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An Introduction to Genetic Engineering (Studies In Biology Ser.)
by Desmond S. NichollThe fourth edition of this popular textbook retains its focus on the fundamental principles of gene manipulation, providing an accessible and broad-based introduction to the subject for beginning undergraduate students. It has been brought thoroughly up to date with new chapters on the story of DNA and genome editing, and new sections on bioethics, significant developments in sequencing technology and structural, functional and comparative genomics and proteomics, and the impact of transgenic plants. In addition to chapter summaries, learning objectives, concept maps, glossary and key word lists the book now also features new concluding sections, further reading lists and web-search activities for each chapter to provide a comprehensive suite of learning resources to help students develop a flexible and critical approach to the study of genetic engineering.
An Introduction to Genetics for Language Scientists: Current concepts, methods and findings
by Dan DediuDuring the last few decades we have discovered enormous amounts about our genomes, their evolution and, importantly for linguists and language scientists, the genetic foundations of language and speech. Accessible and readable, this introduction is designed specifically for students and researchers working in language and linguistics. It carefully focuses on the most relevant concepts, methods and findings in the genetics of language and speech, and covers a wide range of topics such as heritability, the molecular mechanisms through which genes influence our language, and the evolutionary forces affecting them. Filling a large gap in the literature, this essential guide explores relevant examples including hearing loss, stuttering, dyslexia, brain growth and development, as well as the normal range of variation. It also contains a helpful glossary of terms, and a wide range of references so the reader can pursue topics of interest in more depth.
An Introduction to Graphene and Carbon Nanotubes
by John E. Proctor Daniel Melendrez Armada Aravind Vijayaraghavan<p>Carbon nanotubes and graphene have been the subject of intense scientific research since their relatively recent discoveries. This book introduces the reader to the science behind these rapidly developing fields, and covers both the fundamentals and latest advances. Uniquely, this book covers the topics in a pedagogical manner suitable for undergraduate students. The book also uses the simple systems of nanotubes and graphene as models to teach concepts such as molecular orbital theory, tight binding theory and the Laue treatment of diffraction. <p>Suitable for undergraduate students with a working knowledge of basic quantum mechanics, and for postgraduate researchers commencing their studies into the field, this book will equip the reader to critically evaluate the physical properties and potential for applications of graphene and carbon nanotubes.</p>
An Introduction to Gravity Currents and Intrusions
by Marius UngarishGravity currents and intrusions are the ubiquitous phenomena where a fluid of one density flows horizontally into a fluid of a different density. For researchers and engineers, the ability to understand and predict these flow fields is essential in wide-ranging applications including those involved with atmospheric and ocean dynamics, the propagati
An Introduction to Groups, Groupoids and Their Representations: An Introduction
by Alberto Ibort Miguel A. RodriguezThis book offers an introduction to the theory of groupoids and their representations encompassing the standard theory of groups. Using a categorical language, developed from simple examples, the theory of finite groupoids is shown to knit neatly with that of groups and their structure as well as that of their representations is described. The book comprises numerous examples and applications, including well-known games and puzzles, databases and physics applications. Key concepts have been presented using only basic notions so that it can be used both by students and researchers interested in the subject. Category theory is the natural language that is being used to develop the theory of groupoids. However, categorical presentations of mathematical subjects tend to become highly abstract very fast and out of reach of many potential users. To avoid this, foundations of the theory, starting with simple examples, have been developed and used to study the structure of finite groups and groupoids. The appropriate language and notions from category theory have been developed for students of mathematics and theoretical physics. The book presents the theory on the same level as the ordinary and elementary theories of finite groups and their representations, and provides a unified picture of the same. The structure of the algebra of finite groupoids is analysed, along with the classical theory of characters of their representations. Unnecessary complications in the formal presentation of the subject are avoided. The book offers an introduction to the language of category theory in the concrete setting of finite sets. It also shows how this perspective provides a common ground for various problems and applications, ranging from combinatorics, the topology of graphs, structure of databases and quantum physics.
