SUMMARYThe Necl/SynCAM subgroup of immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules has been implicated in late stages of neural circuit formation. They were shown to be sufficient for synaptogenesis by their trans-synaptic interactions. Additionally, they are involved in myelination, both in the central and the peripheral nervous system, by mediating adhesion between glia cells and axons. Here, we show that Necls/SynCAMs are also required for early stages of neural circuit formation. We demonstrate a role for Necls/SynCAMs in post-crossing commissural axon guidance in the developing spinal cord in vivo. Necl3/SynCAM2, the family member that has not been characterized functionally so far, plays a crucial role in this process. It is expressed by floorplate cells and interacts with Necls/SynCAMs expressed by commissural axons to mediate a turning response in post-crossing commissural axons.

Introduction: This survey aims to contribute to the current discussion about neuroenhancement by comparing cognitive enhancer(s) (CE) users with CE non-users with a focus on their characteristics and attitudes. Methods: An online survey was sent out to all undergraduate and graduate students of the University of Z?rich who allow such e-mails (n=8?642), accompanied by advertisement for the survey in lectures. 1?765 students completed the survey, which was about healthy people?s use of Ritalin, Adderall and/or Modasomil to increase concentration and/or alertness. A complementary paper-and-pencil survey (n=97 students, response rate: 95.1%) was also carried out in order to compare data. Results: Non-therapeutic CE users (6.2%) were more often male, considered religion to be of less importance and had more experience with drugs. CE had been taken for study purposes by 4.7% of all students. CE users had tried Ritalin most often, which about half of them received from friends and colleagues. The CE users had more reasons for and fewer concerns about taking CE than non-users. The most common reasons for both groups were ?the effects of learning quicker? and ?for finishing more work in less time?. The most common concerns for both groups were ?the worries about possible side effects? and ?the goal of CE to achieve more?, and ?an unnatural interference of such products with our bodies? (CE-users) or ?the gut feeling of not using such products? (CE non-users). Discussion: The comparison of CE users with CE non-users reveals insights about their attitudes, which will add to the understanding of why students take or could imagine taking such products.

Swiss psychiatrists and general practitioners are confronted with requests for neuroenhancement, albeit not very frequently. Most participants embrace a pragmatic position towards neuroenhancement, although there is also a considerable degree of uncertainty about the appropriateness of a categorical refusal. A minority would follow a consumer model that leaves the decision about the use of neuroenhancers to the client, even though this conflicts with legal requirements regarding drug prescriptions.

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