Slow Current Research Articles

Altered calcium signaling in Bergmann glia contributes to spinocerebellar ataxia type-1 in a mouse model of SCA1

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by an abnormal expansion of glutamine (Q) encoding CAG repeats in the ATAXIN1 (ATXN1) gene and characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and eventual deterioration of bulbar functions. SCA1 shows severe degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) and activation of Bergmann glia (BG), a type of cerebellar astroglia closely associated with PCs. Combining electrophysiological recordings, calcium imaging techniques, and chemogenetic approaches, we have investigated the electrical intrinsic and synaptic properties of PCs and the physiological properties of BG in SCA1 mouse model expressing mutant ATXN1 only in PCs. PCs of SCA1 mice displayed lower spontaneous firing rate and larger slow afterhyperpolarization currents (sIAHP) than wildtype mice, whereas the properties of the synaptic inputs were unaffected. BG of SCA1 mice showed higher calcium hyperactivity and gliotransmission, manifested by higher frequency of NMDAR-mediated slow inward currents (SICs) in PC. Preventing the BG calcium hyperexcitability of SCA1 mice by loading BG with the calcium chelator BAPTA restored sIAHP and spontaneous firing rate of PCs to similar levels of wildtype mice. Moreover, mimicking the BG hyperactivity by activating BG expressing Gq-DREADDs in wildtype mice reproduced the SCA1 pathological phenotype of PCs, i.e., enhancement of sIAHP and decrease of spontaneous firing rate. These results indicate that the intrinsic electrical properties of PCs, but not their synaptic properties, were altered in SCA1 mice and that these alterations were associated with the hyperexcitability of BG. Moreover, preventing BG hyperexcitability in SCA1 mice and promoting BG hyperexcitability in wildtype mice prevented and mimicked, respectively, the pathological electrophysiological phenotype of PCs. Therefore, BG plays a relevant role in the dysfunction of the electrical intrinsic properties of PCs in SCA1 mice, suggesting that they may serve as potential targets for therapeutic approaches to treat the spinocerebellar ataxia type 1.

Nanomaterials in sunscreens: Potential human and ecological health implications.

Inorganic nanomaterials such as TiO2 and ZnO provide significant benefits in terms of UV protection, and their use generally has increased in commercial sunscreens. However, more recently there have been concerns about their potential human and ecological health implications, mostly driven by perception rather than by formal assessments. The large and increasing body of literature on these nanomaterials indicates that in most circumstances their risk are minimal. Penetration of the human epidermis is minimal for these nanomaterials, significantly reducing the potential effects that these nanomaterials may pose to internal organs. The excess Zn ion dose is very small compared to normal dietary consumption of Zn, which is a necessary element. The levels of residual nanomaterials or released ions in public swimming pools is also low, with minimal effect in case this water is ingested during swimming or bathing. In natural environments with significant water flow due to wind and water currents, the concentrations of nanomaterials and released ions are generally well below levels that would cause effects in aquatic organisms. However, sensitive habitats with slow currents, such as coral reefs, may accumulate these nanomaterials. The number of studies of the levels and effects of nanomaterials in these sensitive habitats is very small; more research is needed to determine if there is an elevated risk to these ecosystems from the use of sunscreens with these nanomaterials.

Assessing Local Electrical Properties of Ionic Liquid/Metal Interfaces with Operando-XPS and by Incorporating Additional Circuit Elements.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been utilized to record binding energy changes upon applying direct current (DC) and/or alternating current (AC) (square-wave) bias with different frequencies on a coplanar capacitor, having an ionic liquid (IL) film as the electrolyte. Electrical potential developments in numerous locations on the device are extracted from the variations in binding energy positions of the atomic core levels, which together with electrochemical measurements are used to extract local information before and after insertion of additional resistors in series. The presence of the IL introduces complex charging/discharging processes with a direct influence on the electrical double layer (EDL) formation, some of which can be untangled from each other via AC modulation by choosing appropriate time windows of observation. Accordingly, under 10 kHz modulation, fast processes are sampled, which are associated with electronic currents, and effects of slow migratory currents can be measured using 0.1 Hz. The addition of serial resistors allows us to quantify AC currents passing through, which reveals the magnitude of the system's impedance under different conditions. This process surprisingly reverses differences(s) in the voltage developments between the low and high frequencies over the electrified electrodes compared to those over the porous membrane in between. Our approach turns XPS into a powerful electrical and surface-sensitive tool for extracting localized electrochemical properties in a noninvasive and direct way. We expect that a wider utilization of the technique will lead to better identification of the obstacles for developing the next-generation sensing, energy harvesting, and storage systems as well as devices for iontronic/neuromorphic applications.

