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Vitamin C: Volume III
by Alan B. ClemetsonThe factors affecting blood vitamin C levels are described in detail in this series. Many factors such as aging, smoking, infection, trauma, surgery, hemolysis, hormone administration, heavy metals, pregnancy, alcohol, ionizing radiation and several medicines have been found to cause a disturbance of ascorbic acid metabolism and to reduce blood vitamin C levels. Indeed, abnormalities of ascorbic acid metabolism, due to factors such as smoking, occur much more frequently than does dietary vitamin C deficiency today.It is now known that low blood vitamin C levels are associated with histaminemia (high blood histamine levels), and also that ascorbate-responsive histaminemia is common in apparently healthy people. High blood histamine levels are believed to cause small hemorrhages within the inner walls of the blood vessels and these may lead to the deposition of cholesterol, as an aberrant form of wound healing. Ascorbic acid not only reduces blood histamine levels, but also aids the conversion of cholesterol to bile acids in the liver. The clinical pathological and chemical changes observed in ascorbic acid deficiency are discussed in detail. Several diseases and disorders associated with low blood vitamin C levels are also described. Possible toxic effects resulting from the oxidation of ascorbic acid are noted, and reasons for the use of D-catechin or other chelating fiber to prevent or minimize the release of ascorbate-free radical are detailed. An excellent reference for physicians, nutritionists and other scientists
Vitamin D
by Michael F. HolickIn Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications, Second Edition, leading researchers provide a comprehensive, highly readable overview of the biological functions and clinical applications of vitamin D and its metabolites. Topics range from the most recent recommendations for vitamin D intake to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of vitamin D deficiency and the development of active vitamin D drugs to treat psoriasis and cancer. The book demonstrates the significant role that vitamin D has in maintaining good bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis, an important health problem for adults over the age of fifty. In addition, it authoritatively reviews the relationship between sunlight exposure, vitamin D, and increased risk of colon and breast cancer; how vitamin D is made in the skin; and the sequence of events that leads to its activation by the kidney. Also examined are the biological functions of 1,25-dihydrovitamin D3 on the intestine and bone, as well as other tissues, such as skin, the immune system, prostate, and breast, and vitamin D's molecular mechanism of action on the cell membrane and nucleus. The first edition of Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology and Clinical Applications was the benchmark in the field when published in 1999. This new and expanded volume continues to include extensive, in-depth chapters covering the most important aspects of the complex interactions between vitamin D and other dietary components, the ongoing debate concerning the best indicator of optimal vitamin D status and its nutrient requirements, and the impact of less than optimal status on disease risk. Vitamin D: Physiology, Molecular Biology, and Clinical Applications, Second Edition is designed and organized not only to be an up-to-date review on the subject, but also to provide medical students, graduate students, health care professionals and even the lay public with a reference source for the most up-to-date information about the vitamin D deficiency pandemic and its clinical implications for health and disease.
Vitamin D and Cancer
by Donald L. Trump Candace S. JohnsonSubstantial data indicate the broad importance of vitamin D-based signaling in normal human physiology and the broad effects of vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D may play a role not only in the control of bone and mineral metabolism, but also appears to be involved in immune function, cardiovascular health, thrombosis and vasculogenesis and neuromuscular function. Considerable epidemiologic data demonstrate that low vitamin D serum levels occur very commonly in normal adult populations and that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an enhanced risk of cancer death from lung, prostate, head & neck, colorectal and other gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, preclinical data provide evidence that calcitriol and other active analogues of calcitriol have anti-proliferative, pro-differentiative, pro-apoptotic and anti-angiogenic activity in numerous in-vitro and in-vivo models. It is quite clear that, while it requires high exposure to calcitriol to induce these effects, such exposure can be readily achieved when high dose intermittent therapy is given.
