Among the most interesting fields in research are the emerging possibilities to interface the human brain directly with machines, e.g. with computers and robotic interfaces. The European Space Agency's Advanced Concept team as a multidisciplinary team from engineering, artificial intelligence, and neural engineering has been working on the cutting edge of exploring brain machine interfaces for application in space as solutions to limitations astronauts face in space, and this book for the first time presents the state-of-the-art-cohesively.
* A pioneering book for a pioneering field
* Presents the application of cutting-edge brain machine interface technologies and concepts to support astronauts in space
* Of great interest to space scientists, neuroscientists, and biomedical engineers alike

This textbook provides a thorough and comprehensive overview of the human brain and spinal cord for medical and graduate students as well as residents in the clinical neurosciences. Standing on the shoulders of training from outstanding scientist-teacher mentors and based on more than 30 years of experience teaching about the brain and spinal cord to medical and graduate students, this single authored text presents everything the reader would need as they begin their study of the nervous system. At the same time the experienced neuroscientist will find much useful and valuable information in these pages that is based almost exclusively on studies in experimental primates and observations in humans. Every effort has been made to present the complexities of the nervous system as simply and clearly as possible. The careful reader will discover a clarity and depth of coverage that makes the reading both instructional and enjoyable. Topics are presented logically and the text in an easy-to-read style. The accompanying line drawings emphasize important concepts in a clear and uncluttered manner.
Topics presented:
- Neurons, glial cells, degeneration, regeneration, axonal transport
- Review of the development of the human nervous system
- Overview of the anatomy of the spinal cord, brain stem and forebrain
- General sensory paths (pain, temperature, touch, pressure, proprioception)
- Special sensory systems (auditory, vestibular, visual, olfactory and gustatory)
- Eye movements and visual reflexes
- Comprehensive presentation of the regions involved in motor activity including the clinical manifestation of injuries to these motor areas
- Limbic system, hypothalamusand the autonomic nervous system
- Lobes of the brain, clinically important cortical areas and the results of lesions in these areas
- Blood supply to the spinal cord, brain stem, and brain including classical brain stem syndromes
- The meninges and the ventricular system
- Numerous helpful clinical correlations that emphasize the practical application of basic anatomical information.
* Presents the complexities of the nervous system as simply and clearly as possible
* Written with a clarity and depth of coverage that makes the reading both instructional and enjoyable
* Includes numerous illustrations emphasizing important concepts

Aiming to provide the reader with a general overview of the mathematical and numerical techniques used for the simulation of matter at the microscopic scale, this book lays the emphasis on the numerics, but modelling aspects are also addressed. The contributors come from different scientific communities: physics, theoretical chemistry, mathematical analysis, stochastic analysis, numerical analysis, and the text should be suitable for graduate students in mathematics, sciences and engineering and technology.

This volume presents articles from the leading experts in the field in nanobiotechnology, providing students and researchers with a comprehensive review of the newly emerging area of neuroscience.

All aspects of nanomaterials induced alteration in brain function are considered. Basic chapters on methods and ways to enhance nano-drug delivery into the brain are presented as well as chapters on functional and structural changes in the CNS, including gene expression and related issues. Particular attention is given to possible therapeutic advancement regarding nano-drug formulation and their role in neuroprotection.

This book is devoted to the surgical treatment of epilepsy and its consequences, and provides an extraordinary perspective on the fascinating question of the relationship between brain and mind. Contrary to the current emphasis on statistics and objectivity, this book is dedicated to understanding the whole person, the life and experiences of the individual. It reports on cutting-edge technical skills provided with a human touch. This book reflects the understanding that the temporolimbic seizure originates in tissue providing the substrate for the emotional life and memory. Finally, it emphasizes the value of clinical research - here, conducted in the course of the diagnosis and surgical treatment of epilepsy - in helping to elucidate the relationship between brain and mind.

