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The Role of the Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources
by Steve Olson Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology Division on Earth and Life Studies National Research Council Tina Masciangioli Douglas Friedman Chemical Sciences RoundtableThe Chemical Sciences Roundtable (CSR) was established in 1997 by the National Research Council (NRC). It provides a science oriented apolitical forum for leaders in the chemical sciences to discuss chemistry-related issues affecting government, industry, and universities. Organized by the National Research Council's Board on Chemical Sciences and Technology, the CSR aims to strengthen the chemical sciences by fostering communication among the people and organizations - spanning industry, government, universities, and professional associations - involved with the chemical enterprise. One way it does this is by organizing workshops that address issues in chemical science and technology that require national attention. In September 2011, the CSR organized a workshop on the topic, "The Role of Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources." The one-and-a-half-day workshop addressed key topics, including the economic and political matrix, the history of societal responses to key mineral and material shortages, the applications for and properties of existing minerals and materials, and the chemistry of possible replacements. The workshop featured several presentations highlighting the importance of critical nonfuel mineral and material resources in history, catalysis, agriculture, and electronic, magnetic, and optical applications. The Role of the Chemical Sciences in Finding Alternatives to Critical Resources: A Workshop Summary explains the presentations and discussions that took place at the workshop. In accordance with the policies of the NRC, the workshop did not attempt to establish any conclusions or recommendations about needs and future directions, focusing instead on issues identified by the speakers.
The Role of the Chemist in Automotive Design
by H. K. PhlegmFrom the development of polymers that make cars lighter to fuels that make them run cleaner, the chemist‘s role in the automotive industry has evolved to be one that is more outside the laboratory than in it. Drawing on the author‘s 20 years of experience in vehicle design and laboratory experience, The Role of the Chemist in Automotive
Role of the Choroid Plexus in Health and Disease (Physiology in Health and Disease)
by Jeppe Praetorius Bonnie Blazer-Yost Helle DamkierThis book highlights the importance of the choroid plexus, which forms the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier and is the site of the major production of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The authors show that this barrier is crucial for maintaining important compositional differences between the blood plasma and the CSF. The choroid plexus epithelial cells also prevent the spread of infectious agents and other blood-borne entities to the brain tissue. Chapter topics range from the production of CSF by electrolyte regulation in the choroid plexus, to details on the selectively transporting nature of this barrier. Further, the authors elaborate on the important roles of CSF in sustaining brain health by providing hydration, solutes, and nutrients to the brain tissue. Readers will also learn how CSF circulates signaling molecules within the compartments of the brain and removes waste products from the brain tissue. Elucidating the regulation of these processes in the choroid plexus is not only important for the readers’ understanding of normal brain development and function, but is also crucial for resolving a variety of cerebral challenges that lead to brain edema, as well as developing treatments for diseases. The book discusses disease models like hydrocephalus, sleep disorders, and age-related dementia. Its comprehensive coverage makes this volume a valuable resource for researchers in cell and neurophysiology, as well as graduate students of the neurosciences.
The Role of the Electric Vehicle in the Energy Transition: A Multidimensional Approach (Green Energy and Technology)
by Angel Arcos-VargasThis book explores the part that electric vehicles can play in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Further, it explains the impact of public support, technological advances, lower costs and better battery performance in making electric vehicles a viable alternative. The book begins by analyzing the international context of electric vehicles and how they are being developed in different countries, and by offering a forecast of the electricity demand they may create. It then discusses technological innovations in electric vehicle recharging systems. The book is concerned not only with the economic potential of electric vehicles, but also with environmental aspects; consequently, it examines the raw materials supply chain and performs a lifecycle assessment. The book concludes with a chapter on alternative energies in transport, which may also help to facilitate the energy transition. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource for researchers, graduate students, policymakers and industry professionals interested in the energy transition and transport.
