An evolving, living organic/inorganic covering, soil is in dynamic equilibrium with the atmosphere above, the biosphere within, and the geology below. It acts as an anchor for roots, a purveyor of water and nutrients, a residence for a vast community of microorganisms and animals, a sanitizer of the environment, and a source of raw materials for construction and manufacturing. To develop lasting solutions to the challenges of balanced use and stewardship of the Earth, we require a fundamental understanding of soil from its elastic, porous three-phase system to its components, processes, and reactions.

Handbook of Soil Sciences: Resource Management and Environmental Impacts, Second Edition is the second of two volumes that form a comprehensive reference on the discipline of soil science. Completely revised and updated to reflect the current state of knowledge, this volume covers interfacial interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological regimes within the soil; the factors that control the availability of plant nutrients and microelements; interdisciplinary aspects of soil science, including salinity, sodicity, and soil erosion; and soil databases for assessing worldwide soil resources.

Critical elements addressed in each section include:

• Descriptions of concepts and theories
• Definitions, approaches, methodologies, and procedures
• Data in tabular and figure format
• Extensive references

This cohesive handbook provides a thorough understanding of soil science principles and practices based on a rigorous, complete, and up-to-date treatment of the subject matter compiled by leading scientists. It is a resource rich in data, offering professional soil scientists, agronomists, engineers, ecologists, biologists, naturalists, and students their first point of entry into a particular aspect of the soil sciences.

This book presents research into chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) defense and environmental security, exploring practical implications of the research. Contributions from a diverse group of international civilian researchers present the latest work on nanotechnology problems in this area, looking at detection, protective technologies, decontamination and threats to environmental security due to bacteriophages and nanomaterials. Highlights include the potential of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to characterize the nanoscale properties of microbial pathogens, the development of bacteriophage-based therapeutics, prophylactic and diagnostic preparations and their uses in different fields, such as medicine, veterinary, agriculture, food and water safety, amongst others. Readers may also consider an inexpensive bioassay suited for assessing chemical poisoning in the environment such as the presence of pesticides, sensors to detect ultra-trace quantities of the explosive Pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) using nanotubes and electrochemical sensors to simultaneously detect and reduce the explosive trinitrotoluene (TNT) to 2,4,6-triaminotoluene (TAT) in solution. This book shows how cooperative research among NATO countries and NATO partners can make a critical contribution to meeting the opportunities and challenges of nanotechnology problems relevant to chemical and biological defense needs. The papers presented here are representative of contributions made to the Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) on September 22-26, 2014 in Antalya, Turkey, to address the NATO SPS Key Priority of Defense against CBRN Agents and Environmental Security.

In considering ways that physics has helped advance biology and medicine, what typically comes to mind are the various tools used by researchers and clinicians. We think of the optics put to work in microscopes, endoscopes, and lasers; the advanced diagnostics permitted through magnetic, x-ray, and ultrasound imaging; and even the nanotools, that allow us to tinker with molecules. We build these instruments in accordance with the closest thing to absolute truths we know, the laws of physics, but seldom do we apply those same constants of physics to the study of our own carbon-based beings, such as fluidics applied to the flow of blood, or the laws of motion and energy applied to working muscle. Instead of considering one aspect or the other, Handbook of Physics in Medicine and Biology explores the full gamut of physics' relationship to biology and medicine in more than 40 chapters, written by experts from the lab to the clinic. The book begins with a basic description of specific biological features and delves into the physics of explicit anatomical structures starting with the cell. Later chapters look at the body's senses, organs, and systems, continuing to explain biological functions in the language of physics. The text then details various analytical modalities such as imaging and diagnostic methods. A final section turns to future perspectives related to tissue engineering, including the biophysics of prostheses and regenerative medicine. The editor's approach throughout is to address the major healthcare challenges, including tissue engineering and reproductive medicine, as well as development of artificial organs and prosthetic devices. The contents are organized by organ type and biological function, which is given a clear description in terms of electric, mechanical, thermodynamic, and hydrodynamic properties. In addition to the physical descriptions, each chapter discusses principles of related clinical diagnostic method

In a living body, a variety of molecules are working in a concerted manner to maintain its life, and to carry forward the genetic information from generation to generation. A key word to understand such processes is "water," which plays an essential role in life phenomena. This book sheds light on life phenomena, which are woven by biomolecules as warp and water as weft, by means of statistical mechanics of molecular liquids, the RISM and 3D-RISM theories, both in equilibrium and non-equilibrium. A considerable number of pages are devoted to basics of mathematics and physics, so that students who have not majored in physics may be able to study the book by themselves. The book will also be helpful to those scientists seeking better tools for the computer-aided-drug-discovery. Explains basics of the statistical mechanics of molecular liquids, or RISM and 3D-RISM theories, and its application to water. Provides outline of the generalized Langevin theory and the linear response theory, and its application to dynamics of water. Applies the theories to functions of biomolecular systems. Applies the theories to the computer aided drug design. Provides a perspective for future development of the method.

