The contribution of research and development to a company's market value has grown considerably in recent years. In the mid-1970s, accountants were able to capture on their ledgers 90-95% of a firm's book value, but by 2000 the importance of intangible assets had grown to the point where they could account for only 13-15%. Financial economists and accountants have investigated the link between a firm's market value and its R&D spending, and various factions advocate a variety of positions on the amount and rate of investment, investors' ability to capture returns on that investment, and ways to measure value, investment, and returns.'Tech Stock Valuation' extends the R&D literature by providing detailed direct evidence on the market value implications of inventive and innovative output. Specifically, the book demonstrates that stock-price effects of patent output are most pronounced in the case of of high-quality patents, where patent quality is measured by scientific merit. Scientific measures of patent quality give tech stock investors and R&D managers a valuable new tool that can be used to measure R&D program effectiveness. At the same time, it gives investors a new tool to help them assess the value of hard-to-measure intangible assets.*Provides detailed direct evidence on the market value implications of inventive and innovative output*Based on recent research, much of which Dr. Hirschey has pioneered*Gives financial professionals a new tool for assessing R&D quality and its relation to market valuation..

Is it impossible to schedule enough time to include users in your design process? Is it difficult to incorporate elaborate user-centered design techniques into your own standard design practices? Do the resources needed seem overwhelming? This handbook introduces Rapid CD, a fast-paced, adaptive form of Contextual Design. Rapid CD is a hands-on guide for anyone who needs practical guidance on how to use the Contextual Design process and adapt it to tactical projects with tight timelines and resources. Rapid Contextual Design provides detailed suggestions on structuring the project and customer interviews, conducting interviews, and running interpretation sessions. The handbook walks you step-by-step through organizing the data so you can see your key issues, along with visioning new solutions, storyboarding to work out the details, and paper prototype interviewing to iterate the design—all with as little as a two-person team with only a few weeks to spare!*Includes real project examples with actual customer data that illustrate how a CD project actually works. *Covers the entire scope of a project, from deciding on the number and type of interviews, to interview set up and analyzing collected data. Sample project schedules are also included for a variety of different types of projects. *Provides examples of how-to write affinity notes and affinity labels, build an affinity diagram, and step-by-step instructions for consolidating sequence models. *Shows how to use consolidated data to define a design within tight time frames with examples of visions, storyboards, and paper prototypes. *Introduces CDTools™, the first application designed to support customer-centered design...

This book lays out numerous simple techniques for growing and carrying out experiments with many varieties of neurons. Subjects include peripheral and central neurons from vertebrate and invertebrate sources, as well as neuron-like cell lines. It also explains recent advances in our ability to introduce exogenous proteins and genes to neurons in culture. Procedures for successful protein infiltration, biolistic transfection, electroporation, and viral transgenic methods in neurons are also presented.* Contains culture methodology for more than a dozen types of CNS and PNS neurons * Includes most recent and reliable techniques from expert practitioners for specific experimental applications* Addresses the latest strategies for transfecting neurons..

Insect Molecular Genetics, 2nd edition, is a succinct book that briefly introduces graduate and undergraduate students to molecular genetics and the techniques used in this well established and important discipline. The book is written for two converging audiences: those familiar with insects that need to learn about molecular genetics, and those that are familiar with molecular genetics but not familiar with insects. Thus, this book is intended to fill the gap between two audiences that share a common middle ground.* Up-to-date references to important review articles, websites, and seminal citations in the disciplines* Well crafted and instructive illustrations integral to explaining the techniques of molecular genetics* Glossary of terms to help beginners learn the vocabulary of molecular biology..

Some well-known age-related neurological diseases include Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, deafness, and blindness. Even more common are the problems of aging which are not due to disease but to more subtle impairments in neurobiological systems, including impairments in vision, memory loss, muscle weakening, and loss of reproductive functions, changes in body weight, and sleeplessness. As the average age of our society increases, diseases of aging continue to become more common, and conditions associated with aging need more attention by doctors and researchers. In 1991, patients over the age of 65 saw their doctors an average of eight times per year. Research funding is provided by the Neuroscience and Neuropsychology of Aging (NNA) Program, which is run by the National Institute on Aging. This book offers a comprehensive overview of all topics related to functional impairments which are related to the aging brain and nervous system. It is organized according to four general functions: movement, senses, memory, and neuroendocrine regulation. Written by the leading researchers in the field, this comprehensive work addresses both impairments associated with diseases and not associated with diseases, making it easier to understand the mechanisms involved. Functional Neurobiology of Aging is an important reference for professionals and students involved in aging research, as well as physicians who need to recognize and understand age-related impairments.Key Features* Organized by function, making it easy to find and understand the material* Addresses impairments both associated with diseases and not associated with diseases* Written by leading researchers in the field* Most comprehensive source of information on the neurobiology of aging..

