Thinking with Diagrams

Thinking with Diagrams

This book provides an introductory overview of the rapid growth in interdisciplinary research into Thinking with Diagrams. Diagrammatic representations are becoming more common in everyday human experience, yet they offer unique challenges to cognitive science research. Neither linguistic nor perceptual theories are sufficient to completely explain their advantages and applications. These research challenges may be part of the reason why so many diagrams are badly designed or badly used. This is ironic when the user interfaces of computer software and the worldwide web are becoming so completely dominated by graphical and diagrammatic representations. This book includes chapters commissioned from leading researchers in the major disciplines involved in diagrams research. They review the philosophical status of diagrams, the cognitive processes involved in their application, and a range of specialist fields in which diagrams are central, including education, architectural design and visual programming languages. The result is immediately relevant to researchers in cognitive science and artificial intelligence, as well as in applied technology areas such as human-computer interaction and information design.

Thinking with Diagrams

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Recently, several applications, primarily driven by microtechnology, have emerged where the use of materials with tailored electromagnetic (dielectric) properties are necessary for a successful overall design. The “tailored” aggregate properties are achieved by combining an easily moldable base matrix with particles having dielectric properties that are chosen to deliver (desired) effective properties. In many cases, the analysis of such materials requires the simulation of the macroscopic and microscopic electromagnetic response, as well as its resulting coupled thermal response, which can be important to determine possible failures in “hot spots.” This necessitates a stress analysis. Furthermore, because, oftentimes, such processes initiate degratory chemical processes, it can be necessary to also include models for these processes as well. A central objective of this work is to provide basic models and numerical solution strategies to analyze the coupled response of such materials by direct simulation using standard laptop/desktop equipment. Accordingly, this monograph covers: (1) The foundations of Maxwell’s equations, (2) Basic homogenization theory,(3) Coupled systems (electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical and chemical),(4) Numerical methods and(5) An introduction to select biological problems.The text can be viewed as a research monograph suitable for use in an upper-division undergraduate or first year graduate course geared towards students in the applied sciences, mechanics and mathematics that have an interest in the analysis of particulate materials.

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra

Every student of mathematics needs a sound grounding in the techniques of linear algebra. It forms the basis of the study of linear equations, matrices, linear mappings, and differential equations, and comprises a central part of any course in mathematics. This textbook provides a rigorous introduction to the main concepts of linear algebra which will be suitable for all students coming to the subject for the first time. The book is in two parts: Part One develops the basic theory of vector spaces and linear maps, including dimension, determinants, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Part Two goes on to develop more advanced topics and in particular the study of canonical forms for matrices. Professor Berberian is at pains to explain all the ideas underlying the proofs of results as well as to give numerous examples and applications. There is an abundant supply of exercises to reinforce the reader’s grasp of the material and to elaborate on ideas from the text. As a result, this book presents a well-rounded and mathematically sound first course in linear algebra.

Linear Algebra

Baghdad Central

Baghdad Central

Baghdad, 2003: Iraqi police inspector Muhsin al-Khafaji investigates the disappearance of young women translators working for the American occupation forces.

Baghdad Central

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal Energy

The internal heat of the planet Earth represents an inexhaustible reservoir of thermal energy. This form of energy, known as geothermal energy has been utilized throughout human history in the form of hot water from hot springs. Modern utilization of geothermal energy includes direct use of the heat and its conversion to other forms of energy, mainly electricity. Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy and its use is associated with very little or no CO2-emissions and its importance as an energy source has greatly increased as the effects of climate change become more prominent. Because of its inexhaustibility it is obvious that utilization of geothermal energy will become a cornerstone of future energy supplies. The exploration of geothermal resources has become an important topic of study as geology and earth science students prepare to meet the demands of a rapidly growing industry, which involves an increasing number professionals and public institutions participating in geothermal energy related projects. This book meets the demands of both groups of readers, students and professionals. Geothermal Energy and its utilization is systematically presented and contains the necessary technical information needed for developing and understanding geothermal energy projects. It presents basic knowledge on the Earths thermal regime and its geothermal energy resources, the types of geothermal energy used as well as its future potential and the perspectives of the industry. Specific chapters of the book deal with borehole heat exchangers and with the direct use of groundwater and thermal water in hydrogeothermal systems. A central topic are Enhanced Geothermal Systems (hot-dry-rock systems), a key technology for energy supply in the near future. Pre-drilling site investigations, drilling technology, well logging and hydraulic test programs are important subjects related to the exploration phase of developing Geothermal Energy sites. The chemical composition of the natural waters used as a heat transport medium in geothermal systems can be used as an exploration tool, but chemistry is also important during operation of a geothermal power plant because of potential scale formation and corrosion of pipes and installations, which needs to be prevented. Graduate students and professionals will find in depth information on Geothermal Energy, its exploration and utilization.

