Neurosciences Books

Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is on the role of central nervous system grey matter in the immunopathology of multiple sclerosis; transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in migraine therapy; cognitive plasticity; interhemispheric pathways in speech processing; grey matter changes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and the effects of chronic psychosocial isolation on limbic brain structures of wistar rats.

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Book SynopsisHolistic consciousness is an all-inclusive awareness of the currently situated body-mind-being of an individual person or a living organism. Holism, a theory that the universe and especially living nature is correctly seen in terms of interactive wholes, as all living organisms, that are more than the mere sum of their parts. It is related to and concerned with wholes or with complete systems, rather than with the analysis and treatment of the parts. It holds, that a system or an organism, is a coherent unified whole, that cannot be fully explained in terms of individual parts or characteristics. The system or an organism may have properties, in addition to those of its parts, as a completely new entity or phenomenon. This book provides an understanding of holistic consciousness with a focus on neuroscience and Vedanta perspectives.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is a focus on the anatomy, functions and injury of the motor cortex; the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of brain metastases; the occipital cortex and neural transmissions.

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Book SynopsisHuntington''s disease, chorea or disorder (HD) is an incurable neurodegenerative genetic disorder, which affects muscle co-ordination and some cognitive functions, typically becoming noticeable in middle age. It is the most common genetic cause of abnormal involuntary writhing movements called chorea and is much more common in people of Western European descent than in those from Asia or Africa. The disease is caused by a dominant mutation on either of the two copies of a gene called Huntington. This book gathers and presents current research in the study of Huntington''s Disease including the outlining effects of mutant htt in the nucleus and cytoplasm and the role of cell-cell interactions in Huntington''s Disease pathology, as well as a review of the role of Huntington (HTT) interacting proteins.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is a focus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), brain research news and protocols; and the developing adolescent brain.

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Book SynopsisAn overwhelming majority of known species of microorganisms form biofilms (ie: spatially and metabolically structured communities embedded in the extracellular biopolymer matrix). Biofilm development is a complex multi-stage process involving reversible and, at a later stage, irreversible attachment of microbial cells to the substrate surface. Development also involves matrix formation, three-dimensional structuring of the whole community including the formation of mushroom- or pillar-shaped structures and, finally, the degradation of the biofilm and the dispersion of the cells involved. This book examines these processes in the example of microorganisms that interact with the animal or human organisms, playing the roles of symbionts or pathogens.

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Book SynopsisNeurodegeneration is the umbrella term for the progressive loss of structure or function of neurons, including the death of neurons. Many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson''s, Alzheimer''s, and Huntington''s occur as a result of neurodegenerative processes. This book presents current research in the study of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress-mediated neurodegeneration; preserving motoneuron viability and function during disease or after traumatic injury; research in aspects of excitotoxicity mechanisms; uncoupling proteins as therapeutic targets in stroke and neurodegenerative diseases; the genetics and molecular biology of Alzheimer''s Disease; and retinal neurodegeneration in diabetic retinopathy.

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Book SynopsisThe human brain and its behaviour present one of the most challenging, but at the same time, one of the most fascinating endeavours among the scientific and philosophical inquiries. Therefore, from a comprehensive perspective, every heuristic approach (epistemological, philosophical and scientific) to the study of the human brain and mind should be understood not as an exclusive paradigm, but rather as a perspective from which these complex and amazing phenomenon are investigated. This book provides essays written by world-wide renowned academics with expertise in their respective fields of knowledge. They are intended both to stimulate the reader''s curiosity and also to provide him a broad sense of the several possible philosophical and scientific approaches to the study of brain, mind and behaviour.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is the regulation of neuronal morphology and plasticity by small GTP-binding proteins and its implication in autism and mental retardation; memory and cognitive dysfunctions in Alzheimer''s disease with neuroinflammation due to ageing, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea; processing magnitudes within the parietal cortex; cognitive impairment in system lupus erythematosus; and compensatory memory processes in mild cognitive impairment.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents current research in the study of the causes, management and prognosis in brain damage including the implications for therapeutic intervention in the reorganisation of elementary functions (REF) after brain injury; a reorientation towards fibre tracts damage in amnesia; the use of alkaline comet assay to assess DNA damage and repair in brain damage; responsiveness and prognosis in the severe disorder of consciousness; the pathophysiology, management and prognosis of cerebral radiation necrosis; exercise as a therapeutic approach after brain damage; neuroprotection in experimental cerebral ischemia; and initiation of inflammatory mechanisms in acute brain damage.

