![]() |
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
|
Your cart is empty |
||
|
Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Neurosciences
This book provides a comprehensive discussion of the development and evolution of flatfish metamorphosis. The chapters use the tissue model to explain a series of metamorphic events, including eye migration, front bone deformation, dorsal fin elongation and regression, and body depth change, left/right asymmetrical pigmentation, give a hypothesis on the mechanism of eye migration, and the evolutionary origin of left/right eye asymmetry. The book is written by expert who has worked on flatfish metamorphosis over 20 years. It serves as a valuable reference for graduate students and researchers in related fields
This comprehensive resource details the history, methodology and development of research into psychoneuroimmunology, balancing it with meticulous coverage of both the clinical aspects and practical applications of the subject. * A much-needed reference including overviews of key advances in the field * Discusses how psychoneuroimmunological research is conceived and executed * Includes contributions from a wealth of experts in the field * Forward by Robert Ader and Nicholas Cohen, founders of the discipline * Authoritative and interdisciplinary in scope - integrating biological and behavioral science
The book is part of a series on Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences, which has as its focus anxiety and its treatment. We have brought together a distinguished cadre of authors with the aim of covering a broad array of topics related to anxiety disorders, ranging from clinical diagnosis, epidemiology, preclinical neuroscience, and animal models to established and innovative therapeutic approaches. The book aims at bridging these disciplines to provide an update of literature relevant to understanding anxiety, its consequences, and its management. Following is a brief overview of the chapters and their content, meant to serve as a guide to navigating the book. The ?rst section covers clinical aspects of anxiety disorders. Joe Bienvenu and colleagues provide an incisive overview of diagnostic considerations in the anxiety disorders in which they emphasize the strengths and shortcomings of our current nosologic systems. This is followed by a review and update of the epidemiology of anxiety disorders by Ron Kessler and colleagues, which provides an authoritative survey of anxiety disorder incidence, prevalence, and risk factors. This is comp- mented by a comprehensive review of the literature on disorders that co-occur with anxiety disorders by Kathleen Merikangas and Sonja Alsemgeest Swanson. Their review highlights the tremendous comorbidity that occurs not only within the anxiety disorders, but also with other mental and physical health conditions.
Neurovirology, the study of viral infection of the ner vous system, has evolved at the interface of three of the most rapidly unfolding fields of investigation-neurobiology, vi rology, and immunology. In all three, increasing knowledge about the molecular structure of surface receptors, how in tracellular messages are transmitted, and how diversity is regulated genetically is provided, along with the techniques of molecular biology. This promises to give us knowledge not only about the process of infection and the complex host and viral determinants of neuroinvasiveness and neurovirulence, but eventually it will provide the background from which to engineer vaccines and to devise novel therapeutic agents. Animal virology and molecular biology developed quite independently from different origins. Animal virology was originally the province of the pathologists, and by clinical observation and histological preparations, they tried to ex plain the incubation period, the pathways of virus spread, and the mechanisms of disease. Molecular virology grew out of biochemistry, particularly through studies of bacterio phage, with emphasis on the physical and chemical structure of viruses and the sequences of biochemical events during the replicative cycle in cells."
This book aims to provide a comprehensive and timely review of new findings in motoneuron research. Recent findings have revealed that motoneurons are more complex and have more extensive functions than previously imagined. Some of the molecular and genetic pathways that orchestrate the development of motoneurons have been discovered, as have the mechanisms responsible for the selective innervation of muscles by specific pools of motoneurons. These novel findings are revolutionizing ideas about the function of motoneurons and have important implications for motoneuron disease. Chapters from several of the foremost figures in the field are included in this book and will emphasize how basic science is the engine driving the discovery of novel treatments for degenerative motoneuron diseases. Cutting edge developments in the use of pluripotent stem cells to correct motoneuron disease will be also be covered. This book would be useful to students of basic motoneuron physiology, locomotor behavior and motor control. This book would also be of interest to professional neuroscientists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons.