The Role of the Measurement and Verification Professional: Judgment and Decision-making in the Application of M&V (River Publishers Series in Energy Management)
by Steve KromerMeasurement and verification (M&V) is the accounting system for energy management. Implementing M&V as a professional requires both a broad understanding of concepts and contexts and an awareness of the fundamental tools used in estimating impacts of energy management. This book will assist those seeking to become M&V professionals by establishing the framework within which to conduct successful M&V. It does this by:Laying out the fundamental concepts underpinning M&V methods. A full understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the fundamental methods allows the professional to communicate effectively.Reviewing the most common M&V guidelines and protocols. Many people enter the world of M&V through the various guidelines that attempt to standardize M&V methods. In this book you will learn about how these documents are aligned, and how and why they differ.Providing a list of the most common technical issues and areas requiring judgement that arise in every M&V project. Many of the activities of M&V involve technical tasks and analysis. Much of the core content of these tasks is developed fully in texts related to energy engineering. In this book you will learn how to incorporate energy engineering concepts into your M&V projects. Being a professional means making informed and sound decisions using good judgement. Being a successful M&V professional means communicating these decisions and judgements throughout the M&V process. This book is intended to expose the typical challenges faced in M&V and provide the tools for the M&V professional to conduct successful M&V now and into the future.M&V has often been defined as an art and a science. The art of M&V is expressed through the judgements that the M&V professional makes during an M&V project. The science of M&V is within the domain of those aspects that can be measured, quantified and reported. While the technical tasks within M&V are important, the most important task of the M&V professional is to establish and maintain clear and consistent communication among all parties throughout the M&V process.
The Role of the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract in Gustatory Processing
by Robert M. BradleyProviding an essential brainstem relay for three cranial nerves, the NST coordinates highly complex sensory information. While other functions of the NST have received attention, its role in gustatory processing has received little. The first reference devoted exclusively to gustatory processing, The Role of the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract in Gus
The Role of the Outdoors in Residential Environments for Aging
by Susan RodiekDiscover the physical and mental benefits of outdoor spaces for the elderlyThe Role of the Outdoors in Residential Environments for Aging presents new insights on the positive role nature and the outdoors can play in the lives of older adults, whether they live in the community, in an assisted-living environment, or in a skilled nursing
The Role of the Study Director in Nonclinical Studies
by William J. Brock Barbara Mounho Lijie FuA single-source reference with a broad and holistic overview of nonclinical studies, this book offers critical training material and describes regulations of nonclinical testing through guidelines, models, case studies, practical examples, and worldwide perspectives. The book:Provides a complete overview of nonclinical study organization, conduct, and reporting and describes the roles and responsibilities of a Study Director to manage an effective studyCovers regulatory and scientific concepts, including international testing and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), compliance with guidelines, and animal modelsFeatures a concluding chapter that compiles case studies / lessons learned from those that have served as a Study Director for many yearsAddresses the entire spectrum of nonclinical testing, making it applicable to those in the government, laboratories and those actively involved in in all sectors of industry
The Role of Toll-Like Receptor 4 in Infectious and Non Infectious Inflammation (Progress in Inflammation Research #87)
by Carlo Rossetti Francesco PeriTLR4 is one of the most important innate immunity receptors, its function mainly consisting in the activation of inflammatory pathways in response to stimulation by Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) and Damage Associated Molecular Pattern molecules (DAMPs). This volume critically reviews the different types of TLR4 activators and inhibitors, discusses the role of molecular aggregates in agonism/antagonism as well as the pivotal role of the CD14 receptor in the modulation of TLR4 signal and the molecular details and actors of the intracellular cascade. The book presents the role of TLR4 in several pathologies, such as sepsis and septic shock caused by receptor activation by gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), in neurodegenerative and neurological diseases such as Parkinson and Alzheimer’s diseases, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It reviews the role of TLR4 in neural stem cell-mediated neurogenesis and neuroinflammation and in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Cerebral Organoids and discusses the emerging role of micro-RNA (miRNA) regulation by TLR4.
