On the Origin of Species, published in 1859, is widely accepted as the seminal work in modern biology. Through careful observation, Charles Darwin explains how traits can be selected for within a population. This is easily observed in the artificial selection of farm animals, for instance. Darwin's theory caused an uproar that can still be heard today by refuting the Christian doctrine of created breeds, in which all species that exist now have always existed just as they are. It is the very publication of this work that gave Charles Darwin his place of prominence in the history of the theory of evolution, because while he was not the first to suggest such a mechanism, his book and its exhaustive studies made the information widely available. English scientist, naturalist, and geologist CHARLES DARWIN (1809-1882) revolutionized science, especially biology, with his theory of evolution through natural selection. As a passenger aboard the Beagle, Darwin became intrigued by the existence of different species in different geographical locations, which aided in the development of his theory. In addition to The Origin of Species, he is also remembered for The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals.

This book presents recent research results relating to applications of nonlinear dynamics, focusing specifically on four topics of wide interest: heart dynamics, DNA/RNA, cell mobility, and proteins. The book derives from the First BCAM Workshop on Nonlinear Dynamics in Biological Systems, held in June 2014 at the Basque Center of Applied Mathematics (BCAM). At this international meeting, researchers from different but complementary backgrounds, including molecular dynamics, physical chemistry, bio-informatics and biophysics, presented their most recent results and discussed the future direction of their studies using theoretical, mathematical modeling and experimental approaches. Such was the level of interest stimulated that the decision was taken to produce this publication, with the organizers of the event acting as editors. All of the contributing authors are researchers working on diverse biological problems that can be approached using nonlinear dynamics. The book will appeal especially to applied mathematicians, biophysicists, and computational biologists.

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For animal behavior, ethology, and behavioral ecology courses, this laboratory manual is the first of its kind in this subject area that guides students through the diverse and fascinating fields of behavioral and ethological studies, employing a wide array of organisms as model systems for the study of behavior. Students participate in the development of hypothesis and turn the recording, analysis, and interpretation of data into an active and engaging process.
A teacher-friendly companion website provides extensive teaching notes on the background to each lab project, tips and hints for successful project presentation, sources for studying organisms, ideas for variations in labs, and alternate study organisms. With fresh new ideas, Field and Laboratory Exercises in Animal Behavior brings this field to life for students!
* Provides fully developed and tested laboraty exercises
* Offers both field and lab experiences- adaptable for fall, spring, or summer courses
* Laboratories emphasize student thought and involvement in experimental design
* Includes an online supplement to the manual for teachers

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated neurodegenerative disorder of the human central nervous system (CNS) which usually affects young adults with certain genetic backgrounds who are then exposed to certain precipitating environmental antigen(s). Despite major advances of the past two decades in understanding the pathophysiology of MS, and in spite of the introduction of new immunomodulatory and immuno-suppressive agents which may slow down disease progression and delay the onset of disability, the "cause" and the "cure" for MS remain elusive. This volume of International Review of Neurobiology focuses on MS and related disorders. The volume can be divided into various sections with the main emphasis on MS pathogenesis, clinical features and epidemiology, neuroimaging, and treatment. The ultimate goal of this book is to encourage further research into the pathogenesis of this elusive disease.

Intellectual property (IP) is a key component of the life sciences, which is becoming one of the most dynamic and innovative fields of technology today. At the same time, the relationship between IP and the life sciences is raising new public policy dilemmas. The Research Handbook on Intellectual Property and the Life Sciences comprises contributions by leading experts from academia and industry that confront current debates and controversies at the intersection of IP and the life sciences through in-depth analyses of key topics including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and genes, plant innovations, stem cells, the role of competition law and access to medicines. The first section of this book highlights the importance of IP for medicines and pharmaceuticals, discussing topics including gene patents, and the second section deals with agricultural sector issues such as plant innovations. The third section of the book covers areas of research and development in the life sciences, such as stem cell research, and raises questions about incorporating ethical considerations into patent law. While the primary focus of the book is on Europe and the United States, the fourth section includes country-specific case studies on Australia, Brazil, China, India, Japan, Kenya, South Africa and Thailand to provide a truly international perspective. This Research Handbook is written in an accessible style that will appeal to intellectual property law scholars, practitioners and experts in the life sciences who are interested in the legal implications of IP for the life sciences. Contributors include: J. Allred, T. Avafia, C. Chiarolla, D. Degen, J.M. Golden, S. Gosh, M. Graf, J. Harrington, A. Heinemann, M.D. Janis, M. Kock, D. Matthews, C.R. McManis, A. Metzger, T. Minssen, C. Mund, P. Paranagua, A. Plomer, S. Ragavan, M. Rimmer, C. Seitz, T. Takenaka, G. Van Overwalle, D. Wachter, G. Wurtenberger, Z. Xinfeng, B. Yagi, B. Yao, H. Zech

