Nova Science Publishers
Multifractal analysis of unstable plastics flow.
This volume reports on recent progress in the experimental investigation by multifractal analysis of the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect: the jerky flow of alloys, caused by the dislocation-solute interaction. The report presents the mathematical basis of the multifractal approach, summarizes studies on the effect of the material strain hardening and experimental noise which show that multifractal behavior exists in the unexplored range close to the low strain rate boundary of the PLC instability (where deformation bands were believed to be uncorrelated), and uses these results to examine the overall pattern of the PLC effect at various strain rates. Finally, the results of analysis of the jerky flow of austenistic steels, which may be due to a mixture of PLC instability, twinning, and martenistic transformation, are presented and multifactor Cantor sets are used to test various kinds of experimental behavior. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Multi-component molecular orbital theory.
This brief monograph describes the multi-component molecular orbital methods and the hybrid type density functional theories used to analyze such chemical phenomenon as the H/D isotope effect and positronic systems. Udagawa (quantum chemistry, Yokohama-City U., Japan) and Tachikawa (quantum chemistry, International Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Japan) have aimed this paper primarily at fellow researchers and advanced students of quantum chemistry, providing specific examples of how MC_MO and MC_DFT are applied in the field. The authors also note that several research groups are currently using these methods and theories in conjunction with the Mřller-Plesset perturbation theory and the configuration interaction method. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nanocrystalline apatite-based biomaterials.
Biomimetic nanocrystalline apatites are used as bone substitute materials in orthopedic and dental surgery. This book gathers the main results of recent research on nanocrystalline apatite composition, structure, and properties, and presents examples of the use and processing of nanocrystalline apatites involved in the preparation of tissue-engineered biomaterials, cements, ceramics, composites, and coatings on metal prostheses. The book begins by reviewing bone composition and structure, then discusses synthetic routes of nanocrystalline apatites, and describes characterization techniques used to investigate the global and local structure and composition of nanocrystalline apatites. Physico-chemical and biological properties of nanocrystalline apatites are presented, and examples of apatite-based biomaterials are given. Eichert is affiliated with the Laboratoire de Physique Quantique, Paris, France. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nanomaterials; new research developments.
Pertsov (no credentials are provided) presents eight chapters, with an additional five brief research summaries, on developments in the field of nanomaterials research. Chapter topics include: advances in development and applications of nanofiber materials, resistive chemical sensors from metal oxides nanocrystals synthesized in organic solvents, nanoparticles and enzymes, electrochemical synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles, and acrylic bone cements incorporated with montmorillonite. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
National Animal Identification System.
In response to concerns about outbreaks of animal diseases, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced in December 2003 that it would lead the design and implementation of a nationwide identification and tracking system — later named the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) — to enable the USDA, states, and industry to efficiently locate all infected and potentially exposed animals and premises in an outbreak. This almost-pocket (5.5x8.5 inches) report analyzes how effectively the USDA is implementing the NAIS, and discusses key implementation issues identified by livestock industry groups, market operators, and state animal health officials. It examines the USDA's distribution of cooperative agreement funding to the states, and looks at costs related to implementing and maintaining the program. Appendices offer 30 pages of reference tables. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Natural and synthetic nanotechnological materials; quantum chemistry and nuclear resonance spectroscopy data.
Contributing to the ongoing study of electron-nuclear interactions in solids, Yuryeva, Rafael N. Pletnev (both Institute of Solid State Chemistry, Ekaterinburg, Russia) and Svyatoslov Gabuda (Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Novosibirsk, Russia) present results of their investigation into the mutual influence of the fast electronic fluctuations and the slow movement of nuclei in some artificial and natural functional materials based on complex oxides, carbides, and nitrides. The modern synthetic multi-functional materials they study are represented primarily by oxides, among them some important materials discovered at the end of the 20th century such as high-temperature superconductors, oxygen-conducting membrane materials, and compounds displaying gigantic magneto-resistance. Among their findings are that replacing silicon with silicon carbide in computers would allow them to run at temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius. They begin by explaining their quantum-chemical methods, then presents results in turn for oxygen and non-oxygen systems. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nature science and sustainable technology compendium; v.1.