The Role of Topology in Materials (Springer Series In Solid-state Sciences Ser. #189)
by Sanju Gupta Avadh SaxenaThis book presents the most important advances in the class of topological materials and discusses the topological characterization, modeling and metrology of materials. Further, it addresses currently emerging characterization techniques such as optical and acoustic, vibrational spectroscopy (Brillouin, infrared, Raman), electronic, magnetic, fluorescence correlation imaging, laser lithography, small angle X-ray and neutron scattering and other techniques, including site-selective nanoprobes. The book analyzes the topological aspects to identify and quantify these effects in terms of topology metrics. The topological materials are ubiquitous and range from (i) de novo nanoscale allotropes of carbons in various forms such as nanotubes, nanorings, nanohorns, nanowalls, peapods, graphene, etc. to (ii) metallo-organic frameworks, (iii) helical gold nanotubes, (iv) Möbius conjugated polymers, (v) block co-polymers, (vi) supramolecular assemblies, to (vii) a variety of biological and soft-matter systems, e.g. foams and cellular materials, vesicles of different shapes and genera, biomimetic membranes, and filaments, (viii) topological insulators and topological superconductors, (ix) a variety of Dirac materials including Dirac and Weyl semimetals, as well as (x) knots and network structures. Topological databases and algorithms to model such materials have been also established in this book. In order to understand and properly characterize these important emergent materials, it is necessary to go far beyond the traditional paradigm of microscopic structure–property–function relationships to a paradigm that explicitly incorporates topological aspects from the outset to characterize and/or predict the physical properties and currently untapped functionalities of these advanced materials. Simulation and modeling tools including quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics, 3D visualization and tomography are also indispensable. These concepts have found applications in condensed matter physics, materials science and engineering, physical chemistry and biophysics, and the various topics covered in the book have potential applications in connection with novel synthesis techniques, sensing and catalysis. As such, the book offers a unique resource for graduate students and researchers alike.
Role of Transcription Factors in Gastrointestinal Malignancies
by Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju Pallaval Veera BramhachariThis book illustrates the importance of transcription factors in gastrointestinal cancer progression and metastasis with regard to understanding the mechanism and target definition in drug discovery. Further, it describes the complex issues associated with cancer cell growth and metastasis. The respective chapters provide detailed information on the various types of transcription factors (NF-kB, HIF-1, STAT-3, E2F1, and Sp1) and gastric-associated cancers (esophagus, stomach, colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancers) in connection with specific functional studies like cell cycle, angiogenesis, migration, invasion and apoptosis. These transcription factors control the expression of several signaling pathways involved in tumor growth, making them ideal targets for gastrointestinal cancer therapy. In closing, the book provides comprehensive descriptions of the major challenges associated with gastrointestinal cancer therapy.
Role of Tyrosine Kinases in Gastrointestinal Malignancies
by Ganji Purnachandra NagarajuThe aim of this book is to provide comprehensive overview of the role of different tyrosine kinases in the progression and metastasis of various cancers of the gastrointestinal tract such as esophagus, liver, pancreas, stomach, and colorectal. Activation of various signaling pathways and tyrosine kinases are responsible for resistance to chemo and radiotherapy in these gastrointestinal malignancies. Targeting these tyrosine kinases, which regulate the activities of survival pathways in growth, and metastasis is a rational strategy in gastrointestinal cancer therapy. Each chapter embedded in this book covers information pertaining to a specific tyrosine kinase and its impact on various malignancies, which is not only significant for basic and clinical research investigations but will also be valued by students at advanced undergraduate to postgraduate levels.
The Role of Water in ATP Hydrolysis Energy Transduction by Protein Machinery
by Makoto SuzukiThis book introduces recent progress in biological energetics from ATP hydrolysis to molecular machineries. The role of water is now recognized to be essential in biological molecular energetics. Although energetics is a rather distant field to many biologists, any working models for protein machineries such as protein motors, transporters, and other enzymes must be consistent with their energetics. Therefore, the book is intended to help scientists build systematic models of biomolecular functions based on three categories: (1) ATP hydrolysis reactions including ionic hydration and protonation–deprotonation of biomolecules, (2) protein–ligand/protein–protein interactions including hydration–dehydration processes, and (3) functioning mechanisms of protein machineries based on water functions.
