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Beneficial Microorganisms in Multicellular Life Forms
by Eugene Rosenberg Uri GophnaAll animals and plants form associations with hundreds or thousands of different beneficial microorganisms. These symbiotic microbes play an important role in the development, adaptation, health and evolution of their hosts. This book brings together a group of diverse biologists to discuss microbial interactions with multicellular life forms including insects, corals, plants, and mammals, including humans. The various mechanisms by which microorganisms benefit their hosts are discussed, including providing essential nutrients, preventing disease, inducing the immune system, and combating stress. Since the microbiota can be transferred from parent to offspring, it plays an important role in the origin and evolution of animal and plant species. This book should be of interest to the widest range of biological scientists, merging the studies of host and microbial physiology, symbiosis, and the ecology and evolution of symbiotic partners.
Management kreativitätsintensiver Prozesse
by Stefan Seidel Jörg Becker Werner SchwaderlappKreative, innovative Lösungen für sich ständig ändernde Problemstellungen zu entwickeln ist essentiell wichtig für jedes Unternehmen, jede Branche und damit jede Volkswirtschaft. Am Anfang einer jeden Lösung steht ein Prozess - der kreative Prozess. Nur wer die speziellen Eigenschaften solch kreativer Prozesse kennt und auf den Kontext seiner Unternehmung zu beziehen vermag, ist schlussendlich in der Lage, Kreativität richtig zu managen und damit nachhaltigen Erfolg sicherzustellen. Dieses Buch führt am Beispiel kreativer Branchen, wie der Film- und Fernsehindustrie, in die Natur kreativitätsintensiver Prozesse ein, gibt Managementempfehlungen für den Umgang mit diesen und zeigt Möglichkeiten zur methodischen und softwaretechnischen Unterstützung auf. Im Anschluss werden im Rahmen von Praxisbeiträgen Aspekte von und Erkenntnisse aus der TV-Industrie im Detail diskutiert. Schlussendlich werden gewonnene Erkenntnisse konkret auf weitere Branchen übertragen.
Modeling Fragile X Syndrome
by Robert B. DenmanIntroduction.-Probing Astrocyte Function in Fragile X Syndrome.- Neural Stem Cells.- Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) and the Spinal Sensory System.- The Role of the Postsynaptic Density in the Pathology of the Fragile X Syndrome.- Behavior in a Drosophila model of Fragile X.- Molecular and Genetic Analysis of the Drosophila Model of Fragile X Syndrome.- Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein and Stem Cells.- Manipulating the Fragile X Mental Retardation Proteins in the Frog.- Exploring the Zebra finch Taeniopygia gutta as a Novel Animal Model for the Speech-language Deficit of Fragile X Syndrome.- Neuroendocrine Alterations in the Fragile X Mouse.- Taking STEPs forward to understanding Fragile X Syndrome.- Fmr-1 as an Offspring Genetic and a Maternal Environmental Factor in Neurodevelopmental Disease.- Mouse Models of the Fragile X Premutation and the Fragile X Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome.- Clinical Aspects of the Fragile X Syndrome.- Fragile X Syndrome: A Psychiatric Perspective.- Fragile X Syndrome and Targeted Treatment Trials.- The Fragile X-associate Tremor Ataxia Syndrome.- Vignettes: Models in Absentia.
Lifetime Controlling Defects in Tool Steels
by Christian Rudolf SoharIn this thesis Christian Sohar describes his investigation into the gigacycle fatigue behavior of tool steels. In an interdisciplinary approach he uses knowledge and methods from a wide variety of disciplines including materials science, metallurgy, chemistry, physics and mechanical engineering. Christian gives a general introduction into steel tools and fatigue in materials. Later he extensively discusses the experimental techniques and results. Indeed it is the detail of the content in this thesis which makes it an invaluable resource for students entering the field and scientists working in related disciplines. Overall, the thesis helps us understand more about the mechanical behavior of metallic materials with complex microstructure and high hardness.
