ENGINEERING - Cambridge University Press India

Computerized Data
Acquisition and
Analysis for the Life
Sciences
A Hands-On Guide
Simon S. Young
Schering-Plough
Research Institute,
Kenilworth, New Jersey
This book offers an excellent introduction to
computer-based data acquisition and analysis and
will be especially valuable to those with little or no
engineering background. In an informal, easy-toread
style, it guides researchers through the
basics of data acquisition systems, explains the
important concepts underlying sampled data, and
gives numerous examples of how to analyse the
recorded information. While aimed at researchers
in the life sciences, the topics covered are general
and will be valuable to anyone interested in
learning to use data acquisition systems.
A variety of high-quality hardware and software is
now available to researchers, and computerized
data acquisition systems are often the principal
method of recording experimental results. Yet for
the non-engineer, setting up these systems can be
a difficult task. This book takes the reader through
the process step by step, from the type of input to
be used (single-ended or differential, unipolar or
bipolar) through to the sampling rate and the size
of the resultant data files. It explains how to set up
preamplifiers to get the best results, and covers
the main types of transducer encountered in lifescience
work. It then discusses how to obtain
useful information from the large amounts of data
recorded. The principles can be applied to the
collection of data from respiratory apparatus,
intracellular and extracellular electrodes,
electrocardiograms, behavioural-science
experiments, kinematics, and a host of other
situations. Many illustrations and worked
examples accompany the text, unfamiliar terms
are explained, and the mathematics are kept as
simple as possible. This book is an invaluable tool
for the non-engineer who is collecting and
analysing experimental data using data acquisition
systems. Researchers, graduate students and
technicians will find it an up-to-date and
indispensable guide for setting up their equipment
and getting the most out of their data.
Contents: Preface; 1. The Bare Essentials;
2. How a Data Acquisition System Works;
3. Important Concepts; 4. Connecting to the Real
World with Transducers; 5. Data Manipulation;
6. Examples; Appendix Suppliers of Data
Acquisition/Analysis Hardware and Software and
Electronic Components; Notes; References;
Index.
ISBN: 9780521565707 246pp ` 995.00
General
Microbiology
7th Edition
(CLPE)
Hans G. Schlegel
An Introduction to
Genetic
Engineering
3rd Edition
Desmond S. T. Nicholl
University of Paisley
This revised, updated and expanded edition of
Professor Schlegel’s well-established textbook
provides an excellent introduction to microbiology
for a wide range of undergraduate students. In
addition to being a first-rate general introduction to
the subject for all students of microbiology, it is
also suitable for life-science students whose
courses include microbiology as a component.
These include students of biochemistry, botany,
zoology, medicine, pharmacy and agriculture as
well as food science, biotechnology, ecology and
environmental science. The text concentrates on
the essential aspects of microbiology and thus
provides the students with a broadly based
overview of the subject. This new edition includes
new species, new phylogenetic relationships and
a greater emphasis on environmental and
ecological matters, whilst retaining the traditional
strengths of the previous edition.
Contents: Preface to the seventh edition; Preface
to the first edition; Translator’s preface; Use of
technical terms, conventions and nomenclature;
Commonly used abbreviations; 1. The place of
microorganisms in nature; 2. The cell and its
structure; 3. The grouping of prokaryotes; 4. The
viruses: distribution and structure; 5. The fungi
(Mycota); 6. Growth of microorganisms; 7. Basic
mechanisms of metabolism and energy
conversion; 8. Special fermentations; 9. Electron
transport under anaerobic conditions;
10. Incomplete oxidations and microbial
biotechnology; 11. Inorganic hydrogen donors:
aerobic chemolithotrophic bacteria;
12. Phototrophic bacteria and photosynthesis;
13. Fixation of molecular nitrogen;
14. Degradation of natural substances;
15. Constancy, change, recombination and
transfer of genetic information; 16. Regulation of
metabolism; 17. Microorganisms and the
environment; Reading list; Vocabulary; Index.
ISBN: 9780521696210 682pp ` 495.00
In this third edition of his popular undergraduatelevel
textbook, Des Nicholl recognises that a
sound grasp of basic principles is vital in any
introduction to genetic engineering. Therefore, the
book retains its focus on the fundamental
principles used in gene manipulation. It is divided
into three sections: Part I provides an introduction
to the relevant basic molecular biology; Part II, the
methods used to manipulate genes; and Part III,
applications of the technology. There is a new
chapter devoted to the emerging importance of
bioinformatics as a distinct discipline. Other
additional features include text boxes, which
highlight important aspects of topics discussed,
and chapter summaries, which include aims and
learning outcomes. These, along with key word
listings, concept maps and a glossary, will enable
students to tailor their study to suit their own
learning styles and ultimately gain a firm grasp of
a subject that students traditionally find difficult.
Contents: 1. Introduction; Part I. The Basis of
Genetic Engineering: 2. Introducing molecular
biology; 3. Working with nucleic acids; 4. The tools
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