This book details the advances in drug discovery and delivery and the present need for emerging technologies. Throughout the text new micro and nanofabrication techniques are described, including methods like electrohydrodynamic processes, additive manufacturing, and microfluidics, which have the potential to produce drug delivery systems that were not possible a few years ago. This book is of great use to both entry-level and experienced researchers in the field of emerging technologies for the manufacturing of drug delivery devices.

Bringing Bayesian Models to Life empowers the reader to extend, enhance, and implement statistical models for ecological and environmental data analysis. We open the black box and show the reader how to connect modern statistical models to computer algorithms. These algorithms allow the user to fit models that answer their scientific questions without needing to rely on automated Bayesian software. We show how to handcraft statistical models that are useful in ecological and environmental science including: linear and generalized linear models, spatial and time series models, occupancy and capture-recapture models, animal movement models, spatio-temporal models, and integrated population-models. Features: R code implementing algorithms to fit Bayesian models using real and simulated data examples. A comprehensive review of statistical models commonly used in ecological and environmental science. Overview of Bayesian computational methods such as importance sampling, MCMC, and HMC. Derivations of the necessary components to construct statistical algorithms from scratch. Bringing Bayesian Models to Life contains a comprehensive treatment of models and associated algorithms for fitting the models to data. We provide detailed and annotated R code in each chapter and apply it to fit each model we present to either real or simulated data for instructional purposes. Our code shows how to create every result and figure in the book so that readers can use and modify it for their own analyses. We provide all code and data in an organized set of directories available at the authors' websites.

Large sample techniques are fundamental to all fields of statistics. Mixed effects models, including linear mixed models, generalized linear mixed models, non-linear mixed effects models, and non-parametric mixed effects models are complex models, yet, these models are extensively used in practice. This monograph provides a comprehensive account of asymptotic analysis of mixed effects models. The monograph is suitable for researchers and graduate students who wish to learn about asymptotic tools and research problems in mixed effects models. It may also be used as a reference book for a graduate-level course on mixed effects models, or asymptotic analysis.

Public awareness of the role diet plays in brain function has been steadily increasing. This has led to significant development of new products, dietary supplements, functional foods, nutraceuticals and public health recommendations for maintaining brain function. Nutrition for Brain Health and Cognitive Performance presents a detailed and innovative scientific summary of nutrition-cognition research to provide valuable information regarding nutrition and lifestyle choices for cognitive health. Internationally recognised scholars along with the next generation of researchers have contributed chapters that present a valuable resource for health professionals, teachers, researchers and the general public. The book critically reviews the evidence surrounding the impact of dietary patterns and nutrition on brain function and cognitive performance. It covers diverse topics such as: Innovative new technologies that assess brain function Tools for measuring mood and its relation to nutrition How a diet rich in fruits and vegetables coupled with low consumption of meats can prevent cognitive decline in ageing adults Effects of glucose, omega 3s, vitamins and minerals, nutraceuticals and flavonoids on cognitive performance Cognitive benefits of herbal extracts such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba and green tea Use of technology such as neuroimaging and noninvasive brain stimulation (NBS) to capture nutrition effects on cognition and brain function Presenting state-of-the-art scientific evidence, challenges, and potential applications within this exciting field, the book promotes and extends the research, teaches the process of research in this area, and promotes a collaborative understanding of the field between industry and academia. It gives you a balance of rigorous scientific information and analysis on the impact of dietary patterns, nutritional components and research processes to support brain health and performance claims and knowledge.

Completely revised and updated, Nutrition Support for the Critically Ill Patient: A Guide to Practice, Second Edition presents an unbiased, evidence-based examination of critical nutrition across the life cycle. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, each chapter has been carefully designed to provide a comprehensive review of the literature and a detailed exploration of the practical application of this information. With chapters written by experts, you get the most pertinent and current knowledge available, bolstered by tables, figures, and case studies that make the information accessible. New Coverage in the Second Edition: Gut microbiota support Short bowel syndrome Chronic critically ill phenomenon Professional nutrition practice guidelines and protocols Ethical considerations Quality and performance improvement Many challenges remain when providing optimal nutrition to all patients under all conditions at all times. Divided into eight sections, the book covers metabolic issues, nutrients for critically ill patients, delivery of nutrition therapy, nutrition therapy throughout the life cycle, special interest groups, specific organ system failure, general systemic failures, and professional issues in the field. It keeps you informed and aware of the continuous accrual of knowledge needed to craft and provide optimal nutrition therapy for the critically ill patient.