Work collected here, from academic contributors around the world, sheds light on innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially responsible solutions to problems brought about by technology, with many examples from less-developed countries. Some papers offer overviews of topics such as zero-waste living with inherently sustainable technologies, development and application of criteria for true sustainability, global warming, and understanding the science of disinformation. Most papers explain technical research, in areas including tea-wastes as adsorbents for the removal of lead from industrial waste water, a novel sustainably developed cooking stove, genetic types of natural gas and their distribution in northwestern China, and a memory based stress-strain model for petroleum reservoir characterization. Several books are reviewed, most of them authored by the contributors; Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth is also reviewed. Most papers are from Dalhousie University, Canada, with some from the US and from countries of the Middle East. Islam is affiliated with the Department of Civil and Resource Engineering at Dalhousie University. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Neuroinflammation; an important role in the pathogenic pathways of cerebral ischemia.
Napoli and Papa (both Center for Cardiovascular Medicine, Sulmona, Italy summarize the available literature providing growing evidence that inflammatory mechanisms are involved in the progression of brain injury induced by ischemic stroke. They also survey some of the emerging approaches for potential therapeutic strategies for reducing the post-ischemia inflammation and therefore the ensuing brain damage. They cover the translational and transcriptional regulation of inflammation, molecular components of inflammation and inflammatory mediators, cellular components of inflammation, leukocytes, microglia and macrophages, interactions between microglia and astrocytes, the systemic inflammatory response, and acute phase reactants. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Neuropsychology within the inpatient rehabilitation environment.
Gontkovsky (Center for Neuroscience and Neurological Recovery, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Mississippi) and Golden (Nova Southeastern U.) compile 15 chapters on the role of the clinical neuropsychologist within the inpatient rehabilitation setting. Neuropsychologists and other medical specialists from the US discuss traumatic brain injury, stroke rehabilitation, dementia, multiple sclerosis, cognitive impairment in people with spinal cord injuries, aggression and violence in rehabilitation populations, substance use and misuse, neurological complications, assessment, ethics, mental state examination, and the Halstead-Reitan and Luria-Nebraska neuropsychological batteries. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
New concepts, ideas, and innovations in aerospace and technology and human science.
Bolonkin held doctoral degrees in aviation and aerospace engineering in the USSR before defecting to the United States in 1988, and this volume covers the work he has done as a senior researcher for both NASA and the US Air Force. The author includes many of his own papers that outline his ideas for new concepts in aerospace and technology such as the controversial space elevator, electrostatic linear engines, the transfer of electricity in outer space and the utilization of wind energy at high altitudes. Students, researchers and practitioners will also appreciate Bolonkin's views on future developments such as the advent of the non- biological civilizations and the potential capabilities for artificial intelligence. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
New research on antioxidants.
In biological systems, the normal processes of oxidation produce highly reactive free radicals, which can readily react with and damage other molecules. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, and carotenoids, decrease the damage done to cells by reducing oxidants before they can damage the cell. This new book brings together the latest international research on the role of dietary antioxidants in health and disease. Some areas studied include the use of antioxidants in therapy against leukemia, recovery of phenolics from wine-making byproducts, histidine-containing dipeptides as hydrophilic tissue antioxidants, and determination of antioxidant content of certain popular prophylactic and treatment preparations produced by a Russian company. Information on the editors is not given. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
New research on biofuels.
Editors Wright and Evans (no affiliations listed) have gathered these six research papers on recent advances in biofuels that emphasize the use of these alternative energy sources, along with devices such as particle traps, in public transportation sectors. Contributors from around the globe covers such topics as the biotechnical improvements of biofuel crops, applications for ethanol in the fermentation industry and the exergetic analysis of production. Fellow researchers and practitioners will appreciate an expert commentary on the reduction of pollution through the use of biofuels, and how the transition from laboratory to the marketplace can be made more responsive to environmental needs. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nitrogen fixation and metabolism in soybean plants.
This book summarizes recent research on nitrogen metabolism of soybean nodules and roots. Chapter topics include the fate of nitrogen fixed in soybean nodules, characteristics of nitrate absorption and transport in soybean plants, nitrogen inhibition on nodule growth and nitrogen fixations, nitrogen assimilation and nitrate tolerance of hypernodulation mutants of soybean, and the development of new fertilization techniques to promote nitrogen fixation and seed yield. B&w and color photos, images, and illustrations are included. Information on the authors is not given. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nonlinear analysis research trends.
