Synchronization and rhythm dynamics of a neuronal network consisting of mixed bursting neurons with hybrid synapses

In this paper, burst synchronization and rhythm dynamics of a small-world neuronal network consisting of mixed bursting types of neurons coupled via inhibitory–excitatory chemical synapses are explored. Two quantities, the synchronization parameter and average width factor, are used to characterize the synchronization degree and rhythm dynamics of the neuronal network. Numerical results show that the percentage of the inhibitory synapses in the network is the major factor for we get a similarly bell-shaped dependence of synchronization on it, and the decrease of the average width factor of the network. We also find that not only the value of the coupling strength can promote the synchronization degree, but the probability of random edges adding to the small-world network also can. The ratio of the long bursting neurons has little effect on the burst synchronization and rhythm dynamics of the network.

IN-PHASE BURST SYNCHRONIZATION AND RHYTHM DYNAMICS OF COMPLEX NEURONAL NETWORKS

In-phase burst synchronization, spatiotemporal order and rhythm dynamics of a complex neuronal network with electrical or chemically excitatory synapses are studied in this paper. A quantitative characteristic, the width factor, is introduced to describe the rhythm dynamics of an individual neuron, and the average width factor is used to characterize the rhythm dynamics of a neural network. The in-phase burst synchronization is studied in terms of the burst phase order parameter. We also study the effects of the coupling schemes, the intrinsic neuronal property and the network topology on the rhythm dynamics of the network. It is found that the neuronal network with electrical coupling is easier to realize the in-phase burst synchronization than that with the chemically excitatory coupling. The bursting type of short bursting neuronal networks is unchanged for different coupling schemes with the coupling strength increasing. Moreover, the short bursting type is robust both to the coupling strength and the coupling scheme. As for the network topology, more links can only change the bursting type of long bursting neurons, but short bursting neurons are robust to the link numbers.

CRITICAL LOADS OF SQUARE PLATES UNDER DIFFERENT INPLANE LOAD CONFIGURATIONS ON OPPOSITE EDGES

The elastic critical load coefficients of square plates, under different inplane load configurations on opposite plate edges, are determined and the results compared. The stability analysis was performed by a finite element method that was developed by the authors. The parameters considered in the analysis are the Kinney's fixity factor, and the width factor of the patch load. It was found that the coefficients of the critical loads increase with increasing values of fixity and width factors. The opposite tendency is that a plate under a patch loaded towards the two corners of an edge is more stable than a plate loaded concentrically at the center of the edge.

Covariation patterns in the postcranial skeleton of moas (Aves, Dinornithidae): A factor analytic study

The covariation patterns of the postcranial skeleton in eight species of moas (Aves, Dinornithidae) from the Pleistocene of New Zealand are described using multiple factor analysis. Rotation schemes include an orthogonal Varimax and oblique (direct quartimin) simple structure solutions.Four major patterns of covariation are resolved: a length factor, primarily that of leg length; a width factor, including pelvis width and long bone widths; a sternal breadth factor; and a sternal length-posterior pelvis length factor. The first two patterns represent a functional separation between body size and those aspects of the skeleton, scaling allometrically, adapted to support body weight. The sternal breadth factor may indicate that features contributing to trunk support are independent from those width measurements of the pelvis and hindlimb bones. The sternal length-posterior pelvis length factor reveals a pattern of covariation that is somewhat independent of other patterns (long bone lengths) determining variability in body size.

Different methods for determining leaf area of some oil crops

SummaryStudies of leaf area estimate of some oil crops were made using planimeter measurement, punch borer and length × width × factor. The extent of sample variation depended on the variety in each of these methods; the last two methods were found to be simple, precise and less time consuming.