Abstract
The paper shows that in the study of structural development in the brain there have been several proposed biomarkers for quantifying brain plasticity. These include but are not limited to cortical thickness, dendritic length and branching, expression of neuronal proteins, and the presence of DNA adducts. The paper discusses the theory that a measure of brain plasticity emerging late in embryonic development will be a very sensitive biomarker for detecting subtle damage suffered by brain cells during earlier stages of brain development not detectable by other means. The paper shows that to test this, the effects of a neurotoxin on the late developing dendritic spines were studied. A significant decrease in spine density was observed as the neurotoxin, methylazoxymethanol, increased. The author of the paper shows how the implications are widespread in the study of neuro-degenerative disease.

From the Paper
"Fifty years ago, Donald Hebb demonstrated that the conditions under which laboratory rats were housed could significantly affect their performance in a variety of complex spatial tasks later in life (1). The complex environment rearing paradigm has been valuable in assessing plasticity of a variety of brain components including cerebral cortical microvasculature, astrocyetic morphology, dentritic branching patterns, synaptic number, and synaptic structure are all affected by complex environment rearing (2). It has been suggested that multiple synaptic contacts (spines) may play a role in the spread of the additive effect of learning known as potentiation, among neighboring unstimulated neurons. A lack of these spines and their connection with boutons of neighboring neurons could then result in a decrease in the capacity for learning. Some recent work has indicated that the presence of multiple synaptic contacts may be altered by experience. Most of this research has focused on structural changes in the hippocampus. Dendrtic spines show great variability in structure and connectivity, both within and across brain structures, including 10-fold differences in length and diameter as well as variations in the number of branches and spines per dendrite."

Tags:animal, brain, cortex, models, neurotoxicity, visual

Abstract
In this article, the writer delineates and discusses the literature on brain dominance and its relation to staffing and selection functions for HR personnel. The review first briefly explains the brain dominance concept and then reviews the literature that is pertinent to its value for HR.

From the Paper
"Bohlander and Snell point out that Human Resource HR management is a position requiring many functions of its employees. These functions include hiring firing contacting job references administering employee benefits boosting staff morale working with incentives staffing businesses and corporations handling work-related crises and screening potential job candidates. The authors note that when it comes to screening the HR Department is looking for the best match to a specific job a match that will make employees feel comfortable and satisfied with ..."

Tags:brain, dominance, theory, and, research

Abstract
This paper summarizes an article from Scientific American - 'His Brain, Her Brain,' by Larry Cahill. It talks about the research into structural and functional differences in male and female brains and the implications for medicine.

From the Paper
"The article 'His Brain Her Brain' by Larry Cahill describes the research that has been carried out and is ongoing into differences between male and female brains. The is no longer considered a sexist claim because there are differences not only in the structure of male and female brains but in the way different areas of the brain react to various stressors. Back in ... Scientific American published an article which described how sex hormones directed divergent reproductive behavior in rats which was thought to be controlled by the..."

Tags:brain, amygdala, hippocampus, male, female, medicine

Abstract
In this article the writer discusses the function of the brain within people with autism. The writer firstly defines the neurological disorder of autism that affects each individual in a different way. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. The writer notes that many individuals with autism have been considered remarkably intelligent, despite their difficulties relating to the rest of the social order. Further, the writer points out that due to these variances in the manner that autism is present in the affected individual, the issue of brain development comes into question.

From the Paper
"Children with autism may not begin to show signs of the developmental disorder until they have passed infancy. A neurological disorder, autism cannot be defined by standard criteria that are universal to all patients because the disorder affects each individual differently. It should be noted, however, that autism negatively affects normal brain function. As the disorder progresses it will inhibit the individual's ability with social interaction and communication."

Tags:brain, autistic, development

Abstract
The theory that the mind and the brain are intrinsic functions is explored, and the determination is offered that the mind is not separate from and not even a physically visible function of the brain, but that it is a definite part of ther human body to accept learning and behavior. The paper points out, however, that one can have a great and useful and innovative "brain" and still not be a very nice person in terms of behavior. Einstein is used as an example.

From the Paper
"Let us dismiss, for purposes of the argument to follow, Descartes' famous theory: Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am. His was a religious theory, based on his belief that the brain and the soul are God's gifts to man and are in essence intertwined. The brain is something tactile. We can feel it. We can see it in action. The mysteries of thought and behavior, however, are suppositions which we have to accept as being part and parcel of the function of the brain. Without the brain (not just "a" brain) and the central nervous system, no human can function. More than ever before, we read about the end of a..."

Tags:identity, personality, brain function

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of using brain-based education research for teaching adult learners. It examines findings from brain-based research, information regarding the adult learner, and the use of brain-based education for adult learners.

From the Paper
"This research paper presents the importance of using brain-based education research for the teaching of the adult learner. Findings from brain-based research information regarding the adult learner and the ..."

Tags:brain-based research adult learners, education

Abstract
This paper looks at how the different advances in brain imaging-techniques have contributed to scientists increased ability to understand the concept of memory. It looks at the advent of Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and what they have meant to the increased ability to understand and treat brain, and memory disorders.

From the Paper
"For example, fMRI was found useful for research by Awh and colleagues (1999) to observe brain activations during the performance of a spatial working memory task. In this investigation, subjects were given a spatial working memory task and a control task. Using fMRI the researchers found a functionally distinct, region that showed sustained activity during the spatial working memory task, confirming the location for the neural bases for that function. In the past, researchers who wanted detailed studies of human brain activity struggled because they lacked effective investigative tools. In experiments with humans the best technologies brought only limited success in mapping the processes of consciousness."

Tags:brain, ct, eeg, imaging, memory, mri, neuropsychology, neuroscience, pet, psychology, scan, amnesiac, cognative, personality, changes, human, brain, patients, techniques

Abstract
This paper discusses how the brain learns from a physiological standpoint and what the current state of research is. It explores issues cited such as the knowledge of brain physiology and the developmental changes that enable learning. The author of the paper claims that cited literature gives a perspective that learning is intangible and is only evidenced by changes in physiology. The paper considers how the physiological changes happen and how they relate to intangibles related to learning.

Tags:learning, brain, research

Abstract
This paper looks at the process of metabolism and how it is changed during starvation to keep the brain supplied, first with glucose, and when that is exhausted, with acetyl-CoA. It then looks at the effects of starvation on the brain and how these problems can be corrected.

Tags:starvation, brain

Abstract
This paper looks at the development of the brain from the moment of conception to one year of age. It looks at the development of gender, gender differences in the brain, cognition, and how cognitive function changes through adulthood into old age.

From the Paper
There is a four-year period of potential growth lasting from conception until around the third birthday, which is the most critical period for human development. Maria Montessori called this La mente del bambino or the time of the absorbent mind. The brain is composed basically of two types of cells; the neurons which are the nerve cells and the glial cells which are the supportive cells. Information is integrated in the cell bodies of the neurons and travels as an electrochemical impulse along the axon where the..."

Tags:brain development, cognition, gender development, adolescence, aging