This study aimed to probe into occurrence and development of spontaneous firings in the telencephalon neurons of Hynobius leechi . [Method] Mi-croelectrode technique was used to record extracellular spontaneous electr...This study aimed to probe into occurrence and development of spontaneous firings in the telencephalon neurons of Hynobius leechi . [Method] Mi-croelectrode technique was used to record extracellular spontaneous electrical activi-ties of the telencephalon neurons of H. leechi in occurrence and development. [Re-sult] There were three discharge types in the occurrence of telencephalon in H. leechi , with single spontaneous firing and consecutive single spontaneous firing being main-ly apparent. And among the five types in the development of telencephalon, the main discharge type was single spontaneous firing. Along with the occurrence and development of telencephalon, the extracellular discharge intensity enhanced gradual-ly, the discharge duration increased, and the spontaneous firing frequency accelerat-ed, al of which reached the maximum in the adult phase. Fol owing the process of occurrence and development, other discharge types appeared successively. [Conclu-sion] Along with the occurrence and development of the telencephalon in H. leechi , the neuronal excitability increases step by step and the neuronal electrical activities diversify gradual y.展开更多
The response of synchronously firing groups of population retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)to natural movies(NMs)and pseudo-random white-noise checker-board flickering(CB,as control)are investigated using an information-th...The response of synchronously firing groups of population retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)to natural movies(NMs)and pseudo-random white-noise checker-board flickering(CB,as control)are investigated using an information-theoretic algorithm.The main results are:(1)the population RGCs tend to fire in synchrony far more frequently than expected by chance during both NM and CB stimulation;(2)more synchronous groups could be formed and each group contains more neurons under NM than CB stimulation;(3)the individual neurons also participate in more groups and have more distinct partners in NM than CB stimulation.All these results suggest that the synchronized firings in RGCs are more extensive and diverse,which may account for more effective information processing in representing the natural visual environment.展开更多
Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may de...Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.展开更多
Neural damage or degeneration is at the crux of many diseases,and treatment of these diseases will require the development of therapeutics to enhance and guide neural regeneration.Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors ...Neural damage or degeneration is at the crux of many diseases,and treatment of these diseases will require the development of therapeutics to enhance and guide neural regeneration.Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors dictate a neuron’s ability to regenerate,and the combination of these factors results in the great regenerative capacity of the peripheral nervous system(PNS)and the poor regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)following injury.At the core of a neuron’s function is its ability to relay electrochemical signals,and a neuron’s excitability is a key factor in its ability to regenerate.Recent works have focused on the changes in neuronal electrophysiological properties,firing patterns,and ion flux after injury,which differentially activate signaling pathways at the core of regeneration.The role of glia in neuron regeneration has long been studied.展开更多
LONGQUAN,a historic city in east China’s Zhejiang Province,is renowned for its exquisite celadon ware,featuring fine texture and pure,jade-like glaze.The region has a potterymaking tradition that spans over 1,600 yea...LONGQUAN,a historic city in east China’s Zhejiang Province,is renowned for its exquisite celadon ware,featuring fine texture and pure,jade-like glaze.The region has a potterymaking tradition that spans over 1,600 years.Its celadon firing technique originated during the Three Kingdoms Period(220-280)and reached its peak in the Southern Song Dynasty(1127-1279).Since the Song Dynasty(960-1368),Longquan was among the main suppliers of porcelain for the imperial court.From the 12th to the 15th centuries.展开更多
The interactions between fire,ecosystems,and climate are complex.Tropical ecosystems have dominated global active fires nowadays,yet its causes,mechanisms,and consequences remain relatively poorly understood.To in-ves...The interactions between fire,ecosystems,and climate are complex.Tropical ecosystems have dominated global active fires nowadays,yet its causes,mechanisms,and consequences remain relatively poorly understood.To in-vestigate temporal response of remotely-sensed active fires to intra-annual climate change,several 1-km datasets,including the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Collection 6(MODIS C6)active fires and the Cli-matologies at High Resolution for the Earth’s Land Surface Areas(CHELSA)climate variables,were gathered to examine the climatic characteristics of active fire incidences,fire-climate correlations,and the average monthly response of active fire occurrences to climate change using the Geographic Information System(GIS)Fishnet tool,Theil-Sen Median slope estimation,Mann-Kendall significance test,and Pearson’s correlation.We concluded that climate variables’trends of nearly two-decade active fires displayed varied degrees of increment in precipitation(Pre),temperature(Tas),and surface downwelling shortwave radiation(Rsds)and inconsistent decrement in near-surface relative humidity(Hurs)and near-surface wind speed(sfcWind).MODIS multi-year(2003-2018)active fires were moderately to strongly correlated negatively with Pre and Hurs at 10 km grid-resolution but positively with sfcWind and Rsds,showing marked geographical variations in correlation direction and strength.The most significant finding is the newly observed inverse relationship between active fires and precipitation on both sides of the equator.High occurrence areas of active fires regularly appear back and forth along with latitudinal changes(at one-degree intervals)in monthly minimum precipitation between the tropical Northern and Southern Hemispheres.The present study contributes to exploring the underlying mechanism of fire-climate interactions against the backdrop of climate warming.展开更多
On 30 September 2024,the UK shuttered its last remaining coal-fired power plant[1].The closure marks a historic milestone,the end of 142 years of coal fueled prosperity.The country opened the world’s first plant to s...On 30 September 2024,the UK shuttered its last remaining coal-fired power plant[1].The closure marks a historic milestone,the end of 142 years of coal fueled prosperity.The country opened the world’s first plant to supply electric streetlamps in 1882,spark-ing a global energy revolution that has led to today’s nearly univer-sally electrified world.展开更多
