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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Neurosciences
In this volume, distinguished neurologist Jason W. Brown extends the microgenetic theory of the mind by offering a new approach to the problem of time and free will. Brown bases his work on a unitary process model of brain and behavior. He examines the problem of subjective time and free will, the experiential present, the nature of intentionality, and the creative properties of physical growth and mental process.
Encyclopedia of Animal Behavior, Second Edition, Four Volume Set the latest update since the 2010 release, builds upon the solid foundation established in the first edition. Updated sections include Host-parasite interactions, Vertebrate social behavior, and the introduction of 'overview essays' that boost the book's comprehensive detail. The structure for the work is modified to accommodate a better grouping of subjects. Some chapters have been reshuffled, with section headings combined or modified.
Behavioral neuroendocrinologists are interested in the interactions between hormones and behaviors. This unique book tracks the development of behavioral neuroendocrinology from the first recognized paper in the field by Arnold Berthold in 1849 to the major contributors of the past century. It traces the history and development of the field by exploring the women and men who conducted the studies that revealed these hormone-behavioral relationships. Most chapters are written by the individuals who knew these pioneers best, and describe their stories and discuss the ways in which their work has shaped the field. Now is the perfect time for this book. The field is burgeoning and interest in the development of theoretical perspectives is thriving. Moreover, although this field was dominated by men early on, it has become a field with near sexual parity among its faculty, society membership, and leadership, and thus serves as an example of equitable science, training, and advocacy.
In this fundamental book the authors devise a framework that describes the working of the brain as a whole. It presents a comprehensive introduction to the principles of Neural Information Processing as well as recent and authoritative research. The books guiding principles are the main purpose of neural activity, namely, to organize behavior to ensure survival, as well as the understanding of the evolutionary genesis of the brain. Among the developed principles and strategies belong self-organization of neural systems, flexibility, the active interpretation of the world by means of construction and prediction as well as their embedding into the world, all of which form the framework of the presented description. Since, in brains, their partial self-organization, the lifelong adaptation and their use of various methods of processing incoming information are all interconnected, the authors have chosen not only neurobiology and evolution theory as a basis for the elaboration of such a framework but also systems and signal theory. The most important message of the book and authors is: brains are evolved as a whole and a description of parts although necessary lets one miss the wood for the trees.
In the rapidly-evolving landscape of neurosciences, it is no easy task to select a limited array of topics to present in a text such as this. The current volume takes as its purpose to provide a representative survey of the current science of brain repair for those seeking to establish a foundation in the field or to replenish a prior knowledge base that may have lapsed in its currency. It also hopes to offer insights into what remains elusive to our collective investigations, defining the frontiers of brain repair for those that are currently immersed in the exciting intersection of biological advances and neuroscientific discoveries. In Chapter 1 the fundamentals of imaging transplanted cells is discussed with emphasis on animal models as well as the horizon for clinical trials. Then, detailed methods on the culture of neural stem cells is reviewed as a foundation for approaching therapeutic goals. Chapter 3 presents the broad scope of animal models that serve as the foundation for developmental and pre-clinical investigation, with mention of recent genetically engineered mouse models that represent the best models for studying disease development and treatment. Chapter 4 provides background on the delivery techniques to animals and patients that are available, providing vital information on the subtleties of technique necessary for optimal cellular grafting. Chapters 5 and 6 discuss new and evolving information on the origins of brain tumors and the indelible role of stromal and microenvironmental influences on oncogenesis and tumor progression. Subsequently, the utility of neural stem cells as cellular vehicles to deliver chemotherapeutics to broad neuropathology is reviewed. In Chapter 8 the scope of treating brain tumors is expanded beyond stem cells, to present the best biological interventions to improve upon current treatment options for brain malignancy. The last two chapters present a comprehensive review on stem cell and gene therapy options for treating cerebrovascular and neurovascular pathology. In amassing this collection, my intention has been to provide the reader with a broad introduction into molecular imaging, stem cell biology, cell therapy, animal models, central nervous system malignancies, stroke, and neurodegeneration. My hope is that Frontiers of Brain Repair will be the intellectual soil from which a deeply rooted and well-nourished vintage of neuroscience will arise."
* Investigates new findings on the predictive brain and what these insights mean for autism and current interventions. * The book has already sold over 2000 copies within 7 months of publishing in Dutch * Peter Vermeulen has established himself as an expert in autism writing, his last books selling thousands of copies and being translated into 10 languages and 5 languages each.
