The role of metal ions in protein folding and structure is a critical topic to a range of scientists in numerous fields, particularly those working in structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry, those studying protein folding and disease, and those involved in the molecular and cellular aspects of metals in biological systems. Protein Folding and Metal Ions: Mechanisms, Biology and Disease presents the contributions of a cadre of international experts who offer a comprehensive exploration of this timely subject at the forefront of current research. Divided into four sections, this volume: Provides case study examples of protein folding and stability studies in particular systems or proteins that comprise different metal ions of co-factors Reviews the proteins that shuttle metal ions in the cell to a particular target metalloprotein Illustrates how metal binding can be connected to pathological protein conformations in unrelated diseases, from cancer to protein deposition disorders such as Parkinson's disease Addresses protein redesign of metal-containing proteins by computational methods, folding simulation studies, and work on model peptides - dissecting the relative energetic contribution of metals sites to protein folding and stability Together, the 13 chapters in this text cogently describe the state of the science today, illuminate current challenges, propose future possibilities, and encourage further study in this area that offers much promise especially with regard to novel approaches to the treatment of some of the most challenging and tragic diseases.

Optoelectronic Organic-Inorganic Semiconductor Heterojunctions summarizes advances in the development of organic-inorganic semiconductor heterojunctions, points out challenges and possible solutions for material/device design, and evaluates prospects for commercial applications. Introduces the concept and basic mechanism of semiconductor heterojunctions Describes a series of organic-inorganic semiconductor heterojunctions with desirable electrical and optical properties for optoelectronic devices Discusses typical devices such as solar cells, photo-detectors, and optoelectronic memories Outlines the materials and device challenges as well as possible strategies to promote the commercial translation of semiconductor heterojunctions-based optoelectronic devices Aimed at graduate students and researchers working in solid-state materials and electronics, this book offers a comprehensive yet accessible view of the state of the art and future directions.

This book provides an extensive overview of the principles and methods of sample size calculation and recalculation in clinical trials. Appropriate calculation of the required sample size is crucial for the success of clinical trials. At the same time, a sample size that is too small or too large is problematic due to ethical, scientific, and economic reasons. Therefore, state-of-the art methods are required when planning clinical trials. Part I describes a general framework for deriving sample size calculation procedures. This enables an understanding of the common principles underlying the numerous methods presented in the following chapters. Part II addresses the fixed sample size design, where the required sample size is determined in the planning stage and is not changed afterwards. It covers sample size calculation methods for superiority, non-inferiority, and equivalence trials, as well as comparisons between two and more than two groups. A wide range of further topics is discussed, including sample size calculation for multiple comparisons, safety assessment, and multi-regional trials. There is often some uncertainty about the assumptions to be made when calculating the sample size upfront. Part III presents methods that allow to modify the initially specified sample size based on new information that becomes available during the ongoing trial. Blinded sample size recalculation procedures for internal pilot study designs are considered, as well as methods for sample size reassessment in adaptive designs that use unblinded data from interim analyses. The application is illustrated using numerous clinical trial examples, and software code implementing the methods is provided. The book offers theoretical background and practical advice for biostatisticians and clinicians from the pharmaceutical industry and academia who are involved in clinical trials. Covering basic as well as more advanced and recently developed methods, it is suitable for beginners, experienced applied statisticians, and practitioners. To gain maximum benefit, readers should be familiar with introductory statistics. The content of this book has been successfully used for courses on the topic.