Includes recommendations and clinical studies on ideal drugs to reduce blood pressure with fewest side effects and optimal efficacy. Presents a nutrition program for patients to manage high blood pressure and reduce weight which, if followed, helps lower the risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and early death. Provides a comprehensive review of nutritional supplements to improve blood pressure control. Written by leading experts in hypertension and nutrition, this book presents a unique and optimal approach to reducing cardiovascular problems related to high blood pressure, it serves as a guide for both health practitioners and their patients.

Mendelian Randomization: Methods For Causal Inference Using Genetic Variants provides thorough coverage of the methods and practical elements of Mendelian randomization analysis. It brings together diverse aspects of Mendelian randomization from the fields of epidemiology, statistics, genetics, and bioinformatics. Through multiple examples, the first part of the book introduces the reader to the concept of Mendelian randomization, showing how to perform simple Mendelian randomization investigations and interpret the results. The second part of the book addresses specific methodological issues relevant to the practice of Mendelian randomization, including robust methods, weak instruments, multivariable methods, and power calculations. The authors present the theoretical aspects of these issues in an easy-to-understand way by using non-technical language. The last part of the book examines the potential for Mendelian randomization in the future, exploring both methodological and applied developments. Features Offers first-hand, in-depth guidance on Mendelian randomization from leaders in the field Makes the diverse aspects of Mendelian randomization understandable to newcomers Illustrates technical details using data from applied analyses Discusses possible future directions for research involving Mendelian randomization Software code is provided in the relevant chapters and is also available at the supplementary website This book gives epidemiologists, statisticians, geneticists, and bioinformaticians the foundation to understand how to use genetic variants as instrumental variables in observational data. New in Second Edition: The second edition of the book has been substantially re-written to reduce the amount of technical content, and emphasize practical consequences of theoretical issues. Extensive material on the use of two-sample Mendelian randomization and publicly-available summarized data has been added. The book now includes several real-world examples that show how Mendelian randomization can be used to address questions of disease aetiology, target validation, and drug development

Omega-3 fatty acids can limit the inflammation that is the underlying cause of many severe diseases of modern civilization, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The Omega-Factor: Promoting Health, Preventing Premature Aging and Reducing the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death presents information on the mechanisms whereby inflammation damages organs and the blood vessels serving them, as well as the hard science on the mechanisms by which the omega-3 fatty acids protect those tissues. It also features peer-reviewed evidence from clinical trials on these topics. The book gives cutting-edge information from state-of-the-art developments such as the test that can be done to measure the Omega 3 status of one's own tissues, the "Omega 3 Index", which can give many years of early warning so that one can take preventive steps and decrease the odds of a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease. It explains why a Mediterranean diet plan rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids is protective, and it features a six-day meal plan with recipes that will improve body levels of omega 3s. This book helps readers understand the differences between various sources of omega-3 fatty acids, namely flax seed vs. fish oil vs. algae-derived oils. Features: * Provides evidence-based information on why blood vessels require omega-3 fatty acids to maintain health. * Details best sources of the various fatty acids, including plant-based sources. * Includes "at-home tests" to assess cardiovascular status. * Presents literature to how to improve chances of avoiding heart attacks, peripheral arterial disease, strokes, kidney disease, and Type-2 Diabetes. The Omega-Factor: Promoting Health, Preventing Premature Aging and Reducing the Risk of Sudden Cardiac Death is an essential resource for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and dietitians, as well as for the reader who aims to achieve the goal of a much longer health-span, not just a longer lifespan.