The prefrontal cortex is known to play important roles for performing a variety of higher cognitive functions. Among regions of the prefrontal cortex, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex plays the most important roles for these functions. This book focuses on functions of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, summarizes research results obtained mainly by non-human primate studies, and describes neural mechanisms of executive functions that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex participates. First, to understand the feature of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and how its function has been understood, anatomical and functional features of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and historical overview of prefrontal functions are described. To understand functions of the prefrontal cortex and neural mechanisms of executive functions, working memory is an important concept and sustained activation during the memory period of working memory tasks is known as a neural mechanism of working memory. Therefore, this book describes features of sustained memory-related activity based on neurophysiological results obtained in the prefrontal cortex and how memory-related activity contributes to executive functions including control of attention, inhibitory control, task management, and planning. And further, this book describes how the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex contributes to neural mechanisms for sensory and motor processing, memory control in multi-task performance, decision-making, metacognition, and top-down control. Thus, this book provides important information regarding neural mechanisms of dorsolateral prefrontal functions to neuroscientists and helps to plan further investigation to understand prefrontal functions in primates and human subjects.
This detailed volume explores olfactory receptors, a topic that goes beyond classical biochemical essays and involves methods to investigate the brain areas associated with the perception of odorants. Gathering the strands of many advanced techniques, the book organizes these key methods in order to achieve a unifying comprehension of the olfactory system. Written for 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 multidisciplinary, Olfactory Receptors: Methods and Protocols serves to benefit not only those who are beginning in the field of olfactory receptors, but also those who are already working in the field and that want to learn another advanced techniques.
Integrated Education and Learning aims to discuss novel approaches to offer integrated educational methods. Within the last few years, educational techniques have evolved to favour critical thinking and improve learning skills. This volume links thinking and learning in educational settings and discusses diverse mechanisms that influence this association; including meta-cognitive capacity, memory, cognitive style, conceptual approaches, digitalization, teaching approaches, echoing, and questioning. It embraces this discussion at all levels, from early childhood education to higher education. This book also includes teaching tips for creating a learning environment that cultivates students' creativity and critical thinking on both online platforms and live-in-classroom. The book follows discussing the merits of an integrated educational paradigm that will help develop highly intellectual thinkers and will promote modern values to face current and future challenges. Finally, the book shows a balance between learning and education to enhance creativity, critical thinking and social skills.
A variety of ideas, approaches, and techniques exist -- in terms of
both architecture and learning -- and this abundance seems to lead
to many exciting possibilities in terms of theoretical advances and
application potentials. Despite the apparent diversity, there is
clearly an underlying unifying theme: architectures that bring
together symbolic and connectionist models to achieve a synthesis
and synergy of the two different paradigms, and the learning and
knowledge acquisition methods for developing such architectures.
More effort needs to be extended to exploit the possibilities and
opportunities in this area.
Progress in Brain Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.
This volume covers a wide range of model systems from invertebrate to humans and in vitro and in vivo. Chapters detail methods on squid, aplysia, xenopus, mouse in vivo, ex vivo, rodent primary neurons, human-derived neurons, zebrafish, drosophila in vivo, primary neurons, c. elegans, and in vitro reconstitution assays.Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Axonal Transport: Methods and Protocols aims to further our understanding of the trafficking of cellular components in the nervous system leading to the advancement of basic knowledge that underlines the cell biology of the neuron. The chapters " Live imaging of RNA Transport and Translation in Xenopus Retinal Axons, Retrograde Axonal Transport of Neurotrophins in Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons, Assessment of Mitochondrial Trafficking as A Surrogate of Fast Axonal Transport in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Spinal Motor Neurons, Drosophila Primary Neuronal Cultures as a Useful Cellular Model to Study and Image Axonal Transport, and In vitro Reconstitution of Kinesin-Based, Axonal mRNA Transport" are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com
The field of cochlear mechanics has received an increasing interest over the last few decades. In the majority of these studies the researchers use linear systems analysis or linear approximations of the nonlinear (NL) systems. Even though it has been clear that the intact cochlea operates nonlinearly, lack of tools for proper nonlinear analysis, and widely available tools for linear analysis still lead to inefficient andpossiblyincorrect interpretation of the biophysics of the cochlea. An example is the presumption that a change in cochlear stiffness at hair cell level must account for the observed change in tuning (or frequency mapping) due to prestin application. Hypotheses like this need to be addressed in a tutorial that is lucid enough to analyze and explain basic differences. "Cochlear Mechanics"presents a useful and mathematically justified/justifiable approach in the main part of the text, an approach that will be elucidated with clear examples. The book will be useful to scientists in auditory neuroscience, as well as graduate students in biophysics/biomedical engineering."
