Book Description

This authoritative volume, ideal for use in the laboratory, presents the practical and theoretical fundamentals of scanning and transmission electron microscopy--together in one convenient volume. Clear and concise explanations coupled with instructive diagrams and photographs guide you through microscope operation, image production, analytical techniques, and potential applications to various disciplines.Specimen preparation is discussed in detail, with emphasis on specific parameters for biological specimens.Since each laboratory has its own procedures, this unique book covers the essentials of scanning and transmission electron microscopy while leaving the laboratory particulars to individual discretion.Unmatched in scope and clarity--and filled with helpful diagrams, photographs, and drawings--this text offers the best introduction to scanning and transmission electron microscopy available.Due to its comprehensive coverage, the book will serve as an ideal course text in the electron microscopy classes organized for the benefit of advanced students in both the biological and physical sciences. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great intro to SEM/TEM!
As an SEM/EDS (read the book) process engineer working with technicians at many different levels, I have found this book to be an invaluable resource. It is written at very basic level making it accessible to anyone, with or without a scientific background. Whenever someone wants to know more about how the SEM functions then I can tell them in a five minute spiel, I give them a copy of this book. The material is slightly dated (early 90's technology), but is still relevant to anyone in the field today. A great book on all of the basics. ... Read more

Book Description

This extensive undertaking, Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, conducts an elaborate and comprehensive summary of one of the foremost catalysts of progress in scientific research. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS), an innovative analytical technique, measures rare atoms at unprecedented levels of sensitivity, revolutionizing the science of radiocarbon dating and accessing new natural radioisotopes as environmental tracers and chronometers. This book demonstrates how AMS is applied in the studies of extraterrestrial materials, the earth sciences, the future of the global environment, and the history of mankind.This compendium also highlights the significant impact of AMS on several fields of scientific investigation, spurring remarkable studies in global climate change, ancient artifacts, pollution, nuclear safeguards, geochronology, and materials characterization. The myriad of sample types and variety of applications in this examination include:oMeteorites from MarsoAncient air trapped in Antarctic ice oThe Shroud of TurinoThe dating of human bonesoThe colonization of the Americas and AustraliaoAncient rock artoThe crown of CharlemagneoCancerogenic effects of cooked meatoThe consequences of the Chernobyl accidentoThe role of aluminum in Alzheimer's DiseaseThis unique edition has compiled the diverse set of scientific literature into a single volume, suitable as a text or resource on the major AMS-related outcomes, issues, and methods. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive treatment of the fundamental principles and applications of NEXAFS spectroscopy develops all concepts from an elementary level, presenting a unified picture of the latest theoretical and experimental results. The power of this technique is demonstrated, in particular, in the application to low-Z molecules bonded to surfaces, systems of special interest in surface chemistry, where NEXAFS reveals the electronic and structural properties of the molecules. While researchers and students without extensive prior knowledge of X-ray absorption spectroscopy are catered for by the systematic presentation of the underlying concept, practicing spectroscopists will find here details of state-of-the-art instrumentation in analysis techniques, and results, along with tabulated information about the various molecular adsorption systems that have already been studied by NEXAFS. ... Read more

Book Description

Since 1995, the noncontact atomic force microscope (NC-AFM) has achieved remarkable progress. Based on nanomechanical methods, the NC-AFM detects the weak attractive force between the tip of a cantilever and a sample surface. This method has the following characteristics: it has true atomic resolution; it can measure atomic force interactions, i.e. it can be used in so-called atomic force spectroscopy (AFS); it can also be used to study insulators; and it can measure mechanical responses such as elastic deformation. This is the first book that deals with all of the emerging NC-AFM issues.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

MATERIALS TODAY "This book gives a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of this dynamic force microscopy technique in 20 chapters, each written by experts in the field. It covers the theoretical basis, as well as applications to semiconducting surfaces, ionic crystals, metal oxides, and organic molecular systems including thin films, polymers, and nucleic acids . . . There are unsolved questions about the mechanisms responsible for atomic resolution but, as this well-written book displays, there has been tremendous progress in basic understanding of the technique and fascinating new applications continue to arise . . . With an increased understanding of NC-AFM, as demonstrated in this book, we are certain to see further progress in the near future." ... Read more

