Life is an enduring mystery. Yet, science tells us that living beings are merely sophisticated structures of lifeless molecules. If this view is correct, where do the seemingly purposeful motions of cells and organisms originate? In Life's Ratchet, physicist Peter M. Hoffmann locates the answer to this age-old question at the nanoscale. Below the calm, ordered exterior of a living organism lies microscopic chaos, or what Hoffmann calls the molecular storm -- specialized molecules immersed in a whirlwind of colliding water molecules. Our cells are filled with molecular machines, which, like tiny ratchets, transform random motion into ordered activity, and create the "purpose" that is the hallmark of life. Tiny electrical motors turn electrical voltage into motion, nanoscale factories custom-build other molecular machines, and mechanical machines twist, untwist, separate and package strands of DNA. The cell is like a city -- an unfathomable, complex collection of molecular workers working together to create something greater than themselves. Life, Hoffman argues, emerges from the random motions of atoms filtered through these sophisticated structures of our evolved machinery. We are agglomerations of interacting nanoscale machines more amazing than anything in science fiction. Rather than relying on some mysterious "life force" to drive them -- as people believed for centuries -- life's ratchets harness instead the second law of thermodynamics and the disorder of the molecular storm. Grounded in Hoffmann's own cutting-edge research, Life's Ratchet reveals the incredible findings of modern nanotechnology to tell the story of how the noisy world of atoms gives rise to life itself.
Praise for the prior edition "The author has done a magnificent job... this book is highly recommended for introducing biophysics to the motivated and curious undergraduate student." ―Contemporary Physics "a terrific text ... will enable students to understand the significance of biological parameters through quantitative examples―a modern way of learning biophysics." ―American Journal of Physics "A superb pedagogical textbook... Full-color illustrations aid students in their understanding" ―Midwest Book Review This new edition provides a complete update to the most accessible yet thorough introduction to the physical and quantitative aspects of biological systems and processes involving macromolecules, subcellular structures, and whole cells. It includes two brand new chapters covering experimental techniques, especially atomic force microscopy, complementing the updated coverage of mathematical and computational tools. The authors have also incorporated additions to the multimedia component of video clips and animations, as well as interactive diagrams and graphs. Key Features: Illustrates biological examples with estimates and calculations of biophysical parameters. Features two brand-new chapters on experimental methods, a general overview and focused introduction to atomic force microscopy. Includes new coverage of important topics such as measures of DNA twist, images of nanoparticle assembly, and novel optical and electron nanoscopy. Provides a guide to investigating current expert biophysical research. Enhanced self-study problems and an updated glossary of terms.
This 3e, edited by Peter M. Martin, PNNL 2005 Inventor of the Year, is an extensive update of the many improvements in deposition technologies, mechanisms, and applications. This long-awaited revision includes updated and new chapters on atomic layer deposition, cathodic arc deposition, sculpted thin films, polymer thin films and emerging technologies. Extensive material was added throughout the book, especially in the areas concerned with plasma-assisted vapor deposition processes and metallurgical coating applications.
Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Provides accurate and well-documented information on the impact of diet and physical activity in the prevention and management of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases and healthy aging. This authoritative textbook examines the independent and combined impact of diet and physical activity in the prevention and management of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, with special emphasis on the elderly populations. In this book the authors: Provide the latest data on the association between a suboptimal diet and physical inactivity and chronic disease. Examine the role of epigenetics on longevity. Discuss the fundamentals of healthy aging. Highlight the role of well-known dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet and the Nordic diet in favorable health outcomes, including cardiovascular, metabolic health, and healthy aging. Discuss the health outcomes of physical activity and healthy aging. Present the most recent evidence-based data on the independent and synergistic impact of diet and exercise on disease prevention and management including, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dyslipidemia, kidney failure, cancer and other conditions. Prevention and Management of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease: Diet, Physical Activity and Healthy Aging is an excellent textbook for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in medical and health-related disciplines and for health professionals, including dietitians and nutritionists, exercise physiologists, athletic trainers, nurses, physicians, geriatricians, and other health professionals with a special focus in older adults. This book is also a highly useful reference for health professionals interested in introducing diet and physical activity as an intervention for healthy aging as well as the prevention and management of cardiovascular and other metabolic diseases that are prevalent in aging populations.
