The eight Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience (IFCN) Study Sections consider applications focused on a very wide range of questions in neuroscience. A common theme of these applications is an overall aim of furthering our understanding of how the nervous system is organized and functions at an integrative, systems level. Specific areas reviewed in IFCN Study Sections include studies of the neural basis of emotional and motivational behavior; regulation of function, at the systems level, by neuroendocrine and neuroimmune influences; the analysis of system function under varying behavioral states, such as sleep and hibernation; the basis of biological rhythms; the maintenance of homeostasis by the autonomic nervous system; chemosensation, hearing, balance, touch and somatosensation; motor systems and sensorimotor integration; the integration of multisensory information; the development and alteration of memory and other cognitive processes that accompany aging; computational and theoretical models of cognitive processes; mechanisms underlying neural coding of complex stimuli (e.g., pattern recognition, spatial transformations, speech perception); and attention and its effects on information processing in the nervous system. Research proposed in applications reviewed by IFCN Study Sections may have relevance to disorders or disease processes, but the emphasis would be on the effect of the process on the structure or function of the system under investigation, rather than on the disease process itself.
This study section reviews applications on the neural basis of behavior, such as motivation and emotion. Studies include the molecular, cellular, anatomical, genetic and neurobehavioral bases of motivated and emotional behavior. Emphasis is on the neurobiologic processes (genetic, molecular, developmental, maturation and aging) underlying neuronal circuits critical to the mediation of positively and negatively motivated behavior.
I. Positively Motivated Behaviors. Neural substrates (e.g., signaling molecules, channels, transporters, receptors, transmitters, neurons) involved in the mediation of drug and other types of reward; circuits (e.g., mesolimbic, mesocortical-thalamic) important in the mediation of reward and craving; mechanisms of tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and sensitization; as well as predisposing factors (genetic, developmental, and environmental) leading to drug seeking and relapse.
II. Stress, Fear, Anxiety, Aggression. Critical molecules (e.g., receptors, transmitters, hormones, transporters, channels, signaling molecules) involved in the mediation of negatively motivated behavior; circuits (e.g., hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, locus coereleus, prefrontal cortex) important in the mediation of such behavior; mechanisms of habituation and sensitization leading to altered responsiveness to stressful and aversive stimuli; and predisposing factors (genetic, developmental, and environmental) that may shape such behavior.
III. Feeding, Drinking, Sexual and Other Consummatory Behavior. Critical molecules (e.g., receptors, transmitters, hormones, transporters, channels, signaling molecules) involved in the mediation of consummatory behavior; limbic and related circuits important in the mediation of such behavior; mechanisms of plasticity; and predisposing factors (genetic, developmental, and environmental) which may shape such behavior; social behavior.
IV. Exogenous Influences on Neurobiological Processes. Causes, correlates and consequences (including neuroadaptation) of the effects of exposure to exogenous agents, neuropsychoactive drugs, or trauma at any stage across the life span that focus on analysis of the organization, structure and/or function of the mature nervous systems, rather than on fundamental processes involved in neural induction, specification or differentiation.
V. Neurobiological Actions of Psychoactive/Psychotherapeutic Agents. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs on behavior; neuroanatomical circuitry mediating the behavioral effects of psychotherapeutic drugs; influence of genetic manipulations, perinatal manipulations, gender and environment on the behavioral actions of psychoactive drugs.
ALTX-3 (Alcohol and Toxicology-3). There is potential overlap with respect to the interaction of alcohol and CNS function. ALTX-3 is more appropriate when the primary focus is on alcohol or toxicant pathophysiology, but IFCN-1 should be considered if the focus is on the neural substrate and motivational behavior.
BDCN-6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 6). Studies of the basic structural and functional neural mechanism(s) of addictive disorder and emotional behavior are appropriate for IFCN-1. Clinically related studies are appropriate for BDCN-6.
BEM (Behavioral Medicine). Studies of the behavioral sequelae or the treatment of those disorders are more appropriate for BEM.
HUD-1 through -3 (Health and Human Development 1 through 3). Applications with a primary research focus on behavioral consequences are more appropriate for a HUD Study Section.
