Book Description

The hidden dangers surrounding us.

Despite the confident strides of modern science, the threat of deadly unseen organisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi still grip the imagination with their ferocious intensity.

For instance, resistant strains of bacteria can now survive the strongest antibiotics and deadly new biological weapons are being cooked up in laboratories worldwide.

Microterrors explores these threats as well as humanity's greatest living rivals that have been on the planet far longer than we have.

The introduction covers terms, definitions and a brief natural history, including the role of viruses in human evolution, as well as bioengineering and biological weapons. Microterrors then presents the truly terrifying rogues' gallery of invisible killers.

Dramatic life-like digital illustrations and computer-colored electron images provide mug book profiles of hundreds of naturally occurring and bioengineered microterrors, including: - Ebola, bubonic plague, cholera, malaria - Bacteria: pneumonia, anthrax, botulism - Viruses: HIV, hepatitis, common cold - Fungi and blood and tissue diseases.

Each entry includes concise facts such as date of discovery and place of origin, period of incubation, symptoms and length of suffering, likelihood of death, treatments, vaccines and cures. ... Read more

Book Description

This text was designed for an introductory one-semester course in biological electron microscopy and is intended to provide an introduction to all of the major technical approaches for sample preparation and instrumentation utilization to answer cytological questions. It covers conventional light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, intermediate and high voltage transmission electron microscopy, digital imaging and telemedicine, cryotechniques, fixation protocols, cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry, photography and photomicroscopy.

The text is organized with a survey of each subject, and a techniques section, where appropriate, with tried-and-true methods that will produce publishable results. The theory behind various technical approaches is provided to help the reader troubleshoot problems.

While the techniques sections are not meant to be encyclopaedic, they should serve as a broadly applicable starting point for a variety of approaches to cytological research. ... Read more

Book Description

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is part of a range of emerging microscopic methods for biologists which offer the magnification range of both the light and electron microscope, but allow imaging under the 'natural' conditions usually associated with the light microscope. To biologists AFM offers the prospect of high resolution images of biological material, images of molecules and their interactions even under physiological conditions, and the study of molecular processes in living systems. This book provides a realistic appreciation of the advantages and limitations of the technique and the present and future potential for improving the understanding of biological systems. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A powerful tool in biological sciences
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one technique in a family of new microscopies called scanning probe microscopies (SPMs) which has recently opened a wide range of novel, fascinating applications for biologists (biochemists, biophysicists, cell biologists, microbiologists,...). This book provides an excellent survey of those applications. It is nicely illustrated with numerous images from leading experts in the field. Clear descriptions of the apparatus and its basic principles are provided in a way accessible to students/scientists that do not have a strong physics background. This book will be useful to biologists, but also non-biologists dealing with biosystems, to evaluate the advantages and limitations of AFM in their specific field and to define appropriate procedures that will lead them to successful experiments.

Unravelling Biological Applications of SPM
"Atomic Force Microscopy for Biologists" is an excellent introduction for anybody wishing to enter this field. Nearly all aspects are covered. The book opens with an overview of the theory behind Atomic Force Microscopy and the different modes of use. This is presented in a concise manner without over-reliance on complex mathematical equations. Unlike many other volumes, practical advice on sample preparation techniques is provided for common systems such as proteins, cells and DNA. A comprehenive review of leading research in this area at the time of publication is sectioned by biomaterial type. Different approaches to imaging are tackled. The text is supported by numerous supporting images.

In summary I would strongly recommend this book to any biologist planning on carrying out research using SPM imaging technqiues and existing users in the field who wish to broaden their knowledge of SPM imaging and the research already carried out n common biological systems. ... Read more

Book Description

Imaging has become a vital tool for researchers in all aspects of biology. Recent advances in microscope technology, labeling techniques and gene and protein manipulation methods have led to breakthroughs in our understanding of biological processes. In order to take advantage of these techniques, biologists need to understand the fundamental techniques of microscopy. The methods found here, drawn from the popular laboratory standard manuals Cells: A Laboratory Manual and Live Cell Imaging provide a solid course in the basics of using the microscope in a biology laboratory.

Basic Methods in Microscopy provides an essential guide to light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy and electron microscopy, preparation of tissues and cells, labeling of specimens and analysis of cellular events.

