Nanotechnologies Characterization Of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Near Infrared Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

Download Nanotechnologies Characterization Of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Near Infrared Photoluminescence Spectroscopy full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Nanotechnologies Characterization Of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes Using Near Infrared Photoluminescence Spectroscopy ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

The Nano-Micro Interface, 2 Volumes

Author : Marcel Van de Voorde
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 3527336338
Total Pages : 771 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (273 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Nano-Micro Interface, 2 Volumes by : Marcel Van de Voorde

Download or read book The Nano-Micro Interface, 2 Volumes written by Marcel Van de Voorde and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-03-09 with total page 771 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Controlling the properties of materials by modifying their composition and by manipulating the arrangement of atoms and molecules is a dream that can be achieved by nanotechnology. As one of the fastest developing and innovative -- as well as well-funded -- fields in science, nanotechnology has already significantly changed the research landscape in chemistry, materials science, and physics, with numerous applications in consumer products, such as sunscreens and water-repellent clothes. It is also thanks to this multidisciplinary field that flat panel displays, highly efficient solar cells, and new biological imaging techniques have become reality. This second, enlarged edition has been fully updated to address the rapid progress made within this field in recent years. Internationally recognized experts provide comprehensive, first-hand information, resulting in an overview of the entire nano-micro world. In so doing, they cover aspects of funding and commercialization, the manufacture and future applications of nanomaterials, the fundamentals of nanostructures leading to macroscale objects as well as the ongoing miniaturization toward the nanoscale domain. Along the way, the authors explain the effects occurring at the nanoscale and the nanotechnological characterization techniques. An additional topic on the role of nanotechnology in energy and mobility covers the challenge of developing materials and devices, such as electrodes and membrane materials for fuel cells and catalysts for sustainable transportation. Also new to this edition are the latest figures for funding, investments, and commercialization prospects, as well as recent research programs and organizations.

Nanocosmetics

Author : Jean Cornier
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3030165736
Total Pages : 365 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (31 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Nanocosmetics by : Jean Cornier

Download or read book Nanocosmetics written by Jean Cornier and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-06-14 with total page 365 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book addresses the application of nanotechnology to cosmetics. Edited by three respected experts in the field, the book begins with a general overview of the science behind cosmetics and skin care today, and of the status quo of nanotechnology in cosmetics. Subsequent chapters provide detailed information on the different nanoparticles currently used in cosmetics; the production and characterization of nanoparticles and nanocosmetics; and regulatory, safety and commercialization aspects. Given its scope, the book offers an indispensable guide for scientists in academia and industry, technicians and students, as well as a useful resource for decision-makers in the field and consumer organizations. Chapter 6 of this book is available open access under a CC BY 4.0 licence at link.springer.com.

The Nano-Micro Interface

Author : Marcel Van de Voorde
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 3527679219
Total Pages : 771 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (276 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Nano-Micro Interface by : Marcel Van de Voorde

Download or read book The Nano-Micro Interface written by Marcel Van de Voorde and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-01-12 with total page 771 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Controlling the properties of materials by modifying their composition and by manipulating the arrangement of atoms and molecules is a dream that can be achieved by nanotechnology. As one of the fastest developing and innovative -- as well as well-funded -- fields in science, nanotechnology has already significantly changed the research landscape in chemistry, materials science, and physics, with numerous applications in consumer products, such as sunscreens and water-repellent clothes. It is also thanks to this multidisciplinary field that flat panel displays, highly efficient solar cells, and new biological imaging techniques have become reality. This second, enlarged edition has been fully updated to address the rapid progress made within this field in recent years. Internationally recognized experts provide comprehensive, first-hand information, resulting in an overview of the entire nano-micro world. In so doing, they cover aspects of funding and commercialization, the manufacture and future applications of nanomaterials, the fundamentals of nanostructures leading to macroscale objects as well as the ongoing miniaturization toward the nanoscale domain. Along the way, the authors explain the effects occurring at the nanoscale and the nanotechnological characterization techniques. An additional topic on the role of nanotechnology in energy and mobility covers the challenge of developing materials and devices, such as electrodes and membrane materials for fuel cells and catalysts for sustainable transportation. Also new to this edition are the latest figures for funding, investments, and commercialization prospects, as well as recent research programs and organizations.