IFCN-2 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 2). Overlap exists between IFCN-1 and IFCN-2. Applications focused primarily on the neural mechanisms of behavior are appropriate for IFCN-1 while applications focused primarily on HPA axis and neuroimmune systems are more appropriate for IFCN-2.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). In general, studies of nociception/pain are reviewed by IFCN-4. IFCN-4 should also review applications where the neural basis of motivation and emotion is studied in the context of smell and taste function and where specific knowledge of these systems is essential for review.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). IFCN-6 reviews applications where the neural basis of motivation and emotion are studied in the context of auditory or vestibular function and where specific knowledge of these systems is essential for review.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). Studies of the structural and functional bases of motivational and emotional behavior are more appropriate for IFCN-1. Studies of the influence of emotional and motivational processes on cognition should be reviewed in IFCN-7.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-1 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior.
MCDN-6 and -7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6 and 7). Developmental studies directed at understanding the effects of early experience on motivated and emotional behavior would be within the purview of IFCN-1.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: electrophysiology, neurobehavioral teratology, neuroanatomy, neurobehavioral genetics, neuropsychopharmacology and substance abuse, pharmacokinetics, neuroethology, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, molecular and cellular biology, neuroendocrinology, neurochemistry, neurotoxicology, animal modeling and neuroimaging.
This study section is concerned with the regulation of brain and behavior across the life span by neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems. Studies include the molecular, cellular, anatomical, genetic and neurobehavioral. Mechanisms include: cyclic secretions, transport across blood-brain-barrier (BBB), and hormonal effects on gene expression and homeostatic processes. Preclinical analysis of basic mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity and pathogenesis of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems are considered. This includes plasticity, development, maturation and aging in neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems in both normo- and pathophysiology. Brain mechanisms underlying addictive, environmental and social influences on the endocrine and immune systems are also of interest.
I. Reproductive Behaviors and Sexual Differentiation. Genetic, developmental, and hormonal modulation of reproductive and parenting behaviors, including social affiliation, aggression, sexual behavior and courtship.
II. Hypothalamic-Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis-Stress. Neurobiological mediators of environmental stimulation including stressors; interaction of stress and drug effects; neuroanatomical, genetic, metabolic and hormonal basis for such mediation, and receptors, ligands that mediate these effects.
III. Neuromodulatory Processes. Transport across and influences on the blood-brain barrier, cyclic secretion, seasonal cycles, and hormone/gene interactions.
IV. Interactions between Brain and Immune System. Structural basis and mechanisms mediating functional interactions between brain and immune systems; crosstalk between signaling molecules and receptors shared by the immune and nervous systems; effects of cytokines and chemokines on the nervous system; response of neurons and glia to bacterial toxins, infectious agents and infections.
V. Neuroendocrine Interactions in Drug Seeking. Neuroendocrine responses to the effects of psychotropic drugs and environmental factors, as well as neuroendocrine influences on drug taking and addiction.
VI. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Feeding and Drinking. Neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and their receptors regulating consummatory behaviors; anatomical and neuroendocrine efferents regulating consummatory behaviors and energy balance; effects of drugs, stressors and environmental factors on this regulatory axis.
VII. Plasticity, Aging, Neurogenesis. Development, maturation, and aging of the neuroendocrine and immune systems that regulate brain and behavior, including the plasticity and genesis of these systems with levels of analysis from molecular and cellular to the systems.
ALTX-3 (Alcohol and Toxicology-3). There is potential overlap with respect to the interaction of alcohol and CNS function. ALTX-3 is more appropriate when the primary focus is on alcohol or toxicant pathophysiology, but IFCN-2 should be considered if neuroendocrine interactions are involved.
BCE (Biochemical Endocrinology). BCE overlaps with IFCN-2 in the area of hypothalamic control of pituitary function and interactions between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. In general, BCE should be considered when the focus is the endocrine regulatory axis such as control of pituitary hormone release and feedback signals from peripheral organs. When the focus is on integration of signals from other brain areas or on hypothalmic networks as models for other systems, IFCN-2 should be considered.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). There is overlap between the BDCN study sections and IFCN-2 in the area of basic mechanisms of neurotoxicity and neuropathology at the systems level. Applications addressing immunological processes involved in neural diseases or injury should be reviewed in BDCN-4.
