Book Description

From the reviews:
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice Selection of Topics, Good Book
I am a big fan of MATLAB, and this is a good book, therefore, this book seems perfect for a Computational Sciences Survey course for undergraduates. Professionals, such as engineers or mathmematicians, can use this book to learn how easy it is to use Maple and MATLAB.

The topics are diverse, and are not systematic, which I consider to be a strength for this type of book. The writing is concise and direct.

The book is written primarily by Swiss and Czech authors; some minor grammer and puncuation errors exist and the references list many non-english titles. I think this is a strength: it is important to realize the international nature of Compuational Science. ... Read more

Book Description

Colossal Magnetoresistance, CMR, has recently been extensively investigated for manganese oxides. Interest has focused on the materials' potential for application to electrically-readable magnetic-field sensors which are in great industrial demand.
Colossal Magnetoresistive Oxides highlights the features and mechanism of the CMR in manganese oxides as well as device physics, concentrating on tunnelling MR, for some artificial structures. Underlying new science, such as the tunable electron-lattice interaction in a metal and roles of orbital degrees of freedom in producing the unconventional metallic feature, is also discussed. This book provides a systematic exploration ofthe CMR materials and an extensive investigation of the electronic phenomena of those compounds by various experimental means are provided.
Fundamental features of the materials, electronic properties and theoretical ideas are considered and the spin dynamics, electronic structures and related electron spectroscopy o ... Read more

Book Description

Scientific discovery is often regarded as romantic and creative - and hence unanalyzable - whereas the everyday process of verifying discoveries is sober and more suited to analysis. Yet this fascinating exploration of how scientific work proceeds argues that however sudden the moment of discovery may seem, the discovery process can be described and modeled.

Using the methods and concepts of contemporary information-processing psychology (or cognitive science) the authors develop a series of artificial-intelligence programs that can simulate the human thought processes used to discover scientific laws. The programs - BACON, DALTON, GLAUBER, and STAHL - are all largely data-driven, that is, when presented with series of chemical or physical measurements they search for uniformities and linking elements, generating and checking hypotheses and creating new concepts as they go along.

Scientific Discovery examines the nature of scientific research and reviews the arguments for and against a normative theory of discovery; describes the evolution of the BACON programs, which discover quantitative empirical laws and invent new concepts; presents programs that discover laws in qualitative and quantitative data; and ties the results together, suggesting how a combined and extended program might find research problems, invent new instruments, and invent appropriate problem representations. Numerous prominent historical examples of discoveries from physics and chemistry are used as tests for the programs and anchor the discussion concretely in the history of science.

Pat Langley is an Associate Professor in the Department of Information and Computer Science at the University of California, Irvine. Herbert Simon is a Professor in the Departments of Psychology, Computer Science, and Philosophy at Carnegie-Mellon University. Gary L. Bradshaw is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology and Institute of Cognitive Science at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Jan M. Zytkow is an Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at Wichita State University. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A must reading for all who work with computers
A book which opens a new direction in mankind'soutlook towards itself. Talks about how the ultimate quality,namely the creativity, which distinguishes humans from all the animals, is not unique. Should be compulsory reading for all students of computers, if not everybody. Hundred years form now, scientistswill call this the first book ever published. ... Read more

Book Description

Written by an author internationally renowned in the field of molecular spectroscopy, this book provides an up-to-date account of the new experimental and theoretical methods on the high resolution infrared spectroscopy of small molecules. The approach uses a visual approach to spectral analysis, containing large numbers of energy level diagrams and spectra specra to show the progress in identification and line assignment.

Covering new and important techniques on laser and Fourier Transform, it also contains both theoretical and experimental chapters.

Divided into 3 parts, features covered in the first part include:

* Calculations of the vibration-rotation energy levels of rigid and non-rigid molecules

* Calculations of the intensities of vibration-rotation transitions

* Introduction to linear and non-linear molecular spectroscopy

* Use of interferometric and laser spectrometers for measuring infrared spectra

The second part presents a detailed treatment of the analysis of the high resolution vibration-rotation spectra of linear, quasilinear, symmetric rotor and asymmetric rotor molecules.