Formaldehyde(HCHO)is a high-yield product of the oxidation of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)released by anthropogenic activities,fires,and vegetations.Hence,we examined the spatiotemporal variation trends in HCHO co...Formaldehyde(HCHO)is a high-yield product of the oxidation of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)released by anthropogenic activities,fires,and vegetations.Hence,we examined the spatiotemporal variation trends in HCHO columns observed using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument(OMI)during 2005–2021 across the Fenwei Plain(FWP)and analysed the source and variability of HCHO using multi-source data,such as thermal anomalies.The spatial distribution of the annualmean HCHO in the FWP increased from northwest to southeast during 2005–2021,and the high-value aggregation areas contracted and gradually clustered,forming a belt-shaped distribution area from Xi’an to Baoji,north of the Qinling Mountains.The annual mean HCHO concentration generally showed a two-step increase over the 17 years.Fires showed a single-peak trend in March and a double-peak M-shaped trend in March and October,whereas urban thermal anomalies(UTAs)showed an inverted U-shaped trend over 17 years,with peaks occurring in May.The HCHO peaks are mainly caused by the alternating contributions of fires and UTAs.The fires and UTAs(predominantly industrial heat sources)played a role in controlling the background level of HCHO in the FWP.Precipitation and temperature were also important influencing variables for seasonal variations,and the influence of plant sources on HCHO concentrations had significant regional characteristics and contributions.In addition,the FWP has poor dispersion conditions and is an aggregated area for the long-range transport of air pollutants.展开更多
Earthquakes can cause significant damage and loss of life,necessitating immediate assessment of the resulting fatalities.Rapid assessment and timely revision of fatality estimates are crucial for effective emergency d...Earthquakes can cause significant damage and loss of life,necessitating immediate assessment of the resulting fatalities.Rapid assessment and timely revision of fatality estimates are crucial for effective emergency decisionmaking.This study using the February 6,2023,M_(S)8.0 and M_(S)7.9 Kahramanmaras,Türkiye earthquakes as an example to estimate the ultimate number of fatalities.An early Quick Rough Estimate(QRE)based on the number of deaths reported by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye(AFAD)is conducted,and it dynamically adjusts these estimates as new data becomes available.The range of estimates of the final number of deaths can be calculated as 31384–56475 based on the"the QRE of the second day multiplied by 2–3" rule,which incorporates the reported final deaths 50500.The Quasi-Linear and Adaptive Estimation(QLAE)method adaptively adjusts the final fatality estimate within two days and predicts subsequent reported deaths.The correct order of magnitude of the final death toll can be estimated as early as 13 hr after the M_(S)8.0 earthquake.In addition,additional earthquakes such as May 12,2008,M_(S)8.1 Wenchuan earthquake(China),September 8,2023,M_(S)7.2 Al Haouz earthquake(Morocco),November 3,2023,M_(S)5.8 Mid-Western Nepal earthquake,December 18,2023,M_(S)6.1 Jishishan earthquake(China),January 1,2024,M_(S)7.2 Noto Peninsula earthquake(Japan)and August 8,2023,Maui,Hawaii,fires are added again to verified the correctness of the model.The fatalities from the Maui fires are found to be approximately equivalent to those resulting from an M_(S)7.4 earthquake.These methods complement existing frameworks such as Quake Loss Assessment for Response and Mitigation(QLARM)and Prompt Assessment of Global.展开更多
Since the Industrial Revolution,humanity’s extensive burning of fossil fuels(coal,oil,and natural gas)has led to a continuous rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases,such as carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),in the atmosp...Since the Industrial Revolution,humanity’s extensive burning of fossil fuels(coal,oil,and natural gas)has led to a continuous rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases,such as carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),in the atmosphere.According to data from the World Meteorological Organization(WMO),the global average CO_(2) concentration in 2023 exceeded 420×10^(−6),reaching the highest level in the past 800000 years.This has led to the increasing frequency of extreme climate events-such as glacier melting,sea-level rise,heatwaves,droughts,floods,and hurricanes-posing a severe threat to ecosystems and human society.展开更多
In high-rise building fires, the most immediate threat to passenger life and safety evacuation is the smoke inhalation. Some traditional models for smoke prevention and exhaust are analyzed and compared with the smoke...In high-rise building fires, the most immediate threat to passenger life and safety evacuation is the smoke inhalation. Some traditional models for smoke prevention and exhaust are analyzed and compared with the smoke-preventing air curtain. The rationality and the feasibility of the air curtain are theoretically expounded. The air volume, tuyere width and jet velocity in the air curtain experiment are designed according to the theoreti- cal calculation model. Experimental results indicate that the effect of air curtain to prevent smoke diffusion is re- markable as the volume ratio of air-smoke is about 0. 6, the jet angle is between 25^o and 35^o, and the jet thickness is between 25 mm and 45 mm. The efficiency of air curtain can reach 98% on the entraining effect. Meanwhile, experiments verify the theorectical calculation.展开更多
The effects of random long-range connections （shortcuts） on the transitions of neural firing patterns in coupled Hindmarsh-Rose neurons are investigated, where each neuron is subjected to an external current. It is ...The effects of random long-range connections （shortcuts） on the transitions of neural firing patterns in coupled Hindmarsh-Rose neurons are investigated, where each neuron is subjected to an external current. It is found that, on one hand, the system can achieve the transition of neural firing patterns from the fewer-period state to the multi-period one, when the number of the added shortcuts in the neural network is greater than a threshold value, indicating the occurrence of in-transition of neural firing patterns. On the other hand, for a stronger coupling strength, we can also find the similar but reverse results by adding some proper random connections. In addition, the influences of system size and coupling strength on such transition behavior, as well as the internality between the transition degree of firing patterns and its critical characteristics for different external stimulation current, are also discussed.展开更多