Roles of Copper in Lipid Metabolism
by Kai Y. LeiThe aim of this book is to provide a reference for researchers in the field of trace mineral and lipid metabolism. It addresses the influence of dietary copper status on cholesterol, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein metabolism as well as lipoprotein receptor characteristics. This fascinating volume critically reviews alterations in long chain fatty acid, prostaglandin and cardiac lipid metabolism, as well as arterial morphology induced by copper deficiency. Furthermore, it presents the theoretical relationship plus the anatomical, chemical and physiological similarities between copper deficiency and ischemic heart disease. This reading is indispensable for investigators interested in the role of copper in lipid metabolism.
Roles of Skeletal Muscle in Organ Development: Prenatal Interdependence among Cells, Tissues, and Organs (Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology #236)
by Boris KablarMuscle is the only tissue of the four basic types that make the body that can be completely ablated while allowing fetal survival. This book is a result of 25 years of research employing engineered mouse fetuses with no skeletal muscle, a model system that provides a unique opportunity to study body development holistically. A systematic anatomical analysis of such fetuses have shown that several anatomical locations are affected by the absence of the skeletal muscle. This book contains a summarized description of affected anatomical locations such as the alveolar lung epithelium, motor neurons and giant pyramidal cells in the CNS, cholinergic amacrine cells of the retina, and type I hair cells of the crista ampullaris. Several specific bioinformatics and systems biology interventions are also described. The book provides an update on skeletal muscle development, musculoskeletal developmental interactions, trophic relationships between the skeletal muscle and the motor neurons, mechanics of lung development, functional development of two special senses, eye and ear, and finally, skeletal muscle-related reasons for human fetal akinesia and its consequences. This volume in the Advances in Anatomy, Embryology and Cell Biology series stresses the need to think about the developing body and its organs in terms of their mutual interdependence, and to think about diseases, such as pulmonary hypoplasia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or cleft palate, in terms of that interdependence. Directed to developmental biologists, neuroscientists, tissue engineers and health professionals, this book exposes the ideas of interorgan communication and interdependence in homeostasis and disease.
Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA)
by Vadim V. DemidovThis book covers the latest developments in rolling circle amplification (RCA) technology with applications in clinical diagnostic tests and molecular medicine. Topics covered include new enzymes useful in RCA, techniques involving RCA for enhanced signal amplification, novel RCA diagnostics, sensors for expediting RCA detection, and prospective RCA-based therapeutics. This is a valuable book for university professors and students in the field of biomedical engineering and biomolecular pharmacology as well as R&D managers of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies. Specifically, this book: Reviews prospective RCA-based therapeutics, including RCA-derived DNA nanoparticles that strongly bind to cancer cells Expands readers' understanding of sensor systems for expediting detection of RCA products by using probe-tagged magnetic nanobeads Maximizes reader insights into novel RCA diagnostics, such as PNA openers-assisted RCA for detection of single target cells and in situ RCA diagnosis of cancer cells and malignant tissues Presents innovative methods for quasi-exponential enhancement of RCA-generated signals, such as nicking enzyme-assisted cascade RCA and RCA coupled with loop-mediated amplification
Rolling of Advanced High Strength Steels: Theory, Simulation and Practice
by Jingwei Zhao Zhengyi JiangAdvanced high strength steels (AHSSs) for auto-making are primarily produced by rolling, plus heat treatment technologies if necessary. However, due to the metallurgical complexity of AHSSs, it is impossible to roll all of the AHSS grades in a rolling mill with the same rolling technology. Each of AHSSs has unique applications in vehicles, and specified rolling technologies are required to produce high quality AHSS products where they might be the best employed to meet performance demands of the automotive parts. Such background has prompted the publication of this scholarly book in the area of rolling of AHSSs with a purpose of providing readers with a valuable technical document that can be used in the research and development of AHSSs for automotive and other manufacturing industries. With contributors from USA, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Australia, China, India and Iran, the book highlights the latest advances in rolling technologies of AHSSs. It focuses on the theory, simulation and practice of the rolling of AHSSs: The book introduces the history, types and advances of AHSSs and their processes; proposes new theory that is applicable to the rolling of AHSSs, presents mathematical and numerical modelling of AHSSs in rolling; covers thermomechanical processing technologies of AHSSs; provides case studies on the rolling practice of the most popular AHSSs and includes other rolling-related technologies of AHSSs. The book will be useful for both theoretical and applied research aimed at AHSSs rolling technologies, and will be a scientific and valuable literature for the metallurgists, engineers, materials scientists, academics and graduate students who are studying and working with AHSSs and their rolling technologies worldwide.