The Carbon Nanomaterials Sourcebook contains extensive, interdisciplinary coverage of carbon nanomaterials, encompassing the full scope of the field-from physics, chemistry, and materials science to molecular biology, engineering, and medicine-in two comprehensive volumes. Written in a tutorial style, this second volume of the sourcebook: Focuses on nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanofibers, nanoporous structures, and nanocomposites Describes the fundamental properties, growth mechanisms, and processing of each nanomaterial discussed Explores functionalization for electronic, energy, biomedical, and environmental applications Showcases materials with exceptional properties, synthesis methods, large-scale production techniques, and application prospects Provides the tools necessary for understanding current and future technology developments, including important equations, tables, and graphs Each chapter is dedicated to a different type of carbon nanomaterial and addresses three main areas: formation, properties, and applications. This setup allows for quick and easy search, making the Carbon Nanomaterials Sourcebook: Nanoparticles, Nanocapsules, Nanofibers, Nanoporous Structures, and Nanocomposites a must-have reference for scientists and engineers.

Photoluminescence spectroscopy is an important approach for examining the optical interactions in semiconductors and optical devices with the goal of gaining insight into material properties. With contributions from researchers at the forefront of this field, Handbook of Luminescent Semiconductor Materials explores the use of this technique to study semiconductor materials in a variety of applications, including solid-state lighting, solar energy conversion, optical devices, and biological imaging. After introducing basic semiconductor theory and photoluminescence principles, the book focuses on the optical properties of wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as AlN, GaN, and ZnO. It then presents research on narrow-bandgap semiconductors and solid-state lighting. The book also covers the optical properties of semiconductors in the nanoscale regime, including quantum dots and nanocrystals. This handbook explains how photoluminescence spectroscopy is a powerful and practical analytical tool for revealing the fundamentals of light interaction and, thus, the optical properties of semiconductors. The book shows how luminescent semiconductors are used in lasers, photodiodes, infrared detectors, light-emitting diodes, solid-state lamps, solar energy, and biological imaging.

This book presents a comprehensive review of research on applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene to electronic devices. As nanocarbons in general, and CNTs and graphene in particular, are becoming increasingly recognized as the most promising materials for future generations of electronic devices, including transistors, sensors, and interconnects, a knowledge gap still exists between the basic science of nanocarbons and their feasibility for cost-effective product manufacturing. The book highlights some of the issues surrounding this missing link by providing a detailed review of the nanostructure and electronic properties, materials, and device fabrication and of the structure-property-application relationships.

Pullulan is a polysaccharide produced by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans and possesses some distinct properties such as excellent transparent film-forming ability, moisture absorptivity, water solubility, non-toxicity, and adhesivity. These properties allow pullulan to find potential applications in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and health care. This book presents the chemistry and properties of pullulan, along with the method of its production at the laboratory level. It discusses the structural engineering, processing methods, and versatile applications of pullulan, as well as highlights the challenges that still have to be overcome for its large-scale production. This unique book comprehensively summarizes many of the recent research findings on pullulan, contributed by leading experts in this research domain. It is a useful reference book for scientists, academicians, researchers, chemists, technologists, graduate and postgraduate students, and general readers who are interested in pullulan.

Introducing a new engineering product or changing an existing model involves developing designs, reaching economic decisions, selecting materials, choosing manufacturing processes, and assessing environmental impact. These activities are interdependent and should not be performed in isolation from each other. This is because the materials and processes used in making a product can have a major influence on its design, cost, and performance in service. This Fourth Edition of the best-selling Materials and Process Selection for Engineering Design takes all of this into account and has been comprehensively revised to reflect the many advances in the fields of materials and manufacturing, including: Increasing use of additive manufacturing technology, especially in biomedical, aerospace and automotive applications Emphasizing the environmental impact of engineering products, recycling, and increasing use of biodegradable polymers and composites Analyzing further into weight reduction of products through design changes as well as material and process selection, especially in manufacturing products such as electric cars Discussing new methods for solving multi-criteria decision-making problems, including multi-component material selection as well as concurrent and geometry-dependent selection of materials and joining technology Increasing use of MATLAB by engineering students in solving problems This textbook features the following pedagogical tools: New and updated practical case studies from industry A variety of suggested topics and background information for in-class group work Ideas and background information for reflection papers so readers can think critically about the material they have read, give their interpretation of the issues under discussion and the lessons learned, and then propose a way forward Open-book exercises and questions at the end of each chapter where readers are evaluated on how they use the material, rather than how well they recall it, in addition to the traditional review questions Includes a solutions manual and PowerPoint lecture materials for adopting professors Aimed at students in mechanical, manufacturing, and materials engineering, as well as professionals in these fields, this book provides the practical know-how in order to choose the right materials and processes for development of new or enhanced products.

