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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Neurosciences
Cutting edge technologies can propel a simple finding in basic science to a concept that can be of immense value to the society. While applying novel techniques to unravel the mysteries of biological processes, an offshoot of applied branch emerged. This field, which is now widely referred to as Translational Research utilizes basic science findings and translates these findings into innovative concepts for the benefit of mankind. This branch of science has evolved into a multidisciplinary juggernaut encompassing all known fields of science as varied as biomedicine, environment, law, economics, sociology, etc. With the ever increasing interest in this branch and the dreams and aspirations that this field can bring, basic science researchers are now taking a bold step into this new realm, merging different fields of knowledge to come up with novel inventions. This book "Translational research in environmental and occupational stress" provides and insight into the research that led to discoveries, inventions and development of novel technologies which will have a tremendous impact on the future of mankind.
Much has been discovered in recent years about the way in which our visual system copes with very low light levels. This detailed and up-to-date book describes the light and dark adaptation of receptoral and post-receptoral mechanisms from a number of perspectives. The authors emphasise the importance of the study of achromatopsia, a rare congenital condition in which the visual mechanisms that mediate day vision are absent whilst those that mediate night vision remain intact, in isolating those parts of the visual apparatus which are normally associated with night vision. In addition, there is a comprehensive review of those ocular conditions which involve a loss of night vision. The final section of the book discusses the various types of night-viewing instruments presently available, against the backdrop of what limits night vision in normal observers. Contributions from many of the world's leading experts in vision research makes this unique volume essential reading for all those with an interest in night vision, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, neurologists, physiologists and psychologists.
The molecular genetics of the cholinergic system including both muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, cholinesterases, acetylcholine synthesis and release have provided significant insights into potential targeting for pharmacological intervention. Cholinergic drugs are being used or evaluated for the treatment of diseases. Thus, this volume aims to broaden our understanding of the current state of cholinergic mechanisms to enable implementation of novel approaches for the development of more effective treatments.
The Clinical Neuroscience of Lateralization gives the first comprehensive transdiagnostic overview of the evidence for changes in hemispheric asymmetries in different psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Taking a multidisciplinary perspective informed by both basic science and clinical studies, the authors integrate recent breakthroughs on hemispheric asymmetries in psychology, neuroscience, genetics and comparative research. They give a general introduction to hemispheric asymmetries and the techniques used to assess them, and review the evidence for changes in hemispheric asymmetries in different psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The book also discusses neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis and highlights the importance of open science in clinical laterality research. Offering a fresh perspective on a longstanding issue in clinical neuroscience, this book will be of great interest for academics, researchers, and students in the fields of clinical and developmental neuroscience, biopsychology and neuropsychology.
This book, together with the next two volumes to follow, offers the scientific community the works and thoughts of Santiago Ram n y Cajal. The text is a faithful rendition of the original Spanish version, with additional facts taken from the French translation. Both of these are currently quoted an average of 200 times a year in the scientific literature. This collection will represent the "definitive Cajal" for scientists and scholars interested in the original thoughts of probably the most prominent neuroscientist of all time.
Although pain is widely recognized by clinicians and researchers as an experience, pain is always felt in a patient-specific way rather than experienced for what it objectively is, making perceived meaning important in the study of pain. The book contributors explain why meaning is important in the way that pain is felt and promote the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods to study meanings of pain. For the first time in a book, the study of the meanings of pain is given the attention it deserves. All pain research and medicine inevitably have to negotiate how pain is perceived, how meanings of pain can be described within the fabric of a person's life and neurophysiology, what factors mediate them, how they interact and change over time, and how the relationship between patient, researcher, and clinician might be understood in terms of meaning. Though meanings of pain are not intensively studied in contemporary pain research or thoroughly described as part of clinical assessment, no pain researcher or clinician can avoid asking questions about how pain is perceived or the types of data and scientific methods relevant in discovering the answers.
As plants see it, humans are not the masters of the Earth but only one of its most unpleasant and irksome residents. They have been on the planet for only about 300,000 years ago (nothing compared to the three billon years of plant evolution), yet have changed the conditions of the planet so drastically as to make it a dangerous place for their own survival. It's time for the plants to offer advice. In this playful, philosophical manifesto, Stefano Mancuso, expert on plant intelligence, presents a new constitution on which to build our future as beings respectful of the Earth and its inhabitants. These eight articles - the fundamental pillars on which plant life is based - must henceforth regulate all living beings.
