الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Natural Disasters as Interactive Components of Global-Ecodynamics
This book opens a new approach to the study of global environmental changes having unfavourable character for mankind and other living systems. The main advantage of the book consists in the accumulation of knowledge from different sciences to parametrize the global ecodynamic process. Natural catastrophes are considered as an interactive element of global natural dynamics which are described by means of simulation models of global nature/society. The realization of this approach allows the integration within a complex structure of all international and national means of environmental monitoring and provides a tool for objective evaluation of the environmental quality. The main purpose of this book is to develop a universal information technology to estimate the state of environmental subsystems functioning under various climatic and anthropogenic conditions.
Modeling Complex Living Systems : A Kinetic Theory and Stochastic Game Approach
Using tools from mathematical kinetic theory and stochastic game theory, this work deals with the modeling of large complex systems in the applied sciences, particularly those comprised of several interacting individuals whose dynamics follow rules determined by some organized, or even "intelligent" ability. Traditionally, methods of mathematical kinetic theory have been applied to model the evolution of large systems of interacting classical or quantum particles. This book, on the other hand, examines the modeling of living systems as opposed to inert systems.
Microlithography/Molecular Imprinting
The series presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and material science. It is addressed to all scientists at universities and in industry who wish to keep abreast of advances in the topics covered.Molecular recognition is central to how biological systems work. The molecular imprinting technique is a valuable polymerisation method for preparing synthetic materials able to mimic the molecular recognition phenomena present in living systems. A molecule that acts as a template is associated with functional monomers to form a complex by means of covalent linkages or noncovalent interactions. A polymerisation-crosslinking reaction is then performed around this complex. Upon removal of the template species, functionalised cavities, that have memorized the special features and bonding preferences of the template, are left inside the polymer network.
Information and its role in nature
Infromation and Its Role in Nature presents an in-depth interdisciplinary discussion of the concept of information and its role in the control of natural processes. After a brief review of classical and quantum information theory, the author addresses numerous central questions, including: Is information reducible to the laws of physics and chemistry? Does the Universe, in its evolution, constantly generate new information? Or are information and information-processing exclusive attributes of living systems, related to the very definition of life? If so, what is the role of information in classical and quantum physics? In what ways does information-processing in the human brain bring about self-consciousness? Accessible to graduate students and professionals from all scientific disciplines, this stimulating book will help to shed light on many controversial issues at the heart of modern science.
Fundamentals of Nuclear Medicine Dosimetry
This text is a practical introduction that guides the reader through fundamental concepts in the calculation of radiation dose, including discussions of standardized models, methods of calculations, and available software applications. This comprehensive guide discusses the biological effects of radiation on living systems.
Forces, Growth and Form in Soft Condensed Matter : At the Interface between Physics and Biology
This volume comprises the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held at Geilo, Norway, 24 March - 3 April 2003, the seventeenth ASI in a series held every two years since 1971. The objective of this ASI was to identify and discuss areas where synergism between modern physics, soft condensed matter and biology might be most fruitful. The main pedagogical approach was to have lecturers focussing on basic understanding of important aspects of the relative role of the various interaction- electrostatic, hydrophobic, steric, conformational, van der Waals etc. Soft condensed matter and the connection between physics and biology have been the themes of several earlier Geilo Schools. A return to these subjects thus allowed a fresh look and a possibility for defining new directions for research. Examples of soft materials, which were discussed at this ASI, included colloidal dispersions, gels, biopolymers and charged polymer solutions, polyelectrolytes, protein/membrane complexes, nucleic acids and their complexes. Indeed, most forms of condensed matter are soft and these substances are composed of aggregates and macromolecules, with interactions that are too weak and complex to form crystals spontaneously. A characteristic feature is that small external forces, slight perturbations in temperature, pressure or concentration, can all be enough to induce significant structural changes. Thermal fluctuations are almost by definition strong in soft materials and entropy is a predominant determinant of structure, so that disorder, slow dynamics and plastic deformation are the rule. Hence the phrase ‘soft condensed matter’ has been coined.
Congenital Diseases and the Environment
"In recent years, increasing attention and resources have been brought to bear on the relationship between the environment and congenital diseases. These diseases were previously thought to be mostly due to genetic causes. Even though the importance of genes as factors in causation is accepted, environmental factors seem to be implicated just as strongly. This book explores some further concepts that have arisen from more recent perceptions of environmental effects and their possible interactions with living systems. Discussion and presentation of old and novel ideas is targeted at developing a more holistic and united perception of the interaction between congenital diseases and the environment. Amongst the topics discussed are: -effects of prenatal exposure to toxic chemicals -intra-uterine exposure to drugs -effects of endocrine disrupters -environmental risk and sex ratio in newborns -surveillance of environmental impact-research and policy."
Life in the Universe : Expectations and Constraints
Energy, chemistry, solvents, and habitats -- the basic elements of living systems - define the opportunities and limitations for life on other worlds. This class-tested text examines each of these parameters in crucial depth and makes the argument that life forms we would recognize may be more common in our solar system than many assume. It also considers, however, exotic forms of life that would not have to rely on carbon as basic chemical element, solar energy as a main energy source, or water as primary solvent. Finally the question of detecting bio- and geosignature of such life forms is discussed, ranging from Earth environments to deep space. While speculative considerations in this emerging field of science cannot be avoided, the authors have tried to present their study with the breadth and seriousness that a scientific approach to this issue requires. They seek an operational definition of life and investigate the realm of possibilities that nature offers to realize this very special state of matter and avoid scientific jargon wherever possible to make this intrinsically interdisciplinary subject understandable to a broad range of readers.
