Etiology of phantom limb syndrome: Insights from a 3D default space consciousness model

In this article, we examine phantom limb syndrome to gain insights into how the brain functions as the mind and how consciousness arises. We further explore our previously proposed consciousness model in which consciousness and body schema arise when information from throughout the body is processed by corticothalamic feedback loops and integrated by the thalamus. The parietal lobe spatially maps visual and non-visual information and the thalamus integrates and recreates this processed sensory information within a three-dimensional space termed the ‘‘3D default space.’’ We propose that phantom limb syndrome and phantom limb pain arise when the afferent signaling from the amputated limb is lost but the neural circuits remain intact. In addition, integration of conflicting sensory information within the default 3D space and the loss of inhibitory afferent feedback to efferent motor activity from the amputated limb may underlie phantom limb pain

Functional and Neural Mechanisms of Out-of-Body Experiences: Importance of Retinogeniculo-Cortical Oscillations

Current research on the various forms of autoscopic phenomena addresses the clinical and neurological correlates of out-of-body experiences, autoscopic hallucinations,and heautoscopy. Yet most of this research is based on functional magnetic resonance imaging results and focuses predominantly on abnormal cortical activity. Previously we proposed that visual consciousness resulted from the dynamic retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations, such that the photoreceptors dynamically integrated with visual and other vision-associated cortices, and was theorized to be mapped out by photoreceptor discs and rich retinal networks which synchronized with the retinotopic mapping and the associated cortex. The feedback from neural input that is received from the thalamus and cortex via retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations and sent to the retina is multifold higher than feed-forward input to the cortex. This can effectively translate into out-of-body experiences projected onto the screen formed by the retina as it is perceived via feedback and feed-forward oscillations from the reticular thalamic nucleus, or “internal searchlight”. This article explores the role of the reticular thalamic nucleus and the retinogeniculo-cortical oscillations as pivotal internal components in vision and various autoscopic phenomena

Meditation Experiences, Self, and Boundaries of Consciousness

Our experiences with the external world are possible mainly through vision, hearing, taste, touch, and smell providing us a sense of reality. How the brain is able to seamlessly integrate stimuli from our external and internal world into our sense of reality has yet to be adequately explained in the literature. We have previously proposed a three-dimensional unified model of consciousness that partly explains the dynamic mechanism. Here we further expand our model and include illustrations to provide a better conception of the ill-defined space within the self, providing insight into a unified mind-body concept. In this article, we propose that our senses “super-impose” on an existing dynamic space within us after a slight, imperceptible delay. The existing space includes the entire intrapersonal space and can also be called the “the body’s internal 3D default space”. We provide examples from meditation experiences to help explain how the sense of ‘self’ can be experienced through meditation practice associated with underlying physiological processes that take place through cardio-respiratory synchronization and coherence that is developed among areas of the brain. Meditation practice can help keep the body in a parasympathetic dominant state during meditation, allowing an experience of inner ‘self’. Understanding this physical and functional space could help unlock the mysteries of the function of memory and cognition, allowing clinicians to better recognize and treat disorders of the mind by recommending proven techniques to reduce stress as an adjunct to medication treatment

