title: Book Review: A Brief History of Theology: From the New Testament to Feminist Theology – By Derek Johnston

authors: Pratt, Douglas

subjects: book review

abstract: This article reviews the book: “A Brief History of Theology: From the New Testament to Feminist Theology”, by Derek Johnston.

text: Book Review: A Brief History of Theology: From the New Testament to Feminist Theology – By Derek Johnston This article reviews the book: “A Brief History of Theology: From the New Testament to Feminist Theology”, by Derek Johnston.

year: 2010

title: Gap junctions modulate seizures in a mean-field model of general anesthesia for the cortex

authors: Steyn-Ross, Moira L.

subjects: gap junctions

abstract: During slow-wave sleep, general anesthesia, and generalized seizures, there is an absence of consciousness. These states are characterized by low-frequency large-amplitude traveling waves in scalp electroencephalogram. Therefore the oscillatory state might be an indication of failure to form coherent neuronal assemblies necessary for consciousness. A generalized seizure event is a pathological brain state that is the clearest manifestation of waves of synchronized neuronal activity. Since gap junctions provide a direct electrical connection between adjoining neurons, thus enhancing synchronous behavior, reducing gap-junction conductance should suppress seizures; however there is no clear experimental evidence for this. Here we report theoretical predictions for a physiologically-based cortical model that describes the general anesthetic phase transition from consciousness to coma, and includes both chemical synaptic and direct electrotonic synapses. The model dynamics exhibits both Hopf (temporal) and Turing (spatial) instabilities; the Hopf instability corresponds to the slow ([≲8 Hz) oscillatory states similar to those seen in slow-wave sleep, general anesthesia, and seizures. We argue that a delicately balanced interplay between Hopf and Turing modes provides a canonical mechanism for the default non-cognitive rest state of the brain. We show that the Turing mode, set by gap-junction diffusion, is generally protective against entering oscillatory modes; and that weakening the Turing mode by reducing gap conduction can release an uncontrolled Hopf oscillation and hence an increased propensity for seizure and simultaneously an increased sensitivity to GABAergic anesthesia.

text: Gap junctions modulate seizures in a mean-field model of general anesthesia for the cortex During slow-wave sleep, general anesthesia, and generalized seizures, there is an absence of consciousness. These states are characterized by low-frequency large-amplitude traveling waves in scalp electroencephalogram. Therefore the oscillatory state might be an indication of failure to form coherent neuronal assemblies necessary for consciousness. A generalized seizure event is a pathological brain state that is the clearest manifestation of waves of synchronized neuronal activity. Since gap junctions provide a direct electrical connection between adjoining neurons, thus enhancing synchronous behavior, reducing gap-junction conductance should suppress seizures; however there is no clear experimental evidence for this. Here we report theoretical predictions for a physiologically-based cortical model that describes the general anesthetic phase transition from consciousness to coma, and includes both chemical synaptic and direct electrotonic synapses. The model dynamics exhibits both Hopf (temporal) and Turing (spatial) instabilities; the Hopf instability corresponds to the slow ([≲8 Hz) oscillatory states similar to those seen in slow-wave sleep, general anesthesia, and seizures. We argue that a delicately balanced interplay between Hopf and Turing modes provides a canonical mechanism for the default non-cognitive rest state of the brain. We show that the Turing mode, set by gap-junction diffusion, is generally protective against entering oscillatory modes; and that weakening the Turing mode by reducing gap conduction can release an uncontrolled Hopf oscillation and hence an increased propensity for seizure and simultaneously an increased sensitivity to GABAergic anesthesia.

year: 2012

title: The appropriate use of Te Reo Maori in the names of new species discovered in Aotearoa New Zealand

authors: Papa, Judy Wiki

subjects: Te Reo Maori

abstract: Language is the key to understanding
Ko te reo te taikura o te whakaao-mārama
In this thesis I investigate the naming of new species that are being discovered in and around the waters of the coastline, across the vast landscape and in remote areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. These native species often endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand are often named with no reference to the native landscape and wear names that pay homage to or represent ancestors and traditions of another culture.   Few of these species have been given scientific names that include Te Reo Māori and this study sought to explore why this was the case and how Te Reo Māori should be included in these names.
This study investigated the background, methods and the knowledge associated with matauranga Māori and scientific naming protocols and how these could be incorporated into the naming of new species of Aotearoa New Zealand.  Data were gathered from historical manuscripts that mention naming or classification of species in Aotearoa New Zealand, literature about classification, and eight interviews with people knowledgeable in the Māori and western scientific naming traditions of nomenclature and classification.  The interview data was transcribed and analysed using these themes drawn both from the literature and the data.  The study considered the rightful place of Māori knowledge and western scientific systems of naming new species, including the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori in a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand way.
My findings indicate that the practice of naming species in Aotearoa New Zealand by scientists is governed by international protocols and that any incorporation of Te Reo Māori varied, and this variation depended on individual researchers that have developed their own method of using Te Reo Māori in the names of new species.  The findings indicate however that Te Reo Māori is of utmost importance to a Māori cultural context and must be used appropriately for the benefit of future generations of Māori.  
In my conclusions I acknowledge the two systems of biological classification and matauranga Māori and their historical importance in the classification of species in Aotearoa New Zealand and on the international stage.  I also recommend a set of guidelines derived from the research findings on the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori in naming new species.

text: The appropriate use of Te Reo Maori in the names of new species discovered in Aotearoa New Zealand Language is the key to understanding
Ko te reo te taikura o te whakaao-mārama
In this thesis I investigate the naming of new species that are being discovered in and around the waters of the coastline, across the vast landscape and in remote areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. These native species often endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand are often named with no reference to the native landscape and wear names that pay homage to or represent ancestors and traditions of another culture.   Few of these species have been given scientific names that include Te Reo Māori and this study sought to explore why this was the case and how Te Reo Māori should be included in these names.
This study investigated the background, methods and the knowledge associated with matauranga Māori and scientific naming protocols and how these could be incorporated into the naming of new species of Aotearoa New Zealand.  Data were gathered from historical manuscripts that mention naming or classification of species in Aotearoa New Zealand, literature about classification, and eight interviews with people knowledgeable in the Māori and western scientific naming traditions of nomenclature and classification.  The interview data was transcribed and analysed using these themes drawn both from the literature and the data.  The study considered the rightful place of Māori knowledge and western scientific systems of naming new species, including the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori in a uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand way.
My findings indicate that the practice of naming species in Aotearoa New Zealand by scientists is governed by international protocols and that any incorporation of Te Reo Māori varied, and this variation depended on individual researchers that have developed their own method of using Te Reo Māori in the names of new species.  The findings indicate however that Te Reo Māori is of utmost importance to a Māori cultural context and must be used appropriately for the benefit of future generations of Māori.  
In my conclusions I acknowledge the two systems of biological classification and matauranga Māori and their historical importance in the classification of species in Aotearoa New Zealand and on the international stage.  I also recommend a set of guidelines derived from the research findings on the appropriate use of Te Reo Māori in naming new species.

year: 2012