Papers presented at the First International Symposium on Science and Technology of Dielectrics in Emerging Fields, held from 27th April to 2nd May, 2003 in Paris, France"--Pref.
Climate Observations: Data Quality Control and Time Series Homogenization pulls together the different phases of the production of high-quality climatic datasets, allowing interested readers to obtain a coherent picture on the complexity and importance of this task. There are several new methods of time series homogenization, each very complex and fast developing. The thematic discussion of the production of high quality climatic datasets provides the opportunity to reduce errors, including the careful installation of meteorological instruments, the application of strict observing rules and inspections, and the use of sophistically developed statistical software to detect and remove errors or biases. This book is intended for professionals working on climate data management at the national meteorological services, for the users of observed climatic data, and for students and researchers studying atmospheric and climate science. Members of the Royal Meteorological Society are eligible for a 35% discount on all Developments in Weather and Climate Science series titles. See the RMetS member dashboard for the discount code. - Describes the research tasks and tools for which the reliability and accuracy of climatic data is particularly important - Includes case studies to provide real-world context to the research presented in the book - Features benchmark datasets that have been used for testing the stable operation and efficiency of homogenization methods - Explains the use of semiautomatic quality control software, recently developed effective homogenization methods, their testing, and related new concepts and statistical tools
The last half century has witnessed two landmark events in medical history. The 1970s saw euphoria about the defeat of one of humankind's oldest disease scourges with the global eradication of smallpox. To set against this, the 2020s are experiencing the pandemic ravages of new viral diseases, of which COVID-19 is currently the most potent. But it is only the latest of a succession of threats. A Geography of Infection explores the distinctive spatial patterns and processes by which such infectious diseases spread from place to place and can grow from local and regional epidemics into global pandemics. This resource focuses initially on the local scale of doctors' practices and small islands where epidemic outbreaks are slight in the numbers infected and in geographical extent. Such local area studies raise two questions. First, how and where do epidemic diseases emerge and second, why do more diseases appear to be emerging now? To approach such questions implies a shift in spatial gear from painting epidemics with a fine-tipped local brush to an expanded palette on which doctors' practices and small islands are replaced by regional and global populations. Simultaneously, time bands are extended backwards to the origins of civilization and forwards into the twenty-first century. It eventually leads to a consideration of global pandemics - both historical (for example, plague, cholera and influenza) and contemporary (HIV/AIDS and COVID-19) and examines the ways the spread of infection can be prevented. All chapters are extensively illustrated with full-colour diagrams and maps - some of which are in colour for the first time. Bringing together the authors' collective 150 years of experience in research, mapping, and writing on spatial aspects of medical history, this is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the spread, control, and eradication of epidemic and pandemic diseases.
The series bridges the gap between academic researchers and R&D designers by addressing and solving daily issues, which makes it essential reading.This volume looks at theory and it's application in a practical sense, with a full account of the methods used and realistic detailed application. The authors do this by examining the latest developments, historic illustrations and mathematical fundamentals of the exciting developments in imaging and electron physics and apply them to realistic practical situations.* Emphasizes broad and in depth article collaborations between world-renowned scientists in the field of image and electron physics* Presents theory and it's application in a practical sense, providing long awaited solutions and new findings* Provides the steps in finding answers for the highly debated questions
This volume presents the papers from the seventh North-European Symposium for Archaeological Textiles (NESAT), held in Edinburgh in 1999. The themes covered demonstrate a variety of scholarship that will encourage anyone working in this important and stimulating area of archaeology. From the golden robes of a Roman burial, to the fashionable Viking in Denmark, through to the early modern period and more technological aspects of textile-research, these twenty-four papers (five of which are in German) provide a wealth of new information on the study of ancient textiles in northern Europe.