Vitamin D im Fokus: Irrtümer richtig gestellt
by Jörg ReichrathWelchen Einfluss hat Vitamin D auf die Entstehung von Krebserkrankungen, Herz-Kreislauferkrankungen, Stoffwechsel- und Autoimmunerkrankungen? Wie gelingt die Balance zwischen notwendiger Sonneneinstrahlung und Vermeidung des Hautkrebsrisikos? Antworten auf diese und viele weitere Fragen zu diesem wichtigen Vitamin sowie der Vitamin D Mangelerkrankung Rachitis liefert das vorliegende Werk. Es räumt dabei mit häufigen Irrtümern über Aufbau, Funktion und Wirkung von Vitamin D auf und liefert darüber hinaus zahlreiche, praxisrelevante Fakten für eine optimale Versorgung. Der Autor ist ausgewiesener Experte auf dem Gebiet und seit über drei Jahrzehnten in der Forschung zu Vitamin D tätig. Das Buch wendet sich an Ärztinnen und Ärzte, die ihre Patientinnen und Patienten auf Basis neuester wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse rund um das Thema Vitamin D bestmöglich versorgen und informieren möchten.
Vitamin D im Überblick: Wissenschaftlich fundierte Grundlagen und aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse (essentials)
by Armin ZittermannVitamin D kann in der Haut durch die UV-B-Strahlung der Sonne gebildet sowie über bestimmte Lebensmittel und Supplemente zugeführt werden. Die aktive Vitamin-D-Form ist ein Steroidhormon mit Wirkungen in einer Vielzahl von Geweben. Ein Vitamin-D-Mangel ist in Deutschland weit verbreitet. Es gibt eine Reihe von Risikogruppen, vor allem aufgrund unzureichender kutaner Synthese. Neben den klassischen Vitamin-D-Mangelerkrankungen Rachitis und Osteomalazie ist ein Vitamin- D-Mangel vermutlich auch ein Risikofaktor für verschiedene weit verbreitete chronische Erkrankungen sowie für eine verkürzte Lebenserwartung. Zur Verbesserung der Vitamin-D-Versorgung der Bevölkerung sind umfangreichere Anreicherungsmaßnahmen von Lebensmitteln sowie eine stärkere Verwendung von Supplementen zu fordern.
Vitamin D in Focus: Misconceptions Corrected
by Jörg ReichrathWhat influence does vitamin D have on the development of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases? How can one achieve a balance between necessary sun exposure and the avoidance of skin cancer risk? This work provides answers to these and many other questions about this important vitamin, as well as the vitamin D deficiency disease rickets. It dispels common misconceptions about the structure, function, and effects of vitamin D and additionally provides numerous practical facts for optimal supplementation. The author is a recognized expert in the field and has been engaged in vitamin D research for over three decades. The book is aimed at physicians who wish to optimally care for and inform their patients based on the latest scientific findings regarding vitamin D.
Vitamin D: A Comprehensive Guide for Medical Professionals
by Vishal Kumar Sandeep PatelThis book is a comprehensive, concise collection but a complete overview of a critical topic i.e. Vitamin D. There is no book available as yet exclusively on Vitamin D. For patients, the importance of Vitamin D holds across all age groups, both sexes, and for medical professionals, across all medical specialties existing today. Vitamin D is significantly and intricately related to all the human body's organ systems. This topic is of interest, significance, and relevance to every medical professional of all subjects and specialties, including postgraduate students of super specialty subjects across the globe. It is the talk and topic of today's research worldwide. This book encompasses Vitamin D in terms of its need and role, deficiency, excessive states, and its consequences and presentations. The chapters include information about vitamin D across pediatrics to geriatrics. This book is a crisp, easy-to-carry guide on Vitamin D, written by academicians and researchers. The authors are from relevant specialties concerned with Vitamin D, e.g., Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Medical Oncology, Dermatology, Neurology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Preventive and Social Medicine, Pediatrics, to name a few. The chapters include the problem statement of its deficiency, laboratory estimation, clinical manifestations, interactions, and role in the well-being of various organ systems of the body. Additionally, it includes tables, figures, pictures, scans, and pictorial representations for lucid reading and easy understanding.