Book Description

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, one of the most powerful and flexible techniques available for the analysis and characterization of materials today, has gone through major changes during the past decade.
Fully revised and expanded by 30%, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Second Edition incorporates the latest industrial and scientific trends in all areas. It updates all previous material and adds new chapters on such topics as the history of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the design of X-ray spectrometers, state-of-the-art applications, and X-ray spectra.
Ron Jenkins draws on his extensive experience in training and consulting industry professionals for this clear and concise treatment, covering first the basic aspects of X rays, then the methodology of X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and available instrumentation. He offers a comparison between wavelength and energy dispersive spectrometers as well as step-by-step guidelines to X-ray spectrometric techniques for qualitative and quantitative analysis-from specimen preparation to real-world industrial application.
Favored by the American Chemical Society and the International Centre for Diffraction Data, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Second Edition is an ideal introduction for newcomers to the field and an invaluable reference for experienced spectroscopists-in chemical analysis, geology, metallurgy, and materials science.
An up-to-date review of X-ray spectroscopic techniques. This proven guidebook for industry professionals is thoroughly updated and expanded to reflect advances in X-ray analysis over the last decade. X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry, Second Edition includes:
* The history of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry-new to this edition.
* A critical review of the most useful X-ray spectrometers.
* Techniques and procedures for quantitative and qualitative analysis.
* Modern applications and industrial trends.
* X-ray spectra-new to this edition. ... Read more

Book Description

Recent advances in imaging technology reveal, in real time and great detail, critical changes in living cells and organisms. This manual is a compendium of emerging techniques, organized into two parts: specific methods such as fluorescent labeling, and delivery and detection of labeled molecules in cells; and experimental approaches ranging from the detection of single molecules to the study of dynamic processes in organelles, organs, and whole animals. Although presented primarily as a laboratory manual, the book includes introductory and background material and could be used as a textbook in advanced courses. It also includes a DVD containing movies of living cells in action, created by investigators using the imaging techniques discussed in the book.

The editors, David Spector and Robert Goldman, whose previous book was Cells: A Laboratory Manual, are highly respected investigators who have taught microscopy courses at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Marine Biology Laboratory at Woods Hole, and Northwestern University. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An Excellent Book for the Beginner and Intermediate Programm
I thought that the title was a bit grandiose. I would have thought a better title would have been: Introduction To C++ For Technical Applications. It does not have the depth of coverage for professional engineers and scientists.It would be ideal for budding engineers/scientists at high school, laboratory technicians and drafts persons etc. who are required to do complex, tedious and repititious computations. The author does not assume any knowledge of computers, programming or C++. A high school knowledge of algebra, trigonometry, inequalities and logarithms is all that is required. The text is easy to understand and is interspersed with style tips, bugs in programs, review questions with answers from which the reader can determine if he/she has understood the text and programming exercises of a technical nature. I was surprised that the chapter on Selection Statements, the Switch construct was omitted, also in the chapter on Loop Structures that the calculation converting degrees to radians was inside the loop. The chapter on Programmer-Defined Functions only discusses passing variables by value and omitting passing by reference, which means that the programmer can only return a single value. The section on disk file input/output is the best I have read, although it is marred by the fact that the author does not give a complete drive/directory/file example, so the reader would not know that a double back slash is required. An additional chapter on two dimensional arrays should have been included, since computations involving matrices are common place in engineering and science. I give the book 4 stars for the type of reader it is directed to. A useful companion to this book would be Schaum's Outlines Programming with C++ by J. R. Hubbard Phd, ISBN 0-07-135346-1 to fill in th gaps. Anyone using a Borland compiler must enter the following lines: cin >> "Press any key to continue"; getchr(); before the return statement, otherwise the fruits of the budding programmer's endevour will disappear before he/she has time to see it.