Provides a stimulating introduction to the structures and functions of ion channels of membranes of biological cells and discusses the biophysics of ion channels in condensed matter state and physiological condition Addresses natural processes and nanotechnology opportunities for their purposeful manipulation Lays the groundwork for vitally important medical advances

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is part of a range of emerging microscopic methods for biologists which offer the magnification range of both the light and electron microscope, but allow imaging under the 'natural' conditions usually associated with the light microscope. To biologists, AFM offers the prospect of high resolution images of biological material, images of molecules and their interactions even under physiological conditions, and the study of molecular processes in living systems. This book provides a realistic appreciation of the advantages and limitations of the technique and the present and future potential for improving the understanding of biological systems.The second edition of this bestseller has been updated to describe the latest developments in this exciting field, including a brand new chapter on force spectroscopy. The dramatic developments of AFM over the past ten years from a simple imaging tool to the multi-faceted, nano-manipulating technique that it is today are conveyed in a lively and informative narrative, which provides essential reading for students and experienced researchers alike.

Conifer Cold Hardiness provides an up-to-date synthesis by leading scientists in the study of the major physiological and environmental factors regulating cold hardiness of conifer tree species. This state-of-the-art reference comprehensively explains current understanding of conifer cold hardiness ranging from the gene to the globe and from the highly applied to the very basic. Topics addressed encompass cold hardiness from the perspectives of ecology, ecophysiology, acclimation and deacclimation, seedling production and reforestation, the impacts of biotic and abiotic factors, and methods for studying and analyzing cold hardiness. The content is relevant to geneticists, ecologists, stress physiologists, environmental and global change scientists, pathologists, advanced nursery and silvicultural practitioners, and graduate students involved in plant biology, plant physiology, horticulture and forestry with an interest in cold hardiness.

This second edition of Nonlinear Science covers new theoretical concepts and empirical results in molecular dynamics, solid-state physics, neuroscience, fluid dynamics, and biophysics. With over 350 problems, including hints and solutions, this is an invaluable resource for graduate students and researchers in the applied sciences.

This unique text introduces students and researchers to the world of misfolded proteins, toxic oligomers, and amyloid assemblages, and the diseases of the brain that result. During the past few years the connections between failures in protein quality control and neurological disorders have been reinforced and strengthened by discoveries on multiple fronts. These findings provide novel insights on how amyloidogenic oligomers and fibrils form, interconvert from one state to another, and propagate from cell to cell and region to region. Starting with protein folding and protein quality control basics, the reader will learn how misfolded proteins can cause diseases ranging from prion diseases to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease to Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Authoritative but written in a clear and engaging style, Fundamentals of Neurodegeneration and Protein Misfolding Disorders addresses one of today's forefront areas of science and medicine. The text emphasizes the new groundbreaking biophysical and biochemical methods that enable molecular-level explorations and the conceptual breakthroughs that result. It contains separate chapters on each of the major disease classes. Special emphasis is placed on those factors and themes that are common to the diseases, especially failures in synaptic transmission, mitochondrial control, and axonal transport; breakdowns in RNA processing; the potential role of environmental factors; and the confounding effects of neuroinflammation. The book is ideal for use in teaching at the advanced undergraduate and graduate levels, and serves as a comprehensive reference for a broad audience of students and researchers in neuroscience, molecular biology, biological physics and biomedical engineering.

A consequence of rapid progress in the science of nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics is the substantial accumulation of data covering nutrienal modulation of gene expression at the cellular and subcellular levels. Current research is increasingly focused on the role of nutrition and diet in modifying oxidative damage in the progression of disease. Dietary Modulation of Cell Signaling Pathways reviews some of these findings, focusing on nutrient-gene interactions with particular emphasis on the intracellular signaling network. Explore a Pivotal Function for Maintaining Homeostasis The book addresses the dietary modulation of particular gene expression systems and highlights the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms that involve upstream signaling molecules, such as kinases and transcription factors in the context of their therapeutic potential. It describes nutrients' actions on the activation of an antioxidant and inflammatory transcription factor and the induction of their target gene expression. Provides a Mechanistic Understanding of the Action of Dietary Components Comprehensively covering dietary modulation of cell signaling, leading experts provide information on state-of-the-art research in their own specialty. For those working in the fields of dietary components, molecular mechanisms, and health benefits, this book presents a useful tool for mechanistic understanding of the action of dietary components.