Geothermal Energy

Heidegger

Heidegger

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) is probably the most divisive philosopher of the twentieth century. Considered by some to be the greatest charlatan ever to claim the title of ‘philosopher’, by some as an apologist for Nazism, he was also an acknowledged leader and central figure to many philosophers. Michael Inwood’s lucid introduction to Heidegger’s thought focuses on his most important work, ‘Being and Time’, and its major themes of existence in the world, inauthenticity, guilt, destiny, truth, and the nature of time. These themes are then reassessed in the light of Heidegger’s later work, together with the extent of his philosophical importance and influence. This is an invaluable guide to the complex and voluminous thought of a major twentieth-century existentialist philosopher.

Heidegger

An Introduction to Toxicology

An Introduction to Toxicology

This book provides a readable introduction to modern toxicology with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying the induction of toxicity by foreign substances. Since bioactivation is central to many toxic syndromes, special interest is devoted to chemicals that undergo conversion to toxic metabolites that induce toxic effects as diverse as cancer, birth defects and organ injury. The molecular consequences accompanying damage to cellular DNA and proteins is explored together with the relevance of toxicological paradigms to human diseases caused by alcohol and tobacco. The discipline of toxicology has developed rapidly since the thalidomide disaster in the 1960s as scientists worldwide seek to understand the adverse health effects of human medicines, environmental pollutants, consumer chemicals and industrial reagents. An Introduction to Toxicology is intended to supplement the recommended reading list of undergraduate and graduate programs in toxicology and pharmacology as an enjoyable, accessible primer with illustrations that unpack the concepts being discussed in the text.

An Introduction to Toxicology

Philosophical Faith and the Future of Humanity

Philosophical Faith and the Future of Humanity

Karl Jaspers, who died in 1969, had a profound impact on 20th-century theology and philosophy. His central thesis called for, among other things, a de-centering of philosophy from its Eurocentric roots and a renewal of its dialogue with other traditions, especially Asian ones. This collection of essays includes unpublished work by Jaspers himself as well as testimonies to his life and career by colleagues, associates, and translators, some of who knew Jaspers personally. Readers will also find commentary and interpretation by researchers who have explored Jaspers work for decades, and a biographical account of Jaspers student Leonard Ehrlich, who handled much of Jaspers English translation.

