Brain Arousal And the Information Theory

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ISBN: 9780674019201 | 0674019202
Cover: Hardcover
Copyright: 12/30/2005

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In Brain Arousal and Information Theory, Donald Pfaff presents a daring perspective on the long-standing puzzle of what arousal is. Pfaff argues that, beneath our mental functions and emotional dispositions, a primitive neuronal system governs arousal. Employing the simple but powerful framework of information theory, Pfaff revolutionizes our understanding of arousal systems in the brain.

Preface and Dedication

vii

1 Toward a Universal Theory of Brain Arousal

(25)

What Is to Be Explained? Ethology and the Mechanisms of Arousal

(2)

Operational Definition of Arousal

(2)

A Quantitative Approach to Physical Measurement of Generalized Arousal

(7)

The Neurobiology of Arousal Constitutes an Interesting Application of Information Theory

(11)

Claims for This Chapter and Introduction to Chapters Following

(2)

2 Anatomy Is Not Destiny, but a Little Neuroanatomy Helps

(29)

Multiplicity and Redundancy of Ascending Arousal Pathways Prevent Failure

(16)

Primitive "Master Cells" in the Brainstem Provide a Neuroanatomic Core that Theoretically Matches the Behavioral Data

(6)

Long-Distance Lines Tuning Local Modules

(3)

Summary and Hypothetical Implications for Human Behavior

(4)

3 Arousal Is Signaled by Electrical Discharges in a System of Nerve Cells

(16)

Traveling Up the Brainstem

(9)

Special Cases: Olfaction and Vision

(1)

Informational Content Governs Amplitude of Response in Neurons Related to Arousal

(2)

Cerebral Cortex, the EEG

(1)

Electrical Activity in Three Arousal-Related Biological Systems

(3)

4 Autonomic Nervous System Changes Supporting Arousal; the Unity of the Body

(12)

Patterns of Autonomic Responses

(5)

Reformulations

(1)

A High Information System Shows Coordination sans Correlation

(3)

Supporting Hormone-Dependent Behaviors

(1)

Summary

(1)

5 Genes Whose Neurochemical Products Support Arousal

(16)

Genes Associated with Classical Systems

(7)

Genes Newly Recognized

(5)

Concepts and Questions

(3)

Summary

(1)

6 Heightened States of Arousal: Sex Compared to Fear

(26)

Sex Behavior's CNS Mechanisms Require Arousal

100

(7)

Generalized Arousal Affects Specific Arousals and Vice Versa

107

(8)

Contrast Sex and Fear

115

(4)

Applicability of Information Theory

119

(1)

Libido and Stress in Humans

120

(4)

Summary

124

(1)

7 Major Systems Questions about Brain Arousal Networks

125

(18)

What Are Universal Operating Features of Arousal Systems?

126

(3)

How Do We Meet the Requirement for Rapid Changes of CNS State?

129

(2)

Sensitivity and Alacrity of Response, Yet Stability? How?

131

(1)

Does Automata Theory Apply?

132

(4)

Questions in the Time Domain

136

(1)

Questions about Spatial Properties

137

(1)

Thermodynamics, Information Theory, and Questions for the CNS

138

(2)

How Does a Sine Wave Impact a Sawtooth?

140

(1)

Unity from Diversity?

141

(2)

8 Summary and Practical Importance: From Biological Mechanisms to Health Applications

143

(12)

Main Points

143

(4)

Applications to Human Conditions

147

(8)

Works Cited

155

(42)

Acknowledgments

197

(2)

Index

199

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Brain Arousal And the Information Theory

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