The CTBN volume Therapeutic Applications of Dopamine D3 Receptor Function reviews the state of the knowledge on the dopamine D3 receptor and its role in human behavior and disease (i.e.: neuropsychiatric illnesses including schizophrenia, mood disorders, Parkinson's disease, restless legs syndrome, addictions and substance use disorders). The volume is written by leading experts across multidisciplinary areas (imaging, biobehavioral testing and clinical trials, preclinical models / molecular pharmacology) converging on the therapeutic implications / potential of the D3 receptor.The D3 dopamine receptor is a member of the D2-like family of G protein-coupled receptors. It was cloned and characterized almost 25 years ago. A key feature of the D3 dopamine receptor system, which has attracted considerable attention, is its anatomical localization remarkably restricted to the limbic circuitry. This has spurred the hypothesis that D3 involvement could contribute to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders (or to some features of neuropsychiatric disorders), including but not limited to psychosis, addictions and substance abuse, mood and movement disorders.
It has been recognized that viruses can induce neuronal damage by a variety of mechanisms. This volume summarizes, for the first time, the various ways that neurons can degenerate under the influence of viral infection, ranging from acute necrosis and virus-induced apoptosis to chronic damage in persistent infections. The mechanisms of neuronal latency are dealt with as well. The volume also includes chapters that review the chronic damage caused by viral proteins that interfere with differentiated functions of the neuron, including signaling by neurotransmitters and signal transduction by trophic factors. Other chapters deal with the controversial role of cellular immune reactions, which may be helpful in controlling infection, but may also be detrimental to the host nervous system. The specific mechanisms of damage involved in retroviral infections and in prion diseases of the nervous system are reviewed, and finally how autoimmune diseases can lead to neuronal damage.
In recent decades, cognitive neuroscience research has increased our understanding of how the brain learns, retains, and recalls information. At the same time, social psychologists have developed insights into group dynamics, exploring what motivates individuals in a group to give their full effort, or conversely, what might instead inspire them to become free loaders. Art and Science in the Choral Rehearsal explores the idea that choral conductors who better understand how the brain learns, and how individuals within groups function, can lead more efficient, productive, and enjoyable rehearsals. Armed with this knowledge, conductors can create rehearsal techniques which take advantage of certain fundamental brain and social psychology principles. Through such approaches, singers will become increasingly engaged physically and mentally in the rehearsal process. Art and Science in the Choral Rehearsal draws from a range of scientific studies to suggest and encourage effective, evidence-based techniques, and can help serve to reset and inspire new approaches toward teaching. Each chapter outlines exercises and creative ideas for conductors and music teachers, including the importance of embedding problem solving into rehearsal, the use of multiple entry points for newly acquired information, techniques to encourage an emotional connection to the music, and ways to incorporate writing exercises into rehearsal. Additional topics include brain-compatible teaching strategies to complement thorough score study, the science behind motivation, the role imagination plays in teaching, the psychology of rehearsal, and conducting tips and advice. All of these brain-friendly strategies serve to encourage singers' active participation in rehearsals, with the goal of motivating beautiful, inspired, and memorable performances.
Brain network function and dysfunction is the dominant model for understanding how the brain gives rise to normal and abnormal behavior. Moreover, neuropsychiatric illnesses continue to resist attempts to reveal an understanding of their bases. Thus, this timely volume provides a synthesis of the uses of multiple analytic methods as they are applied to neuroimaging data, to seek understanding of the neurobiological bases of psychiatric illnesses, understanding that can subsequently aid in their management and treatment. A principle focus is on the analyses and application of methods to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. fMRI remains the most widely used neuroimaging technique for estimating brain network function, and several of the methods covered can estimate brain network dysfunction in resting and task-active states. Additional chapters provide details on how these methods are (and can be) applied in the understanding of several neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, autism, borderline personality disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A final complement of chapters provides a collective overview of how this framework continues to provoke theoretical advances in our conception of the brain in psychiatry. This unique volume is designed to be a comprehensive resource for imaging researchers interested in psychiatry, and for psychiatrists interested in advanced imaging applications.