A Prehistory of Polymer Science (SpringerBriefs in Molecular Science #2)
by Gary Patterson Carnegie Mellon UniversityPolymer science is now an active and thriving community of scientists, engineers and technologists, but there was a time, not so long ago, when there was no such community. The prehistory of polymer science helps to provide key insights into current issues and historical problems. The story will be divided into an ancient period ( from Greek times to the creation of the molecular consensus), a nascent period (from Dalton to Kekule to van't Hoff) and a period of paradigm formation and controversy (from Staudinger to Mark to Carothers). The prehistory concludes with an account of the epochal 1935 Discussion of the Faraday Society on "Polymerization". After this meeting an active community engaged in trying to solve the central problems defined by the discussions.
Adenovirus Epithelial Keratitis and Thygeson's Superficial Punctate Keratitis: In Vivo Morphology in the Human Cornea
by Helena M. TaberyDespite differences in frequency, causation, and infectivity, adenovirus epithelial keratitis and Thygeson's superficial punctate keratitis (TSPK) are often confused in clinical practice owing to the similarity between adenovirus epithelial infiltrates and 'coarse' epithelial TSPK lesions. This book presents the morphological features, dynamics, and sequelae of adenovirus and Thygeson's keratitides captured at high magnification in the living human cornea. It thereby fills the existing void between conventional photographs and slit-lamp observations. Case reports demonstrate the importance of patient history in differential diagnosis, illustrate the need for familiarity with early manifestations of adenovirus infections, and assist in the diagnosis of rare variants of TSPK. Furthermore, the detailed observations on the natural course of the diseases ensure that the book will serve not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a reference when evaluating the effects of potential new treatments.
Histone Deacetylases: the Biology and Clinical Implication
by Edward Seto Tso-Pang YaoThe book highlights work from many different labs that taught us abnormal HDACs potentially contribute to the development or progression of many human diseases including immune dysfunctions, heart disease, cancer, memory impairment, aging, and metabolic disorders.
Origins of Life: The Primal Self-Organization
by Dirk-Henner Lankenau Richard Egel Armen Y. MulkidjanianIf theoretical physicists can seriously entertain canonical "standard models" even for the big-bang generation of the entire universe, why cannot life scientists reach a consensus on how life has emerged and settled on this planet? Scientists are hindered by conceptual gaps between bottom-up inferences (from early Earth geological conditions) and top-down extrapolations (from modern life forms to common ancestral states). This book challenges several widely held assumptions and argues for alternative approaches instead. Primal syntheses (literally or figuratively speaking) are called for in at least five major areas. (1) The first RNA-like molecules may have been selected by solar light as being exceptionally photostable. (2) Photosynthetically active minerals and reduced phosphorus compounds could have efficiently coupled the persistent natural energy flows to the primordial metabolism. (3) Stochastic, uncoded peptides may have kick-started an ever-tightening co-evolution of proteins and nucleic acids. (4) The living fossils from the primeval RNA World thrive within modern cells. (5) From the inherently complex protocellular associations preceding the consolidation of integral genomes, eukaryotic cell organization may have evolved more naturally than simple prokaryote-like life forms. - If this book can motivate dedicated researchers to further explore the alternative mechanisms presented, it will have served its purpose well.
Specific Intermolecular Interactions of Organic Compounds
by Alexei K. BaevProf. Baev presents in his book the development of the thermodynamic theory of specific intermolecular interactions for a wide spectrum of organic compounds: ethers, ketones, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and hydrocarbons. The fundamentals of an unconventional approach to the theory of H-bonding and specific interactions are formulated based on a concept of pentacoordinate carbon atoms. New types of hydrogen bonds and specific interactions are substantiated and on the basis of the developed methodology their energies are determined. The system of interconnected quantitative characteristics of the stability of specific intermolecular interactions is presented. The laws of their transformations are discussed and summarized. The new concept of the extra stabilizing effect of isomeric methyl groups on the structure and stability of organic molecules is introduced and the destabilization action on specific interactions is outlined.
