Biophysics Books

Book SynopsisAre we missing a vital ingredient in its creation? Like Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene, which provided a new perspective on evolution, Life on the Edge alters our understanding of life's dynamics as Jim Al-Khalili and Johnjoe Macfadden reveal the hitherto missing ingredient to be quantum mechanics.Trade ReviewHugely ambitious ... the skill of the writing provides the uplift to keep us aloft as we fly through the strange and spectacular terra incognita of genuinely new science. -- Tom Whipple * The Times *Physicist Jim Al-Khalili and molecular biologist Johnjoe McFadden explore this extraordinary realm with cogency and wit. * Nature Magazine *A really original science book about a new field of research ... Groundbreaking. -- Clive Cookson * Financial Times *This thrilling book is an overview of a field that barely exists ... Al-Khalili has a genius for illustrating complex ideas via imaginative sidetracks. * The Sunday Telegraph *'Life on the Edge’ gives the clearest account I’ve ever read of the possible ways in which the very small events of the quantum world can affect the world of middle-sized living creatures like us. With great vividness and clarity it shows how our world is tinged, even saturated, with the weirdness of the quantum. * Philip Pullman *

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsisto Fluorescence.- Instrumentation for Fluorescence Spectroscopy.- Fluorophores.- Time-Domain Lifetime Measurements.- Frequency-Domain Lifetime Measurements.- Solvent and Environmental Effects.- Dynamics of Solvent and Spectral Relaxation.- Quenching of Fluorescence.- Mechanisms and Dynamics of Fluorescence Quenching.- Fluorescence Anisotropy.- Time-Dependent Anisotropy Decays.- Advanced Anisotropy Concepts.- Energy Transfer.- Time-Resolved Energy Transfer and Conformational Distributions of Biopolymers.- Energy Transfer to Multiple Acceptors in One,Two, or Three Dimensions.- Protein Fluorescence.- Time-Resolved Protein Fluorescence.- Multiphoton Excitation and Microscopy.- Fluorescence Sensing.- Novel Fluorophores.- DNA Technology.- Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy.- Single-Molecule Detection.- Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy.- Radiative Decay Engineering: Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence.- Radiative-Decay Engineering: Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission.Trade ReviewPraise for Earlier Editions: "Lakowicz’s Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy has been the best one-volume introduction to the biophysical principles of fluorescence methods. - Roger Y. Tsien, Ph.D., Department of Pharmacology and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, California "Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy is encyclopedic and comprehensive." - Britton Chance, Professor Emeritus in Biochemistry and Biophysics,University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania "Recommended without reservation both to the novice and to the expert in fluorescence." - Analytical Biochemistry "In addition to its use as a student text, it should be a particularly valuable reference for those involved in biochemical research." - Chemistry in Britain Advance Praise for Third Edition: "This third edition has significantly expanded the topics, and will remain as a leading reference, as well as a text…the information in the book is valuable for a wide range of disciplines." - Robert M. Clegg, Ph.D., Department of Physics, University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois "Overall this is a most welcome, and timely transformation of the classic, and most comprehensive textbook on fluorescence spectroscopy. It should be the number one item on the shopping list for any student or researcher involved in any aspect of fluorescence, be it as a biologist who does some microscopy, or a chemist synthesizing novel fluorophores." - Alan Ryder, Ph.D., National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland-Galway, Galway, Ireland From the reviews of the third edition: "This book gives an overview of the principles and applications of fluorescence. It is well structured, starting with basic knowledge about the phenomena of fluorescence and ending with the latest applications. … highly readable and informative both by novices and by experienced people. … a helpful work of reference and a wonderful creation for learning and teaching. The updated 3rd edition with its appealing design and its absolutely up-to-date and, nevertheless, complete treatment of fluorescence spectroscopy makes it essential for everyone working in this field." (Christiane Albrecht, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Vol. 390, 2008)Table of Contentsto Fluorescence.- Instrumentation for Fluorescence Spectroscopy.- Fluorophores.- Time-Domain Lifetime Measurements.- Frequency-Domain Lifetime Measurements.- Solvent and Environmental Effects.- Dynamics of Solvent and Spectral Relaxation.- Quenching of Fluorescence.- Mechanisms and Dynamics of Fluorescence Quenching.- Fluorescence Anisotropy.- Time-Dependent Anisotropy Decays.- Advanced Anisotropy Concepts.- Energy Transfer.- Time-Resolved Energy Transfer and Conformational Distributions of Biopolymers.- Energy Transfer to Multiple Acceptors in One,Two, or Three Dimensions.- Protein Fluorescence.- Time-Resolved Protein Fluorescence.- Multiphoton Excitation and Microscopy.- Fluorescence Sensing.- Novel Fluorophores.- DNA Technology.- Fluorescence-Lifetime Imaging Microscopy.- Single-Molecule Detection.- Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy.- Radiative Decay Engineering: Metal-Enhanced Fluorescence.- Radiative-Decay Engineering: Surface Plasmon-Coupled Emission.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffers a comprehensive survey text for biomedical engineering courses. This book helps biomedical engineers to understand the range of topics such as basic mathematical modeling; anatomy and physiology; electrical engineering, signal processing and instrumentation; biomaterials science and tissue engineering; and medical and engineering ethics.Table of Contents1. Biomedical Engineering: A Historical Perspective 2. Moral and Ethical Issues 3. Anatomy and Physiology 4. Biomechanics 5. Biomaterials 6. Tissue Engineering 7. Compartmental Modeling 8. Biochemical Reactions and Enzyme Kinetics 9. Bioinstrumentation 10. Biomedical Sensors 11. Biosignal Processing 12. Bioelectric Phenomena 13. Physiological Modeling 14. Biomedical Transport Processes 15. Radiation Imaging 16. Medical Imaging 17. Biomedical Optics and Lasers

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. The Structure and Function of Secondary Metabolites that are Secreted by Bacteria2. The Reagents, Supplies and Equipment that are Necessary to Grow Cultures of Bacteria in the Laboratory and to Purify Secreted Metabolites3. Overview of the Methods for Purification of Metabolites that are Secreted by Bacteria4. Absorption Spectrophotometry: Ultraviolet-visible and Infrared5. High-performance Liquid Chromatography6. Mass Spectrometry7. X-ray Crystallography8. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy9. Exercises in Purifying and Characterizing a Quorum-sensing Signal10. Exercises in Purifying and Characterizing Iron-chelating Molecules11. Exercises in Purifying and Characterizing a Chloroplast-targeting Phytotoxin12. Designing your Own Experiments

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents the main principles and methods of nonequilibrium statistical mechanics, a topic studied by both chemists and physicists. This book is written for graduate students and scientists who already have knowledge of basic equilibrium statistical mechanics and who are interested in the more complex field of time-dependent nonequilibrium statistical mechanics.Table of Contents1. Brownian Motion and Langevin equations ; 2. Fokker-Planck equations ; 3. Master equations ; 4. Reaction rates ; 5. Kinetic models ; 6. Quantum dynamics ; 7. Linear response theory ; 8. Projection operators ; 9. Nonlinear problems ; 10. The paradoxes of irreversibility ; Appendices