Habitat niche dynamics of the sicklefin redhorse: a southern Appalachian Mountain habitat specialist

AbstractHistorically, suckers (Catostomidae) have been largely neglected in conservation efforts. Due to pervasive lotic habitat degradation and loss throughout North America, sucker habitat knowledge is urgently needed for conservation. The sicklefin redhorse (Moxostoma sp.) is an undescribed, imperiled sucker, endemic to a small geographic range in the southern Appalachian Mountains (USA). We described adult sicklefin redhorse seasonal and spawning microhabitat suitability, quantified spawning substrate composition, identified seasonal and spawning habitat niches (i.e., macrohabitats), and characterized foraging habitat. We combined radiotelemetry and visual observations of Hiwassee River basin adult sicklefin redhorses during March–January (2006–2008) to address our objectives. Sicklefin redhorses occupied seasonal and spawning microhabitats non-randomly, and we developed season- and spawning-specific habitat suitability criteria (HSC) using a Bayesian approach. Adult sicklefin redhorses occupied habitats with swift midchannel currents, moderate depths, and coarse substrates supporting hornleaf riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum). In contrast, suitable spawning sites were located in near-bank shallow depths, slow currents, over intermediate-sized substrates near cover, but free of riverweed. Annually, principal component analyses indicated that sheet and run macrohabitats were predominantly occupied, while pocket-water riffles near depositional, edgewater zones provided spawning sites. Spawning substrate composition was predominantly small cobble (40.9%) and very coarse gravel (21.3%), but fines (3.0%) were also prevalent within interstitial spaces. Mean Fredle index was 28.2, indicating spawning substrate permeability at half potential. Annually, bedrock covered with hornleaf riverweed was the dominant foraging substrate. Our adult sicklefin redhorse annual, seasonal, and spawning HSCs, multivariate habitat niche characterizations, spawning substrate analyses, and foraging habitat descriptions can guide habitat conservation and restoration throughout the species’ geographic range.

The Roles of Potassium and Calcium Currents in the Bistable Firing Transition.

Healthy brains display a wide range of firing patterns, from synchronized oscillations during slow-wave sleep to desynchronized firing during movement. These physiological activities coexist with periods of pathological hyperactivity in the epileptic brain, where neurons can fire in synchronized bursts. Most cortical neurons are pyramidal regular spiking (RS) cells with frequency adaptation and do not exhibit bursts in current-clamp experiments (in vitro). In this work, we investigate the transition mechanism of spike-to-burst patterns due to slow potassium and calcium currents, considering a conductance-based model of a cortical RS cell. The joint influence of potassium and calcium ion channels on high synchronous patterns is investigated for different synaptic couplings (gsyn) and external current inputs (I). Our results suggest that slow potassium currents play an important role in the emergence of high-synchronous activities, as well as in the spike-to-burst firing pattern transitions. This transition is related to the bistable dynamics of the neuronal network, where physiological asynchronous states coexist with pathological burst synchronization. The hysteresis curve of the coefficient of variation of the inter-spike interval demonstrates that a burst can be initiated by firing states with neuronal synchronization. Furthermore, we notice that high-threshold (IL) and low-threshold (IT) ion channels play a role in increasing and decreasing the parameter conditions (gsyn and I) in which bistable dynamics occur, respectively. For high values of IL conductance, a synchronous burst appears when neurons are weakly coupled and receive more external input. On the other hand, when the conductance IT increases, higher coupling and lower I are necessary to produce burst synchronization. In light of our results, we suggest that channel subtype-specific pharmacological interactions can be useful to induce transitions from pathological high bursting states to healthy states.