This manual is an important tool for any biology researcher employing imaging as a research method. ... Read more

Book Description

There is an ever-increasing number of genes that have been sequenced but are of completely unknown function. The ability to determine the location of such gene products within the cell, either by the use of antibodies or by the production of chimeras with green fluorescent protein, is a vital step towards understanding what they do. This is one major reason why fluorescence microscopy is enjoying a revival. This guide provides detailed, practical advice on all aspects of the subject: from choosing the right equipment, to interpreting results. It balances the advantages of a wide range of techniques-- including live cell work--against the potential pitfalls, offering invaluable "tricks of the trade" along the way. ... Read more

Book Description

The use of fluorescent and luminescent probes to measure biological function has increased dramatically since publication of the First Edition due to their improved speed, safety, and power of analytical approach. This eagerly awaited Second Edition, also edited by Bill Mason, contains 19 new chapters and over two thirds new material, and is a must for all life scientists using optical probes.
The contents include discussion of new optical methodologies for detection of proteins, DNA and other molecules, as well as probes for ions, receptors, cellular components, and gene expression. Emerging and advanced technologies for probe detection such as confocal laser scanning microscopy are also covered. This book will be essential for those embarking on work in the field or using new methods to enhance their research.

TOPICS COVERED:
* Single and multiphoton confocal microscopy
* Applications of green fluorescent protein and chemiluminescent reporters to gene expression studies
* Applications of new optical probes for imaging proteins in gels
* Probes and detection technologies for imaging membrane potential in live cells
* Use of optical probes to detect microorganisms
* Raman and confocal raman microspectroscopy
* Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
* Digital CCD cameras and their application in biological microscopy ... Read more

Book Description

In the past decade, advances in microscopy have been coupled with new methods of culturing and labeling cells to generate the new science of imaging. Imaging technologies allow investigators to look directly inside living cells and probe their form and function in unprecedented detail. This approach is revolutionizing many aspects of biomedical research, particularly neuroscience, in which visual techniques have traditionally been so important.

This manual is the first comprehensive description of the range of imaging technologies being applied to living cells. With its origins in a laboratory course taught at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory by the editors and contributors, it is packed with the kind of technical detail and practical advice that are essential for success, yet seldom found in the research literature. It covers both established methods and cutting-edge techniques such as multi-photon excitation microscopy and imaging of genetically engineered probes. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Many Faces of Neuronal Imaging
A must have for any neuroscientist interested in the imaging of neurons.This manual has several chapters focusing on the most up-to-date neurophysiological and neuroanatomical techniques used commonly and uncommonly. The book discusses the full gamut of techniques and how they are applied to hypotheses on neural function.Fluorescent photolysis of caged neurotransmitters, optical imaging using laser scanning, multi-photon laser confocal microscopy, and fMRI are all covered in depth.The best feature of this book is that it is written concisely with several pertinent references at the conclusion of each chapter for easy reference.It does not deal directly with the fabrication and usage of intracellular recording pipettes which is adequately covered in books like R.D. Purves. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by three leading experts in the field, this textbook describes and explains all aspects of the scanning probe microscopy. Emphasis is placed on the experimental design and procedures required to optimize the performance of the various methods. Scanning Probe Microscopy covers not only the physical principles behind scanning probe microscopy but also questions of instrumental designs, basic features of the different imaging modes, and recurring artifacts. The intention is to provide a general textbook for all types of classes that address scanning probe microscopy. Third year undergraduates and beyond should be able to use it for self-study or as textbook to accompany a course on probe microscopy. Furthermore, it will be valuable as reference book in any scanning probe microscopy laboratory. Novel applications and the latest important results are also presented, and the book closes with a look at the future prospects of scanning probe microscopy, also discussing related techniques in nanoscience. Ideally suited as an introduction for graduate students, the book will also serve as a valuable reference for practising researchers developing and using scanning probe techniques. ... Read more

Book Description

Beginning with a complete discussion of the fundamentals of dielectric spectroscopy, this book examines in detail the methods used in data modeling and in such specialized techniques as high-frequency dielectric measurements and thermally stimulated currents. The book covers applications in a range of polymeric systems, includings solutions, blends, and liquid crystals. ... Read more

Book Description

Biomedical Applications of Microprobe Analysis is a combination reference/laboratory manual for the use of microprobe analysis in both clinical diagnostic and research settings. Also called microchemical microscopy, microprobe analysis uses high-energy bombardment of cells and tissue, in combination with high resolution EM or confocal microscopy to provide a profile of the ion, metal, and mineral concentrations present in a sample. This allows insight into the physiology and pathophysiology of a wide variety of cells and tissues.
This book describes methods for obtaining detailed information about the identity and composition of particles too small to be seen with the naked eye and describes how this information can be useful in diagnostic and biomedical research.

