Cells, Embryos, and Evolution: Toward a Cellular and Developmental Understanding of Phenotypic Variation and Evolutionary Adaptability

Customer Reviews:

The road to a new understanding of multicellular life.......2002-11-10

John Gerhart and Marc Kirschner have boldly displayed a panorama of recent findings in biology which they methodically piece together into an entirely new understanding of the phylogenic and embryologic mechanisms of evolution. While aimed at the more sophisticated scientific reader (not an introductory text), their facility with modern experiments and exotic findings provide a thrilling ride from intracellular transduction mechanisms, through the differing phylogenetic strategies for embryogenesis (all phyla having been explosively formed in a brief "instant" after the first metazoans) and the secrets of evolvabilily making thier appearance in the embrogenetic regulatory mechanisms, not the structural proteins. For anyone who has ever found random mutation and selection an unsatisfying answer to evolution when all other biological processes are so exquisitely regulated (e.g. "Behavior and Evolution," Jean Piaget), Gerhart and Kirschner demonstrate that evolution is more of an extention of the generally "exploratory" property which is so central to life. This book is sure to spur a generation of new, productive thinking on the entire evolutionary paradigm. Perhaps when linked with work on structural stability in neural networks, a new macroscopic quantum formulation of biology may succeed a less informative and outdated stochastic formulation. [...]

Evolution of evolvability.......2002-03-10

Although somewhat technical this book is highly recommended as an introduction to the issues of both developmental genetics and evolution both, and these in relation to the mystery of the Cambrian explosion in the controversies that surround that question. Molecular phylogenies give us few clues to the molecular changes that underlie species divergence. Students of evolution tend to rely on on theories of selection and population genetics as explanations for evolutionary change. But there are pitfalls here. For selection only provides a filter on the possible forms, screening the forms presented by development. Thus the study of embryological development becomes essential to seeing what is really happening. From this key idea the book proceeds to explore conservation and the evolution of evolvability, to use a phrase of Dawkins. The result is really quite a new subject altogether. The book ends with a question, has evolvability evolved and is it the result of clade selection? At this point I think we are leaving the realm of standard Darwinism into some new unknown terrain. Excellent book,and despite technical issues really quite clear, well presented.

Evolution via development.......2000-11-27

The general reader who has already read some other references on development, will find this reference to be an easy to read yet detailed reference on evolutionary development which takes interesting conceptual viewpoints. The reference starts by pointing out the significant amount of cellular mechanisms conserved in all forms of life. The concept of 'contingency' is then developed, where it is considered to be the dependence of cellular activities on particular conditions, and its importance in metazoans. This leads to the concept of 'exploratory behavior', where it is considered to be responses of the organism to be more than can be explained by contingent mechanisms. For example, a version of the protozoan Stentor that is only .1% of the usual volume, yet its overall shape, the patterns of its cilia and gullet, are not changed. Plasticity observed in the nervous system is another such example. The concept of 'novelty' is then discussed, largely how new proteins have emerged. Multicellularity and differentiation are then considered, followed by the emergence of various body plans. The concept of developmental flexibility and robustness is considered as the development of the embryo is discussed. Limb buds and neural crest cells are then discussed as sources of evolutionary diversification of the vertebrate body plan. The final chapter of the reference considers the concept of 'evolvability', where it is considered to be the capability of organisms to produce nonlethal, phenotypic variations which natural selection can act upon, and thus allow evolution.

Destined to be a classic.......1999-08-08

This book does a great job of unifying the many disparate threads of modern biology. This is one of the few books on biology written in this decade that may actually cause readers to see life from a new point of view. Destined to be a classic, right up there with D'Arcy Thompson's "Growth and Form" or Ptashne's book on phage lambda. Also this book is fun to read because there are tons of illustrations and also lots of interesting factoids about all sorts of weird organisms. If you are going to buy a book about biology, buy this one!

