Currently, there are tremendous advances being made in understanding the basic science of both the structure and function of botulinum neurotoxins. This knowledge is opening up opportunities in regard to both therapeutic uses and treatment and protection options for civil and bio-defense applications. This volume fully evaluates the status of neurotoxin research and exploitation. The book is a multi-authored collection of chapters written by the leading authorities responsible for the current scientific and clinical research that is advancing the understanding and exploitation of the neurotoxins and is both up to date and authoritative.

A review of recent findings in key cognitive sciences shows that the human mind's power is unique since it is an information processing device that can program itself. The unconscious within us isn't just a mass of destructive instincts, as we used to believe. To the contrary, it is the real engine of our minds, being the unconscious parallel processing system that learns about the world around us, and uses this knowledge to suitably program its conscious linear counterpart, just as our linear computers are programmed. The intricacies of the interaction between the two systems are summed up and evaluated in this book, so it can supply new insights into the roots of human emotional power, its suppleness and also weaknesses. But if our minds are such incredible machines, shouldn't knowledge of their operations equip us not only for advances in science, but also for reaching superior knowledge of ourselves, and the means for self-improvement?

Sleep and anesthesia resemble in many ways at a first glance. The most prominent common feature of course is the loss of consciousness, i.e. the loss of awareness of external stimuli. However a closer look at the loss of consciousness reveals already a difference between sleep and anesthesia: anesthesia is induced by an anesthetic drug whereas we may fall asleep without external cause. Other questions may arise about the difference of the two effects: do we dream during surgery under anesthesia, do we feel pain during sleep? Essentially, we may ask: what is common and what are the differences between sleep and anesthesia? To answer these questions, we may take a look at the neural origin of both effects and the involved physiological pathways. In which way do they resemble? Moreover, we ask what are the detailed features of normal sleep and general anesthesia as applied during surgery and which features exist in both phenomena? If yes in which way?

To receive answers to these questions, it is necessary to consider several experimental techniques that reveal underlying neural mechanisms of sleep and anesthesia. Moreover, theoretical models of neural activity may model both phenomena and comes up with predictions or even theories on the underlying mechanisms. Such models may attack several different description levels, from the microscopic level of single neurons to the macroscopic level of neural populations. Such models may give deeper insight into the phenomena if their assumptions are based on experimental findings and their predictions can be compared to experimental results. This comparison step is essential for valuable theoretical models.

The book is motivated by two successful workshops on anesthesia and sleep organized

during the Computational Neuroscience Conferences in Toronto in 2007 and in Berlin 2009. It aims to cover all the previous aspects with a focus on the link to experimental findings. It elucidates important issues in theoretical models that at the same time reflect some current major research interests. Moreover it considers some diverse issues which are very important to get an overview of the fields. For instance, the book discusses not only neural activity in the brain but also the effects of general anesthesia on the cardio-vascular system and the spinal cord in the context of analgesia. In addition, it considers different experimental techniques on various spatial scales, such as fMRI and EEG-experiments on the macroscopic scale and single neuron and LFP-measurements on the microscopic scale.

In total all book chapters reveal aspects of the neural correlates of sleep and anesthesia motivated by experimental data. This focus on the neural mechanism in the light of experimental data is the common feature of the topics and the chapters. In addition, the book aims to clarify the shared physiological mechanisms of both phenomena, but also reveal their physiological differences.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the incredible advances achieved in the study of in vitro neuronal networks for use in basic and applied research. These cultures of dissociated neurons offer a perfect trade-off between complex experimental models and theoretical modeling approaches giving new opportunities for experimental design but also providing new challenges in data management and interpretation. Topics include culturing methodologies, neuroengineering techniques, stem cell derived neuronal networks, techniques for measuring network activity, and recent improvements in large-scale data analysis. The book ends with a series of case studies examining potential applications of these technologies.

