One of the biggest questions in today's biochemistry is how biological molecules became essential for the processes that occur within living cells. This new book from outstanding Metal Ions in Life Science series gives an overview about biochemical evolution of organic molecules and metabolic pathways in living systems and outlines the vital biochemical processes in microbial cells in which metals are involved.

An AGI Brain for a Robot is the first and only book to give a detailed account and practical demonstration of an Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The brain is to be implemented in fast parallel hardware and embodied in the head of a robot moving in the real world. Associative learning is shown to be a powerful technique for novelty seeking, language learning, and planning. This book is for neuroscientists, robot designers, psychologists, philosophers and anyone curious about the evolution of the human brain and its specialized functions. The overarching message of this book is that an AGI, as the brain of a robot, is within our grasp and would work like our own brains. The featured brain, called PP, is not a computer program. Instead, PP is a collection of networks of associations built from J. A. Fodor's modules and the author's groups. The associations are acquired by intimate interaction between PP in its robot body and the real world. Simulations of PP in one of two robots in a simple world demonstrate PP learning from the second robot, which is under human control. "Both Professor Daniel C. Dennett and Professor Michael A. Arbib independently likened the book 'An AGI Brain for a Robot' to Valentino Braitenberg's 1984 book 'Vehicles: Experiments in Synthetic Psychology'." Daniel C. Dennett, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Center for Cognitive Studies, Tufts University. Author of "From Bacteria to Bach and Back: The Evolution of Minds." "Michael Arbib, a long time expert in brain modeling, observed that sometimes a small book can catch the interest of readers where a large book can overwhelm and turn them away. He noted, in particular, the success of Valentino Braitenberg's 'Vehicles' (for which he wrote the foreword). At a time of explosive interest in AI, he suggests that PP and its antics may be just the right way to ease a larger audience into thinking about the technicalities of creating general artificial intelligence." Michael A Arbib, Professor Emeritus of Computer Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biological Sciences and Psychology, University of Southern California. Author of "How the Brain Got Language". "Robots seem to increasingly invade our lives, to the point that sometimes seems threatening and other-worldly. In this small book, John Andreae shows some of the basic principles of robotics in ways that are entertaining and easily understood, and touch on some of the basic questions of how the mind works." Michael C. Corballis, Professor of Psychology, University of Auckland. Author of "The Recursive Mind". "A little book that punches far beyond its weight." Nicholas Humphrey, Emeritus Professor of Psychology, London School of Economics. Author of "Soul Dust: The Magic of Consciousness". "A bold and rich approach to one of the major challenges for neuroscience, robotics and philosophy. Who will take up Andreae's challenge and implement his model?" Matthew Cobb, Professor of Zoology, University of Manchester. Author of "The Idea of the Brain". "Here is a book that could change the direction of research into artificial general intelligence in a very productive and profitable way. It describes a radical new theory of the brain that goes some way towards answering many difficult questions concerning learning, planning, language, and even consciousness. Almost incredibly, the theory is operational, and expressed in a form that could-and should-inspire future, novel, research in AI that transcends existing paradigms." Ian H. Witten, Professor of Computer Science, Waikato University. Author with Eibe Frank of "Data Mining: Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques".

Progress in molecular and cellular biology has greatly enhanced our ability to accurately diagnose diseases that are caused by gene mutations, changes in genome structures, and altered gene expression; increased emphasis is now placed on translational research the clinical treatment of these genetically determined diseases. Seeking Cures outlines the progress and implications of science's quest to identify therapeutic targets and initiate novel treatments at the gene, RNA, protein, and physiological levels. Also considered are aspects of treatment at the cellular level (e.g., those with hematopoietic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells). Topics covered in this text include: * outline of the processes typical for identifying disease-modifying therapies * examples of newer therapeutic approaches in use or under investigation to treat lysosomal storage diseases, inborn errors of metabolism, mitochondrial functional defects, and specific monogenic diseases * therapeutic designs for specific complex common diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and autism Through these specific examples, Seeking Cures provides a glimpse at the pursuit-and future-of personalized medicine.

Cerebral Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas serves as an authoritative, comprehensive resource for these vascular lesions, describing their anatomy, diagnosis, natural history, and thorough treatment options. Rooted in well-illustrated anatomy and depictions of dAVFs, readers can better understand their pathophysiology, historical discovery, and avenues for treatment, including embolization, surgery, and radiosurgery. Imaging modalities are also discussed extensively as well as the management of these lesions. This reference is appropriate for neurosurgeons, neurologists, interventional radiologists and intensivists that manage these patients, providing clarity, and at the same time, comprehensiveness.