Nonlinear analysis, an interdisciplinary field combining analysis, topology, and applications, is used to develop models for a variety of phenomena encountered in fields as diverse as engineering, chemistry, and economics. This new book presents the latest international research in nonlinear analysis. Some specific areas examined include local current density distribution effects in the electrodeposition of composites, stationary solutions of phase transitions in a coupled viscoelastic system, nonlinear mathematical problems of electromagnetoelastic interactions, nonlinear predictive control, and multiple solutions of nonlinear elliptic variational problems. Information on the editor is not given. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Nonlinear optics research progress.
Nonlinear optics (NLO) is the branch of optics that describes the behavior of light in nonlinear media, that is, media in which the dielectric polarization P responds nonlinearly to the electric field E of the light. Applications of nonlinear optics are found in fields such as signal processing, optical communications, holographic memory and soliton phenomena. This book presents current work from around the world in the field. Some specific areas explored are dynamics of dispersion-managed fiber systems with zero Hamiltonian, nonlinear optical logic using active Mach-Zehnder interferometers, dynamical diffraction and nonlinear optical processes in the hard X-ray frequency region, and nonlinearities in optical amplifiers for optical communication systems and networks. Information on the editors is not given. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Obesity and cancer research.
The 10 chapters in this volume address varied topics relating to obesity and cancer: whether obesity is a risk for lymphoma; obesity and salivary gland tumors, gastrointestinal cancer, and breast cancer; insulin-like growth factor and pediatric cancer cells; and the use of double-balloon intestinal endoscopy after gastric bypass surgery to investigate for gastric cancer. Others focus on one topic or the other, including chapters on a specific gene connected to obesity, whether AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits tumor growth, prostate cancer screening attitudes in Greece, and the relationship between circadian rhythms and obesity. The preface does not state the focus of the volume; it is only a compilation of chapter abstracts. Contributors work in biochemistry, epidemiology and genetics, oncology, cancer prevention, gastroenterology, surgery, and other fields in North America, Europe, Japan, and Israel. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Oligonucleotide array sequence analysis.
Editors Moretti and Rizzo (no affiliations listed) have collected research in the field on the use of oligonucleotides for detecting complementary DNA and RNA such as in DNA microarrays and the synthesis of artificial genes. Written for students and genetic researchers that employ DNA analysis for forensic science, this volume covers such topics as proper platforms for DNA microarray experiments, statistical analyses of tiling-path microarrays and clustering time-series gene expression data. Expert commentaries are also included on oligonucleotide microarray hybridization and visible haplotype-tagSNP typing array devices. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Optical fibers for designing multiple applications.
This volume describes various aspects of third-order nonlinearity in optical fibers for designing multiple applications. The authors present the origin of third order susceptibility at a molecular level and the consequences of the large value of nonlinear index parameter of silica fibers. They explore details of the numerical solution of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, which governs the pulse propagation through the nonlinear medium, using the split step Fourier Transform. They examine Gaussian pulse propagation and provide a numerical analysis for the propagation of a beat signal through a fiber and conclude with a discussion of applications, including the design of a multiwavelength source for communication systems. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Optimization of paced AV delay using atrial contribution index.
The atrial contribution is the hemodynamic effect of the atrium on the net performance of the heart, and is linked either to ventricular filling or to the systolic function of the heart — the systolic volume or cardiac output. There are non-invasive methods for measuring it, but they are rarely used in clinical settings because they are time consuming and not very reliable. Meston and Kvasnicka (both internal medicine, Charles U. Prague, Czech Republic) describe a method they developed for determining optimal atrioventricular delay in patients treated by dual chamber pacing using an index that quantifies atrial contribution to the systolic volume of the left ventricle. The method is independent of the observer, non-invasive, and relatively fast; it has been tested on a group of 47 patients. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
P-type transparent semiconducting delafossite cua102+x thin film.
This book details the fabrication and opto-electrical characterization of p-type delafossite transparent thin film made of copper aluminum oxide (CuAlO2+x) by routes such as sputtering and wet-chemical dip- coating. There is also a discussion of some of the new developments in the field of p-type transparent conducting oxide thin film technology, and a description of different copper-based p-type conducting oxide thin films. The origin of p-type conductivity in these transparent oxides receives considerable attention, and field emission properties and nanostructured materials are discussed. Banerjee is affiliated with the Nevada Nanotechnology Center, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, at the University of Nevada. Chattopadhyay is affiliated with the Thin Film and Nanoscience Laboratory, Department of Physics, Jadavpur University, India. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