Dopaminergic Dependency of Cholinergic Pallidal Neurons.

We employed the whole-cell patch-clamp method and ChAT-Cre mice to study the electrophysiological attributes of cholinergic neurons in the external globus pallidus. Most neurons were inactive, although approximately 20% displayed spontaneous firing, including burst firing. The resting membrane potential, the whole neuron input resistance, the membrane time constant and the total neuron membrane capacitance were also characterized. The current-voltage relationship showed time-independent inward rectification without a "sag". Firing induced by current injections had a brief initial fast adaptation followed by tonic firing with minimal accommodation. Intensity-frequency plots exhibited maximal average firing rates of about 10Hz. These traits are similar to those of some cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. Also, we examined their dopamine sensitivity by acutely blocking dopamine receptors. This action demonstrated that the membrane potential, excitability, and firing pattern of pallidal cholinergic neurons rely on the constitutive activity of dopamine receptors, primarily D2-class receptors. The blockade of these receptors induced a resting membrane potential hyperpolarization, a decrease in firing for the same stimulus, the disappearance of fast adaptation, and the emergence of a depolarization block. This shift in physiological characteristics was evident even when the hyperpolarization was corrected with D.C. current. Neither the currents that generate the action potentials nor those from synaptic inputs were responsible. Instead, our findings suggest, that subthreshold slow ion currents, that require further investigation, are the target of this novel dopaminergic signaling.

Assessing coastal outfall impact on shallow enclosed bays water quality: Field and statistical analysis

Shallow bays, valued for their environmental, economic, and social significance, face increasing threats from anthropogenic stressors, primarily wastewater discharge through coastal outfalls. The slow tidal currents in these bays hinder the effective dispersion of pollutants to deeper waters, exacerbating their impact. This study assesses the spatial effects of wastewater and brine discharges on Sulaibikhat Bay's water quality. The approach combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and statistical techniques to identify pollutant types, sources, and concentrations near outfalls, nearshore, and offshore areas. Throughout the study, high water temperatures were observed consistently, exceeding 30 °C in summer and 18.6 °C in winter near most outfalls, with a maximum deviation from the ambient water of 11.1 °C recorded in December. In addition to elevated electrical conductivity (EC) levels peaking at 60,700 μs/cm, these elevated temperatures significantly reduce dissolved oxygen levels and have been linked to fish kill events in the Bay. NH3-N, TSS, COD, BOD5, FC, and FS concentrations exceeded allowable limits in 56.4 %, 92.25 %, 40.30 %, 32.1 %, 70 %, and 63.36 % of samples, respectively, often reaching extreme levels. Also, the BOD5/COD ratios suggest the presence of non-biodegradable organic matter, mainly from industrial sewage, and the FC/FS levels implicate human and animal waste. These results indicate a mix of domestic, industrial, and commercial wastewater discharges and underscore the severe threat coastal outfalls pose to ecosystem health and water quality in Sulaibikhat Bay. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) delineate two distinct environmental zones with varying characteristics and contamination levels, necessitating expanded monitoring. Finally, substantial field research, numerical modeling, and establishing a sustainable environmental management system are needed to protect this fragile ecosystem. Also, converting outfalls into offshore may mitigate the environmental status of the bay by enhancing pollutant dilution and dispersion.

GluK2 Q/R editing regulates kainate receptor signaling and long-term potentiation of AMPA receptors