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Book SynopsisItalian physician L Galvani demonstrated the relationship between electricity and muscle contraction that occurs in the electric fluid carried to the muscles by the nerves. He coined the term animal electricity to describe the muscle-activating force. One hundred and fifty years after he determined that muscle activation is generated by an electric fluid carried by the nerves, mathematician N. Wiener studied an artificial hand controlled by an electrical current produced in the muscles. This book discusses new developments, procedures and applications of electromyography.

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Book SynopsisThe frontal lobes, which constitute about one-third of the entire cerebral cortex, have long fascinated scientific explorers of human behaviour. There are multiple reasons for this: the frontal lobes are the most recently evolved parts of the brain of Homo sapiens and can be viewed as the executive centre of the entire nervous system, subserving the key function of goal-oriented behaviour and reconciling internal emotional states with the demands of the external environment. This book presents some of the latest research on the structure and functional role of the frontal lobes, as revealed by both physiological and pathological studies. This timely and comprehensive volume exemplifies that only a truly multidisciplinary and collaborative effort from the allied disciplines of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, neuroimaging, neuropsychology and neuropsychiatry will result in a better understanding of the wide-reaching implications of frontal lobe dysfunction.

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Book SynopsisNeuronal migration is the method by which neurons travel from their origin or birth place to their final position in the brain. In this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the disorders, genetic factors and treatment options of neuronal migration. Topics include neuronal migration disturbance in neurodevelopment disorders; candidate dyslexia susceptibility genes and disorders of neuronal migration; electrically guiding neuronal migration and membrane-cytoskeletal interactions in the regulation of neuronal migration in the adult brain.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is the role of oestrogen on cognitive functions; brain disorders, brain medicines and the blood-brain barrier; brain auditory processing during behaviour seen from unitary activity; neuroinflammatory factors as targets against neurological and psychiatric disorders; the psychoneuroendocrinology of music effects on health; the neuroprotective mechanism of fibronectin and neural models for social development in shared parieto-motor circuits.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of comas and syncope. Topics discussed include the effects of acoustic stimulation on comatose patients; cardiogenic syncope; management of non-traumatic comas in sub-Saharan Africa and the role of neuroimaging and genetics in comatose pediatric patients.

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Book SynopsisThe amygdala is a brain region that has attracted the interest of many researchers. This book focuses on various aspects of amygdala structure and function, and provides insights into their role in disorders. Topics discussed include the evolution of the amygdala from fish through amphibians, reptiles and birds to mammals; the role of the serotonergic system in amygdala-related behaviors and the impact of histaminergic, cholinergic and endocannabinoid systems on memory formation; the role of the central and medial nuclei, two major output centers of the amygdala, in the regulation of autonomic and somatic responses is highlighted from a clinical perspective; and the interaction of the amygdala with the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, as well as the importance of the central amygdaloid corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) system in the regulation of stress-responses and in addiction, are analysed.

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Book SynopsisStructural, biochemical or electrical abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord or other nerves can result in a range of symptoms or neurological disorders. Symptoms can include paralysis, muscle weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion, pain and altered levels of consciousness. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of neurological disorders including advanced structural and functional MRI techniques used in Parkinson''s disease; the role of neuropoietic cytokines in neural injury; neurological complications associated with anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a) treatment; effect of aging on changes in nociception and Cav2a1 expression patterns; polymeric intracorporeal devices for the management of neurological disorders; and autoimmunity to neurons and axons in neurological diseases.

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Book SynopsisIn neuropathology, the nervous system tissue, usually in the form of either small surgical biopsies or whole autopsy brains are studied. This book presents current research topics in the study of neuropathology gathered from authors across the globe including the therapeutic strategies for polyQ diseases; mechanisms underlying the neuropathology of Huntington''s disease; quantitative studies of a variety of neurodegenerative disorders; evaluation of the hypothalamic and circadian rhythm disturbances in developmental brain disorders; the role of B-synuclein in the pathogenesis of a-synucleinopathies; neuropathology of cultured retinas and the occiptal cortex relating to visual problems of patients with vCJD.

