5 comments about Nanotechnology: A Gentle Introduction to the Next Big Idea.

1. Dan Ratner: A man with brains and one hot body! He's got it all! I have had the pleasure of meeting this young and "yummy" hunk after the release of his book. I must say, his photo in the book doesn't do him justice. Ladies, you really have to see this hunk in person! If you are ever in the Chicago area, I would seriously advise you to go.
   
   You can tell he works out by his incredible bulging muscles. Oh, yeah! What a physique! Is this guy for real or just a fantasy? Gotta wipe that drool off your lips, Ladies. *smack* Oh, I'd love to feel those arms for myself. His body, from what I could see, gets an "A" rating here!!
   
   His personality rating is an "A" rating as well. He is so well mannered and is a pleasure to converse with. Quite refreshing to meet such a man. I would certainly love a date with this fine young author over a nice old fashion candle-lit dinner. His mannerism is a definite "A+" rating here!
   
   Unfortunately, my meeting with Mr. Dan Ratner was not long enough to give an extensive review, although, I hope our next meet will be.
   
   Anyway, if you like brains and brawn, I'd definitely recommend this author!



2. Great job organizing such sciency material in easy, yet educational format! Some of the best in the field recommended this read. The author's analogies and content are accurate. This book gives the reader a toolset of knowledge to expand on. Regardless of ones background, this technology is worth knowing about. With a background as a manufacturing engineer, I don't fit into the traditional chemistry and biology scene. I look at this area and see untraditional manufacturing processes that people need to know about. When these processes come out of research, and into the manufacturing sector there are going to be serious manufacturing challenges. This book has helped me solidify my interest within this field.



3. The book promised an intro to nanotechnology and that's what it delivered. A fairly nontechnical, but graphic representation of a new science. If someone wants a thourough education buy a textbook. If you want an intro into one of the most promising new fields without a 400 page manual, this is a good place to start. The previous reviewer is a moron. Read the cover before you buy it.



4. Quantum Dots contain only a few hundred atoms. Because the electrons in a quantum dot are confined to widely separated energy levels, the dot emits only one wavelength of light when excited. The size of the dot determines its electronic, magnetic, and optical properties. Quantum Dot Corporation has developed a QD cadmium selenide nanoparticle for use as biological labels. Researchers can tag proteins and nucleic acids with QD and illuminate them with ultraviolet light and the crystal will fluoresce at a specific wavelength and show the location of attached proteins. How does a QD work? An organic dye molecule absorbs only photons of light with just the right energy to lift its electrons from their quiescent state to one of the higher levels available to them. The incident light must be exactly the right wavelength or color. The molecule will emit a photon when the electron falls to a lower energy level.
   
   Colloids: nanoparticles in suspension. IBM is exploring using colloids to build ultrahigh density data storage. IBM is using colloids containing magnetic nanoparticles 3 nm across, each composing of about 1,000 iron and platinum atoms. The colloid is spread on a surface and the solvent allowed to evaporate and these nanoparticles crytalize into 2 or 3 dimensional arrays. These arrays could hold trillions of bits per square inch.
   
   Cantilevers: IBM is exploring using atomic force microscopes to screen samples for certain genetic sequences. They attach short strands of DNA to the tops of cantilevers. When genetic material carrying a complementary sequence binds to the anchored strands, it induces a surface stress, which bends the cantilevers subtly, by use nanometers, but enough for detection.
   
   Dendrimers: An dendrimer is an artifical molecule. Dendrimers are globular molecules about the size of a typical protein, but they do not come apart or unfold because they are held together with stronger chemical bonds. Dendrimers can be engineered to transport DNA into cells for gene therapy. Dendrimers offer control. It may be possible to design dendrimers that spontaneously swell and liberate their contents oly when the appropriate trigger molecules are present. This ability would allow a custom-made dendrimer to release its load of drugs I just the tissues or organs needing treatment.
   
