美国肯塔基大学的《神经科学》课程

美国肯塔基大学(University of Kentucky,UK)医学院解剖学与神经生物学系为攻读Ph.D和MD的学生开设的<神经科学>(neuroscience)课程,是UK的优秀课程,现将该课程的一些情况简介如下,供同道们开设神经科学课程时参考.

《神经科学》课程建设的若干体会

21世纪是生命科学的世纪.在生命科学迅猛发展的今天,人类生命现象的阐明几乎都不能脱离对脑机能的认识,而神经科学正是以脑和神经系统为研究对象的一门学科,有人预测,21世纪神经科学将处于生命科学的前沿.所以,作为培养高级科学人才场所的高等院校生命科学院,开设神经科学课程将是一项重大的战略措施,是关系到教育质量和人才素质的大事.我们直接参加了<神经科学>课程教学内容的改革和实践多年,现就一些个人见解阐述如下.

国外优秀生命科学教材《神经科学——探索脑》中文版介绍

由南京大学生命科学学院王建军教授主译，高等教育出版社出版的中文版全彩色国外优秀生命科学教材《神经科学——探索脑》(第2版)于2004年7月开始发行。

美科学家发现FGF2与焦虑程度相关

美国科学家研究发现．成纤维细胞生长因子2（FGF2）在大脑发育和焦虑症中起重要作用，相关研究发表在13日出版的《神经科学》杂志上。

控制慢性疼痛的开关

据美国BIOCOMPARE科技新闻网（2006／7／24）报道，慢性疼痛认为是在发炎或神经损伤后的神经开关持续保持打开状态。先前有关缓和慢性疼痛的研究，都着眼于脊髓中传递痛觉至脑部较后端的神经。由于药物难以通过血脑屏障（bloodbrainbarrier），所以治疗效果不佳。美国哥伦比亚大学的医学中心于8月发表于《神经科学》Neuroscience期刊的研究结果，发现一个神经元中调控慢性疼痛开关的蛋白激酶G（proteinkinase G，PKG），并研发出可以“关闭疼痛”的专利药物。

血浆游离DNA水平增高可作为预测重型颅脑损伤患者死亡率的独立指标(英文)

Trauma is the leading cause of death under 45 years worldwide and up to 50% of trauma fatalities are due to brain injury.Prediction of outcome is one of the major problems associated with severe TBI and research efforts have focused on the investigation of biomarkers with prognostic value following TBI. Therefore,our aim was to investigate whether cell-free DNA concentrations correlated to short-term primary outcome( survivor or death) and GCS scores following severe TBI. A total of 188 victims of severe TBI were enrolled in this prospective study,outcome variables comprised: survival and neurological assessment using the GCS at ICU discharge. Control blood samples were obtained from 25 healthy volunteers. Peripheral venous blood was collected at admission in the ICU. Plasma DNA was measured using a real-time quantitative PCR assay for the β-globin gene. There was correlation between higher DNA levels and both fatal outcome and lower hospital admission GCS scores. Plasma DNA concentrations at the chosen cut- off point( ≥171,381 kilogenomesequivalents /L) predicted mortality with a specificity of 90% and a sensitivity of 43%. Logistic regression analysis showed that elevated plasma DNA levels were independently associated with death( P < 0. 001). In conclusion,high cell-free DNA concentration was a predictor of short-term mortality following severe TBI.

Diagnostic approach using endosonography guided fine needle aspiration for lymphadenopathy in primary sclerosing cholangitis

We report a case of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) with benign lyphadenopathy which was diagnosed with endosonography guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). A 65-year-old woman was admitted to Jikei University Hospital with severe jaundice. Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and liver biopsy revealed the findings consistent with PSC, abdominal computed tomography revealed numerous large perihepatic lymph nodes with a maximum diameter of more than 3 cm. Therefore, EUS-FNA was done in order to exclude malignant lymphadenopathy, and adequate specimens obtained by EUS-FNA showed reactive hyperplasia of lymphnode. The patients were scheduled to undergo liver transplantation.

Instruction to Authors

Neuroscience Bulletin is devoted to the publication of original contributions on any aspects of neuroscience research. Beside original Research papers, it publishes Communications, Experimental Methods, Review and Progress articles. Most reviews will be by invitation. However, suggestions for reviews are appreciated. Paper in English is acceptable.