Key Features
* Up-to-date review of electron microprobe analysis
* Detailed descriptions of sample preparation techniques
* Recent technologies including confocal microscopy, infrared microspectroscopy, and laser raman spectroscopy
* Over 100 illustrations with numerous specific applications
* Contributions by world-renowned experts in the field
* Brief summary of highlights precedes each chapter ... Read more

Book Description

QuickBASIC Programming for Scientists and Engineers teaches computer programming from the ground up with Microsoft QuickBASIC, a modern, fast, easy-to-learn programming language. Examples used throughout the book are useful for students and professionals in chemistry, physics, and engineering.The book covers the basics and then proceeds to more sophisticated programs using a disk (enclosed with the book) containing pretested procedures for important operations such as Graphing (screen, printers, plotters)Data entry/edit/save/retrieveFile managementLinear regressionNonlinear regressionCubic spline interpolationRomberg integrationDifferential equationsFourier transform.With these routines, you get many of the advantages of a spreadsheet, but with a simpler, more powerful programming language.QuickBASIC Programming for Scientists and Engineers shows you what these routines do and how to use them effectively.Because the book provides the source code, you can even customize these routines to suit your specific needs.The modules disk runs on any IBM© or compatible microcomputer with a graphics board, 640K RAM, DOS 3.0 or higher, and a copy of Microsoft QuickBASIC (version 4.0 or higher).The book is perfect for any scientist or engineering professional who needs to learn QuickBASIC programming quickly and easily. ... Read more

Book Description

The investigation and manipulation of matter on the atomic scale have been revolutionized by scanning tunneling microscopy and related scanning probe techniques. This book is the first to provide a clear and comprehensive introduction to this subject. Beginning with the theoretical background of scanning tunneling microscopy, the design and instrumentation of practical STM and associated systems are described in detail, including topographic imaging, local tunneling barrier height measurements, tunneling spectroscopy, and local potentiometry. A treatment of the experimental techniques used in scanning force microscopy and other scanning probe techniques rounds out this section.The second part discusses representative applications of these techniques in fields such as condensed matter physics, chemistry, materials science, biology, and nanotechnology, so this book will be extremely valuable to upper-division students and researchers in these areas. ... Read more

Book Description

Automatic image analysis has become an important tool in many fields of biology, medicine, and other sciences. Since the first edition of Image Analysis: Methods and Applications, the development of both software and hardware technology has undergone quantum leaps. For example, specific mathematical filters have been developed for quality enhancement of original images and for extraction of specific features of interest. Also, more complex programs have been developed for the analysis of object forms in distinguishing cancer cells from normal tissue cells. Just as significant, three-dimensional analysis of proteins, organelles, or macroscopic objects is even more complex. In addition, recent space-based experiments have optimized techniques for the extraction of movement parameters of numerous motile objects. The second edition of Image Analysis: Methods and Applications addresses all these new developments. Moreover, two new chapters have been added. One focuses on images on the internet, and the other discusses microscope image restoration. These chapters add significantly to the existing body of information on Internet communication protocol and environment as well as to that on image file formats considerations. The materials also include a list of internet Web sites that pertain to digital images and software along with those that relate to image processing. With these considerations in mind, Image Analysis: Methods and Application, Second Edition is of incalculable value to professionals, academics, and users of all aspects of image analysis in biology and other areas of science. ... Read more