Most books about corporate governance are written for a Western audience. The Boardroom, however, takes a different approach to leadership development by emphasizing the unique socio-cultural and judicial features as well as idiosyncratic board structures in Asia, particularly in an Indonesian context. The principles of good corporate governance are accepted across borders, but the implementation and translation of transparency, fairness, accountability, and responsibility can differ quite distinctly from one country to another. Amidst global competitive turbulence, socio-economic volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, The Boardroom analyses how Asian boardroom leaders steer organizations and how boards can be more effective. Boardmembers - appointed and entrusted by their owners - are guardians with a fiduciary duty to safeguard an organization and prepare it for a viable and sustainable future. Business managers, investors, academics, students and those interested in doing business in Asia will benefit from The Boardroom’s practical insights and recommendations to improve corporate governance and strengthen competitive advantage. "The Boardroom" - a book written by my predecessor Dr Tanri Abeng and his co-author Prof. Dr. Peter Verhezen who both combine practical experience and academic in-depth research - gives a good overview of what can and should be expected from a board. The authors describe the generic accepted governance principles, but rightfully claim the need to translate them into specific rules and regulations that make sense for Indonesian and other Asian companies. Erick Thohir, The Minister of State-Owned Enterprises of the Republic of Indonesia Understanding the dynamics of successful organizations is like being on a quest. It probably never ends. Organizations are open and social systems that cannot be managed or governed using simple theories and recipes. Hence, this book invites you to start your own leadership journey and become more mindful of your role in the functioning of a company. Prof. Dr. Koen Vandenbempt, Dean of the Faculty of Business & Economics at the University of Antwerp, Belgium
Water-filtered infrared A irradiation (wIRA) is a special application of infrared A irradiation. Its preferential induction of thermal, but also nonthermal, effects which have a high tissue penetration and low heat load to the skin surface makes wIRA a promising therapeutic method. Since its introduction in 1989, wIRA has been applied experimentally and clinically to human and animal patients to treat and improve an impressive variety of disease entities. This book summarizes recent developments by presenting a wide range of up-to-date clinical applications and offers an excellent overview on the topic, which will be of relevance to readers from clinical disciplines and basic researchers alike. The book is organized into two main fields: "Principles" and "Clinical Practice". "Clinical Practice" is the most substantial field being divided into parts on application of wIRA in oncology, psychiatry, neonatology, dermatology, rheumatology, and infectiology. "Principles" summarizes the historic development of wIRA, focusing on the physical basics, body's reaction to hyperthermia, thermography, and thermometry, and recommends clear terminology when applying wIRA.
The present volume, "Organoiron Compounds" B 17, systematically covers the literature through the end of 1987 for Sections 1.5.3 to 1.5.3.5, through the end of 1988 for Sections 1.5.4 to 1.5.6.7, and also includes many tater references. This volume continues Se ries B (volumes B 1 to B 15 al ready published) on the mononu clear organoiron compounds; Series A (volumes A 1 to A 9 already published) is devoted to the ferrocenes and Se ries C (volumes C 1 to C 5 and C 7 already published) treats organoiron com pounds with two or more Fe atoms in the molecule. Se ries B thus far includes the following mononuclear organoiron compounds: "Eisen-Organische Verbindungen" B 1 (1976), B 2 (1978, in English), B 3 (1979, partly in English) Sections 1 to 1.1.4.8 on 0 compounds and carbonyl compounds. "Eisen-Organische Verbindungen" B 4 (1978) Sections 1.1.5 to 1.2.3.2.3 on isonitrile and carbene compounds and on compounds with ligands bonded to the Fe atom by two C atoms eL ligands). "Eisen-Organische Verbindungen" B 5 (1978) Sections 1.3 to 1.3.6 on compounds with ligands bonded to the Fe atom by three C atoms (3L ligands).