This textbook provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, introduction to statistical mechanics. Crafted and class-tested over many years of teaching, it carefully guides advanced undergraduate and graduate students who are encountering statistical mechanics for the first time through this - sometimes - intimidating subject. The book provides a strong foundation in thermodynamics and the ensemble formalism of statistical mechanics. An introductory chapter on probability theory is included. Applications include degenerate Fermi systems, Bose-Einstein condensation, cavity radiation, phase transitions, and critical phenomena. The book concludes with a treatment of scaling theories and the renormalization group. In addition, it provides clear descriptions of how to understand the foundational mathematics and physics involved and includes exciting case studies of modern applications of the subject in physics and wider interdisciplinary areas. Key Features: Presents the subject in a clear and entertaining style which enables the author to take a sophisticated approach whilst remaining accessible Contains contents that have been carefully reviewed with a substantial panel to ensure that coverage is appropriate for a wide range of courses, worldwide Accompanied by volumes on thermodynamics and non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, which can be used in conjunction with this book, on courses which cover both thermodynamics and statistical mechanics

Professionals recognize entropy-enthalpy compensation as an important factor in molecular recognition, lead design, water networks, and protein engineering. It can be experimentally studied by proper combinations of diverse spectroscopic approaches with isothermal titration calorimetry and is clearly related to molecular dynamics. So, how should we treat entropy-enthalpy compensation? Is it a stubborn hindrance that solely complicates the predictability of phenomena otherwise laid on the line by Mother Nature? How should we then deal with it? This book dwells on these posers. It combines two chapters written by globally recognized specialists. Chapter 1 deals with general issues and suggests a definite approach to how we may answer the posers. Chapter 2 shows how the approach outlined might be successfully applied in a rational design of enzymes. This might provide other interesting strategic perspectives in the general theoretical physical chemistry field.

First Published in 1984, this set offers a comprehensive insight into thermolumiscence. Carefully compiled and filled with a vast repertoire of notes, diagrams, and references this book serves as a useful reference for radiobiologists and physicists and other practitioners in their respective fields.

The study of energetic particles in magnetic fusion plasmas is key to the development of next-generation "burning" plasma fusion experiments, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) and the Demonstration Power Station (DEMO). This book provides a comprehensive introduction and analysis of the experimental data on how fast ions behave in fusion-grade plasmas, featuring the latest ground-breaking results from world-leading machines such as the Joint European Torus (JET) and the Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak (MAST). It also details Alfvenic instabilities, driven by energetic ions, which can cause enhanced transport of energetic ions. MHD spectroscopy of plasma via observed Alfvenic waves called "Alfven spectroscopy" is introduced and several applications are presented. This book will be of interest to graduate students, researchers, and academics studying fusion plasma physics. Features: Provides a comprehensive overview of the field in one cohesive text, with the main physics phenomena explained qualitatively first. Authored by an authority in the field, who draws on his extensive experience of working with energetic particles in tokamak plasmas. Is suitable for extrapolating energetic particle phenomena in fusion to other plasma types, such as solar and space plasmas.