This book will contain the proceedings of the XV International Symposium on Retinal Degeneration (RD2012). A majority of those who will speak and present posters at the meeting will contribute to this volume. The blinding diseases of inherited retinal degenerations have no treatments, and age-related macular degeneration has no cures, despite the fact that it is an epidemic among the elderly, with 1 in 3-4 affected by the age of 70. The RD Symposium will focus on the exciting new developments aimed at understanding these diseases and providing therapies for them. Since most major scientists in the field of retinal degenerations attend the biennial RD Symposia, they are known by most as the "best" and "most important" meetings in the field. The volume will present representative state-of-the-art research in almost all areas of retinal degenerations, ranging from cytopathologic, physiologic, diagnostic and clinical aspects; animal models; mechanisms of cell death; candidate genes, cloning, mapping and other aspects of molecular genetics; and developing potential therapeutic measures such as gene therapy and neuroprotective agents for potential pharmaceutical therapy. While advances in these areas of retinal degenerations will be described, there will be many new topics that either were in their infancy or did not exist at the time of the last RD Symposium, RD2010. These include the role of inflammation and immunity, as well as other basic mechanisms, in age-related macular degeneration, several new aspects of gene therapy, and revolutionary new imaging and functional testing that will have a huge impact on the diagnosis and following the course of retinal degenerations, as well as to provide new quantitative endpoints for clinical trials. The retina is an approachable part of the central nervous system (CNS), and there is a major interest in neuroprotective and gene therapy for CNS diseases and neurodegenerations, in general. It should be noted that with successful and exciting initial clinical trials in neuroprotective and gene therapy, including the restoration of sight in blind children, the retinal degeneration therapies are leading the way towards new therapeutic measures for neurodegenerations of the CNS. Many of the successes recently reported in these areas of retinal degeneration sprang from collaborations established at previous RD Symposia, and many of those will be reported at the RD2010 meeting and included in the proposed volume. We anticipate the excitement of those working in the field and those afflicted with retinal degenerations will be reflected in the volume.
In the past few years, the application of proteomics to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying (mal-)functioning of the nervous system and brain disorders has risen steeply, which in many cases has yielded novel insights. As neuroproteomics is a new research field involving the use of a number of high-end analytical instruments and technologies, both promises and pitfalls may not be well appreciated by the researchers, and the design of a proper proteomics experiment may not be obvious. "Neuroproteomics" brings together a collection of detailed protocols written by experienced professionals in the field in order to cover aspects of various dimensions of this new technology, together with some established methods that have supporting roles in the workflow of neuroproteomics. Written for the popular "Neuromethods" series, the chapters in this book contain step-by-step, easy to follow instruction along with practical tips and key implementation advice essential for successful implementation of the techniques. Authoritative and cutting-edge, "Neuroproteomics" will be of great assistance to all researchers seeking to design and execute their own proteomics experiments in an optimal way and continue moving forward this exciting area of study.
Phenotyping of Human iPSC-derived Neurons: Patient-Driven Research examines the steps in a preclinical pipeline that utilizes iPSC-derived neuronal technology to better understand neurological disorders and identify novel therapeutics, also providing considerations and best practices. By presenting example projects that identify phenotypes and mechanisms relevant to autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy, this book allows readers to understand what considerations are important to assess at the start of project design. Sections address reproducibility issues and advances in technology at each stage of the pipeline and provide suggestions for improvement. From patient sample collection and proper controls to neuronal differentiation, phenotyping, screening, and considerations for moving to the clinic, these detailed descriptions of each stage of the pipeline will help everyone, regardless of stage in the pipeline. In recent years, drug discovery in the neurosciences has struggled to identify novel therapeutics for patients with varying indications, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and psychosis. Current treatment options for such patients are decades old and offer little relief with many side effects. One explanation for this lull in novel therapeutics is a lack of novel target identification for neurological disorders (and target identification requires exemplar preclinical data). To improve on the preclinical work that often relies on rodent modeling, the field has begun utilizing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate neurons in vitro for preclinical characterization of neurological disease and target identification.
The 4th World Congress on Genetics, Geriatrics, and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research (GeNeDis 2020) focuses on the latest major challenges in scientific research, new drug targets, the development of novel biomarkers, new imaging techniques, novel protocols for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, and several other scientific advances, with the aim of better, safer, and healthier aging. The relation between genetics and its effect on several diseases are thoroughly examined in this volume. This volume focuses on the sessions from the conference on Genetics and Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Modern neuroscience has presented new opportunities for exploring the molecular and neural mechanisms controlling specific social responses. This book reviews insights into the neural circuits underlying a particularly fascinating form of social interaction, parental behavior. This book presents a detailed review of maternal and paternal behavior of particular mammalian species. It offer neuroscientists a spectrum of specific mammals that can be used as experimental models to explore particular topics on the functions of the nervous system. It shows that results coming from the laboratory can be translated into useful information for raising mammals on the farm, and it stimulates biologists to gain insights into the underpinnings of the complex mechanisms governing mammalian behavior in the wild. It also discusses the implications of this research for human parental behavior.