Beer is made up of various bioactive substances containing antioxidants and specific ingredients with potentially beneficial effects on the human body if consumed in moderation. In the production process, the addition of hops, cereals, and malt leads to an increased content of naturally occurring antioxidant compounds in beer, mainly phenolic compounds. This book presents information on the history, compositional analysis, and brewing process of craft beers. It covers aspects of fruit fortification to different craft brewed beers and how it will enhance the nutritional composition, antioxidant properties, color and sensory attributes of beers. The alcohol industry continues to grow quickly worldwide, this book provides relevant research literature about the recent studies and experimentation about beers which will be helpful to students, researchers, industrialists, producers, and many others. The incorporation of fruits for the fortification of beers is a topic of interest resulting in the need for more innovative and effective methods and steps in the production of newer variants of beers.

Introduces the recent applications of new computational intelligent technologies focusing on medical diagnosis issues Reviews multidisciplinary research in healthcare like data mining, medical imaging, pattern recognition and so forth Explores intelligent systems and application of learning in healthcare challenges along with the representation and reasoning of clinical uncertainty Addresses the problems resulting from automated data collection in modern hospitals with possible solutions to support medical decision-making system Discusses current and emerging intelligent system with respect to evolutionary computation and its applications in medical domain

The Routledge Companion to Big History guides readers though the variety of themes and concepts that structure contemporary scholarship in the field of big history. The volume is divided into five parts, each representing current and evolving areas of interest to the community, including big history's relationship to science, social science, the humanities, and the future, as well as teaching big history and 'little big histories'. Considering an ever-expanding range of theoretical, pedagogical and research topics, the book addresses such questions as what is the relationship between big history and scientific research, how are big historians working with philosophers and religious thinkers to help construct 'meaning', how are leading theoreticians making sense of big history and its relationship to other creation narratives and paradigms, what is 'little big history', and how does big history impact on thinking about the future? The book highlights the place of big history in historiographical traditions and the ways in which it can be used in education and public discourse across disciplines and at all levels. A timely collection with contributions from leading proponents in the field, it is the ideal guide for those wanting to engage with the theories and concepts behind big history.

In order to achieve and maintain peak performance, high-level athletes require the right nutrition at the right time. Nutrition for Elite Athletes provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on the nutritional requirements of athletes at the top of their game. Since researchers, clinicians, and graduate students work with certain populations of athletes, such as endurance athletes, and not single nutrients or metabolic systems, this book arranges topics by 1) athletic population and 2) nutrition /exercise interactions that reach across athletic sub-populations (such as recovery nutrition), instead of by nutrients or metabolic system. Bringing together the contributions of well-known experts from around the world, the book identifies the nutritional needs of endurance athletes, strength power athletes, team sport athletes, and weight class/aesthetic sport athletes. In addition to coverage of recovery nutrition and energy balance, the book: Reviews the foundations of energy metabolism Considers dietary supplements, food safety, and drug/nutrient/exercise interactions Examines hydration requirements for various types of athletes Explores how vitamins and minerals impact performance The book assumes an understanding of the terms discussed in introductory nutrition courses as well as an understanding of metabolic systems concepts taught in undergraduate nutrition and exercise physiology courses. By doing so, the authors are able to get right into detailing the nutritional needs of elite athletes. In addition to its appeal for dieticians, researchers, and clinicians working with elite athletes, this book is suitable for use as a textbook for upper-level exercise nutrition and metabolism courses.

A Sound Basis for the Theory of Statistical Inference Measuring Statistical Evidence Using Relative Belief provides an overview of recent work on developing a theory of statistical inference based on measuring statistical evidence. It shows that being explicit about how to measure statistical evidence allows you to answer the basic question of when a statistical analysis is correct. The book attempts to establish a gold standard for how a statistical analysis should proceed. It first introduces basic features of the overall approach, such as the roles of subjectivity, objectivity, infinity, and utility in statistical analyses. It next discusses the meaning of probability and the various positions taken on probability. The author then focuses on the definition of statistical evidence and how it should be measured. He presents a method for measuring statistical evidence and develops a theory of inference based on this method. He also discusses how statisticians should choose the ingredients for a statistical problem and how these choices are to be checked for their relevance in an application.

Originally published in 1915, Government by Natural Selection looks at the historical advancement of government through the lens of the Darwinian theory of natural selection. The book examines the history of government and its formation, right up until the early 20th century, when the book was first published. The book suggests that there is a link between Darwinian theory and the development of humans in societies, and that this in turn affected the formation of government over the course of history. The book uses not only Darwinian theory to examine history and the formation of government, but philosophers from both antiquity and the 19th century. This book provides a fascinating examination of politics and history through the application of science, and will be of interest to anthropologists, historians and academics of politics alike.