Selectivity control in alkyne semihydrogenation:Recent experimental and theoretical progress

Researchers have been attempting to characterize heterogeneous catalysts in situ in addition to correlating their structures with their activity and selectivity in spite of many challenges.Here,we review recent experimental and theoretical advances regarding alkyne selective hydrogenation by Pd‐based catalysts,which are an important petrochemical reaction.The catalytic selectivity for the reaction of alkynes to alkenes is influenced by the composition and structure of the catalysts.Recent progress achieved through experimental studies and atomic simulations has provided useful insights into the origins of the selectivity.The important role of the subsurface species(H and C)was revealed by monitoring the catalyst surface and the related catalytic performance.The atomic structures of the Pd catalytic centers and their relationship with selectivity were established through atomic simulations.The combined knowledge gained from experimental and theoretical studies provides a fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms and reveals a path toward improved catalyst design.

Wildlife Deterrence from Hazards Using High Brightness Ultraviolet Light

The purpose of this study was to examine the behavioral impact of varying LED （light emitting diode） spectral emissions on avian species. A novel oculo-neuro-motor response to monochromatic LEDs has been identified. LED colored light of sufficient intensity matched to the short-wavelength cones of avian species can efficiently diminish overall visual perception leading to an augmented behavioral response. The study method involved monitoring the change in behavioral response after exposure to high brightness monochromatic LED light to wild Osprey （Pandion haliaetus） foraging and nesting in their natural environment. Our results demonstrated a statistically significant change in foraging behaviors with wild Osprey （p = 0.005） and in nesting behavior as a result of exposure to high brightness monochromatic LED light. An augmented behavioral responses was observed which is believed to be analogous to human reaction to solar glare and glint. The neuroimaging mechanism of avian species is discussed. This novel augmented behavioral response provides a new technique of studying the neuroscience of temporal and spatial light stimulus. A non-lethal deterrence technique involving the augmented behavioral response could mitigate mortality and morbidity of avian-human conflict in areas such as airports, airplane bird strikes, and wind turbines.

I Move, Therefore I Am. Neuroscience Meets Process Thinking

In this brief essay, we will argue that modem neuroscience and Whitehead＇s process thinking arrive at rather similar conclusions about the essence of human experiences. Important issues evolving from neuroscientific research, specifying the identity of human beings, are explained as resulting from the development and stepwise changes of highly dynamic neuronal networks. These conclusions appear to fit the （meta）physical concepts developed by Whitehead, who claims that the elucidation of immediate experience, proceeding from objectivity to subjectivity, is the sole justification of our thought. Both lines of thought assume that our bodily experience, emerging from the perception of various bodily organs, is the basis of our existence.

Myths About Rock Art

Rather than addressing the myths or cosmologies supposedly expressed in rock art, this paper explores some of the myths that have been and are still being created about rock art. We know from the study of the last rock art-producing peoples in the world that outsiders of their cultures cannot interpret their rock art correctly, or even understand their cosmologies adequately. This is not surprising, in view of the neuroscientific understanding of the underlying differences. In a sound hermeneutical system, the normative nature of interpretation must be recognized and accounted for. The record shows that little hermeneutical restraint has been exercised in rock art research, and that the discipline＇s credibility demands the expulsion of the extensive myths that have been created by it. Some of the most prominent of these falsities are presented to illustrate the point.

Neo-Empiricism and Intentionality

A revival of empiricist theories in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and philosophy has been led by figures such as Antonio Damasio （1994）, Lawrence Barsalou （1999）, George Lakoff （1987）, and Jesse Prinz （2002; 2004）. Their work has served to connect familiar empiricist approaches to thought and reason with contemporary cognitive psychology and neuroscience. The work of Prinz is of special philosophical significance since it aims to bring together the work of neo-empirically minded theorists in the cognitive and neuro-sciences with main themes found in contemporary philosophical theories of intentionality and reference. In this paper, I examine Prinz＇s efforts to synthesize a neo-empiricist theory of concepts with contemporary semantic theories of reference and intentionality. In part one, I analyze Prinz＇s approach in some depth. In part two, I raise a question concerning the origins of intentionality. Specifically, I am interested in examining the minimum cognitive prerequisites for intentionality within Prinz＇s theory of perception-based representation. In part three, I raise a problem case for Prinz＇s account of the requirements for intentionality, and propose an adjustment in Prinz＇s account to meet the challenge of the objection.