   Nanoshells: Nanoshells are extremely small beads of glass coated with gold. Nanoshells capture energy in near-infrared fashion. Such a nanoshell could be made to deliver drug molecules at specific times by attaching it to a capsule made of heat-sensitive polymer. The capsule would release its contents only when gentle heating of the attached nonshell caused it to deform. Another more dramatic application envisions connecting nanoshells with antibodies. The antibodies attach to the tumor cells and the nanoshells are heated using high power infrared sufficiently to destroy the cancer cells, while leaving nearby tissue unharmed.



5. Good book for begginers. It starts simple and build you up. Not too many hard conecpts.

3 comments about Instrument Engineers' Handbook, Fourth Edition, Volume Two: Process Control and Optimization.

1. The first edition was published in 1969, the second edition was released in 1982 (Volume 1) and 1985 (Volume 2). This latest edition comprises over 3000 pages between the 2 volumes. Each volume includes 8 chapters with many sub-headings per chapter.

   The Flow Measurement (29 sub-headins) and Analytical Instrumentation (60 sub-headings) chapters were heavily revised for the 1995 edition of VOLUME 1. PLC's & Other Logic Devices (10 subheadings), DCS & Computer-based Systems (16 sub-headings) and Process Control Systems (27 sub-headings) were largely rewritten for the 1995 edition of VOLUME 2. Within each product-oriented sub-heading (eg. Magnetic Flowmeters, Infrared Analyzers, DCS Basic Packages), in addition to extensive treatment of the applicable technology, a comprehesive listing of manufacturers and typical price ranges is provided. Under Process Control Systems, a diverse group of applications (Airhandler Controls, Clean Room Controls, Distillation Advanced Controls, Compressor Controls, Reactor Control & Optimation and many others) is profiled. Throughout this handbook, process control is treated in the time-domain to minimize mathematical complications implicit in frequency-domain analysis. Its focus is the practicding engineer and explains most control phoenomena visually.

   Over 250 contributing authors are listed, including many prestigious names immediately recognizable by process control professionals. Liptak personally authored a substantial number of revised and up-dated easlier contribution of pioneering practitioners. This opus is a tour de force.

   Liptak is a long-time industrial consultant, teaches a graduate course in advanced process control at Yale and writes the widely-followed Lessons Learned feature in CONTROL magazine. He has also lectured at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and been published on the editorial pages of the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal.




2. This book is a Must Have in your Engineering Library.
   Liptak provides extensive detail for this to be your one-stop-shop for controls as well as a great introduction & encyclopedia for the rookies.
   Hats off to Liptak and his team.
   Just brace yourself for the 1,500 pages of information !! ;)



3. 
   Absolutely the Very Best Process Control Reference for the Process Control Engineer - Now Updated and Expanded !!. This is the second volume of the Instrument Engineer's Handbook, and. as its title suggests, it deals with Process control and Optimization, covering everything from Control Hardware, Control Theory, Control Strategies, and the Control and Optimization of Specific Unit Operations.
   
   The Chapters on Control Hardware cover in detail transmitters, controllers, control valves, regulators and other types of final control elements, PLCs, and other logic devices, human interfaces and displays, including the design of control rooms.
   
   The Chapters on Control Theory and Control Strategies covers everything from control basics and PID controllers, to tuning methods, stability, process characteristics, process modeling and simulation, model-based control, genetic and other evolutionary algorithms, fuzzy logic programming, neural networks and other advance control strategies.
   
   The Chapters on Control and Optimization of Unit Operations provide both in-depth of both the theory of operation and control, and practical implementation for the control of pumping, distillation, chemical reaction, heat transfer and many other.
   
