Dense gap-junction connections support dynamic Turing structures in the cortex

The recent report by Fukuda et al [1] provides convincing evidence for dense gap-junction connectivity between inhibitory neurons in the cat visual cortex, each neuron making 60 +/- 12 gap-junction dendritic connections with neurons in both the same and adjoining orientation columns. These resistive connections provide a source of diffusive current to the receiving neuron, supplementing the chemical-synaptic currents generated by incoming action-potential spike activity. Fukuda et al describe how the gap junctions form a dense and homogeneous electrical coupling of interneurons, and propose that this diffusion-coupled network provides the substrate for synchronization of neuronal populations. To date, large-scale population-based mathematical models of the cortex have ignored diffusive communication between neurons. Here we augment a well-established mean-field cortical model [2] by incorporating gap-junction-mediated diffusion currents, and we investigate the implications of strong diffusive coupling. The significant result is the model prediction that the 2D cortex can spontaneously generate centimetre-scale Turing structures (spatial patterns), in which regions of high-firing activity are intermixed with regions of low-firing activity (see Fig. 1). Since coupling strength decreases with increases in firing rate, these patterns are expected to exchange contrast on a slow time-scale, with low-firing patches increasing their activity at the expense of high-firing patches. These theoretical predictions are consistent with the slowly fluctuating large-scale brain-activity images detected from the BOLD (blood oxygen-level-dependent) signal [3]

Tactical enacting : a grounded theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

This research uses classic grounded theory methodology to produce a grounded theory of tactical enacting. Forty two participants were drawn from the population of learning advisors working in a variety of tertiary education organisations in New Zealand. Data consisted of field notes and transcripts from observations, interviews and a group workshop/discussion and were analysed using all procedures that comprise classic grounded theory methodology. The thesis of this thesis is that learning advisors express a concern for role performance and continually resolve that concern through tactical enacting. In tactical enacting, learning advisors are working tactically towards a variety of ends. These ends include a performance identity and a role critical to organisational agendas. A role critical to organisational agendas is one which makes a significant contribution to student success outcomes and organisational performance. Making a strong contribution to student success and organisational performance helps learning advisors construct the desired professional identity for themselves and establish their role as valuable in the eyes of others and the organisation. Tactical enacting means advisors perform their role tactically in order to meet their own professional standards as well as the needs and expectations of students and the organisation and to help secure their place within tertiary education. However, in tactical enacting, learning advisors constitute themselves as the performing subject, subject to and subjecting themselves to the performativity discourse of the contemporary tertiary education organisation. At the same time, in tactical enacting, learning advisors constitute themselves as the ethical subject in an effort not to be governed by performativity alone and to enable them to meet organisational, student and their own expectations of how they should behave. This research contributes to knowledge in three main areas. Firstly, to knowledge and practice in relation to professional roles and organisations; specifically, the learning advisor role in the contemporary tertiary education organisation in New Zealand. Secondly, to research; specifically, to the scholarship of learning advising, and, lastly, to research method; specifically, to classic grounded theory methodology, and to an approach that applies a Foucauldian analytical framework to a discussion of an emergent grounded theory

Understanding New Zealand public opinion on climate change : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Politics at Massey University, Manawatū, New Zealand

This project explored how climate change is understood by members of the New Zealand public and how these understandings relate to their climate-related policy preferences and actions. Although climate change is regarded as one of the most serious threats facing humanity, there remains a gap between scientific findings and the political responses in New Zealand and the wider international community. Given that public opinion is a key driver to political action on the matter, it is important to understand its complexities, how it is constructed and shaped, and how it relates to behavioural preferences and practices. The research literature, however, reveals an emphasis on the polling of New Zealanders' opinions on climate change and a neglect of these dynamics. To address this lacuna, the study explored the climate change understandings and actions of six New Zealanders in rural and urban settings. In-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews and the methodological approach of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis were used to gain rich insight into the lived experiences of climate change. The analysis of data revealed four key themes, which depicted climate change as a physical process; as a sociocultural story; as a personal story; and as a call to action. Despite a general understanding of the veracity of climate change and its human causation there is evidence of widespread conflation with other environmental phenomena, distrust of elites, and subtle forms of denial, which together hamper effective action. Shaped by various beliefs, values, and experiences, the heterogeneity of interpretations implies the need for disaggregated research into climate change public opinion, and for tailored strategies in designing climate policy, activating behavioural change, engendering policy support, and mobilising collective action

A New Texas Has Heart Like This

The Texas Orato

The virtue of curiosity

ABSTRACTA thriving project in contemporary epistemology concerns identifying and explicating the epistemic virtues. Although there is little sustained argument for this claim, a number of prominent sources suggest that curiosity is an epistemic virtue. In this paper, I provide an account of the virtue of curiosity. After arguing that virtuous curiosity must be appropriately discerning, timely and exacting, I then situate my account in relation to two broader questions for virtue responsibilists: What sort of motivations are required for epistemic virtue? And do epistemic virtues need to be reliable? I will sketch an account on which curiosity is only virtuous when rooted in a non-instrumental appreciation of epistemic goods, before arguing that curiosity can exhibit intellectual virtue irrespective of whether one is reliable in satisfying it

A call to action : providing better footwear and foot orthoses for people with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, disabling condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints. As the disease progresses, feet become more damaged and deformed. Research produced for this report shows widespread dissatisfaction with all types of therapeutic footwear, and patients have raised concerns around poor fit, appearance, weight of shoe and comfort. Nine out of ten rheumatoid arthritis patients complain of foot pain Seven out of ten having difficulty walking Eighty per cent report problems with their footwear. High street and therapeutic footwear designers and manufacturers do not fully embrace the therapeutic needs of the patient. These factors have an impact on patient quality of life and well-being. The report makes a series of observations and recommendations for the current service, which has been failing for the past two decades to provide accessible podiatric and orthotic services at a time of growing demand from an ageing population

Thick as Trees: Kinship and Place in Transatlantic Small Press Poetry Networks

Cet article examine le rôle que jouent les maisons d’édition de poésie dans le travail et la réception de plusieurs poètes américains, écossais et britanniques : Lorine Niedecker, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Roy Fisher et Stuart Mills. Malgré la distance géographique qui sépare ces auteurs, ceux-ci partagent néanmoins les espaces sociaux et utopiques des publications et des petites revues dans lesquelles ils ont été publiés ou édités. L’exemple paradigmatique de la maison d’édition Jargon Society de Jonathan Williams illustre ces liens littéraires qui esquissent la constitution d’un canon ou d’une tradition. L’objectif de cet article est de démontrer comment les réseaux de petites maisons d’édition dans les années 1960 et 1970 ont non seulement fourni des plateformes essentielles pour la diffusion et le partage des œuvres poétiques, mais ont aussi offert les moyens de formuler une critique de la condition géographique en façonnant une “société” transatlantique socialement plus inclusive pour poètes, artistes et éditeurs