This book provides a comprehensive collection of timely reviews of our current understanding of the fundamental principles of nitrogen metabolism and excretion in fish. Emphasis is placed on critical assessment of how new studies impact these topics, and the articles reflect the diversity of current research approaches. ..

This examination of the fiscal health of local governments offers a "how-to" approach to identifying and solving financial problems. It will serve as a primer for readers interested in understanding financial processes and alternatives, and as a practical guide for those who need access to fiscal measurement tools. Its principal selling point lies in its assumptions: instead of using the vocabulary and research agendas of economists (such as Musgrave, Fisher), finance scholars (Ladd/Yinger) and political scientists (Peterson/Strachota), it will appeal to readers who lack sophisticated knowledge in these areas and nevertheless need practical advice.The book stems from the "Fiscal Health Education Program," an applied economics program at the University of Minnesota. It uses three measures of fiscal health—financial condition, trend analysis, and financial trend monitoring system—as the basis for advocating particular fiscal strategies. The book examines the tools that can be used to assess the condition of a local government's fiscal health and some of the policy causes or remedies for certain situations, as well as some of the strategies governments can pursue to maintain and improve health.*How-to approach will appeal to readers who lack sophisticated knowledge* Contains discussion questions and anonymous case studies of actual cities and municipalities* Presents practical methods for identifying and solving common fiscal problems..

Thirty years in the making, this revised text by three of the world's leading mathematicians covers the dynamical aspects of ordinary differential equations. it explores the relations between dynamical systems and certain fields outside pure mathematics, and has become the standard textbook for graduate courses in this area. The Second Edition now brings students to the brink of contemporary research, starting from a background that includes only calculus and elementary linear algebra.The authors are tops in the field of advanced mathematics, including Steve Smale who is a recipient of the Field's Medal for his work in dynamical systems.* Developed by award-winning researchers and authors* Provides a rigorous yet accessible introduction to differential equations and dynamical systems* Includes bifurcation theory throughout* Contains numerous explorations for students to embark uponNEW IN THIS EDITION* New contemporary material and updated applications* Revisions throughout the text, including simplification of many theorem hypotheses* Many new figures and illustrations* Simplified treatment of linear algebra* Detailed discussion of the chaotic behavior in the Lorenz attractor, the Shil'nikov systems, and the double scroll attractor* Increased coverage of discrete dynamical systems..

Computing with Mathematica, 2nd edition is engaging and interactive. It is designed to teach readers how to use Mathematica efficiently for solving problems arising in fields such as mathematics, computer science, physics, and engineering. The text moves from simple to complex, often following a specific example on a number of different levels. This gradual increase incomplexity allows readers to steadily build their competence without being overwhelmed. The 2nd edition of this acclaimed book features:* An enclosed CD for Mac and Windows that contains the entire text as acollection of Mathematica notebooks* Substantive real world examples* Challenging exercises, moving from simple to complex* A collection of interactive projects from a variety of applications "I really think this is an almost perfect text." -Stephen Brick, University of South Alabama* Substantive real world examples * Challenging exercises, moving from simple to complex examples * Interactive explorations (on the included CD-ROM) from a variety of topics using a multitude of interesting mathematical applications..

Concern about the impact of air pollution has led governments and local authorities across the world to regulate, among other things, the burning of fossil fuels, industrial effluence, cigarette smoke, and aerosols. This legislation has often followed dramatic findings about the impact of pollution on human health. At the same time there have been significant developments in our ability to detect and quantify pollutants and a proliferation of urban and rural air pollution networks to monitor levels of atmospheric contamination.Air Pollution and Health is the first fully comprehensive and current account of air pollution science and it impact on human health. It ranges in scope from meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, and particle physics to the causes and scope of allergic reactions and respiratory, cardiovascular, and related disorders. The book has substantial international coverage and includes sections on cost implications, risk assessment, regulation, standards, and information networks. The multidisciplinary approach and the wide range of issues covered makes this an essential book for all concerned with monitoring and regulating air pollution as well as those concerned with its impact on human health.Key Features* Only comprehensive text covering all the important air pollutants and relating these to human health and regulatory bodies* Brings together a wide range of issues concerning air pollution in an easily accessible format* Contributions from government agencies in the US and UK provide information on public policy and resource networks in the areas of health promotion and environmental protection..