Principles and Applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Healthcare introduces concepts, principles, construction, and applications of therapeutic ultrasound: from bench to bedside. A comprehensive examination of the industry and medical application of ultrasound therapy, this book highlights working principles, research progress, and system structures of therapeutic ultrasound. It describes the principles of therapeutic ultrasound, details the system construction, introduces current and emerging applications, and discusses developing therapeutic ultrasound technologies. Divided into two parts, the book first introduces the fundamentals of biomedical acoustics, discusses ultrasound calibration methods, and the structures of available therapeutic ultrasound systems before moving on to the various applications of ultrasound therapy used in clinics. It includes a variety of extensive clinical trials, outcome photos and illustrating figures, and a critical commentary on the challenges in this field. The author discusses topics that include: The derivation of wave equation The mathematical solution of the wave propagation The phenomena of reflection Refraction and transmission in the acoustic field from different acoustic sources The radiation pattern of the ultrasound transducer The acoustical properties of biological tissues Ultrasound-induced bioeffects Cavitation The design of the ultrasound transducer The characterization method of the produced acoustic field An easy reference offering full coverage of popular ultrasound therapies, Principles and Applications of Therapeutic Ultrasound in Healthcare provides a simple explanation of fundamental acoustics, including wave equation, propagation, nonlinearity, and transducer design. It also discusses other potential applications, and is geared toward academia, industry, and researchers.

This landmark collective work introduces the physical, chemical, and biological principles underlying photosynthesis: light absorption, excitation energy transfer, and charge separation. It begins with an introduction to properties of various pigments, and the pigment proteins in plant, algae, and bacterial systems. It addresses the underlying physics of light harvesting and key spectroscopic methods, including data analysis. It discusses assembly of the natural system, its energy transfer properties, and regulatory mechanisms. It also addresses light-harvesting in artificial systems and the impact of photosynthesis on our environment. The chapter authors are amongst the field's world recognized experts. Chapters are divided into five main parts, the first focused on pigments, their properties and biosynthesis, and the second section looking at photosynthetic proteins, including light harvesting in higher plants, algae, cyanobacteria, and green bacteria. The third part turns to energy transfer and electron transport, discussing modeling approaches, quantum aspects, photoinduced electron transfer, and redox potential modulation, followed by a section on experimental spectroscopy in light harvesting research. The concluding final section includes chapters on artificial photosynthesis, with topics such as use of cyanobacteria and algae for sustainable energy production. Robert Croce is Head of the Biophysics Group and full professor in biophysics of photosynthesis/energy at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Rienk van Grondelle is full professor at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. Herbert van Amerongen is full professor of biophysics in the Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences at Wageningen University, where he is also director of the MicroSpectroscopy Research Facility. Ivo van Stokkum is associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Sciences, at Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam.

Praise for Computational Systems BiologyApproaches in Cancer Research: "Complex concepts are written clearly and with informative illustrations and useful links. The book is enjoyable to read yet provides sufficient depth to serve as a valuable resource for both students and faculty." - Trey Ideker, Professor of Medicine, UC Xan Diego, School of Medicine "This volume is attractive because it addresses important and timely topics for research and teaching on computational methods in cancer research. It covers a broad variety of approaches, exposes recent innovations in computational methods, and provides acces to source code and to dedicated interactive web sites." - Yves Moreau, Department of Electrical Engineering, SysBioSys Centre for Computational Systems Biology, University of Leuven With the availability of massive amounts of data in biology, the need for advanced computational tools and techniques is becoming increasingly important and key in understanding biology in disease and healthy states. This book focuses on computational systems biology approaches, with a particular lens on tackling one of the most challenging diseases - cancer. The book provides an important reference and teaching material in the field of computational biology in general and cancer systems biology in particular. The book presents a list of modern approaches in systems biology with application to cancer research and beyond. It is structured in a didactic form such that the idea of each approach can easily be grasped from the short text and self-explanatory figures. The coverage of topics is diverse: from pathway resources, through methods for data analysis and single data analysis to drug response predictors, classifiers and image analysis using machine learning and artificial intelligence approaches. Features Up to date using a wide range of approaches Applicationexample in each chapter Online resources with useful applications'

This book provides a timely summary of physical modeling approaches applied to biological datasets that describe conformational properties of chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Chapters explain how to convert raw experimental data into 3D conformations, and how to use models to better understand biophysical mechanisms that control chromosome conformation. The coverage ranges from introductory chapters to modeling aspects related to polymer physics, and data-driven models for genomic domains, the entire human genome, epigenome folding, chromosome structure and dynamics, and predicting 3D genome structure.