We are in the midst of what is being called the 'psychedelic renaissance' with growing interest into how psychedelics alter consciousness, brain function and brain connectivity. The acute, often profound, effects of the psychedelic experience can induce lasting improvements in mental health demonstrating that chemistry forms the basis of mystical experience, consciousness and mental wellbeing.
Subcellular: Response-Field Dynamics in the Auditory Pathway; D.A. Depireux, et al. Rapid Categorization of Extrafoveal Natural Images: Implications for Biological Models;M. Fabre-Thorpe, et al. Cortical Activity Pattern in Complex Tasks; F. Frisone, et al. Cellular: Resolving the Paradoxical Effect of Activity on Synapse Elimination; M.J. Barber, J.W. Lichtman. Cellular Mechanisms of Calcium Elevation Involved in Long Term Memory; K.T. Blackwell, et al. Temporal Characteristics of V1 Cells Arising from Synaptic Depression; F.S. Chance, et al. Network: An Oscillating Cortical Network Model of Sensory-Motor Timing and Coordination; B. Baird. Pattern-Generator-Driven Development in Self-Organizing Models; J.A. Bednar, R. Miikkulainen. Systems: Finite Element Decomposition of Human Neocortex; D.A. Batte, et al. Path Integration in the Rat Head-Direction Circuit; H.T. Blair, et al. Methodology: The Paperless Laboratory: An Integrated Environment for Data Acquisition, Analysis, Archiving, and Collaboration; T.D. Coates, Jr. The Qualitative Reasoning Neuron: A New Approach to Modeling in Computational Neuroscience; J.L. Krichmar, et al. 93 Additional Articles. Index.
Genetic Models and Molecular Pathways Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorders, Volume 241 provides the most recent information on the animal model systems that are available to study different forms of autism spectrum disorders. In addition to genetically engineered animals that uniquely model genetic forms of ASD, this volume also provides detailed chapters on a variety of specific topics, including An overview of genetic models of ASDs, Phenotypic modeling of ASD symptoms, Molecular mechanisms of NF1 model of ASD symptoms, Ube3a gene dosage disorders: molecular and circuit mechanisms of ASD, Circuit dysfunctions in ASD models, ERK signaling in genetic models of ASD, and more.
Software Simulation and Modeling in Psychology: MATLAB, SPSS, Excel and E-Prime describes all the stages of psychology experimentation, from the manipulation of factors, to statistical analysis, data modeling, and automated stimuli creation. The book shows how software can help automate various stages of the experiment for which operations may quickly become repetitive. For example, it shows how to compile data files (instead of opening files one by one to copy and paste), generate stimuli (instead of drawing one by one in a drawing software), and transform and recode tables of data. This type of modeling in psychology helps determine if a model fits the data, and also demonstrates that the algorithmic is not only useful, but essential for modeling data.
Orienting is the gateway to attention, the first step in processing
stimulus information. This volume examines these initial stages of
information intake, focusing on the sensory and motivational
mechanisms that determine such phenomena as stimulus selection and
inhibition, habituation, pre-attentive processing, and expectancy.
Psychophysiological methods are emphasized throughout. The
contributors consider analyses based on cardiovascular and
electrodermal changes, reflex reactions, and neural events in the
cortex and subcortex.
Recent research indicates that complex-valued neural networks whose parameters (weights and threshold values) are all complex numbers are in fact useful, containing characteristics bringing about many significant applications. ""Complex-Valued Neural Networks: Utilizing High-Dimensional Parameters"" covers the current state-of-the-art theories and applications of neural networks with high-dimensional parameters such as complex-valued neural networks, quantum neural networks, quaternary neural networks, and Clifford neural networks, which have been developing in recent years. Graduate students and researchers will easily acquire the fundamental knowledge needed to be at the forefront of research, while practitioners will readily absorb the materials required for the applications.
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE), known as prion diseases, have been recognized for nearly 300 years in animals and almost 100 years in humans. Modern studies, including the protein-misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), have greatly advanced our understanding of the pathogenesis of prion diseases and facilitated the identification of new prion diseases in animals and humans. In the second edition of Prions and Diseases, more than 60 leading researchers and clinicians worldwide provide an up-to-date discussion of these unique infectious pathogens and their associated diseases. The book provides up-to-date knowledge about the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, histopathological, and clinical aspects of the full range of animal and human prion diseases. As a result, the book contains by far the most authoritative views about the past, present, and future of prions and prion diseases. The new second edition covers such important emerging topics such as inherited human prion disease, stem-cell models in prion research, human prion disease surveillance, and gene therapy strategies.
