Pattern recognition computation using action potential timing for stimulus representation, pp. 33-36 AND Identification and inhibition of the ICE/CED-3 protease necessary for mammalian apoptosis, pp. 37-43 in Nature, Volume 376, Number 6535, July 6, 1995

FIRST EDITION IN PAPER WRAPS OF TWO LANDMARK PAPERS. The Hopfield paper introduced temporal coding in neural computation. It showed that the precise timing of spikes-not just firing rates-can perform complex pattern recognition, influencing computational neuroscience and later neuromorphic and AI research. The Nicholson apoptosis paper identified a mammalian caspase (ICE/CED-3 family) required for programmed cell death and laid the foundation for modern apoptosis research and drug development. HOPFIELD PAPER: This is one of John Hopfield's classic neuroscience papers. Instead of representing information by how fast neurons fire, Hopfield showed that the precise timing of nerve impulses (spikes) can encode information and perform rapid pattern recognition. Hopfield's paper helped establish temporal coding as an alternative to rate coding; it influenced computational neuroscience for decades; and it anticipated ideas now used in spiking neural networks, an important area of neuromorphic and AI research. NICHOLSON PAPER: This paper identified a key enzyme responsible for programmed cell death (apoptosis). It demonstrated that the mammalian enzyme ICE (now known as caspase-1) belongs to the same family as the CED-3 death gene in C. elega.; it helped launch the modern field of caspase biology; and opened new avenues for treating cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and inflammatory disorders. Today, caspases are recognized as central regulators of apoptosis. CONDITION & DETAILS: London: Macmillan & Co. Nature, Volume 376, No. 6535. Original Wraps. (10 x 7 inches; 250 x 175mm). Original paper wraps. Bearing the mail sticker of Robert R. Rofen, the American ichthyologist. Minor scuffing at the edges of the wraps. Bright and clean inside and out. Near condition.…