Microstructured Materials: Inverse Problems
by Jüri Engelbrecht Jaan JannoComplex, microstructured materials are widely used in industry and technology and include alloys, ceramics and composites. Focusing on non-destructive evaluation (NDE), this book explores in detail the mathematical modeling and inverse problems encountered when using ultrasound to investigate heterogeneous microstructured materials. The outstanding features of the text are firstly, a clear description of both linear and nonlinear mathematical models derived for modelling the propagation of ultrasonic deformation waves, and secondly, the provision of solutions to the corresponding inverse problems that determine the physical parameters of the models. The data are related to nonlinearities at both a macro- and micro- level, as well as to dispersion. The authors' goal has been to construct algorithms that allow us to determine the parameters within which we are required to characterize microstructure. To achieve this, the authors not only use conventional harmonic waves, but also propose a novel methodology based on using solitary waves in NDE. The book analyzes the uniqueness and stability of the solutions, in addition to providing numerical examples.
The Yield Curve and Financial Risk Premia: Implications for Monetary Policy
by Felix GeigerThe determinants of yield curve dynamics have been thoroughly discussed in finance models. However, little can be said about the macroeconomic factors behind the movements of short- and long-term interest rates as well as the risk compensation demanded by financial investors. By taking on a macro-finance perspective, the book's approach explicitly acknowledges the close feedback between monetary policy, the macroeconomy and financial conditions. Both theoretical and empirical models are applied in order to get a profound understanding of the interlinkages between economic activity, the conduct of monetary policy and the underlying macroeconomic factors of bond price movements. Moreover, the book identifies a broad risk-taking channel of monetary transmission which allows a reassessment of the role of financial constraints; it enables policy makers to develop new guidelines for monetary policy and for financial supervision of how to cope with evolving financial imbalances.
The Yield Curve and Financial Risk Premia: Implications for Monetary Policy (Lecture Notes in Economics and Mathematical Systems #654)
by Felix GeigerThe determinants of yield curve dynamics have been thoroughly discussed in finance models. However, little can be said about the macroeconomic factors behind the movements of short- and long-term interest rates as well as the risk compensation demanded by financial investors. By taking on a macro-finance perspective, the book’s approach explicitly acknowledges the close feedback between monetary policy, the macroeconomy and financial conditions. Both theoretical and empirical models are applied in order to get a profound understanding of the interlinkages between economic activity, the conduct of monetary policy and the underlying macroeconomic factors of bond price movements. Moreover, the book identifies a broad risk-taking channel of monetary transmission which allows a reassessment of the role of financial constraints; it enables policy makers to develop new guidelines for monetary policy and for financial supervision of how to cope with evolving financial imbalances.
Reconstituting the Constitution
by Caroline Morris Petra Butler Jonathan BostonAll nation states, whether ancient or newly created, must examine their constitutional fundamentals to keep their constitutions relevant and dynamic. Constitutional change has greater legitimacy when the questions are debated before the people and accepted by them. Who are the peoples in this state? What role should they have in relation to the government? What rights should they have? Who should be Head of State? What is our constitutional relationship with other nation states? What is the influence of international law on our domestic system? What process should constitutional change follow? In this volume, scholars, practitioners, politicians, public officials, and young people explore these questions and others in relation to the New Zealand constitution and provide some thought-provoking answers. This book is recommended for anyone seeking insight into how a former British colony with bicultural foundations is making the transition to a multicultural society in an increasingly complex and globalised world.
Handbook of Computational Statistics
by Wolfgang Karl Härdle James E. Gentle Yuichi MoriThe Handbook of Computational Statistics - Concepts and Methods (second edition) is a revision of the first edition published in 2004, and contains additional comments and updated information on the existing chapters, as well as three new chapters addressing recent work in the field of computational statistics. This new edition is divided into 4 parts in the same way as the first edition. It begins with "How Computational Statistics became the backbone of modern data science" (Ch.1): an overview of the field of Computational Statistics, how it emerged as a separate discipline, and how its own development mirrored that of hardware and software, including a discussion of current active research. The second part (Chs. 2 - 15) presents several topics in the supporting field of statistical computing. Emphasis is placed on the need for fast and accurate numerical algorithms, and some of the basic methodologies for transformation, database handling, high-dimensional data and graphics treatment are discussed. The third part (Chs. 16 - 33) focuses on statistical methodology. Special attention is given to smoothing, iterative procedures, simulation and visualization of multivariate data. Lastly, a set of selected applications (Chs. 34 - 38) like Bioinformatics, Medical Imaging, Finance, Econometrics and Network Intrusion Detection highlight the usefulness of computational statistics in real-world applications.