This book presents an update on new trends and developments in broadly defined medical disciplines. The whole range of multidisciplinary topics are tackled, regarded as being important for advancing the understanding of disease pathogenicity, diagnostic methods, and patient management. The topics include a holistic approach to physiotherapy, with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation at the core of it, potential ways to protect kidneys during ischemic coronary interventions, and psychosocial aspects in cancer survivors. Other topics deal with growth hormone deficiency in short children and responses of molecular markers of bone metabolism to growth hormone replacement therapy and with the modern use of transcranial laser-induced photobiomodulation showing surprising benefits in autism disorder. The expert contributions take on the challenges presented to medical professionals by ever growing medical knowledge and various individual and contextual issues that require a multidisciplinary approach in patient management. The authors present a bench-to-bed clinical research to make useful additions to the knowledge on contemporary diagnostic procedures, therapy, and quality of life of patients. The book aims to provide stimulus for new research ideas and to give new perspectives on practical clinical issues. The book is intended for primary care clinicians, family physicians, medical scholars, and other clinicians who treat and manage patients.

Although more than 10 new antiepileptic drugs have been developed in the past decade, epilepsy remains resistant to drug therapy in about one third of patients, many of whom struggle with the disease their entire lives. Managing these patients is a challenge and requires a structured multidisciplinary approach. The book includes chapters on all issues related to pharmacoresistance in epilepsy and describes recent developments in the pathogenesis and treatment of this disorder. It addresses abnormalities in inhibitory mechanisms, epilepsy-related changes to the immune system, development of pharmacoresistance caused by chronic exposure to antiepileptic drugs, and novel therapeutic strategies for preventing or slowing down the progression of the disease. Clinicians and basic scientists alike will find up-to-date information on the development of pharmacoesistance, as well as reviews of mechanisms associated with epilepsy that may help them consider novel strategies for preventing the development of pharmacoresistance in the first place. The book also features information on new therapeutic strategies for control of epilepsy, such as transcutaneous electrical stimulation and virtual screening of new antiepileptic drugs. "Pharmacoresistance in Epilepsy" " From Genes and Molecules to Promising Therapies" is useful to anyone working in the field, whether they re studying epilepsy in the lab or treating it in a doctor s office. "

Homeostatic Control of Brain Function offers a broad view of brain health and diverse perspectives for potential treatments, targeting key areas such as mitochondria, the immune system, epigenetic changes, and regulatory molecules such as ions, neuropeptides, and neuromodulators. Loss of homeostasis becomes expressed as a diverse array of neurological disorders. Each disorder has multiple comorbidities - with some crossing over several conditions - and often disease-specific treatments remain elusive. When current pharmacological therapies result in ineffective and inadequate outcomes, therapies to restore and maintain homeostatic functions can help improve brain health, no matter the diagnosis. Employing homeostatic therapies may lead to future cures or treatments that address multiple comorbidities. In an age where brain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's are ever present, the incorporation of homeostatic techniques could successfully promote better overall brain health. Key Features include * A focus on the homeostatic controls that significantly depend on the way one lives, eats, and drinks. * Highlights from emerging research in non-pharmaceutical therapies including botanical medications, meditation, diet, and exercise. * Incorporation of homeostatic therapies into existing basic and clinical research paradigms. * Extensive scientific basic and clinical research ranging from molecules to disorders. * Emerging practical information for improving homeostasis. * Examples of homeostatic therapies in preventing and delaying dysfunction. Both editors, Detlev Boison and Susan Masino, bring their unique expertise in homeostatic research to the overall scope of this work. This book is accessible to all with an interest in brain health; scientist, clinician, student, and lay reader alike.

The Neurobiology of C. elegans assembles together a series of chapters describing the progress researchers have made toward solving some of the major problems in neurobiology with the use of this powerful model organism. The first chapter is an introduction to the anatomy of the C. elegans nervous system. This chapter provides a useful introduction to this system and will help the reader who is less familiar with this system understand the chapters that follow. The next two chapters on learning, conditioning and memory and neuronal specification and differentiation, summarize the current state of the C. elegans field in these two major areas of neurobiology. The remaining chapters describe studies in C. elegans that have provided particularly exciting insights into neurobiology.

Austen Clark presents a ground-breaking philosophical theory of sentience, drawing on and illuminating an abundance of scientific work on this subject. Sensation is one of the fundamental elements of consciousness, but has generally been assigned a lowly place in the mental hierarchy; Clark's rich, lucid, and original study restores it to its due prominence. A Theory of Sentience will be compelling reading for all who work on the interaction of mind and world.