The Romance of Reality: How the Universe Organizes Itself to Create Life, Consciousness, and Cosmic Complexity
by Bobby AzarianWhy do we exist? For centuries, this question was the sole province of religion and philosophy. But now science is ready to take a seat at the table. According to the prevailing scientific paradigm, the universe tends toward randomness; it functions according to laws without purpose, and the emergence of life is an accident devoid of meaning. But this bleak interpretation of nature is currently being challenged by cutting-edge findings at the intersection of physics, biology, neuroscience, and information theory—generally referred to as &“complexity science.&” Thanks to a new understanding of evolution, as well as recent advances in our understanding of the phenomenon known as emergence, a new cosmic narrative is taking shape: Nature&’s simplest &“parts&” come together to form ever-greater &“wholes&” in a process that has no end in sight. In The Romance of Reality, cognitive neuroscientist Bobby Azarian explains the science behind this new view of reality and explores what it means for all of us. In engaging, accessible prose, Azarian outlines the fundamental misunderstanding of thermodynamics at the heart of the old assumptions about the universe&’s evolution, and shows us the evidence that suggests that the universe is a &“self-organizing&” system, one that is moving toward increasing complexity and awareness. Cosmologist and science communicator Carl Sagan once said of humanity that &“we are a way for the cosmos to know itself.&” The Romance of Reality shows that this poetic statement in fact rests on a scientific foundation and gives us a new way to know the cosmos, along with a riveting vision of life that imbues existence with meaning—nothing supernatural required.
Romancing the Birds and Dinosaurs: Forays in Postmodern Paleontology
by Alan FeducciaBirds and dinosaurs have dominated human interest for decades. In this well-supported revolutionary view of the field, critical questions are explored with credible evidence and biological thought. Are birds derived directly from advanced dinosaurs, or ar
Romanian Studies in Philosophy of Science
by Ilie Pȃrvu Gabriel Sandu Iulian D. ToaderThis book presents a collection of studies by Romanian philosophers, addressing foundational issues currently debated in contemporary philosophy of science. It offers a historical survey of the tradition of scientific philosophy in Romania. It examines some problems in the foundations of logic, mathematics, linguistics, the natural and social sciences. Among the more specific topics, it discusses scientific explanation, models, and mechanisms, as well as memory, artifacts, and rules of research. The book is useful to those interested in the philosophy of real science, but also to those interested in Romanian philosophy.
Romania's Abandoned Children: Deprivation, Brain Development, and the Struggle for Recovery
by Charles A. Nelson Nathan A. Fox Charles H. ZeanahThis &“landmark study of child development&” examines the devastating effects of early childhood institutionalization (Avshalom Caspi, Duke University). In 1989, the fall of Romania's Ceausescu regime left approximately 170,000 children in impoverished institutions across the country. This crisis prompted the most comprehensive study to date on the effects of institutionalization on a child&’s brain development, behavior, and psychological functioning. Romania's Abandoned Children documents this landmark study, and the devastating toll paid by children who are deprived of responsive care, social interaction, stimulation, and psychological comfort. Launched in 2000, the Bucharest Early Intervention Project was a rigorously controlled investigation of foster care as an alternative to institutionalization. Examining a total of 136 abandoned infants and toddlers, researchers randomly assigned half of them to foster care, while the other half stayed in Romanian institutions. Over a twelve-year span, both groups were assessed for physical growth, cognitive functioning, brain development, and social behavior. Data from a third group of children raised by their birth families were collected for comparison. The study found that the institutionalized children were severely impaired, but that the sooner they were placed into foster care, the better their recovery. Combining scientific, historical, and personal narratives in a gripping, often heartbreaking, account, Romania's Abandoned Children highlights the need to help the millions of parentless children living in institutions throughout the world.
