An energy-optimal approach for entrainment of uncertain circadian oscillators.

We develop an approach to find an energy-optimal stimulus that entrains an ensemble of uncertain, uncoupled limit cycle oscillators. Furthermore, when entrainment occurs, the phase shift between oscillators is constrained to be less than a predetermined amount. This approach is illustrated for a model of Drosophila circadian activity, for which it performs better than a standard 24-h light-dark cycle. Because this method explicitly accounts for uncertainty in a given system and only requires information that is experimentally obtainable, it is well suited for experimental implementation and could ultimately represent what is believed to be a novel treatment for patients suffering from advanced/delayed sleep-phase syndrome.