Computational biology has developed rapidly during the last two decades following the genomic revolution which culminated in the sequencing of the human genome. More than ever it has developed into a field which embraces computational methods from different branches of the exact sciences: pure and applied mathematics, computer science, theoretical physics. This Second Edition provides a solid introduction to the techniques of statistical mechanics for graduate students and researchers in computational biology and biophysics. Material has been reorganized to clarify equilbrium and nonequilibrium aspects of biomolecular systems Content has been expanded, in particular in the treatment of the electrostatic interactions of biomolecules and the application of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to biomolecules New network-based approaches for the study of proteins are presented. All treated topics are put firmly in the context of the current research literature, allowing the reader to easily follow an individual path into a specific research field. Exercises and Tasks accompany the presentations of the topics with the intention of enabling the readers to test their comprehension of the developed basic concepts.

The field of molecular medicine covers the medical interventions targeting molecular structures and mechanisms that are involved in disease progression. In cancer, several molecular mechanisms have been shown to impact its progression, aggressiveness and chemoresistance. Increasing evidence demonstrates the role of nanotechnology and outcome of molecular therapy. Several books have discussed molecular biology and mechanisms involved in cancer, but this text gives an account of molecular therapeutics in cancer relating to advancements of nanotechnology. It provides a description of the multidisciplinary field of molecular medicines and its targeted delivery to cancer using nanotechnology. Key Features: Provides current information in the multidisciplinary field of molecular medicines and its targeted delivery to cancer using nanotechnology Presents important aspects of nanotechnology in the site-specific delivery of anticancer agents Includes up to date information on oligonucleotide and gene based therapies in cancer Describes small targeted molecules, antibodies and oligonucleotides which have shown to selectively target the molecular structures thereby influencing signal transduction Facilitates discussion between researchers involved in cancer therapy and nanoscientists

Iterative processes are the tools used to generate sequences approximating solutions of equations describing real life problems. Intended for researchers in computational sciences and as a reference book for advanced computational method in nonlinear analysis, this book is a collection of the recent results on the convergence analysis of numerical algorithms in both finite-dimensional and infinite-dimensional spaces and presents several applications and connections with fixed point theory. It contains an abundant and updated bibliography and provides comparisons between various investigations made in recent years in the field of computational nonlinear analysis. The book also provides recent advancements in the study of iterative procedures and can be used as a source to obtain the proper method to use in order to solve a problem. The book assumes a basic background in Mathematical Statistics, Linear Algebra and Numerical Analysis and may be used as a self-study reference or as a supplementary text for an advanced course in Biosciences or Applied Sciences. Moreover, the newest techniques used to study the dynamics of iterative methods are described and used in the book and they are compared with the classical ones.

In many places in the world, forests dominate landscapes and provide various products. Future climate change could profoundly alter the productivity of forest ecosystems and species composition. Until now, climate impact research has primarily focused on the likely impacts of rise in temperature, increased atmospheric CO2 concentration, and varying precipitation on unmanaged forests. The issue that now needs to be addressed is how to sustainably manage climate change for timber production and biomass. Though climate change is a global issue, impacts on forests depend on local environmental conditions and management methods, so this book will look at the issue under varying local contexts.

The robotic mechanism and its controller make a complete system. As the robotic mechanism is reconfigured, the control system has to be adapted accordingly. The need for the reconfiguration usually arises from the changing functional requirements. This book will focus on the adaptive control of robotic manipulators to address the changed conditions. The aim of the book is to summarise and introduce the state-of-the-art technologies in the field of adaptive control of robotic manipulators in order to improve the methodologies on the adaptive control of robotic manipulators. Advances made in the past decades are described in the book, including adaptive control theories and design, and application of adaptive control to robotic manipulators.

This book presents a unified algebraic approach to stabilization problems of linear boundary control systems with no assumption on finite-dimensional approximations to the original systems, such as the existence of the associated Riesz basis. A new proof of the stabilization result for linear systems of finite dimension is also presented, leading to an explicit design of the feedback scheme. The problem of output stabilization is discussed, and some interesting results are developed when the observability or the controllability conditions are not satisfied.