Q/R editing of the kainate receptor (KAR) subunit GluK2 radically alters recombinant KAR properties, but the effects on endogenous KARs invivo remain largely unexplored. Here, we compared GluK2 editing-deficient mice that express ∼95% unedited GluK2(Q) to wild-type counterparts that express ∼85% edited GluK2(R). At mossy fiber-CA3 (MF-CA3) synapses GluK2(Q) mice displayed increased postsynaptic KAR function and KAR-mediated presynaptic facilitation, demonstrating enhanced ionotropic function. Conversely, GluK2(Q) mice exhibited reduced metabotropic KAR function, assessed by KAR-mediated inhibition of slow after-hyperpolarization currents (ISAHP). GluK2(Q) mice also had fewer GluA1-and GluA3-containing AMPA receptors (AMPARs) and reduced postsynaptic AMPAR currents at both MF-CA3 and CA1-Schaffer collateral synapses. Moreover, long-term potentiation of AMPAR-mediated transmission at CA1-Schaffer collateral synapses was reduced in GluK2(Q) mice. These findings suggest that GluK2 Q/R editing influences ionotropic/metabotropic balance of KAR signaling to regulate synaptic expression of AMPARs and plasticity.

Bottom‐Current Variability and the Relationship With Topography and Sedimentary Processes in the Drake Passage

AbstractBottom‐current related sediments have been commonly used for paleoceanographic reconstructions. However, the strength and variability of bottom currents are poorly understood and thus the processes that control sedimentation in deep environments are not clear. In this study, we focus on the Drake Passage, which is connected to the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, that has a major impact on the global climate. We studied the intensity and variability of bottom currents and how they are related to sedimentary processes. For this purpose, we used 27‐years from GLORYS12 Mercator Ocean reanalysis at high resolution to evaluate the bottom current dynamics. Geophysical data and surface grain size measurements were used to identify the type of sediment deposits. Our results show that the dynamics of bottom currents is disconnected from the sea surface dynamics, and bottom circulation is strongly controlled by the rough topography of the Drake Passage. The patterns for the first modes of bottom‐current variability are related to the local topography and seem to generally control the distribution of contourites. The second and third EOF modes show patterns in the bottom currents that differ from the mean field, and they may affect the rate of erosion and deposition differently. Time series of bottom currents reveals multiple high‐speed current events, but contourite drifts seem to accumulate preferentially in zones of slow and stable bottom currents. Our study highlights the potential of using ocean reanalysis to better constrain bottom currents in zones of scarce data and to plan future campaigns of direct measurements.

Astrocyte- and NMDA receptor-dependent slow inward currents differently contribute to synaptic plasticity in an age-dependent manner in mouse and human neocortex.

Slow inward currents (SICs) are known as excitatory events of neurons elicited by astrocytic glutamate via activation of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors. By using slice electrophysiology, we tried to provide evidence that SICs can elicit synaptic plasticity. Age dependence of SICs and their impact on synaptic plasticity was also investigated in both on murine and human cortical slices. It was found that SICs can induce a moderate synaptic plasticity, with features similar to spike timing-dependent plasticity. Overall SIC activity showed a clear decline with aging in humans and completely disappeared above a cutoff age. In conclusion, while SICs contribute to a form of astrocyte-dependent synaptic plasticity both in mice and humans, this plasticity is differentially affected by aging. Thus, SICs are likely to play an important role in age-dependent physiological and pathological alterations of synaptic plasticity.

Spatial Difference in the Marine Algal Community of Yeongil Bay Inner and Outer Areas on the East Coast of Korea

This study examined the seasonal and spatial changes in the marine algal community structure in the outer and inner areas of the intertidal zone of Yeongil Bay. A seasonal survey was conducted at 13 intertidal sites in Yeongil Bay between August 2021 and July 2022. Algal samples were collected using a destructive approach, and the marine algal community was analyzed based on species composition, biomass, and the important value (IV) index. To confirm the differences between the outer and inner areas, ANOSIM and SIMPER analyses were conducted based on the biomass and IV indices of the marine algal species. The marine algal communities in the outer and inner areas of Yeongil Bay differed because of the high contribution of Ulva spp., as determined using the IV index. Our findings suggest that there was an influx of nutrients into Yeongil Bay from the Hyeongsan River, which had remained in the inner area for an extended period because of the slow current. This allowed Ulva spp., an opportunistic species, to bloom quickly and dominate the marine algal communities in the inner area. These results indicate a difference in the structure of marine algal communities between the outer and inner areas owing to the proliferation of Ulva spp. Therefore, Ulva spp. can be used as a target species to monitor the marine environment of Yeongil Bay.