Vitamin D: Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Aging (Oxidative Stress and Disease)
by Adrian F. GombartVitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is a worldwide, public health problem in both developed and developing countries. Rickets among infants has reemerged. Low levels of vitamin D are associated with increased risk and mortality from cancer. At the same time, the beneficial effects of vitamin D on a host of conditions have recently been discovered. F
Vitamin-Binding Proteins: Functional Consequences
by Krishnamurti Dakshinamurti Shyamala DakshinamurtiDiverse in chemical nature, water soluble and lipid soluble vitamins are essential micronutrients that react with specific protein entities and are transported to sites for participation in intracellular events, both at the genomic and non-genomic levels. Thus, metabolic pathways and intracellular signaling are influenced by vitamins or their deriv
Vitamins and Minerals in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
by Maryce M. JacobsThis book provides researchers and practitioners with a unique collection of current research on the role of vitamins and micronutrients in cancer prevention and treatment. New theories are discussed, including a hypothesis that dietary factors may protect against genetically predisposed cancers. Mechanisms by which different vitamins and minerals appear to inhibit carcinogenesis or cell transformation are described, including vitamins A, C, E, and selenium protection against oxidative stress by induction of enzymes as catalase and dismutase or inteference with free radical mechanisms; organosulfur compound inhibition of P450 activation enzymes or enhancement of detoxification enzymes; metal ion effects in the modulation of gene expression by site-specific binding of Zn-finger loop domains; B-carotene metabolite up-regulation of gap junctional communication between cells; and vitamin D3 elimination of amplified oncogenes or drug resistant genes. The book also reviews literature implicating a possible relationship between potassium and the control of cancer. Other information presented includes a discussion of contemporary technologies and data associating lipotrope deficiencies with alterations in xenobiotic metabolism, nucleic acid methylation, purine and pyrimidine synthesis, signal transduction, and chromosome anomalies.
Vitellogenin in Fishes- Diversification, Biological Properties, and Future Perspectives
by Vaseeharan Baskaralingam Rapeepun VanichviriyakitThis book provides basic and advanced information on vitellogenin in fish. The proposed book discusses the history of vitellogenin, previtellogenesis, their diversification and classification in fishes, and tools for their identification and characterization. Further, their functional aspects in oogenesis and its regulatory mechanism, role as the immunocompetent molecule, and reproductive strategies are discussed. The book further examines vitellogenin as a hormone and biomarker, its related egg yolk proteins, and its mechanism on molecular cloning and induction. In addition, the book discusses its role in the disruption of the endocrine system in fish, its biological activities, its multivalent mechanism in marine and freshwater fishes, and its impact on the growth of ornamental fishes. Moreover, this book elaborates on the multiple vitellogenin genes, each with unique promoter regions and varying sensitivity to induction by estradiol, and multiple Vtg proteins themselves, with variable degrees of post-translational modification. As such, this book is helpful for researchers and students interested in the reproduction of fishes and reproductive biology.
Vitiligo
by Alain Taïeb Mauro PicardoVitiligo is one of the most common cutaneous disorders. Great numbers of affected patients suffer from the high stigmatizing impact of this disease. Up to now, clinical guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo were non-existent. In order to fill this void, this textbook defines and gives a complete overview of the disease, both regarding the classification of differential diagnosis as well as the treatment. Written by the most authoritative experts in the field, all therapy recommendations are based on new evidence-based guidelines. It includes case studies with illustrations before and after the treatment in order to demonstrate the treatment success. This textbook will be a valuable resource for all physicians who are seeing patients with this disease.
Vitiligo
by Alain Taïeb Mauro PicardoSince the first edition of this book was published, new knowledge has been gained on Vitiligo. This widely revised and updated second edition, written by worldwide experts in the field, fully reflects this progress. The apparently, simple and poorly symptomatic presentation of the disease has been a strong disadvantage to its study, as compared to other common chronic skin disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. A good skin-based angle of attack is also lacking because generalized Vitiligo is clearly epitomizing the view of skin diseases as simple targets of a systemic unknown dysregulation (diathesis). This view has mostly restricted Vitiligo to the manifestation of an auto-immune diathesis and skin events, which are easily detected using skin biospies in most other situations, have not been precisely recorded, with the argument that a clinical diagnosis was sufficient for the management of the patient with Vitiligo. This richly illustrated second edition reflects the constant international effort to share the information gathered about this disorder at the clinical, pathophysiological and therapeutic levels. Its aim still being to bridge current knowledge at the clinical and investigative level, to point to the many unsolved issues, and to delineate future priorities for research.