   While evaluating and reviewing such sophisticated topics about Process Control, this handbook also tries and succeeds to provide and reinforce the reader with the most useful tool for the Automation and Control Engineer: Common Sense. In order to emphasize the importance of Common Sense, the Author gives some practical recommendations that include the following ones:
   
   - Before we can control a process, one must fully understand it.
   - Being progressive is good, but being a guinea pig is not. Therefore is the wrong control strategy is implemented, the performance of even the most advanced digital hardware will be unacceptable.
   - And Instrumentation, Automation, and Process Control Engineer or Technician is doing a good and better job by telling plant management what they need to know, and not what they like to hear.
   - If an instrument is worth installing, it should also be worth calibrating and maintaining. No device can outperform the reference against it was calibrated.
   - Trust your common sense not the sales literature. Independent performance evaluation based on the recommendation of international and national users associations should be done before installation, and not after it.
   
   I am an Industrial Practitioner of Process Measurement & Control. I have been working in the Process Industries for more than 16 years as an Automation, Instrumentation, Process Safety and Process Control Engineer. I consider this book to be the very best reference in the field for anyone and everyone working in these areas or in areas related with their Industrial applications. You will find this handbook useful, either if your work is related with the engineering, maintenance or operation of Process Control Systems.
   
   If you are a beginner to Process Control, you may also want to consider "Process Dynamics, Modeling, and Control (Topics in Chemical Engineering)" by Babatunde A. Ogunnaike, which is an excelent introductory reference to Chemical Processes Dynamics and Control.

5 comments about From Alchemy to IPO: The Business of Biotechnology.

1. to quote another user: "The author's expertise in science, finance, management strategy, and journalism..." the author can write decently and she may know about biotech (hard to judge for me not being a scientist)...BUT her knowledge about management strategy and finance is limited at best...that wouldn't be so bad if she were to stick to write about science...however, she thinks she knows about finance and strategy...who wants to read about strategy should stick with hamel, pralahad, porter etc., who wants to read about finance (valuation) should stick with copeland et al, and who wants to read about ipos should try articles by jay ritter.



2. I'll be starting a biomedical engineering Ph.D. program in the fall and have read recently a few books on the biotech subject. This one gave the clearest picture of the biotech industries, the companies in them, how to manage and finance them, as well as how to recognize solid biotech companies for investing purposes. A quick and entertaining read for anyone interested in the business behind biotechnology.



3. I read the first 20 pages of this book and quit. It was too painful to keep going. The author's wording in convoluted, tangential, and just plain annoying. She throws out dozens of names from the industry, so many you can't keep them straight. There is poor flow to the writing, so you cannot understand why she is telling you things from one line to the next. The topics of each paragraph jump from one subject to another with abrupt, confusing transitions. I returned the book!



4. This is a great overview of the world of biotech. The author explains the science with clarity and enthusiasm and the introduction this book provides to the corporate side of biotech is also very interesting and well written.



5. I read From Alchemy to IPO for an MBA course on entrepreneurialism in the pharmaceutical industry. Given my background (undergraduate business, financial analyst role, limited in-depth scientific knowledge), I found this book to be a very useful and balanced guide to both the business and technical aspects of biotechnology.
   
   Robbins-Roth includes enough information on initial public offerings (IPOs) and merger activity among biotech firms to warm the hearts of the most resolute business student, but the drug discovery and development process is also covered in sufficient detail to give the lay reader an understanding for the operational challenges faced by firms in this sector.
   
   Add to this the competent yet necessarily superficial descriptions of more esoteric terms such as monoclonal antibodies and combinatorial chemistry, and you have a solid text that covers the industry and its ongoing challenges very well.

5 comments about Advanced Organic Chemistry: Structure and Mechanisms (Part A) (Advanced Organic Chemistry / Part A: Structure and Mechanisms).

1. This book is written at the undergraduate level. The figures are a joke. It's a paperback and will fall apart. If you are in graduate school; buy the text by Anslyn & Dougherty instead. It is a nice hard bound book, durable & weighs a ton. Its worth the money and the weight in your backpack.



