Insights into Parkinson’s disease from computational models of the basal ganglia

Movement disorders arise from the complex interplay of multiple changes to neural circuits. Successful treatments for these disorders could interact with these complex changes in myriad ways, and as a consequence their mechanisms of action and their amelioration of symptoms are incompletely understood. Using Parkinson's disease as a case study, we review here how computational models are a crucial tool for taming this complexity, across causative mechanisms, consequent neural dynamics and treatments. For mechanisms, we review models that capture the effects of losing dopamine on basal ganglia function; for dynamics, we discuss models that have transformed our understanding of how beta-band (15-30?Hz) oscillations arise in the parkinsonian basal ganglia. For treatments, we touch on the breadth of computational modelling work trying to understand the therapeutic actions of deep brain stimulation. Collectively, models from across all levels of description are providing a compelling account of the causes, symptoms and treatments for Parkinson's disease

Characterization of Culturable Bacterial Endophytes and Their Capacity to Promote Plant Growth from Plants Grown Using Organic or Conventional Practices

Plants have a diverse internal microbial biota that has been shown to have an important influence on a range of plant health attributes. Although these endophytes have been found to be widely occurring, few studies have correlated agricultural production practices with endophyte community structure and function. One agricultural system that focuses on preserving and enhancing soil microbial abundance and biodiversity is organic farming, and numerous studies have shown that organically managed system have increased microbial community characteristics. Herein, the diversity and specificity of culturable bacterial endophytes were evaluated in four vegetable crops: corn, tomato, melon, and pepper grown under organic or conventional practices. Endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized shoot, root, and seed tissues and sequence identified. A total of 336 bacterial isolates were identified, and grouped into 32 species and five phyla. Among these, 239 isolates were from organically grown plants and 97 from those grown conventionally. Although a diverse range of bacteria were documented, 186 were from the Phylum Firmicutes, representing 55% of all isolates. Using the Shannon diversity index, we observed a gradation of diversity in tissues, with shoots and roots having a similar value, and seeds having the least diversity. Importantly, endophytic microbial species abundance and diversity was significantly higher in the organically grown plants compared to those grown using conventional practices, potentially indicating that organic management practices may increase endophyte presence and diversity. The impact that these endophytes could have on plant growth and yield was evaluated by reintroducing them into tomato plants in a greenhouse environment. Of the bacterial isolates tested, 61% were found to promote tomato plant growth and 50-64% were shown to enhance biomass accumulation, illustrating their potential agroecosystem application

Archaeology of homophobia : building blocks of power

This article is based on the research of Mark le Roux’s MTh dissertation, entitled ‘Argeologie van homofobie’. The research was done under the supervision of Prof. Dr Yolanda Dreyer, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria (2013).Hierdie artikel is ’n verwerkte weergawe van aspekte van die MTh-verhandeling van M.l.R (Universiteit van Pretoria), met Y.D. (Universiteit van Pretoria) as promotor.The article investigates presentday discourses which demonstrate coercive power with regard to sexuality according to which people are attributed an identity. Such hegemony restricts existential authenticity. The article shows that, although sexual minorities could have public rights according to constitutional law, they still experience marginalisation because of victimisation on account of a heteronormative societal discourse. The article consists of an introductory section in which Michel Foucault’s notion of ‘the archaeology of knowledge’ is used to explore levels of perceptions in society which illustrate perceptions and ideas on homophobia. The first section focuses on the phenomenon of stigmatisation. The second section describes the process of stereotyping taboos that result in the phenomenon of internalised homophobia. The article concludes with a deconstruction of homophobia by emphasising the recognition of the Other by means of a contradiscourse to heteronormativity.http://www.hts.org.zaam2013mn201

