Biomechanics of the Gravid Human Uterus

Biomechanics of the Gravid Human Uterus

The complexity of human uterine function and regulation is one of the great wonders of nature and represents a daunting challenge to unravel. This book is dedicated to the biomechanical modeling of the gravid human uterus and gives an example of the application of the mechanics of solids and the theory of soft shells to explore medical problems of labor and delivery. After a brief overview of the anatomy, physiology and biomechanics of the uterus, the authors focus mainly on electromechanical wave processes, their origin, dynamics, and neuroendocrine and pharmacological modulations. In the last chapter applications, pitfalls and problems related to modeling and computer simulations of the pregnant uterus and pelvic floor structures are discussed. A collection of exercises is added at the end of each chapter to help readers with self-evaluation. The book serves as an invaluable source of information for researchers, instructors and advanced undergraduate and graduate students interested in systems biology, applied mathematics and biomedical engineering.

Biomechanics of the Gravid Human Uterus

Mathematical Biophysics

Mathematical Biophysics

This book presents concise descriptions and analysis of the classical and modern models used in mathematical biophysics. The authors ask the question ‘what new information can be provided by the models that cannot be obtained directly from experimental data?’ Actively developing fields such as regulatory mechanisms in cells and subcellular systems and electron transport and energy transport in membranes are addressed together with more classical topics such as metabolic processes, nerve conduction and heart activity, chemical kinetics, population dynamics, and photosynthesis. The main approach is to describe biological processes using different mathematical approaches necessary to reveal characteristic features and properties of simulated systems. With the emergence of powerful mathematics software packages such as MAPLE, Mathematica, Mathcad, and MatLab, these methodologies are now accessible to a wide audience.

Mathematical Biophysics

Visualization of Hydrogen-Bond Dynamics

Visualization of Hydrogen-Bond Dynamics

The hydrogen bond represents an important interaction between molecules, and the dynamics of hydrogen bonds in water create an ever-present question associated with the process of chemical and biological reactions. In spite of numerous studies, the process remains poorly understood at the microscopic level because hydrogen-bond dynamics, such as bond rearrangements and hydrogen/proton transfer reactions, are extremely difficult to probe. Those studies have been carried out by means of spectroscopic methods where the signal stems from the ensemble of a system and the hydrogen-bond dynamics were inferred indirectly. This book addresses the direct imaging of hydrogen-bond dynamics within water-based model systems assembled on a metal surface, using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The dynamics of individual hydrogen bonds in water clusters, hydroxyl clusters, and water-hydroxyl complexes are investigated in conjunction with density functional theory. In these model systems, quantum dynamics of hydrogen bonds, such as tunneling and zero-point nuclear motion, are observed in real space. Most notably, hydrogen atom relay reactions, which are frequently invoked across many fields of chemistry, are visualized and controlled by STM. This work presents a means of studying hydrogen-bond dynamics at the single-molecule level, providing an important contribution to wide fields beyond surface chemistry.

Visualization of Hydrogen-Bond Dynamics

Open Quantum Systems I

Open Quantum Systems I

Understanding dissipative dynamics of open quantum systems remains a challenge in mathematical physics. This problem is relevant in various areas of fundamental and applied physics. From a mathematical point of view, it involves a large body of knowledge. Significant progress in the understanding of such systems has been made during the last decade. These books present in a self-contained way the mathematical theories involved in the modeling of such phenomena. They describe physically relevant models, develop their mathematical analysis and derive their physical implications.

