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Networks of the Brain
by Olaf SpornsOver the last decade, the study of complex networks has expanded across diverse scientific fields. Increasingly, science is concerned with the structure, behavior, and evolution of complex systems ranging from cells to ecosystems. Modern network approaches are beginning to reveal fundamental principles of brain architecture and function, and in Networks of the Brain, Olaf Sporns describes how the integrative nature of brain function can be illuminated from a complex network perspective. Highlighting the many emerging points of contact between neuroscience and network science, the book serves to introduce network theory to neuroscientists and neuroscience to those working on theoretical network models. Brain networks span the microscale of individual cells and synapses and the macroscale of cognitive systems and embodied cognition. Sporns emphasizes how networks connect levels of organization in the brain and how they link structure to function. In order to keep the book accessible and focused on the relevance to neuroscience of network approaches, he offers an informal and nonmathematical treatment of the subject. After describing the basic concepts of network theory and the fundamentals of brain connectivity, Sporns discusses how network approaches can reveal principles of brain architecture. He describes new links between network anatomy and function and investigates how networks shape complex brain dynamics and enable adaptive neural computation. The book documents the rapid pace of discovery and innovation while tracing the historical roots of the field. The study of brain connectivity has already opened new avenues of study in neuroscience. Networks of the Brain offers a synthesis of the sciences of complex networks and the brain that will be an essential foundation for future research.
Networks of the Brain
by Olaf SpornsAn integrative overview of network approaches to neuroscience explores the origins of brain complexity and the link between brain structure and function.Over the last decade, the study of complex networks has expanded across diverse scientific fields. Increasingly, science is concerned with the structure, behavior, and evolution of complex systems ranging from cells to ecosystems. In Networks of the Brain, Olaf Sporns describes how the integrative nature of brain function can be illuminated from a complex network perspective. Highlighting the many emerging points of contact between neuroscience and network science, the book serves to introduce network theory to neuroscientists and neuroscience to those working on theoretical network models. Sporns emphasizes how networks connect levels of organization in the brain and how they link structure to function, offering an informal and nonmathematical treatment of the subject. Networks of the Brain provides a synthesis of the sciences of complex networks and the brain that will be an essential foundation for future research.
Networks, Knowledge Brokers, and the Public Policymaking Process
by Matthew S. Weber Itzhak YanovitzkySocial network analysis provides a meaningful lens for advancing a more nuanced understanding of the communication networks and practices that bring together policy advocates and practitioners in their day-to-day efforts to broker evidence into policymaking processes. This book advances knowledge brokerage scholarship and methodology as applied to policymaking contexts, focusing on the ways in which knowledge and research are utilized, and go on to influence policy and practice decisions across domains, including communication, health and education. There is a growing recognition that knowledge brokers – key intermediaries – have an important role in calling attention to research evidence that can facilitate the successful implementation of evidence-informed policies and practices. The chapters in this volume focus explicitly on the history of knowledge brokerage research in these contexts and the frameworks and methodologies that bridge these disparate domains. The contributors to this volume offer useful typologies of knowledge brokerage and explicate the range of causal mechanisms that enable knowledge brokers’ influence on policymaking. The work included in this volume responds to this emerging interest by comparing, assessing, and delineating social network approaches to knowledge brokerage across domains. The book is a useful resource for students and scholars of social network analysis and policymaking, including in health, communication, public policy and education policy.
