Independent circuits in basal ganglia and cortex for the processing of reward and precision feedback

In order to understand human decision making it is necessary to understand how the brain uses feedback to guide goal-directed behavior. The ventral striatum (VS) appears to be a key structure in this function, responding strongly to explicit reward feedback. However, recent results have also shown striatal activity following correct task performance even in the absence of feedback. This raises the possibility that, in addition to processing external feedback, the dopamine-centered reward circuit might regulate endogenous reinforcement signals, like those triggered by satisfaction in accurate task performance. Here we use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to test this idea. Participants completed a simple task that garnered both reward feedback and feedback about the precision of performance. Importantly, the design was such that we could manipulate information about the precision of performance within different levels of reward magnitude. Using parametric modulation and functional connectivity analysis we identified brain regions sensitive to each of these signals. Our results show a double dissociation: frontal and posterior cingulate regions responded to explicit reward but were insensitive to task precision, whereas the dorsal striatum - and putamen in particular - was insensitive to reward but responded strongly to precision feedback in reward-present trials. Both types of feedback activated the VS, and sensitivity in this structure to precision feedback was predicted by personality traits related to approach behavior and reward responsiveness. Our findings shed new light on the role of specific brain regions in integrating different sources of feedback to guide goal-directed behavior

How can protected cropping ensure an export supply of high quality melons in the tropics?

Queensland production of melons (Cucumis melo L.), typically rockmelon and honeydew fruits, is seasonal and practiced entirely outdoors

Gap analysis and economic assessment for protected cropping vegetables in tropical Australia

The project VG16024 aims to increase awareness and information about protected cropping opportunities and technology options for the vegetable industry in the tropics through the identification of gaps in information and potential economic viabilities. Protected cropping of vegetables in Australia (estimated at 1,341 ha) is by large located in temperate climate regions and in proximity to urban areas. In warm climate regions, near and north of the Tropic of Capricorn, the segment of the industry dedicated to producing vegetables using protected cropping technologies is scattered and relatively small (estimated at <80 ha). Vegetable growers in these regions would benefit from technologies that can mitigate risks linked to climate variability and that can help them address current and future market challenges and opportunities. Evidence from overseas, including in tropical regions, and demonstration plots and farmer experiences in the Australian tropics indicate that protective cropping technologies can cost-effectively mitigate the effects of extremes in air temperatures, rainfall, low and high relative humidity, wind, solar radiation, and pests and diseases, all which currently negatively affect yield, quality and consistency of supply. In this report, four regions, two within the tropics (Burdekin dry tropics and Atherton Tablelands) and two located a short distance south of the Tropic of Capricorn (Bundaberg and Carnarvon), are selected as examples of regions where the protected cropping industry is either small or emerging, and has the potential to expand. Vegetable production in these regions is predominantly undertaken outdoors. The establishment of protected cropping enterprises would contribute to an increase in regional production that could service both domestic and export markets. This would be facilitated by the regions’ proximity to road infrastructure, ports and airports but access to some of these market opportunities still need to be developed. In the tropics the availability of medium level, cost-effective protected cropping structures that are effective in removing heat from crops is paramount. In this report, four greenhouse structure designs (high tunnels, passively ventilated greenhouses, retractable roof structures, and net houses) are discussed, and advantages and drawbacks compared. Capsicum, cucumbers, melons, and eggplants are given as examples of vegetable crops suited to warm climates and which can benefit from a protected environment and specific agronomy practices. Possible marketable yields are provided for these crops as well as estimates of production value for a range of size of areas that could potentially establish protected cropping systems. A preliminary economic analysis was carried out for hypothetical production of capsicum crops in different protected cropping scenarios in the tropics. Under the protective structures, management practices, market prices and capsicum yields used in the analysis, preliminary results suggest that protected cropping could be a viable business opportunity for growers in the tropics. Future research investigating the heterogeneity of protected cropping enterprises would serve to further confirm these findings, especially in light of the practical implications of the technology used in a larger number of commercial sites

A Missing Connection: A Review of the Macrostructural Anatomy and Tractography of the Acoustic Radiation

The auditory system of mammals is dedicated to encoding, elaborating and transporting acoustic information from the auditory nerve to the auditory cortex. The acoustic radiation (AR) constitutes the thalamo-cortical projection of this system, conveying the auditory signals from the medial geniculate nucleus (MGN) of the thalamus to the transverse temporal gyrus on the superior temporal lobe. While representing one of the major sensory pathways of the primate brain, the currently available anatomical information of this white matter bundle is quite limited in humans, thus constituting a notable omission in clinical and general studies on auditory processing and language perception. Tracing procedures in humans have restricted applications, and the in vivo reconstruction of this bundle using diffusion tractography techniques remains challenging. Hence, a more accurate and reliable reconstruction of the AR is necessary for understanding the neurobiological substrates supporting audition and language processing mechanisms in both health and disease. This review aims to unite available information on the macroscopic anatomy and topography of the AR in humans and non-human primates. Particular attention is brought to the anatomical characteristics that make this bundle difficult to reconstruct using non-invasive techniques, such as diffusion-based tractography. Open questions in the field and possible future research directions are discussed

Using consensus analysis to assess mental models about water use and management in the Crocodile River catchment, South Africa

The content, structure, and distribution of mental models can be elicited and measured using a variety of methods. In this article we explore a method for eliciting mental models within the context of water use and management in South Africa. This method is consensus analysis, a technique developed in cognitive anthropology. We used it to analyze qualitative data from semistructured interviews, pilesorts, and questionnaires to test quantitatively the degree of sharing and diversity of mental models within and across social groups. The consensus analysis method focused on comparing the mental models of two key stakeholder groups in the Crocodile River catchment in South Africa, i.e., conservationists and irrigators, to better understand the level of consensus between these groups. We specifically investigated the level of agreement regarding: (1) major water users of the Crocodile River, (2) causes of the current problems with flows in the river, (3) consequences of the river not flowing, and 4) priorities for future use. We discuss the results and examine the strengths and challenges of consensus analysis for eliciting and measuring mental models. We also evaluated the usefulness of this method in assisting natural resource managers to identify strategies for improving integrated management of water resources