This book provides an interdisciplinary guide to quasicrystals, the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winning topic, by presenting an up-to-date and detailed introduction to the many fundamental aspects and applications of quasicrystals science. It reviews the most characteristic features of the peculiar geometric order underlying their structure and their reported intrinsic physical properties, along with their potential for specific applications. The role of quasiperiodic order in science and technology is also examined by focusing on the new design capabilities provided by this novel ordering of matter. This book is specifically devoted to promoting the very notion of quasiperiodic order, and to spur its physical implications and technological capabilities. It, therefore, explores the fundamental aspects of intermetallic, photonic, and phononic quasicrystals, as well as soft-matter quasicrystals, including their intrinsic physical and structural properties. In addition, it thoroughly discusses experimental data and related theoretical approaches to explain them, extending the standard treatment given in most current solid state physics literature. It also explores exciting applications in new technological devices of quasiperiodically ordered systems, including multilayered quasiperiodic systems, along with 2D and 3D designs, whilst outlining new frontiers in quasicrystals research. This book can be used as a reader-friendly introductory text for graduate students, in addition to senior scientists and researchers coming from the fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. Key features: * Provides an updated and detailed introduction to the interdisciplinary field of quasicrystals in a tutorial style, considering both fundamental aspects and additional freedom degrees provided by designs based on quasiperiodically ordered materials. * Includes 50 fully worked out exercises with detailed solutions, motivating, and illustrating the different concepts and notions to provide readers with further learning opportunities. * Presents a complete compendium of the current state of the art knowledge of quasicrystalline matter, and outlines future next generation materials based on quasiperiodically ordered designs for their potential use in useful technological devices. Dr. Enrique Macia-Barber is Professor of condensed matter physics at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. His research interests include the thermoelectric properties of quasicrystals and DNA biophysics. In 2010 he received the RSEF- BBVA Foundation Excellence Physics Teaching Award. His book Aperiodic Structures in Condensed Matter: Fundamentals and Applications (CRC Press, Boca-Raton, 2009) is one of the Top Selling Physics Books according to YBP Library Services.

This book explores recent developments in QIA and describes the application of the theory to different branches of wave physics, from plasma physics, quantum physics, and ionospheric radio wave propagation to acoustics, optics, and astrophysics. This is an up-to-the-minute exposition of the latest developments in an important new area, written by authors of outstanding reputation. A rich source of both theoretical methods and practical applications, it covers a wide range of problems of general physical significance. Until recently, there was no effective method for describing waves in weakly anisotropic inhomogeneous media. The method of quasi-isotropic approximation (QIA) of geometrical optics was developed to overcome this problem. The QIA approach bridges the gap between geometrical optics of isotropic media (Rytov method) and that of anisotropic media (Courant-Lax approach), thus providing a complete picture of the geometrical optics of inhomogeneous media.

Containing the latest, groundbreaking discoveries in the field, this text outlines the basics of Einstein's theory of gravity with a focus on its most important astrophysical consequences, including stellar structures, black holes and the physics of gravitational waves. Blending advanced topics - usually not found in introductory textbooks - with examples, pedagogical boxes, mathematical tools and practical applications of the theory, this textbook maximises learning opportunities and is ideal for master and graduate students in Physics and Astronomy. Key features: * Provides a self-contained and consistent treatment of the subject that does not require advanced previous knowledge of the field. * Explores the subject with a new focus on gravitational waves and astrophysical relativity, unlike current introductory textbooks. * Fully up-to-date, containing the latest developments and discoveries in the field.

There is an important overlap between science and design. The most significant technological developments cannot be produced without designers to conceptualize them. By the same token, designers cannot do their job properly without a good understanding of the scientific or technical principles that are being developed within the product. Science in Design: Solidifying Design with Science and Technology reveals the significance of the essential yet understudied intersection of design and scientific academic research and encompasses technological development, scientific principles, and the point of overlap between science and design. Encourages readers to comprehend the role of science in all facets of design Discusses the fundamental involvement of science required for engineering and design irrespective of whether the design is from an individual, business, or social perspective Covers the ontology, characteristics, and application of science in major fields of design education and design research, with an introduction of emerging practices transforming sustainable growth through applied behavioral models Depicts the art and science of material selection using new design techniques and technology advances like augmented reality, AI, and decision-support toolkits This unique book will benefit scientists, technologists, and engineers, as well as designers and professionals, across a variety of industries dealing with scientific analysis of design research methodology, design lifecycle, and problem solving.