Edited by Jean-Claude Kader and supported by an international Editorial Board, "Advances in Botanical Research" publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Currently in its 46th volume, the series features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. This eclectic volume features four reviews on cutting-edge topics of interest to post-graduates and researchers alike.
* Multidisciplinary reviews written from a broad range of scientific perspectives
* For over 40 years, series has enjoyed a reputation for excellence
* Contributors internationally recognized authorities in their respective fields

By using nanotechnological methods, we can now poke around protein molecules, genes, membranes, cells and more. Observation of such entities through optical and electron microscopes tempt us to touch and manipulate them. It is now possible to do so, and scientists around the world have started pulling, pushing and cutting small structures at the base of life processes to understand the effect of our hand work.
The book describes the physical properties of such life supporting structures from the molecular level with a special emphasis on their designs based on the mechanical strength and flexibility, membrane and other biological nanostructures.

- Describes the basic mechanical features of proteins, DNA, cell membrane and other biological nanostructures
- Explains the basic concepts and mathematics of elementary mechanics needed to understand and perform experimental work

The first book entirely devoted to this topic, Ecosystem Engineers begins with the history of the concept, presenting opposing definitions of ecosystem engineeing. These varied definitions advance the debate and move past trivial difficulties to crystallize key issues such as the value of process-based vs. outcome-based. Authors include case studies spanning a wide spectrum of species and habitats, including above and below-ground, aquatic and terrestrial, and extant and paleontological examples. These studies enable readers to understand how the categorization of species as ecosystem engineers allows scientists to forge new explanatory generalizations. Key for all ecologists and environmentalists, this book ultimately illustrates how to inform and manage natural resources.
* The only consolidated treatment available
* Provides definitions, case studies, and examples of ecological models
* Discusses how ecosystem engineering can inform and improve the management of natural resources
* Includes contributions from Clive Jones, the leading figure in the development of the ecosystem engineer concept, and many other eminent ecologists, such as Alan Hastings

With a claim to be the first work to document in detail the history of allelopathy, Willis s text provides an account of the concept of allelopathy as it has occurred through the course of botanical literature from the earliest recorded writings to the modern era. A great deal of information is presented here in a consolidated and accessible form for the first time. The book offers a unique insight into the historical factors which have influenced the popularity of allelopathy.

The advent of powerful processing technologies and the advances in software development tools have drastically changed the approach and implementation of computational research in fundamental properties of living systems through simulating and synthesizing biological entities and processes in artificial media. Nowadays realistic physical and physiological simulation of natural and would-be creatures, worlds and societies becomes a low-cost task for ordinary home computers. The progress in technology has dramatically reshaped the structure of the software, the execution of a code, and visualization fundamentals. This has led to the emergence of novel breeds of artificial life software models, including three-dimensional programmable simulation environment, distributed discrete events platforms and multi-agent systems. This second edition reflects the technological and research advancements, and presents the best examples of artificial life software models developed in the World and available for users.

Transcendental phenomenology presumed to have overcome the classic mind-body dichotomy in terms of consciousness, yet, according to progress in scientific studies, the biological functions of the brain seem to appropriate significant functions attributed traditionally to consciousness. Should we indeed dissolve the specificity of human consciousness by explaining human experience in its multiple sense-giving modalities through the physiological functions of the brain? The present collection of studies addresses this crucial question challenging such "naturalizing" reductionism from multiple angles. In search for the roots of "The Specifically Human Experience" (Bombala), moving along the line of "Animality and Intellection"(Gosetti-Ferencei), "Naturalistic Attitude and Personalistic Attitude"(Villela-Petit), and numerous other perspectives, we arrive at a novel proposal to explain the scholar functional differentiation of conscious modalities. We reach their source in the ontopoietic thread conducting the Logos of Life in its stepwise "Evolutive Unfolding"(Carmen Cozma), and in "sentience" as its quintessential core of further irreducible continuity (Tymieniecka) dispelling dichotomies and reductionisms.