Vitrification in Assisted Reproduction
by Gautam Allahbadia Masashige Kuwayama Goral GandhiAdvances in technology now offer promising solutions to deal with the chronological aging of the cell, tissue or organ to synchronize its existence and its use. This book covers the developments in and benefits of the latest vitrification technology and its extensive applications in reproductive medicine. Protocols of gametes (oocyte and sperm), embryos, blastocysts and ovarian tissue cryopreservation have been reviewed by leaders in the field. In order to address the escalation in cross-border reproductive tourism entailing the transfer of reproductive cells and tissues rather than the patient, the challenges, caution and emerging possibilities of nitrogen vapor shipment of vitrified cells have been discussed. Current perspectives on oocyte banking present the reader with options and solutions to effectively utilize these gametes despite the physiological deterrents. The versatile applications and potential of vitrification of human embryonic stem cells, discussed in the concluding chapter, is an exciting reality offered by vitrification to help overcome numerous stumbling blocks in the management of various disorders.
Vitro
by Jessica KhouryA death-defying tropical adventure delivers a frightening message about dabbling with creation from the talented author of Origin. On a remote island in the Pacific, Corpus scientists have taken test tube embryos and given them life. These beings--the Vitros--have knowledge and abilities most humans can only dream of. But they also have one enormous flaw. Sophie Crue is determined to get to Skin Island and find her mother, a scientist who left Sophie behind years ago. She enlists hunky charter pilot Jim Julien to take her there. But once on the island, Sophie and Jim encounter more than they bargained for, including a charming, brilliant Vitro named Nicholas and an innocent, newly awoken one named Lux. In a race for their lives, Sophie and Jim are about to discover what happens when science stretches too far beyond its reach.
Vivarium: Experimental, Quantitative, and Theoretical Biology at Vienna's Biologische Versuchsanstalt (Vienna Series in Theoretical Biology #19)
by Gerd MüllerThe scientific achievements and forgotten legacy of a major Austrian research institute, from its founding in 1902 to its wartime destruction in 1945.The Biologische Versuchsanstalt was founded in Vienna in 1902 with the explicit goal to foster the quantification, mathematization, and theory formation of the biological sciences. Three biologists from affluent Viennese Jewish families—Hans Przibram, Wilhelm Figdor, and Leopold von Portheim–founded, financed, and nurtured the institute, overseeing its development into one of the most advanced biological research institutes of the time. And yet today its accomplishments are nearly forgotten. In 1938, the founders and other members were denied access to the institute by the Nazis and were forced into exile or deported to concentration camps. The building itself was destroyed by fire in April 1945. This book rescues the legacy of the “Vivarium” (as the Institute was often called), describing both its scientific achievements and its place in history.The book covers the Viennese sociocultural context at the time of the Vivarium's founding, and the scientific zeitgeist that shaped its investigations. It discusses the institute's departments and their research topics, and describes two examples that had scientific and international ramifications: the early work of Karl von Frisch, who in 1973 won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine; and the connection to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York.ContributorsHeiner Fangerau, Johannes Feichtinger, Georg Gaugusch, Manfred D. Laubichler, Cheryl A. Logan, Gerd B. Müller, Tania Munz, Kärin Nickelsen, Christian Reiß, Kate E. Sohasky, Heiko Stoff, Klaus Taschwer
Vivi Loves Science (Loves Science)
by Kimberly Derting Shelli R. JohannesVivi loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, part of a series about girls who love science, Vivi and her classmates go on a field trip to the ocean to investigate tide pools. A must-have for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer and What Do You Do with an Idea? and anyone who loves to ask questions and learn about the world. Features a glossary and fun tide pool activity to do at home.In the companion to Cece Loves Science and Libby Loves Science, Vivi and her classmates take a field trip to the beach to study tide pools. With help from her teacher and a park ranger, Vivi and her friends make aquascopes, participate in a marine-inspired scavenger hunt, and learn about different species that call the ocean home.At the end of their trip, there’s one more surprise for Vivi! Full of fun facts about marine biology and conservation, Vivi Loves Science is a perfect pick for aspiring scientists, classrooms, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist.Features a glossary and instructions on how to make your own aquascope and tide pool at home.
Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float (I Can Read Level 3)
by Kimberly Derting Shelli R. JohannesVivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi and her friends visit the aquarium and are introduced to the concepts of density and buoyancy. A great choice for aspiring scientists, emerging readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun experiment to do at home. Vivi loves science—and experimenting! In this Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi and her classmates visit an aquarium and learn about the creatures living in the big display tank. But why do some fish swim while others bury themselves in the sand? Vivi will have to experiment to find out!The Loves Science books introduce readers to girls who love science, as well as basic concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math. This Level 3 I Can Read! explores swimming, sinking, floating, and density, and includes an experiment to try at home. A great pick for newly independent readers and an ideal companion to Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull and Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure.