"The chapters in this book survey the progress in simulating biomolecular dynamics.... The images conjured up by this work are not yet universally loved, but are beginning to bring new insights into the study of biological structure and function. The future will decide whether this scientific movement can bring forth its Picasso or Modigliani." -from the Foreword by Peter G. Wolynes, Bullard-Welch Foundation Professor of Science, Rice University This book highlights the state-of-art in coarse-grained modeling of biomolecules, covering both fundamentals as well as various cutting edge applications. Coarse-graining of biomolecules is an area of rapid advances, with numerous new force fields having appeared recently and significant progress made in developing a systematic theory of coarse-graining. The contents start with first fundamental principles based on physics, then survey specific state-of-art coarse-grained force fields of proteins and nucleic acids, and provide examples of exciting biological problems that are at large scale, and hence, only amenable to coarse-grained modeling. Introduces coarse-grained models of proteins and nucleic acids. Showcases applications such as genome packaging in nuclei and understanding ribosome dynamics Gives the physical foundations of coarse-graining Demonstrates use of models for large-scale assemblies in modern studies Garegin A. Papoian is the first Monroe Martin Associate Professor with appointments in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Institute for Physical Science and Technology at the University of Maryland.

Das Standardwerk HUETTE erscheint in der 35., aktualisierten Auflage in der Reihe Springer Reference Technik. Diese Reihe bietet allen Ingenieurinnen und Ingenieuren - ob im Studium oder in allen Formen des Berufslebens - zielfuhrendes Fachwissen in aktueller, kompakter und verstandlicher Form. Die HUETTE enthalt in drei Banden die Grundlagen des Ingenieurwissens sowie oekonomisch-gesellschaftliche Kapitel, die das Ingenieurwissen erganzen. Band 3 umfasst Elektro- und informationstechnische Grundlagen: Elektrotechnik Messtechnik Regelungs- und Steuerungstechnik Informatik Informationsmanagement Band 1 Mathematisch-naturwissenschaftliche und allgemeine Grundlagen Band 2 Grundlagen des Maschinenbaus und erganzende Facher

The results obtained from, and techniques used in, different fields of science, such as mathematics, physics and biology are selected, gathered and analyzed to provide an introduction to the developing field of research into the nonlinear physics of DNA. The DNA molecule, which has been traditionally studied by techniques developed through molecular biology, is considered here rather from a physicist's viewpoint, as a nonlinear dynamical system. This is a complimentary way of looking at the molecule, and is arrived at following both a theoretical analysis of interactions and motions in DNA, and as a result of interpretation of experimental data. It is shown that this "nonlinear physics" approach allows one to explain some of the mechanisms of DNA functioning, and that it can offer possibilities in the study and interpretation of genetic codes. This text introduces all those involved in the study of the DNA molecule from a traditional, molecular biology viewpoint, to some of the results and developments which have been realized using a nonlinear physics approach, and should also allow biologists, biochemists and physicists to continue to develop non-traditional techniques of investigating the DNA molecule.

Fluorescence Molecular Tomography: Principles and Applications is the first book to cover the underlying principles and practical applications of fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) in a systematic manner. Using a tutorial approach, the text begins with an overview of the fundamentals of FMT and goes on to detail image reconstruction approaches (including linear and nonlinear reconstruction algorithms), FMT instrumentations (including time-domain, frequency-domain, and continuous-wave domain systems), and implementation of image-enhancing schemes (including both software and hardware approaches). Further chapters examine multimodal approaches combining photoacoustic tomography (PAT), computed tomography (CT), single-photon emission tomography (SPECT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and discuss bioluminescence tomography and miniaturized FMT from hand-held to endoscopic FMT. A final chapter looks at clinical applications and animal studies. This authoritative and practical guide will serve as a valuable reference for researchers, scientists, clinicians, and industry professionals. The first book dedicated to fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT); Covers underlying principles and practical applications; Written by a leading FMT research pioneer and expert.

This volume documents the progress made in the design of complex artificial systems and in the study of intermolecular forces and interactions. It is possible, using appropriate strategies based on building blocks, to obtain very large supramolecular arrays containing several hundered atoms, where specific sites are occupied by the desired chemical functions. Such arrays can be used for such things as molecular recognition, self-organization, self-replication, selective reactivity, selective catalysis, photoinduced energy and electron transfer, signal processing, information storage and drug delivery.