Life : An Introduction to Complex Systems Biology
What is life? Has molecular biology given us a satisfactory answer to this question? And if not, why, and how to carry on from there? This book examines life not from the reductionist point of view, but rather asks the question: what are the universal properties of living systems and how can one construct from there a phenomenological theory of life that leads naturally to complex processes such as reproductive cellular systems, evolution and differentiation? The presentation has been deliberately kept fairly non-technical so as to address a broad spectrum of students and researchers from the natural sciences and informatics.
Cell Motility
Cell motility is a fascinating example of cell behavior which is fundamentally important to a number of biological and pathological processes. It is based on a complex self-organized mechano-chemical machine consisting of cytoskeletal filaments and molecular motors. In general, the cytoskeleton is responsible for the movement of the entire cell and for movements within the cell. The main challenge in the field of cell motility is to develop a complete physical description on how and why cells move. For this purpose new ways of modeling the properties of biological cells have to be found. This long term goal can only be achieved if new experimental techniques are developed to extract physical information from these living systems and if theoretical models are found which bridge the gap between molecular and mesoscopic length scales. Cell Motility gives an authoritative overview of the fundamental biological facts, theoretical models, and current experimental developments in this fascinating area.
Brilliant light in life and material sciences
This book aim to create a synchrotron radiation facility, CANDLE, as an international laboratory for advanced research in life and material sciences. About 50 researchers from NATO, partner countries and Armenia gathered at Yerevan to discuss modern trends in developments of advanced light sources with high spectral brilliance and applications in basic and applied research in a wide range of fields. Research with high brilliant photon beams are used, for example for practical applications in pharmacy, electronics and nanotechnology. Such practical relevance promoted the design and construction of now more than 50 such facilities worldwide. Overview and specialized talks on the status and highlights of newly constructed light sources (ALBA, SPEAR3, European XFEL Facility, Siberian Synchrotron Radiation Center, CANDLE), on instrumentation and development of experimental techniques, and frontier research in life and material sciences using synchrotron radiation have been presented.
Biophotonics and Coherent Systems in Biology
Biophotonics and Coherent Systems in Biology offers a timely research volume derived from papers submitted at the 3rd International Alexander Gurwitsch Conference. Biophotonics and Coherent Systems in Biology covers the major aspects of modern biophotonics and related biological and biophysical problems of interest to researchers today.Key topics include: Coherency of biophoton emission and its related physical and biological properties , Biological effects of microwaves, Photon emission from living samples, starting from human bodies up to cell cultures, Fundamental role of water in bioenergetics and the influence of electromagnetic fields upon hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance
Biophotonics ; Optical science and engineering for the 21st century
Biophotonics: Optical Science and Engineering in the 21st Century serves as an ideal aid to the research and development of these areas integrating light, photonics, and biological systems.Key topics include: Fluctuation Correlation Spectroscopy in Cells: Determination of Molecular Aggregation ,Using GFP and FRET Technologies for Studying Signaling Mechanisms of Apoptosis in a Single Living Cell, Study on Protein-Protein Interaction in Single Living Cells, Functional Optical Coherence Tomography: Simultaneous In Vivo Imaging of Tissue Structure and Physiology, Imaging –Photo- and Sonodynamic Diagnosis of Cancer Mediated by Chemiluminescence Probes, Biophotonic Analysis of Spontaneous Self-Organizing Oxidative Processes in Aqueous Systems, Biophoton Emission and Defense Systems in Plants
BioMEMS
Here, a new discipline evolved which focuses on microsystems for living systems called "BIOMEMS". In this review at a glance the exciting field of bio-microsystems, from their beginnings to indicators of future successes are presented. It will also show that a broad penetration of micro and nano technologies into biology and medicine will be mandatory for future scientific and new product development progress in life science.
Advances in Electromagnetic Fields in Living Systems ; Vol.4
Advances in Electromagnetic Fields in Living Systems , Volume 4 begins with fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG), a noninvasive method of detecting components of the magnetic field produced by the electrical activity of the fetal heart. FMCG is experiencing steady growth, and is expected to gain influence in diagnosing certain congenital fetal heart defects while at the same time providing optimal care for patients. FMCG provides a distinct signal, free of maternal cardiac interference, which can be detected throughout the last half of pregnancy.
A Legacy for Living Systems : Gregory Bateson as Precursor to Biosemiotics
This book represents a major attempt to revise this deficiency. Scholars from ecology, biochemistry, evolutionary biology, cognitive science, anthropology and philosophy discuss how Bateson's thinking might lead to a fruitful reframing of central problems in modern science. Most important perhaps, Bateson's bioanthropology is shown to play a key role in developing the set of ideas explored in the new field of biosemiotics. The idea that organismic life is indeed basically semiotic or communicative lies at the heart of the biosemiotic approach to the study of life.The only book of its kind, this volume provides a key resource for the quickly-growing substratum of scholars in the biosciences, philosophy and medicine who are seeking an elegant new approach to exploring highly complex systems.