This book summarises the development of experimental techniques for determining the impact mechanical properties of fibre reinforced epoxy laminates, and the experimental results obtained for the tensile, compressive and interlaminar shear properties of various epoxy laminates.

Modern Electrosynthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry introduces readers to new ways of making materials and compounds using low waste processes, employing energy from electricity rather than chemical reagents. It explores electro-organic synthesis, which offers clean synthesis tools as well as unusual reaction intermediates and reaction types. Despite applications previously remaining niche, due to the advent of microfluidic reactors this book is a must-read for industry professionals and academics alike. It targets specific areas of recent progress and development in the field that show high novelty and potential, at the same time inviting a wider range of applications in green and clean technology. Key Features: Offers clean synthesis tools Targets areas of recent progress and development Addresses the most recent advances in the field

Membrane-Distillation in Desalination is an attempt to provide the latest knowledge, state of the art and demystify outstanding issues that delay the deployment of the technology on a large scale. It includes new updates and comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals of membrane distillation technology and explains the energy advantage of membrane distillation for desalination when compared to traditional techniques such as thermal or reverse osmosis. The book includes the latest pilot test results from around the world on membrane distillation desalination.

Advances in Kinetics and Mechanism of Chemical Reactions describes the chemical physics and/or chemistry of ten novel material or chemical systems. These ten novel material or chemical systems are examined in the context of various issues, including structure and bonding, reactivity, transport properties, polymer properties, or biological characteristics. This eclectic survey encompasses a special focus on the associated kinetics, reaction mechanism, or other chemical physics properties of these ten chosen material or chemical systems. The most contemporary chemical physics methods and principles are applied to the characterization of the these ten properties. The coverage is broad, ranging from the study of biopolymers to the analysis of antioxidant and medicinal chemical activity, on the one hand, to the determination of the chemical kinetics of not chemical systems and the characterization of elastic properties of novel nanometer scale material systems on the other. The chemical physics methods used to characterize these ten novel systems are state-of-the-art, and the results should be intriguing to those in the chemistry, physics, and nanoscience fields, include scientists engaged in chemical physics research and the polymer chemistry.

Technical and technological development demands the creation of new materials that are stronger, more reliable, and more durable-materials with new properties. This book skillfully blends and integrates polymer science, plastic technology, and rubber technology to highlight new developments and trends in advanced polyblends. The fundamentals of polymerization, polymer characteristics, rheology and morphology, as well as composition, technology, testing and evaluation of various plastics, rubbers, fibers, adhesives, coatings, and composites are comprehensively presented in this informative volume. The book presents the developments of advanced polyblends and the respective tools to characterize and predict the material properties and behavior. It provides important original and theoretical experimental results that use non-routine methodologies often unfamiliar to many readers. Furthermore chapters on novel applications of more familiar experimental techniques and analyses of composite problems are included, which indicate the need for the new experimental approaches that are presented. This new book: * Provides an up-to-date and thorough exposition of the present state of the art of polyblends and composites * Familiarizes the reader with new aspects of the techniques used in the examination of polymers, emphasizing plastic technology and rubber technology * Describes the types of techniques now available to the polymer chemist and technician and discusses their capabilities, limitations, and applications * Provides a balance between materials science and the mechanics aspects, basic and applied research, and high-technology and high-volume (low-cost) composite development Entrepreneurs and professionals engaged in production of as well as research and development in polymers will find the information presented here valuable and informative.