Neuroacanthocytosis Syndromes is the first comprehensive review of a field that has not yet received the attention it deserves. Affecting the brain as well as the circulating red cells, these multi-system disorders in the past had often been mistaken for Huntington's disease. Recent breakthroughs have now identified the molecular basis of several of these. This volume grew out of the first international scientific meeting ever devoted to neuroacanthocytosis and provides in-depth information about the state of the art. Its thirty chapters were written by the leading authorities in the field to cover the clinical as well as the basic science perspective, including not only molecular genetics but also experimental pharmacology and cell membrane biology, among others. The book vehemently poses the question of how the membrane deformation of circulating red blood cells relates to degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, the basal ganglia, in particular. It provides a wealth of data that will help to solve an intriguing puzzle and ease the suffering of those affected by one of the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes.

Medulloblastomas in Children, comprised of papers by expert European and American contributors, presents a complete, in-depth review of current knowledge in the field and state of the art treatment methods. The book includes discussions of the biological, epidemiological, and immunological aspects of the disease; diagnostic factors; different treatment modalities; and sequelae in medulloblastoma survivors.

This volume is the most recent installment of the Progress in Motor Control series. It contains contributions based on presentations by invited speakers at the Progress in Motor Control VIII meeting held in Cincinnati, OH, USA in July, 2011. Progress in Motor Control is the official scientific meeting of the International Society of Motor Control (ISMC). The Progress in Motor Control VIII meeting, and consequently this volume, provide a broad perspective on the latest research on motor control in humans and other species.

All natural auditory signals, including human speech and animal communication signals, are spectrally and temporally complex, that is, they contain multiple frequencies and their frequency composition, or spectrum, varies over time. The ability of hearers to identify and localize these signals depends on analysis of their spectral composition. For the overwhelming majority of human listeners spoken language is the major means of social communication, and this communication therefore depends on spectral analysis. Spectral analysis begins in the cochlea, but is then elaborated at various stages along the auditory pathways in the brain that lead from the cochlea to the cerebral cortex. The broad purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive account of the way in which spectral information is processed in the brain and the way in which this information is used by listeners to identify and localize sounds.
* Examines spectral processing mechanisms at different levels along the auditory neuraxis, from the cochlear nucleus to the cortex
* Reviews in detail psychophysical and neurophysiological evidence on the way in which spectral information is processed within and across frequency channels.
* Presents information on the nature of the spectral information required for speech and music perception
* Examines a series of issues that relate to the role of spectral analysis in higher order/cognitive aspects of hearing and in clinical and applied contexts

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have been increasingly diagnosed in recent years and carries with it far reaching social and financial implications. With this in mind, educators, physicians, and parents are searching for the best practices and most effective treatments. But because the symptoms of ASDs span multiple domains (e.g., communication and language, social, behavioral), successfully meeting the needs of a child with autism can be quite challenging. Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism offers an insightful and balanced perspective on topics ranging from the historical underpinnings of autism treatment to the use of psychopharmacology and the implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). An evaluation methodology is also offered to reduce the risks and inconsistencies associated with the varying definitions of key autism terminology. This commitment to clearly addressing the complex issues associated with ASDs continues throughout the volume and provides opportunities for further research. Additional issues addressed include: * Behavioral excesses and deficits treatment * Communication treatment * Social awareness and social skills treatment * Dietary, complementary, and alternative treatments * Implementation of EBPs in school settings * Interventions for sensory dysfunction With its holistic and accessible approach, Evidence-Based Practices and Treatments for Children with Autism is a vital resource for school psychologists and special education professionals as well as allied mental health professionals, including clinical child and developmental psychologists, psychiatrist, pediatricians, primary care and community providers.

Comprised of two separate volumes, Neuroimaging provides a state-of-the-art review of a broad range of neuroimaging techniques applied to both clinical and research settings. The breadth of the methods covered is matched by the depth of description of the theoretical background. Part B covers the application of neuroimaging in both research and clinical settings for the study of anxiety disorders, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, functional somatic syndromes, stroke, and multiple sclerosis using a range of neuroimaging modalities including CT, PET, SPECT, DTI, structural MRI and fMRI. One chapter is devoted to the study of brain development using structural MRI, and one chapter to the study of pediatric neurobehavioral disorders using fMRI. One of the most exciting recent applications of neuroimaging to the area of genetics is covered, and with the theory and application of neuroreceptor imaging in psychiatry, forms the final two chapters.
The two parts of Neuroimaging complement each other providing in-depth information on a broad range of routine and cutting edge techniques that is not available in any other text. This book is superbly written and beautifully illustrated by contributors working at the top of their chosen specialty.
* Presents recent applications of neuroimaging to the area of genetics
* Discusses the study of brain development using structural MRI
* Includes chapters on the theory and application of neuroreceptor imaging in psychiatry