This issue of International Review of Neurobiology is split over 2 volumes, bringing together cutting-edge research on Bioinformatics of Behavior. The 2 volumes review current knowledge and understanding, provide a starting point for researchers and practitioners entering the field, and build a platform for further research and discovery.
Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation, and provide their views and perspectives for future research
Chapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics covered
All chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist

Epilepsy, Part I, "Basic Principles and Diagnosis," Volume 107, in the"Handbook of Clinical Neurology"series offers a comprehensive review of our knowledge of the field today, including epidemiology, basic mechanisms, animal models, and topics of increasing interest such as the role of inflammation in epilepsy. It provides a comprehensive approach to description of the clinical, electrographic and imaging aspects of the epilepsies, with a clear outline of contemporary classification and the role of modern diagnostic techniques, as well as neuropsychological and psychiatric aspects of epilepsy. Chapters are authored by internationally respected neurologists with varied perspectives insuring depth to the content. "Epilepsy, Part II," "Treatment, " Volume 108, continues coverage of epilepsy with a focus on treatment. The volumes will be a very important resource for basic scientists, clinical investigators, and all health professionals treating patients with epilepsy.
*A volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, which has an unparalleled reputation as the world's most comprehensive source of information in neurology.
*International list of contributors including the leading workers in the field.
*Describes the advances which have occurred in clinical neurology and the neurosciences, their impact on the understanding of neurological disorders and on patient care."

Gap junctions between glial cells or neurons are ubiquitously expressed in the mammalian brain and play a role in brain development including cell differentiation, cell migration and survival, and tissue homeostasis, as well as in human diseases including hearing loss, neuropathies, epilepsy, brain trauma, and cardiovascular disease. This volume provides neuroscience researchers and students with a single source for information covering the physiological, behavioral and pathophysiological roles of gap junctions in the brain. In addition, the book also discusses human disease conditions associated with mutations in single gap junction connexion genes, making it applicable to clinicians doing translational research. Finally, it includes reviews of pharmacological studies with gap junction blockers and openers, summarizing information obtained from phenotyping gap junctions mouse mutants.

Serves as the most current and comprehensive reference available covering the physiological, behavioral and pathophysiological roles of gap junctions in the brain.

Chapters summarize knowledge of the basic physiology of gap junctions in the brain, as well as of human disease conditions associated with mutations in single gap junction connexin genes.

Includes reviews of pharmacological studies with gap junction blockers and openers, summarizing information obtained from phenotyping gap junctions mouse mutants.

Published since 1959, International Review of Neurobiology is a well-known series appealing to neuroscientists, clinicians, psychologists, physiologists, and pharmacologists. Led by an internationally renowned editorial board, this important serial publishes both eclectic volumes made up of timely reviews and thematic volumes that focus on recent progress in a specific area of neurobiology research. This volume reviews existing theories and current research surrounding the movement disorder Dyskinesia.
Leading authors review state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future researchChapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics coveredAll chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist

Published since 1959, International Review of Neurobiology is a well-known series appealing to neuroscientists, clinicians, psychologists, physiologists, and pharmacologists. Led by an internationally renowned editorial board, this important serial publishes both eclectic volumes made up of timely reviews and thematic volumes that focus on recent progress in a specific area of neurobiology research. In this volume, invited experts provide authoritative reviews on various aspects of Monoamine Oxidase and its Inhibitors.
Leading authors review state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future researchChapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics coveredAll chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist

This volume of Progress in Brain Research provides a synthetic source of information about state-of-the-art research that has important implications for the evolution of the brain and cognition in primates, including humans. This topic requires input from a variety of fields that are developing at an unprecedented pace: genetics, developmental neurobiology, comparative and functional neuroanatomy (at gross and microanatomical levels), quantitative neurobiology related to scaling factors that constrain brain organization and evolution, primate palaeontology (including paleoneurology), paleo-anthropology, comparative psychology, and behavioural evolutionary biology.

Written by internationally-renowned scientists, this timely volume will be of wide interest to students, scholars, science journalists, and a variety of experts who are interested in keeping track of the discoveries that are rapidly emerging about the evolution of the brain and cognition.

Written by internationally renowned scientists, this timely volume will be of wide interest to students, scholars, science journalists, and a variety of experts who are interested in keeping track of the discoveries that are rapidly emerging about the evolution of the brain and cognition.