Netzwerke in der stationären Altenhilfe: Eine empirische Analyse im Kontext der Quartiersöffnung
by Bernadette OhnesorgeIm Zuge des demografischen Wandels müssen neue Versorgungskonzepte im Bereich der Altenhilfe entwickelt werden, die den Sozialraum und das Quartier in den Fokus nehmen. Den Einrichtungen der stationären Altenhilfe kommt hierbei eine besondere Rolle zu, müssen sie doch einen Wechsel vollziehen von einer Einrichtung, die den Exklusionserwartungen der Gesellschaft entspricht, hin zu einer Institution, die aktiv Inklusion fördert und Teilhabeoptionen eröffnet. Dieser Paradigmenwechsel kann jedoch nur gelingen, wenn eine Einbettung in ein Netzwerk lokaler Akteure erfolgt, welches von Kontinuität und Belastbarkeit geprägt ist, da die Bedarfe und Bedürfnisse der Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner nicht mehr, wie bisher, an einem Ort, dem Pflegeheim, sondern im Quartierskontext befriedigt werden müssen. Die empirische Studie setzt sich deshalb mit der Frage auseinander, wie diese Netzwerke strukturiert sein müssen, damit eine verlässliche Unterstützung gewährleistet werden kann. In diesem Kontext werden in zwei Fallstudien und 23 Interviewanalysen die Perspektiven der Kooperationspartner aus unterschiedlichen gesellschaftlichen Feldern mit Hilfe qualitativer Methoden der Pflege- und Sozialforschung untersucht und netzwerkanalytisch eingeordnet.
Neue Infektionskrankheiten in Deutschland und Europa (essentials)
by Patric U. Vogel Günter A. SchaubIn diesem essential werden Infektionskrankheiten des Menschen und der Tiere vorgestellt, die in Deutschland und Europa auftreten bzw. endemisch werden können. Dazu zählen aktuelle Gefahren, Afrikanische Schweinepest, Vogelgrippe und COVID-19. Daneben wird die Biologie von Mücken beschrieben. Globalisierung und Erderwärmung begünstigen die Ansiedlung von neuen Mückenarten, die Viren der Tropen und Subtropen übertragen können, z.B. Chikungunya-, Dengue- und West-Nil-Virus. Das veterinärmedizinisch relevante Schmallenberg-Virus zeigt, wie rasant sich neue Erreger in Europa ausbreiten.
Neue Medien und kindliche Entwicklung: Ein Überblick für Therapeuten, Pädagogen und Pädiater (essentials)
by Martina Zemp Guy BodenmannDieses Essential zeigt, welche Konsequenzen die Nutzung von Fernseher, Computer und Internet für Kinder und Jugendliche hat - und was Fachleute Eltern raten können. Aus wissenschaftlicher Perspektive wird deutlich, dass die Nutzung von gewaltbetonten Medien ein Prädiktor für aggressives Verhalten bei Heranwachsenden ist, neuen Medien ein Suchtpotenzial innewohnt und exzessive Mediennutzung den kindlichen Schulleistungen abträglich sein kann. Entscheidend sind jedoch die Häufigkeit der Nutzung und der Medieninhalt. Vor diesem Hintergrund stehen Eltern in der Pflicht, klare Strukturen bezüglich Form, Inhalt und Dauer der Mediennutzung ihrer Kinder durchzusetzen.
Neue Technologien und digitale Anwendungen in der Diabetestherapie (essentials)
by Sebastian PetryTechnische Hilfsmittel wie Insulinpumpen, Glukosesensoren, Smartpens und digitale Anwendungen sind unverzichtbare Säulen der modernen Diabetestherapie geworden. Systeme zur automatisierten Insulinzufuhr sorgen dafür, dass die Behandlung mit dem lebenswichtigen Insulin automatisiert erfolgt. Dies birgt große Chancen und stellt eine enorme Unterstützung für Menschen mit Diabetes dar. Zugleich gibt es Fallstricke und neue Herausforderungen für Betroffene und ihre Behandler*innen. Dieses essential beschreibt übersichtlich die Historie der Hilfsmittel, aktuelle Möglichkeiten und zukünftige Entwicklungen.
Neues Entgeltsystem in der Psychiatrie und Psychosomatik
by Frank Studenski Mario C. Birr René BertonMit der Verabschiedung des § 17d des Krankenhausentgeltgesetzes zur "Einführung eines pauschalierenden Entgeltsystems für psychiatrische und psychosomatische Einrichtungen" im Jahre 2009 wurde ein Systemwechsel der Vergütungsform und der Fallabbildung der psychiatrischen und psychosomatischen stationären Versorgung in Gang gesetzt. Die Autoren - allesamt erfahrede Managementmitarbeiter aus dem Gesundheitswesen - schildern ihre Erfahrungen bei der Entwicklung und Umsetzung der neuen Anforderungen an die Kliniken in der Einführungsphase. Das Ziel der Kosten- und Leistungstransparenz geht einher mit einem hohen Dokumentationsaufwand, der eine Reorganisation des Behandlungsmanagements und des Therapiealltags seitens der Leistungserbringer und der ökonomischen wie der personellen Führung mit sich bringt. Das neue Vergütungssystem für den Bereich der Psychiatrie und Psychosomatik soll ab 2013 optional und ab 2014 für alle Einrichtungen nach § 17d gelten. Zur Zielgruppe dieses Buches gehören die Entscheidungs- sowie die ausführenden Ebenen der betroffenen Gesundheitsunternehmen.
