Previous studies showed that both healthy and pathological aging are associated with changes in brain structure and function of the mature human brain. The most prominent anatomical alteration are changes in prefrontal cortex morphology, volume loss and reduced white-matter integrity and hippocampal atrophy. Cognitive decline affects mainly the performance of episodic memory, speed of sensory information processing, working memory, inhibitory function and long-term memory. It has been also proposed that due to the aforementioned changes the aging brain engages in compensatory brain mechanism such as a broader activation of cortical regions (mainly frontal) rather than specialized activation. Evidence suggests that similar changes occur with pathological aging but to a greater extent. In this case information flow is disrupted due to neurodegeneration, functional activation of posterior (occipito-temporal) regions is decreased and as a consequence the brain fails to process sensorial input in the ventral pathway and cognitive deficits appear. In the last years, functional alterations associated with aging have been studied using the mathematical notion of graph theory that offers an integrative approach since it examines different properties of the brain network: 1) Organization level 2) amount of local information processing, 3) information flow 4) cortical community structure and 5) identification of functional / anatomical hubs. So, graph theory offers an attractive way to model brain networks organization and to quantify their pathological deviations. Previous studies have already employed this mathematical notion and demonstrated that age-related neurodegeneration is often accompanied by loss of optimal network organization either due to diminished local information processing or due to progressive isolation of distant brain regions. They have also found that changes in network properties may be present even in the preclinical phase, which could be taken as a biological marker of disease.

The six volumes of Peterson's Annual Guides to Graduate Study, the only annually updated reference work of its kind, provide wide-ranging information on the graduate and professional programs offered by accredited colleges and universities in the United States and U.S. territories and those in Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Africa that are accredited by U.S. accrediting bodies. Books 2 through 6 are divided into sections that contain one or more directories devoted to individual programs in a particular field. Book 3 contains more than 4,000 programs of study in 53 disciplines of the biological sciences.

Neuroplasticity: From Bench to Bedside, Volume 184 in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary guide to neuroplasticity. Sections summarize the basic mechanisms of neuroplasticity, focus on neuroplasticity in movement disorders, discuss brain oscillations in neurological disorders, segue into plasticity in neurorehabilitation, and cover issues of inflammation and autoimmunity in neuroplasticity. The book concludes with a section on neuroplasticity and psychiatric disorders. - Covers basic mechanisms and clinical treatment approaches in neurological disorders - Includes inflammation, autoimmunity, genetics, neurophysiology, and more - Encompasses stroke, Alzheimer's, movement and psychiatric disorders - Provides tools for enhancing recovery

Functional Neurologic Disorders, the latest volume in the Handbook of Clinical Neurology series, summarizes state-of-the-art research findings and clinical practice on this class of disorders at the interface between neurology and psychiatry. This 51-chapter volume offers an historical introduction, chapters on epidemiology and pathophysiolology, a large section on the clinical features of different type of functional neurologic symptoms and disorders (including functional movement disorders, non-epileptic seizures, dizziness, vision, hearing, speech and cognitive symptoms), and then concluding with approaches to therapy. This group of internationally acclaimed experts in neurology, psychiatry, and neuroscience represent a broad spectrum of areas of expertise, chosen for their ability to write clearly and concisely with an eye toward a clinical audience. This HCN volume sets a new landmark standard for a comprehensive, multi-authored work dealing with functional neurologic disorders (also described as psychogenic, dissociative or conversion disorders). - Offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach for the care of patients with functional disorders seen in neurologic practice, leading to more efficient prevention, management, and treatment - Provides a synthesis of research efforts incorporating clinical, brain imaging and neurophysiological studies - Fills an existing gap between traditional neurology and traditional psychiatry - Contents include coverage of history, epidemiology, clinical presentations, and therapy - Edited work with chapters authored by leaders in the field, the broadest, most expert coverage available

Principles of Translational Science in Medicine: From Bench to Bedside, Third Edition, provides an update on major achievements in the translation of research into medically relevant results and therapeutics. The book presents a thorough discussion of biomarkers, early human trials, and networking models, and includes institutional and industrial support systems. It also covers algorithms that have influenced all major areas of biomedical research in recent years, resulting in an increasing number of new chemical/biological entities (NCEs or NBEs) as shown in FDA statistics. New chapters include: Translation in Oncology, Biologicals, and Orphan Drugs. The book is ideal for use as a guide for biomedical scientists to establish a systematic approach to translational medicine and is written by worldwide experts in their respective fields. - Includes state-of-the-art principles, tools such as biomarkers and early clinical trials, algorithms of translational science in medicine - Provides in-depth description of special translational aspects in the currently most successful areas of clinical translation, namely oncology and immunology - Covers status of institutionalization of translational medicine, networking structures and outcomes at the level of marketing authorization

Vols. for 1963- include as pt. 2 of the Jan. issue: Medical subject headings.