In the last 40 years, machine vision has evolved into a mature field embracing a wide range of applications including surveillance, automated inspection, robot assembly, vehicle guidance, traffic monitoring and control, signature verification, biometric measurement, and analysis of remotely sensed images. While researchers and industry specialists continue to document their work in this area, it has become increasingly difficult for professionals and graduate students to understand the essential theory and practicalities well enough to design their own algorithms and systems. This book directly addresses this need.As in earlier editions, E.R. Davies clearly and systematically presents the basic concepts of the field in highly accessible prose and images, covering essential elements of the theory while emphasizing algorithmic and practical design constraints. In this thoroughly updated edition, he divides the material into horizontal levels of a complete machine vision system. Application case studies demonstrate specific techniques and illustrate key constraints for designing real-world machine vision systems.· Includes solid, accessible coverage of 2-D and 3-D scene analysis.· Offers thorough treatment of the Hough Transform—a key technique for inspection and surveillance.· Brings vital topics and techniques together in an integrated system design approach.· Takes full account of the requirement for real-time processing in real applications...

Designed for advanced engineering, physical science, and applied mathematics students, this innovative textbook is an introduction to both the theory and practical application of linear algebra and functional analysis. The book is self-contained, beginning with elementary principles, basic concepts, and definitions. The important theorems of the subject are covered and effective application tools are developed, working up to a thorough treatment of eigenanalysis and the spectral resolution theorem. Building on a fundamental understanding of finite vector spaces, infinite dimensional Hilbert spaces are introduced from analogy. Wherever possible, theorems and definitions from matrix theory are called upon to drive the analogy home. The result is a clear and intuitive segue to functional analysis, culminating in a practical introduction to the functional theory of integral and differential operators. Numerous examples, problems, and illustrations highlight applications from all over engineering and the physical sciences. Also included are several numerical applications, complete with Mathematica solutions and code, giving the student a "hands-on" introduction to numerical analysis. Linear Algebra and Linear Operators in Engineering is ideally suited as the main text of an introductory graduate course, and is a fine instrument for self-study or as a general reference for those applying mathematics.· Contains numerous Mathematica examples complete with full code and solutions· Provides complete numerical algorithms for solving linear and nonlinear problems· Spans elementary notions to the functional theory of linear integral and differential equations· Includes over 130 examples, illustrations, and exercises and over 220 problems ranging from basic concepts to challenging applications· Presents real-life applications from chemical, mechanical, and electrical engineering and the physical sciences..

The Immunology Guidebook provides an easily accessible text-reference to the more up-to-date and difficult concepts in the complex science of immunology. It aims to demystify basic concepts and specialised molecular and cellular interactions. Its 18 chapters offer a logical and sequential presentation where much of the data is displayed in carefully designed tables. This book is intended for immunology students, researchers, practitioners and basic biomedical scientists.* Tables provide a quick reference to ‘difficult to find' immunology data* A distillate of the latest information on immunogenetics of the human MHC associated with tissue transplantation* Information boxes featurw related web resources..

Clinicians and mental health practitioners are regularly called upon to treat patients of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Not only do these patients differ from Anglos in culture and language, but also in customs, beliefs, values, and practices. Understanding these differences is vital to performing an accurate diagnosis/assessment of psychopathology as well as in determining an effective treatment regimen.This book provides vital information to clinicians worldwide in bettering their treatment of diverse populations. Each chapter identifies relevant cultural variables specific to each racial/ethnic group, along with ethnocultural measures and their relevant psychometric properties. Part 1 presents introductory material on the definition of mental illness and pathological behavior in differing cultures, epidemiological data on the prevalence of different disorders between differing population groups, culture specific beliefs (e.g. hexes), and the influence of culture on treatment. Part 2 discusses assessment issues including how specific measures (Rorschach, MMPI, etc.) are best interpreted with different population groups, and the existence and use of ethnocultural specific measures. Part 3 discusses assessment and treatment of specific population groups (e.g., Indians, Asians, Latinos, etc.)...

The interaction between biology and evolution has been the subject of great interest in recent years. Because evolution is such a highly debated topic, a biologically oriented discussion will appeal not only to scientists and biologists but also to the interested lay person. This topic will always be a subject of controversy and therefore any breaking information regarding it is of great interest.The author is a recognized expert in the field of developmental biology and has been instrumental in elucidating the relationship between biology and evolution. The study of evolution is of interest to many different kinds of people and Genomic Regulatory Systems: In Development and Evolution is written at a level that is very easy to read and understand even for the nonscientist.* Contents Include* Regulatory Hardwiring: A Brief Overview of the Genomic Control Apparatus and Its Causal Role in Development and Evolution * Inside the Cis-Regulatory Module: Control Logic and How the Regulatory Environment Is Transduced into Spatial Patterns of Gene Expression* Regulation of Direct Cell-Type Specification in Early Development* The Secret of the Bilaterians: Abstract Regulatory Design in Building Adult Body Parts* Changes That Make New Forms: Gene Regulatory Systems and the Evolution of Body Plans..