In the final part of the book the following topics of current interest are examined in depth:

* Electric and magnetic resonance spectroscopy

* Spectroscopy of transient species, free radicals and ions, and Van der Waals clusters

* Atmospheric and astrophysical spectroscopy, including the spectroscopy of the atmosphere of the Earth and nearby planets, cool stars and molecules in the interstellar medium

This comprehensive book is an essential reference for researchers who want to be at the cutting edge in the field of spectroscopy and physical chemistry, atmospheric science and infrared astonomy. ... Read more

Book Description

What we see, even on the brightest summer's day, is only a fraction of what is really there.But we have been inventing new ways of seeing, delving ever deeper into the invisible world, for more then a century now. We can now 'see' heat, sound and all manner of exotic energies and radiations. We can look deep into our minds and witness fleeting thoughts. We can look back in time to the dawn of the universe and we can even see the particles that we think might be the fundamental building blocks of reality. And computer simulations powered by 21st-century mathematics are hinting that there are still greater truths to be glimpsed beyond the clumsy realms of light and matter. With over 100 incredible images that take us from inside the atom to the edge of our universe and beyond, this book explores our journey into worlds inaccessible to our natural senses. ... Read more

Book Description

The results, conclusions and claims of science are often taken to be reliable because they arise from the use of a distinctive method. Yet today, there is widespread skepticism as to whether we can validly talk of method in modern science. This outstanding survey explains how this controversy has developed since the 17th century, and explores its philosophical basis. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Solid presentation
Gower's survey begins with Galileo and ends with Carnap. In between, he covers a number of prominent scientists - the ones you expect, like Bacon and Newton; and a few you don't, like John Maynard Keynes. He has grouped his subjects according to the nature of their contribution, which means that this reads as the series of essays that it is. Each essay is separately referenced.

There are a few odd omissions, like Descartes (who is nonethless mentioned in passing). But the net result is that, instead of being presented with the historical panorama, one is confronted with a series of ideas - and how they fit into the overall understanding of contemporaries. ... Read more

Book Description

This is an ideal textbook for both advanced undergraduates and graduate students. It contains valuable coverage of the optical properties of minerals, as well as up-to-date descriptions of common rock-forming minerals. The chapters on optical theory include discussions of the nature and properties of light, the petrographic microscope, and the behavior of light in isotropic materials and in uniaxial and biaxial anisotropic materials. Thoroughly revised to include recent developments in the field, the book includes step-by-step procedures to guide students through the determination of all optical properties by which minerals are routinely identified with a petrographic microscope. Readers will find descriptive information on over 125 common rock forming minerals, and many photomicrographs and illustrations. The book also includes a flow sheet to guide students through the process of identifying an unknown mineral. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Handy Dandy Guide
This is a definate must have for all you Geologists out there. No matter what year of school you are in or even if you are no longer in school, but need a bit of reference now and again, this is the book to have. Nesse does an excellent job of clearly explaining and illustrating the optical properties of minerals. He includes all of the essential bits of information that any geologist will need. I highly recommend this book as a great reference tool that any geologist or aspiring geologist should add to their collection of references.

A student's view
As a student of Geology, I have used Nesse as my bible for all petrology courses. It is complete, comprehensive and easy to use. A must for all geologists, student or not.

Great book
Finally we have a mineralogy text book that will compete with Klein and Hurlbuts's Manual of Mineralogy. The line drawings are outstanding. I am using this text book the next time I teach mineralogy.

Good undergrad college textbook for optical mineralogy.
Remarkably lucid yet accurate presentation of a subject often found difficult by students.

The first third of the text deals with the properties of light, the use and care of the petrographic microscope, and the optical properties of minerals and how to use these to identify mineral grains in thin sections.

Much of the text contains detailed descriptions of the commoner rock-forming minerals from the standpoint of the petrographer. Descriptive diagrams and photographs, and capitalized section headings, separated paragraphs, and all typeface (font) easy to read. Paper is quality glossy and easy to use.

Appendices include Identification Tables based upon various optical properties, tables which have proved their use to students taking the course. Also includes the standard fold-up Interference Color Chart, on quality glossy paper, and on its reverse a table of birefringence versus relief (difference in refractive index).

