Brain function and oscillations. Vol. 2: Integrative brain function. Neurophysiology and cognitive processes (Q1273626)

This two-volume set proposes a new ``neurons-brain'' doctrine and aims to develop a framework for an integrative neurophysiology based on the idea that electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms are the elementary units from which more complex neural responses are synthesized. Vol. 1, subtitled ``Brain oscillations, principles and approaches'', see the review Zbl 0904.92012, supplies the details of the concept and describes the brain dynamics research program on which it is based. Vol. 2, reviewed here and subtitled ``Integrative brain function. Neurophysiology and cognitive processes'', provides applications of the basic principles presented in the first volume. Key points include the following: (1) The most general dynamics in the brain at all sensory and cognitive levels are governed by selectively distributed electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations. (2) Complex functions, e.g. sensory registration, perception, movement, and cognitive processes related to attention, learning and memory, are manifested by superimposed oscillations with various degrees of amplitude, duration, and delay. It is shown that evoked potentials recorded in animal experiments are ensembles of evoked or induced EEG rhythms in the alpha, theta, beta, and gamma frequency ranges. Similar experiments performed on humans with the use of scalp electrodes and magnetoencephalography are described. Fourier analysis and related mathematical techniques are applied to the analysis of event related potentials recorded from the brains of cats or humans presented with cognitive tasks. The results demonstrate that sensory evoked or induced rhythms can be delayed or prolonged or that one rhythm can become dominant over others due to cognitive states.