HUD-1 through -3 (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). Studies of social affiliation, aggression, sexual behavior, courtship, and parenting in which the primary research focus is behavioral are more appropriate for a HUD Study Section.
IFCN-1 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1). Overlap exists between IFCN-1 and IFCN-2. Applications focused primarily on the neural mechanisms of behavior are appropriate for IFCN-1. Applications focused primarily on HPA axis and neuroimmune systems are more appropriate for IFCN-2.
IFCN-3 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 3). Overlap exists between IFCN-3 and IFCN-2. Applications focused primarily on the behavioral effects on the autonomic nervous systems are appropriate for IFCN-3.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-2 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior. MCDN-2 emphasizes the molecular and cellular aspects and IFCN-2 the systems aspects of research in neuroimmunology.
MCDN-6 and -7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6 and 7). There is overlap between MCDN-6 and -7 and IFCN-2 in the area of developmental mechanisms at the cellular and molecular level of gene expression. IFCN-2 could review environmental and genetic interactions.
MHAI-2 (Mental Health, AIDS, and Immunology-2). Studies of regulation of feeding and drinking behavior in which the primary research focus is behavior are more appropriate for MHAI-2.
REN (Reproductive Endocrinology). Overlap exists with respect to control of reproductive behavior. Studies that address neuromodulatory processes regulating cyclic secretion and seasonal cycles that are in the context of reproduction should be assigned to REN, while IFCN-2 is more appropriate for studies that focus primarily on the neural circuitry.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: molecular biology, cell biology, neuropharmacology, biochemistry, electrophysiology, neuroimaging, neuroanatomy, behavioral analysis, stress (e.g., metabolic, drug-induced, and due to environmental deprivation), neuroimmunology, neuroendocrinology, and behavioral endocrinology.
This study section reviews applications in a number of areas of integrative, regulatory and behavioral neuroscience across the life span. These include behavioral states, such as wakefulness, sleep, hibernation and variations in arousal level; biological rhythms, including temporal cycles such as ultradian, circadian, infradian and circannual rhythms; and regulatory mechanisms underlying homeostasis, including thermoregulation and other functions of the autonomic nervous system. Applications on the relationship of drug administration, use, and withdrawal on homeostasis are reviewed here. Levels of analysis include genetic/molecular studies, cellular and circuit studies, oscillatory mechanisms, neurobehavioral and neuropharmacological investigations on the whole organism. Emphasis is on integrative studies of mechanisms, functions or neurobehavioral manifestations, but may include studies of single cells, and the development of animal models.
I. Circadian Rhythms. Pacemaker mechanisms and properties; neuroanatomical pathways and mechanisms of entrainment and phase shifts; pacemaker output pathways, mechanisms and consequences; feedback effects; pharmacologic, physiologic and endocrine interactions; pathophysiology and treatment of circadian disorders; circadian variation in drug efficacy and toxicity; development and manifestation of circadian processes over the life span; and circadian variations in disease processes and the immune system.
II. Oscillatory Mechanisms. Cellular and circuit analysis of oscillatory systems, such as thalamocortical rhythmicity.
III. Pulsatile Hormone Secretion. Mechanisms and functions of pulsatile neurosecretion; identification of neural pulse generators.
IV. Reproductive and Circannual Rhythms. Including hibernation.
V. Arousal, Attention and Wakefulness. Neural mechanisms underlying arousal level, attention and wakefulness; neurobehavioral and cognitive performance and processing.
VI. Sleep. Molecular and cellular studies to the extent the underlying focus is on integrative mechanisms; neuroanatomical and organismal studies of the neural processes which generate sleep and dreams; development and manifestation of these processes over the life span; animal models; sleep disturbance and deprivation; interaction of sleep and circadian rhythmicity; interaction of the endocrine system and sleep; neuroimaging; electrophysiology and polysomnography; homeostatic sleep regulation; sleep and the immune system. Clinical studies of sleep disorders where the emphasis is on underlying neural processes are reviewed here. Also included are applied studies of shift work and other disturbances of circadian rhythmicity, and interactions with other systems such as the immune and endocrine systems.
VII. Regulatory Mechanisms. Mechanisms underlying homeostasis, including thermoregulation and other functions of the autonomic nervous and immune systems.