Neugestaltung des Gesundheitssystems: Wie man die Gesundheitsversorgung personenzentriert, gerecht und nachhaltig gestaltet
by Joachim P. SturmbergDieser zukunftsweisende Band fordert Fachleute und interessierte Laien dazu auf, unsere Sichtweise von Gesundheit und Wohlbefinden, krank fühlen und krank sein sowie die Ziele von Gesundheits- und Sozialsystemen zu überdenken. Das Buch betrachtet Gesundheitssysteme als komplexe adaptive Systeme und identifiziert die Gesundheitsversorgung als einen zentralen Aspekt der sozialen Versorgung und Sicherheit für alle Menschen, insbesondere für die Schwächsten. Darauf aufbauend skizziert der Autor die notwendigen organisatorischen, gestalterischen, medizinischen und kommunalen Schritte zum Aufbau von Gesundheitssystemen, die die Gesundheitsversorgung als Menschenrecht betrachten und praktizieren und langfristig eine optimale Versorgung gewährleisten können. Ausführliche Illustrationen veranschaulichen die effektive Zusammenarbeit bei der Problemlösung innerhalb dieser Systeme, sowohl in faszinierenden theoretischen Modellen als auch in der realen Welt.Höhepunkte der Berichterstattung:- System- und Komplexitätsdenken in der Gesundheit und Gesundheitsversorgung- Neugestaltung auf der Grundlage von "ersten Prinzipien"- Neugestaltung aus einer organisatorischen Perspektive- Effektives und effizientes Zusammenarbeiten, um ein gemeinsames Ziel zu erreichen- Analyse der "Funktionsweise" von Gesundheitssystemen als komplexe adaptive Systeme- Personenzentrierte, gerechte und nachhaltige Gesundheitssysteme: das Ziel erreichenDie Neugestaltung von Gesundheitssystemen verleiht den drängendsten Problemen bei der Erbringung von Gesundheitsdienstleistungen eine Stimme und eine Vision und bietet Entscheidungsträgern in der Gesundheitspolitik, Finanziers des Gesundheitswesens, Organisationsleitern, Klinikern und besorgten Mitgliedern der lokalen Gemeinschaft neue Ziele und Zwecke.
Neugierig altern und gut leben: Offen – lebendig – lebensfroh
by Sven SeiboldSie leben 20 Jahre länger als frühere Generationen. Dieses Sachbuch hilft Ihnen, die gewonnenen Jahre zu nutzen und Ihr Leben im Alter aktiv zu gestalten. Unterscheiden Sie zwischen den Veränderungen, die Sie aktiv beeinflussen können, und solchen, an die Sie sich geschickt anpassen sollten. Ihre Lebensqualität im Alter ist höher, wenn Sie bewusst entscheiden, was gutes Leben für Sie persönlich bedeutet – jenseits von gesellschaftlichen Störfeuern wie Jugendwahn oder Altersdiskriminierung. Das Buch hilft, im Alter lebendig, neugierig und lebensfroh zu bleiben. Aus dem Inhalt: Versöhnen Sie sich mit Ihrer Biografie – gehen Sie respektvoll mit sich um. Orientieren Sie sich an positiven Vorbildern – gutes Altern kann man lernen. Bleiben Sie neugierig – lassen sich von den Chancen des Alters inspirieren. Steigern Sie Ihre Lebensfreude im Alter. Seien Sie fürsorglich zu sich – bleiben Sie körperlich, geistig, emotional und sozial gesund. Treffen Sie wichtige Entscheidungen selbst. Über den Autor: Sven Seibold ist Psychologe und Professor für Wirtschaftspsychologie an der Hochschule Hannover. Seine Arbeitsschwerpunkte sind Entscheidungen, Stress und Persönlichkeit. Er interessiert sich dafür, wie Menschen denken und fühlen, sowie dafür, warum sich Menschen so oft irrational verhalten und wie man das verändern kann. In vielen seiner Arbeiten geht es um Unterschiede zwischen Menschen und darum, wie Menschen lernen, klug zu entscheiden und sich an Veränderungen geschickt anzupassen.