Read more less

Book SynopsisEvolutionary biomechanics is the study of evolution through the analysis of biomechanical systems. Its unique advantage is the precision with which physical constraints and performance can be predicted from first principles. Instead of reviewing the entire breadth of the biomechanical literature, a few key examples are explored in depth as vehicles for discussing fundamental concepts, analytical techniques, and evolutionary theory. Each chapter develops a conceptual theme, developing the underlying theory and techniques required for analyses in evolutionary biomechanics. Examples from terrestrial biomechanics, metabolic scaling, and bird flight are used to analyse how physics constrains the design space that natural selection is free to explore, and how adaptive evolution finds solutions to the trade-offs between multiple complex conflicting performance objectives.Evolutionary Biomechanics is suitable for graduate level students and professional researchers in the fields of biomechanicTrade ReviewThis is a scholarly volume that approaches a challenging subject in a straightforward and rigorous manner, which is illuminating without being overpowering...ideal for students who want both depth and a fascinating context. * Ian Carter, The Biologist *This volume provides for all. ... This is a great volume for undergraduates or postdoctoral researchers. * Christian Laurent, Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of Contents1. Themes ; 2. Selection ; 3. Constraint ; 4. Scaling ; 5. Phylogeny ; 6. Form and function in flight ; 7. Adaptation in avian wing design ; 8. Trade-offs: selection, phylogeny and constraint

Read more less

Book SynopsisA balanced presentation of the concepts of physical chemistry, and their applications to biology and biochemistry. Written to straddle the worlds of physical chemistry and the life sciences, it shows how the tools of physical chemistry can elucidate biological questions.Table of ContentsFocus 1: Biochemical Thermodynamics: The First Law Focus 2: Biochemical Thermodynamics: The Second Law Focus 3: Water and Aqueous solutions Focus 4: Chemical equilibrium Focus 5: Ion and Electron Transport Focus 6: The Rates of Reactions Focus 7: Biochemical kinetics Focus 8: Atoms Focus 9: Molecules Focus 10: Macromolecules and self-assembly Focus 11: Biochemical spectroscopy Focus 12: Scattering techniques Focus 13: Gravimetric methods

Read more less

Book SynopsisPresents a detailed account of the principles of classical physics, evolutionary theory, and plant biology in order to explain the complex interrelationships among plant form, function, environment, and evolutionary history.Trade Review"Brilliant.... This is truly a lovely book." (Plant Science Bulletin) "There is no better way to learn about plants than studying physics and to learn physics than studying plants. This book does just so. In a comprehensive but not overwhelming manner, the authors provide an overview of carefully selected topics that beautifully link descriptions of plant physiological and cellular activity with explanations of the physical forces that shape plant structure and function.... A valuable addition to the book-shelves in all plant biology or physics graduate rooms and for all plant biology or physics teachers." (Quarterly Review of Biology)"

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe origin story and emergence of molecular biology is muddled. The early triumphs in bacterial genetics and the complexity of animal and plant genomes complicate an intricate history. This book documents the many advances, as well as the prejudices and founder fallacies. It highlights the premature relegation of RNA to simply an intermediate between gene and protein, the underestimation of the amount of information required to program the development of multicellular organisms, and the dawning realization that RNA is the cornerstone of cell biology, development, brain function and probably evolution itself. Key personalities, their hubris as well as prescient predictions are richly illustrated with quotes, archival material, photographs, diagrams and references to bring the people, ideas and discoveries to life, from the conceptual cradles of molecular biology to the current revolution in the understanding of genetic information.Key Features Documents the confused early history of DNA, RNA and proteins - a transformative history of molecular biology like no other. Integrates the influences of biochemistry and genetics on the landscape of molecular biology. Chronicles the important discoveries, preconceptions and misconceptions that retarded or misdirected progress. Highlights major pioneers and contributors to molecular biology, with a focus on RNA and noncoding DNA. Summarizes the mounting evidence for the central roles of non-protein-coding RNA in cell and developmental biology. Provides a thought-provoking retrospective and forward-looking perspective for advanced students and professional researchers. The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 license.Trade Review“Thrilling and provocative ... There is a need for such a book... There’s nothing quite like this out there.An epic tale of biology’s central molecule, RNA.DNA does only one thing, store information. RNA has a thrilling plethora of functions, including telling DNA what to do. This book takes the reader on an odyssey through the wonders of RNA and its central role in biology.DNA science dominated the second half of the 20th Century, but it’s clear that the 21st Century belongs to RNA. This long-overdue book reveals the diverse wonders of RNA in a series of thrilling and provocative stories.”Tom Cech, Nobel laureate, University of Colorado Boulder_____________________________________“The book is truly monumental and will be treasured by RNA scientists and others, as well. It beautifully captures the excitement and wonder that I have been lucky to experience working in the RNA field since the early 1960s.”Joan Steitz, Yale University_____________________________________“This book is really disruptive and presents a coherent view of our understanding of biology in terms of the genetic molecules, the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA. It covers an immense territory of molecular biology and its history of discoveries, all presented with a clear-cut intellectual thread.... It is very timely by its breadth and emphasis on the role of RNA in biology. It makes a strong case for RNA and its late acceptance... the fight uphill, like that of Sisyphus, was tough and demanded a lot of perseverance. It is really rather complete.”Eric Westhof, University of Strasbourg_____________________________________“The book is unique. It provides the long-overdue correction of the still widespread static views on evolution, development and genome organization and function. It has the potential to induce radical changes in widely held views and attitudes.”Peter Vogt, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla_____________________________________"History is the key to our modern understanding of RNA. This magnum opus describes how science, scientific thought and landmark discoveries revealed the central role of RNA in molecular biology and evolution. The authors are not only modern pioneers of RNA science, but also the best histo-RNA-ians of our time.”John Rinn, University of Colorado, Boulder_____________________________________"RNA, the Epicenter of Genetic Information is much more than what its title might suggest. This epic book by Mattick and Amaral superbly reflects the continuing excitement about RNA research. It is not only a description of our current understanding of the role of RNA in cell and developmental biology but is also a useful history of molecular biology. Each of the eighteen chapters is a brilliantly written semi-autonomous essay on a particular segment of the RNA odyssey. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anybody interested in the biology of RNA, in evolution, and in the organization and function of complex genomes." Witold Filipowicz, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel_____________________________________"Those who might think that this book is only for the scientists, think again. It is not. It will appeal in equal measure to the thinking generalist and culturally curious interested in the thrilling history of molecular biology, the wonders of the long-overlooked central molecule RNA and its pivotal role in human development and evolution.An epic, provocative, and highly original book that highlights the way science is so often sidetracked by preconceptions and hubris, and explores the struggle to understand all that junk DNA we were told we had. The junk is not junk! The answers are all there. A story and a journey not to be missed!"Gabriel Farago (USA TODAY Bestselling author of the Jack Rogan Mysteries Series) Table of ContentsPreface, Chapter 1. Overview, Chapter 2. The genetic material?, Chapter 3. Halcyon days, Chapter 4. Worlds apart, Chapter 5. Strange genomes, strange genetics, Chapter 6. The Age of Aquarius, Chapter 7. All that junk, Chapter 8. The expanding repertoire of RNA, Chapter 9. Glimpses of a modern RNA world, Chapter 10. Genome sequences and transposable elements, Chapter 11. The human genome, Chapter 12. Small RNAs with mighty functions, Chapter 13. Large RNAs with many functions, Chapter 14. The epigenome, Chapter 15. The programming of development, Chapter 16. RNA and repeats rule, Chapter 17. Plasticity, Chapter 18. Beyond the jungle of dogmas, References

