Key discoveries concerning the different biological functions of microglia in health and disease have attracted scientists from various fields. In Microglia: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail methods for selection of the key cellular, molecular and biochemical techniques that are used in studying the many and varied functions of this fascinating cell. These methods and techniques include microglia cell culture for studying microglia activation and functions, as well as their interaction with other cell types both in vitro and in vivo. 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 key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Microglia: Methods and Protocols is a useful resource for cell biologists, molecular biologists, immunologists, oncologist and neuroscientists.

This volume discusses experimental brain injury models that contain valuable information carefully chosen to widen the researchers' horizon about neurotrauma. Injury Models of Central Nervous System: Methods and Protocols contains relevant experimental design approaches that have been adapted and made ready for application in laboratory settings. For easier navigation, the chapters are categorized into 6 parts: Introduction, General Consideration in Using Animal Laboratory in CNS Injury Research, Classical TBI Models and Their Link with Pathophysiological Features of CBS Injury - Models, Special Topics in CNS Trauma: Comorbid Conditions in CNS Injury, Outcome Measures in Brain Injury Models, and Future Directions. 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. Practical and thorough, Injury Models of Central Nervous Systems: Methods and Protocols, is a very useful reference towards the progress of this discipline.

Cultural neuroscience combines brain imaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and event-related brain potentials with methods of social and cultural psychology to investigate whether and how cultures influence the neural mechanisms of perception, attention, emotion, social cognition, and other human cognitive processes. The findings of cultural neuroscience studies improve our understanding of the relation between human brain function and sociocultural contexts and help to reframe the "big question" of nature versus nurture. This book is organized so that two chapters provide general views of the relation between biological evolution, cultural evolution and recent cultural neuroscience studies, while other chapters focus on several aspects of human cognition that have been shown to be strongly influenced by sociocultural factors such as self-concept representation, language processes, emotion, time perception, and decision-making. The main goal of this work is to address how thinking actually takes place and how the underlying neural mechanisms are affected by culture and identity.

The author makes a unique contribution to the field by discussing the history and philosophy of the neurosciences, and then developing critical approaches which integrate techniques, theory, and ethics. Taken as a whole, Jacobson's work will provide a coherent and humane framework for future research programs. The paperback edition of this highly successful text, first published in 1993, is now available! The author brings the ethics of neuroscience into a closer relationship with empirical research. Covering the field's history, philosophy, theories, and techniques, this volume provides the necessary moral and ethical framework to evaluate neuroscience research.

Leading experts critically summarize the state of knowledge concerning the molecular, anatomical, physiological, and behavioral aspects of NPY and its congeners. Each article provides a comprehensive and in-depth survey, an overview of the role of NPY in the discipline covered, a discussion of the likely future direction that the field will take, and an up-to-date bibliography.
Chapters include a treatment of the evolution of the PP family of genes, the structure of the NPY gene, and the distribution of NPY on the cardiovascular system, actions of NPY on the electrophysiological properties of nerve cells, and the effects of NPY on feeding and behavior. The chapters are written in an accessible style and serve both as an introduction to the field and as an extensive and detailed treatment of the current state of knowledge.

When we worked on Down Syndrome brain in the past we have been focus ing on adult brain. This was a major step forwards as most work on Down Syndrome was carried out on fibroblasts or other tissues and, moreover, we introduced proteomics to identify and quantify brain protein expression. We considered evaluation of brain protein expression in Down Syndrome brain by and by more important than gene hunting at the nucleic acid level realiz ing the long unpredictable way from RNA to protein. The availability of fetal samples along with the proteomic appproach stimulated and reinforced studies on Down Syndrome brain. And indeed, it was found out that some observations on aberrant protein expression in adult Down Syndrome brain could not be verified in the fetal samples indi cating that neurodegeneration in adult Down Syndrome brain may have been responsible rather than trisomy 21. Using brains from the early second trimester of gestation led to the generation of a series of clues for the under standing of aberrant wiring of the brain in Down Syndrome and enabled the determination of altered key functions in early life; e. g. undetectably low drebrin was observed in Down Syndrome cortex, an integral constituent and marker for dendritic spines, main effectors of cross-talk between neurons. In addition, evaluation of the nature of the neuronal deficits in terms of neuro transmission markers could be established as well as neuronal density in fetal Down Syndrome cortex."