A precise scientific exploration of the differences between boys and girls that breaks down damaging gender stereotypes and offers practical guidance for parents and educators.

In the past decade, we've come to accept certain ideas about the differences between males and females--that boys can't focus in a classroom, for instance, and that girls are obsessed with relationships. In Pink Brain, Blue Brain, neuroscientist Lise Eliot turns that thinking on its head. Calling on years of exhaustive research and her own work in the field of neuroplasticity, Eliot argues that infant brains are so malleable that small differences at birth become amplified over time, as parents and teachers--and the culture at large--unwittingly reinforce gender stereotypes. Children themselves intensify the differences by playing to their modest strengths. They constantly exercise those "ball-throwing" or "doll-cuddling" circuits, rarely straying from their comfort zones. But this, says Eliot, is just what they need to do, and she offers parents and teachers concrete ways to help. Boys are not, in fact, "better at math" but at certain kinds of spatial reasoning. Girls are not naturally more empathetic; they're allowed to express their feelings. By appreciating how sex differences emerge--rather than assuming them to be fixed biological facts--we can help all children reach their fullest potential, close the troubling gaps between boys and girls, and ultimately end the gender wars that currently divide us.

Evolutionary science teaches that humans arose as a population, sharing common ancestors with other animals. Most readers of the book of Genesis in the past understood all humans descended from Adam and Eve, a couple specially created by God. These two teachings seem contradictory, but is that necessarily so? In the fractured conversation of human origins, can new insight guide us to solid ground in both science and theology? In The Genealogical Adam and Eve, S. Joshua Swamidass tests a scientific hypothesis: What if the traditional account is somehow true, with the origins of Adam and Eve taking place alongside evolution? Building on well-established but overlooked science, Swamidass explains how it's possible for Adam and Eve to be rightly identified as the ancestors of everyone. His analysis opens up new possibilities for understanding Adam and Eve, consistent both with current scientific consensus and with traditional readings of Scripture. These new possibilities open a conversation about what it means to be human. In this book, Swamidass untangles several misunderstandings about the words human and ancestry, in both science and theology explains how genetic and genealogical ancestry are different, and how universal genealogical ancestry creates a new opportunity for rapprochement explores implications of genealogical ancestry for the theology of the image of God, the fall, and people "outside the garden" Some think Adam and Eve are a myth. Some think evolution is a myth. Either way, the best available science opens up space to engage larger questions together. In this bold exploration, Swamidass charts a new way forward for peace between mainstream science and the Christian faith.

Human Aging: From Cellular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies offers an exhaustive picture of all the biological aspects of human aging by describing the key mechanisms associated with human aging and covering events that could disrupt the normal course of aging. Each chapter includes a summary of the salient points covered, along with futures prospects. The book provides readers with the information they need to gain or deepen the skills needed to evaluate the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases and to monitor the effectiveness of therapies aimed at slowing aging. The book encourages PhD and Postdoc students, researchers, health professionals and others interested in the biology of aging to explore the fascinating and challenging questions about why and how we age as well as what can and cannot be done about it.

Reciprocal Translation Between Pathophysiology and Practice in Health and Disease brings a novel perspective, closing the knowledge gap between normal/abnormal physiology. Chapters describe the basic mechanisms underlying a disease or trauma-related response, describe consequences in practice, and provide insights on how to use information to better understand disease outcomes. Other sections explore how these responses are beneficial and driven by similar hormones and inflammatory immune cell derived modulators. This is a must-have resource for those seeking an authoritative and comprehensive understanding on how to treat the basic mechanisms underlying disease or trauma-related responses. With contributions from Petronella L.M. Reijven.

Reinforce your knowledge of physiology with this active, engaging, and relaxing review method! Netter's Physiology Coloring Book makes abstract concepts more concrete as you use color and tactile movement to reinforce your memory and understanding of challenging topics. It's a fun and interactive way to learn and review a complex but fascinating subject-whether you're taking a physiology course or lab, or preparing for a career in science or medicine and healthcare.More than "just" a coloring book, this unique learning tool offers: More than 100 key topics in physiology, using bold, clear drawings based on classic artwork by Frank Netter, MD and other master scientific and medical illustrators. Coloring exercises that emphasize pathways, processes, and cycles for a visual memory aid. Quick-reference tables and Pathophysiology Notes that bridge basic science with health care and medicine. Workbook review questions and drawing challenges to reinforce comprehension and retention. Enhanced eBook version included with purchase. Your enhanced eBook includes completed coloring and workbook pages for reference and allows you to access all of the text and figures, from the book on a variety of devices.