This book is a sequel to The Color Red, a mother's account of her head-long plunge into the world of autism. Believing strongly in the need for research, funding, and--most of all--connecting with others who are traveling this bewildering path or, as she describes a certain milestone, figuratively scaling Mt. Everest, Julie Jurgens-Shimek speaks to the hearts of all who live with autism. Autism Is a Four Letter Word - Love reflects not only Michael's growth but also the myriad adjustments--well made--by his immediate and extended family, how all have moved from chaos to order. Writing her account of this journey is Julie's way of reaching beyond her world into the worlds of parents, teachers, politicians, counselors, and more to plead her case, Michael's case, all autistics' cases for proper care and compassion. Julie doesn't just talk the talk-- she walks the walk--and invites you to join her as she introduces "Mike Shimek," regales you with a heart-warming account of where an autistic would wash custard cups, admonishes you to keep close tabs on presumably trustworthy professionals, testifies compassionately for safety devices, answers FAQs, counsels the bewildered, describes her personal transformation, and honors her mother--her "rock"--with space for a grandmother's chapter. In The Color Red, we saw fear and bewilderment but through the chaos, unconditional love. In this book, we see that same unconditional love, embellished with courage, faith, determination, stubbornness, stamina, and trust. This is a must read if you or a loved one is dealing with autism. The message is strong and will help carry you the distance.

This volume in the Progress in Brain Research series features reviews on the functional neuroanatomy and connectivity of the brain areas involved in controlling eye movements. Oculomotor control of the eyes is now the subject of many research projects and advances in this field are relevant to understanding motor control in general.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), caused by mutational inactivation of the "NF1" tumour suppressor gene, is one of the most common dominantly inherited human disorders, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. This book presents in concise fashion, but as comprehensively as possible, our current state of knowledge on the molecular genetics, molecular biology and cellular biology of this tumour predisposition syndrome.

Written by internationally recognized experts in the field, the 44 chapters that constitute this edited volume provide the reader with a broad overview of the clinical features of the disease, the structure and expression of the "NF1" gene, its germ line and somatic mutational spectra and genotype-phenotype relationships, the structure and function of its protein product (neurofibromin), NF1 modifying loci, the molecular pathology of NF1-associated tumours, animal models of the disease, psycho-social aspects and future prospects for therapeutic treatment.

This volume details protocols on prion disease from multiple disciplines and highlights the contribution each discipline has made to the understanding of prion disease. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Prions: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

In recent years, the need to develop acceptable alternatives to conventional animal testing for neurotoxicity and developmental neurotoxicity has been increasingly recognized, and much effort is being directed toward the development of alternative models, utilizing mostly mammalian cells in culture but also non-mammalian model systems. "In Vitro Neurotoxicology: Methods and Protocols" presents a series of cellular, biochemical, and molecular methodological protocols in the area of in vitro neurotoxicology, with an emphasis on mammalian cell culture systems. Opening with a section on methodologies for preparing several cellular systems of variable complexity, amenable for in vitro neurotoxicological studies, the thorough volume continues with coverage of methods to measure cellular death and major mechanisms, methods for assessing mechanisms of nervous system cell toxicity related to impairment of cell signaling, while a final section illustrates additional methods for assessing important nervous system processes such as cell proliferation, neuritogenesis, and synaptogenesis. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters include introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, "In Vitro Neurotoxicology: Methods and Protocols" serves researchers with an interest in assessing or characterizing the potential neurotoxicity of environmental contaminants, drugs, or other chemicals."