The idea that some day robots may have emotions has captured the imagination of many and has been dramatized by robots and androids in such famous movies as 2001: A Space Odyssey's HAL or Star Trek's Lt. Commander Data. By contrast, the editors of this book have assembled a panel of experts in neuroscience and artificial intelligence who have dared to tackle the issue of whether robots can have emotions from a purely scientific point of view. The study of the brain now usefully informs study of the social, communicative, adaptive, regulatory, and experiential aspects of emotion and offers support for the idea that we exploit our own psychological responses in order to feel others' emotions. The contributors show the many ways in which the brain can be analyzed to shed light on emotions. Fear, reward, and punishment provide structuring concepts for a number of investigations. Neurochemistry reveals the ways in which different "neuromodulators" such as serotonin, dopamine and opioids can affect the emotional balance of the brain. And studies of different regions such as the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex provide a view of the brain as a network of interacting subsystems. Related studies in artificial intelligence and robotics are discussed and new multi-level architectures are proposed that make it possible for emotions to be implanted. It is now an accepted task in robotics to build robots that perceived human expressions of emotion and can "express" simulated emotions to ease interactions with humans. Looking towards future innovations, some scientists posit roles for emotion as a powerful self-motivational tool as well as a way to work effectively in a group. But daunting questions remain as we ask what may be the nature of emotions in future generations of robots that share neither our biological heritage nor our need to share emotions with our fellow humans. All of these issues are covered in this timely and stimulating book which is written for researchers and graduate students in neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology, robotics and artificial intelligence.

The first comprehensive overview of the effects of hypertension on the brain. The book discusses not only the relationship between hypertension and stroke, but also the much less studied relationship between hypertension and cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. It seeks to answer two important questions. First, what are the conditions under which hypertension is associated with stroke, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disease? And second, what are the biological mechanisms by which hypertension alters brain homeostasis? By looking at the biological mechanisms of these relationships, this book provides insight to neuroscientists and neurologists regarding why anti-hypertension treatments make a big difference in the case of stroke, but have very little impact on cognitive decline and brain aging.

This is the third Proceedings book to arise from biennial conferen- ces on the Trace Amines. Since our first meeting in 1983 in Edmonton, Canada, progress has been brisk and, as will be seen from the ensuing pages, it is now possible to include major contributions from inverte- brate neurobiologists as well as receptorologists. In the opening ses- sion we heard about the distribution of the trace amines-now clear- ly a misnomer-in insects and the pharmacological, receptor, and syn- aptic characteristics of octopamine and tryptamine as well as the pos- sibility of monoamines in general being targets for insecticide discov- ery. In mammalian brain the distribution and characterization of the tryptamine receptor has proceeded to the point where two types have been described as well as novel agonists and antagonists, and, for the first time, a binding site for p-tyramine has been described. The com- bination of lesions and pharmacological and metabolic manipulations now permits the mapping of trace aminergic pathways, and the rap- idly accumulating evidence from releasing drugs, in situ microdialy- sis, iontophoresis, and second messenger systems lends credence to the claim that the trace amines possess neuromodulatory functions.

Advances in methodologies and experimental models are pivotal to furthering our understanding of central nervous system (CNS) functions in mammals. "Isolated Central Nervous System Circuits" examines the application a variety of technologies to mostly active "in vitro" preparations from basically different CNS regions with a diversity of functions. From patch-clamp, multiphoton imaging, live fluorescent protein expression, or immunohistochemistry techniques to acute or 'organotypic' slices and "en bloc" preparations, this detailed volume features key protocols and examples for exciting results from the labs of renowned experts. Written for the popular "Neuromethods" series, chapters include the kind of thorough implementation advice that is vital for achieving successful results.

Comprehensive and cutting-edge, "Isolated Central Nervous System Circuits" will greatly aid scientists to further improve models and to develop corresponding models of not yet intensively studied structures such as "nucleus ruber," "superior colliculus," or basal ganglia."

The current concept of dystonic movement connects the abnormal function of somatosensory pathways and somatosensory analyzers with the dystonic performance of motor action, which is based on the abnormality of sensorimotor integration. This concept is reflected not only in idiopathic dystonia, but also in secondary and symptomatic dystonias. This bookwill give a comprehensive account ofthe history of the terms dystonia and dystonic, the physiology of dystonic movement, and the genetics and clinical appearance of primary and secondary dystonias. Taking into considerationlatest research findings, Dystonia and Dystonic Syndromes offers an in-depth discussion of current treatment options available for dystonia, including pharmacotherapy, surgery, and neurorehabilitation. Therefore, it serves as a valuable reference for practitioners in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and neuroradiology as well as for neuroscientists.