Neuroendocrinology, the discipline concerned with how the nervous system controls hormonal secretion and how hormones control the brain, is pivotal to physiology and medicine. Neuroendocrinology has disclosed and underpins fundamental physiological, molecular biological and genetic principles such as the regulation of gene transcription and translation, the mechanisms of chemical neurotransmission and intracellular and systemic feedback control systems. Reproduction, growth, stress, aggression, metabolism, birth, feeding and drinking and blood pressure are some of the bodily functions that are triggered and/or controlled by neuroendocrine systems. In turn, neuroendocrine dysfunction due to genetic or other deficits can lead, for example, to infertility, impotence, precocious or delayed puberty, defective or excessive growth, obesity and anorexia, Cushing s Syndrome, hypertension or thyroid disorders. These as well as neuroendocrine tumors are some of the themes covered in the 36 chapters of the Handbook. Drafted by internationally acknowledged experts in the field, the Handbook chapters feature detailed up-to-date bibliographies as well as "how do we know?" call out sections that highlight the experimental or technical foundations for major concepts, principles, or methodological advances in each area. Aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty in neuroscience, medicine, endocrinology, psychiatry, psychology and cognate disciplines, the "Handbook of Neuroendocrinology" satisfies an unmet need that will prove useful at the laboratory bench as well as in the office.
The most comprehensive up-to-date source covering basic principles, neural regulation, hormone/brain function and behavior, and neuroendocrine pathology "How do we know?" callout sections highlight core conceptsHeavily illustrated with over 350 figures, 4-color throughout"

This volume follows on from the symposium "Brain Machine Interfaces - Implications for science, clinical practice and society," held on August 26th-29th 2010 in Ystad, Sweden, and features contributions from pioneers and leading scientists in the field of BMI and motor systems physiology, including spinal cord, basal ganglia and motor cortex. The wide range of topics covered include implants for mind control of prostheses and in robotics, clinical and experimental research on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of Parkinson s disease, depression and Alzheimer s disease, cochlear implants, retinal implants, novel flexible micro- and nano-electrode implants, safety aspects including acute and chronic tissue reactions to implants and on ethical issues in DBS. Program and abstracts from the individual contributors can be found on http: //www.med.lu.se/nrc/bmi_symposium.
Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future researchChapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics coveredAll chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist"

This volume of "Progess in Brain Research" follows on from the 32nd International Symposium of the Groupe de recherche sur le systeme nerveux central (GRSNC), May 2010, and aims to provide an overview of the various neural mechanisms that contribute to learning new motor and sensory skills, and to adapting to changed circumstances, including the use of devices and implants to substitute for lost sensory or motor abilities (brain machine interfaces). The focus is on recent developments covering five major themes: Mechanisms to improve motor performanceNeuro-rehabilitation of motor functionMechanisms to enhance sensory perceptionCross modal interationc for enhancing sensorimotor performanceAssistive technologies to enhance sensorimotor performance

This volume focuses on the translation of scientific knowledge into applications and strategies that can help restore lost function following injury or disease including assistive neuroprosthetic technologies to enhance sensorimotor performance and neurorehabilitation.
Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future researchChapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics coveredAll chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist"

This volume of "Progess in Brain Research" follows on from the 32nd International Symposium of the Groupe de recherche sur le systeme nerveux central (GRSNC), May 2010, and aims to provide an overview of the various neural mechanisms that contribute to learning new motor and sensory skills, and to adapting to changed circumstances, including the use of devices and implants to substitute for lost sensory or motor abilities (brain machine interfaces). The focus is on recent developments covering five major themes: Mechanisms to improve motor performanceNeuro-rehabilitation of motor functionMechanisms to enhance sensory perceptionCross modal interationc for enhancing sensorimotor performanceAssistive technologies to enhance sensorimotor performance
Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation and provide their views and perspectives for future researchChapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics coveredAll chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist"

Neuromodulation is an emerging field that explores the use of electrical, chemical, and mechanical interventions to heal neurological deficits. Suchneurostimulation has already shown great promise with disorders and diseases such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and Parkinson s disease. This is the first concise reference covering all of the basic principles of neuromodulation in a single affordable volume for neuro-residents, fellows, and basic clinical practitioners, edited by two prominent clinical experts in the field.