Philosophical Faith and the Future of Humanity

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

The neurotransmitter dopamine has just celebrated its 50th birthday. The discovery of dopamine as a neuronal entity in the late 1950s and the notion that it serves in neurotransmission has been a milestone in the field of neuroscience research. This milestone marked the beginning of an era that explored the brain as an integrated collection of neuronal systems that one could distinguish on basis of neurotransmitter identities, and importantly, in which one started to be able to pinpoint the seat of brain disease. The mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) system, previously designated as midbrain dopaminergic system, has received much attention since its discovery. The initial identification of dopamine as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) and its relevance to psychiatric and neurological disorders have stimulated a plethora of neurochemical, pharmacological and genetic studies into the function of dopamine neurons and their projections. In the last decade, studies on gene expression and development have further increased the knowledge of this neuronal population and have unmasked a new level of complexity. The start of the molecular dissection of the mdDA system has been marked by the cloning and characterization of Nurr1 and Pitx3. These transcription factors were shown to have a critical function during mdDA development. These initial studies have been followed by the identification of many other proteins that have a crucial function in the creation of a dopamine neuron permissive region, induction of precursors, induction of terminal differentiation and finally maintenance of the mdDA neuronal pool. In addition, work showing that the historically distinguished regions of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA ) harbor molecularly distinct sets of neuronal groups with specific connectivity patterns has added a new layer ofcomplexity to how mdDA neurons are generated and function in the adult CNS. The current challenge in the field of dopamine research is to characterize the full extent of molecular processes that underlie mdDA neuron programming and to translate these findings into viable approaches for embryonic stem (ES)-cell engineering as an ultimate treatment of degenerative diseases as Parkinsons disease. The chapters presented in this book provide an overview of the different stages that are distinguished during mdDA neuronal development. Chapter 1 discusses the dopamine systems of the zebrafish, being a powerful model organism for genetic intervention on the developmental programming of neuronal systems. In Chapter 2 an overview is presented of dopamine systems that are present in the vertebrate CNS. Chapters 3-6 discuss the early specification of dopamine precursors and the programs that lead to terminal differentiation. In Chapters 7 and 8 the maintenance of dopamine neurons is discussed with a special emphasis on neurotrophic support. The specific connectivity of the dopamine system and the axon guidance rules that apply to developing dopamine neurons are described in Chapter 9. An overview of ES-cell engineering of dopamine neurons is presented in Chapters 10 and 11. The research directed towards unraveling the molecular programming of mdDA neurons continues to be highly exciting. One may expect that novel biological principles will continue to emerge from this population of neurons. In the near future the field as a whole will mature towards a more comprehensive understanding of mdDA neuronal development and network integration, and will continue to apply knowledge of dopamine neuron development and function to the treatment of human disease.

Development and Engineering of Dopamine Neurons

Nature-Inspired Algorithms for Optimisation

Nature-Inspired Algorithms for Optimisation

Sect. I. Introduction — Why Is Optimization Difficult? / Thomas Weise, Michael Zapf, Raymond Chiong, Antonio J. Nebro — The Rationale behind Seeking Inspiration from Nature / Kent C.B. Steer, Andrew Wirth, Saman K. Halgamuge — Sect. II. Evolutionary Intelligence — The Evolutionary-Gradient-Search Procedure in Theory and Practice / Ralf Salomon, Dirk V. Arnold — The Evolutionary Transition Algorithm: Evolving Complex Solutions out of Simpler Ones / Tom Lenaerts, Anne Defaweux, Jano van Hemert — A Model-Assisted Memetic Algorithm for Expensive Optimization Problems / Yoel Tenne — A Self-Adaptive Mixed Distribution Based Uni-variate Estimation of Distribution Algorithm for Large Scale Global Optimization / Yu Wang, Bin Li — Differential Evolution with Fitness Diversity Self-Adaptation / Ville Tirronen, Ferrante Neri — Central Pattern Generators: Optimisation and Application / Leena N. Patel — Sect. III. Collective Intelligence — Fish School Search / Carmelo J.A. Bastos Filho … [et al.] — Magnifier Particle Swarm Optimization / Ying Tan, Junqi Zhang — Improved Particle Swarm Optimization in Constrained Numerical Search Spaces / Efren Mezura-Montes, Jorge Isacc Flore-Mendoza — Applying River Formation Dynamics to Solve NP-Complete Problems / Pablo Rabanal, Ismael Rodriguez, Fernando Rubio — Sect. IV. Social-Natural Intelligence — Algorithms Inspired in Social Phenomena / Antonio Neme, Sergio Hernandez — Artificial Immune Systems for Optimization / Heder S. Bernardino, Helio J.C. Barbosa — Sect. V. Multi-Objective Optimisation — Ranking Methods in Many-objective Evolutionary Algorithms / Antonio Lopez Jaimes, Luis Vicente Santana Quintero, Carlos A. Coello Coello — On the Effect of Applying a Steady-State Selection Scheme in the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm NSGA-II / Antonio J. Nebro, Juan J. Durillo — Improving the Performance of Multiobjective Evolutionary Optimization Algorithms using Coevolutionary Learning /Tse Guan Tan, Jason Teo — Evolutionary Optimization for Multiobjective Portfolio Selection Under Markowitzs Model with Application to the Caracas Stock Exchange / Feijoo Colomine Duran, Carlos Cotta, Antonio J. Fernandez.