Excellent - but is afraid to take the next step........1998-09-18

The authors of this book have taken a bold step toward a cellular view of evolution. But they shy from taking that final and necessary step of discarding the DNA based information model for a cellular one. Of course, doing this opens a pandora's box of Lamarkian thought. Still, considering the risks, the effort is more than commendable. Thank you for this book.

Cells, Embryo, and Evolution: Toward a Cellular and Developmental Understanding of Phenotypic Variation and Evolutionary Adaptability

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Cells, Embryo, and Evolution: Toward a Cellular and Developmental Understanding of Phenotypic Variation and Evolutionary Adaptability
John Gerhart , and Marc Kirschner
Manufacturer: Blackwell Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Book Description

This text, by a leading authority in the field, presents a fundamental and factual development of the science and engineering underlying the design of combustion engines and turbines. An extensive illustration program supports the concepts and theories discussed.

Customer Reviews:

Good solid book.......2006-02-25

I'm not a mechanical engineer and I have been able to follow the book well. It goes really in depth in some places, so you have to know when to skip a few pages. But it is fine for a final year undergrad course, and I'm sure it would work for a grad course as well, but if you don't have a good math and science background (ie engineering), then just research www.howstuffworks.com and then subscribe to a few car magazines. There is a lot of practical info in here as well, but don't kid yourself, most of this is theoretical backround. I am an electrical engineer who wanted to get into hybrid vehicles, and I think if you are like me and want to just buy one book on ICEs, this is it.

A really scientific approach to the engine practice.......2003-12-14

This book is my Bible. It does not explain you how to add 2HP to the engine, it explains how all that works and why, with theory, numbers and serious real world tests.
You may be interested in the theory: you'll find all you need to understand more detailled research papers.
You don't need theory: you may simply trust very comprehensive and clear conclusions which explain with figures and numbers how thinks work.
The book covers Spark Ignited and Diesel engines, indirect and direct injected.
The book does not cover recent works on high speed SI (like Honda VTEC) and turbo-diesel engines, as well the indirect injected stratified combustion engines.

the Bible for engine related study and research.......2001-11-22

almost all the areas concerning internal combustion engines are covered in proper detail. it is useful for related undergrad and grad studies, also an indispensable reference for grad research work in engine technologies.

The Bible of Internal Combustion Engine Books.......1998-07-16

Written 10 years ago, the author spent just over a decade to finish this book. Having said that, there are still a lot to learn from this book. I am currently using it as THE textbook of my course (undergraduate and postgraduate).

Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine, Second Edition

Average customer rating:

Adequate. No more - no less.

Engineering Fundamentals of the Internal Combustion Engine, Second Edition
Willard W. Pulkrabek , and Willard Pulkrabek
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131405705

Book Description

This applied thermoscience book covers the basic principles and applications of various types of internal combustion engines. Explores the fundamentals of most types of internal combustion engines with a major emphasis on reciprocating engines. Covers both spark ignition and compression ignition engines as well as those operating on four-stroke cycles and on two-stroke cycles ranging in size from small model airplane engines to the larger stationary engines. Examines recent advancements, such as, Miller cycle analysis, lean burn engines, 2-stroke cycle automobile engines, variable valve timing, and thermal storage.

Customer Reviews:

Adequate. No more - no less........1999-12-06

It's perfect for undergraduate one semester course on internal combustion engines. Theory is straightforward and just adequate - no excess and no scarce. Examples are on modern updated engines, what catches students interest.

Average customer rating:

Quick oveview

Fundamentals of Fire Phenomena
James G. Quintiere
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0470091134

Book Description

Understanding fire dynamics and combustion is essential in fire safety engineering and in fire science curricula. Engineers and students involved in fire protection, safety and investigation need to know and predict how fire behaves to be able to implement adequate safety measures and hazard analyses. Fire phenomena encompass everything about the scientific principles behind fire behavior. Combining the principles of chemistry, physics, heat and mass transfer, and fluid dynamics necessary to understand the fundamentals of fire phenomena, this book integrates the subject into a clear discipline:

Covers thermochemistry including mixtures and chemical reactions;
Introduces combustion to the fire protection student;
Discusses premixed flames and spontaneous ignition;
Presents conservation laws for control volumes, including the effects of fire;
Describes the theoretical bases for empirical aspects of the subject of fire;
Analyses ignition of liquids and the importance of evaporation including heat and mass transfer;
Features the stages of fire in compartments, and the role of scale modeling in fire.