The book describes the significant multidisciplinary research findings at the Universita Politecnica delle Marche and the expected future advances. It addresses some of the most dramatic challenges posed by today's fast-growing, global society and the changes it has caused. It also discusses solutions to improve the wellbeing of human beings. The book covers the main research achievements in the various disciplines of the life sciences, and includes chapters that highlight mechanisms relevant to all aspects of human diseases, the molecular, cellular, and functional basis of therapy, and its translation into the management of people's health needs. It also describes research on traditional and innovative foods to enhance quality, safety and functionality, and to develop bioactive/nutraceutical compounds. Further chapters address conservation and management of various environments, from the forests to the oceans, describing the studies on countermeasures against climate changes and terrestrial/aquatic pollutants, and on terrestrial/marine biodiversity, ecosystems and landscapes, erosion of genetic biodiversity, innovative aquaculture feed, sustainable crop production and management of forests. Lastly, the book reports the findings of research work on different classes of biomolecules, and on the molecular basis of antibiotic resistances and their diffusion.

Computational Biomechanics for Medicine: Solid and fluid mechanics for the benefit of patients contributions and papers from the MICCAI Computational Biomechanics for Medicine Workshop help in conjunction with Medical Image Computing and Computer Assisted Intervention conference (MICCAI 2019) in Shenzhen, China. The content is dedicated to research in the field of methods and applications of computational biomechanics to medical image analysis, image-guided surgery, surgical simulation, surgical intervention planning, disease prognosis and diagnostics, analysis of injury mechanisms, implant and prostheses design, as well as artificial organ design and medical robotics. These proceedings appeal to researchers, students and professionals in the field.

Conventional computed tomography (CT) techniques employ a narrow array of x-ray detectors and a fan-shaped x-ray beam to rotate around the patient to produce images of thin sections of the patient. Large sections of the body are covered by moving the patient into the rotating x-ray detector and x-ray source gantry. Cone beam CT is an alternative technique using a large area detector and cone-shaped x-ray beam to produce 3D images of a thick section of the body with one full angle (360 degree or 180 degree plus detector coverage) rotation. It finds applications in situations where bulky, conventional CT systems would interfere with clinical procedures or cannot be integrated with the primary treatments or imaging systems. Cone Beam Computed Tomography explores the past, present, and future state of medical x-ray imaging while explaining how cone beam CT, with its superior spatial resolution and compact configuration, is used in clinical applications and animal research. The book: Supplies a detailed introduction to cone beam CT, covering basic principles and applications as well as advanced techniques Explores state-of-the-art research and future developments while examining the fundamental limitations of the technology Addresses issues related to implementation and system characteristics, including image quality, artifacts, radiation dose, and perception Reviews the historical development of medical x-ray imaging, from conventional CT techniques to volumetric 3D imaging Discusses the major components of cone beam CT: image acquisition, reconstruction, processing, and display A reference work for scientists, engineers, students, and imaging professionals, Cone Beam Computed Tomography provides a solid understanding of the theory and implementation of this revolutionary technology.

Ultra-high resolution holograms are now finding commercial and industrial applications in such areas as holographic maps, 3D medical imaging, and consumer devices. Ultra-Realistic Imaging: Advanced Techniques in Analogue and Digital Colour Holography brings together a comprehensive discussion of key methods that enable holography to be used as a technique of ultra-realistic imaging. After a historical review of progress in holography, the book: Discusses CW recording lasers, pulsed holography lasers, and reviews optical designs for many of the principal laser types with emphasis on attaining the parameters necessary for digital and analogue holography Gives a full review of current photosensitive materials for colour holography Covers modern methods of analogue holography and digital holographic printing Introduces mathematical and geometrical notation for horizontal parallax-only holograms and practical computational algorithms for the full-parallax case Reviews systems and the image processing algorithms required to convert the raw image data to the format required by digital printers Develops the physical theory of the holographic grating and the hologram Provides an up-to-date review of illumination sources, including LED and laser diode sources Written by leaders in dynamic holography, this handbook provides complete coverage of real-time colour holographic processes, including applications. The book covers not only the optics and theory behind such holographic systems, but also laser technologies, recording devices, data acquisition and processing techniques, materials for reproduction, and current and developing applications.