Identification of Two FitzHugh-Nagumo Neuron Models Based on the Speed-Gradient and Filtering

The paper is devoted to the problem of parameter identification of two FitzHugh-Nagumo neuron models. The FitzHugh-Nagumo model is a simplification of the Hodgkin-Huxley model and it is very valuable for using on practice thanks to its simplicity. However, within an experiment only one variable of the FitzHugh-Nagumo model, the membrane potential, is measured, while another variable of cumulative effects of all slow ion currents responsible for restoring the resting potential of the membranes and both variables’ derivatives cannot be measured. This circumstance brings additional difficulties to the parameters estimation problem and, therefore, this case needs special attention. Firstly, the model was transformed to more simple form without unmeasured variables. Variables obtained from applying second-order real filter-differentiator were used instead of unmeasured derivatives in model’s equations. As a result, a linear equation was gotten and for this equation the identification goal, which guarantees correct parameters’ adjustment, was formulated and an adaptive system, parameters of which are estimations of original system’s parameters and an output of which estimates the output of the linear equation, was constructed. Then, the integral objective function was defined and the algorithm for the original model parameters identification was designed with the speed-gradient method. The results of computer simulation in the Simulink environment are presented. These results demonstrate that estimates of the model’s state and parameters converge to their true values rather fast. Unlike existing solutions of the FitzHugh-Nagumo identification problem, we propose a much easier deterministic algorithm. Moreover, the parameters are estimated for a system collected from two FitzHugh-Nagumo models, which opens perspectives for using the proposed method in modeling neuron population activity.

A Current-Mode Optoelectronic Receiver IC for Short-Range LiDAR Sensors in 180 nm CMOS

This paper presents three different types of on-chip avalanche photodiodes (APDs) realized in a TSMC 180 nm 1P6M RF CMOS process, i.e., a P+/N-well (NW) APD for its high responsivity and large bandwidth by excluding slow diffusion currents; a P+/Deep N-well (DNW) APD for its improved near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity; and a P+/NW/DNW APD for its capability to prevent premature edge breakdown and improve NIR sensitivity. Thereafter, a conventional voltage-mode optoelectronic receiver (V-OER) was realized to confirm the feasibility of the three on-chip APDs. However, the measured results of the V-OER demonstrate a very narrow dynamic range. Therefore, we propose a current-mode optoelectronic receiver (C-OER) realized in the same CMOS process for the applications of short-range LiDAR sensors, where current-conveyor input buffers are exploited to deliver the photocurrents with no significant signal loss to the following inverter cascode transimpedance amplifier, hence resulting in an extended dynamic range. The optically measured results of the C-OER with an 850 nm laser source demonstrate large output pulses. The C-OER chip consumes 47.8 mW from a 1.8 V supply and the core occupies 0.087 mm2.

Hydrokinetic energy harvesting from slow currents using flow-induced oscillations

To harness marine hydrokinetic energy from slow flows, which constitute the majority of currents, tides, and rivers, new Passive Turbulence Control (PTC), consisting of large turbulence stimulators, is tested experimentally on circular cylinders on springs. This study experimentally investigates the effect of PTC on the onset of Flow-Induced Oscillations (FIO) and particularly the relative onset of Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV) and galloping. Experiments are conducted in the Low Turbulence Free Surface Water Channel, University of Michigan. Fixed are: mass ratio m* = 1.48, aspect ratio l/D = 10.29, and total damping ratio ζ = 0.04. Parameters are: cylinder diameter D, spring stiffness K, PTC location and height, and flow speed U∈[0.36 m/s-1.45 m/s]. Placing the leading edge of PTC at 40–60° induces high amplitude FIO while placement at 10–20° suppresses FIO. As PTC height increases, VIV and galloping initiate earlier and exhibit higher amplitude with a steeper slope. Lower spring stiffness initiates VIV earlier by reducing the oscillator natural frequency in water. Even though large PTC maintained its effectiveness in initiating galloping early, it has no effect on the earlier initiation of VIV, which starts at a nearly fixed reduced velocity. Lower spring stiffness and large PTC enable power generation at low current speed (0.2 m/s).