Among animals used in research, teaching and testing, mice are now widely recognized as the most important model for human diseases and disorders. They comprise the majority of all experimental mammals and tend to be the model of choice used for research into many diseases/disorders including cancer, heart disease, asthma, Alzheimer’s, Down syndrome, deafness, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes and even mental health research. Additionally the laboratory mouse continues to play a widely publicized vital role in the human genome project.One of the most time-consuming activities in research laboratories is looking up information specific to the species or strain of animal being used. This book, part of the highly successful Handbook of Experimental Animals series, allows the user quick access to any point of interest on the mouse as an experimental model.* Edited by Hans Hedrich, Hannover Medical School* Comprehensive reference source written by international experts* Well-illustrated with high quality detailed images* Two-color, user-friendly format combined with color plate sections..

Most of the research done in social cognition has been conducted with younger adults and may not be applicable to a much older population. Social Cognition and Aging provides a snapshot view of research that has been done with older adults or is directly applicable to this population. Focusing on issues of self identity, social interactions, and social perceptions, this book provides a broad overview of how aging affects one's own perceptions and actions as well as how others perceive and interact with the aged. Coverage includes such topics as self-control, memory, resilience, age stereotypes, moral development, and the "art" of living. With contributions from top researchers in both gerontology and psychology, this book is an important reference for academics and professionals alike in personality, cognition, social psychology, adult development, sociology, and gerontology...

The vast family of volatile organic compounds plays a central role in the chemistry of the Earth's atmosphere. Reactive Hydrocarbons in the Atmosphere provides comprehensive and up-to-date reviews covering all aspects of the behavior, sources, occurrence, and chemistry of these compounds. The book considers both biogenic and anthropogenic sources, plus their effects in the atmosphere at local, regional, and global scales.* Covers a major component of atmospheric chemistry and air pollution* Considers both natural background chemistry and pollution processes* Provides authoritative reviews for a wide range of audiences..

Handbook of Transfusion Medicine is unique in that it provides a comprehensive and practical description of all blood products and blood cell types currently used in transfusions, their appropriate applications, pathophysiology of conditions managed by transfusion, and pathophysiology of adverse reactions. Each chapter follows a standard format including numerous tables and algorithms, with summary elements highlighted throughout by a second-color for quick reference.Sections Include:* Blood collection and testing* Blood component description* Preparation and usage* Red blood cell antigens and antibodies* Specialized component processing* Specialized transfusion situations* Transfusion-transmitted diseases* Transfusion reactions* Infectious complications of transfusion* Therapeutic apheresis and quality* Acute bleeding and massive transfusion* Transfusion of the patient with a coagulopathy* Transfusion of obstetrics, pediatric, immunocompromised, and platelet refractory patients* Up-to-date references to all aspects of transfusion medicine..

Structured to be a companion to the recently published Handbook of Transfusion Medicine, the Handbook of Pediatric Transfusion Medicine is dedicated to pediatric hematology-oncology and transfusion medicine, a field which remains ambiguous and which has generated few comprehensive texts. This book stands alone as one of the few texts that addresses transfusion issues specific to pediatric medicine. Written in an eminently readable style, this authoritative handbook is a requirement for any pediatric physician or caregiver.* Neonatal and fetal immune response and in utero development issues * Blood compatability and pre-transfusion testing issues specific to pediatric and neonatal transfusion * Therapeutic apheresis including red blood cell exchange and prophylactic chronic erythrocytapheresis for sickle cell patients * Also includes a section that concentrates on the consent, quality and legal issues of blood transfusion and donation..

Immunohistochemistry is the use of specific antibodies to stain particular molecular species in situ. This technique has allowed the identification of many more cell types than could be visualized by classical histology, particularly in the immune system and among the scattered hormone-secreting cells of the endocrine system, and has the potential to improve diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic options of cancer.This book discusses all aspects of immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization technologies and the important role they play in reaching a cancer diagnosis. It provides step-by-step instructions on the methods of additional molecular technologies such as DNA microarrays, and microdissection, along with the benefits and limitations of each method. The topics of region-specific gene expression, its role in cancer development and the techniques that assist in the understanding of the molecular basis of disease are relevant and necessary in science today.This book is the second volume of three planned, individually-sold volumes on this topic. Like Volume 1, this book fully explains the principles and applications of modern techniques used in the field of molecular genetics. It will be of particular interest to pathologists and molecular pathologists conducting both academic and/or clinical research.* The only book available that translates molecular genetics into cancer diagnosis* The results of each Immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization method are presented in the form of color illustrations* Methods discussed were either developed or refined by expert contributors in their own laboratories..