Demystifies Biomedical and Biological Big Data Analyses Big Data Analysis for Bioinformatics and Biomedical Discoveries provides a practical guide to the nuts and bolts of Big Data, enabling you to quickly and effectively harness the power of Big Data to make groundbreaking biological discoveries, carry out translational medical research, and implement personalized genomic medicine. Contributing to the NIH Big Data to Knowledge (BD2K) initiative, the book enhances your computational and quantitative skills so that you can exploit the Big Data being generated in the current omics era. The book explores many significant topics of Big Data analyses in an easily understandable format. It describes popular tools and software for Big Data analyses and explains next-generation DNA sequencing data analyses. It also discusses comprehensive Big Data analyses of several major areas, including the integration of omics data, pharmacogenomics, electronic health record data, and drug discovery. Accessible to biologists, biomedical scientists, bioinformaticians, and computer data analysts, the book keeps complex mathematical deductions and jargon to a minimum. Each chapter includes a theoretical introduction, example applications, data analysis principles, step-by-step tutorials, and authoritative references.

This book highlights the contributions of leading forensic science practitioners, iconic figures who have been integral in both establishing current scientific and medicolegal practices and innovative evidence collection, testing, and analysis methods. Such professionals include Henry Lee, Michael Baden, William Bass, Jay Siegel, John Butler, Cyril Wecht, Vincent Di Maio, Marcella Fierro, Barry Fisher, and more. Previously unpublished interviews with these pioneers in the field, expressly undertaken for the purposes this book, examine the last 30 years-past trends that have shaped the field-as well as current and emerging trends that have, and will shape, the future of forensic science.

Objective establishment of the truth is the goal of any good crime scene investigator. This demands a consideration of all evidence available using proven scientific methodologies to establish objective snapshots of the crime. The majority of forensic disciplines shed light on the "who" of a crime, bloodstain pattern analysis is one of the most important disciplines to address "what" happened. Understanding the discipline, its underlying scientific basis, and how best to apply this knowledge is crucial in the investigator's quest for the truth. Internationally known experts in crime scene analysis, Tom Bevel and Ross M. Gardner explore bloodstain pattern analysis in depth, explaining what it is, how it is used, and the practical methodologies employed to achieve defensible results. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis with an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction, Third Edition: Presents a specific and detailed taxonomy of bloodstain pattern characteristics Offers a full-color fold-out Decision Map to guide analysts through the classification process Uses full-color photos and diagrams to illustrate concepts Describes the theory, principles, and methodology for crime scene reconstruction Details proven, applicable scientific methodologies Emphasizes observable and reproducible results to mitigate accusations of subjectivity in evidence and testimony Provides more than 60% new or significantly revised information Offering practical advice and tips for novices and experienced professionals, this book employs clear, lucid, and reasoned scientific arguments to provide the tools to guide and focus any investigative effort. Captain Tom Bevel is a 27-year veteran of the Oklahoma City Police Department, retiring in 1996 as Commander of the Homicide, Robbery, Missing Persons, and Unsolved Homicide units. He is held in high esteem as a qualified expert in crime scene reconstruction and bloodstain pattern analysis in state, federal, and foreign courts. His knowledge and expertise as a crime scene consultant has been sought after in 45 US states and 11 foreign countries. He owns a forensic education and consulting company in his home state of Oklahoma. Ross M. Gardner retired as a Command Sergeant Major and Special Agent in 1999 after serving a total of 24 years in US Army law enforcement. Certified by the International Association for Identification as a Senior Crime Analyst for the past 16 years, Gardner is an active instructor and consultant throughout the United States in crime scene analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis, and crime scene investigation.

Stochastic Communities presents a theory of biodiversity by analyzing the distribution of abundances among species in the context of a community. The basis of this theory is a distribution called the "J distribution." This distribution is a pure hyperbola and mathematically implied by the "stochastic species hypothesis" assigning equal probabilities of birth and death within the population of each species over varying periods of time. The J distribution in natural communities has strong empirical support resulting from a meta-study and strong theoretical support from a theorem that is mathematically implied by the stochastic species hypothesis.