Open Quantum Systems I

Dynamics of Magnetically Trapped Particles - Second Edition

Dynamics of Magnetically Trapped Particles - Second Edition

This book is a new edition of Roederers classic Dynamics of Geomagnetically Trapped Radiation, updated and considerably expanded. The main objective is to describe the dynamic properties of magnetically trapped particles in planetary radiation belts and plasmas and explain the physical processes involved from the theoretical point of view. The approach is to examine in detail the orbital and adiabatic motion of individual particles in typical configurations of magnetic and electric fields in the magnetosphere and, from there, derive basic features of the particles collective macroscopic behavior in general planetary environments. Emphasis is not on the what but on the why of particle phenomena in near-earth space, providing a solid and clear understanding of the principal basic physical mechanisms and dynamic processes involved. The book will also serve as an introduction to general space plasma physics, with abundant basic examples to illustrate and explain the physical origin of different types of plasma current systems and their self-organizing character via the magnetic field. The ultimate aim is to help both graduate students and interested scientists to successfully face the theoretical and experimental challenges lying ahead in space physics in view of recent and upcoming satellite missions and an expected wealth of data on radiation belts and plasmas.

Dynamics of Magnetically Trapped Particles - Second Edition

Evolutionary Games in Complex Topologies

Evolutionary Games in Complex Topologies

There are many examples of cooperation in Nature: cells cooperate to form tissues, organs cooperate to form living organisms, and individuals cooperate to raise their offspring or to hunt. However, why cooperation emerges and survives in hostile environments, when defecting would be a much more profitable short-term strategy, is a question that still remains open. During the past few years, several explanations have been proposed, including kin and group selection, punishment and reputation mechanisms, or network reciprocity. This last one will be the center of the present study. The thesis explores the interface between the underlying structure of a given population and the outcome of the cooperative dynamics taking place on top of it, (namely, the Prisoner’s Dilemma Game). The first part of this work analyzes the case of a static system, where the pattern of connections is fixed, so it does not evolve over time. The second part develops two models for growing topologies, where the growth and the dynamics are entangled.

Evolutionary Games in Complex Topologies

Dynamics of Rods

Dynamics of Rods

The volume is devoted to the Dynamics of Rods. It is a sequel to ‘Statics of Rods’ by the same author. The main goal of the book is to present systematically theoretical fundamentals of the mechanics of rods as well as numerical methods used for practical purposes.

Dynamics of Rods

The Solar Dynamics Observatory

The Solar Dynamics Observatory

This volume is dedicated to the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), which was launched 11 February 2010. The articles focus on the spacecraft and its instruments: the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE), and the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI). Articles within also describe calibration results and data processing pipelines that are critical to understanding the data and products, concluding with a description of the successful Education and Public Outreach activities. This book is geared towards anyone interested in using the unprecedented data from SDO, whether for fundamental heliophysics research, space weather modeling and forecasting, or educational purposes. Previously published in Solar Physics journal, Vol. 275/1-2, 2012.

The Solar Dynamics Observatory

Mesoscale-Convective Processes in the Atmosphere

Mesoscale-Convective Processes in the Atmosphere

‘This is the first modern textbook devoted solely to mesoscale-convective processes in the atmosphere. Such processes are realized in the form of thunderstorms and associated phenomena. Thunderstorms are dynamic and fast evolving, and can have high societal impact. For this reason it is becoming increasingly important that current and future generations of atmospheric scientists have a deep understanding of the dynamics, observations, and prediction of these phenomena. The book presents in-depth descriptions of the formation, dynamics, and qualitative characteristics of convective phenomena such as supercell thunderstorms and mesoscale convective systems. Although the descriptions pertain largely to the extratropical atmosphere, examples of related tropical phenomena are given for comparison and contrast. To provide a further holistic perspective, separate chapters are also included on mesoscale observations and data analysis, numerical modelling, and the theoretical predictability and actual numerical prediction of mesoscale weather. An additional chapter on interactions and feedbacks addresses ways in which convective storms affect and are affected by external processes, particularly on the synoptic and planetary scale. This textbook provides advanced students, researchers and weather professionals with a modern, accessible treatment of the convective processes that lie within the range of the atmospheric mesoscale’