A generalized theory of flow forcing by rough topography

An analytical model is developed which explores the impact of irregular sea-floor roughness on large-scale oceanic flows. The previously reported asymptotic ‘sandpaper’ theory of flow-topography interaction represents relatively swift currents and exhibits singular behaviour in the weak flow limit. The present investigation systematically spans a wider parameter space and identifies the principal dissimilarities in the topographic regulation of slow and fast currents. The fast flows are controlled by the Reynolds stresses produced by topographically generated eddies. In contrast, relatively weak flows are more affected by the eddy-induced bottom form drag. The asymptotic models for fast and slow currents are then combined to arrive at a concise description of flow forcing by small-scale topography in homogeneous and multilayer models. The proposed closure is validated by comparing corresponding topography-resolving and parametric simulations.

Fish functional gradients along a reservoir cascade

Abstract The transformations of fish assemblages caused by reservoir cascades can be severe at the reach scale, but basin‐scale effects are less clear. However, prevailing river concepts provide a framework for predicting basin‐scale effects. To determine if predictions made by the River Continuum Concept relative to the function of fish assemblages are sustained in a temperate river transformed into a reservoir cascade, we examined longitudinal trends in the distribution of fish functional traits over 23 reservoirs of the Tennessee River, U.S.A. In all, 115 species were recorded representing 62 traits, with trait richness increasing longitudinally in a downstream direction. Trophic, reproductive, and habitat traits showed various increasing and decreasing patterns up and down the reservoir cascade. The observed gradients in trait richness and trait distributions were generally consistent with those expected in unregulated rivers, with few unexpected results. The transformation of lotic systems into lentic ones has changed habitats and sources of food and encouraged the proliferation of certain feeding (e.g., detritivores, planktivores, invertivores, piscivores), reproduction (e.g., nest spawners polyphils, broadcast spawners phytolithophils), and habitat (slow current, lacustrine, large river) traits. In essence, reservoirs have expanded downstream habitats in an upstream direction, and thus allowed upstream expansion of species and traits that would have normally not been well represented in upper reaches of the Tennessee River basin. Nevertheless, the impounded Tennessee River has maintained much of its functional integrity, despite extensive alterations to the riverscape. We suggest that, while reservoirs have been shown to have major local‐scale effects on riverine fish assemblages, with access to riverine habitats, and with proactive conservation strategies, fish functional richness can remain remarkably high at the basin scale.

Design of a slotted waveguide antenna to launch lower hybrid fast wave in the KSTAR Tokamak

Lower hybrid fast wave (LHFW) has been proposed for heating and current drive in high density plasmas to overcome the density limit of conventional slow wave current drive (LHCD). The feasibility of the LHFW was tested through coupling experiments in the Versatile Experiment Spherical Torus (VEST) device. We design a 2.45 GHz waveguide antenna for the further investigation of the LHFW in the KSTAR tokamak. RF modelling of a slotted waveguide antenna is conducted in a vacuum and plasma medium using COMSOL in order to launch 2.45 GHz fast waves with n∥0 ∼ 2.87. A slotted waveguide antenna for the LHFW is designed according to simulation results which show field patterns for fast wave polarization, a n∥ spectrum and coupling efficiency between the antenna and plasmas.

Investigating the mechanism behind the effect of PUFA analogues in increasing the maximum conductance of KCNQ1 channels.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are potent activators of KCNQ1 channels, found in smooth muscle cells and cardiomyocytes. In the latter, the channel forms the KCNQ1/KCNE1 complex, mediating the slow delayed-rectifier currents (IKs), pivotal during the repolarization phase of the ventricular action potential. Mutations in IKs cause Long QT Syndrome (LQT), which increases the risk of sudden cardiac death and ventricular arrhythmia. One possible therapeutic intervention would be based on specifically targeting IKs currents to restore the channel function and the physiological QT interval. PUFAs are ideal candidates as they activate IKs current by shifting the voltage dependence of opening toward negative voltages and by increasing the maximum conductance of the channel (Gmax). PUFAs mechanism of action rely on two different binding sites, one at the voltage sensor domain - which shifts the voltage dependence - and the other at the pore region of the channel - which increases the Gmax. However, the mechanism by which PUFAs increase the Gmax of the channels is still poorly understood. In this study, we propose that the increase in the channel currents is caused by a complex mechanism of several residues in the external mouth of the pore, including K326, P320, and the two tryptophans of the conserved aromatic ring cuff. Our investigations showed that by mutating some of these residues, the effect of PUFAs on Gmax is reduced, describing a complex mechanism involving a wide network of residues in the Gmax effect of PUFAs.