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book delivers a comprehensive and insightful account of applying mathematical modelling approaches to very large biological systems and networksa fundamental aspect of computational systems biology. The book covers key modelling paradigms in detail, while at the same time retaining a simplicity that will appeal to those from less quantitative fields. Key Features: A hands-on approach to modelling Covers a broad spectrum of modelling, from static networks to dynamic models and constraint-based models Thoughtful exercises to test and enable understanding of concepts State-of-the-art chapters on exciting new developments, like community modelling and biological circuit design Emphasis on coding and software tools for systems biology Companion website featuringTrade ReviewThis is a very comprehensive read that provides a solid base in computational biology. The book is structured in 4 parts and 14 chapters which cover all the way from the more basic concepts to advanced material, including the state-of-the-art methodologies in synthetic and systems biology. This is a bedside book for those researchers embarking to do investigation in computational biology and a great office companion for anyone working on systems and synthetic biology. -- Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro, Lecturer, Imperial College London This is a fantastic book. It offers an elegant introduction to both classical and modern concepts in computational biology. To the uninitiated, it is a terrific first read, bringing alive the glory of the past and the promise of the future. To the interested, it handholds and offers a springboard to dive deep. To the practitioner, it serves as a valuable resource bringing together in a panoramic view many diverse streams that adorn the landscape. -- Narendra M. Dixit, Professor, Indian Institute of Science This is a very comprehensive read that provides a solid base in computational biology. The book is structured in 4 parts and 14 chapters which cover all the way from the more basic concepts to advanced material, including the state-of-the-art methodologies in synthetic and systems biology. This is a bedside book for those researchers embarking to do investigation in computational biology and a great office companion for anyone working on systems and synthetic biology. -- Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro, Lecturer, Imperial College London This is a fantastic book. It offers an elegant introduction to both classical and modern concepts in computational biology. To the uninitiated, it is a terrific first read, bringing alive the glory of the past and the promise of the future. To the interested, it handholds and offers a springboard to dive deep. To the practitioner, it serves as a valuable resource bringing together in a panoramic view many diverse streams that adorn the landscape. -- Narendra M. Dixit, Professor, Indian Institute of Science Table of ContentsPreface Introduction to modelling 1.1 WHAT IS MODELLING? 1.1.1 What are models? 1.2 WHYBUILD MODELS? 1.2.1 Why model biological systems? 1.2.2 Why systems biology? 1.3 CHALLENGES IN MODELLING BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 1.4 THE PRACTICE OF MODELLING 1.4.1 Scope of the model1.4.2 Making assumptions 1.4.3 Modelling paradigms 1.4.4 Building the model 1.4.5 Model analysis, debugging and (in)validation 1.4.6 Simulating the model 1.5 EXAMPLES OF MODELS 1.5.1 Lotka–Volterra predator–prey model 1.5.2 SIR model: a classic example 1.6 TROUBLESHOOTING 1.6.1 Clarity of scope and objectives 1.6.2 The breakdown of assumptions 1.6.3 Ismy model fit for purpose? 1.6.4 Handling uncertainties EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Introduction to graph theory 2.1 BASICS 2.1.1 History of graph theory 2.1.2 Examples of graphs 2.2 WHYGRAPHS? 2.3 TYPES OF GRAPHS 2.3.1 Simple vs. non-simple graphs 2.3.2 Directed vs. undirected graphs 2.3.3 Weighted vs. unweighted graphs 2.3.4 Other graph types 2.3.5 Hypergraphs 2.4 COMPUTATIONAL REPRESENTATIONS OF GRAPHS 2.4.1 Data structures 2.4.2 Adjacency matrix 2.4.3 The laplacian matrix 2.5 GRAPH REPRESENTATIONS OF BIOLOGICAL NETWORKS 2.5.1 Networks of protein interactions and functional associations2.5.2 Signalling networks 2.5.3 Protein structure networks 2.5.4 Gene regulatory networks 2.5.5 Metabolic networks 2.6 COMMONCHALLENGES&TROUBLESHOOTING 2.6.1 Choosing a representation 2.6.2 Loading and creating graphs 2.7 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Structure of networks 3.1 NETWORK PARAMETERS 3.1.1 Fundamental parameters 3.1.2 Measures of centrality 3.1.3 Mixing patterns: assortativity 3.2 CANONICAL NETWORK MODELS 3.2.1 Erdos–Rényi (ER) network model 3.2.2 Small-world networks 3.2.3 Scale-free networks 3.2.4 Other models of network generation 3.3 COMMUNITY DETECTION 3.3.1 Modularity maximisation 3.3.2 Similarity-based clustering 3.3.3 Girvan–Newman algorithm 3.3.4 Other methods 3.3.5 Community detection in biological networks 3.4 NETWORKMOTIFS 3.4.1 Randomising networks 3.5 PERTURBATIONS TO NETWORKS 3.5.1 Quantifying e□fects of perturbation 3.5.2 Network structure and attack strategies 3.6 TROUBLESHOOTING 3.6.1 Is your network really scale-free? 3.7 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCESFURTHER READING Applications of network biology 4.1 THE CENTRALITY–LETHALITY HYPOTHESIS 4.1.1 Predicting essential genes fromnetworks 4.2 NETWORKS AND MODULES IN DISEASE 4.2.1 Disease networks 4.2.2 Identification of disease modules 4.2.3 Edgetic perturbation models 4.3 DIFFERENTIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS 4.4 DISEASE SPREADING ON NETWORKS 4.4.1 Percolation-based models 4.4.2 Agent-based simulations 4.5 MOLECULAR GRAPHS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS 4.5.1 Retrosynthesis 4.6 PROTEIN STRUCTURE, ENERGY & CONFORMATIONAL NETWORKS4.6.1 Protein folding pathways 4.7 LINK PREDICTION EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Introduction to dynamic modelling5.1 CONSTRUCTING DYNAMIC MODELS 5.1.1 Modelling a generic biochemical system 5.2 MASS-ACTION KINETIC MODELS 5.3 MODELLING ENZYME KINETICS 5.3.1 The Michaelis–Menten model 5.3.2 Extending the Michaelis–Menten model 5.3.3 Limitations of Michaelis–Menten models 5.3.4 Co-operativity: Hill kinetics 5.3.5 An illustrative example: a three-node oscillator 5.4 GENERALISED RATE EQUATIONS 5.4.1 Biochemical systems theory 5.5 SOLVING ODES 5.6 TROUBLESHOOTING 5.6.1 Handing sti□f equations 5.6.2 Handling uncertainty 5.7 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Parameter estimation 6.1 DATA-DRIVEN MECHANISTIC MODELLING: AN OVERVIEW 6.1.1 Pre-processing the data 6.1.2 Model identification 6.2 SETTING UP AN OPTIMISATION PROBLEM 6.2.1 Linear regression 6.2.2 Least squares 6.2.3 Maximumlikelihood estimation 6.3 ALGORITHMS FOR OPTIMISATION 6.3.1 Desiderata 6.3.2 Gradient-based methods 6.3.3 Direct search methods 6.3.4 Evolutionary algorithms 6.4 POST-REGRESSION DIAGNOSTICS 6.4.1 Model selection 6.4.2 Sensitivity and robustness of biological models 6.5 TROUBLESHOOTING 6.5.1 Regularisation 6.5.2 Sloppiness 6.5.3 Choosing a search algorithm 6.5.4 Model reduction 6.5.5 The curse of dimensionality 6.6 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Discrete dynamic models: Boolean networks 7.1 INTRODUCTION 7.2 BOOLEAN NETWORKS: TRANSFER FUNCTIONS 7.2.1 Characterising Boolean network dynamics 7.2.2 Synchronous vs. asynchronous updates 7.3 OTHER PARADIGMS 7.3.1 Probabilistic Boolean networks 7.3.2 Logical interaction hypergraphs 7.3.3 Generalised logical networks 7.3.4 Petri nets 7.4 APPLICATIONS 7.5 TROUBLESHOOTING 7.6 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Introduction to constraint-based modelling 8.1 WHAT ARE CONSTRAINTS? 8.1.1 Types of constraints 8.1.2 Mathematical representation of constraints 8.1.3 Why are constraints useful? 8.2 THE STOICHIOMETRICMATRIX 8.3 STEADY-STATEMASSBALANCE:FLUXBALANCEANALYSIS (FBA)8.4 THE OBJECTIVE FUNCTION 8.4.1 The biomass objective function 8.5 OPTIMISATION TO COMPUTE FLUX DISTRIBUTION 8.6 AN ILLUSTRATION 8.7 FLUX VARIABILITY ANALYSIS (FVA) 8.8 UNDERSTANDING FBA 8.8.1 Blocked reactions and dead-end metabolites 8.8.2 Gaps in metabolic networks 8.8.3 Multiple solutions8.8.4 Loops 8.8.5 Parsimonious FBA (pFBA) 8.8.6 ATP maintenance fluxes 8.9 TROUBLESHOOTING 8.9.1 Zero growth rate 8.9.2 Objective values vs. flux values 8.10 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Extending constraint-based approaches 9.1 MINIMISATION OF METABOLIC ADJUSTMENT (MOMA) 9.1.1 Fitting experimentally measured fluxes 9.2 REGULATORY ON-OFF MINIMISATION (ROOM) 9.2.1 ROOMvs.MoMA 9.3 BI-LEVEL OPTIMISATIONS 9.3.1 OptKnock9.4 INTEGRATING REGULATORY INFORMATION 9.4.1 Embedding regulatory logic: regulatory FBA (rFBA) 9.4.2 Informing metabolic models with omic data 9.4.3 Tissue-specific models 9.5 COMPARTMENTALISED MODELS 9.6 DYNAMIC FLUX BALANCE ANALYSIS (dFBA) 9.7 13C-MFA 9.8 ELEMENTARY FLUX MODES AND EXTREME PATHWAYS 9.8.1 Computing EFMs and EPs 9.8.2 Applications EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Perturbations to metabolic networks10.1 KNOCK-OUTS 10.1.1 Gene deletions vs. reaction deletions 10.2 SYNTHETIC LETHALS 10.2.1 Exhaustive enumeration 10.2.2 Bi-level optimisation 10.2.3 Fast-SL: massively pruning the search space 10.3 OVER-EXPRESSION 10.3.1 Flux Scanning based on Enforced Objective Flux (FSEOF) 10.4 OTHER PERTURBATIONS 10.5 EVALUATING AND RANKING PERTURBATIONS 10.6 APPLICATIONS OF CONSTRAINT-BASED MODELS 10.6.1 Metabolic engineering 10.6.2 Drug target identification 10.7 LIMITATIONS OF CONSTRAINT-BASED APPROACHES 10.7.1 Scope of genome-scale metabolic models 10.7.2 Incorrect predictions 10.8 TROUBLESHOOTING10.8.1 Interpreting gene deletion simulations 10.9 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Modelling cellular interactions 11.1 MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES 11.1.1 Network-based approaches 11.1.2 Population-based and agent-based approaches 11.1.3 Constraint-based approaches 11.2 HOST–PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS (HPIs) 11.2.1 Network models 11.2.2 Dynamic models 11.2.3 Constraint-based models 11.3 SUMMARY11.4 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Designing biological circuits 12.1 WHAT IS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY? 12.2 FROMLEGO BRICKS TO BIOBRICKS 12.3 CLASSIC CIRCUIT DESIGN EXPERIMENTS 12.3.1 Designing an oscillator: the repressilator 12.3.2 Toggle switch 12.4 DESIGNING MODULES 12.4.1 Exploring the design space 12.4.2 Systems-theoretic approaches 12.4.3 Automating circuit design 12.5 DESIGN PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGICAL NETWORKS 12.5.1 Redundancy 12.5.2 Modularity 12.5.3 Exaptation 12.5.4 Robustness 12.6 COMPUTING WITH CELLS 12.6.1 Adleman’s classic experiment 12.6.2 Examples of circuits that can compute 12.6.3 DNA data storage 12.7 CHALLENGES 12.8 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Robustness and evolvability of biological systems 13.1 ROBUSTNESS IN BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS 13.1.1 Key mechanisms 13.1.2 Hierarchies and protocols 13.1.3 Organising principles 13.2 GENOTYPE SPACES AND GENOTYPE NETWORKS 13.2.1 Genotype spaces 13.2.2 Genotype–phenotype mapping 13.3 QUANTIFYING ROBUSTNESS AND EVOLVABILITY 13.4 SOFTWARE TOOLS EXERCISES REFERENCES FURTHER READING Epilogue: The Road Ahead Index 325