Book Description

This new text/reference presents an accessible, concise, but rather complete, introduction to the C++ programming language with special emphasis on object-oriented numeric computation for scientific and engineering program development. The description of the language is in compliance with ISO/ANSI standards and is platform independent for maximum versatility.Requiring only basic calculus and linear algebra as prerequisites, the book introduces concepts, techniques, and standard libraries of C++ in a manner that is easy to understand and uses such familiar examples as vectors, matrices, integrals, and complex numbers. It also contains an introduction to C++ programs for applications with many numberic methods that are fundamental to science and engineering computing: polynomial evaluation and interpolation; numeric integration; methods for solving nonlinear equations; systems of linear equations in full, band, and sparse matrix storage formats; and ordinary and partial differential equations. Numerous techniques and examples are provided on how to reduce (C and Fortran) run-time overhead and improve program efficiency.Topics and features: *concise coverage of C++ programming concepts with object-oriented emphasis*numerous examples, coding tools, sample programs and exercises for reinforcement and self-study purposes*develops and uses basic and advanced features, as well as standard libraries of C++*covers many fundamental numeric methods for scientific and engineering computing applications*downloadable user-defined numeric linear algebra library available from author web siteWith an accessible style, intuitive topic development, and numerous examples, the book is an excellent resource and guide to the power, versatility and efficiency of C++ programming for numeric computing applications. Advanced students, practitioners and professionals in computer science, engineering and scientific computing in general will find the book a practical guide and resource for their work and applications program development. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

best introduction to c++
yang's book is unique in several ways. first, it is a concise introduction to the c++ programming language. at less than 440 pages, it contains broader coverage of the language than many books twice its size. the material on templates is particularly good. the in-depth discussion of performance issues is rare in a introductory text, and unheard of in such a small book. finally, the prose is very clear. i highly recommend this book for intermediate programmers who are fluent in another language (for me perl and java), but need to learn c++.

A very good book on C++
This is a very well-written book on C++. It has less than 500 pages, but contains almost everything a C++ programmer needs to know. It provides a comprephensive coverage, concrete examples, and code snippets -- from C++ basics to its standard libraries, and to many advanced techniques such as deferred evaluation for operator overloading, expression templates, template metaprograms, and replacing certain virtual functions by static polymorphism (for efficiency reasons ). I have not seen these techiques in other C++ books I have read, including the most authoritative ones, where operator overloading and templates are used in straightforward ways. The author even gives a very good explanation on pointers, which I found very usefull in my signal and image processing project, where two and three dimensional arrays have to be dynamically allocated (using double and triple pointers). I strongly recommend this book to any C++ programmer who want intellectual stimulation and a deeper understanding of advanced C++ techniques.

It's an OK book but no more than that and here's why:
The problem with this book, in my view, is that it attempts to cover two separate grounds in one shot and consequently fails to do justice to either.

The C++ part of the book (the book is mostly about C++, make no mistake about it -- it is a C++ tutorial of sorts) is insufficiently extensive, deep, it's too cursory, I feel. Even though I do not particularly cherish BS's TCPL as a tutorial, I would still recommend it over Yang's book. As a C++ programmer you have to have TCPL anyway... (I'm sure there are other good C++ tutorials now, I'm simply not current here anymore so I mention TCPL because it's famous and everyone will know what I'm talking about.)

As far as numeric programming, there's so little and I would say, accidental (selection of topics) in this book that it is definitely insufficient to give a good grounding in the area. I looked at this book when I was searching for something on numerical computing, and I found it inadequate in that department.

If you need to learn C++, get a book that teaches C++ and nothing more; it's important to work through a careful, understandable, unhurried tutorial -- with many examples, covering everything; a book like that is bound to be sizeable even w/o anything numeric in it. And when you're ready to learn numeric programming, get *another* book, something that deals exclusively with "numericity". A few good options come to mind: Fowler's book is based on C++ as well, but assumes that the reader already knows it and doesn't need handholding; it is all about numerical calculations and it does achieve its goal (in the C++ context). This book is very practical, a lot of code in there. Otoh, if you have time, you may want to get something even more fundamental, something on numerical analysis (which is bound to be more mathematical with less programming in it); there are tons of books like that; I think the two-volume work by Hueberhuber (Springer, if I'm not mistaken) is very good, and still not terribly academic.

In other words, I like to approach different things separately: when learning C++, concentrate on C++; when getting into numerics, stick with numerics for a while w/o distraction; do one thing at a time and use the best and most appropriate to the task and personal taste materials you can find. Trying to save effort by mixing all things together will backfire -- due both to the likely mental confusion, AND having to use textbooks of a lower quality. Remember the story of a Zen teacher who told that studying with him takes seven years, and when an impatient student asked how long it will take if he works REAL hard and studies day and night, replied: then 14 years.

At the same time, I can't say the book is bad; I think it's well written; the problem, in my view, has more to do with its intent, conceptual design, than the actual exposition or correctness; perhaps it's good to have it in addition to other books... though if you have, say, TCPL *and* a good text on numerics, I can't see why you'd need to.