In the preparation of firing tables, the determination of projectile drag coefficientsthrough firing test radar data reduction is very important. Many methods have been developed for this work but none of them appear ...In the preparation of firing tables, the determination of projectile drag coefficientsthrough firing test radar data reduction is very important. Many methods have been developed for this work but none of them appear to be satisfactory in one Way or another. Inthis paper a multi-spline model of drag coefficient (cd) curve is developed that can guaranteefirst derivative continuity of the cd curve and has good flexibility of fitting accurately to acd curve from subsonic up to supersonic range. Practical firing data reduction tests showboth fast convergence and accurate fitting results. Typical velocity fitting RMS errors are0.05-0.08 m/s.展开更多
The in-situ instrumentation technique for measuring mercury and itsspeciation downstream a utility 100 MW pulverized coal (PC) fired boiler system was developed andconducted by the use of the Ontario hydro method (OHM...The in-situ instrumentation technique for measuring mercury and itsspeciation downstream a utility 100 MW pulverized coal (PC) fired boiler system was developed andconducted by the use of the Ontario hydro method (OHM) consistent with American standard test methodtogether with the semi-continuous emissions monitoring (SCEM) system as well as a mobile laboratoryfor mercury monitoring. The mercury and its speciation concentrations including participate mercuryat three locations of before air preheater, before electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and after ESPwere measured using the OHM and SCEM methods under normal operation conditions of the boiler systemas a result of firing a bituminous coal. The vapor-phase total mercury Hg(VT) concentration declinedwith the decrease of flue gas temperature because of mercury species transformation from oxidizedmercury to particulate mercury as the flue gas moved downstream from the air preheater to the ESPand after the ESP. A good agreement for Hg°, Hg^(2+) and Hg( VT) was obtained between the twomethods in the ash-free area. But in the dense particle-laden flue gas area, there appeared to be abig bias for mercury speciation owing to dust cake formed in the filter of OHM sampling probe. Theparticulateaffinity to the flue gas mercury and the impacts of sampling condition to accuracy ofmeasure were discussed.展开更多
Based on the porosity method and the improved non uniform QUICK scheme, this paper describes a three dimensional computer simulation to predict the flow characteristics in a tangentially fired boiler. The model is ap...Based on the porosity method and the improved non uniform QUICK scheme, this paper describes a three dimensional computer simulation to predict the flow characteristics in a tangentially fired boiler. The model is applied to a 600?MW boiler modeling under different operating conditions of reverse swirl of secondary air. The numerical results achieve reasonable agreement with experimental data. The calculated results of flow field, the pressure distribution, the relative diameter of tangential circle, angular momentum flux in furnace and the velocity distribution index in horizontal gas pass are analyzed in detail. And then the effects of the reverse swirl of secondary air on flue gas imbalance are discussed. Finally a reasonable operating condition of the reverse swirl of secondary air is presented.展开更多
AIM: To study the neural mechanism by which electroacupuncture(EA) at RN12(Zhongwan) and BL21(Weishu) regulates gastric motility.METHODS: One hundred and forty-four adult Sprague Dawley rats were studied in four separ...AIM: To study the neural mechanism by which electroacupuncture(EA) at RN12(Zhongwan) and BL21(Weishu) regulates gastric motility.METHODS: One hundred and forty-four adult Sprague Dawley rats were studied in four separate experiments. Intragastric pressure was measured using custommade rubber balloons, and extracellular neuron firing activity, which is sensitive to gastric distention in the dorsal vagal complex(DVC), was recorded by an electrophysiological technique. The expression levels of c-fos, motilin(MTL) and gastrin(GAS) in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus(PVN) were assayed by immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of motilin receptor(MTL-R) and gastrin receptor(GAS-R) in both the PVN and the gastric antrum were assayed by western blotting.RESULTS: EA at RN12 + BL21(gastric Shu and Mu points), BL21(gastric Back-Shu point), RN12(gastric Front-Mu point), resulted in increased neuron-activating frequency in the DVC(2.08 ± 0.050, 1.17 ± 0.023, 1.55 ± 0.079 vs 0.75 ± 0.046, P < 0.001) compared with a model group. The expression of c-fos(36.24 ± 1.67, 29.41 ± 2.55, 31.79 ± 3.00 vs 5.73 ± 2.18, P < 0.001), MTL(22.48 ± 2.66, 20.76 ± 2.41, 19.17 ± 1.71 vs 11.68 ± 2.52, P < 0.001), GAS(24.99 ± 2.95, 21.69 ± 3.24, 23.03 ± 3.09 vs 12.53 ± 2.15, P < 0.001), MTL-R(1.39 ± 0.05, 1.22 ± 0.05, 1.17 ± 0.12 vs 0.84 ± 0.06, P < 0.001), and GAS-R(1.07 ± 0.07, 0.91 ± 0.06, 0.78 ± 0.05 vs 0.45 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) increased in the PVN after EA compared with the model group. The expression of MTL-R(1.46 ± 0.14, 1.26 ± 0.11, 0.99 ± 0.07 vs 0.65 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), and GAS-R(1.63 ± 0.11, 1.26 ± 0.16, 1.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.80 ± 0.11, P < 0.001) increased in the gastric antrum after EA compared with the model group. Damaging the PVN resulted in reduced intragastric pressure(13.67 ± 3.72 vs 4.27 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). These data demonstrate that the signals induced by EA stimulation of acupoints RN12 and BL21 are detectable in the DVC and the PVN, and increase the levels of gastrointestinal hormones and their receptors in the PVN and gastric antrum to regulate gastric motility. CONCLUSION: EA at RN12 and BL21 regulates gastric motility, which may be achieved through the PVN-DVCvagus-gastric neural pathway.展开更多