Neural Assemblies: An Alternative Approach to Classical Artificial Intelligence
by Günther PalmIn the new edition of Neural Assemblies, the author places his original ideas and motivations within the framework of modern and cognitive neuroscience and gives a short and focused overview of the development of computational neuroscience and artificial neural networks over the last 40 years. In this book the author develops a theory of how the human brain might function. Starting with a motivational introduction to the brain as an organ of information processing, he presents a computational perspective on the basic concepts and ideas of neuroscience research on the underlying principles of brain function. In addition, the reader is introduced to the most important methods from computer science and mathematical modeling that are required for a computational understanding of information processing in the brain. Written by an expert in the field of neural information processing, this book offers a personal historical view of the development of artificial intelligence, artificial neural networks, and computational cognitive neuroscience over the last 40 years, with a focus on the realization of higher cognitive functions rather than more peripheral sensory or motor organization. The book is therefore aimed at students and researchers who want to understand how the basic neuroscientific and computational concepts in the study of brain function have changed over the last decades.
Neural Cell Biology
by Cheng Wang William Slikker Jr.This book delineates how systems biology, pharmacogenomic, and behavioral approaches, as applied to neurodevelopmental toxicology, provide a structure to arrange information in a biological model. The text reviews and discusses approaches that can be used as effective tools to dissect mechanisms underlying pharmacological and toxicological phenomena associated with the exposure to drugs or environmental toxicants during development. The book intends to elaborate functional outcomes of component-to-component relationships using rodent and nonhuman primate in vitro and in vivo models that allow for the directional and quantitative description of the complete organism in response to environmental perturbations. In addition, attention has also been directed to some of the more recent methodologies, including genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, applied in the evolutionary neurobiological field.
Neural Circuits of Innate Behaviors (Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology #1284)
by Hao WangThis book summarizes the latest research findings in the neurocircuitry of innate behaviors, covering major topics such as innate fear, aggression, feeding, reward, social interaction, parental care, spatial navigation, and sleep-wake regulation. For decades, humans have been fascinated by wild animals’ instincts, like the annual two-thousand-mile migration of the monarch butterfly in North American, and the “imprint” behavior of newborn birds. Since these instincts are always displayed in stereotypical patterns in most individuals of a given species, the neural circuits processing such behaviors must be genetically hard-wired in the brain. Recently, with the development of modern techniques, including optogenetics, retrograde and anterograde virus tracing, and in vivo calcium imaging, researchers have been able to determine and dissect the specific neural circuits for many innate behaviors by selectively manipulating well-defined cell types in the brain. This book discusses recent advances in the investigation of the neural-circuit mechanisms underlying innate behaviors.
Neural Control of the Respiratory Muscles (Routledge Revivals)
by Alan D. Miller Armand L. Bianchi Beverly P. BishopFirst published in 1997. The respiratory muscles are multifunctional muscles involved in other behaviors besides breathing -- from the protection of the upper airway to cognitive functions such as speech or singing. Neural Control of the Respiratory Muscles presents an overall consideration of how these muscles are regulated by the central nervous system in normal as well as in pathological situations.A group of 40 internationally recognized scientists and clinicians have collaborated to discuss current findings in the field and to identify areas of future development such aso The anatomical and functional organization of the respiratory muscles and the mechanics of the chest wallo Respiratory muscle control by the central nervous system during normal breathing and during disease stateso Respiration during sleep, exercise, and locomotiono Respiratory muscle contribution to non-respiratory behaviors; interaction of the central pattern generator for respiration with other central pattern generatorso Multifunctional nature of respiratory muscles and respiratory neurons of the central nervous systemAlthough other texts exist that examine the control of breathing and other specialized topics considered in this volume, Neural Control of the Respiratory Muscles is the first major single-volume publication that takes a broad view of muscle control during non-respiratory behaviors and the coordination of respiration with non-respiratory behaviors.
