Brain Arousal and Information Theory: Neural and Genetic Mechanisms
by Donald W Pfaff
Harvard University Press, 2006 eISBN: 978-0-674-04210-0 | Cloth: 978-0-674-01920-1 Library of Congress Classification QP405.P43 2006 Dewey Decimal Classification 153
ABOUT THIS BOOK | TOC
ABOUT THIS BOOK 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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SToward a Universal Theory of Brain Arousal 1
What Is to Be Explained? Ethology and the Mechanisms of Arousal 2
Operational Definition of Arousal 4
A Quantitative Approach to Physical Measurement of Generalized Arousal 6
The Neurobiology of Arousal Constitutes an Interesting Application of
Information Theory 13
Claims for This Chapter and Introduction to Chapters Following 24
D Anatomy Is Not Destiny, but a Little Neuroanatomy Helps 26
Multiplicity and Redundancy of Ascending Arousal Pathways Prevent Failure 26
Primitive "Master Cells" in the Brainstem Provide a Neuroanatomic
Core that Theoretically Matches the Behavioral Data 42
Long-Distance Lines Tuning Local Modules 48
Summary and Hypothetical Implications for Human Behavior 51
f Arousal Is Signaled by Electrical Discharges in a System of Nerve Cells 55
Traveling Up the Brainstem 56
Special Cases: Olfaction and Vision 65
Informational Content Governs Amplitude of Response in Neurons
Related to Arousal 66
Cerebral Cortex, the EEG 68
Electrical Activity in Three Arousal-Related Biological Systems 68
U Autonomic Nervous System Changes Supporting Arousal;
the Unity of the Body 71
Patterns of Autonomic Responses 72
Reformulations 77
A High Information System Shows Coordination sans Correlation 78
Supporting Hormone-Dependent Behaviors 81
Summary 82
f Genes Whose Neurochemical Products Support Arousal 83
Genes Associated with Classical Systems 83
Genes Newly Recognized 90
Concepts and Questions 95
Summary 98
f Heightened States of Arousal: Sex Compared to Fear 99
Sex Behavior's CNS Mechanisms Require Arousal 100
Generalized Arousal Affects Specific Arousals and Vice Versa 107
Contrast Sex and Fear 115
Applicability of Information Theory 119
Libido and Stress in Humans 120
Summary 124
* Major Systems Questions about Brain Arousal Networks 125
What Are Universal Operating Features of Arousal Systems? 126
How Do We Meet the Requirement for Rapid Changes of CNS State? 129
Sensitivity and Alacrity of Response, Yet Stability? How? 131
Does Automata Theory Apply? 132
Questions in the Time Domain 136
Questions about Spatial Properties 137
Thermodynamics, Information Theory, and Questions for the CNS 138
How Does a Sine Wave Impact a Sawtooth? 140
Unity from Diversity? 141
H Summary and Practical Importance: From Biological Mechanisms to
Health Applications 143
Main Points 143
Applications to Human Conditions 147
Brain Arousal and Information Theory: Neural and Genetic Mechanisms
by Donald W Pfaff
Harvard University Press, 2006 eISBN: 978-0-674-04210-0 Cloth: 978-0-674-01920-1
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.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SToward a Universal Theory of Brain Arousal 1
What Is to Be Explained? Ethology and the Mechanisms of Arousal 2
Operational Definition of Arousal 4
A Quantitative Approach to Physical Measurement of Generalized Arousal 6
The Neurobiology of Arousal Constitutes an Interesting Application of
Information Theory 13
Claims for This Chapter and Introduction to Chapters Following 24
D Anatomy Is Not Destiny, but a Little Neuroanatomy Helps 26
Multiplicity and Redundancy of Ascending Arousal Pathways Prevent Failure 26
Primitive "Master Cells" in the Brainstem Provide a Neuroanatomic
Core that Theoretically Matches the Behavioral Data 42
Long-Distance Lines Tuning Local Modules 48
Summary and Hypothetical Implications for Human Behavior 51
f Arousal Is Signaled by Electrical Discharges in a System of Nerve Cells 55
Traveling Up the Brainstem 56
Special Cases: Olfaction and Vision 65
Informational Content Governs Amplitude of Response in Neurons
Related to Arousal 66
Cerebral Cortex, the EEG 68
Electrical Activity in Three Arousal-Related Biological Systems 68
U Autonomic Nervous System Changes Supporting Arousal;
the Unity of the Body 71
Patterns of Autonomic Responses 72
Reformulations 77
A High Information System Shows Coordination sans Correlation 78
Supporting Hormone-Dependent Behaviors 81
Summary 82
f Genes Whose Neurochemical Products Support Arousal 83
Genes Associated with Classical Systems 83
Genes Newly Recognized 90
Concepts and Questions 95
Summary 98
f Heightened States of Arousal: Sex Compared to Fear 99
Sex Behavior's CNS Mechanisms Require Arousal 100
Generalized Arousal Affects Specific Arousals and Vice Versa 107
Contrast Sex and Fear 115
Applicability of Information Theory 119
Libido and Stress in Humans 120
Summary 124
* Major Systems Questions about Brain Arousal Networks 125
What Are Universal Operating Features of Arousal Systems? 126
How Do We Meet the Requirement for Rapid Changes of CNS State? 129
Sensitivity and Alacrity of Response, Yet Stability? How? 131
Does Automata Theory Apply? 132
Questions in the Time Domain 136
Questions about Spatial Properties 137
Thermodynamics, Information Theory, and Questions for the CNS 138
How Does a Sine Wave Impact a Sawtooth? 140
Unity from Diversity? 141
H Summary and Practical Importance: From Biological Mechanisms to
Health Applications 143
Main Points 143
Applications to Human Conditions 147