An Introduction to Heavy-Tailed and Subexponential Distributions (Springer Series in Operations Research and Financial Engineering #38)
by Dmitry Korshunov Stan Zachary Sergey FossHeavy-tailed probability distributions are an important component in the modeling of many stochastic systems. They are frequently used to accurately model inputs and outputs of computer and data networks and service facilities such as call centers. They are an essential for describing risk processes in finance and also for insurance premia pricing, and such distributions occur naturally in models of epidemiological spread. The class includes distributions with power law tails such as the Pareto, as well as the lognormal and certain Weibull distributions.<P><P> This monograph defines the classes of long-tailed and subexponential distributions in one dimension and provides a complete and comprehensive description of their properties. New results are presented in a simple, coherent and systematic way. This leads to a comprehensive exposition of tail properties of sums of independent random variables whose distributions belong to the long-tailed and subexponential class.<P> The book includes a discussion of and references to contemporary areas of applications and also contains preliminary mathematical material which makes the book self contained. Modelers in the fields of finance, insurance, network science and environmental studies will find this book to be an essential reference.
An Introduction to Heavy-Tailed and Subexponential Distributions, 2nd Edition (Springer Series in Operations Research and Financial Engineering)
by Dmitry Korshunov Stan Zachary Sergey FossHeavy-tailed probability distributions are an important component in the modeling of many stochastic systems. They are frequently used to accurately model inputs and outputs of computer and data networks and service facilities such as call centers. They are an essential for describing risk processes in finance and also for insurance premia pricing, and such distributions occur naturally in models of epidemiological spread. The class includes distributions with power law tails such as the Pareto, as well as the lognormal and certain Weibull distributions.<P><P> One of the highlights of this new edition is that it includes problems at the end of each chapter. Chapter 5 is also updated to include interesting applications to queueing theory, risk, and branching processes. New results are presented in a simple, coherent and systematic way.<P> Graduate students as well as modelers in the fields of finance, insurance, network science and environmental studies will find this book to be an essential reference.
An Introduction to High-Pressure Science and Technology
by Alberto Otero de la Roza J. Manuel Recio J. Manuel MenéndezAn Introduction to High-Pressure Science and Technology provides you with an understanding of the connections between the different areas involved in the multidisciplinary science of high pressure. The book reflects the deep interdisciplinary nature of the field and its close relationship with industrial applications.Thirty-nine specialists in high
An Introduction to Human Prehistory in Arabia: The Lost World of the Southern Crescent (Springer Textbooks in Archaeology and Heritage)
by Jeffrey I. RoseThis textbook explores the mystery of human origins in the Arabian Peninsula, the lost Southern Crescent where humanity took its first steps toward civilization. Under Arabia’s surface of sand and stone lies a primordial realm of rolling grasslands, freshwater lakes, and river floodplains. This book aims to restore a critical missing chapter in the prehistory of our species that played out in this forgotten place of plenty. The author has carried out more than twenty years of fieldwork in Yemen and Oman, weaving his research together into an unorthodox tapestry of archaeology, environmental science, genetics, and Middle Eastern mythology. This volume peers beneath Arabia’s abandoned deserts, revealing a land that once served as a bridge between prehistoric worlds. This textbook is suitable for undergraduate and graduate students as well as all readers who are interested in learning about Arabian prehistory.
An Introduction to Human-Environment Geography
by William G. Moseley Holly M. Hapke Paul Laris Eric PerramondThis introductory level text explores various theoretical approaches to human-environment geography, demonstrating how local dynamics and global processes influence how we interact with our environments.Introduces students to fundamental concepts in environmental geography and scienceExplores the core theoretical traditions within the field, along with major thematic issues such as population, food and agriculture, and water resourcesOffers an engaging and unique view of the spatial relationships between humans and their environment across geographical locations around the worldIncludes a variety of real-world policy questions and emphasizes geography's strong tradition of field work by featuring prominent nature-society geographers in guest field notes
An Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion
by Susanne PfalznerNewcomers to the field of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) often have difficulty establishing a clear picture of the overall field. The reason for this is because, while there are many books devoted to special topics within the field, there is none that provides an overview of the field as a whole. An Introduction to Inertial Confinement Fusion fi
An Introduction to Information Science
by David Bawden Lyn RobinsonOffers an overview and outline of the important concepts and ideas in information science and librarianship. Among the critical topics covered: Foundations, including the information society, historical perspectives and concepts ; Organizing and retrieving information ; Information behavior and digital literacies ; Technologies and digital libraries ; Information research and methods ; Changing contexts including publishing, e-science and digital humanities ; The future of the profession.