The future of cancer research and the development of new therapeutic strategies rely on our ability to convert biological and clinical questions into mathematical models-integrating our knowledge of tumour progression mechanisms with the tsunami of information brought by high-throughput technologies such as microarrays and next-generation sequencing. Offering promising insights on how to defeat cancer, the emerging field of systems biology captures the complexity of biological phenomena using mathematical and computational tools. Novel Approaches to Fighting CancerDrawn from the authors' decade-long work in the cancer computational systems biology laboratory at Institut Curie (Paris, France), Computational Systems Biology of Cancer explains how to apply computational systems biology approaches to cancer research. The authors provide proven techniques and tools for cancer bioinformatics and systems biology research. Effectively Use Algorithmic Methods and Bioinformatics Tools in Real Biological ApplicationsSuitable for readers in both the computational and life sciences, this self-contained guide assumes very limited background in biology, mathematics, and computer science. It explores how computational systems biology can help fight cancer in three essential aspects: Categorising tumours Finding new targets Designing improved and tailored therapeutic strategies Each chapter introduces a problem, presents applicable concepts and state-of-the-art methods, describes existing tools, illustrates applications using real cases, lists publically available data and software, and includes references to further reading. Some chapters also contain exercises. Figures from the text and scripts/data for reproducing a breast cancer data analysis are available at www.cancer-systems-biology.net.

Quantitative methods are revolutionizing modern molecular and cellular biology. Groundbreaking technical advances are fueling the rapid expansion in our ability to observe, as seen in multidisciplinary studies that integrate theory, computation, experimental assays, and the control of microenvironments. Integrating new experimental and theoretical methods, Quantitative Biology: From Molecular to Cellular Systems gives both new and established researchers a solid foundation for starting work in this field. The book is organized into three sections: Fundamental Concepts covers bold ideas that inspire novel approaches in modern quantitative biology. It offers perspectives on evolutionary dynamics, system design principles, chance and memory, and information processing in biology. Methods describes recently developed or improved techniques that are transforming biological research. It covers experimental methods for studying single-molecule biochemistry, small-angle scattering from biomolecules, subcellular localization of proteins, and single-cell behavior. It also describes theoretical methods for synthetic biology and modeling random variations among cells. Molecular and Cellular Systems focuses on specific biological systems where modern quantitative biology methods are making an impact. It incorporates case studies of biological systems for which new concepts or methods are increasing our understanding. Examples include protein kinase at the molecular level, the genetic switch of phage lambda at the regulatory system level, and Escherichia coli chemotaxis at the cellular level. In short, Quantitative Biology presents practical tools for the observation, modeling, design, and manipulation of biological systems from the molecular to the cellular levels.

With contributions from an established team of experts on the subject, this reference illustrates current practices and techniques in the care of patients with foot and ankle fractures-demonstrating treatment methods for fractures and dislocations, pediatric injuries, soft tissue management, crush injury, and post-traumatic reconstruction.

The present book contains an excellent overview of the status and highlights of brilliant light facilities and their applications in biology, chemistry, medicine, material and environmental sciences. Overview papers on diverse fields of research by leading experts are accompanied by the highlights in the near and long-term perspectives of brilliant X-Ray photon beam usage for fundamental and applied research. The book includes advanced topics in the fields of high brightness photon beams, instrumentation, the spectroscopy, microscopy, scattering and imaging experimental techniques and their applications. The book is strongly recommended for students, engineers and scientists in the field of accelerator physics, X-ray optics and instrumentation, life, materials and environmental sciences, bio and nanotechnology.

This book presents selected contributions from the 5th Conference on Optics within Life Sciences (OWLS). It is focused on the application of lasers and optics in biomedicine and the preservation of cultural heritage. Fourteen review papers and numerous related contributed papers give a survey of the state of the art in the application of lasers and optical methods in diagnostics, imaging, holography, interaction with biological tissues and preservation.

Tissue Elasticity Imaging: Volume Two: Clinical Applications offers an extensive treatment of the fundamentals and applications of this groundbreaking diagnostic modality. Techniques and results are presented for the assessment of breast, prostate, heart, liver and thyroid tissues. For each application, details are provided on how to perform each technique, along with methods of interpretation, diagnostic criteria, quality assurance, challenges and case studies. This book is an essential resource for all researchers and practitioners (including scientists, radiologists, urologists, fellows and residents) interested in any elasticity imaging modality. As many diseases, including cancers, alter tissue mechanical properties, it is not always possible for conventional methods to detect changes, but with elasticity images that are produced by slow tissue deformation or low-frequency vibration, these changes can be displayed.