BCE (Biochemical Endocrinology). BCE overlaps with IFCN-3 in the broad area of biorhythms from pulsatile secretion to circadian and circannual rhythms. Applications focused on hormonal modulation of pulsatile secretion or role of pulsatile secretion in reproductive cyclicity would most likely be reviewed in BCE or REN. Applications focused on clock genes, SCN, or melatonin would likely be reviewed in IFCN-3.
BDCN-6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 6). Studies dealing with basic homeostatic control of sleep and circadian or biological systems, and other integrative functions of the autonomic nervous system should be reviewed in IFCN-3. Studies dealing with epidemiology, clinical or patient-orientated studies of sleep disorders and treatment where the focus is on the disorder and not neural processes should be reviewed by BDCN-6.
HUD-1 through -3 (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). Applications with a major focus on behavioral, cognitive or emotional studies should be assigned to a HUD Study Section.
IFCN-2 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 2). IFCN-2 is concerned with brain regulation by neuroendocrine systems in general. Applications focusing on the regulation of sleep should be reviewed in IFCN-3.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). IFCN-3 is concerned with control of autonomic function by nociceptive, visceral and mechanoreceptor inputs, while IFCN-4 focuses on the somatosensory and chemosensory, and nociceptive inputs.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). IFCN-6 reviews applications on auditory or vestibular control of autonomic systems in the context of hearing and balance function and where specific knowledge of these systems is essential for review.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-3 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior.
REN (Reproductive Endocrinology). Overlap exists with respect to cyclic physiology and behavior. Applications which focus on the mechanism and function of pulsatile neurosecretion, menstrual cycles, and estrous cycles should be assigned to REN when they are in the context of reproduction. IFCN-3 is more appropriate when the primary focus is on neural circuitry.
Areas of technical competence of this committee include: cellular and molecular biology, circadian biology, systems physiology, electrophysiology, sleep neurophysiology, behavioral endocrinology, neuroanatomy and neuroimaging, immunochemistry, neuropharmacology, neuropsychology, substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, animal modeling, mathematical modeling, and genetics.
This study section reviews applications on structure and function of sensory and perceptual systems, including chemosensation, pain and analgesia and somatosensation. Emphasis is on integrative systems approaches to understanding normal sensory function; dysfunction; development, maturation and aging; recovery from injury; perceptual and sensory perturbations; as well as drug and other factors.
I. Chemosensation. Olfaction, taste, vomeronasal and trigeminal chemosensory systems. Approaches include: neuroanatomy, physiology, neurobehavior, transduction, model systems, transmitters/receptors, perireceptor mechanisms, odorant binding proteins, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive) peripheral afferents, sensory receptors, pharmacology, psychophysics, transduction, modulation, sensory discrimination, computational modeling, and correlates of nutrition.
II. Pain and Analgesia. Anatomy, physiology of nociceptive pathways, imaging, pharmacology, critical molecules (e.g., receptors, neurotransmitters, transporters, channels, signaling molecules, growth factors), model systems, transduction, plasticity, genetics, development, psychophysiology, experimental therapeutics, sensitization, modulation, induction of gene expression, neurogenic inflammation, response to tissue and nerve injury, growth factors, cytokines, sympathetic nervous system, and neuropathies. Mediation and modulation of nociception; critical circuits (spinal and supraspinal) important in the mediation of pain responsiveness and analgesia; mechanisms of tolerance and sensitization to repeated noxious stimuli; and predisposing factors (genetic, developmental, and environmental) that may shape nociception and antinociception.
III. Touch and Vibrotactile Sensation. Neurobiological aspects of somesthesis, including touch, temperature, and vibrotactile sensation, neurophysiology, peripheral afferents, pharmacology, psychophysics, transduction, modulation, and sensory discrimination, receptors, transmissions, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive) and development.
BDCN 1-6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). There is overlap in the areas of sensory system injury, sensory neuropathy, and disorders that affect sensory systems. In general, applications reviewed by the BDCN Study Sections focus on diseases and pathological processes; however, applications focused on consequences of sensory system injury or neuropathy specific to chemosensation should be reviewed in IFCN-4.