This book aims at providing insights into the collagen superfamily and the remarkable diversity of collagen function within the extracellular matrix. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying collagen-related diseases such as dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, osteogenesis imperfecta, as well as collagen-related myopathies and neurological disorders are discussed. Collagens are the most abundant extracellular matrix proteins in organisms. Their primary function is to provide structural support and strength to cells and to maintain biomechanical integrity of tissues. However, collagens can no longer be considered just as structural proteins. They can act as extracellular modulators of signaling events and serve critical regulatory roles in various cell functions during embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Furthermore, collagens are associated with a broad spectrum of heritability-related diseases known as "collagenopathies" that affect a multitude of organs and tissues including sensorial organs. The book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists, interested in extracellular matrix research. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and clinicians working on collagens and collagenopathies, giving them a broader view of the field beyond their area of specialization.
This updated edition collects cutting-edge techniques used to study neural stem and progenitor cells as well as the brain microenvironment. Featuring a wide range of technological advances in the study of neural stem cells, the volume highlights the promises of stem cell-based therapeutic applications for central nervous system ailments. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, Neural Progenitor Cells: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an invaluable resource for the next generation of neuroscientists as they develop innovative experimental paradigms and progress toward therapeutic applications in the field of neurobiology.
Autophagy Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia provides an overview for researchers and clinicians on the mechanisms involved in protein degradation in Alzheimer's. The book discusses the implication of autophagy dysfunction in these diseases and how it causes degenerated proteins, including aggregated tau and aggregated amyloid protein. Other sections explores the possibilities of potential drug development through autophagy modulation, making this a great resource on the study of how autophagy dysfunction has been linked to the accumulation of misfolded proteins that cause death of neurons in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Definition of the barrier The interstitial fluid (rSF) of the brain is separated from the blood by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier must not be thought of as a single entity or as an absolute restriction to all molecules, but as a multiple structure located at several sites within the brain. The first of these interfaces is located at the endothelium of the brain capillaries. Secondly there is a potential site for interchange on the outer linings of the brain between the dura and the arachnoid membranes. Thirdly, there are the choroid plexuses and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is in contact with the very permeable internal ependymal lining of the brain (Figure 1. 1). Finally there are areas of the brain which lack a blood-brain barrier. These areas constitute the circumventricu lar organs and have leaky capillaries with a barrier at the ependyma which limits the spread of molecules from those regions (Figure 1. 2). Each of these BBB sites has its own characteristic permeability and transport functions. We will now consider the properties of each of these barrier sites between the blood and the brain. THE CEREBRAL CAPILLARY ENDOTHELIUM Morphology This interface has both the largest surface area and the shortest path length between the blood and the brain rSF. The cerebral capillaries, which at first sight seem little different from the rest of the systemic circulation, are in fact unique to the brain."
Swearing, it turns out, is an incredibly useful part of our linguistic repertoire. Not only has some form of swearing existed since the earliest humans began to communicate, but it has been shown to reduce physical pain, help stroke victims recover their language, and encourage people to work together as a team. Swearing Is Good For You is a spirited and hilarious defence of our most cherished dirty words, backed by historical case studies and cutting-edge research. From chimpanzees creating their own curse words to a man who lost half his brain in a mining accident experiencing a new-found compulsion to swear, Dr Emma Byrne outlines the fascinating science behind swearing: how it affects us both physically and emotionally, and how it is more natural and beneficial than we are led to believe.