The author retains consideration for students, including photos of such non-minerals as may confuse the tyro, such as textile fibers, bubbles, and grinding compound, all of which get into thin sections (petrographic slides).

Excellently laid out and organized, it also contains a good Index. This text was written for college students taking petrography and optical mineralogy, and has been kept, rather than sold, even by some students who never expect to use a petrographic microscope again. College instructors take notice, as for a junior to senior level petrography course this text probably rates a 9 or a 10. [DMM] ... Read more

Book Description

This volume is the status report of the international community of practitioners of x-ray microscopy. It contains the reviews and work presented at the 6th International Conference on X-Ray Microscopy held in Berkeley, 2-6 August 1999. The techniques are being applied to biological imaging where, for example, special labeling can reveal the location of specific proteins in cells, while cryogenic sample handling prevents x-ray damage to cells. These techniques can also be used to analyze objects on a 10 nm size scale, allowing the study of their physical and chemical state. For example, chemical processes in the environment can be examined on the surfaces of microscopic particulate matter. The availability of several new soft x-ray synchrotron light sources around the world is facilitating the development of new applications. This conference showed that large new programs have become productive at these new synchrotron sources. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't use this for Biological Applications
I was dissappointed by this book. It has very little about applications, and more about the physics of the microscope. I find better explanations of the basic concept of CLSM at web sites of some of the microscope manufacturers like [manufacture names]...

CLSM for Dummies
An excellent primer for those who have just a little knowledge, but are missing the background to handle CLSM data with confidence. Readers with some knowledge of the jargon of microscopy will find the book to be an easier read, but this reviewer had no prior knowledge and found the book extremely helpful. It gives enough fundamental information to let the potential CLSM user know where s/he is going to get into trouble. If you are going to image something for the first time, get this book. It'll keep you from interpreting artifacts. ... Read more

Book Description

Although nuclear magnetic resonance is perhaps best known for its spectacular utility in medical tomography, its potential applicability to fields such as biology, materials science, and chemical physics is being increasingly recognized as laboratory NMR spectrometers are adapted to enable small scale imaging.This excellent introduction to the subject explores principles and common themes underlying two key variants of NMR microscopy, and provides many examples of their use. Methods discussed are not only important to fundamental biological and physical research, but have applications to a wide variety of industries, including those concerned with petrochemicals, polymers, biotechnology, food processing, and natural product processing.The wide range of scientists interested in NMR microscopy will want to own a copy of this book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The only book dedicated to NMR microscopy.
Dr. Callaghan's work over the past 15 years has been instrumental in developing microscopic applications of NMR imaging. In this text, he expands on the seminal papers that he has published in the field and brings them together into a coherent whole. The veiwpoint of the book is that of a physicist with a powerful tool looking at physical and biological problems. Of the many texts on MR imaging I believe Dr Callaghan's description of MR physics to be most clear and complete. This book is recommened for physicists and engineers interested in NMR microscopy of course. However I would go on and recommend it for any serious student of MRI wanting a single volume that has a clear description of the fundamental phenomena at work in forming their images. ... Read more

Book Description

X-Ray Spectrometry: Recent Technological Advances covers the latest developments and areas of research in the methodological and instrumental aspects of x-ray spectrometry.

• Includes the most advanced and high-tech aspects of the chemical analysis techniques based on x-rays
• Introduces new types of X-ray optics and X-ray detectors, covering history, principles, characteristics and future trends
• Written by internationally recognized scientists, all of whom are eminent specialists in each of the sub-fields
• Sections include: X-Ray Sources, X-Ray Optics, X-Ray Detectors, Special Configurations, New Computerization Methods, New Applications

This valuable book will assist all analytical chemists and other users of x-ray spectrometry to fully exploit the capabilities of this set of powerful analytical tools and to further expand applications in such fields as material and environmental sciences, medicine, toxicology, forensics, archaeometry and many others. ... Read more