WALTER A. ROSENBLITH Footnotes to the Recent History of Neuroscience: Personal Reflections and Microstories The workshop upon which this volume is based offered me an opportunity to renew contact fairly painlessly with workers in the brain sciences, not just as a participant/observer but maybe as what might be called a teller of microstories. I had originally become curious about the brain by way of my wife's senior thesis, in which she attempted to relate electroencephalography to certain aspects of human behavior. As a then-budding physicist and communications engineer, I had barely heard about brain waves, nor had I studied physiology in a systematic way. My work on noise dealt with the effects of certain acoustical stimuli on biological structures and entire organisms. This was the period immediately after World War II when many scientists and engineers who had done applied work in the war effort were trying to find their way among the challenging new fields that were opening up. Francis Crick, among others, has described such a search taking place in the cafes of the "other" Cambridge, the one on the Cam. At that time the brain sciences, in his opinion, offered much less promise than molecular biology. However, he was sufficiently attracted by what they might eventually have to offer to keep an eye on them, and several decades later his work turned toward the brain.

This text is a treatise drawing together and critically examining the current explosion of experimental and clinical research on the metabolism, nutrition, pharmacology, toxicology, pathology, neuropsychology, and developmental neurobiology of trace elements.

Nervous System Actions and Interactions: Concepts in Neurophysiology approaches the nervous system from a functional, rather than structural, point of view.

While all of the central topics of functional neuroscience are covered, these topics are organized from a neurophysiological perspective yielding chapters on subjects such as information storage and effector actions. Each chapter is organized around general concepts that then are further developed in the text. The authors attempt to establish a dialogue with the reader by means of proposed experiments and open ended questions that are designed to both reinforce and question the text. This volume is intended to be a book of ideas for the novice or seasoned researcher in neuroscience.

Diet-Brain Connections fills a void between the fields of nutrition, behavior and cellular and molecular neurosciences by providing an integrated collection of articles that critically dissect the link between what we eat and how the brain develops and functions in health and disease.
Key topics covered in depth include:

-caloric restriction benefit the brain and retard aging;
-effects of dietary antioxidants on brain function and aging;
-developmental and function consequences of different dietary fatty acids;
-biochemical links between dietary folic acid and psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders;
-effects of nutritional deficit during early development and behavior disorders later in life; -neurochemical basis of the benefits of widely used dietary supplements including creatine and Gingko biloba;
-contribution of dietary toxins such as metals and pesticides to neurological disorders.This book provides an unprecedented resource for scientists in academia and government labs as well as in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food industries.

The purpose of this book is to bring together scientists and clinicians interested in oxidative injury in the nervous system but whose approaches to investigation and treatment design vary widely. Indeed the goal of this book is to show that the investiga tive approaches and potential therapeutic interventions perhaps do not vary as widely as some may think. I think that the readers of this book will not read it from front to back, but will pick chapters of interest. Thus, the chapters are organized to contain information that is essential to understanding basic aspects of oxidative injury, and thus have some redundancy. However, within the context of each chapter the reader should hopefully find impetus and direction to go on to another chapter. The book is divided into three seetions. The first section contains reviews of metals and their role in generating oxidative injury. lron is considered in three of these chapters because of its relative abundance in the brain and its potency in inducing free radicals. The second section focuses on mechanisms by which the brain attempts to protect itself from oxidative injury. Some of these mechanisms have the potential to be protective in some situations and potentiaIly damaging in others. The third section contains the clinicaI diseases in which oxidative injury is known to contribute to the pathogenic process. This seetion ends with a chapter on antioxidant therapeutic strate gies in neurological disorders."

Neuroscience and Behavioral Neuroscience offered by many universities, and coursework has historically been very technical/scientific, now there is increasing demand within these programs for showing application. This book fills this gap in the market. Looks to dispel myths as well as reinforcing careful application of behavioral neuroscience. Spans many areas and gives a broad overview of BN careers: from clinical practice, forensics, consumer psychology, economics, leadership, education, health and robotics.

and made insignificant in practice, by selecting for study simple kinds of ex periences which are devoid of emotional content and which can be tested for reliability. A simple somatosensory ''raw feel" fulfills these characteristics (see papers nos. 2,5). In any case, if we fail to find ways to use introspective reports in convincingly acceptable studies we would give up the ability to investigate the relation between conscious experience and neural activity, something warned against by William James (Krech, 1969). Another factor in the dearth of direct experimental studies is, of course, the comparative inaccessibility of the human brain for such purposes. Meaningful investigations of the issue in question requires simultaneous study of brain events and introspective reports of experiences in an awake, cooperative human subject. Analysis by neuropsychologists of pathological lesions in the brain and the related disturbances of conscious functions have contributed much to mapping the pos sible representations of these functions. The non-invasive recording of electrical activity with electrodes on the scalp, starting from Berger's initial EEG record ings in 1929, has contributed much to the problems of states of consciousness and to various cognitive features associated with sensory inputs, but not as much to the specific issue of conscious experience."