This volume emphasizes essential observations from all of the important clinical phases involved in any neuromodulation: targeting, intraoperative assessment, programming, complications, and complication avoidance. There are commonalities to all neuromodulation procedures that must be brought to the forefront to form a cohesive presentation of neuromodulation, and such emphasis will give readers a more solid grounding in the fundamentals needed to embrace this field as a cohesive clinical entity.
Chapters offer point-counterpoint commentary for varied perspectivesAppendix distills current guidelines in easy, accessible formatChapters follow story of patient care, effectively emphasizing general principles with supporting examplesOffers outstanding scholarship, with over 20% of chapters involving international contributors"

This volume provides clinicians and scientists with the latest information concerning the muscular dystrophies, paying special attention to the way advancements in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and other biological sciences provide comprehensive insights into a group of disorders that have only been studied for the past two decades.

Information on both pathogenesis and prospects for treatment are covered, with an emphasis on clinical implications, both now and in the foreseeable future. Clinical wisdom is combined with invaluable perspectives from the most highly experienced physicians, experts, and scientists to bring an authoritative and complete examination of the muscular dystrophies, their diagnosis, and treatments protocols. Insights from this handbook will both enhance and forward efforts for practitioners who care for, and manage, patients with this group of disorders.
* Valuable insights into the muscular dystrophies, including treatment, diagnosis, and care and patient management
* A comprehensive compilation of the combined wisdom of the most highly regarded physicians, experts, and scientists studying the muscular dystrophies
* An evaluation of the way advances in molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, and other biological sciences continue to advance the study of these disorders

This book presents the essentials of behavioral test methodology needed for effective study planning and high quality behavioral data collection on laboratory mice. The broad scope of behavioral testing in relation to the neurosciences is discussed, as are thefine details of varioustest situations. Mistakes made in past research are scrutinized and lessons are drawn about how to avoid them in future work. Diverse factors that can influence the results of behavioral experiments are discussed, ranging from the specific parameters employed in a test to the laboratory environment outside the test situation itself. Throughout the book, emphasis is placed on special issues that arise when testing genetically different mice, including inbred strains and mice with targeted mutations. This knowledge will assist an investigator who lacks formal training in behavioral psychology to build a behavioral testing lab and insure that its output meets current standards of good practice in behavioral neuroscience research.

The book will be a convenient manual of procedures for daily use in studies of mouse behavior. It will be of interest even to experienced behavioural researchers, but of particular value to scientists just beginning work with mice, including undergraduate and graduate students as well as postdoctoral investigators who want to collect phenotypic data with knockout and other genetically defined mice. Constructed from materials used in a long running course on Advanced Animal Behavior at University of North Carolina-Greensboro, the book is an ideal text for a course on behavioral testing.
A guide to running a behavioral testing lab, including the many aspects of mouse research beyond the confines of the specific testDiagrams and photographs are shown for many kinds of apparatus and test situations with sufficient details such as dimensions to enable building of replicasProvides step-by-step instructions on planning and executing behavioral experiments in order to run them successfullyA companion website will provide access to statistical utilities in Excel and test protocols, examples of real documents used for published studies, and video clips of the mice behaviors resulting from various tests"

This volume investigates the implications of how our brain directs our movements on decision-making. An extensive body of knowledge in chapters from international experts is presented as well as integrative group reports discussing new directions for future research.

The understanding of how people make decisions is of central interest to experts working in fields such as psychology, economics, movement science, cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics, robotics, and sport science. For the first time the current volume provides a multidisciplinary overview of how action and cognition are integrated in the planning of and decisions about action.
* Offers intense, focused, and genuine interdisciplinary perspective
* Conveys state-of-the-art and outlines future research directions on the hot topic of mind and motion (or embodied cognition)
* Includes contributions from psychologists, neuroscientists, movement scientists, economists, and others

Since the late 90 s, a renewed interest in the neurobiology of sleep has provided new advancements in the understanding of basic sleep science and the clinical aspects of sleep disorders, with particular interest given to the role of genetics.

From laboratory techniques and therapies, groundbreaking research in sleep-wakefulness, new models of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep mechanisms, to bright light therapy for circadian rhythm sleep disorders, this handbook will provide clinicians and researchers with a state-of-the-art reference that summarizes the clinical features and management of the many neurological manifestations of sleep disorders.