Principles of Electron Optics: Applied Geometrical Optics, Second Edition gives detailed information about the many optical elements that use the theory presented in Volume 1: electrostatic and magnetic lenses, quadrupoles, cathode-lens-based instruments including the new ultrafast microscopes, low-energy-electron microscopes and photoemission electron microscopes and the mirrors found in their systems, Wien filters and deflectors. The chapter on aberration correction is largely new. The long section on electron guns describes recent theories and covers multi-column systems and carbon nanotube emitters. Monochromators are included in the section on curved-axis systems. The lists of references include many articles that will enable the reader to go deeper into the subjects discussed in the text. The book is intended for postgraduate students and teachers in physics and electron optics, as well as researchers and scientists in academia and industry working in the field of electron optics, electron and ion microscopy and nanolithography. - Offers a fully revised and expanded new edition based on the latest research developments in electron optics - Written by the top experts in the field - Covers every significant advance in electron optics since the subject originated - Contains exceptionally complete and carefully selected references and notes - Serves both as a reference and text
This book constitutes the proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering, WISE 2010, held in Hong Kong, China, in December 2010. The 32 revised full papers and 19 revised short papers presented together with 4 keynote talks were carefully reviewed and selected from 170 submissions. The papers are organized in topical sections on web service, social networks, web data mining, keyword search, web data modeling, recommender systems, RDF and web data processing, XML and query languages, web information systems, and information retrieval and extraction.
This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Peck Ong and Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, is devoted to Allergic Skin Diseases. Articles in this issue include Wet-wrap Therapy in Atopic Dermatitis; Biologics in Chronic Urticaria; Clinical Measures of Chronic Urticaria; Cutaneous Manifestation of Drug Allergy; Itch in Atopic Dermatitis; Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis; Differential Diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis; Differential Diagnosis of Chronic Urticaria; ACE-inhibitor-induced Angioedema; The Role of Fungi in Atopic Dermatitis; Cutaneous Manifestation of Food Allergy; Pediatric Mastocytosis; Allergic Contact Dermatitis; Hereditary Angioedema; Infectious Complications in Atopic Dermatitis; and Cutaneous Manifestations Primary Immunodeficiency/Autoimmunity.
The operas of the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi are among the greatest achievements of nineteenth century culture and remain at the heart of the opera repertory today. His extraordinary works took the opera world by storm, transforming and dominating the world of opera for over 30 years. Verdi modified the rigid conventions of the bel canto style, which had previously depended on the showcasing of singers at the expense of dramatic values. He changed this system to form an overall dramatic masterpiece, giving the singers melody and brilliance in ample measure. Delphi’s Great Composers Series offers concise illustrated guides to the life and works of our greatest composers. Analysing the masterworks of each composer, these interactive eBooks include links to popular streaming services, allowing you to listen to the pieces of music you are reading about. Evaluating the masterworks of each composer, you will explore the development of their works, tracing how they changed the course of music history. Whether a classical novice or a cultivated connoisseur, this series offers an intriguing overview of the world’s most famous and iconic compositions. This volume presents Verdi’s masterworks in succinct detail, with informative introductions, accompanying illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus features. (Version 1) * Concise and informative overview of Verdi’s masterworks * Learn about the operas that made Verdi a celebrated composer * Links to popular streaming services (free and paid), allowing you to listen to the masterpieces that you’re reading about * Features a special ‘Complete Compositions’ section, with an index of Verdi’s complete works and links to popular streaming services * Includes a selection of English translations of the librettos * Also features three biographies, including Frederick James Crowest’s seminal study — explore Verdi's intriguing musical and personal life Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting eBooks CONTENTS: The Masterworks Oberto Un giorno di regno Nabucco Ernani I due Foscari Macbeth Il corsaro La battaglia di Legnano Luisa Miller Rigoletto Il trovatore La traviata Les vêpres siciliennes Inno delle nazioni Don Carlos Aida Messa da Requiem Falstaff Complete Compositions Index of Verdi’s Compositions The Librettos Rigoletto Il trovatore La traviata La Forza del Destino Aida The Biographies Verdi: Man and Musician, by Frederick James Crowest Giuseppe Verdi by Harriette Brower History of the Opera by Henry Sutherland Edwards Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to learn more about our wide range of exciting titles
