title: Cortical patterns and gamma genesis are modulated by reversal potentials and gap-junction diffusion

authors: Steyn-Ross, Moira L.

subjects: gap junctions

abstract: In this chapter we describe a continuum model for the cortex that includes both axon-to-dendrite chemical synapses and direct neuron-to-neuron gap-junction diffusive synapses. The effectiveness of chemical synapses is determined by the voltage of the receiving dendrite V relative to its Nernst reversal potential Vrev. Here we explore two alternative strategies for incorporating dendritic reversal potentials, and uncover surprising differences in their stability properties and model dynamics. In the “slow-soma” variant, the (Vrev - V) weighting is applied after the input flux has been integrated at the dendrite, while for “fast-soma”, the weighting is applied directly to the input flux, prior to dendritic integration. For the slow-soma case, we find that–-provided the inhibitory diffusion (via gap-junctions) is sufficiently strong–-the cortex generates stationary Turing patterns of cortical activity. In contrast, the fast-soma destabilizes in favor of standing-wave spatial structures that oscillate at low-gamma frequency (  30-Hz); these spatial patterns broaden and weaken as diffusive coupling increases, and disappear altogether at moderate levels of diffusion. We speculate that the slow- and fast-soma models might correspond respectively to the idling and active modes of the cortex, with slow-soma patterns providing the default background state, and emergence of gamma oscillations in the fast-soma case signaling the transition into the cognitive state.

text: Cortical patterns and gamma genesis are modulated by reversal potentials and gap-junction diffusion In this chapter we describe a continuum model for the cortex that includes both axon-to-dendrite chemical synapses and direct neuron-to-neuron gap-junction diffusive synapses. The effectiveness of chemical synapses is determined by the voltage of the receiving dendrite V relative to its Nernst reversal potential Vrev. Here we explore two alternative strategies for incorporating dendritic reversal potentials, and uncover surprising differences in their stability properties and model dynamics. In the “slow-soma” variant, the (Vrev - V) weighting is applied after the input flux has been integrated at the dendrite, while for “fast-soma”, the weighting is applied directly to the input flux, prior to dendritic integration. For the slow-soma case, we find that–-provided the inhibitory diffusion (via gap-junctions) is sufficiently strong–-the cortex generates stationary Turing patterns of cortical activity. In contrast, the fast-soma destabilizes in favor of standing-wave spatial structures that oscillate at low-gamma frequency (  30-Hz); these spatial patterns broaden and weaken as diffusive coupling increases, and disappear altogether at moderate levels of diffusion. We speculate that the slow- and fast-soma models might correspond respectively to the idling and active modes of the cortex, with slow-soma patterns providing the default background state, and emergence of gamma oscillations in the fast-soma case signaling the transition into the cognitive state.

year: 2010

title: Tokomaru Bay Wharf and heritage buildings restoration design: Innovating a holistic final year civil design project

authors: Boston, Megan

abstract: CONTEXT The discipline of civil engineering focuses on creating the built environment necessary for a functioning society, however, curriculum often focuses on the design of specific structures in isolation from the larger world in which they exist. While emerging civil engineers need have the technical competency to design sound structures, it is also critical that they understand how their designs integrates into society as a whole. As such, the final year design project for the inaugural batch of civil engineering graduates at the University of Waikato has been created to carefully integrate the civil engineering specific knowledge with wider interdisciplinary concepts through a real life restoration design of the historic Tokomaru Bay region. This project provides the students with the necessary tools to take a holistic approach to the restorative design of a heritage community centre. 

PURPOSE OR GOAL The purpose of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to get engaged with a large scale design project while training students to think about how the project fits into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to create a holistic design proposal for the restoration of the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Historic Buildings that considers of the wants and needs of the community and local jurisdiction, incorporates local policy, and integrates principle of urban planning and community engagement.
APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS Students work in teams to create a plan for the restoration of a wharf and historic buildings. As part of the project, students consider how the restoration efforts will integrate into the wider community. Students are taught by an interdisciplinary team about urban planning, architecture restoration, risk analysis, and community engagement. Students have the opportunity to fully engage with all the steps in a design process through site visits, working with the local heritage trust and district council, and use of historic maps to create a plan and design for the restoration that meets the needs and wants of the local community. 
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES It is anticipated that by using the real life design project, the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Heritage Buildings restoration, as a case study for the final year civil engineering project will motivate students to engage with all aspects of the project. Designs produced by the students should be holistic in nature, demonstrating how their ideas for the reconstruction project fit into the larger needs and demands of the local community and the district council. Student projects should also be mindful of the significant nature of the area and incorporate the history into their final design.
CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY It is vital that students are prepared to meet the expectations and demands outside of university. Involving students in real design projects motivates them to engage with the project. The holistic nature of this project, further teaches students key skills that will be beneficial to their future engineering careers.

text: Tokomaru Bay Wharf and heritage buildings restoration design: Innovating a holistic final year civil design project CONTEXT The discipline of civil engineering focuses on creating the built environment necessary for a functioning society, however, curriculum often focuses on the design of specific structures in isolation from the larger world in which they exist. While emerging civil engineers need have the technical competency to design sound structures, it is also critical that they understand how their designs integrates into society as a whole. As such, the final year design project for the inaugural batch of civil engineering graduates at the University of Waikato has been created to carefully integrate the civil engineering specific knowledge with wider interdisciplinary concepts through a real life restoration design of the historic Tokomaru Bay region. This project provides the students with the necessary tools to take a holistic approach to the restorative design of a heritage community centre. 

PURPOSE OR GOAL The purpose of this project is to provide students with the opportunity to get engaged with a large scale design project while training students to think about how the project fits into the larger community. Students have the opportunity to create a holistic design proposal for the restoration of the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Historic Buildings that considers of the wants and needs of the community and local jurisdiction, incorporates local policy, and integrates principle of urban planning and community engagement.
APPROACH OR METHODOLOGY/METHODS Students work in teams to create a plan for the restoration of a wharf and historic buildings. As part of the project, students consider how the restoration efforts will integrate into the wider community. Students are taught by an interdisciplinary team about urban planning, architecture restoration, risk analysis, and community engagement. Students have the opportunity to fully engage with all the steps in a design process through site visits, working with the local heritage trust and district council, and use of historic maps to create a plan and design for the restoration that meets the needs and wants of the local community. 
ACTUAL OR ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES It is anticipated that by using the real life design project, the Tokomaru Bay Wharf and Heritage Buildings restoration, as a case study for the final year civil engineering project will motivate students to engage with all aspects of the project. Designs produced by the students should be holistic in nature, demonstrating how their ideas for the reconstruction project fit into the larger needs and demands of the local community and the district council. Student projects should also be mindful of the significant nature of the area and incorporate the history into their final design.
CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS/SUMMARY It is vital that students are prepared to meet the expectations and demands outside of university. Involving students in real design projects motivates them to engage with the project. The holistic nature of this project, further teaches students key skills that will be beneficial to their future engineering careers.

year: 2019

title: Ka Pū Te Ruha, Ka Hao Te Rangatahi: Maori identities in the twenty-first century

authors: Kukutai, Tahu

abstract: These social divides and problems are at the heart of this text.

text: Ka Pū Te Ruha, Ka Hao Te Rangatahi: Maori identities in the twenty-first century These social divides and problems are at the heart of this text.

year: 2017-02