Neural Correlates of Auditory Cognition
by Arthur N. Popper Richard R. Fay Yale E. CohenHearing and communication present a variety of challenges to the nervous system. To be heard and understood, a communication signal must be transformed from a time-varying acoustic waveform to a perceptual representation to an even more abstract representation that integrates memory stores with semantic/referential information. Finally, this complex, abstract representation must be interpreted to form categorical decisions that guide behavior. Did I hear the stimulus? From where and whom did it come? What does it tell me? How can I use this information to plan an action? All of these issues and questions underlie auditory cognition. Since the early 1990s, there has been a re-birth of studies that test the neural correlates of auditory cognition with a unique emphasis on the use of awake, behaving animals as model. Continuing today, how and where in the brain neural correlates of auditory cognition are formed is an intensive and active area of research. Importantly, our understanding of the role that the cortex plays in hearing has the potential to impact the next generation of cochlear- and brainstem-auditory implants and consequently help those with hearing impairments. Thus, it is timely to produce a volume that brings together this exciting literature on the neural correlates of auditory cognition. This volume compliments and extends many recent SHAR volumes such as Sound Source Localization (2005) Auditory Perception of Sound Sources (2007), and Human Auditory Cortex (2010). For example, in many of these volumes, similar issues are discussed such as auditory-object identification and perception with different emphases: in Auditory Perception of Sound Sources, authors discuss the underlying psychophysics/behavior, whereas in the Human Auditory Cortex, fMRI data are presented. The unique contribution of the proposed volume is that the authors will integrate both of these factors to highlight the neural correlates of cognition/behavior. Moreover, unlike other these other volumes, the neurophysiological data will emphasize the exquisite spatial and temporal resolution of single-neuron [as opposed to more coarse fMRI or MEG data] responses in order to reveal the elegant representations and computations used by the nervous system.
Neural Development
by Lin Mei Renping ZhouUnderstanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the development of specific neural circuits is not just an intellectual curiosity but also central to our ability to develop therapeutic approaches to repair damaged pathways in the future. In Neural Development: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field contribute commonly used protocols to facilitate future research in developmental neuroscience. Split into four convenient sections, this detailed volume covers techniques of culturing neurons and glia as well as their growth and differentiation, methods of gene delivery and down regulation, protocols for analyzing axon growth and guidance plus synapse formation, and, finally, basic methods to analyze brain morphology and axon pathways in developing animals. 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. Comprehensive and accessible, Neural Development: Methods and Protocols provides key guidance for students and postdoctoral fellows new to developmental neurobiology.
Neural Development and Stem Cells
by Melissa Carpenter Mahendra S. Rao Mohan C. VemuriThis expanded and updated edition reflects the enormous increase in our knowledge of the development of the nervous system and the use of neural stem cells in clinical applications. Integrating new information about the use of development of neural stem cells for clinical applications, Drs. Rao, Carpenter and Vemuri have added additional chapters on neural transplantation and development of neural stem cells using reprogramming technologies. A new chapter on cancer in nervous system delineates how the fundamental biology of neural stem cells informs our understanding of cancer and tumor formation in the nervous system. Special attention is paid to the derivation of neural cells from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. Authoritative and up-to-date, Neural Development and Stem Cells, 3rd Edition provides neuroscientists with a handy guide to stem cells in the nervous system, tracing with great clarity the development of stem cells from differentiation to neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes.
