The present volume studies the application of concepts from non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a variety of research topics. Emphasis is on the Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle and applications to Geosphere-Biosphere couplings. Written by leading researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, the book presents a first coherent account of an emerging field at the interface of thermodynamics, geophysics and life sciences.

More frisbees are sold each year than baseballs, basketballs and footballs combined. Yet these familiar flying objects have subtle and clever aerodynamic and gyrodynamic properties which are only recently being documented by wind tunnel and other studies. In common with other rotating bodies discussed in this readily accessible book, they are typically not treated in textbooks of aeronautics and the literature is scattered in a variety of places. This book develops the theme of disc-wings and spinning aerospace vehicles in parallel. Since many of the examples are recreational, anyone who enjoys these activities will likely find it profitable and enjoyable. In addition to spinning objects of various shapes, several exotic manned aircraft with disc planforms have been proposed and a prototypes built - these include a Nazi 'secret weapon' and the De Havilland Avrocar, also discussed in the book. Boomerangs represent another category of spinning aerodynamic body whose behavior can only be understood by coupling aerodynamics with gyrodynamics. The narrative, supported by equations and graphs, explains how the shape and throw of a boomerang relates to its trajectory. The natural world presents still other examples, namely the samaras or 'seed-wings' of many tree species, which autorotate during their descent, like a helicopter whose engine has failed. The flight performance of these spinning wings directly affects the dispersal and thus the evolutionary competitiveness of the trees concerned. Samara-type configurations are also considered for instrumentation and other payload dispersal applications. In short, the book discusses a range of familiar, connected, but largely undeveloped, topics in an accessible, but complete, manner.

From the reviews of the first edition:

"In his fascinating book Spinning Flight, Ralph Lorenz provides a rich feast of ... examples of spinning bodies ... . The book is well organized ... . The discussion in the book ... should be accessible to readers with some elementary understanding of aerodynamic principles. For the expert, the book is full of open problems ... . Its scope is extensive ... . In this respect, there may be something for everyone within its attractively designed cover ... ." (H. K. Moffatt, Nature, Vol. 444, December, 2006)

"If you liked physics at school, then this book is for you. It concerns itself with flying objects that spin through the air, and even tells you how to impress your friends with the biomechanics of Frisbees. ... there is plenty of information at all levels, and the book has a wealth of detail that only an aerospace engineer like Lorenz could have come up with." (Len Fisher, BBC Focus, February, 2007)

This book describes how sand dunes work, why they are the way they are in different settings, and how they are being studied. Particular attention is paid to their formation and appearance elsewhere in the solar system. New developments in knowledge about dunes make for an interesting story – like the dunes themselves, dune science is dynamic – and the visual appeal of Aeolian geomorphology ensures that this is an attractive volume. The book is divided into 4 parts, the first of which introduces dunes as a planetary phenomenon, showing a landscape reflecting the balance of geological processes – volcanism, impact, tectonics, erosion, deposition of sediments. Dunes are then considered as emergent dynamical systems: the interaction of sand and wind conspires to generate very characteristic and reproducible shapes. Analogies are given with other emergent structures such as patterned ground before the influence of dunes on desert peoples and infrastructure is studied, together with their use as forensic climatological indicators. Dune Physics is looked at with regard to the mechanics of sand, the physics of wind, saltation – interaction of sand and air – dunes versus ripples and transverse Aeolian ridges, the classification of dune morphology and the sources and sinks of sand. Dune Trafficability considers soil mechanics, effects on mobility on Earth, Mars and elsewhere. In the second part, Earth, Mars, Titan and other moons and planets are examined, beginning with a survey of the major deserts and dunefields on Earth. The authors then turn to Mars and its environment, sediment type, dune stratigraphy, sediment source and sinks and the association of dunes with topographic features. Titan follows - its thick, cold atmosphere, methane dampness, low gravity, morphology – interaction with topography and the implications of dunes for climate and winds. Dunes elsewhere conclude this part. There are few dunefields on Venus, but there is a .possibility of Aeolian transport on Triton and volcanic-related windstreaks on Io.

The present volume studies the application of concepts from non-equilibrium thermodynamics to a variety of research topics. Emphasis is on the Maximum Entropy Production (MEP) principle and applications to Geosphere-Biosphere couplings. Written by leading researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, the book presents a first coherent account of an emerging field at the interface of thermodynamics, geophysics and life sciences.