HUD-1, -2, and -3. (Human Development and Aging 1, 2, and 3) Studies focused on neural mechanisms underlying chemosensation, pain and analgesia, and somatosensation are appropriate for IFCN-4. Studies focused on psychophysics and behavioral consequences are more appropriate for the HUD Study Sections.
IFCN-3 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 3). IFCN-3 is concerned with afferent (e.g., nociceptive, visceral, mechanoreceptive) control of autonomic nervous systems, while IFCN-4 focuses on the sensory function of such inputs.
IFCN-5 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 5). IFCN-4 is concerned with the role of sensory inputs in sensation and perception, IFCN-5 is concerned with their roles in motor control.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). Studies focused on the neural mechanism for tactile sensation are appropriate for IFCN-4, while studies focused on auditory and vestibular inputs are appropriate for IFCN-6.
IFCN-8 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 8). Studies intended to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition are appropriate for IFCN-8. Studies intended to elucidate mechanisms of sensory functions are more appropriate for IFCN-4.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-4 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior.
MCDN-7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 7). MCDN-7 reviews applications where a sensory system is being used as a model to study principles of nervous system development, as contrasted with a focus on the sensory system itself in which case IFCN-4 would be more appropriate.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuroimaging, neurobehavioral genetics, neuropsychology, psychophysics, computational modeling, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, anesthesiology, neurobehavioral pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry.
This study section reviews applications on the structure and function of motor, balance control and sensory-motor integration. Emphasis is on integrative systems approaches to understanding normal sensory-motor or motor function, development, maturation and aging, dysfunction and recovery from injury.
I. Motor Systems. Anatomy, physiology, transmitters/receptors, imaging, model systems, neurobehavior, pharmacology, transduction, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive), development (systems), locomotor pattern generators, proprioception, neurophysiology, motor control, pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems, basal ganglia, movement disorders, and computational models of motor systems. Neural mechanisms underlying the formation of sounds.
II. Balance Control Systems. Anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the coordination of the motoric (as opposed to the perceptual and cognitive) aspects of balance and spatially directed motor performance; motoric aspects of the vestibulospinal and postural control reflexes.
III. Sensory-Motor Integration. Anatomy, physiology, transmitters/receptors, imaging, model systems, neurobehavior, pharmacology, transduction, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive), and development (systems). Integration of the sensory (e.g., vestibular, visual, somatosensory) and motor components of balance and other motor control functions, their neural basis and behavioral control systems.
BDCN-1, -2, -3, and -5 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1, 2, 3, and 5). In general, applications reviewed by the BDCN Study Sections focus on diseases and pathological processes, while those reviewed by IFCN-5 focus on motor systems per se.
CMS (Sensory Disorders and Language). CMS has general responsibility for applications on voice, speech and language. Studies of speech production emphasizing the motor aspects of the vocal tract and articulators, without specific emphasis on how these aspects contact the larger language system, may be appropriately reviewed in IFCN-5.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). IFCN-4 is concerned with the role of sensory inputs in sensation and perception, IFCN-5 looks at their roles in motor control.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). IFCN-5 is concerned with the motor control, including the control of balance. IFCN-6 is concerned with the role of vestibular inputs in the control of balance.
IFCN-7 and -8 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7 and 8). Studies intended to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying cognition are appropriate for IFCN-7 or -8. Studies intended to elucidate the mechanisms of sensory and motor functions are more appropriate for IFCN-5.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-5 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior.
MCDN-7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 7). MCDN-7 reviews applications where a motor system is being used as a model to study principles of nervous system development, as contrasted to those applications which focus on the motor system itself, in which case IFCN-5 would be more appropriate.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurobehavioral genetics, neuropharmacology, neuropsychology, neuropharmacology, neurochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, neurobehavioral pharmacology, neuroimaging, psychophysics, animal modeling, theoretical/computational modeling, biomechanics, physiology, kinematics, ergonomics, and rehabilitation.
This study section reviews applications on the structure and function of the auditory and vestibular systems and the integration of multisensations. Emphasis is on integrative systems approaches to understanding hearing, balance and the integration of normal sensory-sensory function, development, maturation and aging, dysfunction and recovery from injury.