Neural Dynamics of Neurological Disease
by Christopher A. ShawThe emerging understanding of age-related neurological disorders suggeststhat notions of a single causal gene/toxin being responsible is likely incorrect. Neurological disorders likely arise due to a unique intersection of multiple genetic and toxic factors combined with additional contributions of age, stage of development, immune system actions, and more. This perspective leads to the view that rather than reflecting only one pathway to end state disease, each is a spectrum disorder and each individual case is therefore unique. Neural Dynamics of Neurological Disease argues for a fundamental rethinking of what we think we know about neurological disorders, how these arise and progress and, crucially, what might be done to “cure” them. Chapters first introduce the concept of neural dynamics of neurological disease, then examine various diseases and give examples of the interplay of elements such as neural systems, cell types, and biochemical pathways which can contribute to disease. Concluding chapters point the way forward to how the emerging notion of neurological disease as a dynamic process may lead to more successful treatment options. Providing a cross disciplinary approach to understanding the origin and progression of neurological disease, Neural Dynamics of Neurological Disease is a timely and valuable resource for neuroscientists, researchers and clinicians. About the AuthorChristopher A. Shaw Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
Neural Engineering
by Bin HeNeural Engineering, 2nd Edition, contains reviews and discussions of contemporary and relevant topics by leading investigators in the field. It is intended to serve as a textbook at the graduate and advanced undergraduate level in a bioengineering curriculum. This principles and applications approach to neural engineering is essential reading for all academics, biomedical engineers, neuroscientists, neurophysiologists, and industry professionals wishing to take advantage of the latest and greatest in this emerging field.
Neural Engineering
by Lijie Grace Grace Zhang David L. L. KaplanThis book covers the principles of advanced 3D fabrication techniques, stem cells and biomaterials for neural engineering. Renowned contributors cover topics such as neural tissue regeneration, peripheral and central nervous system repair, brain-machine interfaces and in vitro nervous system modeling. Within these areas, focus remains on exciting and emerging technologies such as highly developed neuroprostheses and the communication channels between the brain and prostheses, enabling technologies that are beneficial for development of therapeutic interventions, advanced fabrication techniques such as 3D bioprinting, photolithography, microfluidics, and subtractive fabrication, and the engineering of implantable neural grafts. There is a strong focus on stem cells and 3D bioprinting technologies throughout the book, including working with embryonic, fetal, neonatal, and adult stem cells and a variety of sophisticated 3D bioprinting methods for neural engineering applications. There is also a strong focus on biomaterials, including various conductive biomaterials and biomimetic nanomaterials such as carbon-based nanomaterials and engineered 3D nanofibrous scaffolds for neural tissue regeneration. Finally, two chapters on in vitro nervous system models are also included, which cover this topic in the context of studying physiology and pathology of the human nervous system, and for use in drug discovery research. This is an essential book for biomedical engineers, neuroscientists, neurophysiologists, and industry professionals.
Neural Engineering (Bioelectric Engineering Ser.)
by Bin HeThis third edition overviews the essential contemporary topics of neuroengineering, from basic principles to the state-of-the-art, and is written by leading scholars in the field. The book covers neural bioelectrical measurements and sensors, EEG signal processing, brain-computer interfaces, implantable and transcranial neuromodulation, peripheral neural interfacing, neuroimaging, neural modelling, neural circuits and system identification, retinal bioengineering and prosthetics, and neural tissue engineering. Each chapter is followed by homework questions intended for classroom use. This is an ideal textbook for students at the graduate and advanced undergraduate level as well as academics, biomedical engineers, neuroscientists, neurophysiologists, and industry professionals seeking to learn the latest developments in this emerging field.Advance Praise for Neural Engineering, 3rd Edition: “A comprehensive and timely contribution to the ever growing field of neural engineering. Bin He’s edited volume provides chapters that cover both the fundamentals and state-of-the-art developments by the world’s leading neural engineers." Dr. Paul Sajda, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Radiology, Columbia University“Neural Engineering, edited by Prof. He, is an outstanding book for students entering into this fast evolving field as well as experienced researchers. Its didactic and comprehensive style, with each chapter authored by leading scientific authorities, provides the ultimate reference for the field.”Dr. Dario Farina, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK "Neural Engineering has come of age. Major advances have made possible prosthesis for the blind,mind control for quadraplegics and direct intervention to control seizures in epilepsy patients. Neural Engineering brings together reviews by leading researchers in this flourishing field. Dr. Terrence Sejnowski, Salk Institute for Biolgical Studies and UC San Diego
Neural Engineering: Computation, Representation, and Dynamics in Neurobiological Systems
by Chris Eliasmith Charles H. AndersonFor years, researchers have used the theoretical tools of engineering to understand neural systems, but much of this work has been conducted in relative isolation. In Neural Engineering, Chris Eliasmith and Charles Anderson provide a synthesis of the disparate approaches current in computational neuroscience, incorporating ideas from neural coding, neural computation, physiology, communications theory, control theory, dynamics, and probability theory. This synthesis, they argue, enables novel theoretical and practical insights into the functioning of neural systems. Such insights are pertinent to experimental and computational neuroscientists and to engineers, physicists, and computer scientists interested in how their quantitative tools relate to the brain. The authors present three principles of neural engineering based on the representation of signals by neural ensembles, transformations of these representations through neuronal coupling weights, and the integration of control theory and neural dynamics. Through detailed examples and in-depth discussion, they make the case that these guiding principles constitute a useful theory for generating large-scale models of neurobiological function. A software package written in MatLab for use with their methodology, as well as examples, course notes, exercises, documentation, and other material, are available on the Web.