Fundamentals of Fire Phenomena is an invaluable reference tool for practising engineers in any aspect of safety or forensic analysis. Fire safety officers, safety practitioners and safety consultants will also find it an excellent resource. In addition, this is a must-have book for senior engineering students and postgraduates studying fire protection and fire aspects of combustion.

Customer Reviews:

Quick oveview.......2007-10-06

I got this book for my fire science class. It arrived promptly and in good condition. I personally am not to impressed with the book. It needs more example problems, but supposedly it's a good overview of the field of fire science.

Fundamentals Of Turbulence Modelling (Combustion - An International Series)

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Fundamentals Of Turbulence Modelling (Combustion - An International Series)
Ching Jen Chen
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1560324058

Book Description

Focuses on the second-order turbulence-closure model and its applications to engineering problems. Topics include turbulent motion and the averaging process, near-wall turbulence, applications of turbulence models, and turbulent buoyant flows.

Autodesk Combustion 4 Fundamentals Courseware

Average customer rating:

There is nothing left or forgotten!!

Autodesk Combustion 4 Fundamentals Courseware
Autodesk
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240807855

Book Description

Whether this is your first experience with Combustion software or youre upgrading to take advantage of the many new features and tools, this guide will serve as your ultimate resource to this all-in-one professional compositing application. Much more than a point-and-click manual, this guide explains the principles behind the software, serving as an overview of the package and associated techniques. Written by certified Autodesk training specialists for motion graphic designers, animators, and visual effects artists, Combustion 4 Fundamentals Courseware provides expert advice for all skill levels.

Provides:
* A companion DVD that includes Combustion workspace files and project footage to make learning easy
* Heavily illustrated tutorials
* Detailed explanation of the principles behind the tools
* Learn about the many new features in version 4
* Expert advicewritten by Autodesk Courseware Developers, Product Education Technical Writers, and Autodesk Training Specialists who know the product inside and out!

Customer Reviews:

There is nothing left or forgotten!!.......2005-08-30

This magnificent courseware has been a nice surprise for me. I didn't expect it to be so good.

It covers every aspect, every button, every function, every concept of my beloved Combustion. A lotta knowledge.

Well planned, well written, perfectly conceived, no typos, no missing explanations or mistakes. The best combustion courseware so far.

A must, even for combustion veterans.

Combustion Instabilities in Gas Turbine Engines: Operational Experience, Fundamental Mechanisms, And Modeling (Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics)

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Combustion Instabilities in Gas Turbine Engines: Operational Experience, Fundamental Mechanisms, And Modeling (Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics)

Manufacturer: AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 156347669X

Small Gas Engines: Fundamentals, Service, Troubleshooting, Repair, Applications

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Small Engine Repair book
Small Gas Engines: by Roth

Small Gas Engines: Fundamentals, Service, Troubleshooting, Repair, Applications
Alfred C. Roth
Manufacturer: Goodheart-Wilcox Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1590701836

Customer Reviews:

Small Engine Repair book.......2006-11-21

The book is well written and orgainized.
It exhaustively covers the subject.

Small Gas Engines: by Roth.......2005-09-01

This is the best book on Small Gas Engines that we have found. This is the text for our Small Gas Engines course at Clark State Community College. This is a good place for anyone to learn about the basics of small gas engines and how they operate.