Nature-Inspired Algorithms for Optimisation

The Continuum Companion to Historical Linguistics

The Continuum Companion to Historical Linguistics

Originally published as the Continuum Companion to Historical Linguistics, this book brings together a number of leading scholars who provide a combination of different approaches to current and new issues in historical linguistics, while supplying an exhaustive and up-to-date coverage of sub-fields traditionally regarded as central to historical linguistics research. The editors aim to build a solid background for further discussion and to indicate directions for new research on relevant open questions.

The Continuum Companion to Historical Linguistics

Coxiella Burnetii

Coxiella Burnetii

Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever, a zoonotic disease found worldwide. The bacterium is a fascinating example of intracellular parasitism that has uniquely evolved to thrive in the most inhospitable of cellular compartments-the phagolysosome. Understanding how C. burnetii resists the degradative functions of this vacuole, and the host cell functions coopted for successful parasitism, are central to understanding Q fever pathogenesis. Recent achievements in glycomics and proteomics are guiding development of enhanced detection schemes for the bacterium in addition to shedding light on the host immune response to the pathogen. Several chapters survey immune functions that control or potentially exacerbate Coxiella infection and delve into correlates of protective immunity elicited by vaccination. Comparative genomics is also the foundation of chapters discussing diagnostic antigen discovery and molecular typing of the bacterium, with significance for development of new clinical, epidemiologic, and forensic tools.

Coxiella Burnetii

On Music

On Music

Opinionated and example-filled, this extremely concise and accessible book provides a survey of some fundamental and longstanding debates about the nature of music. The central arguments and ideas of historical and contemporary philosophers are presented with the goal of making them as accessible as possible to general readers who have no background in philosophy. The emphasis is on instrumental music, but examples are drawn from many cultures as well as from Western classical, jazz, folk, and popular music.

On Music

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

The Bernstein problem and the Plateau problem are central topics in the theory of minimal submanifolds. This important book presents the Douglas-Rado solution to the Plateau problem, but the main emphasis is on the Bernstein problem and its new developments in various directions: the value distribution of the Gauss image of a minimal surface in Euclidean 3-space, Simons’ work for minimal graphic hypersurfaces, and author’s own contributions to Bernstein type theorems for higher codimensions. The author also introduces some related topics, such as submanifolds with parallel mean curvature, Weierstrass type representation for surfaces of mean curvature 1 in hyperbolic 3-space, and special Lagrangian submanifolds.

Minimal Submanifolds and Related Topics

Biophysics and Structure to Counter Threats and Challenges

Biophysics and Structure to Counter Threats and Challenges

This ASI brought together a diverse group of experts who span virology, biology, biophysics, chemistry, physics and engineering. Prominent lecturers representing world renowned scientists from nine (9) different countries, and students from around the world representing eighteen (18) countries, participated in the ASI organized by Professors Joseph Puglisi (Stanford University, USA) and Alexander Arseniev (Moscow, RU). The central hypothesis underlying this ASI was that interdisciplinary research, merging principles of physics, chemistry and biology, can drive new discovery in detecting and fighting chemical and bioterrorism agents, lead to cleaner environments and improved energy sources, and help propel development in NATO partner countries. At the end of the ASI students had an appreciation of how to apply each technique to their own particular research problem and to demonstrate that multifaceted approaches and new technologies are needed to solve the biological challenges of our time. The course succeeded in training a new generation of biologists and chemists who will probe the molecular basis for life and disease.