Since the introduction of fluorescent calcium indicators and the subsequent development of capacities for real-time monitoring and imaging of calcium movements in the intact cells studied in isolation, in situ and in vivo, the complex and vital calcium signaling system has been illuminated, proving calcium signals to be excellent universal reporters of cellular activity. In "Calcium Measurement Methods," a team of renowned experts in the field contribute methods dedicated to calcium imaging in neural cells with a balance between the main principles of calcium imaging and specific applications of the technique to neural tissues. The book's contents show how the combination of different indicators and recently developed microscopic techniques lead to spectacular successes in the imaging of neural cells in the living brain in both physiological and pathophysiological models. As a volume in the successful Neuromethods series, the chapters provide authoritative reviews including up-to-date detailed protocols of the most commonly used approaches in the field.

Cutting-edge and concise, "Calcium Measurement Methods" serves as an ideal reference to aid the many scientists worldwide engaged in calcium imaging of the nervous system."

The purpose of this monograph is to present readers with a comprehensive and cutting edge description of neurochemical effects of diet (beneficial and harmful effects) in normal human brain and to discuss how present day diet promotes pathogenesis of stroke, AD, PD, and depression in a manner that is useful not only to students and teachers but also to researchers, dietitians, nutritionists and physicians. A diet in sufficient amount and appropriate macronutrients is essential for optimal health of human body tissues. In brain, over-nutrition, particularly with high-calorie diet, not only alters cellular homeostasis, but also results in changes in the intensity of signal transduction processes in reward centers of the brain resulting in food addiction. Over-nutrition produces detrimental effects on human health in general and brain health in particular because it chronically increases the systemic and brain inflammation and oxidative stress along with induction of insulin resistance and leptin resistance in the brain as well as visceral organs. Onset of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress not only leads to obesity and heart disease, but also promotes type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome, which are risk factors for both acute neural trauma (stroke) and chronic age-related neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders, such as Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD) and depression.

The Nutrition and Health series of books has an overriding mission to provide health professionals with texts that are considered essential because each includes: (1) a synthe sis of the state of the science, (2) timely, in -depth reviews by the leading researchers in their respective fields, (3) extensive, up-to-date, fully annotated reference lists, (4) a detailed index, (5) relevant tables and figures, (6) identification of paradigm shifts and the consequences, (7) suggestions of areas for future research, and (8) balanced, data driven answers to patient /health professionals questions that are based upon the totality of evidence rather than the findings of any single study. The series volumes are not the outcome of a symposium. Rather, each editor has the potential to examine a chosen area with a broad perspective, both in subject matter as well as in the choice of chapter authors. The international perspective, especially with regard to public health initiatives, is emphasized where appropriate. The editors, whose trainings are both research- and practice-oriented, have the opportunity to develop a primary objective for their book; define the scope and focus, and then invite the leading authorities from around the world to be part oftheir initiative. The authors are encouraged to provide an overview of the field, discuss their own research, and relate the research findings to potential human health consequences."

We have great pleasure to present the latest extension of the European Institute of Health Care book series. This volume is devoted to neurodevelopmental d- orders. Again, we had the privilege to be able to work with reknowned experts who have agreed to contribute to this endeavour. The book comprises a number of topics related to psychosocial and motor development and is exemplary with regard to its comprehensiveness, as reviews of the topics presented are generally not available in a single publication. It starts with a timely and critical discussion of the genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by Dr. Buitelaar in which prospects and challenges of this approach are outlined. The next chapter by Drs. Nicolson and Fawcett deals with dyslexia and its relationship to cerebellar function providing a framework that can explain motor, speed, and phonological deficits in a unified approach. Diagnostic and treatment aspects of speech development disorders are the focus of Dr. Zorowka s contribution in which, among other issues, the necessity of mul- professional cooperation is stressed. Dr. Sigmundsson then focuses on disorders of motor development. 6-10 % of children have motor competence well below the norm, which often persist. The clumsy child syndrome must be seen and treated as a neurological dysfunction. The relationship between tic disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder, two disturbances generally treated by different medical specialists, namely neurologists or psychiatrists, is then reviewed by Drs."

This book examines the role of neurons in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the changes that occur in neurons as a result of MS. It places MS in a new and important perspective that not only explains the basis for symptom production, remission, and progress in MS, but also promises to open up new therapeutic possibilities.
* Brings together the latest information from clinical, pathological, imaging, molecular, and pharmacological realms to explore the neurobiology of Multiple Sclerosis
* Places MS in a new and important perspective that promises to open up new therapeutic avenues
* Superbly illustrated and referenced