Vivi Loves Science: Wind and Water (I Can Read Level 3)
by Kimberly Derting Shelli R. JohannesVivi loves science! In this STEM-themed Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi helps her community clean up the beach after a storm and learns about how wind and water shape the landscape. A great choice for aspiring scientists, new readers, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes activities, a glossary, and a fun science experiment to do at home. Vivi loves science—and experimenting! In this Level 3 I Can Read! title, Vivi volunteers to help with the clean-up efforts at the beach after a big storm hits her town. But why does the beach look so different than before? Vivi and her friends will have to ask a lot of questions, learn about erosion, and conduct experiments to find out!The Loves Science books introduce readers to girls who love science, as well as basic concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math. This Level 3 I Can Read! explores how wind and water impact different landscapes, and includes an experiment about erosion to try at home or school, as well as a glossary. A great pick for newly independent readers and an ideal companion to Cece Loves Science: Push and Pull; Libby Loves Science: Mix and Measure; and Vivi Loves Science: Sink or Float.
Vivir con los dioses: Pueblos, objetos y creencias
by Neil MacGregorUna cautivadora exploración sobre los pueblos, sus objetos y sus creencias a lo largo de 40.000 años de historia. Desde el principio de los tiempos las sociedades se han ido conformando entorno a una serie de creencias y suposiciones que han trascendido al individuo. No importa cómo las llamemos: fe, ideología o religión, han resultado fuerzas fundamentales en la construcción de identidades colectivas gracias al extraordinario poder que tienen para definirnos o dividirnos. Hoy en día se han convertido en el motor político que mueve gran parte del mundo, pero si observamos la historia con atención, estas fuerzas han sido, en su sentido más amplio, generalmente religiosas. ¿Cuál es nuestro origen, nuestra relación con el cosmos o nuestro lugar en el mundo? ¿Qué papel desempeñan las creencias en la relación entre el individuo y el Estado? Con la amplitud de miras que le caracteriza, Neil MacGregor nos propone una vez más un viaje a través de los tiempos, un estudio de nuestros objetos, lugares y tradiciones para dar respuesta a grandes cuestiones milenarias. Esta deslumbrante obra no es una historia de la religión ni un argumento en favor de la fe. Es un recuento de todas aquellas creencias que han ido moldeando nuestras vidas y las diferentes formas en que las sociedades han imaginado su lugar en el mundo. Porque al decidir cómo vivimos con nuestros dioses decidimos cómo convivir con nuestros semejantes. Reseña:«Vivir con los dioses es un festín para el intelecto.»The Guardian
Vliesstoffe: Rohstoffe, Herstellung, Anwendung, Eigenschaften, Prüfung
by Hilmar Fuchs Wilhelm AlbrechtSeit der ersten Auflage dieses Referenzwerks gab es sowohl im Bereich der Herstellung als auch Anwendung von Vliesstoffen eine Reihe innovativer Neuerungen, und die weltweite Vliesstoffproduktion hat sich nahezu verdoppelt. Diesen Entwicklungen wird in der zweiten, komplett überarbeiteten Auflage Rechnung getragen und vermittelt allen Vliesstoff-Interessierten - vom Polymerchemiker bis zum Anwender - ein vertieftes Verständnis dieses dynamischen Gebiets. Neben neuen Herstellungsverfahren wie Meltblown, Nanoval, Airlaid, Elektrospinnen sowie Ultraschallverfestigung wurden auch die verschiedenen Verfahren zur Oberflächenmodifizierung, Konfektionierung und zum Recycling von Vliesstoffen mit aufgenommen. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt bei Vliesstoffen für technische Anwendungen wie Isolation, Schutztextilien und Filtern. Ein separater Abschnitt über Prüfverfahren für Rohstoffe, Zwischen- und Endprodukte erhöht den Wert als unentbehrliches Nachschlagewerk.
