased anxiety-like behavior and attenuated social preference in adult males and females; decreased prelimbic cortex OT-immunoreactive fibers and paraventricular nucleus OT positive neurons; reduced levels of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) OT receptor protein in females and OT receptor and V1a receptor protein in males. Intra-prelimbic cortical OT injections reversed anxiety-like behavior and social preferences affected by PD, whereas injections of OT and OT receptor antagonist blocked this reversal. These findings demonstrate that PD leads to increased anxiety-like behavior and attenuated social preferences with involvement of the mPFC OT system. The prelimbic cortex OT system may be an important target for the treatment of disorders related to early adverse experiences.

neuroscience↗