Recent advances in the experimental and theoretical study of dynamics of neuronal electrical firing activities are reviewed. Firstly, some experimental phenomena of neuronal irregular firing patterns, especially chaot...Recent advances in the experimental and theoretical study of dynamics of neuronal electrical firing activities are reviewed. Firstly, some experimental phenomena of neuronal irregular firing patterns, especially chaotic and stochastic firing patterns, are presented, and practical nonlinear time analysis methods are introduced to distinguish deterministic and stochastic mechanism in time series. Secondly, the dynamics of electrical firing activities in a single neuron is concerned, namely, fast-slow dynamics analysis for classification and mechanism of various bursting patterns, one- or two-parameter bifurcation analysis for transitions of firing patterns, and stochastic dynamics of firing activities （stochastic and coherence resonances, integer multiple and other firing patterns induced by noise, etc.）. Thirdly, different types of synchronization of coupled neurons with electrical and chemical synapses are discussed. As noise and time delay are inevitable in nervous systems, it is found that noise and time delay may induce or enhance synchronization and change firing patterns of coupled neurons. Noise-induced resonance and spatiotemporal patterns in coupled neuronal networks are also demonstrated. Finally, some prospects are presented for future research. In consequence, the idea and methods of nonlinear dynamics are of great significance in exploration of dynamic processes and physiological functions of nervous systems.展开更多
Fuel moisture content is an important variable for forest fires because it affects fuel ignition and fire behavior. In order to accurately predict fuel ignition potential, fuel moisture content must be assessed by eva...Fuel moisture content is an important variable for forest fires because it affects fuel ignition and fire behavior. In order to accurately predict fuel ignition potential, fuel moisture content must be assessed by evaluating fire spread, fireline intensity and fuel consumption.Our objective here is to model moisture content of surface fuels in normally stocked Calabrian pine(Pinus brutia Ten.) stands in relation to weather conditions, namely temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed in the Mugla province of Turkey. All surface fuels were categorized according to diameter classes and fuel types. Six fuel categories were defined: these were 0–0.3, 0.3–0.6, and0.6–1 cm diameter classes, and cone, surface litter, and duff. Plastic containers 15 9 20 cm in size with 1 9 1 mm mesh size were used. Samples were taken from 09:00 to19:00 h and weighed every 2 h with 0.01 g precision for10 days in August. At the end of the study, samples were taken to the laboratory, oven-dried at 105 °C for 24 h and weighed to obtain fuel-moisture contents. Weather measurements were taken from a fully automated weather station set up at the study site prior to the study. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out and models were developed to predict fuel moisture contents for desorption and adsorption phase for each fuel type categories. Practical fuel moisture prediction models were developed for dry period. Models were developed that performed well with reasonable accuracy, explaining up to 92 and 95.6%of the variability in fuel-moisture contents for desorption and adsorption phases, respectively. Validation of the models were conducted using an independent data set and known fuel moisture prediction models. The predictive power of the models was satisfactory with mean absolute error values being 1.48 and 1.02 for desorption and adsorption as compared to the 2.05 and 1.60 values for the Van Wagner's hourly litter moisture content prediction model. Results obtained in this study will be invaluable for fire management planning and modeling.展开更多
Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological,chemical,and physical attributes of forest soils.The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity,duration and recurrence,...Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological,chemical,and physical attributes of forest soils.The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity,duration and recurrence,fuel load,and soil characteristics.The impact on soil properties is intricate,yielding different results based on these factors.This paper reviews research investigating the effects of wildfire and prescribed fire on the biological and physico-chemical attributes of forest soils and provides a summary of current knowledge associated with the benefits and disadvantages of such fires.Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry,including increase in available nutrients and pH.High intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils.High intensity fires result in nutrient volatilization,the break down in soil aggregate stability,an increase soil bulk density,an increase in the hydrophobicity of soil particles leading to decreased water infiltration with increased erosion and destroy soil biota.High soil heating(> 120℃) from high-intensity forest fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem,especially its physical and biological properties.In this regard,the use of prescribed burning as a management tool to reduce the fuel load is highly recommended due to its low intensity and limited soil heating.Furthermore,the use of prescribed fires to manage fuel loads is critically needed in the light of current global warming as it will help prevent increased wildfire incidences.This review provides information on the impact of forest fires on soil properties,a key feature in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.In addition,the review should prompt comprehensive soil and forest management regimes to limit soil disturbance and restore fire-disturbed soil ecosystems.展开更多
基金Supported by a grant from the Education Department of Liaoning Province(2011196)~~
文摘This study aimed to probe into occurrence and development of spontaneous firings in the telencephalon neurons of Hynobius leechi . [Method] Mi-croelectrode technique was used to record extracellular spontaneous electrical activi-ties of the telencephalon neurons of H. leechi in occurrence and development. [Re-sult] There were three discharge types in the occurrence of telencephalon in H. leechi , with single spontaneous firing and consecutive single spontaneous firing being main-ly apparent. And among the five types in the development of telencephalon, the main discharge type was single spontaneous firing. Along with the occurrence and development of telencephalon, the extracellular discharge intensity enhanced gradual-ly, the discharge duration increased, and the spontaneous firing frequency accelerat-ed, al of which reached the maximum in the adult phase. Fol owing the process of occurrence and development, other discharge types appeared successively. [Conclu-sion] Along with the occurrence and development of the telencephalon in H. leechi , the neuronal excitability increases step by step and the neuronal electrical activities diversify gradual y.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China under Grant No 2005CB724301the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No 61075108.