Mesoscale-Convective Processes in the Atmosphere

Vortex, Molecular Spin and Nanovorticity

Vortex, Molecular Spin and Nanovorticity

The subject of this book is the physics of vortices. A detailed analysis of the dynamics of vortices will be presented. The important topics of vorticity and molecular spin will be dealt with, including the electromagnetic analogy and quantization in superfluids. The effect of molecular spin on the dynamics of molecular nano-confined fluids using the extended Navier-Stokes equations will also be covered especially important to the theory and applicability of nanofluidics and associated devices. The nanoscale boundary layer and nanoscale vortex core are regions of intense vorticity (molecular spin). It will be shown, based on molecular kinetic theory and thermodynamics, that the macroscopic (solid body) rotation must be accompanied by internal rotation of the molecules. Electric polarization of the internal molecular rotations about the local rotation axis the Barnett effect occurs. In such a spin aligned system, major changes in the physical properties of the fluid result.

Vortex, Molecular Spin and Nanovorticity

Computational Organometallic Chemistry

Computational Organometallic Chemistry

This work provides a how-to approach to the fundamentals, methodologies and dynamics of computational organometallic chemistry, including classical and molecular mechanics (MM), quantum mechanics (QM), and hybrid MM/QM techniques. It demonstrates applications in actinide chemistry, catalysis, main group chemistry, medicine, and organic synthesis.

Computational Organometallic Chemistry

Analysis, Geometry and Topology of Elliptic Operators

Analysis, Geometry and Topology of Elliptic Operators

Modern theory of elliptic operators, or simply elliptic theory, has been shaped by the Atiyah?Singer Index Theorem created 40 years ago. Reviewing elliptic theory over a broad range, 32 leading scientists from 14 different countries present recent developments in topology; heat kernel techniques; spectral invariants and cutting and pasting; noncommutative geometry; and theoretical particle, string and membrane physics, and Hamiltonian dynamics. The first of its kind, this volume is ideally suited to graduate students and researchers interested in careful expositions of newly-evolved achievements and perspectives in elliptic theory. The contributions are based on lectures presented at a workshop acknowledging Krzysztof P Wojciechowski’s work in the theory of elliptic operators.

Analysis, Geometry and Topology of Elliptic Operators

Statistical and Dynamical Aspects of Mesoscopic Systems

Statistical and Dynamical Aspects of Mesoscopic Systems

Initially a subfield of solid state physics, the study of mesoscopic systems has evolved over the years into a vast field of research in its own right. Keeping track its rapid progress, this book provides a broad survey of the latest developments in the field. The focus is on statistics and dynamics of mesoscopic systems with special emphasis on topics like quantum chaos, localization, noise and fluctuations, mesoscopic optics and quantum transport in nanostructures. Written with nonspecialists in mind, this book will also be useful to graduate students wishing to familiarize themselves with this field of research.

Statistical and Dynamical Aspects of Mesoscopic Systems

Cambridge Handbook of Culture, Organizations and Work

Cambridge Handbook of Culture, Organizations and Work

It is now widely recognized that countries around the world are becoming increasingly interconnected, and that both public and private organizations are of necessity becoming increasingly global. As political, legal, and economic barriers recede in this environment, cultural barriers emerge as a principal challenge to organizational survival and success. It is not yet clear whether these global realities will cause cultures to converge, harmonize, and seek common ground or to retrench, resist, and accentuate their differences. In either case, it is of paramount importance for both managers and organizational scholars to understand the cultural crosscurrents underlying these changes. With contributions from an international team of scholars, this 2009 book reviews, analyzes, and integrates available theory and research to give the best information possible concerning the role of culture and cultural differences in organizational dynamics.

Cambridge Handbook of Culture, Organizations and Work

Parasitic Phenomena in the Dynamics of Industrial Devices

Parasitic Phenomena in the Dynamics of Industrial Devices

In the real world the dynamic behavior of a real machine presents either unforeseen or limiting phenomena: both are undesired, and can be therefore be classified as parasitic phenomena unwanted, unforeseen, or limiting behaviors. Parasitic Phenomena in the Dynamics of Industrial Devices describes the potential causes and effects of these behaviors and provides indications that could minimize their influence on the mechanical system in question.