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Book SynopsisEncephalopathies are disorders or diseases of the brain. In modern usage, encephalopathy does not refer to a single disease, but rather to a syndrome of global brain dysfunction which can be caused by many different illnesses. In this book, the authors discuss the symptoms, causes, and potential complications relating to encephalitis, encephalomyelitis and encephalopathies. Topics include HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder; nonconvulsive status epilepticus; the implications of sensitization for chronic fatigue syndrome; treatment of tick-borne encephalitis; the immunology of encephalomyelitis; neuromyelitis optica; viral encephalopathy and retinopathy in farmed fish; septic encephalopathy; and Japanese encephalitis.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is the regeneration and functional recovery of visual pathways by peripheral nerve graft in adult mammals; molecular mechanisms integrating adenylyl cyclase responsiveness to metabolic control on long-term emotional memory; ketamine as a treatment for major depression, mood disorders and epilepsy; neuroenergetic and neuroprotective effects of hydroxy acids in the central nervous system; frontal lobe symptoms in mild cognitive impairment and dementia; carbon fibres in the brain; and visual illusion perception and cognitive phenotype of children with Down Syndrome.

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Book SynopsisAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is conceptualized as a neurobehavioural condition that is characterised by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and motor over activity. It is estimated to be present in 37% of school-aged populations and can result in significant impairment in academic, social and family functioning. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the cognitive symptoms, genetics and treatment outcomes of ADHD. Topics discussed include the disadvantages and benefits of stimulant treatment; a discussion on whether professions differ in their beliefs about the causes and treatments of ADHD; motor coordination dysfunction in ADHD; nutrition optimisation in the multi-modal treatment of ADHD; and the relation between sluggish cognitive tempo and ADHD.

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Book SynopsisSerotonin has long been known to have important roles in many systems of the body that have important roles in health and disease. As represented by several of the chapters by a number of leading researchers in the serotonin field, these roles implicate a deep evolutionary history for serotonin, which is demonstrated by studies in a range of vertebrate and non-vertebrate model systems. In many areas of medicine, even those in which serotonin has long been known to play a role, the importance of serotonin is still emerging. This volume considers many of these areas, including such well-established areas as the study of anxiety, depression and alcoholism, in which new information is emerging. This book examines a wide range of systems and conditions in which serotonin is fundamentally important and which provide novel avenues of exploration for the development of therapeutic approaches to treat these conditions.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume is white matter hyperintensities and major affective disorders; neurotransmitters in the sympathetic nervous system; the beneficial consequences of oxytocin on motherhood and offspring cognitive development; premotor cortex and primary motor cortex in action language comprehension; pain treatment by tDCS of the human primary motor cortex; neurotransmitter synthesis by newborn neurons in the penumbral cortex; central auditory processing alterations in phonological dyslexia; participation of the hippocampus in memory function; and the motor cortex under hypoxia.

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Book SynopsisThe serotonergic and circadian systems constitute two of the main regulatory signalling networks of the brain. Each of them consists of a highly localised neuronal population that exerts a widespread influence on multiple cognitive, behavioural, physiological and molecular functions. In this book, the authors discuss the evolution, functions and roles in disease of the serotonergic system. Topics include interactions of the serotonergic and circadian systems in health and disease; serotonin''s disease-related changes and common clinical disorders; the serotonergic component in Parkinson''s disease symptoms and therapy side-effects; co-localisation of serotonin and other classical neurotransmitters within the same neuron; and serotonin as a key neurotransmitter in suicide.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains nine chapters which include contributions by different experts who have been very active in glia research over the past several years. The contributions are comprehensive keeping abreast with the latest developments on glia research. Different aspects of glia research are discussed, such as their embryonic development and role in the developing and adult brain, both in health and disease. Chapter One deals with the development of macroglial cells; Chapter Two addresses the role of glial cells in periventricular white matter damage in hypoxic neonatal brains; the role of microglia and astrocytes in neuroinflammation has been addressed in Chapter Three; involvement of glia in the pathology of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and in osterarthritic pain is detailed in Chapters Four and Seven respectively; Chapter Five deals with examination of astrocytic markers in adult and pediatric neurological disorders with regard to changes in cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein B; Chapter Six focuses on the modulation of glial cell responses by insulin; Chapter Eight describes the current understanding of the biophysiological properties, proposed functions and modulatory molecules of BK channels (a subtype of Ca2+-activated K+ (KCa) channels) in microglia; and the physiological interactions between neurons and glia are discussed in chapter nine.