The theory of transmission lines is a classical topic of electrical engineering. Recently this topic has received renewed attention and has been a focus of considerable research. This is because the transmisson line theory has found new and important applications in the area of high-speed VLSI interconnects, while it has retained its significance in the area of power transmission. In many applications, transmission lines are connected to nonlinear circuits. For instance, interconnects of high-speed VLSI chips can be modelled as transmission lines loaded with nonlinear elements. These nonlinearities may lead to many new effects such as instability, chaos, generation of higher order harmonics, etc. The mathematical models of transmission lines with nonlinear loads consist of the linear partial differential equations describing the current and voltage dynamics along the lines together with the nonlinear boundary conditions imposed by the nonlinear loads connected to the lines. These nonlinear boundary conditions make the mathematical treatment very difficult. For this reason, the analysis of transmission lines with nonlinear loads has not been addressed adequately in the existing literature. The unique and distinct feature of the proposed book is that it will present systematic, comprehensive, and in-depth analysis of transmission lines with nonlinear loads.* A unified approach for the analysis of networks composed of distributed and lumped circuits* A simple, concise and completely general way to present the wave propagation on transmission lines, including a thorough study of the line equations in characteristic form* Frequency and time domain multiport representations of any linear transmission line* A detailed analysis of the influence on the line characterization of the frequency and space dependence of the line parameters* A rigorous study of the properties of the analytical and numerical solutions of the network equations* The associated discrete circuits and the associated resisitive circuits of transmission lines* Periodic solutions, bifurcations and chaos in transmission lines connected to noninear lumped circuits..

The Reproductive Biology of Bats presents the first comprehensive, in-depth review of the current knowledge and supporting literature concerning the behavior, anatomy, physiology and reproductive strategies of bats. These mammals, which occur world-wide and comprise a vast assemblage of species, have evolved unique and successful reproductive strategies through varied anatomical and physiological specialization. These are accompanied by individual and/or group behavioral interactions, usually in response to environmental mechanisms essential to their reproductive success.Key Features* Is the first book devoted to the reproductive biology of bats* Contains in-depth reviews of the literature concerned with bat reproduction* Contributors are widely recognized specialists* Provides a powerful database for future research..

One of the first books devoted entirely to the subject of Raman microscopy, this volume addresses issues of great interest to engineers working in Raman-microscope development and researchers concerned with areas ofapplication for this science. The book is written by several world recognized experts, who summarize the Raman effect before discussing the hardware and software involved in todays instruments. This format provides an excellent introduction to this up-and-coming discipline. All important applications, including those in materials science and earth science are covered in depth.Includes extensive description of the instrumentation, the Raman microspectrograph, the treatment of data, and micro-Raman imagingExamines the use of Raman microscopy in diverse applications, including some of the hyphenated methodsSummarizes the Raman effectDiscusses new uses for this technology..

As we enter the 21st century, a new era of nutrition in the prevention and treatment of disease emerges. Clinical nutrition involves the integration of diet, genetics, environment, and behavior promoting health and well being throughout life. Expertly edited, Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease provides overall perspective and current scientifically supported evidence through in-depth reviews, key citations, discussions, limitations, and interpretations of research findings.This comprehensive reference integrates basic principles and concepts across disciplines and areas of research and practice, while detailing how to apply this knowledge in new creative ways. Nutrition in the Prevention and Treatment of Disease is an essential part of the tool chest for clinical nutritionists, physicians, nurse practitioners, and dieticians in this new era of practice. This book prepares the clinical nutrition investigator or practitioner for a life-long commitment to learning.CONTAINS INFORMATION ON:* Diet assessment methodologies* Strategies for diet modification* Clinical status of herbals, botanicals, and modified food products* Preventing common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and breast cancer through nutrition* The Importance of genetic factors* Understanding of cultural and socio-economic influences on eating and exercise behaviors and integrating that knowledge with biological or functional markers of disease..

Although the function of nitric oxide in a regulatory capacity in the central and peripheral nervous system is widely recognized, the full scope of its actions and its interrelationships with other classes of regulatory molecules is just beginning to be comprehended. This volume contains a number of sophisticated and advanced methods essential for exploring the activity of nitric oxide in the brain. It will be a valuable tool for the established investigator and for those just entering the field.Key Features* Comprehensive protocols included for* Detection of NO and related compounds by chemical, immunohistochemical, and in situ hybridization techniques* Newly developed methods for the purification of neuronal and endothelial NO synthase, production of monoclonal antibodies to NO synthase, molecular cloning and expression of NO synthesis, and control of NO synthase gene expression* Assessment of NO-mediated functions in neurons, central nervous system, cerebral circulation, synaptic transmission, and vascular tone* Calcium imaging by confocal microscopy, evaluation of the effect of NO on iron metabolism, and detection of heme oxygenase-1 and -2 message level and distribution..