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression caused by mechanisms other than changes in the DNA sequence. Epigenetics is a rapidly advancing field with an increasing impact on biological and medical research. The editors of this book have assembled top-quality scientists from diverse fields of epigenetics to produce a major new volume. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, the 26 chapters in this book constitute a key reference manual for everyone involved in epigenetics, DNA methylation, cancer epigenetics, and related fields. Topics include: early life environment * DNA methylation and behavior * histone acetyltransferase biology * transgenerational epigenetic inheritance * mammalian X inactivation * epigenetic memory in plants * polycomb-group regulation * centromeres and telomeres * DNA sequence contribution to nucleosome distribution * macrosatellite epigenetics * histones * cell-fate specification and reprogramming * DNA methylation in cancer * variant histone H2A and cancer development * RNA modification * paramutation in plants * DNMT3L dependent methylation during gametogenesis * non-coding RNA * bisulphite-enabled technologies * rapid analysis of DNA methylation * microarray mapping * DNA methylation profiling * ChIP-sequencing * genome-wide DNA methylation analysis * epigenetics in maize. In addition there are useful chapters on bioinformatics in epigenomics, online resources and tools for epigeneticists, and educational resources for epigenetics. This up-to-date reference manual is an essential book for those working in the field and for scientists in other disciplines. It represents a major information resource on the fascinating and fast-moving field of epigenetics.

This book focuses on the structural, biochemical, and diverse functional properties of the endothelial luminal membrane glycocalyx (ELMG), an organelle which constitutes the endothelial cell "membrane." It is intended to provide the newcomer with a broad, basic, and brief perspective of the luminal endothelial vascular membrane, and for the more established investigator, a basic overview and integrated perspective of the "universe" we explore. The endothelium is an assortment of heterogeneous regulatory cells whose cytoplasm and cell membranes are joined, forming functional units. There is a tremendous amount of literature on the endothelial cell, constituting seemingly isolated and distinct fields of encapsulated research. However, the multifunctional properties of some molecules give rise to an overlap of findings, frequently ignored between the different fields. The book is divided into three parts. The first part concentrates on the structure of the ELMG, with emphasis on morphological and biochemical composition. The importance of the chemical composition to the physiological functions of the ELMG, such as sieving properties, pharmacology, and flow sensing, is the focus of the second part of the book. Finally, some of the pathologies associated with ELMG dysfunction are explored in the last section. The aim is to provide basic and well-established knowledge in the various individual fields, identify the current concepts in each area, and discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses (including hidden problems). Finally, the overall goal is to integrate areas where overlap is clearly indicated, bringing them all together to provide the first ever basic, integrative, panoramic bird's-eye view of the field.

Whether they are in developed or developing nations, all women are susceptible to dying from complications in childbirth. While some of these complications are unavoidable, many develop during pregnancy and can be prevented or, when caught in time, treated. These difficulties are often a result of inaccessibility to care, inadequate health services, poor prenatal screening, and uninformed mothers, among others, that in many cases are a direct consequence of the mother's geographical location and economic status. Innovations in Global Maternal Health: Improving Prenatal and Postnatal Care Practices explores new techniques, tools, and solutions that can be used in a global capacity to support women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, regardless of their wealth or location. Highlighting a range of topics such as maternal care models, breastfeeding, and social media and internet health forums, this publication is an ideal reference source for world health organizations, obstetricians, midwives, lactation consultants, doctors, nurses, hospital staff, directors, counselors, therapists, academicians, and researchers interested in the latest practices currently in use that can combat maternal mortality and morbidity and lead to healthier women and newborns.

Although the phenomenon of lateral gene transfer has been known since the 1940's, it was the genomics era that has really revealed the extent and many facets of this evolutionary/genetic phenomenon. Even in the early 2000s with but a handful of genomes available it became clear that the nature of microorganisms is full of genetic exchange between lineages that are sometimes far apart. The years following this saw an explosion of genomic data, which shook the "tree of life" and also raised doubts about the most appropriate species concepts for prokaryotes. This book attempts to represent the many-fold contributions of LGT to the evolution of micro and, to an extent, macro-organisms by focusing on the areas where the Editor felt it had the largest impact: metabolic innovations and adaptations and speciation.