Excellent learning source for novices in C++ programming
I found this book to be very useful for learning C++, particularly since I am an utter novice whan it comes to programming. I found that this book gives a quick and easy introduction to C++ concepts. Early in the book, the reader is taught to do things that are very useful to scientists and engineers such as reading and generating data files, loops etc. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to develop simple routines quickly without reading painfully large tomes that get around to data files only around page 1000. The only minor negative is that this is a book that beginners will outgrow very soon. Also, there are some issues are not explained in any depth except that this is how it is done. But then again this book is only an introduction to C++ and a excellent one at that. Well done Prof. Etter, I survived Phase 1 in C++ as a result of this book! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Unacceptably naiive introduction - worthless
This book is less than worthless. It merely shows how to use matlab as a fancy calculator. It uses fancy terms in its chapters such as Weather Prediction, Flight Simulator, and what you get is a description of the random number generator !!
Totally unacceptable. You have been warned.

Not For Experienced Engineers and Scientists
While this "text" a good introduction to MATLAB, the title of this book is misleading. There is an introduction to the methodology for solving engineering problems, an indication that this book is intended for an audience not yet familiar with technical problem solving. Further, there is a companion set of instruction materials available from the author. Clearly, the content, format, and style are, in fact, an introduction to MATLAB for college students. Practicing technical people should look for another book. This text is, however, an adaquate introduction for the college student, or someone unfamiliar with solving engineering problems. Not all the capabilities and features of currently available versions of MATLAB are covered. If you are using MATLAB 5.0 or later, again, consider another reference.

A good start for MatLab
Very clear, well organized. Excellent for beginners using MatLab

Excellent Start-Up Guide
Etter's introduction, although written for V4, provides a quick and easy startup for using MATLAB. Starting from the very basics, you'll find your view of MATLAB change from a seemingly-unfriendly application to an effective engineering tool. A must for first time users! ... Read more

Book Description

Statistical analysis typically involves applying theoretically generated techniques to the description and interpretation of collected data. In this text, theory, application and interpretation are combined to present the entire biostatistical process for a series of elementary and intermediate analytic methods. The theoretical basis for each method is discussed with a minimum of mathematics and is applied to a research data example using a computer system called S-PLUS. This system produces concrete numerical results and increases one's understanding of the fundamental concepts and methodology of statistical analysis.

This text is not a computer manual, even though it makes extensive use of computer language to describe and illustrate applied statistical techniques. This makes the details of the statistical process readily accessible, providing insight into how and why a statistical method identifies the properties of sampled data. The first chapter gives a simple overview of the S-PLUS language. The subsequent chapters use this valuable statistical tool to present a variety of analytic approaches. Combining statistical logic, data and computer tools, the author explores such topics as random number generation, general linear models, estimation, analysis of tabular data, analysis of variance and survival analysis. The end result is a clear and complete explanation of the way statistical methods can help one gain an understanding of collected data.

Modern Applied Biostatistical Methods is unlike other statistical texts, which usually deal either with theory or with applications. It integrates the two elements into a single presentation of theoretical background, data, interpretation, graphics, and implementation. This all-around approach will be particularly helpful to students in various biostatistics and advanced epidemiology courses, and will interest all researchers involved in biomedical data analysis. ... Read more

Book Description

This textbook is an introduction to Scientific Computing, in which several numerical methods for the computer solution of certain classes of mathematical problems are illustrated. The authors show how to compute the zeros or the integrals of continuous functions, solve linear systems, approximate functions by polynomials and construct accurate approximations for the solution of differential equations. To make the presentation concrete and appealing, the programming environment Matlab is adopted as a faithful companion. All the algorithms introduced throughout the book are shown, thus furnishing an immediate quantitative assessment of their theoretical properties such as stability, accuracy and complexity. The book also contains the solution to several problems raised through exercises and examples, often originating from specific applications. A specific section is devoted to subjects which were not addressed in the book and indicate the bibliographical references for a more comprehensive treatment of the material. ... Read more

Book Description

Although methods and techniques that will help solve various analytical problems do exist, they are often difficult to perform. Using polarized light microscopy as the method of choice, Color Atlas and Manual of Microscopy for Criminalists, Chemists, and Conservators offers swift, simple, yet irrefutable analytical tests and testing procedures that can be used to identify organic and inorganic particles. Seasoned forensic microscopists Nicholas Petraco and Thomas Kubic have lent their expertise as consultants to forensic scientists, analytical chemists, art historians, pathologists, customs agents, detectives, gemologists, numismatists, and art conservators. Now they share their extensive photomicrograph collection of minute specimens along with clear, concise, and simple methods to help solve your analytical problems. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Okay, but could be better
This "atlas and manual" is okay, but could be better.