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Book SynopsisEven if the ophthalmological aspects of developmental dyslexia are generally considered negligible in comparison to the cognitive and phonological ones, a growing body of evidence suggests in many patients the presence of deficiencies related to a neuronal sub-population along the visual pathway. Still, even in the limited area of neuro-ophtalmological research, there is no general agreement on the mechanisms underlying reading impairment and on how the aetiological element determines the phenotype, that is to say the typical symptomatology. Nevertheless, the spatial and temporal vision in dyslexics seem to be defective. The purpose of this work is to report in a critical way the state of the art visual research in developmental dyslexia, without considering the aspects that go beyond our competence. In the second part of the treatise, the personal approach to the visuoperceptive impairment in this clinical condition is phenomenological rather than aetiological: it investigates the problem from the perceptive symptoms and signs rather than from the causal hypothesis and from the anatomofunctional demonstration. Without claiming to exhaust the subject, we have pursued a triple aim: trying to shed light on one of the most debated and controversial questions, providing a rigorous and comprehensive overview on the current acquisitions, and, why not, offering some cues to those who intend to contribute to solve this problem.

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Book SynopsisThe prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the anterior part of the frontal lobes of the brain, lying in front of the motor and premotor areas and has been implicated in planning complex cognitive behavior, personality expression, decision making and moderating social behaviour. In this book, the authors discuss the developmental differences, executive and cognitive functions and role in neurological disorders relating to the functioning of the prefrontal cortex. Topics include developmental long-chain omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and prefrontal cortex pathology in psychiatric disorders; addiction and the prefrontal cortex; cognitive functioning and prefrontal cortex damage in children and adolescents; prefrontal cortex dysfunction and neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia; and the developmental relationship between executive function and the prefrontal cortex in young children.

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Book SynopsisChronic disorders of consciousness comprise a tragic group of conditions for which determining prognosis is a prerequisite for clinical decision-making. The Vegetative State (VS) and the Minimally Conscious State (MCS) are syndromes, encompassing a spectrum of severity with various etiologies, most commonly traumatic brain injury or hypoxic-ischemic or hemorrhagic neuronal injury. They can be a transient stage during recovery from an acute brain insult or can be chronic and stable, usually after a variable period of coma. Recent advances in neuroimaging are providing new insights into cerebral activity in patients with severe brain damage. The mapping of cognitive processes (mostly by measuring regional changes in blood flow, initially by PET and currently by fMRI, and by measuring regional metabolic changes by MRSI) is providing insight into the functional neuroanatomy and metabolic assessment of consciousness. However, differential diagnosis of SV and MCS is still difficult and their complex management involves many different and skilled healthcare professionals. This book is aimed at examining the pathophysiology of consciousness disorders with their multifaceted assessment and treatment, including new diagnostic tools and novel prognostic markers, and the important bioethical issues concerning "the end of life" and the "dignity of the person".

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume are study results on the neuroprotective effects of N-acetylcysteine; the neurotoxic and inflammatory mediators elicited by astrocytes and microglia in response to myelin basic protein (MBP); neuroimaging advances in the neurocircuitry of post-traumatic disorder (PTSD); invasive and non-invasive monitoring of intracranial pressure; basal ganglia and neurological soft signs in schizophrenia; magnetic and non-magnetic iron-oxide deposits in basal ganglia; N-acetylcysteine and its use in the treatment of addictive disorders; EEG processing and feature extraction for objective diagnosis of neuronal diseases as ADHD; neuronal cell regeneration in the olfactory bulb; and fMRI images processing with machine learning techniques.

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Book SynopsisIn this book the authors present new research in the study of motor behaviour and control. Topics discussed include motor planning skills in neurotypical development and Autism Spectrum Disorder; the role of motor imagery in action planning; cognitive training as how it enhances motor performance and learning; laterality, load and motor imagery; motor control and impulsivity; the contribution of better understanding of martial arts strikes to studies in motor control; assisted cycle therapy (ACT); developing the ability to activate difficult facial action units involved in emotional expressions; and co-ordination thermodynamics.