Papers by:
Grahame Lock, Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka, Daniela Verducci, Ted Toadvine, Mary Trachsel, Martin Holt, Mary Jeanne Larrabee, Leszek Pyra, Bronislaw Bombala, Konrad Rokstad, Ilja Maso, Nancy Mardas, Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei, Maria Villela-Petit, Mara Stafecka, Carmen Cozma, Francesco Totaro, Andreas Brenner, Sinan Kadir Celik, Osvaldo Rossi, Maria Manuela Brinto Martins, Elga Freiberga, Klymet Selvi, J.C. Couciero-Bueno, Patricia Trutty-Coohill, Walter Lammi, Ljudmila Molodkina, Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia.

This is a strongly revised new edition of the authors' An illustrated Key to European Sesiidae published in 1995 published in a very limited edition and out of print within three months. The present book contains comprehensive information on all European species of this Lepidoptera family of day flying moths. All the many taxonomical, biological and distributional changes of the last years are included. Introductory chapters comprise a short historical outline, brief information on the morphology, biology, phylogeny and distribution as well as collecting and rearing methods, and lists of European Sesiidae and their hostplants. Keys to all European genera and species are provided. The main part of the book presents a systematic survey of all European species. Diagnostic morphological characters, bionomics and distribution in each species are shortly described. For each species line drawings of male and female genitalia are given, for some species also other diagnostic characters. The distribution is illustrated on maps. The book is concluded with 9 excellent colour plates with all European species illustrated. 9 colour plates depicting all European species of glasswings.

A man awakens one day in a land of brilliant light. Unsure of his surroundings, he sees another man, woman, and their child surrounded by a pure crimson energy of love. He soon realizes that the Divine Beings intend to use their energy of love to give birth to new beings. And so begins an expanding Universe, fueled by diverse particles woven by gravity's power into a massive web.

The Divine Beings empower atoms to be agents of creativity. The first beings, Quarkie and Photie, join twelve atom friends and quadrillions of other atoms who manage to create billions of suns in billions of galaxies. After the Divine Beings take the atom pals on journeys back to the past to visit other atom families, the atom friends living in the Milky Way Galaxy are jolted by an exploding supernova and land on planet Earth where they eventually create the first living beings.

During the next two billion years, they engage in a crucial mission-the conception of the eukaryote cell-which will determine all future creativity on Earth. But just as they are certain of their success, a momentous catastrophe threatens to end their creative journey.

Biology is a source of fascination for most scientists, whether their training is in the life sciences or not. In particular, there is a special satisfaction in discovering an understanding of biology in the context of another science like mathematics. For- nately there are plenty of interesting problems (and fun) in biology, and virtually all scienti?c disciplines have become the richer for it. For example, two major journals, MathematicalBiosciences andJournalofMathematicalBiology, have tripled in size since their inceptions 20-25 years ago. More recently, the advent of genomics has spawned whole new ?elds of study in thebiosciences, ?eldssuchasproteomics, comparativegenomics, genomicmedicine, pharmacogenomics, and structural genomics among them. These new disciplines are as much mathematical as biological. Thevariousscienceshaveagreatdealtogivetooneanother, buttherearestilltoo many fences separating them. In writing this book we have adopted the philosophy that mathematical biology is not merely the intrusion of one science into another, but that it has a unity of its own, in which both biology and mathematics should be equal, complete, and ?ow smoothly into and out of one another. There is a timeliness in calculating a protocol for administering a drug. Likewise, the signi?cance of bones being "sinks'' for lead accumulation while bonemeal is being sold as a dietary c- cium supplement adds new meaning to mathematics as alifescience. The dynamics of a compartmentalized system are classical; applications to biology can be novel. Exponential and logistic population growths are standard studies; the delay in the increaseofAIDScasesbehindtheincreaseintheHIV-positivepopulationisprovo- tive.