I. Auditory System/Hearing. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, transmitters/receptors, imaging, model systems, pharmacology, transduction, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive), development (systems), psychophysics, and neurobehavior.
II. Vestibular System/Balance. Neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, transmitters/receptors, imaging, model systems, pharmacology, transduction, plasticity (adaptive and maladaptive), development (systems), psychophysics, and neurobehavior. Vestibular control of autonomic and homeostatic functions.
III. Sensory-Sensory Integration and Interactions. Central and peripheral neural function and dysfunction, and recovery from injury, development, maturation and aging of sensory-sensory integration, sensory-sensory interactions, commonalities of individual senses and relative contributions of single senses to multisensory systems.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN study sections review applications on fundamental sensory system injury or neuropathy where the particular system under study is not central to the fundamental goal of the research. Applications focused on the consequences of sensory system injury or neuropathy specifically on hearing and balance function should be reviewed in IFCN-6.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). IFCN-4 is concerned with the basic structure and function of tactile sensation. IFCN-6 is concerned with interaction of tactile sensation with hearing and balance.
IFCN-5 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 5). IFCN-5 is concerned with the role of sensory inputs in motor control. IFCN-6 is concerned with the role of vestibular inputs in balance control.
IFCN-7 and -8 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7 and 8). IFCN-6 is more appropriate to review applications that focus on the structure and function of the auditory and vestibular systems. IFCN-7 and -8 are more appropriate to review studies that use the auditory information as a basis to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying language, perception, attention, executive processes, consciousness, hemispheric specialization, learning, memory and other cognitive functions.
MCDN-1 through -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 1 through 5). MCDN-1 through -5 are more appropriate for studies of signal transduction and related processes that occur within the context of a cell, with particular emphasis on cell electrophysiology, molecular biophysics, and neurochemical pathways. IFCN-6 is more appropriate for studies in the context of integrated circuits, systems, and behavior.
MCDN-6 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 6). MCDN-6 reviews applications on the initial formation, cell specification and differentiation of the developing nervous system where the particular system under study is not central to the fundamental goal of the research. Applications focused on the initial formation, cell specification and differentiation of the developing auditory or vestibular systems may be reviewed in IFCN-6.
MCDN-7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 7). MCDN-7 reviews applications on migratory events and the development, aging and regeneration of neural connectivity, for which the particular system under study is not central to the fundamental goal of the research. Applications focused on migratory events, and the development, aging and regeneration of neural connectivity of the auditory or vestibular system are more appropriately reviewed in IFCN-6.
VIS-B (Visual Science B). VIS-B reviews applications whose principal focus is on the role of visual and vestibular input in the control of eye movements, whereas IFCN-6 is appropriate for applications that focus on the vestibular-ocular reflex as a means to study vestibular mechanisms.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, neurobehavioral genetics, neuropharmacology, neurotoxicology, neuropsychology, audiology, neurochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, neurobehavioral pharmacology, psychophysics, neuroimaging, animal modeling, and theoretical modeling.
This study section reviews applications on the neurobiological structures, mechanisms, and principles underlying specific aspects of learning, memory, and associated neural plasticity. The scope of this committee is broad, including studies of the molecular and cellular changes, functional circuitry, and neural coding and integration that underlie learning and memory processes, as well as their disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on studies that directly relate behavioral/cognitive processes to their neural substrates.
I. Cellular Plasticity. Studies aimed at understanding cellular events that underlie the integration of information and interactions among neurons subserving learning and memory.
II. Neurochemistry, Neuropharmacology, and Molecular Genetics. Studies of molecular and genetic mechanisms that underlie specific aspects of learning and memory function, including selective neurochemical lesions, molecular-genetic manipulations, molecular correlates, pharmacological manipulations, and drug effects.
III. Functional Circuitry. Anatomical pathways and behavioral physiology of brain structures that mediate learning and memory, including purely anatomical studies and analyses of the effects of brain injury or reversible inactivation of specific brain structures. Specification and dissociation of properties of different learning and memory systems, including those that mediate declarative/explicit memory, working memory, motor/habit learning, emotional learning, and other forms of implicit memory.