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Book SynopsisHuntington''s disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative genetic disorder characterised by motor dysfunctions, cognitive decline, and psychiatric symptoms. In this book, the authors discuss the symptoms, risk factors and prognosis in Huntington''s disease. Topics include the pathogenic mechanisms by which the expanded polyglutamine huntingtin causes neuronal dysfunction and death and the potential therapeutic strategies recently developed for this incurable disorder; the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Huntington''s disease; and the legal ramifications in relation to evolving impairments of capacity which can have an outcome in terms of involuntary status as mental health patients, testamentary capacity and the need for guardianship and administration orders.

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Book SynopsisHabituation is a decrease in responsiveness to a repeatedly presented stimulus. Habituation has an important role in attention. By reducing our sensitivity to a constant source of stimulation, it releases attention resources to process new distinct items. In this book, the authors discuss the theories, characteristics and biological mechanisms of habituation. Topics include the important roles for matrix metalloproteinases and cell adhesion molecules in long-term potentiation (LTP), habituation, and drug addiction; habituation theories in current models of chronic tinnitus; habituation deficits in childhood disorders and traumatic brain injury; a mathematical description of habituation and recovery of the head-shake response in rats; and the influence that habituation has on the sensory system and its involvement in many ENT fields.

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Book SynopsisWith the single-nerve fiber action potential recording method and the single-motor unit electromyography, the functioning of the human central nervous system (CNS) is analysed at the single-neuron level under physiologic conditions following injury, malformation and degeneration. It is shown that the self-organisation of the neuronal networks of the human CNS by phase and frequency coordination becomes impaired following all nervous system diseases. Out of the differences between the functioning of the healthy and pathologically functioning CNS, a repair treatment is developed called Co-ordination Dynamics Therapy (CDT). This movement-based learning therapy is able to improve almost every nervous system in its functioning by functional and structural repair for all ages including premature born babies and in aging. The therapy progress with CDT can be quantified by using the System Theory of Pattern Formation. By pattern change, given by a special CDT device, a single value is obtained for the quality of CNS functioning. Especially the tremor in Parkinson''s disease and the urinary bladder repair in spinal cord injury are analysed in detail by the human neurophysiologic recording methods and clinical assessments. The repair of the human nervous system is shown in cross-sectional and longitudinal studies in mild and severe traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. By applying CDT, CNS functioning can also be improved in Parkinson''s disease and in aging. The rate of improvement/repair by learning is measured in the healthy and the diseased nervous systems. It is emphasised that the efficacy of movement-based learning therapies may differ by a factor of 100. A powerful tool in learning is the learning transfer. By training integrative movements, including automatisms, not only the trained movements can be improved, but also the vegetative and higher mental functions can be repaired as, for example, continence, speech and cardiovascular performance.

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Book SynopsisThe globus pallidus is a structure in the brain involved in the regulation of voluntary movement. It is part of the basal ganglia, which, among many other things, regulate movements that occur on the subconscious level. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the regional anatomy, functions/dysfunctions and role in behavioural disorders of the globus pallidus. Topics discussed include imaging of the globus pallidus in patients suffering from pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN); anatomofunctional territories and pathophysiological relations in the globus pallidus; a population activity model of cortico-striatal circuitry underlying behavioural inhibition in rats; and the neuropathology of the basal ganglia and its role in the Parkinsonian syndromes with special reference to the globus pallidus.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume are study results on the role of injured nerve-derived COX2/PGE2/EP signalling in the genesis of neuropathic pain; cannabinoid receptor- and metabotropic glutamate receptor-mediated signalling in neural circuits of the main olfactory bulb; cell replacement therapy in neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases; nociceptive circuitry in the anterior cingulate cortex in rodents; effects of hearing aid amplification on phase coherence of cortical auditory event-related potentials; thermal response of a motoneuron cluster; anterior cingulate cortex as a monitoring attentional system and its novel role in the unawareness of Alzheimer''s disease; the role of rat anterior cingulate cortex in signal detection; distractor interference in visual motor tasks; and nervous excitability dynamics in a multisensory syndrome and its similitude with normals.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of the biological basis, management of symptoms and long-term neurological implications of cognitive dysfunction. Topics discussed in this compilation include the association of cognitive dysfunction with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA); chemotherapy-treated cancer patients who experience chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment during or after treatment sessions; alterations observed in glutamatergic/GABAergic circuitry in the brain in MS or CMS animal models that could be underlying in stress induced cognitive dysfunction; Coffin-Lowry syndrome as an X-linked intellectual disability caused by RSK2 protein kinase deficiency; bioeducational science as an emerging field to diagnose cognitive discomfort and specific learning disorders; and the systemic blockade of Cav2.1 mediated NMDA receptor signalling.