An indispensable reference for any practicing synthetic organic ormedicinal chemist, this book continues the tradition ofGreene’s as comprehensive in the overall scope of coverage,providing the most relevant and useful examples to illustrate eachmethodology. • Presents valuable material, on the application ofprotective groups in organic chemistry, that is not easily found bycasual searching • Helps chemists to plan, investigate, and carry outorganic syntheses in an efficient manner • Adds over 2800 new references to update since thepublication of the last edition • Reviews of the prior edition: "An essential bible forthe library or personal bookshelf of chemists performing complexsynthesis." (CHOICE, May 2007) "...the most up-to-date compilationavailable...should be an integral part of all institutionallibraries...it is also highly recommended thatindividuals...maintain their own copy..." (Journal of MedicinalChemistry, March 8, 2007) "...continues to be a comprehensive guideto the techniques for the formation and cleavage of protectivegroups." (Journal of the American Chemical Society, January 31,2007)
The most respected, all-in-one global STD reference -- now in full-color A Doody's Core Title! 5 STAR DOODY'S REVIEW! "With a level of detail that is unmatched by any other textbook in the field of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), this book is the ultimate reference in this area . . . No question about it -- this book is the ultimate resource for information about sexually transmitted diseases. -- Doody's Review Service" With a level of detail and scientific rigor that no other text can match, Sexually Transmitted Diseases takes you through all aspects of STDs, from epidemiology to diagnosis and public health measures. Featuring an exciting new full-color format, the fourth edition of Sexually Transmitted Diseases delivers the most encyclopedic overview of the clinical, microbiological, and public health aspects of STDs, including HIV. Turn to any page, and you'll find essential coverage of critical new developments in vaccines and prevention, global epidemiology, new treatments, and much more. Features of the Fourth Edition: The ultimate sourcebook on STDs, with top-to-bottom coverage of all STDs and all etiologies, from bacteria to viruses and more Cutting-edge insights and clinically relevant perspectives from a distinguished roster of international authorities in medicine, infectious disease, and public health NEW! Brand-new chapters that cover: Drug Use and STDs, Cervical Cancer and STDs, Prevention of Opportunistic Infections in AIDS, Pregnancy and Bacterial STDs, Pregnancy and Perinatal Transmission of STDs, The Role of Primary Care Clinicians in Managing STDs, and STD and HIV Vaccines NEW! Eye-catching full-color format with hundreds of precise illustrations that drive home chapter concepts and help you visualize various conditions
Life is an enduring mystery. Yet, science tells us that living beings are merely sophisticated structures of lifeless molecules. If this view is correct, where do the seemingly purposeful motions of cells and organisms originate? In Life's Ratchet, physicist Peter M. Hoffmann locates the answer to this age-old question at the nanoscale. Below the calm, ordered exterior of a living organism lies microscopic chaos, or what Hoffmann calls the molecular storm -- specialized molecules immersed in a whirlwind of colliding water molecules. Our cells are filled with molecular machines, which, like tiny ratchets, transform random motion into ordered activity, and create the "purpose" that is the hallmark of life. Tiny electrical motors turn electrical voltage into motion, nanoscale factories custom-build other molecular machines, and mechanical machines twist, untwist, separate and package strands of DNA. The cell is like a city -- an unfathomable, complex collection of molecular workers working together to create something greater than themselves. Life, Hoffman argues, emerges from the random motions of atoms filtered through these sophisticated structures of our evolved machinery. We are agglomerations of interacting nanoscale machines more amazing than anything in science fiction. Rather than relying on some mysterious "life force" to drive them -- as people believed for centuries -- life's ratchets harness instead the second law of thermodynamics and the disorder of the molecular storm. Grounded in Hoffmann's own cutting-edge research, Life's Ratchet reveals the incredible findings of modern nanotechnology to tell the story of how the noisy world of atoms gives rise to life itself.
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