An Introduction to Information Theory: Symbols, Signals and Noise
by John R. PierceBehind the familiar surfaces of the telephone, radio, and television lies a sophisticated and intriguing body of knowledge known as information theory. This is the theory that has permeated the rapid development of all sorts of communication, from color television to the clear transmission of photographs from the vicinity of Jupiter. Even more revolutionary progress is expected in the future.To give a solid introduction to this burgeoning field, J. R. Pierce has revised his well-received 1961 study of information theory for an up-to-date second edition. Beginning with the origins of the field, Dr. Pierce follows the brilliant formulations of Claude Shannon and describes such aspects of the subject as encoding and binary digits, entropy. language and meaning, efficient encoding , and the noisy channel. He then goes beyond the strict confines of the topic to explore the ways in which information theory relates to physics, cybernetics, psychology, and art. Mathematical formulas are introduced at the appropriate points for the benefit of serious students. A glossary of terms and an appendix on mathematical notation are provided to help the less mathematically sophisticated.J. R. Pierce worked for many years at the Bell Telephone Laboratories, where he became Director of Research in Communications Principles. He is currently affiliated with the engineering department of the California Institute of Technology. While his background is impeccable, Dr. Pierce also possesses an engaging writing style that makes his book all the more welcome. An Introduction to Information Theory continues to be the most impressive non-technical account available and a fascinating introduction to the subject for laymen."An uncommonly good study. . . . Pierce's volume presents the most satisfying discussion to be found."- Scientific American.
An Introduction to Integrable Techniques for One-Dimensional Quantum Systems (Lecture Notes in Physics #940)
by Fabio FranchiniThis book introduces the reader to basic notions of integrable techniques for one-dimensional quantum systems. In a pedagogical way, a few examples of exactly solvable models are worked out to go from the coordinate approach to the Algebraic Bethe Ansatz, with some discussion on the finite temperature thermodynamics. The aim is to provide the instruments to approach more advanced books or to allow for a critical reading of research articles and the extraction of useful information from them. We describe the solution of the anisotropic XY spin chain; of the Lieb-Liniger model of bosons with contact interaction at zero and finite temperature; and of the XXZ spin chain, first in the coordinate and then in the algebraic approach. To establish the connection between the latter and the solution of two dimensional classical models, we also introduce and solve the 6-vertex model. Finally, the low energy physics of these integrable models is mapped into the corresponding conformal field theory. Through its style and the choice of topics, this book tries to touch all fundamental ideas behind integrability and is meant for students and researchers interested either in an introduction to later delve in the advance aspects of Bethe Ansatz or in an overview of the topic for broadening their culture.
An Introduction to KMS Weights (Lecture Notes in Mathematics #2362)
by Klaus Erik ThomsenThis book provides an introduction to the theory of KMS weights and KMS states, which play an important role in mathematical physics and other applications of operator algebras. Leading from the definitions to some of the most recent research results, it covers advanced topics such as the Laca-Neshveyev theorem, elements of the modular theory of von Neumann algebras, the geometry of the set of KMS weights, duality (for KMS weights on crossed products), the relationship between KMS weights and traces and the types of factors associated with extremal KMS weights. Some of the material is new, in the sense that the proofs and results are published here for the first time. This relatively self-contained book will be useful both to researchers in the area of operator algebras and to more advanced students who wish to enter this field.