Cittaslow Kentlerde Yaşayan Halkın Slow Food Algı Düzeyinin Belirlenmesi

The food culture, which gains meaning according to the life perception of countries in the traditional and modern world, brings different perspectives to gastronomy. With the Slow Food movement, which is one of these perspectives, it is essential to bring an up-to-date approach to the dishes that have been forgotten in traditional food culture. While the slow food movement ensures the sustainability of the food culture, it also supports the preservation of the 'sense of taste'; It serves to raise awareness in setting tables together and determining the importance of common points, in food production with traditional methods and in using techniques. Quantitative data collection techniques are used to determine whether the services of the stream reach the target. The cycle of the slow mobility current is first production, then consumption. The aim of this study is to determine the extent of slow food perceptions and slow eating attitudes of the people living in Gökçeada district of Çanakkale province. For this purpose, a survey method consisting of a systematic question form was applied to the local people of Gökçeada, which constitutes the sample of the study, to determine the perception of slow food and the effect of this perception on slow eating attitudes. According to the results obtained from the survey data, it was determined that the participants were women with a participation rate of 68.5% and they constituted the majority of the study. 92.4% of the participants who stated that they knew about the Slow Food movement correctly defined Slow Food. It was determined that the participants had a positive participation of more than 50% in the questions asked to determine the local food consumption tendency. Therefore, it can be said that the participants have a high level of local food demand, interest and consumption tendency. Among the 6 hypotheses examining the relationship between Slow Food consumption and demographic characteristics, the marital status and age hypothesis were accepted and the others were rejected.

Serotonergic current responses of neurons in rat oculomotor neural integrators.

The prepositus hypoglossi nucleus (PHN) and the interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) are involved in controlling horizontal and vertical gaze, respectively. Previous studies have shown that PHN neurons exhibit depolarized or hyperpolarized responses to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). However, serotonergic modulation of INC neurons has not been examined. Furthermore, the relationship between 5-HT-induced responses and neuron types based on neurotransmitter phenotypes has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated 5-HT-induced current responses in PHN and INC neurons and the distributions of distinct current responses in different neuron types, using whole cell recordings of wild-type and transgenic rat brain stem slices. Local application of 5-HT to the cell soma confirmed that slow inward (SI) and slow outward (SO) currents were mediated by 5-HT2 and 5-HT1A receptors, respectively. Furthermore, fast inward (FI) currents that were mediated by 5-HT3 receptors were observed. These three current responses were observed in both PHN and INC neurons. Analyses of the distributions of the three current responses revealed that fluorescently identified glutamatergic and inhibitory neurons in the PHN showed high proportions of SI and SO currents, respectively, whereas glutamatergic and inhibitory neurons in the INC showed mainly SO currents. When PHN and INC neurons were characterized on the basis of firing patterns, the proportions of the currents depended on the firing patterns. The different distributions of 5-HT-induced currents suggest distinct serotonergic modulation modes specific to horizontal and vertical gaze control.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Serotonergic modulation of vertical gaze control (interstitial nucleus of Cajal, INC) is less understood than that of horizontal gaze control (prepositus hypoglossal nucleus, PHN). Here, we report 5-HT-induced fast inward currents in addition to the previously reported slow inward and outward currents. The distributions of these currents in INC neurons based on neurotransmitter phenotypes differ from those in PHN neurons. These results suggest distinct serotonergic modulation modes in horizontal and vertical gaze control centers.