Book Description

This book describes the principles of operation of each type of microscope currently available and of use to biomedical and materials scientists. It explains the mechanisms of image formation, contrast and its enhancement, and accounts for ultimate limits on the size of observable details (resolving power and resolution). Finally it provides an account of Fourier optical theory.Principles behind the photographic methods used in microscopy are also described and there is some discussion of image processing methods. Throughout, the text emphasizes the underlying similarity of all microscope systems and, recognizing that biologists may often be uncomfortable with mathematical approaches every effort has been made to present concepts verbally. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A superb job of scientific writing
I have looked at many microscope books in vain, before this one, to find clear explanations of the key topics in optical microscopy for my graduate students. None come close to competing with the Slayters.
Jerry Pine, Professor of Biophysics, Caltech ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent reference to start your research from
This book is a very good reference for those who believe that scientific computing needs a little bit more of software engineering practice. It provides a collection of papers from the major researchers in this area, with interesting examples of real applications. It is not a text book for undergrads, but it provides good pointers to the main subjects, from where the reader can go by him/herself. I have been following HPC research for eight years and OOD for three, and this is for me the best reference in this subject so far. ... Read more

Book Description

In the seventeenth century the microscope opened up a new world of observation, and, according to Catherine Wilson, profoundly revised the thinking of scientists and philosophers alike. The interior of nature, once closed off to both sympathetic intuition and direct perception, was now accessible with the help of optical instruments. The microscope led to a conception of science as an objective, procedure-driven mode of inquiry and renewed interest in atomism and mechanism. Focusing on the earliest forays into microscopical research, from 1620 to 1720, this book provides us with both a compelling technological history and a lively assessment of the new knowledge that helped launch philosophy into the modern era.

Wilson argues that the discovery of the microworld--and the apparent role of living animalcula in generation, contagion, and disease--presented metaphysicians with the task of reconciling the ubiquity of life with human-centered theological systems. It was also a source of problems for philosophers concerned with essences, qualities, and the limits of human knowledge, whose positions are echoed in current debates about realism and instrument-mediated knowledge. Covering the contributions of pioneering microscopists (Leeuwenhoek, Swammerdam, Malpighi, Grew, and Hooke) and the work of philosophers interested in the microworld (Bacon, Descartes, Leibniz, Malebranche, Locke, and Berkeley), she challenges historians who view the abstract sciences as the sole catalyst of the Scientific Revolution as she stresses the importance of observational and experimental science to the modern intellect. ... Read more

Book Description

This first procedural guide to RUS, Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy offers a clear step-by-step tutorial, from developing a preliminary set of resonances to final determination of moduli. The book also contains intermediate computer outputs showing where mistakes are made, how to spot them, and how to remeasure to correct problems. Also a complete reference to the language of RUS, this book is full of clear explanations of every variable, concept, and hard-to-find term currently in use. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good
ultrasonics in liquids and how to ultrasonic atenuation analysi

Essential reading for anyone working in the field
This book provides a clear development of the technique of Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy both from a theoretical and an experimental perspective. It provides detailed information and extensive references for those who need it, but is well organized so that key points can be understood quickly.

This book is essential reading for anyone interested in measuring elastic constants, and for anyone whos work depends on such measurements by others. ... Read more

Book Description

This multidisciplinary book is intended to serve as a reference for postgraduate students and researchers working in the fields of charged particle optics or other finite-element-related applications. It is also suitable for use as a graduate text. For the non-specialist in charged particle optics, the opening chapters provide an introduction to the kinds of field problems that occur in charged particle beam systems.A new and comprehensive approach to the subject is taken. The finite element method is placed within a wider framework than strictly charged particle optics. Concepts developed in fluid flow and structural analysis, not hitherto used in charged particle optics, are presented. Benchmark test results provide a way of comparing the finite element method to other field-solving methods. The book also reports on some high-order interpolation techniques and mesh generation methods that will be of interest to other finite element researchers.Additional coverage includes: + field theory and field solutions for charged particle optics; + aspects of the finite difference method related to the finite element method;+ finite element theory and procedure, including detailed formulation of local and global matrices; + higher-order elements, which can be an effective way of improving finite element accuracy;+ the finite element method in three dimensions; + ways to formulate scalar and vector problems for magnetic fields; and+ significant reduction of truncation errors using higher-order elements and extrapolation methods. ... Read more