Romantic Biology, 1890–1945 (History and Philosophy of Biology #1)
by Maurizio EspositoIn this book, Esposito presents a historiography of organicist and holistic thought through an examination of the work of leading biologists from Britain and America. He shows how this work relates to earlier Romantic tradition and sets it within the wider context of the history and philosophy of the life sciences.
The Romantic Machine: Utopian Science and Technology after Napolean
by John TreschIn the years immediately following Napoleon’s defeat, French thinkers in all fields set their minds to the problem of how to recover from the long upheavals that had been set into motion by the French Revolution. Many challenged the Enlightenment’s emphasis on mechanics and questioned the rising power of machines, seeking a return to the organic unity of an earlier age and triggering the artistic and philosophical movement of romanticism. Previous scholars have viewed romanticism and industrialization in opposition, but in this groundbreaking volume John Tresch reveals how thoroughly entwined science and the arts were in early nineteenth-century France and how they worked together to unite a fractured society. Focusing on a set of celebrated technologies, including steam engines, electromagnetic and geophysical instruments, early photography, and mass-scale printing, Tresch looks at how new conceptions of energy, instrumentality, and association fueled such diverse developments as fantastic literature, popular astronomy, grand opera, positivism, utopian socialism, and the Revolution of 1848. He shows that those who attempted to fuse organicism and mechanism in various ways, including Alexander von Humboldt and Auguste Comte, charted a road not taken that resonates today. Essential reading for historians of science, intellectual and cultural historians of Europe, and literary and art historians, The Romantic Machine is poised to profoundly alter our understanding of the scientific and cultural landscape of the early nineteenth century.
The Romantic Machine: Utopian Science and Technology After Napoleon
by John TreschIn the years immediately following Napoleon’s defeat, French thinkers in all fields set their minds to the problem of how to recover from the long upheavals that had been set into motion by the French Revolution. Many challenged the Enlightenment’s emphasis on mechanics and questioned the rising power of machines, seeking a return to the organic unity of an earlier age and triggering the artistic and philosophical movement of romanticism. Previous scholars have viewed romanticism and industrialization in opposition, but in this groundbreaking volume John Tresch reveals how thoroughly entwined science and the arts were in early nineteenth-century France and how they worked together to unite a fractured society. Focusing on a set of celebrated technologies, including steam engines, electromagnetic and geophysical instruments, early photography, and mass-scale printing, Tresch looks at how new conceptions of energy, instrumentality, and association fueled such diverse developments as fantastic literature, popular astronomy, grand opera, positivism, utopian socialism, and the Revolution of 1848. He shows that those who attempted to fuse organicism and mechanism in various ways, including Alexander von Humboldt and Auguste Comte, charted a road not taken that resonates today. Essential reading for historians of science, intellectual and cultural historians of Europe, and literary and art historians, The Romantic Machine is poised to profoundly alter our understanding of the scientific and cultural landscape of the early nineteenth century.
Romanticism and the Forms of Ruin: Wordsworth, Coleridge, and the Modalities of Fragmentation
by Thomas McfarlandDespite their hopeful aspirations to wholeness in life and spirit, Thomas McFarland contends, the Romantics were ruins amidst ruins," fragments of human existence in a disintegrating world. Focusing on Wordsworth and Coleridge, Professor McFarland shows how this was true not only for each of these Romantics in particular but also for Romanticism in general. Originally published in 1981.