Homophobia and heterosexism

The article investigated phenomena such as fear, aversion and hatred as a result of heterosexism and homophobia. This is done from three angles. The first is that of the individual relationship with the Other. The second is a reflection on prejudice concerning homosexuality in the context of a cultural, social and religious environments. Perceptions with regard to sexuality and power are the result of social constructions. These two perceptions influence relationships. The third angle concerns individual reactions to fear as emotion and affect. The article considered a contra discourse to redress aversion and hatred. It argued that a shift should take place from being a perpetrator to being tolerant and from being a victim to becoming an agent of hope.This article is based on the research of Mark le Roux’s MTh dissertation, entitled ‘Argeologie van homofobie’. The research was done under the supervision of Prof. Dr Yolanda Dreyer, Department of Practical Theology, Faculty of Theology, University of Pretoria (2013). (http://hdl.handle.net/2263/32652)Hierdie artikel is ’n verwerkte weergawe van aspekte van die MTh-verhandeling van M.l.R (Universiteit van Pretoria), met Y.D. (Universiteit van Pretoria) as promotor. (http://hdl.handle.net/2263/32652)http://www.hts.org.zaam201

Integrative taxonomy of crustacean y-larvae (Thecostraca: Facetotecta) using laboratory-rearing and molecular analyses of single specimens, with the description of a new vermiform species

Facetotecta, the taxon established for 'y-larvae', is the last major crustacean group for which the adult stage remains unknown. With only 14 described nominal species, all in the genus Hansenocaris, their incompletely known life cycle, small size and dearth of molecular data have hampered assessments of their true species diversity. Based on field studies during which > 11 000 y-larvae were sampled, a new integrative approach for studying the taxonomy of y-larvae is outlined. It focuses on last-stage nauplii and y-cyprids and includes methods for rearing lecithotrophic y-larvae for documenting the morphology of specimens with live photomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and for obtaining molecular systematic data. This new and integrated approach, whereby each single specimen provides multiple kinds of information, was implemented to describe Hansenocaris demodex sp. nov., a unique y-larval form with semi-vermiform nauplii that occurs in the waters of Okinawa (southern Japan) and Taiwan. A preliminary Facetotecta phylogeny shows remarkable congruence between the morphology of all newly sequenced y-larvae and molecular data (18S rDNA). Four independent clades are formed by H. demodex and three other types/species of y-larvae, together being the sister-group to a smaller clade including H. itoi and unnamed species from GenBank

The Fundamental Value of Presence in Peer and Mutual Support: Observations from Telephone Support for High Risk Groups

“Being there” takes on considerable importance amidst recognition of the substantial deleterious effects of social isolation and loneliness. In particular, presence/ “being there” may be important features of the many contributions of peer and mutual support to health and wellbeing. This study examined how peer support may enhance a sense of presence based on a) contact data for years 2015-2016 from telephonic peer support services of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and b) structured interviews with peer supporters and clients of these programs. Features of peer support that convey presence include a) 24/7 availability, b) structure of peer support around shared cultural roles – e.g., “Cop2Cop,” “Mom2Mom,” rather than shared diagnoses, c) training of supporters to provide a setting for open expression of feelings, and d) structural features such as IT systems that facilitate continuity by enabling those answering a call readily to refer to previous calls. Impacts include client reports of being understood, not being judged, and being cared for through routine follow-up, even though contact such as voicemails. Managers and peer supporters should recognize the diverse organizational and processes that convey presence/ “being there” and its central importance in peer and mutual support

The Fundamental Value of Presence in Peer and Mutual Support: Observations from Telephone Support for High Risk Groups

“Being there” takes on considerable importance amidst recognition of the substantial deleterious effects of social isolation and loneliness. In particular, presence/ “being there” may be important features of the many contributions of peer and mutual support to health and wellbeing. This study examined how peer support may enhance a sense of presence based on a) contact data for years 2015-2016 from telephonic peer support services of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, and b) structured interviews with peer supporters and clients of these programs. Features of peer support that convey presence include a) 24/7 availability, b) structure of peer support around shared cultural roles – e.g., “Cop2Cop,” “Mom2Mom,” rather than shared diagnoses, c) training of supporters to provide a setting for open expression of feelings, and d) structural features such as IT systems that facilitate continuity by enabling those answering a call readily to refer to previous calls. Impacts include client reports of being understood, not being judged, and being cared for through routine follow-up, even though contact such as voicemails. Managers and peer supporters should recognize the diverse organizational and processes that convey presence/ “being there” and its central importance in peer and mutual support