Neural Fields
by James Wright Stephen Coombes Peter Beim Graben Roland PotthastNeural field theory has a long-standing tradition in the mathematical and computational neurosciences. Beginning almost 50 years ago with seminal work by Griffiths and culminating in the 1970ties with the models of Wilson and Cowan, Nunez and Amari, this important research area experienced a renaissance during the 1990ties by the groups of Ermentrout, Robinson, Bressloff, Wright and Haken. Since then, much progress has been made in both, the development of mathematical and numerical techniques and in physiological refinement und understanding. In contrast to large-scale neural network models described by huge connectivity matrices that are computationally expensive in numerical simulations, neural field models described by connectivity kernels allow for analytical treatment by means of methods from functional analysis. Thus, a number of rigorous results on the existence of bump and wave solutions or on inverse kernel construction problems are nowadays available. Moreover, neural fields provide an important interface for the coupling of neural activity to experimentally observable data, such as the electroencephalogram (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). And finally, neural fields over rather abstract feature spaces, also called dynamic fields, found successful applications in the cognitive sciences and in robotics. Up to now, research results in neural field theory have been disseminated across a number of distinct journals from mathematics, computational neuroscience, biophysics, cognitive science and others. There is no comprehensive collection of results or reviews available yet. With our proposed book Neural Field Theory, we aim at filling this gap in the market. We received consent from some of the leading scientists in the field, who are willing to write contributions for the book, among them are two of the founding-fathers of neural field theory: Shun-ichi Amari and Jack Cowan.
Neural Functions of the Delta-Opioid Receptor
by Ying XiaThis is the first book to summarize the progress of research on the delta opioid receptor (DOR) to date. This receptor, a member of the opioid receptor family, was not studied at all until the 1990s when some researchers began looking into the role that it plays in neuroprotection and other functions. Many scientists from a number of independent labs have now confirmed that DOR can provide neuroprotection from hypoxic/ischemic injuries. They have also found that it plays a role in physiological and pathophysiological events such as hypoxic encephalopathy, epilepsy, acupuncture, Parkinson's disease, etc. by regulating membrane proteins and balancing intracellular survival/death signals. The book will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research and provide a blueprint for future directions.
Neural Interface Engineering: Linking the Physical World and the Nervous System
by Liang GuoThis book provides a comprehensive reference to major neural interfacing technologies used to transmit signals between the physical world and the nervous system for repairing, restoring and even augmenting body functions. The authors discuss the classic approaches for neural interfacing, the major challenges encountered, and recent, emerging techniques to mitigate these challenges for better chronic performances. Readers will benefit from this book’s unprecedented scope and depth of coverage on the technology of neural interfaces, the most critical component in any type of neural prostheses.Provides comprehensive coverage of major neural interfacing technologies;Reviews and discusses both classic and latest, emerging topics;Includes classification of technologies to provide an easy grasp of research and trends in the field.