In nature, biological organisms produce mineralized tissues such as bone, teeth, diatoms, and shells. Biomineralization is the sophisticated process of production of these inorganic minerals by living organisms. Construction of organic-inorganic hybrid materials with controlled mineralization analogous to those produced by nature has recently received much attention because it can aid in understanding the mechanisms of the biomineralization process and development of biomimetic materials processing. The biomineralization ? processes use aqueous solutions at temperatures below 100 C and no toxic intermediates are produced in these systems. From a serious global en- ronmental problem point of view, the development of processes inspired by biomineralization would offer valuable insights into material science and en- neering to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. One of the most challenging scienti?c problems is to gain greater insight into the mol- ular interactions occurring at the interface between the inorganic mineral and the macromolecular organic matrix. Model systems are often regarded as a straight-forward experimental approach toward biomimetic crystallization. Hierarchical architectures consisting of small building blocks of inorganic cr- tals are often found in biominerals. Studies of nanocrystal self-organization in solution systems would also be helpful for understanding biomineralization. In these volumes, we focus on construction of organic-inorganic hybrid - terials with controlled mineralization inspired by natural biomineralization. In the?rst volume, thereader will ?nd contributionsproviding abasic scopeof the mineralization process in aqueous solution.

Estrogens are key modulators of brain regions that mediate learning and memory formation. This regulation has significant translational implications, as estrogens contribute to age-related memory decline and dementia, emotional disorders, addiction, and recovery from brain injury. Although the importance of estrogens for memory formation has been well accepted within the behavioral neuroendocrinology community, it has yet to be fully appreciated by neuroscientists outside of the discipline. Recent National Institutes of Health policies on the inclusion of sex as a biological variable in grant applications will force thousands of researchers to consider hormonal regulation of memory for the first time. However, the majority of these researchers are not trained endocrinologists, and no previous monograph comprehensively encompasses the breadth of basic and clinical research on this subject. Thus, this book provides a vital resource for non-endocrinologists and endocrinologists alike. Estrogens and Memory: Basic Research and Clinical Implications provides a compendium of cutting-edge basic and clinical research describing the ways in which estrogens regulate memory in a variety of species. Chapters are written by leading experts whose work is on the forefront of this exciting field. Three fundamental discussions focus on: effects of estrogens on the hippocampus and other brain regions central to memory, effects of estrogens on memory and related cognitive processes throughout the lifespan, and translational implications of estrogenic regulation of memory for aging and disease.

Uplift Your Heart and Increase Your Effectiveness
Delve into the personal writings of the grandfather of the modern empowerment movement in business leadership. In this collection of previously unpublished works, eminent writer, consultant, and lecturer Robert Greenleaf shares his personal and professional philosophy, which postulates that true leaders are those who lead by serving others. Spanning a time frame of fifty years, these essays and lectures touch on such key issues as power, ethics, management, organizations, and servanthood. And they offer the reader a wealth of practical suggestions and useful information garnered through the course of a remarkable career.