文摘The response of synchronously firing groups of population retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)to natural movies(NMs)and pseudo-random white-noise checker-board flickering(CB,as control)are investigated using an information-theoretic algorithm.The main results are:(1)the population RGCs tend to fire in synchrony far more frequently than expected by chance during both NM and CB stimulation;(2)more synchronous groups could be formed and each group contains more neurons under NM than CB stimulation;(3)the individual neurons also participate in more groups and have more distinct partners in NM than CB stimulation.All these results suggest that the synchronized firings in RGCs are more extensive and diverse,which may account for more effective information processing in representing the natural visual environment.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,Nos.2019A1515010649(to WC),2022A1515012044(to JS)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,No.2018M633091(to JS).
文摘Transforming growth factor-beta 1(TGF-β1)has been extensively studied for its pleiotropic effects on central nervous system diseases.The neuroprotective or neurotoxic effects of TGF-β1 in specific brain areas may depend on the pathological process and cell types involved.Voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs)are essential ion channels for the generation of action potentials in neurons,and are involved in various neuroexcitation-related diseases.However,the effects of TGF-β1 on the functional properties of VGSCs and firing properties in cortical neurons remain unclear.In this study,we investigated the effects of TGF-β1 on VGSC function and firing properties in primary cortical neurons from mice.We found that TGF-β1 increased VGSC current density in a dose-and time-dependent manner,which was attributable to the upregulation of Nav1.3 expression.Increased VGSC current density and Nav1.3 expression were significantly abolished by preincubation with inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase(PD98059),p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(SB203580),and Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1/2 inhibitor(SP600125).Interestingly,TGF-β1 significantly increased the firing threshold of action potentials but did not change their firing rate in cortical neurons.These findings suggest that TGF-β1 can increase Nav1.3 expression through activation of the ERK1/2-JNK-MAPK pathway,which leads to a decrease in the firing threshold of action potentials in cortical neurons under pathological conditions.Thus,this contributes to the occurrence and progression of neuroexcitatory-related diseases of the central nervous system.
文摘Neural damage or degeneration is at the crux of many diseases,and treatment of these diseases will require the development of therapeutics to enhance and guide neural regeneration.Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors dictate a neuron’s ability to regenerate,and the combination of these factors results in the great regenerative capacity of the peripheral nervous system(PNS)and the poor regenerative capacity of the central nervous system(CNS)following injury.At the core of a neuron’s function is its ability to relay electrochemical signals,and a neuron’s excitability is a key factor in its ability to regenerate.Recent works have focused on the changes in neuronal electrophysiological properties,firing patterns,and ion flux after injury,which differentially activate signaling pathways at the core of regeneration.The role of glia in neuron regeneration has long been studied.
文摘LONGQUAN,a historic city in east China’s Zhejiang Province,is renowned for its exquisite celadon ware,featuring fine texture and pure,jade-like glaze.The region has a potterymaking tradition that spans over 1,600 years.Its celadon firing technique originated during the Three Kingdoms Period(220-280)and reached its peak in the Southern Song Dynasty(1127-1279).Since the Song Dynasty(960-1368),Longquan was among the main suppliers of porcelain for the imperial court.From the 12th to the 15th centuries.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grants No.42371282 and 42130508)the Second Ti-betan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(Grant No.2019QZKK1006)Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.2020055)。
文摘The interactions between fire,ecosystems,and climate are complex.Tropical ecosystems have dominated global active fires nowadays,yet its causes,mechanisms,and consequences remain relatively poorly understood.To in-vestigate temporal response of remotely-sensed active fires to intra-annual climate change,several 1-km datasets,including the Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Collection 6(MODIS C6)active fires and the Cli-matologies at High Resolution for the Earth’s Land Surface Areas(CHELSA)climate variables,were gathered to examine the climatic characteristics of active fire incidences,fire-climate correlations,and the average monthly response of active fire occurrences to climate change using the Geographic Information System(GIS)Fishnet tool,Theil-Sen Median slope estimation,Mann-Kendall significance test,and Pearson’s correlation.We concluded that climate variables’trends of nearly two-decade active fires displayed varied degrees of increment in precipitation(Pre),temperature(Tas),and surface downwelling shortwave radiation(Rsds)and inconsistent decrement in near-surface relative humidity(Hurs)and near-surface wind speed(sfcWind).MODIS multi-year(2003-2018)active fires were moderately to strongly correlated negatively with Pre and Hurs at 10 km grid-resolution but positively with sfcWind and Rsds,showing marked geographical variations in correlation direction and strength.The most significant finding is the newly observed inverse relationship between active fires and precipitation on both sides of the equator.High occurrence areas of active fires regularly appear back and forth along with latitudinal changes(at one-degree intervals)in monthly minimum precipitation between the tropical Northern and Southern Hemispheres.The present study contributes to exploring the underlying mechanism of fire-climate interactions against the backdrop of climate warming.