Combustion: Physical and Chemical Fundamentals, Modeling and Simulation, Experiments, Pollutant Formation

Average customer rating:

Useful book
Combustion modeling review

Combustion: Physical and Chemical Fundamentals, Modeling and Simulation, Experiments, Pollutant Formation
J. Warnatz , U. Maas , and R.W. Dibble
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540259929

Book Description

Combustion is an old technology, which at present provides about 90% of our worldwide energy support. Combustion research in the past used fluid mechanics with global heat release by chemical reactions described with thermodynamics, assuming infinitely fast reactions. This approach was useful for stationary combustion processes, but it is not sufficient for transient processes like ignition and quenching or for pollutant formation. Yet pollutant formation during combustion of fossil fuels is a central topic and will continue to be so in the future. This book provides a detailed and rigorous treatment of the coupling of chemical reactions and fluid flow. Also, combustion-specific topics of chemistry and fluid mechanics are considered and tools described for the simulation of combustion processes.

The actual fourth edition presents a completely restructured book: Mathematical Formulae and derivations as well as the space-consuming reaction mechanisms have been replaced from the text to appendix. A new chapter discusses the impact of combustion processes on the earth’s atmosphere, the chapter on auto-ignition is extended to combustion in Otto- and Diesel-engines, and the chapters on heterogeneous combustion and on soot formation appear heavily revised.

Customer Reviews:

Useful book.......2007-08-17

This book is not a complete guide but is a good self-learning help.
It can be also used as a quick reference.
A good starting point for combustion studies. Then other books are required if complete treatment is required.
Small but nice part of useful mathematics in appendix. Not a rigorous treatment but quick explanation of some topics related to CFD.

Combustion modeling review.......2000-04-08

This is a very good book. It format is very succictinct and as such spares no space for unecessary content. This give the narrative a somewhat terse style. It must be remembered that the science of combustion wrestles with some formidable concepts; such as turbulent flow, reduced reaction mechanisms for complex chemical reactions, fluid flow and heat transfer. This is not a book for those who are easily frightened by close typed differential equations. This book however, is an excellent introduction to the science of combustion, and contains a detailed and upto date biblography, pointing the interested reader in the right direction. It also contains one of the most complete tables of kinetic data for combustion reactions, I have seen in published literature. My one regret is that there is no companion volume of solved examples that could be used by an unassisted, but interested student. Read in conjunction with Smith/Missen, computation of chemical equilibrium, and Anderson's excellent introduction to Computational fluid dynamics, and the world of this facinating and most important field opens up.

Fundamental Aspects of Combustion (Oxford Engineering Science Series)

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Fundamental Aspects of Combustion (Oxford Engineering Science Series)
Amable Linan , and Forman A. Williams
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195076265

Book Description

This monograph focuses on the science of combustion, exploring its technological, social, and philosophical aspects. Presented here is a systematic overview of the field, with up-to-date treatments of topics of central importance: diffusion flames, deflagrations, detonations, flammability, and explosions. Special emphasis is given to turbulent combustion so that the many different approaches to this multifaceted subject can be exposed and categorized in a systematic manner. The author offers his projections for future developments, including identification of outstanding research areas. This book is a concise and penetrating overview of the field of combustion history and research, and will be of interest to motivated non-specialists interested in more than a facile exploration of the subject.

Combustion Theory: The Fundamental Theory of Chemically Reacting Flow Systems (Combustion Science & Engineering)

Average customer rating:

A Masterpiece

Combustion Theory: The Fundamental Theory of Chemically Reacting Flow Systems (Combustion Science & Engineering)
Forman A. Williams , and F. A. Williams
Manufacturer: Benjamin-Cummings Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

A Masterpiece.......2004-04-15

If you plan on working in combustion, this is the book!
Well written, clear and enlightening.
Prof. Williams' presentation of the subject is outstanding and flawless. I suggest to start from the appendix on Kinetic theory, reading Physical Gadynamics by Vincenti & Kruger is strongly recommended.
I would not recommend it to beginners, start with the book by Kuo instead.

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