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book uses acoustics, psychophysics, and neurobiology to explore the physical systems and biological processes that intervene when we hear music. It incorporates the latest findings in brain science and tone generation in musical instruments.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews of the fourth edition:"This book deals with the physical systems and biological processes that interact with music, analyzing ‘what objective, physical properties of sound patterns are associated with what subjective, psychological sensations of music.’ … Roederer is well known for promoting music as a multidisciplinary subject. … While there are plenty of good books on the physics of music … Roederer’s classic is the best. This book will be an asset to any scientific library." (Soubhik Chakraborty, ACM Computing Reviews, November, 2009)“This book … not only suitable for lay-readers, but can also act as a springboard for more technically minded readers wishing to pursue a thorough foray into the field. … open questions which makes the reader want to come back for more. Credit can only be given to the author for creating such an engaging read. … this fourth edition of the book incorporates a number of recent results supporting hypotheses posited in earlier versions … .” (Matthew R. Foreman, Contemporary Physics, Vol. 52 (3), May-June, 2011)“The different aspects of the close relationship between science and music are discussed in this book. … will be of interest to the non-science student, or simply to the music addict teenager … . The book will definitively be pleasant … reading for a scientist with a strong interest or love in music.” (Gary J. Long and Fernande Grandjean, Belgian Physical Society Magazine, Issue 3, 2010)Table of ContentsPreface.- The Science of Music and the Music of Science: A Multidisciplinary Overview.- Sound Vibrations, Pure Tones, and the Perception of Pitch.- Sound Waves , Acoustic Energy, and the Perception of Loudness.- Generation of Musical Sounds, Complex Tones, and the Perception of Timbre.- Superposition and Succession of Complex Tones, and the Integral Perception of Music.- Appendix 1: Some Quantitative Aspects of the Bowing Mechanism.- Appendix II: Some Quantitative Aspects of Central Pitch Processor Models.- Appendix III: Some Renarks on Teaching of Physics and Psychophysics of Music.- References.- Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis comprehensive and topical volume presents a number of significant advances on many fronts in this area of research, particularly emphasizing current and future biomedical applications of electromagnetic fields. Table of ContentsFetal Magnetocardiography.- Microwave Thermoelastic Tomography and Imaging.- Diffuse Optical Imaging.- Optical Biotelemetry.- Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Fields (ELFMF) and Pain Therapy.- The Charge-to-Mass ICR Signature in Weak ELF Bioelectromagnetic Effects.