文摘On 30 September 2024,the UK shuttered its last remaining coal-fired power plant[1].The closure marks a historic milestone,the end of 142 years of coal fueled prosperity.The country opened the world’s first plant to supply electric streetlamps in 1882,spark-ing a global energy revolution that has led to today’s nearly univer-sally electrified world.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41571062)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2021TS014)the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China(No.2023-JC-YB-259).
文摘Formaldehyde(HCHO)is a high-yield product of the oxidation of volatile organic compounds(VOCs)released by anthropogenic activities,fires,and vegetations.Hence,we examined the spatiotemporal variation trends in HCHO columns observed using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument(OMI)during 2005–2021 across the Fenwei Plain(FWP)and analysed the source and variability of HCHO using multi-source data,such as thermal anomalies.The spatial distribution of the annualmean HCHO in the FWP increased from northwest to southeast during 2005–2021,and the high-value aggregation areas contracted and gradually clustered,forming a belt-shaped distribution area from Xi’an to Baoji,north of the Qinling Mountains.The annual mean HCHO concentration generally showed a two-step increase over the 17 years.Fires showed a single-peak trend in March and a double-peak M-shaped trend in March and October,whereas urban thermal anomalies(UTAs)showed an inverted U-shaped trend over 17 years,with peaks occurring in May.The HCHO peaks are mainly caused by the alternating contributions of fires and UTAs.The fires and UTAs(predominantly industrial heat sources)played a role in controlling the background level of HCHO in the FWP.Precipitation and temperature were also important influencing variables for seasonal variations,and the influence of plant sources on HCHO concentrations had significant regional characteristics and contributions.In addition,the FWP has poor dispersion conditions and is an aggregated area for the long-range transport of air pollutants.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,grant number U2039207).
文摘Earthquakes can cause significant damage and loss of life,necessitating immediate assessment of the resulting fatalities.Rapid assessment and timely revision of fatality estimates are crucial for effective emergency decisionmaking.This study using the February 6,2023,M_(S)8.0 and M_(S)7.9 Kahramanmaras,Türkiye earthquakes as an example to estimate the ultimate number of fatalities.An early Quick Rough Estimate(QRE)based on the number of deaths reported by the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency of Türkiye(AFAD)is conducted,and it dynamically adjusts these estimates as new data becomes available.The range of estimates of the final number of deaths can be calculated as 31384–56475 based on the"the QRE of the second day multiplied by 2–3" rule,which incorporates the reported final deaths 50500.The Quasi-Linear and Adaptive Estimation(QLAE)method adaptively adjusts the final fatality estimate within two days and predicts subsequent reported deaths.The correct order of magnitude of the final death toll can be estimated as early as 13 hr after the M_(S)8.0 earthquake.In addition,additional earthquakes such as May 12,2008,M_(S)8.1 Wenchuan earthquake(China),September 8,2023,M_(S)7.2 Al Haouz earthquake(Morocco),November 3,2023,M_(S)5.8 Mid-Western Nepal earthquake,December 18,2023,M_(S)6.1 Jishishan earthquake(China),January 1,2024,M_(S)7.2 Noto Peninsula earthquake(Japan)and August 8,2023,Maui,Hawaii,fires are added again to verified the correctness of the model.The fatalities from the Maui fires are found to be approximately equivalent to those resulting from an M_(S)7.4 earthquake.These methods complement existing frameworks such as Quake Loss Assessment for Response and Mitigation(QLARM)and Prompt Assessment of Global.
文摘Since the Industrial Revolution,humanity’s extensive burning of fossil fuels(coal,oil,and natural gas)has led to a continuous rise in the concentration of greenhouse gases,such as carbon dioxide(CO_(2)),in the atmosphere.According to data from the World Meteorological Organization(WMO),the global average CO_(2) concentration in 2023 exceeded 420×10^(−6),reaching the highest level in the past 800000 years.This has led to the increasing frequency of extreme climate events-such as glacier melting,sea-level rise,heatwaves,droughts,floods,and hurricanes-posing a severe threat to ecosystems and human society.
文摘In high-rise building fires, the most immediate threat to passenger life and safety evacuation is the smoke inhalation. Some traditional models for smoke prevention and exhaust are analyzed and compared with the smoke-preventing air curtain. The rationality and the feasibility of the air curtain are theoretically expounded. The air volume, tuyere width and jet velocity in the air curtain experiment are designed according to the theoreti- cal calculation model. Experimental results indicate that the effect of air curtain to prevent smoke diffusion is re- markable as the volume ratio of air-smoke is about 0. 6, the jet angle is between 25^o and 35^o, and the jet thickness is between 25 mm and 45 mm. The efficiency of air curtain can reach 98% on the entraining effect. Meanwhile, experiments verify the theorectical calculation.