Practitioners will find invaluable research, information, and laboratory techniques on such topics as sleep-wake-dependent genes, the role of sleep duration in mortality and morbidity, and advancements in the understanding of the neurobiology of sleep disorders, including narcolepsy-cataplexy, restless legs syndrome, REM behavior disorders, fatal familiar insomnia, sleep apnea and heart failure, and nocturnal paroxysmal dystonia, amongst others. In addition, significant advancements in therapies and drug protocols are presented.
* Clinical data on groundbreaking advancements in the understanding of basic sleep science
* Invaluable information on new therapies and drug protocols for sleep disorders
* A state-of-the-art reference that includes the role of genetics in sleep medicine"

This volume explores sleep medicine, sleep science, and the sleep disorders that keep one-quarter of the U.S. population from getting this necessary component of normal cognitive functioning and survival.

With an emphasis on diagnostic techniques, particularly imaging, this handbook shines newfound attention on the genetic and clinical aspects of sleep medicine. Advances in basic science are explored, including a better understanding of sleep-wakefulness and new models of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep mechanisms. Advancements in the understanding of sleep-wake-dependent genes, gene products, and the role of sleep duration in mortality and morbidity are also presented, along with fascinating noninvasive neuroimaging studies that demonstrate marked changes in function during different sleep states.

Clinicians will gain new insights into the diagnosis of sleep disorders and sleep science. In addition, researchers will have an invaluable tool that will form a foundation for new approaches into the ongoing study of sleep medicine.
* A comprehensive resource for the study of sleep science, sleep medicine, and sleep disorders
* Fascinating noninvasive neuroimaging studies that demonstrate marked changes during different sleep states
* A state-of-the-art reference that summarizes the clinical features and management of many of the neurological manifestations of sleep disorders

This volume focuses on the interplay of mind and motion-the bidirectional link between thought and action. In particular, it investigates the implications that this coupling has for decision making. How do we anticipate the consequences of choices and how is the brain able to represent these choice options and their potential consequences? How are different options evaluated and how is a preferred option selected and implemented? This volume addresses these questions not only through an extensive body of knowledge consisting of individual chapters by international experts, but also through integrative group reports that pave a runway into the future. The understanding of how people make decisions is of common interest to experts working in fields such as psychology, economics, movement science, cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics, robotics, and sport science. So far, however, it has mainly been advanced in isolation within distinct research disciplines; in contrast, this book results from a deliberate assembly of multidisciplinary teams. It offers intense, focused, and genuine interdisciplinary perspective. It conveys state-of-the-art and outlines future research directions on the hot topic of Mind and Motion (or embodied cognition). It includes contributions from psychologists, neuroscientists, movement scientists, economists, and others.

This volume of "Progress in Brain Research "documents recent developments and research findings in relation to sex and how the brain s function and behavior differs from men to women. Specific areas include cerebral function, morphology and organization, sexual dimorphism, neural origins, and genetics and epigenetics, as well as potential causes/affects of stress, pain, sexual orientation and identity and other social issues such as distribution of disorders across thesexes and autism.
* Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field
* Highlights areas for future research
* Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts"

This volume focuses on the interplay of mind and motion - the bidirectional link between thought and action. In particular, it investigates the implications that this coupling has for decision making. How do we anticipate the consequences of choices and how is the brain able to represent these choice options and their potential consequences? How are different options evaluated and how is a preferred option selected and implemented? This volume addresses these questions not only through an extensive body of knowledge consisting of individual chapters by international experts, but also through integrative group reports that pave a runway into the future. The understanding of how people make decisions is of common interest to experts working in fields such as psychology, economics, movement science, cognitive neuroscience, neuroinformatics, robotics, and sport science. So far, however, it has mainly been advanced in isolation within distinct research disciplines; in contrast, this book results from a deliberate assembly of multidisciplinary teams. It offers intense, focused, and genuine interdisciplinary perspective. It conveys state-of-the-art and outlines future research directions on the hot topic of Mind and Motion (or embodied cognition). It includes contributions from psychologists, neuroscientists, movement scientists, economists, and others.

With recent advances of modern medicine more people reach the "elderly age" around the globe and the number of dementia cases are ever increasing. This book is about various aspects of dementia and provides its readers with a wide range of thought-provoking sub-topics in the field of dementia. The ultimate goal of this monograph is to stimulate other physicians' and neuroscientists' interest to carry out more research projects into pathogenesis of this devastating group of diseases.