IV. Neural Correlates of Learning and Memory. Characterization of neural activity using such techniques as event-related potentials, electro- and magneto-encephalographic activity, single neuron and population firing patterns, and brain imaging associated with learning and memory.
V. Disorders of Learning and Memory. Studies of learning and memory deficits resulting from trauma, transient ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders that shed light on normal and abnormal learning and memory functions.
VI. Development and Aging. Studies of the development of memory capacity and age-related memory loss that shed light on neurobiological mechanisms of learning and memory.
VII. Computational and Theoretical Modeling. Studies that focus on how synaptic plasticity, neural circuitry, and interactions among brain structures and systems affect learning and memory performance.
BDCN-1 through -6 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1 through 6). BDCN-1 through -6 and IFCN-7 have common interests in disorders of learning and memory. IFCN-7 considers applications that focus on disorders of learning and memory as they elucidate specific normal memory processes. These BDCN Study Sections review applications that focus on the basis or consequences of brain disorders.
CMS (Sensory Disorders and Language). CMS has general responsibility for applications on voice, speech and language. Applications focused on neural substrates and mechanisms of vocal patterns and behaviors, and applications with emphasis on neuroanatomical studies of learning of these patterns and behaviors rather than voice, speech and language processes may be appropriately reviewed in IFCN-7.
DMG (Diagnostic Imaging). For studies concerned with development of imaging technology, DMG is appropriate. However, where the proposed research is oriented toward the application of imaging techniques for elucidating neural biological processes underlying learning and memory, IFCN-7 is more appropriate.
HUD-1 through -3 (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). Behavioral studies that directly involve manipulation, measurement, or modeling of neural mechanisms are appropriate for IFCN-7. Studies that focus primarily on behavior should be reviewed by a HUD Study Section.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). While both IFCN-7 and IFCN-6 review applications dealing with cortical processing of auditory information, IFCN-7 is more appropriate to review studies that use the auditory information as a basis to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying learning and memory. IFCN-6 is more appropriate to review applications that focus on the structure and function of the auditory and vestibular systems.
IFCN-8 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience-8). While memory is common to many cognitive neuroscience applications, assignment will be based on the primary intent of the research and not simply on the presence or absence of memory in the research paradigm. IFCN-7 is more appropriate to review applications in which learning or memory is the primary focus of the study. IFCN-8 is more appropriate to review applications in which learning or memory is a part of a more general cognitive function.
MCDN-3, -4, and -5 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 3, 4, and 5). MCDN-3, -4, or -5 and IFCN-7 have common interests in cellular forms of plasticity such as LTP and LTD. Studies delineating intracellular and molecular mechanisms are more appropriate for MCDN-3, -4, or -5. Studies addressing rules and mechanisms of plasticity that impact on specific aspects of higher levels of analysis are more appropriate for IFCN-7.
MCDN-7 (Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neuroscience 7). Studies of functional synaptic plasticity (such as synaptic efficacy and receptive field organization) associated with cognitive processes, such as learning and memory, are more appropriate for IFCN-7. Studies of plasticity associated with fundamental mechanisms involved in the establishment, maintenance, and reorganization of synaptic connections may be more appropriate for MCDN-7.
RNM (Diagnostic Radiology). Both IFCN-7 and RNM review applications dealing with functional brain imaging; however, IFCN-7 is more appropriate to review applications that use imaging as a tool to study the neurobiological processes of learning and memory. RNM is more appropriate to review applications concerning development and evaluation of imaging procedures for evaluating the neural processing involved in learning and memory.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: molecular biology, cell biology, neuroanatomy, physiology, functional brain imaging, animal and human neuropsychology, computational/theoretical modeling, invertebrate systems, neuroendocrinology, pharmacology, and behavioral neurogenetics.
This study section reviews a broad range of applications on the neurobiological mechanisms and principles underlying cognitive functions other than learning and memory. The scope of the committee is broad, including molecular and cellular mechanisms, functional circuitry, and neural coding and integration that underlie behavioral/cognitive processes as well as their disorders. Particular emphasis is placed on studies that directly relate behavioral/cognitive processes to their neural substrates.
I. Perception, Motor Function and Sensorimotor Integration. Specific examples include pattern and object recognition in all sensory domains, cross-model integration of sensory information, spatial learning, spatial transformations within the brain, decision making and motor planning.