Read more less

Book SynopsisScanning electr on microscopy (SEM) and x-ray microanalysis can produce magnified images and in situ chemical information from virtually any type of specimen. The two instruments generally operate in a high vacuum and a very dry environment in order to produce the high energy beam of electrons needed for imaging and analysis. With a few notable exceptions, most specimens destined for study in the SEM are poor conductors and composed of beam sensitive light elements containing variable amounts of water. In the SEM, the imaging system depends on the specimen being sufficiently electrically conductive to ensure that the bulk of the incoming electrons go to ground. The formation of the image depends on collecting the different signals that are scattered as a consequence of the high energy beam interacting with the sample. Backscattered electrons and secondary electrons are generated Trade ReviewThis handbook should find its way to the reference bookshelf of all imaging laboratories. It should also become required reading for anyone being trained for SEM work, or anyone who might need to have their samples examined by using such techniques. In that way, it will be less likely that deficient results will be published and that the full potential of the SEM be realized. -- Iolo ap Gwynn, Microscopy and Microanalysis (2010)Table of ContentsSample Collection and Selection.- Sample Preparation Tools.- Sample Support.- Sample Embedding ?and Mounting.- Sample Exposure.- Sample Dehydration.- Sample Stabilization for Imaging in the SEM.- Sample Stabilization to Preserve Chemical Identity.- Sample Cleaning.- Sample Surface Charge Elimination.- Sample Artifacts and Damage.- Additional Sources of Information.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis monograph presents a general mathematical theory for biological growth. The author herein presents the first major technical monograph on the problem of growth since D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson’s 1917 book On Growth and Form.The emphasis of the book is on the proper mathematical formulation of growth kinematics and mechanics.Trade Review“Goriely’s book is self-contained and provides sufficient review of the background material necessary to understand the mathematics employed in the study of phenomena he describes. … Overall, the text is well written, richly illustrated, and enjoyable to read, although the monograph is lengthy. I applaud Prof. Goriely on his impressive text.” (Bhargav Karamched, SIAM Review, Vol. 61 (1), March, 2019)“The book grasps the conceptual and technical aspects underpinning the role of mechanics in the growth of biological tissues. It is the first major modern monograph on the subject, which synthesizes the research activity in this vivid field of the mathematics and mechanics of growth since now more than two decades. … The monograph is overall well-structured and rich in illustrations and will be accessible and appealing to readers with different interest and background, including life scientists … .” (Jean-François Ganghoffer, Journal of Geometry and Symmetry in Physics JGSP, Vol. 49, 2018)“The book is very informative, it is written in an easy readable and intriguing way. It has a large reference list of 1369 bibliographic descriptions and a carefully prepared index. The book should be helpful for researchers who work in the multidisciplinary fields of theoretical biology, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, biophysics and applied mathematics.” (Svetoslav Markov, zbMATH 1398.92003, 2018)Table of ContentsBasic aspects of growth.- Mechanics and growth.- Discrete computational models.- Growing on a line.- Elastic rods.- Morphoelastic rods.- Accretive growth.- Membranes and shells.- Growing membranes.- Morphoelastic plates.- Nonlinear elasticity.- The kinematics of growth.- Balance laws.- Evolution laws and stability.- Growing spheres.- Growing cylinders.- Ten challenges.- References.- Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisProviding an in-depth look at the practical use of math modeling, it features exercises throughout that are drawn from a variety of bioscientific disciplines - population biology, developmental biology, physiology, epidemiology, and evolution, among others.Trade ReviewReviews of the original edition: "Murray has produced a magnificent compilation of mathematical models and their applications in biology." Nature "Murray's Mathematical Biology belongs on the shelf of any person with a serious interest in mathematical biology." Bulletin of Mathematical Biology SIAM, 2004: "Murray's Mathematical Biology is a classic that belongs on the shelf of any serious student or researcher in the field. Together the two volumes contain well over 1000 references, a rich source of material, together with an excellent index to help readers quickly find key words. ... I recommend the new and expanded third edition to any serious young student interested in mathematical biology who already has a solid basis in applied mathematics." From the reviews of the third edition: "Mathematical Biology would be eminently suitable as a text for a final year undergraduate or postgraduate course in mathematical biology … . It is also a good source of examples for courses in mathematical methods … . Mathematical Biology provides a good way in to the field and a useful reference for those of us already there. It may attract more mathematicians to work in biology by showing them that there is real work to be done." (Peter Saunders, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 90 (519), 2006)Table of ContentsContinuous Population Models for Single Species * Discrete Population Models for a Single Species * Models for Interacting Populations * Temperature-Dependent Sex Determination (TSD): Crocodilian Survivorship * Modelling the Dynamics of Marital Interaction: Divorce Prediction and Marriage Repair * Reaction Kinetics * Biological Oscillators and Switches * BZ Oscillating Reactions * Perturbed and Coupled Oscillators and Black Holes * Dynamics of Infectious Diseases: Epidemic Models and AIDS * Reaction Diffusion, Chemotaxis, and Non-local Mechanisms * Oscillator Generated Wave Phenomena and Central Pattern Generators * Biological Waves: Single Species Models * Use and Abuse of Fractals