文摘The effects of random long-range connections （shortcuts） on the transitions of neural firing patterns in coupled Hindmarsh-Rose neurons are investigated, where each neuron is subjected to an external current. It is found that, on one hand, the system can achieve the transition of neural firing patterns from the fewer-period state to the multi-period one, when the number of the added shortcuts in the neural network is greater than a threshold value, indicating the occurrence of in-transition of neural firing patterns. On the other hand, for a stronger coupling strength, we can also find the similar but reverse results by adding some proper random connections. In addition, the influences of system size and coupling strength on such transition behavior, as well as the internality between the transition degree of firing patterns and its critical characteristics for different external stimulation current, are also discussed.
文摘In the preparation of firing tables, the determination of projectile drag coefficientsthrough firing test radar data reduction is very important. Many methods have been developed for this work but none of them appear to be satisfactory in one Way or another. Inthis paper a multi-spline model of drag coefficient (cd) curve is developed that can guaranteefirst derivative continuity of the cd curve and has good flexibility of fitting accurately to acd curve from subsonic up to supersonic range. Practical firing data reduction tests showboth fast convergence and accurate fitting results. Typical velocity fitting RMS errors are0.05-0.08 m/s.
文摘The in-situ instrumentation technique for measuring mercury and itsspeciation downstream a utility 100 MW pulverized coal (PC) fired boiler system was developed andconducted by the use of the Ontario hydro method (OHM) consistent with American standard test methodtogether with the semi-continuous emissions monitoring (SCEM) system as well as a mobile laboratoryfor mercury monitoring. The mercury and its speciation concentrations including participate mercuryat three locations of before air preheater, before electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and after ESPwere measured using the OHM and SCEM methods under normal operation conditions of the boiler systemas a result of firing a bituminous coal. The vapor-phase total mercury Hg(VT) concentration declinedwith the decrease of flue gas temperature because of mercury species transformation from oxidizedmercury to particulate mercury as the flue gas moved downstream from the air preheater to the ESPand after the ESP. A good agreement for Hg°, Hg^(2+) and Hg( VT) was obtained between the twomethods in the ash-free area. But in the dense particle-laden flue gas area, there appeared to be abig bias for mercury speciation owing to dust cake formed in the filter of OHM sampling probe. Theparticulateaffinity to the flue gas mercury and the impacts of sampling condition to accuracy ofmeasure were discussed.
文摘Based on the porosity method and the improved non uniform QUICK scheme, this paper describes a three dimensional computer simulation to predict the flow characteristics in a tangentially fired boiler. The model is applied to a 600?MW boiler modeling under different operating conditions of reverse swirl of secondary air. The numerical results achieve reasonable agreement with experimental data. The calculated results of flow field, the pressure distribution, the relative diameter of tangential circle, angular momentum flux in furnace and the velocity distribution index in horizontal gas pass are analyzed in detail. And then the effects of the reverse swirl of secondary air on flue gas imbalance are discussed. Finally a reasonable operating condition of the reverse swirl of secondary air is presented.
基金Supported by The National Nature Science Foundation Council of ChinaNo.81473784+3 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui ProvinceNo.1408085MH166the Natural Science Foundation of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese MedicineNo.2013qn002
文摘AIM: To study the neural mechanism by which electroacupuncture(EA) at RN12(Zhongwan) and BL21(Weishu) regulates gastric motility.METHODS: One hundred and forty-four adult Sprague Dawley rats were studied in four separate experiments. Intragastric pressure was measured using custommade rubber balloons, and extracellular neuron firing activity, which is sensitive to gastric distention in the dorsal vagal complex(DVC), was recorded by an electrophysiological technique. The expression levels of c-fos, motilin(MTL) and gastrin(GAS) in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus(PVN) were assayed by immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of motilin receptor(MTL-R) and gastrin receptor(GAS-R) in both the PVN and the gastric antrum were assayed by western blotting.RESULTS: EA at RN12 + BL21(gastric Shu and Mu points), BL21(gastric Back-Shu point), RN12(gastric Front-Mu point), resulted in increased neuron-activating frequency in the DVC(2.08 ± 0.050, 1.17 ± 0.023, 1.55 ± 0.079 vs 0.75 ± 0.046, P < 0.001) compared with a model group. The expression of c-fos(36.24 ± 1.67, 29.41 ± 2.55, 31.79 ± 3.00 vs 5.73 ± 2.18, P < 0.001), MTL(22.48 ± 2.66, 20.76 ± 2.41, 19.17 ± 1.71 vs 11.68 ± 2.52, P < 0.001), GAS(24.99 ± 2.95, 21.69 ± 3.24, 23.03 ± 3.09 vs 12.53 ± 2.15, P < 0.001), MTL-R(1.39 ± 0.05, 1.22 ± 0.05, 1.17 ± 0.12 vs 0.84 ± 0.06, P < 0.001), and GAS-R(1.07 ± 0.07, 0.91 ± 0.06, 0.78 ± 0.05 vs 0.45 ± 0.04, P < 0.001) increased in the PVN after EA compared with the model group. The expression of MTL-R(1.46 ± 0.14, 1.26 ± 0.11, 0.99 ± 0.07 vs 0.65 ± 0.03, P < 0.001), and GAS-R(1.63 ± 0.11, 1.26 ± 0.16, 1.13 ± 0.02 vs 0.80 ± 0.11, P < 0.001) increased in the gastric antrum after EA compared with the model group. Damaging the PVN resulted in reduced intragastric pressure(13.67 ± 3.72 vs 4.27 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). These data demonstrate that the signals induced by EA stimulation of acupoints RN12 and BL21 are detectable in the DVC and the PVN, and increase the levels of gastrointestinal hormones and their receptors in the PVN and gastric antrum to regulate gastric motility. CONCLUSION: EA at RN12 and BL21 regulates gastric motility, which may be achieved through the PVN-DVCvagus-gastric neural pathway.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10432010,10702002,10772101,10802012)the National High Technology Research and Development Program (2007AA02Z310)