Improving rural connectivity

New telecommunication systems using wireless and satellite technologies have recently become available that will radically reduce the cost of connectivity. They will also make access possible from virtually anywhere on the planet, without the need for traditional cables. Because these systems can use the Internet, which allows you to share your connection with anyone, even small organizations and individuals in rural areas in developing countries can now afford relatively cheap access, especially where there is no existing telecom infrastructure. Radio transmitters for broadband ´line of sight´ connections now cost less than €100. As a result, hundreds of user groups around the world are setting up their own local wireless infrastructure for Internet sharing. Long-distance links using terrestrial HF radio and Ku-band satellite transmitters now cost only €1000-€2000. In addition, satellite companies like Hughes, Panamsat, Intelsat and Ipstar are providing connectivity superior to any dialup system in the developing world for less than €200 per month. When these two systems are combined, connectivity can be affordably brought to remote rural areas via satellite, with the cost of the terrestrial radio connections being shared among users. Market access Unfortunately, most developing countries do not yet allow people to set up their own telecom links in this fashion - either through outright prohibition, or by levying unaffordable licence fees. The pace of technological change in this area has been so rapid that most policy makers are unaware of the implications, and still conform to traditional models of telecommunication development in which market access is restricted to a few licensed telecom operators. Consequently, the most important challenge for rural connectivity is no longer technological, but centres on building awareness among national policy makers of these new models of access provision and the benefits of owner-deployed and owner-financed infrastructure. Restrictions on the number of licensed operators are usually justified by the need to ensure that the operators are able to generate sufficient income to roll out infrastructure in under-served areas without the funds being siphoned off by too many competitors. However, experience since the breakup of AT&T has shown that the only way to ensure efficient service delivery is to bring self-interest fully into play by opening up markets and using competition to do much of the regulating. In practical terms, while greater competition and more owner provisioning in the telecom industry may indeed result in some overlap and duplication of resources by the different competitors, the overall operation of the sector is more efficient than when only a few licensed operators have access to the market. It has long been assumed that provision of rural connectivity in developing countries is unprofitable. This assumption has bolstered the arguments of those who favour limiting market access, and who believe that revenues from the more profitable urban areas are needed to cross-subsidize access in rural areas. However, the plummeting cost of bandwidth and the increasing value of telecoms links that can carry not only voice calls, but also valuable Internet data and e-commerce transactions, mean that this assumption must be seriously re-examined. When these new dynamics are considered alongside the often underestimated levels of rural wealth (bolstered by remittances from the Diaspora) and the potential of owner-financed, owner-deployed wireless and satellite infrastructure, it is clear that policy makers need to rethink their traditional approaches to achieving rural connectivity. Mike Jensen is an independent ICT consultant based in South Africa (email: [email protected]).New wireless and satellite technologies can radically reduce the cost of connectivity. Unfortunately, most developing countries do not yet allow people to implement them

Améliorer la connectivité rurale

Ces systèmes permettront également de se connecter où que l’on se trouve dans le monde, sans avoir besoin des traditionnelles infrastructures câblées. Comme ces systèmes peuvent utiliser Internet, qui permet de partager sa connexion avec qui l’on veut, même les petites organisations et les particuliers des zones rurales des pays en développement peuvent désormais se connecter à Internet à un prix relativement bon marché, en particulier dans les zones où il n'existe pas de structures de télécommunications. Les émetteurs radio de connexion à bande largeLes nouveaux systèmes de télécommunication apparus récemment, basés sur des technologies sans fil et par satellite, vont réduire de manière radicale le coût de l

GKP Task-Force inputs study : the outlook for using Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) in international development assistance - issues, trends and opportunities

This report, commissioned by The Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP) Task Force, analyzes trends in knowledge management and Information and Communications Technologies for Development (ICT4D). Its purpose was to assist in making recommendations on future strategy for the GKP. The study helped determine general trends in ICT4D, and identified new areas such as social entrepreneurship and innovation funds. The paper outlines the work of approximately 50 funding agencies and their programme activities in terms of ICT4D

Can microbes compete with cows for sustainable protein production - A feasibility study on high quality protein

An increasing population and their increased demand for high-protein diets will require dramatic changes in the food industry, as limited resources and environmental issues will make animal derived foods and proteins, gradually more unsustainable to produce. To explore alternatives to animal derived proteins, an economic model was built around the genome-scale metabolic network of E. coli to study the feasibility of recombinant protein production as a food source. Using a novel model, we predicted which microbial production strategies are optimal for economic return, by capturing the tradeoff between the market prices of substrates, product output and the efficiency of microbial production. A case study with the food protein, Bovine Alpha Lactalbumin was made to evaluate the upstream economic feasibilities. Simulations with different substrate profiles at maximum productivity were used to explore the feasibility of recombinant Bovine Alpha Lactalbumin production coupled with market prices of utilized materials. We found that recombinant protein production could be a feasible food source and an alternative to traditional sources