Parasitic Phenomena in the Dynamics of Industrial Devices

Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiler for Fluid Flow

Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiler for Fluid Flow

The ultrasonic velocity profile (UVP) method, first developed in medical engineering, is now widely used in clinical settings. The fluid mechanical basis of UVP was established in investigations by the author and his colleagues with work demonstrating that UVP is a powerful new tool in experimental fluid mechanics. There are diverse examples, ranging from problems in fundamental fluid dynamics to applied problems in mechanical, chemical, nuclear, and environmental engineering. In all these problems, the methodological principle in fluid mechanics was converted from point measurements to spatio-temporal measurements along a line. This book is the first monograph on UVP that offers comprehensive information about the method, its principles, its practice, and applied examples, and which serves both current and new users. Current users can confirm that their application configurations are correct, which will help them to improve the configurations so as to make them more efficient and effective. New users will become familiar with the method, to design applications on a physically correct basis for performing measurements accurately. Additionally, the appendix provides necessary practical information, such as acoustic properties.

Ultrasonic Doppler Velocity Profiler for Fluid Flow

Developing Geographical Indications in the South

Developing Geographical Indications in the South

This book contributes to the literature on Geographical Indications (GIs) by providing key theoretical reflections from a five-year review process on the potential of GIs for agri-food products in Southern Africa. The contributors reflect on diverse GI processes and dynamics which operate at the local, national and international levels, thus enriching the understanding of GI dynamics and of the variety of policy options available for GI protection in Southern countries. Following a discussion of the legal framework and governance of national GI schemes in Southern countries, the book emphasize

Developing Geographical Indications in the South

Theres Something Happening Here

Theres Something Happening Here

‘Cunningham’s landmark study of the FBI’s response to Sixties protest couldn’t be more timely. We gain fresh and disturbing insight into the culture and dynamics of the agency at a time when once again it has been empowered to monitor political dissidence. We need this history so as to avoid repeating it.’–Richard Flacks, author ‘Making History: The American Left and the American Mind’

Theres Something Happening Here

The New Testament as Literature

The New Testament as Literature

The words, phrases, and stories of the New Testament permeate the English language. Indeed, this relatively small group of twenty-seven works, written during the height of the Roman Empire, not only helped create and sustain a vast world religion, but also have been integral to the larger cultural dynamics of the West, above and beyond particular religious expressions. Looking at the New Testament through the lens of literary study, Kyle Keefer offers an engrossing exploration of this revered religious text as a work of literature, but also keeps in focus its theological ramifications. Unique among books that examine the Bible as literature, this brilliantly compact introduction offers an intriguing double-edged look at this universal text–a religiously informed literary analysis. The book first explores the major sections of the New Testament–the gospels, Paul’s letters, and Revelation–as individual literary documents. Keefer shows how, in such familiar stories as the parable of the Good Samaritan, a literary analysis can uncover an unexpected complexity to what seems a simple, straightforward tale. At the conclusion of the book, Keefer steps back and asks questions about the New Testament as a whole. He reveals that whether read as a single document or as a collection of works, the New Testament presents readers with a wide variety of forms and viewpoints, and a literary exploration helps bring this richness to light. A fascinating investigation of the New Testament as a classic literary work, this Very Short Introduction uses a literary framework–plot, character, narrative arc, genre–to illuminate the language, structure, and the crafting of this venerable text.

The New Testament as Literature

The Role of Religion in Marriage and Family Counseling

The Role of Religion in Marriage and Family Counseling

Religion can play a vital role in the way people relate to each other, particularly with interpersonal dynamics within a family. The role of a couple or familys religion(s) in the counseling room is no less important. This book provides practitioners with an overview of the principles of the major world religions, with specific focus on how each religion can influence family dynamics, and how best to incorporate this knowledge into effective practice with clients.

The Role of Religion in Marriage and Family Counseling