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis richly illustrated third edition provides a thorough training in practical mathematical biology and shows how exciting mathematical challenges can arise from a genuinely interdisciplinary involvement with the biosciences.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews: "The 2nd volume of the authors elucidating work highlights a surprisingly broad spectrum of applications in the field of mathematical biology. The sense given to the mathematical texture of thoughts broadens the reader’s insight … . The growing number of specialists in sub-disciplines of mathematical biology will be enjoying the truly concise approach … . It can so be said that the foremost results … might be essential for new interpretations of data … . It is a recommended text for mathematicians … ." (Daniel Gertsch, Bioworld, Issue 2, 2004) From the reviews of the third edition: "This is the second volume of the third edition of Murray’s ‘Mathematical Biology’. … covers a wide variety of problems in pattern formation, each discussed in its biological context. … This volume alone is a large book, with more than 800 pages and a similar number of references. … it is a valuable collection of results from different areas of mathematical biology." (Carlo Laing, New Zealand Mathematical Society Newsletter, Issue 90, April, 2004) "This book, a classical text in mathematical biology, cleverly combines mathematical tools with subject area sciences. The multi-layer way of material presentation makes the book useful for different types of reader including graduate-level students, bioscientists … . it is an enjoyable reading and I recommend it to anyone with serious interest in mathematical modelling." (V.V. Fedorov, Short Book Reviews, Vol. 23 (3), 2003) "This second volume of the third edition of Murray’s Mathematical biology focuses on partial differential equations (spatial models) and their application to the biomedical sciences. … Each chapter deals with its particular topic in great detail, usually focusing on one biological example and the associated mathematical model and results. This volume is not an introductory text … making it extremely useful in graduate courses and for reference." (Trachette L. Jackson, Mathematical Reviews, 2004b) "In this second volume … the development towards specific biological configurations and towards a mechanism for understanding morphogenesis represents an important portion of the work. … chapters deal with attractive topics … . There is an extensive index at the end. … very interesting and strongly recommended." (A. Akutowicz, Zentralblatt MATH, Vol. 1006, 2003) "In this volume it becomes clear that compiling the third edition was a ‘labor of love’. The book has a significantly different feel from the original first edition. … my reaction to the third edition was positive. … The historical and biological overviews have much interesting information. … Certainly, the spicy writing will keep students alert … . In summary, I recommend the new and expanded third edition to any serious young student interested in mathematical biology … ." (Leah Edelstein-Keshet, SIAM Review, Vol. 46 (1), 2004) "Mathematical Biology would be eminently suitable as a text for a final year undergraduate or postgraduate course in mathematical biology … . It is also a good source of examples for courses in mathematical methods … . Mathematical Biology provides a good way into the field and a useful reference for those of us already there. It may attract more mathematicians to work in biology by showing them that there is real work to be done." (Peter Saunders, The Mathematical Gazette, Vol. 90 (518), 2006)Table of ContentsMulti-Species Waves and Practical Applications * Spatial Pattern Formation with Reaction Diffusion Systems * Animal Coat Patterns and Other Practical Applications of Reaction Diffusion Mechanisms * Pattern Formation on Growing Domains: Alligators and Snakes * Bacterial Patterns and Chemotaxis * Mechanical Theory for Generating Pattern and Form in Development * Evolution, Morphogenetic Laws, Developmental Constraints and Teratologies * A Mechanical Theory of Vascular Network Formation * Epidermal Wound Healing * Dermal Wound Healing * Growth and Control of Brain Tumours * Neural Models of Pattern Formation * Geographic Spread and Control of Epidemics * Wolf Territoriality, Wolf-Deer Interaction and Survival

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest single class of receptors in biology, often playing key roles in a remarkably large number of physiological and pathophysiological conditions. GPCRs or GPCR-dependent signalling pathways are the targets of a very large number of therapeutically useful drugs. Detailed knowledge about the molecular structure of GPCRs should therefore pave the way for the design of novel drugs with increased efficacy and specificity. This volume provides a concise, up-to-date presentation of methods (including molecular genetic, biochemical, and biophysical) which have been used successfully in studying the structure and function of GPCRs. With contributions from international leaders in the field, the editor provides overviews of various techniques, followed by in-depth descriptions of basic procedures and discussions of critical experimental parameters. Divided into specific, accessible sections, Structure-Function Analysis of G ProteTable of ContentsPartial table of contents: Overview of Mutagenesis Techniques (T. Fong). The Substituted-Cysteine Accessibility Method (J. Javitch). Metal-Ions as Atomic Scale Probes of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Structure (J. Schetz & D. Sibley). Genetic Approaches for Studying the Structure and Function of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Yeast (C. Sommers & M. Dumont). Electron-Crystallographic Analysis of Two-Dimensional Rhodopsin Crystals (G. Schertler). Site-Directed Spin-Labeling (SDSL) Studies of the G Protein-Coupled Receptor Rhodopsin (D. Farrens). Lead Discovery and Development for G Protein-Coupled Receptors (D. Underwood & M. Cascieri). Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis new edition of A.H.W. Nias' successful book provides an updated and revised introduction to quantitative radiobiology, particularly, to those aspects of the subject which have a practical application. Radiation is used to cure cancer but can also cause it. Radiation is also used in medical diagnosis and in nuclear power stations.Table of ContentsHistory and Definitions. Cells and Tissues. Proliferation Kinetics. Ionizing Radiations. Subcellular Radiobiology. Radiation Cell Damage. Reparable Damage. Intrinsic Radiosensitivity. Densely Ionizing Radiation. The Oxygen Effect. Radiosensitizers and Radioprotectors. Normal and Malignant Cells. Radiation Pathology. Whole-Body Radiation. Proliferation Kinetics after Radiation. Fractionated Radiotherapy. Protracted Radiation. Diagnostic Radiology. Environmental Radiation. Radiation Protection. Further Reading. Glossary. Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis authoritative volume provides a comprehensive review of the origin and evolution of planetary nebulae. It covers all the stages of their evolution, carefully synthesizes observations from across the spectrum, and clearly explains all the key physical processes at work. Particular emphasis is placed on observations from space, using the Hubble Space Telescope, the Infrared Space Observatory, and the ROSAT satellite. This book presents a thoroughly modern understanding of planetary nebulae, integrating developments in stellar physics with the dynamics of nebular evolution. It also describes exciting possibilities such as the use of planetary nebulae in determining the cosmic distance scale, the distribution of dark matter and the chemical evolution of galaxies. This book provides graduate students with an accessible introduction to planetary nebulae, and researchers with an authoritative reference. It can also be used as an advanced text on the physics of the interstellar medium.Trade Review'… an accessible account of the origin and evolution of these enigmatic shells of gas. the generous, colourful images are the best feature of the book, but the text reveals the speedy evolution of ideas - matching the increase in data - in this complex field, as a microcosm of the way in which modern astronomy is developing.' Astronomy & Geophysics'The book addresses three aspects of planetary nebula (PN) research: radiation mechanisms and PN evolution and the associated spin-offs in laboratory spectroscopy. Kwok's book is now the standard reference.' Irish Astronomical Journal'This book presents a thoroughly modern understanding of planetary nebulae, integrating new developments in stellar physics with the dynamics of nebular evolution.' Europe & Astronomy'… a valuable contribution … It offers the most complete and accessible entry to this subject for the newcomer with a strong general background in physics and astronomy at the advanced undergraduate level or above.' Physics Today'… it was a sheer pleasure to read this new book by Sun Kwok. The book is slim and stylish, characteristic of the Cambridge Astrophysics Series.' Dr X.-W. Lou, Contemporary PhysicsTranslation: 'In sum, The Origin and Evolution of Planetary Nebulae is a technical book undeniably rich demonstrations, quantitative data and mathematical formulas, which is primarily intended for researchers and graduate students in astronomy and astrophysics.' Yves Laberge, Physics in CanadaTable of ContentsPreface; 1. History and overview; 2. Ionization structure of planetary nebulae; 3. Nebular line radiation; 4. Nebular continuum radiation; 5. The neutral gas component; 6. The dust component; 7. Observations of the central star of planetary nebulae; 8. Morphologies of planetary nebulae; 9. Problems and questions; 10. Asymptotic giant branch stars - progenitors of planetary nebulae; 11. Evolution of the central stars; 12. Formation of planetary nebulae; 13. Dynamical evolution of planetary nebulae; 14. Proto-planetary nebulae - the transition objects; 15. Evolution to the white dwarf stage; 16. Distances to planetary nebulae; 17. Comparison between evolutionary models and observations; 18. PN in the galactic context; 19. Chemical abundances; 20. Planetary nebulae in other galaxies; 21. Concluding remarks; References; Appendix: list of symbols and abbreviations; Subject index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExploring the mechanical features of biological cells, including their architecture and stability, this textbook is a pedagogical introduction to the interdisciplinary fields of cell mechanics and soft matter physics from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. This second edition has been greatly updated and expanded, with new chapters on complex filaments, the cell division cycle, the mechanisms of control and organization in the cell, and fluctuation phenomena. The textbook is now in full color which enhances the diagrams and allows the inclusion of new microscopy images. With around 280 end-of-chapter exercises exploring further applications, this textbook is ideal for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in physics and biomedical engineering. A website hosted by the author contains extra support material, diagrams and lecture notes, and is available at www.cambridge.org/Boal.Trade ReviewReviews of the first edition: 'In Mechanics of the Cell David Boal explains the mechanical properties of the biopolymers found within cells … for graduate students in the general field and for biotechnologists required to consider added dimensions to their work it represents a comprehensive text that ought to make it a standard reference for many years.' Ian Jones, Chemistry in Britain'If we were really honest with ourselves, most of us would have to admit that we often take the humble biological cell for granted … David Boal describes the architecture of the biological cell's internal and external structure in extensive detail … This book is highly detailed; by virtue of the incredibly complex mechanics underlying the specialised properties of biological cells, it needs to be!' Kevin Coward, Biologist'This book is by a physicist attempting to get across the underlying physical principles behind biological structures … a very useful text, which fills a hole in the literature, and will serve as a useful reference for a number of years to come.' John Seddon, Chemistry IndustryTable of ContentsPreface; List of symbols; 1. Introduction to the cell; 2. Soft materials and fluids; Part I. Rods and Ropes: 3. Polymers; 4. Complex filaments; 5. Two-dimensional networks; 6. Three-dimensional networks; Part II. Membranes: 7. Biomembranes; 8. Membrane undulations; 9. Intermembrane and electrostatic forces; Part III. The Whole Cell: 10. Structure of the simplest cells; 11. Dynamic filaments; 12. Growth and division; 13. Signals and switches; Appendixes; Glossary; References; Index.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAddressing general readers and biologists, this title shows how the physics of fluids (in this case, air and water) influences the often fantastic ways in which life forms adapt themselves to their terrestrial or aquatic 'media'.Trade ReviewWinner of the 1993 Award for Best New Book, Professional and Scholarly Division of the American Association of Univeristy Publishers "Seldom does one come across a science book that weighs 1.5 kg, is packed with information, and yet makes fascinating reading from cover to cover... [Denny] relates the ability of living organisms to exist, move, and function to the bulk physical properties of the two substrates peculiar to Earth: air and water... The biological examples are beautifully chosen and the author displays a fine sense of humor."--Felix Franks, Nature "This is an interesting and fascinating book for the biologist and environmental scientist, who are often faced with the problem of resolving the interactions between organisms and their environment but rarely have an adequate or sufficiently detailed knowledge of the underlying physical principles to achieve a satisfactory resolution. In considering the interdependence between the physics of air and water, and the functional biology of the organisms which have evolved and adapted to terrestrial or aquatic environments, Denny has focused our attention on how the differences in many attributes of life, such as size and shape, can be explained by the physics of fluids."--Dennis A. Baker, The Times Higher Education Supplement

