Dynamic-clamp is a fascinating electrophysiology technique that consists of merging living neurons with computational models. The dynamic-clamp (also called “conductance injection”) allows experimentalists and theoreticians to challenge neurons (or any other type of cell) with complex conductance stimuli generated by a computer. The technique can be implemented from neural simulation environments and a variety of custom-made or commercial systems. The real-time interaction between the computer and cell also enables the design of recording paradigms with unprecedented accuracy via a computational model of the electrode. Dynamic-Clamp: From Principles to Applications contains contributions from leading researchers in the field, who investigate these paradigms at the cellular or network level, in vivo and in vitro, and in different brain regions and cardiac cells. Topics discussed include the addition of artificially-generated synaptic activity to neurons; adding, amplifying or neutralizing voltage-dependent conductances; creating hybrid networks with real and artificial cells; attaching simulated dendritic tree structures to the living cell; and connecting different neurons. This book will be of interest to experimental biophysicists, neurophysiologists, and cardiac physiologists, as well as theoreticians, engineers, and computational neuroscientists. Graduate and undergraduate students will also find up-to-date coverage of physiological problems and how they are investigated.

The discipline of neurodesign is a highly interdisciplinary one, while at the same time in the process of maturing towards real-life applications. The breakthrough about to be achieved is to close the loop in communication between neural systems and electronic and mechatronic systems and actually let the nervous system adapt to the feedback from the man-made systems. To master this loop, scientists need a sound understanding of neurology, from the cellular to the systems scale, of man-made systems and how to connect the two. These scientists comprise medical scientists, neurologists and physiologists, engineers, as well as biophysicists. And they need the topics in a coherently written work with chapters building upon another.

The two-volume set LNCS 3561 and LNCS 3562 constitute the refereed proceedings of the First International Work-Conference on the Interplay between Natural and Artificial Computation, IWINAC 2005, held in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain in June 2005. The 118 revised papers presented are thematically divided into two volumes; the first includes all the contributions mainly related with the methodological, conceptual, formal, and experimental developments in the fields of Neurophysiology and cognitive science. The second volume collects the papers related with bioinspired programming strategies and all the contributions related with the computational solutions to engineering problems in different application domains.

Neuronal Noise combines experimental, theoretical and computational results to show how noise is inherent to neuronal activity, and how noise can be important for neuronal computations. The book covers many aspects of noise in neurons, with an emphasis on the largest source of noise: synaptic noise. It provides students and young researchers with an overview of the important methods and concepts that have emerged from research in this area. It also provides the specialist with a summary of the large body of sometimes contrasting experimental data, and different theories proposed to explore the computational power that various forms of "noise" can confer to neurons.

Chemical synapses are specialised junctions through which cells of the nervous system signal to one another and to non-neuronal cells such as muscles or glands. A chemical synapse between a motor neuron and a muscle cell is called a neuromuscular junction. Chemical synapses allow the neurons of the central nervous system to form interconnected neural circuits. They are thus crucial to the biological computations that underlie perception and thought. They also provide the means through which the nervous system connects to and controls the other systems of the body. The human brain contains a huge number of chemical synapses, with young children having about 1016 synapses (10,000 trillion[1].). This number declines with age, stabilising by adulthood. Estimates for an adult vary from 1015 to 5 × 1015 synapses (1,000 to 5,000 trillion).

In two editions spanning more than a decade, The Electrical Engineering Handbook stands as the definitive reference to the multidisciplinary field of electrical engineering. Our knowledge continues to grow, and so does the Handbook. For the third edition, it has grown into a set of six books carefully focused on specialized areas or fields of study. Each one represents a concise yet definitive collection of key concepts, models, and equations in its respective domain, thoughtfully gathered for convenient access. Combined, they constitute the most comprehensive, authoritative resource available. Circuits, Signals, and Speech and Image Processing presents all of the basic information related to electric circuits and components, analysis of circuits, the use of the Laplace transform, as well as signal, speech, and image processing using filters and algorithms. It also examines emerging areas such as text to speech synthesis, real-time processing, and embedded signal processing. Electronics, Power Electronics, Optoelectronics, Microwaves, Electromagnetics, and Radar delves into the fields of electronics, integrated circuits, power electronics, optoelectronics, electromagnetics, light waves, and radar, supplying all of the basic information required for a deep understanding of each area. It also devotes a section to electrical effects and devices and explores the emerging fields of microlithography and power electronics. Sensors, Nanoscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Instruments provides thorough coverage of sensors, materials and nanoscience, instruments and measurements, and biomedical systems and devices, including all of the basic information required to thoroughly understand each area. It explores the emerging fields of sensors, nanotechnologies, and biological effects. Broadcasting and Optical Communication Technology explores communications, information theory, and devices, covering all of the basic information needed for a thorough understanding of these areas. It also examines the emerging areas of adaptive estimation and optical communication. Computers, Software Engineering, and Digital Devices examines digital and logical devices, displays, testing, software, and computers, presenting the fundamental concepts needed to ensure a thorough understanding of each field. It treats the emerging fields of programmable logic, hardware description languages, and parallel computing in detail. Systems, Controls, Embedded Systems, Energy, and Machines explores in detail the fields of energy devices, machines, and systems as well as control systems. It provides all of the fundamental concepts needed for thorough, in-depth understanding of each area and devotes special attention to the emerging area of embedded systems. Encompassing the work of the world's foremost experts in their respective specialties, The Electrical Engineering Handbook, Third Edition remains the most convenient, reliable source of information available. This edition features the latest developments, the broadest scope of coverage, and new material on nanotechnologies, fuel cells, embedded systems, and biometrics. The engineering community has relied on the Handbook for more than twelve years, and it will continue to be a platform to launch the next wave of advancements. The Handbook's latest incarnation features a protective slipcase, which helps you stay organized without overwhelming your bookshelf. It is an attractive addition to any collection, and will help keep each volume of the Handbook as fresh as your latest research.

In two editions spanning more than a decade, The Electrical Engineering Handbook stands as the definitive reference to the multidisciplinary field of electrical engineering. Our knowledge continues to grow, and so does the Handbook. For the third edition, it has expanded into a set of six books carefully focused on a specialized area or field of study. Each book represents a concise yet definitive collection of key concepts, models, and equations in its respective domain, thoughtfully gathered for convenient access. Sensors, Nanoscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Instruments provides thorough coverage of sensors, materials and nanoscience, instruments and measurements, and biomedical systems and devices, including all of the basic information required to thoroughly understand each area. It explores the emerging fields of sensors, nanotechnologies, and biological effects. Each article includes defining terms, references, and sources of further information. Encompassing the work of the world’s foremost experts in their respective specialties, Sensors, Nanoscience, Biomedical Engineering, and Instruments features the latest developments, the broadest scope of coverage, and new material on multisensor data fusion and MEMS and NEMS.