The volumes in this series include contemporary techniques significant to a particular branch of neuroscience. They are an invaluable aid to the student as well as the experienced researcher not only in developing protocols in neuroscience but in disciplines where research is becoming closely related to neuroscience. Each volume of Methods in Neurosciences contains an index, and each chapter includes references. Dr. Conn became Editor-in-Chief of the series beginning with Volume 15, so each subsequent volume could be guest-edited by an expert in that specific field. This further strengthens the depth of coverage in Methods in Neurosciences for students and researchers alike.Comprehensive protocols included for the study of:* The brain-immune system* The neuroimmune system: Effects of the brain on the peripheral immune system* Neuroimmune effects from substances of abuse (e.g. cocaine) to hypnosis* Measurement of interferons, cytokines, natural killer cells, and major histocompatibility complex molecules* Immunohistochemistry methods in the brain* Neuropeptides as immunomodulators..

Responding to ever-escalating requirements for performance, flexibility, and economy, the networking industry has opted to build products around network processors. To help meet the formidable challenges of this emerging field, the editors of this volume created the first Workshop on Network Processors, a forum for scientists and engineers to discuss latest research in the architecture, design, programming, and use of these devices. This series of volumes contains not only the results of the annual workshops but also specially commissioned material that highlights industry's latest network processors.Like its predecessor volume, Network Processor Design: Principles and Practices, Volume 2 defines and advances the field of network processor design. Volume 2 contains 20 chapters written by the field's leading academic and industrial researchers, with topics ranging from architectures to programming models, from security to quality of service.·Describes current research at UNC Chapel Hill, University of Massachusetts, George Mason University, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Washington University in St. Louis, Linköpings Universitet, IBM, Kayamba Inc., Network Associates, and University of Washington.·Reports the latest applications of the technology at Intel, IBM, Agere, Motorola, AMCC, IDT, Teja, and Network Processing Forum...

Creatine and Creatine Phosphate: Scientific and Clinical Perspectives is an up-to-date summary of both the scientific and medical aspects of creatine and creatine phosphate metabolism and therapy.It covers in detail the basic biochemistry, bioenergetics and biophysics of these agents with particular emphasis on their role on the cardiovascular and muscle systems. Modern in vivo myocardial and skeletal muscle measurements are outlined, and the importance of the molecules in cardiovascular medicine, sport science and cardiac surgery are highlighted.This book is designed for those interested in the basic scientific background to creatine and creatine phosphate, and also for physicians treating or studying heart and vascular disease. The book will also be vital for sports scientists who wish to acquire a comprehensive knowledge of the molecule which is currently being promoted for performance and exercise programmes...

The topic of antigenic variation is important in both biology and medicine. It is of enormous interest, as it describes the process(es) whereby microorganisms 'shift shape', by genetic rearrangement or otherwise. In medical terms, this has a major impact on the infectious disease process, since the immune system has great difficulty in keeping up with this variation, and thus eliminating the infectious agent. Antigenic variation is a major method by which microbes evade the immune response, and persist in the body.The broad scope of the book appeals to all those working in the field of infectious disease, immunology of infection, pathogenesis, molecular biology and also to evolutionary biologists. Topics covered include not only bacterial species, and viruses such as influenza, HIV, Rotavirus, but also eukaryotic parasites - one of the most fascinating groups of organisms exhibiting this behaviour.Comprehensive coverage of antigenic variation from viruses to parasitesDiscussions devoted to molecular mechanisms of host evasionDetailed descriptions of host/pathogen interactions..

Offering a concise collection of MatLab programs and exercises to accompany a third semester course in multivariable calculus, A MatLab Companion for Multivariable Calculus introduces simple numerical procedures such as numerical differentiation, numerical integration and Newton's method in several variables, thereby allowing students to tackle realistic problems. The many examples show students how to use MatLab effectively and easily in many contexts. Numerous exercises in mathematics and applications areas are presented, graded from routine to more demanding projects requiring some programming. Matlab M-files are provided on the Harcourt/Academic Press web site at http://www.harcourt-ap.com/matlab.html.* Computer-oriented material that complements the essential topics in multivariable calculus* Main ideas presented with examples of computations and graphics displays using MATLAB * Numerous examples of short code in the text, which can be modified for use with the exercises* MATLAB files are used to implement graphics displays and contain a collection of mfiles which can serve as demos..

Television: What's On, Who's Watching, and What It Means presents a comprehensive examination of the role of television in one's life. The emphasis is on data collected over the past two decades pointing to an increasing and in some instances a surprising influence of the medium. Television is not only watched but its messages are attended to and well understood. There is no shame in spending hours in front of the set, in fact, people over-estimate the time they spend viewing. Television advertising no longer persuades--it sells by creating a burst of emotional liking for the commercial. The emphases of television news determine not only what voters think about but also the presidential candidate they expect to support on election day. Children and teenagers who watch a great deal of television perform poorly on standardized achievement tests, and among the reasons are the usurpation of time spent learning to read and the discouragement of book reading. Television violence frightens some children and excites others, but its foremost effect is to increase aggressive behavior that sometimes spills over into seriously harmful antisocial behavior.Key Features* Incorporates social psychology, political science, sociology, child development, and the growing field of communications* Presents tables and graphs clarifying theories and linking sets of data* Paints concise portraits of the role of television in entertainment, politics, and child-rearing* Contains background for dozens of lectures and articles* Contains a comprehensive bibliography of more than 1000 citations, many recent..