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany remarkable medical technologies, diagnostic tools, and treatment methods have emerged as a result of modern physics discoveries in the last century--including X-rays, radiation treatment, laser surgery, high-resolution ultrasound scans, computerized tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. This undergraduate-level textbook descriTrade Review"Applications of Modern Physics in Medicine fills an important need: it explains the physics principals behind commonly used medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to scientists, engineers, and technicians working in the field. The necessary basic physics is discussed clearly and simply in early chapters and then used effectively and convincingly in later chapters covering medical applications. This lovely book should lead to the creation of new physics courses all over the world."—Gerald Miller, University of Washington"With a refreshing and accessible style, this textbook grounds medical physics in familiar physical principles, making it useful for undergraduate physics teaching. This book will have a place in a wide range of biomedical science courses and medical physics undergraduate modules, and as supplementary reading for medical doctors, radiographers, and other health professionals." —Mike Partridge, Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology and Biology, University of Oxford"Bridging the gap between the fundamental concepts of modern physics and medical technology in modern medicine, this book encompasses large numbers of topics from X-rays and gamma rays to lasers, MRI, ultrasound, and therapeutic applications of modern physics technologies. It will serve as a good introductory text to students in biomedical engineering, medical physics, health physics, and biophysics."—Terry T. Yoshizumi, Duke University School of MedicineTable of ContentsPreface and Guide to Using This Book xi Technical Abbreviations xv Timeline of Seminal Discoveries in Modern Physics xvii Timeline of Discoveries and Inventions in Modern Medical Physics xix Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Overview 1 1.2 The Meaning of the Term Modern Physics 5 1.3 Mortality 6 1.4 How to Use This Book 7 Exercises 8 Chapter 2 When You Visit Your Doctor: The Physics of the "Vital Signs" 2.1 Introduction 10 2.2 Stethoscope 11 2.3 Sphygmomanometer and Blood Pressure 12 2.4 Electrocardiogram 15 2.5 Physics and Physiology of Diet, Exercise, and Weight 17 Exercises 21 Chapter 3 Particles, Waves, and the Laws that Govern Them 3.1 What Is Modern Physics? 22 3.2 Light: Particle or Wave? 25 3.3 Atoms 30 3.4 Lasers 41 3.5 Relativity 45 3.6 Nuclei 53 3.7 X-Rays and Radioactivity 63 Exercises 80 Chapter 4 Photon and Charged-Particle Interactions with a Medium 4.1 Overview 84 4.2 Mean Free Path and Cross Sections 85 4.3 Photon Interactions 87 4.4 Electron and Positron Interactions 98 Exercises 104 Chapter 5 Interactions of Radiation with Living Tissue 5.1 Introduction 107 5.2 Cell Death Due to DNA Radiation Damage 108 5.3 Dependence of Cell Survival on the Dose 112 5.4 Low Doses of Radiation 116 5.5 Radiation Dose versus Altitude 119 Exercises 121 Chapter 6 Diagnostic Applications I: Photons and Radionuclides 6.1 Overview 122 6.2 Photons 122 6.3 X-Rays and Gamma Rays 133 6.4 Radionuclides 156 6.5 Novel Ideas for Nuclear Imaging 166 Exercises 168 Chapter 7 Diagnostic Applications II: MRI and Ultrasound 7.1 Overview 171 7.2 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) 172 7.3 Ultrasound 199 7.4 Multimodal Imaging 220 Exercises 224 Chapter 8 Applications in Treatment 8.1 Overview 226 8.2 Treatment with Radiation 226 8.3 Treatment with Particles 233 8.4 Treatment with Ultrasound 239 8.5 Treatment with Microwaves 244 8.6 Treatment with Lasers 244 Exercises 246 Appendix A Constants, Powers of 10, and Conversions Mentioned in the Text Fundamental Constants 247 Powers of 10 and Their Prefixes 247 Conversion Factors and Equations 248 Appendix B Mortality Modeling 251 Appendix C Evaluation of the Sound Field from One Transducer Far-field (Fraunhofer) Region 255 Near-field (Fresnel) Region 257 Notes 261 Index 267