Biophysics and Structure to Counter Threats and Challenges

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Recently, several applications, primarily driven by microtechnology, have emerged where the use of materials with tailored electromagnetic (dielectric) properties are necessary for a successful overall design. The “tailored” aggregate properties are achieved by combining an easily moldable base matrix with particles having dielectric properties that are chosen to deliver (desired) effective properties. In many cases, the analysis of such materials requires the simulation of the macroscopic and microscopic electromagnetic response, as well as its resulting coupled thermal response, which can be important to determine possible failures in “hot spots.” This necessitates a stress analysis. Furthermore, because, oftentimes, such processes initiate degratory chemical processes, it can be necessary to also include models for these processes as well. A central objective of this work is to provide basic models and numerical solution strategies to analyze the coupled response of such materials by direct simulation using standard laptop/desktop equipment. Accordingly, this monograph covers: (1) The foundations of Maxwell’s equations, (2) Basic homogenization theory,(3) Coupled systems (electromagnetic, thermal, mechanical and chemical),(4) Numerical methods and(5) An introduction to select biological problems.The text can be viewed as a research monograph suitable for use in an upper-division undergraduate or first year graduate course geared towards students in the applied sciences, mechanics and mathematics that have an interest in the analysis of particulate materials.

Electromagnetic Properties of Multiphase Dielectrics

Rational Algebraic Curves

Rational Algebraic Curves

The central problem considered in this introduction for graduate students is the determination of rational parametrizability of an algebraic curve and, in the positive case, the computation of a good rational parametrization. This amounts to determining the genus of a curve: its complete singularity structure, computing regular points of the curve in small coordinate fields, and constructing linear systems of curves with prescribed intersection multiplicities. The book discusses various optimality criteria for rational parametrizations of algebraic curves.

Rational Algebraic Curves

Globalization and Progressive Economic Policy

Globalization and Progressive Economic Policy

The authors of this book challenge mainstream thinking about the nature of globalization. While not hostile to markets per se, they believe that capitalist market processes, left to operate freely, tend to generate injustice, insecurity, instability, and inefficiency. Taking account of the new realities of globalization, this volume explores an unusually wide range of subjects, including trade integration, multinational corporations, labor markets and migration, international capital flows, macroeconomic and environmental policy, and the central roles of the IMF and World Bank. It proposes alternatives to neo-liberal orthodoxy, developing policy measures that counter the destructive features of markets and promote equality as well as efficiency. The approach in this volume is particularly illuminating for understanding the Asian financial collapse of 199798 and similar recent crises. The volume also includes comments on each chapter by a wide range of distinguished economists, producing a lively and often controversial set of interchanges.

Globalization and Progressive Economic Policy

International Crime and Justice

International Crime and Justice

International crime and justice is an emerging field that covers international and transnational crimes that have not been the focus of mainstream criminology or criminal justice. This book examines the field from a global perspective. It provides an introduction to the nature of international and transnational crimes and the theoretical perspectives that assist in understanding the relationship between social change and the waxing and waning of the crime opportunities resulting from globalization, migration, and culture conflicts. Written by a team of world experts, it examines the central role of victim rights in the development of legal frameworks for the prevention and control of transnational and international crimes. It also discusses the challenges to delivering justice and obtaining international cooperation in efforts to deter, detect, and respond to these crimes. This book is arranged in nine parts covering the subject matter of international criminal justice. Each of the short chapters provides readers with an understanding of the main concepts relevant to the topic and sensitizes them to the complex nature of the problems.

International Crime and Justice

Physiology and Physiopathology of Adipose Tissue

Physiology and Physiopathology of Adipose Tissue

The scientific advances in the physiology and pathophysiology of adipose tissue over the last two decades have been considerable. Today, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of adipogenesis are well known. In addition, adipose tissue is now recognized as a real endocrine organ that produces hormones such as the leptin acting to regulate food intake and energy balance in the central nervous system, a finding that has completely revolutionized the paradigm of energy homeostasis. Other adipokines have now been described and these molecules are taking on increasing importance in physiology and pathophysiology. Moreover, numerous works have shown that in obesity, but also in cases of lipodystophy, adipose tissue was the site of a local low-grade inflammation that involves immune cells such as macrophages and certain populations of lymphocytes. This new information is an important step in the pathophysiology of both obesity and related metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Finally, it is a unique and original work focusing on adipose tissue, covering biology and pathology by investigating aspects of molecular and cellular biology, general, metabolic, genetic and genomic biochemistry.

Physiology and Physiopathology of Adipose Tissue