II. Attention, including spatial- and feature-based mechanisms in all sensory domains. Influences of attention on information flow within the brain in both normal and disease states.
III. Language and Speech Perception.
IV. Theoretical/Computational Modeling of neural mechanisms underlying specific cognitive functions. Dynamics and spatiotemporal organization of neural populations. New techniques, analytic methods, ways to visualize complex data sets that show promise of elucidating neural processes underlying cognitive functions.
V. Changes in Cognition During Development, Maturation and Aging.
VI. Brain Disorders, Pharmacological and Environmental Factors as they elucidate the neurobiological bases of cognitive processes.
VII. Other Cognitive Functions such as executive processes, conscious versus non- conscious processing, imagery, hemispheric specialization, and emotional and motivational processes that influence the above cognitive processes.
BDCN-1, -2, and -3 (Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience 1, 2, and 3). Studies of clinical populations and interventions are appropriate for IFCN-8 only when they are focused on revealing neural mechanisms of cognition. Studies characterizing cognitive deficits, their time course or treatment should be reviewed by the appropriate BDCN study section.
CMS (Sensory Disorders and Language). CMS has general responsibility for applications on voice, speech and language. Studies of voice, speech and language conducted within the broader context of other cognitive processes, such as attention and perception, may be appropriately reviewed in IFCN-8.
DMG (Diagnostic Imaging). For studies specifically concerned with development of imaging technology, DMG is appropriate. However, where the proposed research is more oriented toward the application of imaging techniques for elucidating neural biological processes underlying cognition, IFCN-8 is more appropriate.
HUD-1 through -3. (Human Development and Aging 1 through 3). While the three HUD study sections also review the development of perception, attention and language formation, IFCN-8 is more appropriate to review applications that focus on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying such cognitive functions. Studies that focus primarily on behavior should be reviewed by a HUD Study Section.
IFCN-1 (Integrative and Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 1). While studies of emotional and motivational processes that influence cognition are appropriate for IFCN-8, studies to elucidate the structural and functional bases of motivational and emotional behavior are more appropriate for IFCN-1.
IFCN-4 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 4). Studies with the intent to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying sensory perception are appropriate for IFCN-8. IFCN-4 reviews applications on neural processing involved in chemosensation, pain and vibrotactile sensation.
IFCN-5 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 5). IFCN-5 and IFCN-8 overlap in the area of motor systems. IFCN-8 deals with higher motor processes and planning, while IFCN-5 reviews applications dealing with pyramidal and extra-pyramidal motor systems and sensory motor systems.
IFCN-6 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 6). While both IFCN-8 and IFCN-6 may review applications dealing with cortical processing of auditory information, IFCN-8 is more appropriate to review studies that use the auditory information as a basis to elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying language, attention, perception, attention, executive processes, consciousness, hemispheric specialization and other cognitive functions. IFCN-6 is more appropriate to review applications that focus on the structure and function of the auditory and vestibular systems.
IFCN-7 (Integrative, Functional, and Cognitive Neuroscience 7). While memory is common to many cognitive neuroscience applications, assignment will be based on the primary intent of the research and not simply on the presence or absence of learning or memory in the research paradigm.
RNM (Diagnostic Radiology). Both IFCN-8 and RNM may review applications dealing with functional brain imaging; however, IFCN-8 is more appropriate to review applications that use imaging as a tool to study the neurobiological processes of cognitive functions such as language, perception, attention, executive processes, consciousness, imagery and hemispheric specialization. RNM is more appropriate to review applications concerning development and evaluation of imaging procedures for evaluating the neural processing involved in cognition.
VIS-B (Visual Sciences B). While there may be some overlap of VIS-B and IFCN-8, IFCN-8 is more appropriate to review studies concerning vision as a part of underlying neurobiological processes for attention, perception, hemispherical specialization, and other cognitive functions. VIS-B is more appropriate to review applications focusing on normal and abnormal visual and oculo-motor processes.
Areas of technical competency of this committee include: cognitive psychology, neuroimaging, neuropsychology, applied mathematics, statistics, computational modeling (including neural networks), genetics, animal modeling, and neuroanatomy.