Handbook of Veterinary Neurology provides quick access to vital information on neurologic conditions in a wide range of species, including canine, feline, bovine, caprine, equine, ovine, and porcine. A problem-oriented approach makes it easy to diagnose and treat neurologic problems in small and large animals. The coverage of disorders by problem, not by established disease diagnosis, emulates how animals present to the veterinary hospital and simplifies the formulation of a correct diagnosis. Within each chapter, discussions of neurologic disease include a review of the localization criteria and the diseases that can cause that problem, plus treatment and surgical techniques. Lead author Michael D. Lorenz brings decades of experience to neurologic assessment, using a diagnostic approach that requires minimal knowledge of neuroanatomy. A problem-based approach is organized by presenting sign rather than by condition, guiding you to logical conclusions regarding diagnosis and treatment. Algorithms diagram the logic necessary to localize lesions and to formulate diagnostic plans. Coverage of current diagnostic techniques includes the use of diagnostic tools, such as radiology, spinal fluid analysis, electrodiagnosis, and MR imaging. Case histories in each chapter present a problem and the results of the neurologic examination, then ask you to solve the problem by localizing the lesion, listing probable causes, and making a diagnostic plan. Answers are provided at the back of the book. A consistent format for each case history includes signalment, history, physical examination findings, and neurologic examination. A comprehensive appendix describes species and breeds that have a congenital predisposition for particular neurologic diseases. Extensive references make it easy to pursue in-depth research of more advanced topics. A companion website includes 20 narrated video clips with accompanying PowerPoint slides that correlate to the case histories in the book, covering neurologic assessment and clinical problems such as paresis of one limb, tetraparesis, stupor, seizures, ataxia of the head and limbs, and cranial nerve disorders. Two new co-authors, Jean Coates and Marc Kent, board-certified in neurology, enhance the credibility of this edition. A full-color design and numerous illustrations include enhanced images of neuroanatomy and pathology.

This book chronicles the history of climate science and planetary exploration, focusing on our ever-expanding knowledge of Earth's climate, and the parallel research underway on some of our nearest neighbours: Mars, Venus and Titan. From early telescopic observation of clouds and ice caps on planetary bodies in the seventeenth century, to the dawn of the space age and the first robotic planetary explorers, the book presents a comprehensive chronological overview of planetary climate research, right up to the dramatic recent developments in detecting and characterising exoplanets. Meanwhile, the book also documents the discoveries about our own climate on Earth, not only about how it works today, but also how profoundly different it has been in the past. Highly topical and written in an accessible and engaging narrative style, this book provides invaluable historical context for students, researchers, professional scientists, and those with a general interest in planetary climate research.

Aproximacion al problema. Parte I. Problemas generales (Polisistemicos). Pirexia (fiebre). Alteraciones de la ingestion de alimentos: anorexia y polifagia. Debilidad episodica. Polidipsia y poliuria. Parte II. Problemas de comportamiento. Agresion erronea. Automutilacion. Coprofagia y pica. Rociado de orina en gatos. Parte III. Problemas conformacionales. Distension abdominal. Edema. Crecimiento retardado. Perdida de peso. Obesidad. Parte IV. Problemas dermatologicos. Prurito. Importancia diagnostica de varias lesiones de la piel. Alopecia. Anormalidades de pigmentacion de la piel, pelo y mucosas. Parte V. Problemas hematolinfaticos. Hemorragia prolongada. Linfadenopatias. Parte VI. Problemas cardiovasculares. Alteraciones del corazon: frecuencia, ritmo y pulso. Soplos cardiacos. Palided de las mucosas. Cianosis. Parte VII. Problemas respiratorios. Tos. Disnea. Hemoptisis. Sonidos pulmonares anormales. Estornudacion y secrecion nasal. Parte VIII. Problemas digestivos. Ptialismo. Disfagia. Vomito y regurgitacion. Diarrea. Constipacion. Flatulencia. Dolor abdorminal. Ictericia. Parte IX. Problemas urologicos. Miccion anormal: disuria, polaquiuria, estranguria. Alteraciones del color de la orina. Incontinencia urinaria. Parte X. Problemas de la reproduccion. Secreciones vaginal y prepucial. Anormalidades de los genitales externos. Aborto, ciclo estral anormal, esterilidad. Parte XI. Problemas musculoesqueleticos. Cojera. Hinchazon o abultamiento oseo, articular y periesqueletico. Dolor. Parte XII. Problemas neurologicos. Paresia o paralisis. Ataxia. Inclinacion de la cabeza. Colapso (ataque, sincope, narcolepsia). Coma. Parte XIII. Problemas de sensaciones especiales. Ceguera. Anisocoria.Movimientos y posiciones oculares anormales. Ojos enrojecidos y lorosos. Dolor ocular y blefaroespasmo. Anormalidad de cornea y cristalino. Perdida de sentido del olfato. Sordera. Parte XIV: Problemas definidos de laboratorio. Problemas hematologicos. Anormalidades del perfil bioquimico estandar. Analisis de orina. Gases anormales de la sangre, pH y anion gap.