The many images entice the reader/viewer. However,
the detractions are numerous. For instance, there
is an over abundant usage of acronyms. Secondly, many
chapters are too few pages and followed by splattering
of references. This reader believes the authors are
displaying their bookshelf in the reference sections.
Thirdly, there are many redundant images and charts.
Fourthly, many of the schematics are unprofessional

graphics, as if drawn in MSPaint. Fifthly, the figures
on common minerals and their crystal systems confuses
the reader/viewer with their morphology. There are some
technical errors, such as stating that "fiber glass" is
made from "silicone dioxide" and it is a "natural" polymer.
"Silicone".....really! Finally, I shall be sure to purchase
"melt mount". ... Read more

Book Description

A comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date reference for the newcomer to radiopharmaceuticals and those already in the field.
Radiopharmaceuticals are used to detect and characterise disease processes, or normal biological function, in living cells, animals or humans. Used as tracer molecules, they map the distribution, uptake and metabolism of the molecule in clinical studies, basic research or applied research.

The area of radiopharmaceuticals is expanding rapidly. The number of PET centers in the world is increasing at 200er year, and many drug companies are utilising PET and other forms of
radiopharmaceutical imaging to evaluate products.

• Readers will find coverage on a number of important topics such as radionuclide production, PET and drug development, and regulations
• Explains how to use radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnosis and therapy of cancer and other diseases
• The editors and a majority of the contributors are from the United States

Reviews (1)

Good, but not in-depth
This book gave me a quick and readable introduction to the STEM. Good work on the writers' part.

However, this is a short book, and doesn't go into much detail. It would be a good book for someone just starting out in STEM, but anyone with STEM experience might find only a few bits and pieces of the book enlightening. ... Read more

Book Description

The third edition of this highly successful manual is not only a revised text but has been extended to meet the interpretive needs of Raman users as well as those working in the IR region. The result is a uniquely practical, comprehensive and detailed source for spectral interpretation. Combining in one volume, the correlation charts and tables for spectral interpretation for these two complementary techniques, this book will be of great benefit to those using or considering either technique.
In addition to the new Raman coverage the new edition offers:
* new section on macromolecules including synthetic polymers and biomolecules;
* expansion of the section on NIR (near infrared region) to reflect recent growth in this area;
* extended chapter on inorganic compounds including minerals and glasses;
* redrawn and updated charts plus a number of new charts covering data new to this edition.
This new edition will be invaluable in every industrial, university, government and hospital laboratory where infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectral data need to be analysed. ... Read more

Book Description

Practical Guide to Surface Science and Spectroscopy provides a practical introduction to surface science as well as describes the basic analytical techniques that researchers use to understand what occurs at the surfaces of materials and at their interfaces.These techniques include auger electron spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, inelastic scattering of electrons and ions, low energy electron diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and interfacial segregation.Understanding the behavior of materials at their surfaces is essential for materials scientists and engineers as they design and fabricate microelectronics and semiconductor devices.

The book gives over 100 examples, discussion questions and problems with varying levels of difficulty.Included with this book is a CD-ROM, which not only contains the same information, but also provides many elements of animation and interaction that are not easily emulated on paper.In diverse subject matters ranging from the operation of ion pumps, computer-assisted data acquisition to tapping mode atomic force microscopy, the interactive component is especially helpful in conveying difficult concepts and retention of important information.The succinct style and organization of this practical guide is ideal for anyone who wants to get up to speed on a given topic in surface spectroscopy or phenomenon within a reasonable amount of time.

Key Features
* Both theory and practice are emphasized
* Logical organization allows one to get up to speed on any given topic quickly
* Numerous examples, questions for discussion and practice problems are included
* The CD includes animation and interactive elements that help to convey difficult concepts ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very valuable discussion of science, method, technology-STS
Very valuable discussion of science; science, technology, & society (STS)

I consider this short book by Professor Bauer a must read for any person, scientist or non-scientist, who wants a concise but thorough discussion of the way science works, and of the myth, really ideal, of the scientific method, and most importantly, of what the author calls STS: science, technology, and society. I found the book remarkable because Professor Bauer is a practicing scientist, yet he delineates a philosophy of science from a very objective, dispassionate point of view. While he rightly praises science much in the last chapter, most of the rest of the book focuses not only on the limitations of science and scientific knowledge, but which sciences really are and are not scientific as he defines it. Clearly the fact that Professor Bauer has been the dean of arts and sciences at Virginia Tech has given him a balance between science and the arts, and has allowed him to see science both as an insider and an outsider.