Techniques u-r the neurosciences are evolving rapidly. There are currently very few volumes dedicated to the methodology - ployed by neuroscrentists, and those that are available often seem either out of date or limited in scope This series is about the methods most widely used by modern-day neuroscrentrsts and 1s written by their colleagues who are practicing experts Volume 1 will be useful to all neuroscientists since it concerns those procedures used routinely across the widest range of subdiscrplines Collectmg these general techmques together in a single volume strikes us not only as a service, but will no doubt prove of exceptronal utilrtarian value as well Volumes 2 and 3 - scribe all current procedures for the analyses of ammes and their metabolrtes and of ammo acids, respectively. These collectrons will clearly be of value to all neuroscrentrsts working m or contemplating research in those fields. Similar reasons exist for Volume 4 on receptor bmdmg techniques since experimental - tails are provided for all types of lrgand-receptor binding, including chapters on general principles, drug discovery and - velopment, and a most useful appendix on computer programs for Scatchard, nonlinear, and competitrve displacement analyses. Volume 5 provides procedures for the assessment of enzymes- volved m brogemc amme synthesis and catabolrsm. Volumes in the NEUROMETHODS series will be useful to neurochemists, -pharmacologists, -physrologrsts, -anatomrsts, psychopharmacologrsts, psychratrrsts, neurologrsts, and chemists (organic, analytrcal, pharmaceutrcal, medicinal), m fact, everyone involved m the neurosciences, both basic and clinical.
In the last few years, technologies that allow for monitoring and manipulating neuronal networks at a single cell resolution have been rapidly expanding. In Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches, experts in the field provide an overview of some of the most advanced techniques for the study of neuronal circuits, highlighting current technical limitations and providing a vision of what is yet to come. Broken into six convenient, interdependent section, this volume covers optical approaches, electrophysiological approaches, both in vitro and in vivo, optogenetics, morpho-functional approaches, and neuronal network analysis in humans. As a volume in the Neuromethods series, this work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches will be useful for early career neuroscientists, as well as for experienced neuroscientists, by providing a practical framework for studying the brain as an organ while maintaining an appreciation for its cellular diversity.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The use of genetic animal models in neuroscience and biomedical research is showing dramatic growth. The earliest application of these models to research on drug mechanisms was in the area of alcohol research. Mardones (1951) reported successful selective breeding of rats preferring and not preferring to drink alcohol under various conditions of dietary deficiency, suggesting genetic control of alcohol drinking. McClearn and Rodgers (1959, 1961) described differences among inbred mouse strains in preference for 10Ofo ethanol solutions versus tap water. Active exploration of this phenomenon continued until the early 1970s, eventually spawning the entire range of alcohol genetic research reviewed in Chapters 2 and 3 of this volume. Notably, oral alcohol self-administration has served as the basis for the development of several rat lines bred for preference or aversion, and these lines are very actively being investigated. The pioneering research of Dr. McClearn and others was very wide ranging in its conceptual scope and at least touched on all issues currently under intense investigation. The basic approach was to identify high and low preferrers among inbred strains of mice and to search for preference correlates in other traits. One major thrust of early research was to attempt to explain strain differences in preference as a function of underlying differences in patterns of caloric utilization. Reviews of these studies concluded that nutritional factors could not completely explain preference differences (Rod gers, 1966; McClearn, 1968)."