How is information represented in the nervous system? How is that information manipulated and processed? These are some of the more important and challenging questions for neuroscientists and psychologists today. Understanding brain functions, especially the neural mechanisms of higher cognitive processes such as thinking, reasoning, judging, and decision making, are the subjects covered by the research in the chapters of this book. They describe recent progress in four major research areas: visual functions, motor functions, memory functions, and prefrontal functions. Readers will obtain an excellent idea of how the nervous system internally represents the outer world, how the nervous system constructs images or schemas to perceive the outer world or react to the environment, and how the nervous system processes information using internal representations - topics that are at the forefront of brain science today.
Imaging in Movement Disorders: Imaging in Atypical Parkinsonism and Familial Movement Disorders, Volume 142, addresses the use of imaging modalities across the spectrum of movement disorders and dementias. Over the last decades, advances in neuroimaging tools have played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of disease aetiology and pathophysiology, identifying biomarkers to monitor disease progression, aiding differential diagnosis and in the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. This updated volume covers PET Molecular Imaging in Atypical Parkinsonism, SPECT Molecular Imaging in Atypical Parkinsonism, Structural MRI in Atypical Parkinsonism, Functional MRI in Atypical Parkinsonism, and more.
This book illustrates the role of randomness and noise in living organisms. Traditionally, the randomness and noise have been used in understanding signal processing in communications. This book is divided into two sections, the first of which introduces readers to the various types and sources of noise and the constructive role of noise in non-linear dynamics. It also analyses the importance of randomness and noise in a variety of science and engineering applications. In turn, the second section discusses in detail the functional role of noise in biological processes for example, in case of brain function at the level of ion channel, synaptic level and even at cognitive level. These are described in various chapters. One of the challenging issue finding the neuronal correlates of various meditative states is to understand how brain controls various types of noise so as to reach a state of synchronized oscillatory state of the brain corresponding to the state of Samadhi. This is described in details in one chapter called Noise, Coherence and meditation. The concept of noise and the role of randomness in living organism raise lot of controversy for last few decades. This is discussed in a separate chapter. Finally, the epistemic and ontic nature of randomness as discussed in physical science are investigated in the context of living organism.
The objective of this book is to provide recent information on neural regulation in the endocrine system in vertebrates. Classical studies have revealed that certain neurons synthesize and release chemical messengers into the vascular system. These neurons are endocrine devices that link the brain with the endocrine glands and other target organs. In vertebrates, the hypothalamus is the seat for chemical coordination and integration of en- vironmental and hormonal cues to modulate function of the pituitary gland, and conse- quently, the functions of other endocrine glands. Exciting information generated during the past few decades has resulted in profound alterations in the conceptual fabric of endo- crinology. From the wealth of information that emerged on neuropeptides of the central nervous system, and on the other connectivities of various brain centers, its has become clear that several extra-hypothalamic sites are also involved in regulation of hypophysial hormones. The brain has assumed a greater importance in the regulation of the endocrine sys- tem. However, recent studies have revealed varying degrees of functional autonomy in hy- pophysial hormone secretion, which may be due to intrapituitary cytokines. Although gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a key regulator of gonadotropin secretion, there exists a GnRH receptor diversity in vertebrates such as the receptor presence in can- cer cells. Recent studies have demonstrated the multifactorial nature of the neuroendo- crine factors involved in growth hormone regulation in fish. On the other hand, in birds, thyrotropin-releasing hormone plays a major role in growth hormone release.
In this open access book, Carlos Montemayor illuminates the development of artificial intelligence (AI) by examining our drive to live a dignified life. He uses the notions of agency and attention to consider our pursuit of what is important. His method shows how the best way to guarantee value alignment between humans and potentially intelligent machines is through attention routines that satisfy similar needs. Setting out a theoretical framework for AI Montemayor acknowledges its legal, moral, and political implications and takes into account how epistemic agency differs from moral agency. Through his insightful comparisons between human and animal intelligence, Montemayor makes it clear why adopting a need-based attention approach justifies a humanitarian framework. This is an urgent, timely argument for developing AI technologies based on international human rights agreements. The ebook editions of this book are available open access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 licence on bloomsburycollections.com. Open access was funded by Carlos Montemayor and San Francisco State University. |
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