Thus the main thrust of the book is to show that what is most vital for the layperson is not to attempt to become "scientifically literate," which the author claims would be a very time-consuming task, even for a college student, but rather to see that science is a human activity whose theories and models are limited not only because scientists are human, but because almost without exception scientific "truths" are at some point superseded by better "truths," a process which repeats itself ad infinitum. It is therefore far better for the layperson to try to understand science's relationship to technology and society. The book does cover the relationship between science and technology well, but the author seems to be content to let the reader explore science's relationship to society through other sources, which I did not see in the references. Still, this is a very minor shortcoming in my view because of the many great insights and sources which he does provide.

A key point stressed by Prof. Bauer in different contexts is that the power of science is that it is agreed on by consensus, but that does not always mean that the consensus is right, again because humans are fallible, and because data is *always* interpreted according to a theory or some other bias. The author, as have many other philosophers of science, refutes the common belief that in science knowledge is

gained exclusively by strict Baconian impartial induction. Examples are cited where scientists could not accept data obtained wholly by scientific methods because it didn't fit their prejudices.

The chapter called "The So-Called Scientific Method" is the best I've read on why the empirical scientific method, while a wonderful ideal to strive for, is nevertheless a myth. Prof. Bauer makes many important points, such as that some sciences (physics) are theory-driven, while other sciences are observation-driven (geology); some sciences can make precise theories through specific experiments (physics and chemistry), while other sciences (cosmology and paleoanthropology) cannot run experiments and are thus very "data deficient." As well chemistry, Prof. Bauer's specialty, is itself sub-divided into disciplines that work according to different methodolgies.

Another chapter that is also outstanding is the following chapter, "How Science Really Works." Prof. Bauer uses as the main theme the excellent analogy devised by Michael Polyani of scientific problem solving as a puzzle of different teams communicating with each other, getting at the truth, piece by piece, separately but in tandem nevertheless. Another theme that is very helpful in this chapter is the author's cogent distinction between textbook science and frontier science. Textbook science is almost always reliable because it has passed the test of time through repeated verification. On the other hand, frontier science, which is unfortunately what is usually reported in the news precisely because it is "new" and exciting, often turns out to be dead wrong. The chapter also discusses those levels of science between these two "extremes." After reading this chapter I feel that I now have a much clearer way to assess the truth of whatever science I might be reading about.

There is much more to this book than I can go into here. Again, I recommend it very highly to those who want a clear and insightful perspective on science and STS.

From A Former Student of The Author:
I took a class from Professor Bauer at Virginia Tech (the title eludes me) about pseudoscience - Loch Ness monster hunts, cryptozoology, UFO's, Cold Fusion, Kirlian Photography, Psychic/Palm Readings, etc. - and this was a supplemental text for the class. The book really explores how the Scientific Establishment/Hierarchy operates and how it isn't all that "objective" after all. Scientists are people, after all, and with that comes all the animosities, territoriality, envy, back-stabbing, and greed that all people exhibit. Radical discoveries by groups of people may get ignored, dismissed offhand, or viciously attacked by the establishment so as to preserve the integrity and perceived authority that the establishment weilds. Science is not an immaculate, dust and static free process - there are struggles and paradigm shifts all the time - and the general public tends to think it is just the opposite. I recommend this book for anyone who likes to challenge conventional modes of thinking and re-examine some of the longest-standing illusions about science ever created. ... Read more

Book Description

Confocal Microscopy contains integrated and up-to-date coverage on the many various techniques and uses of the confocal microscope (CM). Techniques are described completely so that methods are made accessible to users. This is a must-have reference for all CM users.

Key Features
* Includes detailed protocols accessible to new users
* Details how to set up and run a "Confocal Microscope Core Facility"
* Contains over 170 figures ... Read more