An Introduction to Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations of Surface Reactions (Lecture Notes in Physics #856)
by A.P.J. JansenKinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations still represent a quite new area of research, with a rapidly growing number of publications. Broadly speaking, kMC can be applied to any system describable as a set of minima of a potential-energy surface, the evolution of which will then be regarded as hops from one minimum to a neighboring one. The hops in kMC are modeled as stochastic processes and the algorithms use random numbers to determine at which times the hops occur and to which neighboring minimum they go. Sometimes this approach is also called dynamic MC or Stochastic Simulation Algorithm, in particular when it is applied to solving macroscopic rate equations. This book has two objectives. First, it is a primer on the kMC method (predominantly using the lattice-gas model) and thus much of the book will also be useful for applications other than to surface reactions. Second, it is intended to teach the reader what can be learned from kMC simulations of surface reaction kinetics. With these goals in mind, the present text is conceived as a self-contained introduction for students and non-specialist researchers alike who are interested in entering the field and learning about the topic from scratch.
An Introduction to Large-Scale Tropical Meteorology (Springer Atmospheric Sciences)
by Vasubandhu MisraThis upper-undergraduate/graduate-level textbook introduces students to large-scale tropical climate circulation and its variations, covering their fundamental aspects and our current understanding of how they are impacted in a warming world. From this volume, readers will gain an understanding of tropical climate variability from the meso- to planetary scale. Uniquely, equal emphasis is placed on atmospheric and oceanic processes of tropical phenomena. The book will appeal to senior undergraduate and graduate students across geoscience disciplines, including in meteorology, oceanography, geography, hydrology, and environmental science.
An Introduction to Lieb's Simplified Approach to the Bose Gas (SpringerBriefs in Physics)
by Ian JauslinThis book explores Lieb's Simplified approach to the ground state of systems of interacting bosons. While extensive research has delved into the behavior of interacting bosons, persistent challenges, such as proving Bose-Einstein condensation, remain. Introduced by Lieb in 1963, the Simplified approach has been the object of renewed attention in recent years, revealing surprising and promising results. Notably, this approach provides ground state energy predictions that agree with many-body systems asymptotically at both low and high densities. It further predicts a condensate fraction and correlation function that agree with Bogolyubov theory at low densities, and numerical predictions match quantum Monte Carlo simulations across all densities. This suggests that Lieb's Simplified approach could serve as a potent tool for reimagining the study of interacting bosons. The book defines Lieb's Simplified approach, discusses its predictions, and presents known analytical and numerical results. It is designed for advanced students and young researchers working in the fields of mathematical physics, quantum many-body physics and Bose-Einstein condensates.
An Introduction to Lightning
by Vernon CoorayThis book about lightning summarizes the essence of physics and effects of lightning in a non-technical manner and provides an up-to-date description of the phenomenon of lightning in simple language. Starting with the myths related to lightning, the reader is introduced to the mechanism of lightning flashes and their interactions with humans, human-made systems and Earth's environment. Most of the available books on lightning are written for the experts in the field and there is a need for a book that introduces the undergraduate and beginning post graduate students to the subject of lightning and prepares them for more advanced books meant for the experts. This introductory book, which is based on a series of lectures given to undergraduate and postgraduate students in electrical engineering, is intended to fill this need. Tailored to the needs of university students who plan to study electrical engineering, meteorology, environmental or basic physics, it is also a valuable reference resource for laymen who are interested in knowing more on this phenomenon.
An Introduction to Macroscopic Quantum Phenomena and Quantum Dissipation
by Amir O. CaldeiraReviewing macroscopic quantum phenomena and quantum dissipation, from the phenomenology of magnetism and superconductivity to the presentation of alternative models for quantum dissipation, this book develops the basic material necessary to understand the quantum dynamics of macroscopic variables. Macroscopic quantum phenomena are presented through several examples in magnetism and superconductivity, developed from general phenomenological approaches to each area. Dissipation naturally plays an important role in these phenomena, and therefore semi-empirical models for quantum dissipation are introduced and applied to the study of a few important quantum mechanical effects. The book also discusses the relevance of macroscopic quantum phenomena to the control of meso- or nanoscopic devices, particularly those with potential applications in quantum computation or quantum information. It is ideal for graduate students and researchers.