2 The role of Ca+ as an internal messenger in visual transduction of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms has been explored intensely in the recent past. Since the 2 early 1970s, calcium ions and cyclic GMP (whose levels are controlled by Ca+ in vertebrates) have been recognized as important second messengers. Particularly in 2 the last decade, however, the role of Ca+ in visual transduction has been re-evalu- ated and a proliferation of research has documented a multiplicity of roles. 2 It is now evident that Ca+ modulates phototransduction by acting at several 2 sites through a host of small Ca+ -binding proteins. For example, in phototransduction 2 of vertebrates, Ca+-free forms of guanylate cyclase activating proteins (GCAPs) activate guanylate cyclase, modulating levels of cOMP, a key event in the return of photoreceptors to pre-bleach conditions. Defects in genes encoding guanylate cy- clase or guanylate cyclase activating proteins lead to severe diseases of the retina (e. g. , Leber congenital amaurosis, rod/cone dystrophy, or cone dystrophy), thus em- phasizing the important role of these proteins in phototransduction. Similarly, mu- 2 tant genes encoding cation or Ca+ channels (cyclic nucleotide-gated cation chan- 2 nels located in the cell membrane and L-type voltage-gated Ca+ channels located at the synapse of photo receptors) lead to retinitis pigmentosa or congenital stationary night blindness. In phototransduction of invertebrate organisms (e. g. , Drosophila 2 and Limulus), the role of Ca+ is similarly central, but distinct, from that of vertebrates.
This detailed book focuses on cutting-edge methods for Parkinson's disease (PD) research, such as the analysis of the prion-like properties of -synuclein, mitochondrial functions related to the PINK1-Parkin pathway/CHCHD2, the endolysosome pathway related to LRRK2, VPS35, and ATP13A2 using cultured cells (including patient iPS cells), deep brain stimulation therapy, classic mitochondrial toxins related to PD, and genetic associations and screenings using mammalian and invertebrate genetic models of PD. The collection intends to serve as an introductory protocol book for basic research on PD pathogenesis. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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, Experimental Models of Parkinson's Disease is an ideal guide for researchers continuing to work toward making PD risk predictable and surmountable.
This book is a study of the ways in which Galen sought to establish the brain as the regent part (hegemonikon) of the body, utilising a rigorous anatomical epistemology and an often sophisticated (but perforce limited) set of physiological arguments Part One surveys the medical and philosophical past in which the study of the brain occured, and looks at the materials and methods which Galen employs to legitimate his hegemonic argumentation. Part Two examines Galen's anatomical understanding of the brain, especially the ventricles. Part Three offers a critical evaluation of Galen's physiolgy of the brain. This is the first monograph to offer a detailed account of this subject, setting it within the cultural and intellectual contexts of its era, and will be of interest to those in classics, medical history, history andphilosophy of science and the history of ideas.
This comprehensive volume is the first to specifically target developing, adult and diseased neural stem cells. It explores recent advances in the understanding of neural stem cell biology along with strategies that use these cells to tackle neurological diseases and brain aging. Ten inclusive chapters discuss a wide range of topics including neurogenesis, neurodegeneration, demyelinating disease, mood regulation, and spinal cord regeneration, among others. Written by world-renowned scientists in the field, Neural Stem Cells in Development, Adulthood and Disease presents cutting-edge studies of interest to both established neurogenesis researchers and readers with general interests in nervous system science. It is an authoritative addition to the Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine series.
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.
This book explores the methodological strategies for linking philosophy and neuroscience concerning the study of the conscious brain. The author focuses on four distinct methods for relating these two academic disciplines: isolationist, reductionist, neurophenomenological, and non-reductionist. After analyzing the pros and cons of these approaches, Steven S. Gouveia applies them to the concept of Qualia and Information to understand how the metaphilosophical assumptions of each approach influence the definitions of those specific concepts. Gouveia argues for an approach that conceives the interdisciplinarity of both philosophy and neuroscience, in a particular and sound methodology, offering empirical examples of the explanatory power of this methodology over the others. Additionally, he shows how the metaphilosophical assumptions of each methodology-usually taken by researchers implicitly and unconsciously-influence their own approach to the methodological problem. |
You may like...
The Complete Sportsman - a Compendious…
Thomas Burgeland Johnson
Paperback
R535
Discovery Miles 5 350
Advances in Intelligent Tutoring Systems
Roger Nkambou, Riichiro Mizoguchi, …
Hardcover
R5,252
Discovery Miles 52 520
|