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Book SynopsisThis is a book that addresses the history and science of dreams. The author uses his own dreams as examples, some of which are unique due to Elder''s personal and medical history. The dreams include typical experiences, such as flying, but also extend to intriguing astral events, prophecies, and messages on the nature of existence. The author employs the first-person present tense perspective when describing his dreams, which makes them exciting and fast-paced. The narrative sections follow the typical academic style, although Elder has endeavoured to make the material accessible to the widest possible audience. Unlike many mass-market books on this subject, it also examines dream science and history in considerable depth, providing readers with a wealth of unique insights into what dreams are and why we have them. For example, Elder relates some forms of dream prophecy to the workings of our episodic memory system, finding a persuasive basis of support in modern schema theory and neuropsychological research. Other dreams, such as those concerning God, humanity''s future, and astral adventures occasionally defy the author''s tendency to find rationalistic explanations, a fact that he both dislikes and admits. The historical review stretches back to Gilgamesh, and runs up to modern findings in the neurosciences. Of course, the ideas of Freud, Jung, and others are discussed along the way, with the reader getting a great deal of information on what dreams were thought to mean over the ages. Indeed, there are over 380 sources scattered throughout the text, and a quick review of the bibliography will reveal that this is a manuscript of considerable research and substance. Readers from high school to post-graduate levels will find items of interest in this fast-moving text, which leaves a message that is as much spiritual and moral as it is scientific.

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Book SynopsisThere are many books on polyneuropathy available that are comprehensive in nature. Many of these are encyclopedic in their scope. However, there are very few books that review the basics of clinical neurophysiological testing, genetics and the commonly encountered neuropathies. There are even fewer that are willing to address less commonly encountered neuropathies such as amyloidosis and neuropathies associated with HIV infection. Many such textbooks also avoid interdisciplinary topics such as the management of pelvic floor dysfunction and the surgical treatment of compression and traumatic neuropathies. This book addresses this void by dividing this book into three distinct sections. The first three chapter section addresses basic clinical neurophysiological techniques, genetic testing and the inherited neuropathies. The larger middle section addresses acquired demyelinating neuropathies, monoclonal gammopathies, HIV neuropathy and familial amyloidosis. The final section concludes with a summary of neuropathies affecting pelvic function and a plastic surgeon''s approach to the treatment of compression and traumatic neuropathies. The authors who wrote these chapters have extensive expertise in these topics such that the literature review was comprehensive. The final chapter on the surgical treatment of compression neuropathies may be viewed as controversial by some and even heretical by others but it provides a unique perspective on the management of patients who are symptomatic and yet have relatively unremarkable clinical and electrodiagnostic investigations. The reader will find up to date information on a variety of topics; common and uncommon. This book attempts to educate as well as challenge the reader.

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Book SynopsisThe number of students taking online courses continues to grow each year. Despite the growth, a large percentage of faculties still don''t accept the value of online learning. Online educators find themselves in exciting times where they continue advancing the dialogue about online learning, beyond the discussions of "is it as good as face-to-face instruction?" to more nuanced issues such as some of the various benefits, challenges, and misconceptions that go along with learning online. The purpose of this book is to address the various benefits, challenges, and misconceptions that coincide with online teaching and learning. The audience includes anyone with an interest in online learning, whether they are researchers, designers, instructors, or trainers. This book is organised into several themes that are current and emerging in the field of online learning, including student and instructor supports, instructional approaches, current trends and emerging technologies, reaching new audiences, and planning for the on-line learning environment.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation presents original study results on the leading edge of neuroscience research. Each article has been carefully selected in an attempt to present substantial research results across a broad spectrum. Included in this volume are amygdala-induced modulation of cognitive brain structures; plasticity and pathology of dendritic intrinsic excitability; the neurotoxic effects of heavy metals; fundamental mechanisms of glutamate neurotoxity; dendritic morphology and connectivity in the medial amygdala; cultured adult dorsal root ganglion neurons; cognitive function with diabetes mellitus; and the poster dorsal medial amygdala, emotion and the sexually dimorphic social behaviour network.