Written by a single author in a clear and consistent writing style, presents a logical and easy to follow discussion about each phase of neural development Presents an accessible approach to developmental neurobiology for students who do not have an extensive background in neuroscience or cell and molecular biology Clear, informative, and easy-to-follow illustrations support the concepts presented in the text Highlights neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders where relevant and therapeutic approaches to neurological diseases
Cochlear implants are currently the standard treatment for profound sensorineural hearing loss. In the last decade, advances in auditory science and technology have not only greatly expanded the utility of electric stimulation to other parts of the auditory nervous system in addition to the cochlea, but have also demonstrated drastic changes in the brain in responses to electric stimulation, including changes in language development and music perception. Volume 20 of SHAR focused on basic science and technology underlying the cochlear implant. However, due to the newness of the ideas and technology, the volume did not cover any emerging applications such as bilateral cochlear implants, combined acoustic-electric stimulation, and other types of auditory prostheses, nor did it review brain plasticity in responses to electric stimulation and its perceptual and language consequences. This proposed volume takes off from Volume 20, and expands the examination of implants into new and highly exciting areas. This edited book starts with an overview and introduction by Dr. Fan-Gang Zeng. Chapters 2-9 cover technological development and the advances in treating the full spectrum of ear disorders in the last ten years. Chapters 10-15 discuss brain responses to electric stimulation and their perceptual impact. This volume is particularly exciting because there have been quantum leap from the traditional technology discussed in Volume 20. Thus, this volume is timely and will be of real importance to the SHAR audience.
Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans, affecting 360 million persons worldwide. In parallel, tinnitus disorder, the perception of a phantom sound often described as a ringing or buzzing, affects around 10-15% of the general population and interferes with daily life. Hyperacusis, defined as a hypersensitivity to moderate-intensity sounds often co-occurs with tinnitus suggesting a common mechanism of dysfunction for these two perceptual disorders. Whereas some drug candidates are in the process of being developed, nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure hearing loss and tinnitus. The topic of this book was selected with the goal of emphasizing mechanisms that induce hearing loss and tinnitus which lead the selection of promising targets for hearing disorder treatment. Hair cells (HC) are the sensory cells of the inner ear required for both auditory and vestibular functions in all vertebrates. HC are progressively lost during ageing and they are in addition sensitive to physical and acoustic traumas, infectious diseases and chemicals present in commonly used treatments such as anticancer, antimalarial or antibiotics. As adult mammals--including humans--cannot regenerate dead HC, all the possible injury could result in irreversible and permanent hearing loss. It has been shown, however, that a limited capacity to regenerate HC exists in mouse at an early stage of development. The regenerative capacity of HC then appears simply "repressed" in adult mammals, and one could expect it will be possible to re-activate it with an appropriate therapeutic approach which is still to be defined. Immune-mediated inner ear disease has been introduced and accepted as one SNHL pathophysiology; it responds to immunosuppressive therapy and is one of the few reversible forms of bilateral SNHL. Macrophages are always present in the spiral ligament of the lateral wall and are activated in response to various types of stimuli, including noise exposure, ischemia, mitochondrial damage, and surgical stress. Recent studies have also revealed another type of immune cell, called perivascular melanocyte-like macrophages (PVM/Ms), in the stria vascularis. The book will include a review of inflammatory/immune cells in the cochlear lateral wall, the pathways involved in cochlear damage and their potential as therapeutic targets. The final chapter provides an overview of current animal model of tinnitus and hyperacusis. Nowadays no effective treatment exists to cure tinnitus and hyperacusis. One major obstacle to arises from the fact that tinnitus is a subjective phenomenon, the only possible diagnosis relies on self-reports of the subjects. The main constraint of the use of animal models is the subjective character of tinnitus. This chapter describe the advancement in animal models which play an important role in revealing the underlying mechanisms and treatment for tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mood disorders, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, alcoholism, substance abuse and others are some of the most debilitating illnesses worldwide characterized by the complexity of causes, and lacking the laboratory tests that may promote diagnostic and prognostic procedures. Recent advances in neuroscience, genomic, genetic, proteomic and metabolomic knowledge and technologies have opened the way to searching biomarkers and endophenotypes, which may offer powerful and exciting opportunities to understand the etiology and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. The challenge now is to translate these advances into meaningful diagnostic and therapeutic advances. This book offers a broad synthesis of the current knowledge about diverse topics of the biomarker and endophenotype strategies in neuropsychiatry. The book is organized into four interconnected volumes: Neuropsychological Endophenotypes and Biomarkers (with overview of methodological issues of the biomarker and endophenotype approaches in neuropsychiatry and some technological advances), Neuroanatomical and Neuroimaging Endophenotypes and Biomarkers, Metabolic and Peripheral Biomarkers and Molecular Genetic and Genomic Markers . The contributors are internationally and nationally recognized researchers and experts from 16 countries. This four-volume handbook is intended for a broad spectrum of readers including neuroscientists, psychiatrists, neurologists, endocrinologists, pharmacologists, clinical psychologists, general practitioners, geriatricians, health care providers in the field of neurology and mental health interested in trends that have crystallized in the last decade, and trends that can be expected to further evolve in the coming years. It is hoped that this book will also be a useful resource for the teaching of psychiatry, neurology, psychology and mental health. "
This book considers a relatively new metric in complex systems, transfer entropy, derived from a series of measurements, usually a time series. After a qualitative introduction and a chapter that explains the key ideas from statistics required to understand the text, the authors then present information theory and transfer entropy in depth. A key feature of the approach is the authors' work to show the relationship between information flow and complexity. The later chapters demonstrate information transfer in canonical systems, and applications, for example in neuroscience and in finance. The book will be of value to advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers in the areas of computer science, neuroscience, physics, and engineering.