An Introduction to Male Reproductive Medicine
by Craig NiederbergerAn Introduction to Male Reproductive Medicine is written specifically for readers seeking entry into this fast-moving, complex specialty with a solid understanding of the subject. The first chapters cover the anatomy and physiology, clinical evaluation, surgery, medicine, genetics and laboratory testing involved in the current evaluation and treatment of the infertile male, and the final chapter describes the interaction of the field with female reproductive medicine. Throughout the book, references are directly made to the fourth edition of the major text in the specialty, Infertility in the Male, edited by Larry Lipshultz, Stuart Howards and Craig Niederberger, allowing readers to expand their understanding of specific areas where desired. Each chapter is written by a well-renowned expert in an easy to follow, informal style, making the text ideal for students, residents and general physicians who are seeking to increase their general knowledge of the field.
An Introduction to Materials and Chemistry: Book 1 (Science for Conservators)
by Joyce H. TownsendThis new edition of An Introduction to Materials and Chemistry, book 1 in the updated Science for Conservators series, provides conservators and conservators-in-training with a very basic introduction to the language of chemistry and to the scientific approach. Drawing on 40 years of experience as a conservation scientist, Joyce H. Townsend takes readers through the elementary steps that will enable them to understand and investigate materials in historic objects, and those modern materials used to conserve them, in scientific terms. The book also introduces basic chemistry concepts. It provides worked examples and exercises throughout. This new edition has been significantly expanded and updated, with new material about health and safety, sustainability, and the trend to use greener materials, amongst other topics. The book also includes all-new illustrations, a list of further reading and is accompanied by a Companion Website, which features additional examples, illustrations and more. An Introduction to Materials and Chemistry assumes no previous scientific knowledge and will be essential reading for pre-program applicants to, and students already on, postgraduate conservation programs worldwide. It will also be useful to conservators who are looking to refresh their knowledge or to fill gaps in their training, and for those who trained in languages other than English, but now work in that language.
An Introduction to Mathematical Epidemiology (Texts in Applied Mathematics #61)
by Maia MartchevaThe book is a comprehensive, self-contained introduction to the mathematical modeling and analysis of infectious diseases. It includes model building, fitting to data, local and global analysis techniques. Various types of deterministic dynamical models are considered: ordinary differential equation models, delay-differential equation models, difference equation models, age-structured PDE models and diffusion models. It includes various techniques for the computation of the basic reproduction number as well as approaches to the epidemiological interpretation of the reproduction number. MATLAB code is included to facilitate the data fitting and the simulation with age-structured models.
An Introduction to Mathematical Population Dynamics: Along the trail of Volterra and Lotka (UNITEXT #79)
by Mimmo Iannelli Andrea PuglieseThis book is an introduction to mathematical biology for students with no experience in biology, but who have some mathematical background. The work is focused on population dynamics and ecology, following a tradition that goes back to Lotka and Volterra, and includes a part devoted to the spread of infectious diseases, a field where mathematical modeling is extremely popular. These themes are used as the area where to understand different types of mathematical modeling and the possible meaning of qualitative agreement of modeling with data. The book also includes a collections of problems designed to approach more advanced questions. This material has been used in the courses at the University of Trento, directed at students in their fourth year of studies in Mathematics. It can also be used as a reference as it provides up-to-date developments in several areas.
An Introduction to Mathematical Relativity (Latin American Mathematics Series)
by José NatárioThis concise textbook introduces the reader to advanced mathematical aspects of general relativity, covering topics like Penrose diagrams, causality theory, singularity theorems, the Cauchy problem for the Einstein equations, the positive mass theorem, and the laws of black hole thermodynamics. It emerged from lecture notes originally conceived for a one-semester course in Mathematical Relativity which has been taught at the Instituto Superior Técnico (University of Lisbon, Portugal) since 2010 to Masters and Doctorate students in Mathematics and Physics. Mostly self-contained, and mathematically rigorous, this book can be appealing to graduate students in Mathematics or Physics seeking specialization in general relativity, geometry or partial differential equations. Prerequisites include proficiency in differential geometry and the basic principles of relativity. Readers who are familiar with special relativity and have taken a course either in Riemannian geometry (for students of Mathematics) or in general relativity (for those in Physics) can benefit from this book.