The central question in the biological sciences for the past 100 years has concerned an understanding of how living systems differ from other general physical phenomena and what makes these systems unique. With new developments in the fields of nonequilibrium thermodynamics, systems theory, chaos, and information theory over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in finally answering the question first posed by Erwin Schrödinger in the 1940s concerning the true scientific nature of living systems. Similarly, there is also increasing interest within the biologic community for a more holistic and non-reductionist methodology. The approach followed in this book builds on a foundation of information theory and semiotics while integrating basic thermodynamic considerations and systems theory to form a singular unifying concept that is proposed to be the essential process of living systems. However, the premise presented is much more than simply the exposition of a new hypothesis. This book describes the logical progression of thought incorporating a diverse array of established scientific ideas that were used in the conceptualization of a dynamic mathematical framework that can be employed as a novel analytic means for the study of living systems and their fundamental processes.

The Scientific Revolution began with the publication of Copernicus’ heliocentric theory describing the Sun as the center of our solar system and all the known Universe. That revolutionary idea began a rethinking of our place in the Universe and no longer were the affairs of humanity considered as the centerpiece of all that was known. In the past century, with the advent of the theories of Special and General Relativity, the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum theory, and a more sophisticated conception of living system dynamics, there has been a new understanding of the central role of the observer or experiencer in the determination of natural phenomena and the actualization of reality. Modern advancements in information theory, semiotics, and consciousness studies have also led to a better comprehension of the relationship between 1st person and 3rd person perspectives and the limits of the Scientific Method. Science and religion have always had the common goal of trying to further our understanding of the world and its meaning for us. This book explores a possible return of science to a role as natural philosophy and a pathway to better understanding our place in the Universe.

The Water Research Institute at the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) is proud to have initiated and sponsored the International Workshop "Soil and Aquifer Pollution: Non-Aqueous Phase Liquids - Contamination and Recla- tion", held May 13th-15th, 1996, on the Technion campus in Haifa. Groundwater contamination is one of the pressing issues facing Israel and other countries which depend on groundwater for water supply. In Israel, 60% of the water supply comes from groundwater, most of it from two large aquifers. The Coastal Aquifer underlies the area where the largest concentration of human activity already takes place, and where much of future development is expected to occur. It is a phreatic sandstone aquifer, vulnerable to pollution from activities at the surface. The Mountain Aquifer is recharged in the higher terrain to the east, and flows, first in a phreatic zone, then confined, westward and underneath the Coastal Aquifer. This limestone aquifer has higher permeabilities and flow velo- ties, so pollution can reach the groundwater quite readily. Smaller local aquifers are also important components in the national water system. While measures are taken to protect these aquifers from pollution, there are locations where contamination has already occurred. Furthermore, accidental pollution may not be totally avoided in the future. Therefore, understanding the processes of groundwater contamination, recommending the proper measures for preventing it, and determining the best means for reclamation once pollution has occurred, are of great practical importance. Non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) are among the most significant contaminants.

The literature on the late effects of cancer treatment is widely scattered in different journals since all major organ systems are affected and management is based on a variety of medical and surgical treatments. The aim of "ALERT – Adverse Late Effects of Cancer Treatment" is to offer a coherent multidisciplinary approach to the care of cancer survivors. Volume 2 of this two-volume work comprehensively documents potential late effects in all the normal tissue anatomic sites in the human body. The detection, diagnosis, management and prevention of effects are all considered in detail, and prognostic outcomes are discussed. Radiation risk factors and interactions with chemotherapy effects are clearly presented. The text is accompanied by numerous supportive illustrations and tables. It is anticipated that this textbook will become the gold standard in providing information on the late effects of cancer treatment and that, in its digitized form, it will be referenced in cancer survivorship guidelines.

The Genomic Potential Hypothesis is a biochemist's view of the origin, evolution, and development of life. Large numbers are second nature to a biochemist and though he rarely ever thinks of it explicitly, the concept of mass action is a part of the definition of chemistry. The origin of life, from that perspective, will turn into an event that occurs on the molar scale in units of 1023 and is driven not by needs of biological systems but by mass action, energetics, structure, and kinetics. This approach to evolution entails the total denial of constructive accidents. Mutations are a reality and while most of them are of no consequence or detrimental, one cannot deny that on occasion a beneficial mutation might occur. However, to invoke strings of beneficial mutations that suffice to reshape one animal into the shape of another is not merely unreasonable, it is not science. Evolution will be restricted to the reorganization of nuclear material in line with equilibrium constants and kinetic parameters that govern the quasi two-dimensional chemistry of nucleic acids. The actual evolution occurs at the cellular level and is noted only by the results appearing in the fossil record as small versions of the final form.

Applying the general deterministic approach of systems computational biology, the monograph considers questions related to the biomechanics of the human urinary bladder in conjunction with the peripheral and central nervous systems. The step-by-step development of mathematical models of separate structural elements and their assembly into a unique self-regulatory system offers, for the first time, a holistic overview and allows the investigation of the dynamics of the lower urinary tract system at its hierarchical levels. This book provides a coherent description and explanation for intertwined intracellular pathways in terms of spatiotemporal, whole body, tractable representations which are supported by numerous computational simulations.

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volumehas been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. More than 275 volumes have been published (all of them still in print) and much of the material is relevant even today-truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences. Key Features * Solid-phase peptide synthesis * Applications of peptides for structural and biological studies * Characterization of synthetic peptides

This book presents some of the latest technologies in waste management, and emphasizes the benefits that can be gained from the use of recycled products. Divided into four sections, it deals with phytoremediation, acquatic weed management and the treatment of solid- and water-based wastes, such as those arising from agricultural, industrial and medical activities. With its special emphasis on the utilization of recycled products, this volume will be of interest to students, academicians, policy makers and others who have a practical and academic interest in dealing with the waste society generates.

"The most comprehensive exposure of the 'world' ever written."