This book reviews cutting-edge developments in neural signalling processing (NSP), systematically introducing readers to various models and methods in the context of NSP. Neuronal Signal Processing is a comparatively new field in computer sciences and neuroscience, and is rapidly establishing itself as an important tool, one that offers an ideal opportunity to forge stronger links between experimentalists and computer scientists. This new signal-processing tool can be used in conjunction with existing computational tools to analyse neural activity, which is monitored through different sensors such as spike trains, local filed potentials and EEG. The analysis of neural activity can yield vital insights into the function of the brain. This book highlights the contribution of signal processing in the area of computational neuroscience by providing a forum for researchers in this field to share their experiences to date.
The main substance of the present book concerns comparative neurobehavioral and clinical studies germane to evolutionary considerations. Here the evidence, along with other considerations, seems to present an surmountable obstacle to our ever obtaining confidence in scientific or other intellectual beliefs---a confidence that is essential to make it worthwhile to pursue a search for the meaning of life. If the reader were able to contradict or circumvent the interpretations that have been reached in this respect, that would be a contribution of endless value.
The current demand for the development of techniques for controlled genetic manipulations is driven by the anatomical and physiological complexity of the brain and by the need for experimental models that can address this complexity through selective manipulation of defined components of the system: specific neuronal populations or selected synapses. In Controlled Genetic Manipulations, expert researchers present detailed chapters to supply basic technical information about controlled genetic manipulations and to provide examples of creative implementation of this methodology when addressing a unique biological problem. Some chapters of the book describe the most recent developments in the basic methodology, which includes use of Cre-recombinase, methods for delivery of genetic material into the brain and the use of optogenetics, whereas other chapters focus on applying these techniques to addressing particular biological questions like structural and functional mapping of neuronal circuits, analysis of specific synaptic connections, modeling or gene therapy of neurological disorders. As part of the Neuromethods series, chapters include key implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and practical, Controlled Genetic Manipulations serves as a valuable guide to a variety of techniques, provided by many of the pioneers of the approaches.
Transforming Learning Through Tangible Instruction offers a transformative, student-centered approach to higher education pedagogy that integrates embodied cognition into classroom practice. Evidence across disciplines makes clear that people learn with their bodies as well as their brains, but no previous book has provided evidence-based guidance for adopting and refining its practice in colleges and universities. Collecting findings from cognitive science, educational neuroscience, learning theories, and beyond, this volume's unique approach-radical yet practical, effective yet low-cost-will have profound implications for higher education faculty and administrators engaged in teaching and learning. Seven concise chapters explore how physical objects, hands-on making, active construction, and other elements of body and environment can enhance comprehension, memory, and individual and collaborative learning.
Borkovec and Masler's timely new volume-Insect Neurochemistry and
Neurophysiology a [ 1989-provides a wide-ranging survey of
forefront research in every key area of insect neuroscience by
contributors who are internationally renowned authorities in their
fields.