International Neurolaw
by Tade Matthias SprangerWhereas the past few years have repeatedly been referred to as the "era of biotechnology", most recently the impression has emerged that at least the same degree of attention is being paid to the latest developments in the field of neurosciences. It has now become nearly impossible to maintain an overview of the number of research projects dealing with the functionality of the brain - for example concerning its organizational structure - or projects dealing with the topics of legal responsibility, brain-computer interface applications, neuromarketing, lie detection or mind reading. These procedures are connected to a number of legal questions concerning the framework conditions of research projects as well as the right approach to the findings generated. Given the primary importance of the topic for the latest developments, it is essential to compare the different legal systems and strategies that they offer for dealing with these legal implications. Therefore, the book International Neurolaw - A Comparative Analysis contains several country reports from around the world, as well as those of international organizations such as UNESCO, in order to show the different legal approaches to the topic and possible interactions.
Data-Warehouse-Systeme kompakt: Aufbau, Architektur, Grundfunktionen (Xpert.press)
by Kiumars FarkischIn dem Buch werden Data-Warehouse-Systeme als einheitliche, zentrale, vollständige, historisierte und analytische IT-Plattform untersucht und ihre Rolle für die Datenanalyse und für Entscheidungsfindungsprozesse dargestellt. Dabei behandelt der Autor die einzelnen Komponenten, die für den Aufbau, die Architektur und den Betrieb eines Data-Warehouse-Systems von Bedeutung sind. Die multidimensionale Datenmodellierung, der ETL-Prozess und Analysemethoden werden erörtert und Maßnahmen zur Performancesteigerung von Data-Warehouse-Systemen diskutiert.
Privacy Online
by Sabine Trepte Leonard ReineckeCommunications and personal information that are posted online are usually accessible to a vast number of people. Yet when personal data exist online, they may be searched, reproduced and mined by advertisers, merchants, service providers or even stalkers. Many users know what may happen to their information, while at the same time they act as though their data are private or intimate. They expect their privacy will not be infringed while they willingly share personal information with the world via social network sites, blogs, and in online communities. The chapters collected by Trepte and Reinecke address questions arising from this disparity that has often been referred to as the privacy paradox. Works by renowned researchers from various disciplines including psychology, communication, sociology, and information science, offer new theoretical models on the functioning of online intimacy and public accessibility, and propose novel ideas on the how and why of online privacy. The contributing authors offer intriguing solutions for some of the most pressing issues and problems in the field of online privacy. They investigate how users abandon privacy to enhance social capital and to generate different kinds of benefits. They argue that trust and authenticity characterize the uses of social network sites. They explore how privacy needs affect users' virtual identities. Ethical issues of privacy online are discussed as well as its gratifications and users' concerns. The contributors of this volume focus on the privacy needs and behaviors of a variety of different groups of social media users such as young adults, older users, and genders. They also examine privacy in the context of particular online services such as social network sites, mobile internet access, online journalism, blogs, and micro-blogs. In sum, this book offers researchers and students working on issues related to internet communication not only a thorough and up-to-date treatment of online privacy and the social web. It also presents a glimpse of the future by exploring emergent issues concerning new technological applications and by suggesting theory-based research agendas that can guide inquiry beyond the current forms of social technologies.
