On Rheostasis

On Rheostasis describes several examples of physiological changes most species of animals will experience in their lifetime, such as daily rhythms, reproductive cycles, and infection induced fevers. These naturally occurring events are a major challenge to the basic understanding of how bodies maintain a healthy, internal working environment. The book uses new research to highlight that our internal state is regulated by different physiological processes.

This work offers a comprehensive re-examination and elaboration of homeostasis, a guiding principle in physiology that has received surprisingly little critical evaluation. Among the key topics addressed are questions concerning the competing demands of different regulatory systems within the body and the problem of maintaining equilibrium in such circumstances. The author makes the important point that the body does not always seek constancy of its internal environment, nor does it always react in ways that prevent change. On the contrary, sometimes physiological mechanisms actively promote change. These changes in regulated levels--termed "rheostasis"--are seen as having an adaptive value beyond a simple failure of homeostasis. This book compares and categorizes examples of rheostasis for a variety of physiological variables, and presents what is known about conflicts between different regulatory systems and their role in promoting the occurrence of rheostasis. Among other topics covered are weight loss during hibernation, calcium storage and reproduction, fever, and rates of fat deposition in adults. The work of an outstanding scholar, this integrative study represents a refreshing and essential new approach to one of the basic concepts in physiological science.

Fibrinolysis in Disease reviews the state of the art of basic and clinical aspects of the fibrinolytic enzyme system. The text, authored by outstanding and internationally known investigators, is presented in two books. The Malignant Process, Interventions in Thrombogenic Mechanisms, and Novel Treatment Modalities discusses the molecular biology of the system's key components and their fundamental roles in a variety of thrombotic and metabolic disorders. Molecular and Hemovascular Aspects of Fybrinolysis presents the latest findings and concepts of the association between plasminogen activator (u-PA) overexpression and abnormal growth regulation in a variety of solid tumors and in leukemia. One chapter deals with various successful interventions in thrombogenic mechanisms, ranging from exercise and diet to anticoagulants and direct and indirect thrombolytic agents. It concludes with a projection of exciting, novel treatment modalities in thrombotic and malignant diseases.

Fibrinolysis in Disease reviews the state of the art of basic and clinical aspects of the fibrinolytic enzyme system. The text, authored by outstanding and internationally known investigators, is presented in two books. The Malignant Process, Interventions in Thrombogenic Mechanisms, and Novel Treatment Modalities discusses the molecular biology of the system's key components and their fundamental roles in a variety of thrombotic and metabolic disorders. Molecular and Hemovascular Aspects of Fybrinolysis presents the latest findings and concepts of the association between plasminogen activator (u-PA) overexpression and abnormal growth regulation in a variety of solid tumors and in leukemia. One chapter deals with various successful interventions in thrombogenic mechanisms, ranging from exercise and diet to anticoagulants and direct and indirect thrombolytic agents. It concludes with a projection of exciting, novel treatment modalities in thrombotic and malignant diseases.

Fish form an extremely diverse group of vertebrates. At a conservative estimate at least 40% of the world's vertebrates are fish. On the one hand they are united by their adaptations to an aquatic environment and on the other they show a variety of adaptations to differing environmental conditions - often to extremes of temperature, salinity, oxygen level and water chemistry. They exhibit an array of behavioural and reproductive systems. Interesting in their own right, this suite of adaptive physiologies provides many model systems for both comparative vertebrate and human physiologists. This four volume encyclopedia covers the diversity of fish physiology in over 300 articles and provides entry level information for students and summary overviews for researchers alike. Broadly organised into four themes, articles cover Functional, Thematic, and Phylogenetic Physiology, and Fish Genomics. Functional articles address the traditional aspects of fish physiology that are common to all areas of vertebrate physiology including: Reproduction, Respiration, Neural (Sensory, Central, Effector), Endocrinology, Renal, Cardiovascular, Acid-base Balance, Osmoregulation, Ionoregulation, Digestion, Metabolism, Locomotion, and so on. Thematic Physiology articles are carefully selected and fewer in number. They provide a level of integration that goes beyond the coverage in the Functional Physiology topics and include discussions of Toxicology, Air-breathing, Migrations, Temperature, Endothermy, etc. Phylogenetic Physiology articles bring together information that bridges the physiology of certain groupings of fishes where the knowledge base has a sufficient depth and breadth and include articles on Ancient Fishes, Tunas, Sharks, etc. Genomics articles describe the underlying genetic component of fish physiology and high light their suitability and use as model organisms for the study of disease, stress and physiological adaptations and reactions to external conditions. Winner of a 2011 PROSE Award Honorable Mention for Multivolume Science Reference from the Association of American Publishers The definitive encyclopedia for the field of fish physiology Three volumes which comprehensively cover the entire field in over 300 entries written by experts Detailed coverage of basic functional physiology of fishes, physiological themes in fish biology and comparative physiology amongst taxonomic Groups Describes the genomic bases of fish physiology and biology and the use of fish as model organisms in human physiological research Includes a glossary of terms

These introductions and readings provide a comprehensive range of information for the study of Perceptual Control Theory—papers, books, book reviews, resources on-line, demos and tutorial programs for your computer. Perceptual Control Theory, PCT, results from one man's curiosity, expertise, creativity and determination. The articles, books, and tutorial programs introduced in this volume would not have been written, certainly not this way, if it were not for William T. (Bill) Powers's seminal insight and tireless efforts across more that sixty years. The PCT explanation for what behavior is, how it works and what it accomplishes is well documented. It lays a foundation for a new natural science and can handle behavioral phenomena within a single testable concept of how living systems work. You can demonstrate it yourself with functioning computer simulations. Whether you are interested in improving education, resolving chronic psychological stress, understanding what is going on with an inconsolable baby, understanding the basis for our universal sense of justice, getting a different take on what emotions are, resolving conflict in general, becoming a better parent, manager, sales person, friend or lover, you will find fascinating insight when you review these readings and study this new explanatory concept with care.

Beyond Environmental Comfort highlights some of the key ideas that form the foundation of the field of environmental comfort and, at the same time, gives voice to some of the concerns and considerations on the limitations of the field as it stands today. Bringing together a range of foremost thinkers in their respective fields - Michel Cabanac, Derek Clements-Croome, Nick Baker, Harold Marshall, Juhani Pallasmaa, Dean Hawkes, and Constance Classen - this book argues for a deeper appreciation of how environmental comfort may be understood in terms of our relationship with the environment rather than as independent qualities. For the first time these diverse views are brought together by Editor Boon Lay Ong to present insights into a world beyond what is normally covered in academic research. In the process, an attempt is made to define the field for the future. This book shows that it is by understanding just how environmental design needs to go beyond mere comfort and deal with well-being that we can meaningfully design our future.

A unique book on the interactions and interrelationships between tumor and host that modulate progression and metastasis. Several authors emphasize targeting the host rather than the tumor itself for therapeutic intervention to control cancer.