A few disorders have some of the same symptoms as schizophrenia including schizoaffective disorders, schizophreniform disorder, schizotypal and schizoid personality disorders, delusional disorder, and autism (schizophrenia spectrum disorders). Since the 2000 there has been significant progress in our understanding of the early presentations, assessment, suspected neuropathology, and treatment of these disorders. Recent technological breakthroughs in basic sciences hold promise for advancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. This collective monograph reviewers recent researches regarding the origins, onset, course, and outcome of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In particular, this book will be illustrate new developments in terms of conceptual models, and research methodology, genetics and genomics, brain imaging and neurochemical studies, neurophysiology and information processing in schizophrenia spectrum disorders patients. Also will be highlighted new developments in our understanding of the childhood psychosis, prodromal and first-episode states, in treatment and rehabilitation. Thus, the purpose of this book is to provide up-to-date overview of the rapid advances made in the clinical and basic science studies supporting our understanding of the relationship between cerebral processes and clinical, cognitive and other presentations of the schizophrenia spectrum disorders. In addition, this book aims to monitor important research developments, which may be relevant to treatment, and rehabilitation of patients.
This volume provides an empirical and conceptual overview of advances in our understanding of impulsivity and impulsive behaviors. Prominent scientists review the range of behavioral phenomena referred to as 'impulsive', as well as the defining features and psychological, neurocognitive and behavioral processes that underlie of the manifestation of impulsive behaviors, focussing on progress made and the questions remaining to be answered.
Morphological, physiological and pathological evidence demonstrates that ner- vous and immune systems interact not only in maintaining brain homeostasis, but also in causing neurological diseases. The studyofthese interactions repre- sents the basis on which neuroimmunologyhas grown during the years. At pre- sent, several neurological diseases are recognized to be caused by a derange- ment of the immune system in either its regulatory or effector functions. The main scope ofthis book, to discuss how an unbalanced immune system maylead to immune-mediated neurological diseases, is achieved in three parts. The first part provides an overview on how the immune system works. This is propaedeutical to understanding interactions between the immune and ner- vous systems, which are discussed in the second part. The third part of the book focuses on one particular area of neuroimmunology, the immune disor- ders leading to the damage of central and peripheral myelin. Given the opportunity to review first the immune system in itself and then how it operates during immune-mediated demyelinating disorders, we have tried to provide the reader with a basis for clearly understanding how interac- tions between the immune and nervous systems can be protective or pathoge- nic. This knowledge is a prerequisite for a rationale immune intervention tar- geting these disorders.
The discovery of adult neurogenesis caused a paradigm shift in the neurosciences. For more than 100 years, it was believed that adult neurons do not regenerate. Joseph Altman and Fernando Nottebohm found proof to the contrary and changed the course of history. Their research, included here, provides the foundations of the field. Today, adult neurogenesis is a rapidly expanding discipline applicable to the study of brain development and diseases, learning and memory, aging, and neuropsychiatric disorders. With multiple authors, the 27 chapters of this book contain the latest work in two volumes. The first presents the basic biology of adult neurogenesis in non-mammalian vertebrates and in the mammalian hippocampus and olfactory bulb, and the second discusses clinical implications and delves into adult neurogenesis and brain injury as well as neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric pathologies. With details of the anatomy, physiology, and molecular biology of the two neurogenic brain regions, this book provides indispensable knowledge for many areas of neuroscience and for experimental and clinical applications of adult neurogenesis to brain therapy.
This book provides an overview of fetal psychobiological research, focusing on brain and behavior, genetic and epigenetic factors affecting both short and long-term development, and technological breakthroughs in the field. These focal points intersect throughout the chapters, as in the challenges of evaluating the fetal central nervous system, the myriad impacts of maternal stressors and resiliencies, and the salience of animal studies. It also discusses specific monitoring and assessment methods, including cardiotocography, biomagnetometry, 4D ultrasound, in utero MRI, and the KANET test. Spanning assessment, identification, and pre- and postnatal intervention, the book weighs the merits of standardized evaluations and argues for more integrative research in the future. Included in the coverage: Effects on the fetus of maternal anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy. Clinical and experimental research in human fetuses and animal models. Observational research including the use of behaviors in developing tests to assess fetal health. Fetal auditory processing and implications for language development. Fetal effects of prenatal exposure to selective SRI antidepressant exposure. Structural and functional imaging of the prenatal brain. The effects of alcohol exposure on fetal development. Fetal Development: Research on Brain and Behavior, Environmental Influences, and Emerging Technologies is an essential resource for researchers, clinicians and related professionals, as well as students in a wide range of fields such as developmental psychology, pediatric and obstetrical medicine, neuroscience, nursing, social work, and early childhood education. |
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