Metrology and Standardization for Nanotechnology

Author : Elisabeth Mansfield
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 3527800050
Total Pages : 630 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (278 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Metrology and Standardization for Nanotechnology by : Elisabeth Mansfield

Download or read book Metrology and Standardization for Nanotechnology written by Elisabeth Mansfield and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2017-01-20 with total page 630 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For the promotion of global trading and the reduction of potential risks, the role of international standardization of nanotechnologies has become more and more important. This book gives an overview of the current status of nanotechnology including the importance of metrology and characterization at the nanoscale, international standardization of nanotechnology, and industrial innovation of nano-enabled products. First the field of nanometrology, nanomaterial standardization and nanomaterial innovation is introduced. Second, major concepts in analytical measurements are given in order to provide a basis for the reliable and reproducible characterization of nanomaterials. The role of standards organizations are presented and finally, an overview of risk management and the commercial impact of metrology and standardization for industrial innovations.

Computational Nanotoxicology

Author : Agnieszka Gajewicz
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1000681424
Total Pages : 307 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (6 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Computational Nanotoxicology by : Agnieszka Gajewicz

Download or read book Computational Nanotoxicology written by Agnieszka Gajewicz and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-11-13 with total page 307 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The development of computational methods that support human health and environmental risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials has attracted great interest because the application of these methods enables us to fill existing experimental data gaps. However, considering the high degree of complexity and multifunctionality of engineered nanoparticles, computational methods originally developed for regular (i.e., classic) chemicals cannot always be applied explicitly in nanotoxicology. Thus, the main idea of this book is to discuss the current state of the art and future needs in the development of computational modeling techniques for nanotoxicology. The book focuses on methodology. Among various in silico techniques, special attention is given to (i) computational chemistry (quantum mechanics, semi-empirical methods, density functional theory, molecular mechanics, molecular dynamics); (ii) nanochemoinformatic methods (quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling, grouping, read-across); and (iii) nanobioinformatic methods (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics).

Nanoscale Networking and Communications Handbook

Author : John R. Vacca
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 0429531079
Total Pages : 431 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (295 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Nanoscale Networking and Communications Handbook by : John R. Vacca

Download or read book Nanoscale Networking and Communications Handbook written by John R. Vacca and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-07-05 with total page 431 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive handbook serves as a professional reference as well as a practitioner's guide to today's most complete and concise view of nanoscale networking and communications. It offers in-depth coverage of theory, technology, and practice as they relate to established technologies and recent advancements. It explores practical solutions to a wide range of nanoscale networking and communications issues. Individual chapters, authored by leading experts in the field, address the immediate and long-term challenges in the authors' respective areas of expertise.

Comprehensive Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Author :
Publisher : Academic Press
ISBN 13 : 012812296X
Total Pages : 1881 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Comprehensive Nanoscience and Nanotechnology by :

Download or read book Comprehensive Nanoscience and Nanotechnology written by and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2019-01-02 with total page 1881 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Comprehensive Nanoscience and Technology, Second Edition, Five Volume Set allows researchers to navigate a very diverse, interdisciplinary and rapidly-changing field with up-to-date, comprehensive and authoritative coverage of every aspect of modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Presents new chapters on the latest developments in the field Covers topics not discussed to this degree of detail in other works, such as biological devices and applications of nanotechnology Compiled and written by top international authorities in the field

Handbook Of Carbon Nanomaterials (Volumes 9-10)

Author : R Bruce Weisman
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9813235470
Total Pages : 810 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (132 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Handbook Of Carbon Nanomaterials (Volumes 9-10) by : R Bruce Weisman

Download or read book Handbook Of Carbon Nanomaterials (Volumes 9-10) written by R Bruce Weisman and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2019-01-22 with total page 810 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is a tribute to the career of Prof. Mildred Dresselhaus. It focuses on the optical properties and spectroscopy of single-wall carbon nanotubes. It contains chapters on diverse experimental and theoretical aspects of the field, written by internationally recognized experts. The volume serves as an important resource for researchers and students interested in carbon nanotubes.

Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials

Author : Wolfgang Luther
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 981436486X
Total Pages : 394 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (143 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials by : Wolfgang Luther

Download or read book Safety Aspects of Engineered Nanomaterials written by Wolfgang Luther and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2016-04-19 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With contributions from leading researchers and government experts involved with the safety assessment of nanomaterials, this book gives an up-to-date review on the safety of engineered nanomaterials and their impact on health and the environment. It covers the whole nanomaterial life cycle-from production, transport, and distribution in the enviro

Nanotechnology Law

Author : Lorna Brazell
Publisher : Kluwer Law International B.V.
ISBN 13 : 9041141863
Total Pages : 395 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (411 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Nanotechnology Law by : Lorna Brazell

Download or read book Nanotechnology Law written by Lorna Brazell and published by Kluwer Law International B.V.. This book was released on 2012-01-01 with total page 395 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Ever since the discovery that very small particles of some substances evince different properties than the substances do in ‘bulk’ form, there has been an interest in developing ‘nanomaterials’ for commercial and industrial purposes. Although some nanomaterials exist in nature, most are chemically engineered for application in a wide variety of processes, ultimately entering the environment in many foods, drugs, cosmetics, clothing, sports goods, pesticides, packaging products and electronics, as well as in the particularly controversial form of tiny ‘machines’. Since the long-term effects of these new, laboratory-created materials and tools on health and the environment are unknown ; and as the particles are so small they can frustrate measuring and monitoring devices ; there has been a growing call for regulation of their use. This is the first book to offer a thorough analysis of the problems posed by nanotechnology in the context of existing legal schemes and trends, focusing on initiatives and debates in the European Union but also considering developments at the global level and in the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and China. Setting out how the current debate has arisen, how existing law deals with the issues arising around nanotechnology in areas such as patent rights and manufacturers’ liability, and how various international organizations are searching for some global consensus, the book addresses topics and issues including the following: patentability of nanomaterial products and processes; trade secrecy and nanotechnology; waste and disposal issues; occupational health and safety issues; international initiatives – OECD, FAO, WHO, UNEP and the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM); intersection of nanotechnology with the most important fields of economic development; the extent to which exclusive rights have been registered over early developments in nanotechnology; the practical viability of pre-market toxicity investigation and postmarketing vigilance; contractual and tortious approaches to real or potential liability for harm; application of the precautionary principle in law and regulation; and political responses to existing legislation. Nanomaterials are already a commercial reality; the regulatory debate centres on the question of how to maximize the benefits they may offer while also limiting the risk from unforeseen hazards. This book clearly and comprehensively describes the range of issues relating to the legal framework and practicalities for commercial exploitation of nanotechnologies, and as such will prove of great value and importance to corporate counsel in many manufacturing sectors as well as to regulators and policy makers in environmental and trade law. Lorna is a partner in the London office of Bird & Bird LLP.

Characterization of Nanoparticles

Author : Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba
Publisher : Elsevier
ISBN 13 : 0128141832
Total Pages : 566 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (281 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Characterization of Nanoparticles by : Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba

Download or read book Characterization of Nanoparticles written by Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2019-10-05 with total page 566 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Characterization of Nanoparticles: Measurement Processes for Nanoparticles surveys this fast growing field, including established methods for the physical and chemical characterization of nanoparticles. The book focuses on sample preparation issues (including potential pitfalls), with measurement procedures described in detail. In addition, the book explores data reduction, including the quantitative evaluation of the final result and its uncertainty of measurement. The results of published inter-laboratory comparisons are referred to, along with the availability of reference materials necessary for instrument calibration and method validation. The application of these methods are illustrated with practical examples on what is routine and what remains a challenge. In addition, this book summarizes promising methods still under development and analyzes the need for complementary methods to enhance the quality of nanoparticle characterization with solutions already in operation. - Helps readers decide which nanocharacterization method is best for each measurement problem, including limitations, advantages and disadvantages - Shows which nanocharacterization methods are best for different classes of nanomaterial - Demonstrates the practical use of a method based on selected case studies

Micro- and Nanotechnologies-Based Product Development

Author : Neelesh Kumar Mehra
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1000422356
Total Pages : 582 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (4 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Micro- and Nanotechnologies-Based Product Development by : Neelesh Kumar Mehra