This book manages OOP with numeric methods
As a C++ programmer, familiar to both numeric programming and RAD programming, I must say that this book is the best choice for anyone searching for a clear introduction to C++, OOP focused on numeric programming. Many books lack of numeric examples or OOP concepts, while Yang's book manage to balance them with uncommon sucess. A great book!

excellent c++ introduction
If you are already a c++ expert and only looking for knowledge about numeric computing, this book is not for you because 80% of the book is about c++ rather than numeric computing. However, if you want to learn c++, you picked an excellent one for that matter. The author did a very good job to introduce c++ step by step. Every example is precise and right to the point. There is no garbage but full of useful information. That's why although the book is not big, the contents of the book covers almost all the important c++ features.
While I still believe c++ Primer and The c++ Programming Language are the best c++ book for reference, I would rate this one as the best c++ introduction book. ... Read more

Book Description

Remarkably sustained advances in the development of new lasers and their applications in spectroscopy have prompted this revised and expanded edition of the highly successful Introduction to Laser Spectroscopy, first published in 1995. In the new edition the editors have preserved the basic concept and structure, with the involvement of some new authors - all recognized experts in laser spectroscopy. Each chapter addresses a different technique, providing a review and analysis of the current status, and reporting some of the latest achievements. With the key formulas and methods detailed in many sections, this text represents a practicable handbook of its subject. It will be a valuable tool both for specialists to keep abreast of developments and for newcomers to the field needing an accessible introduction to specific methods of laser spectroscopy - and also as a resource for primary references.

The first two chapters lay out the technical details of the main laser systems now employed for spectroscopy, and then the principles and applications of absorption and fluorescence measurements. Following a description of Raman scattering, the development of pump-probe techniques is then traced. The next chapters deal more specifically with applications of laser-induced fluorescence, first addressing diagnostics for biochemical systems, and then applications to ordered systems. The use of tunable infrared lasers for the spectroscopy of transient species is discussed in the next chapter, followed by an introduction to optical nonlinearity focusing on its surface applications. The utilisation of nonlinear optics for tunable ultraviolet generation is then described and the penultimate chapter gives a description of femtosecond laser ionisation applied in mass spectrometry. The book concludes with a survey of the environmental applications of laser remote sensing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Taken from ChemPhysChem; October 2003
This book not only gives an overview of the basic principles but also reports about novelties in this research area mainly due to the development of new lasers. Despite the fact that there are several other books available dealing with the same subject, this book covers, in some chapters, recent state-of-the-art techniques which can't be found that way in other monographs but have gained in importance in recent years. The book is suited for undergraduate as well as graduate students in physics or chemistry, and for scientists who are planning to become active in this research area. I beleive that this book can provide useful illustrations for instructors in these fields who have to teach the subject to graduate or PhD students. For every reader this book provides a pedagogical approach to this research field which has gained or will still gain more and more importance in the recent or upcoming years, respectively.

Reviewed by Jurgen Popp, Friedrich-Schiller University, Germany ... Read more

Book Description

This book provides insight into all important fields in bioinformatics including sequence analysis, expression analysis, structural biology, proteomics and network analysis. Many of the leading scientists in the field have contributed chapters to topics of which range from genome sequence determination and its analysis, to the analysis of transcripts and proteins with the final aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the complex networks cells must obey to in order to live. The book has been compiled for the increasing number of scientists and researchers working in bioinfomatics and genome analysis worldwide who would like not only to get an overview but who also enjoy reading about the latest results in this exciting field. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

micrographia
Hooke's greatest work documents a superbly curious mind at the height of its powers. The official experimenter of the Royal Society had his hand in most of the significant projects of the early sci. rev. but it is in microscopy that he made his biggest mark with these drawings made from his own observations. There is something exhilerating for all of those who prefer the small and exquisite over the cosmic and grandiose in Hooke's advertisement for the beauty of the fly.
His other observations ranging from the nature of sparks to gravity catch his lively intellect on the wing. It is a pity that Dover did not make this book either prettier to look at or quite a lot cheaper. The cover is appalling and the reproductions of the text and plates below scratch. A general introduction might have been welcome too; a treatment of Hooke the eternal puzzler and artist rather than the controversial crank who squabbled famously with Newton and Huygens over priority issues( the latter tediously covered in the new Jardine book which should be avoided). Still, it is nice to have this great book in print. ... Read more