Embodied Simulation and a Few Remarks on the Philosophy of Language in Italy

The debate on the state of the art of philosophy in Italy shows many differences from the three main currents of contemporary philosophy, namely deconstructionism, critical theory, and analytic philosophy. On one hand, the philosophical stance towards language, and on the other hand, the strong separation between science and philosophy are the distinctive features of the Italian thought. In particular, philosophy of language shows a fragmented framework in which current researches are an example for future studies on language and human nature. The basic idea behind the Philosophy of Language in Italy is that language has a biological and social nature. The aim of this paper is to give an account of the range of ＂bio＂ through a dialogue between philosophy and neuroscience. I will review the Italian research on mirror neurons with particular attention to the developments in embodied simulation proposed by Vittorio Gallese. I will underline the philosophical aspects of this neuroscientific theory, providing some remarks on intersubjectivity, intentions, and language. Finally, I will suggest future joint studies in neuroscience and the philosophy of language.

Financial Decision-Making： The Roles of Intuition, Heuristics, and Impulses

This paper will add to an evolving new paradigm for financial decision-making by exploring the important roles that intuition, heuristics, and impulses play as a bridge between how the conscious and unconscious can work together more effectively in making better decisions. Historically, the roles of financial/accounting theory and cognitive psychology have been extensively studied and documented in attempting to explain individual financial decision-making. More recently, neuroscience has made substantial contributions to learning how prospective financial decisions and outcomes affect brain activity and observed decision-making behavior. The evidence from neuroscience indicates that up to 90% of our decisions are initiated at the unconscious level, which is only beginning to be investigated in a systematic manner. Integrating these findings from multiple disciplines, including recent contributions from neuroscience, has many implications, not only with respect to personal and corporate financial decisions and how markets work, but also as an essential component in the tool box of the general decision maker.

What Is Going on in the Minds of Translators？ A Review of Studies on Translation Process

Border areas have provided significant new research questions as well as fruitful insights and hypotheses. The cognitive and neuropsychologic study of translation process is a good example of this kind. This paper has surveyed various researches on translation process. Studies related to ＂the black box of translation＂ are divided into two categories, i.e., studies adopting think-aloud protocols, and studies from the physiology and neuroscientific perspectives. It has been noted that those studies on translation process have made some progress in the past years Firstly, the participants have undergone a change from language learners to professional translators or interpreters Secondly, the purposes of the studies have a tendency of gradually becoming specific. Thirdly, more rigorous methodologies have been developed, with more and more new technological approaches being applied

RADIX SALVIAE MILTIORRHIZAE PROTECTS RAT HIPPOCAMPAL NEURON IN CULTURE FROM ANOXIC DAMAGE

Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae (RSM), a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has been used to improve blood circulation and resolve blood stasis. We have previously found that RSM has neuroprotective effect on ischemia and/ or ischemia-reperfusion rats. The purpose of this study was to obtain further information on the mechanism of the RSM-in-duced neuroprotection and to examine the neuroprotective effect on neurons exposed to anoxia. The effect of RSM on anoxic damage in cultured hippocampal neurons of neonatal rat was investigated by using morphological changes and heat shock protein 70kD (HSP70) expression as indicators. RSM given 0.5h before 2h-anoxia followed by 48 hours reoxygenation could significantly increase survival rate of hippocampal neurons and number of HSP70 positive cells. The results suggest that RSM has a direct neuroprotective effects on anoxic damage in hippocampal neurons.

Application of Neural Networks for Predictive Variables in Engineering

This paper proposes a method in order to detect the importance of the input variables in multivariate analysis problems. When there is correlation among predictor variables, the importance of each input variable, when adding variables in the model, can be detected from the knowledge stored in Artificial Neural Network （NN） and it must be taken into account. Neural networks models have been used with the analysis of sensibility, these models predict more accurately the relationship between variables, and it is the way to find a set of forecasting variables in order to be included in the new prediction model. The obtained results have been applied in a system to forecast the volume of wood for a tree, and to detect relationships between input and output variables.