Experimentalphysik 4
by Wolfgang DemtröderDas vorliegende Buch istder dritte Band der beliebten vierbändigen Reihe zur Experimentalphysik vonProfessor Demtröder. Die Lehrinhalte der Atom-,Molekül- und Festkörperphysik werden nach dem Konzept der Reihe leichtverständlich, übersichtlich und dabei möglichst quantitativ präsentiert. DurchgerechneteBeispiele im Text, Übungsaufgaben nach jedem Kapitel und ausführliche Lösungenam Ende des Buches erleichtern Studierenden, den Stoff zu bewältigen und regenzur eigenen Mitarbeit an. Abbildungen, Definitionen und wichtige Formeln sindzweifarbig gestaltet, um das Wesentliche deutlich herauszustellen. VieleIllustrationen sowie einige Farbtafeln zu ausgesuchten Themen tragen zurMotivation bei und bringen Spaß bei der Arbeit mit diesem Buch. Die fünfte Auflage wurdekorrigiert, überarbeitet und präsentiert sich in einem neuen, übersichtlichenFormat.
Biomechanics of the Gravid Human Uterus
by Roustem N. Miftahof Hong Gil NamThe complexity of human uterine function and regulation is one of the great wonders of nature and represents a daunting challenge to unravel. This book is dedicated to the biomechanical modeling of the gravid human uterus and gives an example of the application of the mechanics of solids and the theory of soft shells to explore medical problems of labor and delivery. After a brief overview of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the uterus, the authors focus mainly on electromechanical wave processes, their origin, dynamics, and neuroendocrine and pharmacological modulations. In the last chapter applications, pitfalls and problems related to modeling and computer simulations of the pregnant uterus and pelvic floor structures are discussed. A collection of exercises is added at the end of each chapter to help readers with self-evaluation. The book serves as an invaluable source of information for researchers, instructors and advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in systems biology, applied mathematics and biomedical engineering.
Microbial Stress Tolerance for Biofuels
by Zonglin Lewis LiuThe development of sustainable and renewable biofuels is attracting growing interest. It is vital to develop robust microbial strains for biocatalysts that are able to function under multiple stress conditions. This Microbiology Monograph provides an overview of methods for studying microbial stress tolerance for biofuels applications using a systems biology approach. Topics covered range from mechanisms to methodology for yeast and bacteria, including the genomics of yeast tolerance and detoxification; genetics and regulation of glycogen and trehalose metabolism; programmed cell death; high gravity fermentations; ethanol tolerance; improving biomass sugar utilization by engineered Saccharomyces; the genomics on tolerance of Zymomonas mobilis; microbial solvent tolerance; control of stress tolerance in bacterial host organisms; metabolomics for ethanologenic yeast; automated proteomics work cell systems for strain improvement; and unification of gene expression data for comparable analyses under stress conditions.
General Relativity Without Calculus
by Jose Natario"General Relativity Without Calculus" offers a compact but mathematically correct introduction to the general theory of relativity, assuming only a basic knowledge of high school mathematics and physics. Targeted at first year undergraduates (and advanced high school students) who wish to learn Einstein's theory beyond popular science accounts, it covers the basics of special relativity, Minkowski space-time, non-Euclidean geometry, Newtonian gravity, the Schwarzschild solution, black holes and cosmology. The quick-paced style is balanced by over 75 exercises (including full solutions), allowing readers to test and consolidate their understanding.