文摘Recent advances in the experimental and theoretical study of dynamics of neuronal electrical firing activities are reviewed. Firstly, some experimental phenomena of neuronal irregular firing patterns, especially chaotic and stochastic firing patterns, are presented, and practical nonlinear time analysis methods are introduced to distinguish deterministic and stochastic mechanism in time series. Secondly, the dynamics of electrical firing activities in a single neuron is concerned, namely, fast-slow dynamics analysis for classification and mechanism of various bursting patterns, one- or two-parameter bifurcation analysis for transitions of firing patterns, and stochastic dynamics of firing activities （stochastic and coherence resonances, integer multiple and other firing patterns induced by noise, etc.）. Thirdly, different types of synchronization of coupled neurons with electrical and chemical synapses are discussed. As noise and time delay are inevitable in nervous systems, it is found that noise and time delay may induce or enhance synchronization and change firing patterns of coupled neurons. Noise-induced resonance and spatiotemporal patterns in coupled neuronal networks are also demonstrated. Finally, some prospects are presented for future research. In consequence, the idea and methods of nonlinear dynamics are of great significance in exploration of dynamic processes and physiological functions of nervous systems.
基金supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey(TUBITAK),Project No:TOVAG–112O809
文摘Fuel moisture content is an important variable for forest fires because it affects fuel ignition and fire behavior. In order to accurately predict fuel ignition potential, fuel moisture content must be assessed by evaluating fire spread, fireline intensity and fuel consumption.Our objective here is to model moisture content of surface fuels in normally stocked Calabrian pine(Pinus brutia Ten.) stands in relation to weather conditions, namely temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed in the Mugla province of Turkey. All surface fuels were categorized according to diameter classes and fuel types. Six fuel categories were defined: these were 0–0.3, 0.3–0.6, and0.6–1 cm diameter classes, and cone, surface litter, and duff. Plastic containers 15 9 20 cm in size with 1 9 1 mm mesh size were used. Samples were taken from 09:00 to19:00 h and weighed every 2 h with 0.01 g precision for10 days in August. At the end of the study, samples were taken to the laboratory, oven-dried at 105 °C for 24 h and weighed to obtain fuel-moisture contents. Weather measurements were taken from a fully automated weather station set up at the study site prior to the study. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out and models were developed to predict fuel moisture contents for desorption and adsorption phase for each fuel type categories. Practical fuel moisture prediction models were developed for dry period. Models were developed that performed well with reasonable accuracy, explaining up to 92 and 95.6%of the variability in fuel-moisture contents for desorption and adsorption phases, respectively. Validation of the models were conducted using an independent data set and known fuel moisture prediction models. The predictive power of the models was satisfactory with mean absolute error values being 1.48 and 1.02 for desorption and adsorption as compared to the 2.05 and 1.60 values for the Van Wagner's hourly litter moisture content prediction model. Results obtained in this study will be invaluable for fire management planning and modeling.
文摘Forest fires are key ecosystem modifiers affecting the biological,chemical,and physical attributes of forest soils.The extent of soil disturbance by fire is largely dependent on fire intensity,duration and recurrence,fuel load,and soil characteristics.The impact on soil properties is intricate,yielding different results based on these factors.This paper reviews research investigating the effects of wildfire and prescribed fire on the biological and physico-chemical attributes of forest soils and provides a summary of current knowledge associated with the benefits and disadvantages of such fires.Low-intensity fires with ash deposition on soil surfaces cause changes in soil chemistry,including increase in available nutrients and pH.High intensity fires are noted for the complete combustion of organic matter and result in severe negative impacts on forest soils.High intensity fires result in nutrient volatilization,the break down in soil aggregate stability,an increase soil bulk density,an increase in the hydrophobicity of soil particles leading to decreased water infiltration with increased erosion and destroy soil biota.High soil heating(> 120℃) from high-intensity forest fires is detrimental to the soil ecosystem,especially its physical and biological properties.In this regard,the use of prescribed burning as a management tool to reduce the fuel load is highly recommended due to its low intensity and limited soil heating.Furthermore,the use of prescribed fires to manage fuel loads is critically needed in the light of current global warming as it will help prevent increased wildfire incidences.This review provides information on the impact of forest fires on soil properties,a key feature in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems.In addition,the review should prompt comprehensive soil and forest management regimes to limit soil disturbance and restore fire-disturbed soil ecosystems.