Download or read book Micro- and Nanotechnologies-Based Product Development written by Neelesh Kumar Mehra and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2021-09-06 with total page 582 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides comprehensive information of the nanotechnology-based pharmaceutical product development including a diverse range of arenas such as liposomes, nanoparticles, fullerenes, hydrogels, thermally responsive externally activated theranostics (TREAT), hydrogels, microspheres, micro- and nanoemulsions and carbon nanomaterials. It covers the micro- and nanotechnological aspects for pharmaceutical product development with the product development point of view and also covers the industrial aspects, novel technologies, stability studies, validation, safety and toxicity profiles, regulatory perspectives, scale-up technologies and fundamental concept in the development of products. Salient Features: Covers micro- and nanotechnology approaches with current trends with safety and efficacy in product development. Presents an overview of the recent progress of stability testing, reverse engineering, validation and regulatory perspectives as per regulatory requirements. Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research related to micro- and nanotechnologies including designing, optimisation, validation and scale-up of micro- and nanotechnologies. Is edited by two well-known researchers by contribution of vivid chapters from renowned scientists across the globe in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Dr. Neelesh Kumar Mehra is working as an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics & Biopharmaceutics at the Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India. He received ‘TEAM AWARD’ for successful commercialisation of an ophthalmic suspension product. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications in highly reputed international journals and more than 10 book chapter contributions. He has filed patents on manufacturing process and composition to improved therapeutic efficacy for topical delivery. He guided PhD and MS students for their dissertations/research projects. He has received numerous outstanding awards including Young Scientist Award and Team Award for his research output. He recently published one edited book, ‘Dendrimers in Nanomedicine: Concept, Theory and Regulatory Perspectives’, in CRC Press. Currently, he is editing books on nano drug delivery-based products with Elsevier Pvt Ltd. He has rich research and teaching experience in the formulation and development of complex, innovative ophthalmic and injectable biopharmaceutical products including micro- and nanotechnologies for regulated market. Dr. Arvind Gulbake is working as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical & Population Health Informatics, at DIT University, Dehradun, India. He has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications in highly reputed international journals, four book chapters and a patent contribution. He has received outstanding awards including Young Scientist Award and BRG Travel Award for his research. He is an assistant editor for IJAP. He guided PhD and MS students for their dissertations/research projects. He has successfully completed extramural project funded by SERB, New Delhi, Government of India. He has more than 12 years of research and teaching experience in the formulation and development of nanopharmaceuticals.

Concise Handbook Of Analytical Spectroscopy, The: Theory, Applications, And Reference Materials (In 5 Volumes)

Author : Jerome (Jerry) James Workman, Jr
Publisher : World Scientific
ISBN 13 : 9814508071
Total Pages : 1824 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (145 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Concise Handbook Of Analytical Spectroscopy, The: Theory, Applications, And Reference Materials (In 5 Volumes) by : Jerome (Jerry) James Workman, Jr

Download or read book Concise Handbook Of Analytical Spectroscopy, The: Theory, Applications, And Reference Materials (In 5 Volumes) written by Jerome (Jerry) James Workman, Jr and published by World Scientific. This book was released on 2016-06-17 with total page 1824 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The concept of improving the use of electromagnetic energy to achieve a variety of qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic measurements on solid and liquid materials has been proliferating at a rapid rate. The use of such technologies to measure chemical composition, appearance, for classification, and to achieve detailed understanding of material interactions has prompted a dramatic expansion in the use and development of spectroscopic techniques over a variety of academic and commercial fields.The Concise Handbook of Analytical Spectroscopy is integrated into 5 volumes, each covering the theory, instrumentation, sampling methods, experimental design, and data analysis techniques, as well as essential reference tables, figures, and spectra for each spectroscopic region. The detailed practical aspects of applying spectroscopic tools for many of the most exciting and current applications are covered. Featured applications include: medical, biomedical, optical, physics, common commercial analysis methods, spectroscopic quantitative and qualitative techniques, and advanced methods.This multi-volume handbook is designed specifically as a reference tool for students, commercial development and quality scientists, and researchers or technologists in a variety of measurement endeavours.Number of Illustrations and Tables: 393 b/w illus., 304 colour illus, 413 tables.Related Link(s)

Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

Author : Archana (Joshi) Bachheti
Publisher : Springer Nature
ISBN 13 : 9819702402
Total Pages : 397 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (197 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Carbon-Based Nanomaterials by : Archana (Joshi) Bachheti

Download or read book Carbon-Based Nanomaterials written by Archana (Joshi) Bachheti and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on with total page 397 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition

Author :
Publisher : ScholarlyEditions
ISBN 13 : 1464990654
Total Pages : 1855 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (649 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition by :

Download or read book Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition written by and published by ScholarlyEditions. This book was released on 2012-12-26 with total page 1855 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition is a ScholarlyEditions™ eBook that delivers timely, authoritative, and comprehensive information about Fullerenes. The editors have built Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition on the vast information databases of ScholarlyNews.™ You can expect the information about Fullerenes in this eBook to be deeper than what you can access anywhere else, as well as consistently reliable, authoritative, informed, and relevant. The content of Fullerenes—Advances in Research and Application: 2012 Edition has been produced by the world’s leading scientists, engineers, analysts, research institutions, and companies. All of the content is from peer-reviewed sources, and all of it is written, assembled, and edited by the editors at ScholarlyEditions™ and available exclusively from us. You now have a source you can cite with authority, confidence, and credibility. More information is available at http://www.ScholarlyEditions.com/.

Carbon Nanotubes

Author : Stephanie Reich
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 3527618058
Total Pages : 224 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (276 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Carbon Nanotubes by : Stephanie Reich

Download or read book Carbon Nanotubes written by Stephanie Reich and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2008-09-26 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Carbon nanotubes are exceptionally interesting from a fundamental research point of view. Many concepts of one-dimensional physics have been verified experimentally such as electron and phonon confinement or the one-dimensional singularities in the density of states; other 1D signatures are still under debate, such as Luttinger-liquid behavior. Carbon nanotubes are chemically stable, mechanically very strong, and conduct electricity. For this reason, they open up new perspectives for various applications, such as nano-transistors in circuits, field-emission displays, artificial muscles, or added reinforcements in alloys. This text is an introduction to the physical concepts needed for investigating carbon nanotubes and other one-dimensional solid-state systems. Written for a wide scientific readership, each chapter consists of an instructive approach to the topic and sustainable ideas for solutions. The former is generally comprehensible for physicists and chemists, while the latter enable the reader to work towards the state of the art in that area. The book gives for the first time a combined theoretical and experimental description of topics like luminescence of carbon nanotubes, Raman scattering, or transport measurements. The theoretical concepts discussed range from the tight-binding approximation, which can be followed by pencil and paper, to first-principles simulations. We emphasize a comprehensive theoretical and experimental understanding of carbon nanotubes including - general concepts for one-dimensional systems - an introduction to the symmetry of nanotubes - textbook models of nanotubes as narrow cylinders - a combination of ab-initio calculations and experiments - luminescence excitation spectroscopy linked to Raman spectroscopy - an introduction to the 1D-transport properties of nanotubes - effects of bundling on the electronic and vibrational properties and - resonance Raman scattering in nanotubes.

Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Author : Yan Li
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3030127001
Total Pages : 340 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (31 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by : Yan Li

Download or read book Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes written by Yan Li and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-16 with total page 340 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The series Topics in Current Chemistry Collections presents critical reviews from the journal Topics in Current Chemistry organized in topical volumes. The scope of coverage is all areas of chemical science including the interfaces with related disciplines such as biology, medicine and materials science. The goal of each thematic volume is to give the non-specialist reader, whether in academia or industry, a comprehensive insight into an area where new research is emerging which is of interest to a larger scientific audience. Each review within the volume critically surveys one aspect of that topic and places it within the context of the volume as a whole. The most significant developments of the last 5 to 10 years are presented using selected examples to illustrate the principles discussed. The coverage is not intended to be an exhaustive summary of the field or include large quantities of data, but should rather be conceptual, concentrating on the methodological thinking that will allow the non-specialist reader to understand the information presented. Contributions also offer an outlook on potential future developments in the field.