This unique textbook explores core cognitive psychology topics from an innovative new perspective, focusing on key real-world issues to show how we understand and experience the world. The book examines compelling topics such as creativity, problem-solving, reasoning, rationality and language, all within the context of modern 21st century life. Each chapter demonstrates how this vibrant and constantly evolving discipline is at the heart of some of the biggest issues facing us all today. The last chapter discusses the future of cognitive psychology, which includes guidance on conducting rigorous, replicable research and how to use skills from cognitive psychology to be an effective student. Packed with pedagogical features, each chapter includes boxed examples of cognitive psychology in the real world and engaging ‘try it yourself’ features. Each chapter also includes objectives, a range of illustrative figures, chapter summaries, key readings and a glossary for ease of use. The book is fully supported by original online resources for students and instructors. Offering a new model for the study of cognitive psychology that brings the subject alive, the book is essential reading for all students studying psychology and related disciplines.

You could be a genius . . . In The Genius Within, award-winning science writer David Adam reveals how frontier neuroscience can enhance your intelligence - making you smarter, sharper and brighter than you ever thought you could be. What if you have more intelligence than you realize? What if there is a genius inside you, just waiting to be released? And what if the route to better brain power is not hard work or thousands of hours of practice but to simply swallow a pill? Sunday Times bestseller Dr David Adam, author of The Man Who Couldn't Stop, explores the ground-breaking neuroscience of cognitive enhancement that is changing the way the brain and the mind works - to make it better, sharper, more focused and, yes, more intelligent. Sharing his own experiments with revolutionary smart drugs and electrical brain stimulation, he delves into the sinister history of intelligence tests, meets savants and brain hackers and reveals how he boosted his own IQ to cheat his way into Mensa. Going to the heart of how we consider, measure and judge mental ability, The Genius Within asks difficult questions about the science that could rank and define us, and inevitably shape our future. 'Witty, sharp and enlightening . . . This book will make you smarter' Adam Rutherford, science writer and presenter of BBC Radio 4's Inside Science.

The most recent research findings on the important genes, key molecules, and mechanisms in neural development and regeneration are presented in this volume. The papers collected here were delivered at the second of the Keio University International Symposia for Life Sciences and Medicine, held in Mita (Tokyo), Japan, and are in eight main sections: Early Neurogenesis and Pattern Formation, Regional and Cellular Specification, Trophic Factors, Adhesion Molecules, Glial Cell Lineage and Myelination, Circuit Formation, Synaptic Refinement and Neurotransmitter Release, and Neural Regeneration. Together, they present the concept of neural development and regeneration and its vital importance at the frontiers of medical science today.
Neural Development is an invaluable resource and reference for researchers, clinicians, and students in physiology and the medical sciences.

This volume provides insight into gibbon diet and community ecology, the mating system and reproduction, and conservation biology, all topics which represent areas of substantial progress in understanding socio-ecological flexibility and conservation needs of the hylobatid family. This work analyzes hylobatid evolution by synthesizing recent and ongoing studies of molecular phylogeny, morphology, and cognition in a framework of gibbon and siamang evolution. With its clearly different perspective, this book is written to be read, referenced, and added to the bookshelves of scientists, librarians, and the interested public.

It goes without saying that the principles and techniques of molecular biology are having and will continue to have a major impact on investigations into nervous system structure and func tion. It is becoming increasingly apparent to neuroscientists in all subdisciplines that a working knowledge of the language, approaches, and techniques of molecular biology is indispensable for their work. For these reasons, the editors have decided to devote this volume of Neuromethods to the techniques of molecular biology and their application to neural systems. There currently exist a number of excellent reference technical manuals that de scribe molecular neurobiological techniques in great detail, and many of these are cited within the chapters included in this volume. It was not the intention of the editors or authors of this volume to duplicate these efforts. Rather, our intention was to present to the neuroscientist who is relatively unfamiliar with these methodologies an understanding of how specific techniques are used to approach major molecular neurobiological problems as well as a set of techniques that work in the laboratories of the individuals writing the chapters. In some cases, there are duplica tions of techniques these have been retained to illustrate the range of variability of the technique and/or the flexibility of the method to study different types of problems. We hope that the chapters will provide the reader with an understanding of the methods and their applicability to neurobiological problems; and, perhaps, suggest new directions for the reader's research efforts. Anthony T.