From Neurons to Neighborhoods
From Neurons to Neighborhoods

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2000-11-13

Total Pages: 610

ISBN-13: 0309069882

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How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.

Patch-Clamp Methods and Protocols
Patch-Clamp Methods and Protocols

Author: Peter Molnar

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2007

Total Pages: 319

ISBN-13: 1603270906

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Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols surveys the typical patch clamp applications and advises scientists on identifying problems and selecting the best technique in each instance. The experiments described require a basic level of electrophysiological training and aid the researcher in pursuing new areas of electrophysiology and using the patch clamp technique effectively. Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols is divided into three sections that cover the major areas of patch clamp application: Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biophysics. The first section provides examples and step by step instructions on how to use whole-cell and single-channel patch clamp methods for testing drugs in industrial settings. The second section provides a wide selection of patch clamp applications in physiological studies. The last part focuses on the biophysical applications of the patch clamp method using single channel recordings or statistical analysis of whole-cell currents in order to obtain parameters that describe ion channel properties or transmitter release. Individual techniques are explored within the area that they are applied most often. Researchers will find Patch Clamp Methods and Protocols to be an invaluable aid in the design and execution of a wide variety of patch clamp experiments, both on their own and in conjunction with other state-of-the-art methodologies.

The Functional Roles of Histamine Receptors
The Functional Roles of Histamine Receptors

Author: Kazuhiko Yanai

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2022-09-28

Total Pages: 463

ISBN-13: 3031169972

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Research in the field of histamine receptors over the past 100 years went hand-in-hand with the development of modern pharmacology. Advances in histamine research led by outstanding scientists was so incisive that the clinical approach to treat allergies and gastrointestinal ailments was revolutionized. The pharmacological treatment of peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux was indeed a revolution, as it ended the surgical intervention. Interest in histamine pharmacology was resurrected by the discovery of another histamine receptor, number 4, using genomics-based reverse pharmacological approaches for screening orphan GPCRs. This receptor is preferentially expressed by immune cells and its discovery raised hopes for its translational exploitation as a new therapeutic target for unmet medical needs ranging from asthma to cancer. However, several drawbacks emerged and dramatically slowed down research in the field. A better understanding of receptor intra-and interspecies heterogeneity will certainly improve and accelerate the translation of experimental data into clinical practice. Also, the plethora of data on brain histamine is hinting at a fundamental role of this system as a hub that receives internal and peripheral stimuli to allocate the necessary excitation to specific brain circuits that preside the appropriate behavioral responses. The development of new histaminergic ligands is an ongoing process that constantly provide new preclinical tools. The aim of this book is to cover the most important aspects of histamine receptor function and pharmacology in the central nervous system and to provide a comprehensive overview of the preclinical and clinical advances made in recent decades and the exciting prospects for the future. It highlights the clinical areas where there is a great need for new therapeutic approaches and where novel histaminergic agents may be useful for personalized medicine.

Hippocampal Microcircuits
Hippocampal Microcircuits

Author: Vassilis Cutsuridis

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2010-02-01

Total Pages: 619

ISBN-13: 1441909966

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Rich in detail, Hippocampal Microcircuits: A Computational Modeler’s Resource Book provides succinct and focused reviews of experimental results. It is an unparalleled resource of data and methodology that will be invaluable to anyone wishing to develop computational models of the microcircuits of the hippocampus. The editors have divided the material into two thematic areas. Covering the subject’s experimental background, leading neuroscientists discuss the morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics as well as the connectivity and synaptic properties of the various cell types found in the hippocampus. Here, ensemble activity, related to behavior, on the part of morphologically identified neurons in anesthetized and freely moving animals, lead to insights into the functions of hippocampal areas. In the second section, on computational analysis, computational neuroscientists present models of hippocampal microcircuits at various levels of detail, including single-cell and network levels. A full chapter is devoted to the single-neuron and network simulation environments currently used by computational neuroscientists in developing their models. In addition to the above, the chapters also identify outstanding questions and areas in need of further clarification that will guide future research by computational neuroscientists.

Mapping the Brain and Its Functions
Mapping the Brain and Its Functions

Author: Institute of Medicine

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1991-02-01

Total Pages: 180

ISBN-13: 0309044979

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Significant advances in brain research have been made, but investigators who face the resulting explosion of data need new methods to integrate the pieces of the "brain puzzle." Based on the expertise of more than 100 neuroscientists and computer specialists, this new volume examines how computer technology can meet that need. Featuring outstanding color photography, the book presents an overview of the complexity of brain research, which covers the spectrum from human behavior to genetic mechanisms. Advances in vision, substance abuse, pain, and schizophrenia are highlighted. The committee explores the potential benefits of computer graphics, database systems, and communications networks in neuroscience and reviews the available technology. Recommendations center on a proposed Brain Mapping Initiative, with an agenda for implementation and a look at issues such as privacy and accessibility.

Neural Interface Engineering
Neural Interface Engineering

Author: Liang Guo

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2020-05-04

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 3030418545

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This 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.

Environmental Neurotoxicology
Environmental Neurotoxicology

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1992-02-01

Total Pages: 167

ISBN-13: 0309045312

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Scientists agree that exposure to toxic agents in the environment can cause neurological and psychiatric illnesses ranging from headaches and depression to syndromes resembling parkinsonism. It can even result in death at high exposure levels. The emergence of subclinical neurotoxicity-the concept that long-term impairments can escape clinical detection-makes the need for risk assessment even more critical. This volume paves the way toward definitive solutions, presenting the current consensus on risk assessment and environmental toxicants and offering specific recommendations. The book covers: The biologic basis of neurotoxicity. Progress in the application of biologic markers. Reviews of a wide range of in vitro and in vivo testing techniques. The use of surveillance and epidemiology to identify neurotoxic hazards that escape premarket screening. Research needs. This volume will be an important resource for policymakers, health specialists, researchers, and students.