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Book SynopsisTinnitus is a benign condition, which can nonetheless have upsetting consequences for the patients. Understanding the physiopathologic mechanisms underlying this symptom is crucial for orienting management and treatment. A world-class group of neuroscientists gathered together to write this book, and they have done a skilful job. Apart from delineating their area of expertise, they have managed to give the reader an accurate understanding about what the current implications of studying tinnitus are, both in research and clinically, allowing those involved in the field to also stay abreast on the advancements in this area of research. This book is ideal for researchers and clinicians, and it can be a valuable reference for anyone, including students, residents or seasoned specialists, seeking to keep up to date with the latest developments in both basic and clinical research on this condition.

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Book SynopsisGliomas represent some of the most difficult tumours to understand and most challenging to treat. As illustrated in this book, the difficulty in understanding them is apparent in various ways. They have significant diversity in histology, genomic alternations, protein expression, clinical presentation, radiographic appearance, treatment approaches, and ideas of how to cure them. Our current understanding of the genetic mutations and signalling pathways that drive these tumours has greatly expanded our knowledge and at the same time, our uncertainty about how to combat these tumours. Added to this complexity is the fact that we are typically talking about tumours that infiltrate through an organ that many of us consider the "seat of our souls," where we must exercise the utmost caution in how we deliver treatments with great risks. This book begins with an introduction to this complex topic with a broad overview of grading criteria, histological features, common genomic alterations and affected signalling pathways, and current treatments. Most exciting is an extensive discussion on new therapeutic concepts and delivering mechanisms that arise from the complex field of nanotechnology where nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanocrystals may someday become the Trojan horse.

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Book SynopsisThe catecholaminergic system is one of the most studied neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. Since the original studies of Dahlström and Fuxe in the mid-60s, when they mapped the pattern of monoaminergic neurons using formaldehyde-induced flourescence technique developed by Falck and Hillarp, the distribution and the biological roles of catecholamines have been in the center of interest. It is clear now that catecholaminergic transmission not only plays a pivotal role in the modulation of stress response, but is also involved in numerous cortical functions, such as cognition, memory, learning, mood and behavior. Additionally, the catecholaminergic system appears to control vital hypothalamic functions. Several physiological processes, including growth, sexual regulation, and salt and water balance are regulated by catecholamines, either directly or via complex circuitries involving numerous neurotransmitter/neuroregulator systems. Both the involvement of catecholamines in Alzheimer''s and Parkinson''s diseases and their pivotal roles in schizophrenia and manic depression place these neurotransmitters in the focus of drug development that aims to address neurodegenerative disorders and psychiatric conditions. The present book attempts to give the reader a synopsis of the physiology and pathology of these important catecholaminergic functions.

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Book SynopsisMinimal research has been conducted on giving a ''voice'' to individuals with a disability and especially those neurodevelopmentally disabled by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This is because in the past, people with learning disabilities have been deemed unworthy or incapable of participating in research (Kroll et al, 2005). What literature there is from this aspect tends to focus on either the ''lived experience'' of the biological mothers of the disabled offspring (Salmon, 2008) or the ''lived experience'' of foster-parents or caregivers raising an individual with this condition Symes (2004). However, it is important to understand that adults cannot speak for disabled children, youth and their siblings as their views and priorities are frequently dissimilar in subtle but important ways (Kroll et al, 2005). So, in order to understand foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, those individuals coping with the disability should be listened to as they describe the phenomena as they experience it. Only then will policymakers and government health agencies acknowledge the significant negative health impact and daily stressors that such a disability places on those affected. A person who has FASD is disabled in many cognitive areas on a daily basis, generally suffering a reduced standard of living and quality of life. Within society, these people are misunderstood, stigmatised, oppressed, marginalised and viewed as being different. These issues persist throughout the individual''s life, creating many stressors for the individual in daily living. Therefore, a need exists to explore and understand FASD through the experiences of those who have been diagnosed with the disability.

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