As a result of its complexity, integration of multiple functions and brain regions, and prolonged development, decision-making is particularly vulnerable to deficit or dysfunction. Decision-making deficits have been described in schizophrenia, psychopathy, autism and depression. A commonality in proposed explanations is that of differences in the way networks associated with decision-making are structured. In some cases it may be over-connection, in others under-connection.

There is a statutory right for employees not to be unfairly dismissed. The right usually requires a qualifying period of continuous employment, and claim has to be made to an employment tribunal within three months of the effective date of termination. The employee has to prove dismissal has occurred, though resignation in response to a fundamental breach of contract by the employer counts as constructive dismissal. The courts have interpreted the statutory test of fairness to require proof that the employer acted outside of the range of reasonable responses to the fault of the employee. Some reasons for dismissal are automatically unfair. The normal remedy for unfair dismissal in practice is not reinstatement but a modest award of compensation for which there is an upper limit.

Factors affecting protein structures and properties, formation of monolayers, forces influencing protein interactions and how proteins are adsorbed on different biomaterial surfaces are presented in this chapter. In addition, some of the commonly used methods to understand the behavior of adsorbed proteins are briefly discussed.

The chapter presents the fundamentals and importance of sterilization. Different methods used to sterilize medical implants are discussed, together with the principles behind determining the type of sterilization method suitable for an application.

Memory is vital for a range of brain functions, not just decision-making. Memory is a complex concept, that many researchers have attempted to model and explain over the course of history, all with their own properties. It is commonly accepted however that memory must include both retention and retrieval. Human memory can be considered as a complex storage system, in which information can be stored and accessed according to different criteria. Various models have explained memory organisation in terms of duration of retention (fractation), information type and temporal direction. To gain an insight into how memory informs decision-making, we must consider it as a dynamic cognitive function, with three main stages: encoding, storage and retrieval.

Different types of biocompatibility testing such as cytotoxicity; sensitization; irritation acute, subacute, subchronic, and chronic systemic toxicity; pyrogenicity; genotoxicity; implantation; hemocompatibility; carcinogenicity; reproductive and developmental toxicity are discussed in this chapter.

This introductory chapter provides a brief history of biomaterials, and the emphasis over the years on ensuring the viability of implants for the desired time and their interaction with the biology of the body. It discusses the importance of first understanding the type of chemical bonds that hold atoms together and how these bonds impart physical, chemical, and mechanical properties to the materials. These properties render biomaterials more or less appropriate for different medical applications as well as determine the body’s response to them.

Different surface modification techniques to modify surfaces of medical devices including principles underlying these surface modification techniques and advantages and limitations of each technique are discussed in this chapter.

The human brain follows a clear and reliable timeline of development. Various stages of development are key to specific functions. Decision-making, due to its complexity, cannot be pinpointed to one age in development or a critical period, it undergoes several key stages through the lifespan. In the prenatal stage, myelination is important for cognitively demanding tasks like decision-making. In the newborn stage, the baby is constantly forming new synapses, increasing connectivity. During childhood most children develop the ability to use logic in decisions. Adolescence is a critical period for synaptic pruning, improving efficiency. The prefrontal cortex is considered fully mature in adulthood, around the age of 25.

Key components of the extracellular space together with the principal proteins and pathways that cells utilize to interact, different adhesion mechanisms, and the role of cell material environment are discussed in this chapter.

This chapter presents the cellular environment and encompasses a diverse population of control systems that range from biomolecular phenomena to a remarkably complex coordination of signaling pathways. Discussions include the principal functions of the plasma membrane, major classes and operation of cell junctions, cell signaling pathways, and secondary messengers. In addition, common biological testing techniques in biology–biomaterial interactions are also discussed.