VoIP and PBX Security and Forensics
by Iosif I. AndroulidakisThis book begins with an introduction to PBXs (Private Branch Exchanges) and the scene, statistics and involved actors. It discusses confidentiality, integrity and availability threats in PBXs. The author examines the threats and the technical background as well as security and forensics involving PBXs. The purpose of this book is to raise user awareness in regards to security and privacy threats present in PBXs, helping both users and administrators safeguard their systems. The new edition includes a major update and extension to the VoIP sections in addition to updates to forensics.
Voice Leading: The Science behind a Musical Art
by David HuronVoice leading is the musical art of combining sounds over time. In this book, David Huron offers an accessible account of the cognitive and perceptual foundations for this practice. Drawing on decades of scientific research, including his own award-winning work, Huron offers explanations for many practices and phenomena, including the perceptual dominance of the highest voice, chordal-tone doubling, direct octaves, embellishing tones, and the musical feeling of sounds "leading" somewhere. Huron shows how traditional rules of voice leading align almost perfectly with modern scientific accounts of auditory perception. He also reviews pertinent research establishing the role of learning and enculturation in auditory and musical perception.Voice leading has long been taught with reference to Baroque chorale-style part-writing, yet there exist many more musical styles and practices. The traditional emphasis on Baroque part-writing understandably leaves many musicians wondering why they are taught such an archaic and narrow practice in an age of stylistic diversity. Huron explains how and why Baroque voice leading continues to warrant its central pedagogical status. Expanding beyond choral-style writing, Huron shows how established perceptual principles can be used to compose, analyze, and critically understand any kind of acoustical texture from tune-and-accompaniment songs and symphonic orchestration to jazz combo arranging and abstract electroacoustic music. Finally, he offers a psychological explanation for why certain kinds of musical textures are more likely to be experienced by listeners as pleasing.
Voice Leading: The Science behind a Musical Art (The\mit Press Ser.)
by David HuronAn accessible scientific explanation for the traditional rules of voice leading, including an account of why listeners find some musical textures more pleasing than others.Voice leading is the musical art of combining sounds over time. In this book, David Huron offers an accessible account of the cognitive and perceptual foundations for this practice. Drawing on decades of scientific research, including his own award-winning work, Huron offers explanations for many practices and phenomena, including the perceptual dominance of the highest voice, chordal-tone doubling, direct octaves, embellishing tones, and the musical feeling of sounds “leading” somewhere. Huron shows how traditional rules of voice leading align almost perfectly with modern scientific accounts of auditory perception. He also reviews pertinent research establishing the role of learning and enculturation in auditory and musical perception.Voice leading has long been taught with reference to Baroque chorale-style part-writing, yet there exist many more musical styles and practices. The traditional emphasis on Baroque part-writing understandably leaves many musicians wondering why they are taught such an archaic and narrow practice in an age of stylistic diversity. Huron explains how and why Baroque voice leading continues to warrant its central pedagogical status. Expanding beyond choral-style writing, Huron shows how established perceptual principles can be used to compose, analyze, and critically understand any kind of acoustical texture from tune-and-accompaniment songs and symphonic orchestration to jazz combo arranging and abstract electroacoustic music. Finally, he offers a psychological explanation for why certain kinds of musical textures are more likely to be experienced by listeners as pleasing.
Voice Machines: The Castrato, the Cat Piano, and Other Strange Sounds
by Bonnie GordonAn exploration of the castrato as a critical provocation to explore the relationships between sound, music, voice instrument, and machine. Italian courts and churches began employing castrato singers in the late sixteenth century. By the eighteenth century, the singers occupied a celebrity status on the operatic stage. Constructed through surgical alteration and further modified by rigorous training, castrati inhabited human bodies that had been “mechanized” to produce sounds in ways that unmechanized bodies could not. The voices of these technologically enhanced singers, with their unique timbre, range, and strength, contributed to a dramatic expansion of musical vocabulary and prompted new ways of imagining sound, the body, and personhood. Connecting sometimes bizarre snippets of history, this multi-disciplinary book moves backward and forward in time, deliberately troubling the meaning of concepts like “technology” and “human.” Voice Machines attends to the ways that early modern encounters and inventions—including settler colonialism, emergent racialized worldviews, the printing press, gunpowder, and the telescope—participated in making castrati. In Bonnie Gordon’s revealing study, castrati serve as a critical provocation to ask questions about the voice, the limits of the body, and the stories historians tell.