INT - Integrierte neurokognitive Therapie bei schizophren Erkrankten
by Volker Roder Daniel R. Müller Marc Lächler Stefanie J. SchmidtDie Integrierte neurokognitive Therapie (INT) ist ein Gruppentherapieansatz, der erstmals alle Bereiche der MATRICS-Initiative des NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health, USA) in ein umfassendes Therapiekonzept integriert (MATRICS: Measurement and Treatment Research to improve Cognition in Schizophrenia). Diese Initiative definierte 11 neuro- und sozialkognitive Funktionsbereiche, die für schizophren Erkrankte relevant sind und deren Stärkung eines der wichtigsten Therapieziele sein muss. Die INT basiert auf den kognitiven Unterprogrammen des weitverbreiteten und umfassend evaluierten Integrierten psychologischen Therapieprogamms (IPT). Die INT ist ein ressourcen- und recovery-orientierter Ansatz, der auch die Verbesserung von Therapiemotivation und Selbstwahrnehmung zum Ziel hat. Der Fokus liegt konsequent auf der Gruppendynamik und dem Selbst- und Alltagsbezug der Patienten. Übergeordnetes Ziel ist die Erhöhung der Lebensqualität und -funktionalität und damit die Wiedereingliederung der Patienten in die Gesellschaft. Das vorliegende Manual - ... bietet dem Kliniker einen gut verständlichen Einstieg in die Behandlung von Neuro- und sozialen Kognitionen im Rahmen eines umfassenden und gut aufeinander abgestimmten Therapie- und Behandlungsangebots - ... beschreibt detailliert und gut strukturiert den Aufbau der INT in 4 Modulen - ... veranschaulicht mit zahlreichen Fallbeispielen das therapeutische Vorgehen auch in schwierigen Therapiesituationen - ... enthält umfangreiche und teilweise computergestützte Therapiematerialien, die sich patientenorientiert und vielfältig - auch im Einzelsetting - einsetzen lassen - ... thematisiert in kleineren Einheiten mögliche Indikationsstellungen, eine sorgfältige und individuell abgestimmte Therapieplanung ("Fallkonzeption") und Implementierung der INT Die INT wurde von Therapeuten und Patienten sehr gut angenommen und durch eine internationale, randomisierte Multicenterstudie in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz erfolgreich evaluiert. Das Manual eignet sich hervorragend zur Vorbereitung und Durchführung von Therapiesitzungen.
Moderne C++ Programmierung
by Ralf SchneeweißC++ ist eine objektorientierte Programmiersprache - neben der Objektorientierung gewinnt aber die generische Programmierung zunehmend an Bedeutung. Das Buch liefert eine fundierte Darstellung des modernen Programmdesigns in C++ gemäß dem ANSI- bzw. dem ISO-Standard. Der Autor behandelt zunächst die grundlegenden Sprachelemente von C++, dann erläutert er detailliert die klassische objektorientierte Modellierung sowie die modernen Techniken der generischen oder aspektorientierten Programmierung mittels Templates und Design Patterns.
Detoxification of Heavy Metals
by Ajit Varma Irena SherametiHeavy metals are severe environmental pollutants, and many of them are toxic even at very low concentrations. With industrial development, soil pollution with heavy metal elements have dramatically increased. The uptake of heavy metals via plants that are exposed to contaminated soils is a risk for human health and a major hazard for the ecosystem as a whole, including soil microorganisms. On the other hand, plants may be used in the decontamination of soils. The topics presented in this book include: sources of heavy metals contaminants in soils; plant species that can grow on contaminated soils; the phytoremediation of contaminated soils; tolerance, accumulation and detoxification mechanisms of zinc, copper, arsenic, cadmium and vanadium in plants; the critical role of sulfur metabolism in heavy metal tolerance; the role of aquatic macrophytes, plant growth-promoting bacteria, sugar crops and earthworms in detoxification; and heavy metal stabilization by promoting zeolite synthesis in soils.
Progress in Parasitology
by Heinz MehlhornParasites threaten the health of animals and humans alike. Especially in times of increasing globalization and global warming, parasites can enlarge their "kingdom" by spreading. At the same time many of the existing medical products have become ineffective. As these products have been used for many decades, parasites have developed resistances, so that they have progressed in their fight for survival. Therefore it is obvious that humans must develop new methods to face these dangers. Thus parasitological knowledge increases daily and must be formulated to be accessible for as many parasitologists (veterinarians, physicians, biologists) as possible. Therefore it is necessary that reviews reflecting the present status of the progress in many fields of research be published. Therefore this book, published on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the German Society of Parasitology, compiles 18 reviews on recent "hot topics," including a new vaccine against malarial parasites; severe diseases with poor chances of treatment (cryptosporidiosis, coccidiosis, theileriosis); vectors (mosquitoes, ticks) and their transmission activities; and fish parasites, including molecular insights into the sex of parasites with a focus on the survival abilities that made them so dangerous. These chapters provide detailed information for researchers, as well as for teachers and students in parasitology.