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffers a look into how the characteristics of the physical world drive the designs of animals and plants. This title contains information related to functional biology. Drawing examples from creatures of land, air, and water, it demonstrates the many uses of biological diversity and how physical forces impact biological organisms.Trade Review"If what you desire in a readable science book is food for thought, Glimpses of Creatures in their Physical Worlds provides a feast. Biologists, engineers, and physicists--indeed, anyone with curiosity about the natural world--will revel in this smorgasbord of biomechanical ideas."--Mark Denny, American Scientist "Such a book could be written only by someone with a rich knowledge of biomechanics, and Vogel, an emeritus professor of biology at Duke University, fits the bill. Considered one of the founders of the biomechanics community in the US, his distinguished research career has focused on organism-fluid interactions and such diverse topics as the behavior of leaves in the wind, passive ventilation of prairie-dog burrows, and airflow through the branching antennae of some moths. His breadth of knowledge is clearly reflected in the examples presented and the creative thought embodied in Glimpses of Creatures in Their Physical Worlds. Vogel uses the same approachable, entertaining writing style... [T]his book is sure to serve as an inspiring entry into the field of biomechanics."--Stacey Combes, Physics Today "It is a fine book and emphasizes important relationships too often neglected."--Choice "As ever, Vogel is inspiring and his insights are remarkable."--Henry Bennet-Clark, BioScienceTable of ContentsPreface vii Chapter One: Two Ways to Move Material 1 Chapter Two: The Bioballistics of Small Projectiles 18 Chapter Three: Getting Up to Speed 39 Chapter Four: Moving Heat Around 58 Chapter Five: Maintaining Temperature 80 Chapter Six: Gravity and Life in the Air 95 Chapter Seven: Gravity and Life on the Ground 116 Chapter Eight: Gravity and Life in Water 141 Chapter Nine: Making and Maintaining Liquid Water 164 Chapter Ten: Pumping Fluids through Conduits 184 Chapter Eleven: To Twist or Bend When Stressed 209 Chapter Twelve: Keeping Up Upward and Down Downward 232 List of Symbols 259 References and Index of Citations 263 Index 289

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffers important lessons about the opportunities for quantitative, physics-style experiments on diverse biological phenomena. This title emphasizes the unifying power of abstract physical principles to motivate advanced experiments on biological systems. It covers a range of biological phenomena from the physicist's perspective.Trade ReviewWilliam Bialek, Winner of the 2013 Swartz Prize for Theoretical and Computational Neuroscience, Society for Neuroscience "[T]he book goes beyond being a structured material for readers to learn about biophysics; it takes readers on an incredible journey in discovering fascinating ways in which biological phenomena can be viewed and studied. The technical adroitness and more importantly, the unique way of thinking about biological problems, in the reviewer's opinion, makes the book a must-read for any aspiring biophysicists."--Angie Ma, Contemporary Physics "[P]hysicists who are seeking an exciting intellectual path through the complexity of biology will deeply appreciate Bialek's clear vision of the big ideas and his expert guidance through their many applications."--Stephen J. Hagen, Physics Today "The book is well crafted, linking the historic work of the 'giants', e.g. Helmholtz with his seminal view of vision and hearing, with latest and trendy research, exemplified by the use of information theory in biology."--Robert Endres, Biological Physics Group NewsletterTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix PART I EXPLORING THE PHENOMENA 1. Introduction 3 *1.1 About Our Subject 3 *1.2 About This Book 11 2. Photon Counting in Vision 17 *2.1 A First Look 17 *2.2 Dynamics of Single Molecules 51 *2.3 Biochemical Amplification 68 *2.4 The First Synapse and Beyond 97 *2.5 Coda 115 3. Lessons, Problems, Principles 117 PART II CANDIDATE PRINCIPLES 4. Noise Is Not Negligible 127 *4.1 Fluctuations and Chemical Reactions 127 *4.2 Motility and Chemotaxis in Bacteria 149 *4.3 Molecule Counting, More Generally 172 *4.4 More about Noise in Perception 192 *4.5 Proofreading and Active Noise Reduction 218 *4.6 Perspectives 245 5. No Fine Tuning 247 *5.1 Sequence Ensembles 248 *5.2 Ion Channels and Neuronal Dynamics 279 *5.3 The States of Cells 299 *5.4 Long Time Scales in Neural Networks 329 *5.5 Perspectives 349 6. Efficient Representation 353 *6.1 Entropy and Information 354 *6.2 Noise and Information Flow 369 *6.3 Does Biology Care about Bits? 395 *6.4 Optimizing Information Flow 421 *6.5 Gathering Information and Making Models 449 *6.6 Perspectives 467 7. Outlook 469 Appendix Some Further Topics 473 * A.1 Poisson Processes 473 * A.2 Correlations, Power Spectra, and All That 484 * A.3 Diffraction and Biomolecular Structure 495 * A.4 Electronic Transitions in Large Molecules 503 * A.5 The Kramers Problem 512 * A.6 Berg and Purcell, Revisited 521 * A.7 Maximum Entropy 533 * A.8 Measuring Information Transmission 545 Annotated Bibliography 557 Index 625

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"From Photon to Neuron: Light, Imaging, Vision completes a trilogy begun by Biological Physics and Physical Models of Living Systems. Those works establish Nelson as the preeminent author of textbooks at the intersection of physics and biology. . . . Nelson uses words, pictures, formulas, and code to teach students how to construct models and interpret data. His books provide a master class in how to integrate those four different approaches into a complete learning experience."---Bradley Roth, Physics Today"A thorough and sweeping tour from the fundamental physics of light to the neurobiology of the retina, with many asides into modern advances in imaging. Lavishly illustrated and carefully explained. . . . The book itself is a gem."---Sönke Johnsen, American Journal of Physics"As elegant as it is deep. A masterful tour of the science of light and vision, it goes beyond artificial boundaries between disciplines and presents all aspects of light as it appears in physics, chemistry, biology and the neural sciences. . . . In the same way that the author instructs non-physics students in some basic physics concepts and tools, he also provides physicists with accessible and very clear presentations of many biological phenomena involving light. . . . One of the most insightful, cross-disciplinary texts I have read in many years. It is mesmerising and will become a landmark in rigorous, but highly accessible interdisciplinary literature."---Luis Alvarez-Gaumé, CERN Courier

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Hiesinger elegantly moves through a variety of topics, ranging from biological development to AI and ending with a discussion of the advances that deep neural networks have brought to the field of brain-machine interfaces."---Kamila Maria Jóźwik, Science"Hiesinger suggests that instead of looking at the brain from an endpoint perspective, we should study how information encoded in the genome is transformed to become the brain as we grow. . . . The Self-Assembling Brain is organized as a series of seminar presentations interspersed with discussions between a robotics engineer, a neuroscientist, a geneticist, and an AI researcher. The thought-provoking conversations help to understand the views and the holes of each field on topics related to the mind, the brain, intelligence, and AI."---Ben Dickson, TechTalks"For anyone interested in the brain, or AI, or any of the myriad of branches and subbranches of each, I would highly recommend this!"---Jonathan Shock, Mathemafrica

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Hands down the most beautiful book I’ve ever read. . . . The intersection of biology and physics might be the most underappreciated cross-over in the sciences."---Nicole Barbaro, Bookmarked"The author's style is mostly captivating, and the illustrations provide unique support . . . Parthasarathy's commitment regarding the importance of education about scientific discovery and its place in today's world is evident throughout."---F. W. Yow, Choice

Read more less