2. This text is good for an advanced undergraduate course. It is a pretty good reference, with two major problems:
   
   1) The book is a flimsy paperback. Other paperbacks I have can withstand usage just fine, but after 1 month the text was in two pieces. It feel apart at the binding. I never even brought it to class, it sat on the bookshelf and fell apart after twice a week readings.
   
   2) The solutions are presented as references to journal articles. I am not too shy of searching for articles, but when you are in a crunch it would be nice to not have to search through 10 pages of tangential information to find the one data or conclusion you need in order to verify the accuracy of your work.
   
   Besides for that, it worked just fine for my advanced undergrad course in physical organic chemistry. I did have to make frequent references to other sources for more in-depth information, but when study time came it worked better than the myriad organic texts available at my library.



3. I have been using this book since the first edition, in my postgraduation courses and each time, it is better. The 5th edition introduced aspects that we awere longing for, like, for example, new achievements in the area of aromaticity and improvements in the first chapter. The best improvement was attached to problems solving (despite being not so friendly) and 3D figures. A CD should be added to the next edition.



4. Everyone in the world of organic chemistry knows of Dr. Carey and the great author and chemist he is. Hardly anyone could compare with the way he slides from subject to subject, explaining in detail and ease subjects that can be rather difficult to grasp. However, his method, because of his complete understanding of the subject matter is amazing. Often I wish I had had him for an instructor for at least one course in organic or any other for that matter. It is his ability to break down difficult concepts, and introduce them in logical and orderly fashion as to make that same difficult concept... much more easy to understand. If you are thinking about graduate school, or even want to make better grades in your soph-jr 2 semester organic chem class, use this book. It will help you understand some of the topics your "quick course" book leaves out! I cannot recommend this book high enough. guyairey



5. This book is the course book which is suggested by most of the Organic professors as an advanced organic chemistry book. This book also teaches you the basics of basis of organic chemistry.

5 comments about Biotechnology for Beginners.

1. This book is a translation of the German Biotechnologie für Einsteiger published by Spektrum Akademischer Verlag. It contains a broad variety of biotech examples, many historical vignettes, and more graphics and photos than most multi-volume biotech encyclopdias. On the surface it should make for an enlightening and interesting reading experience.
   
   Unfortunately, Biotechnology for Beginners falls short of its potential. For one, it reads more like Germlish than English, and it becomes tiresome to translate each sentence into true English. For another, the book is really an encyclopedia of facts, none addressed in sufficient detail to see how they might fit into a larger picture. The "Beginners" of the title must surely be advanced undergrads or graduate students, since no one without a substantial background in microbiology is likely to benefit in more than a superficial way from this tome.
   
   This is a good book to browse for the interesting fact, figure, or anecdote, but is probably less suitable as a textbook.



2. I can't agree with the reviewer above who faulted the translation of the book into `Germlish'. There is no way that reader has to translate each sentence into `true English' as it reads very clearly to me. However, I would agree that the text is a little dry and as such is not as accessible as it could be. I also think the book is more appropriate for undergrad students than for graduates.



3. It is often a problem to find books that help you understand the scientific and technical intricacies of a new phenomenon and at the same time shows its historical and social background. Reinhard Renneberg's Biotechnology for Beginners is the best introduction that I have read recently which achieves this purpose eminently. Renneberg takes you on a tour of biotechnology from its origins in fermentation via gene technology to the development of transgenic animals and analysis of the human genome. His core presentation focuses on the scientific explorations and technological achievements, but the supplementary illustrations and boxes presenting historical developments, critical issues or expert opinions enliven the text. Each chapter is also provided with list of recommended literature and websites, together with self-test questions and other aids for discussion of critical issues.
   
   Many popular books on biotechnology tend to engage in partisan discourse on the merits or dangers of the technology, or they try to avoid the controversial issues altogether. Renneberg in my view strikes a good balance, drawing upon many sources of information and opinion.
   As a sociologist and historian of science and technology, I am fascinated with the way that he has woven history and persons (and other living organisms) into the presentation of basic facts. In a sense, he complements technical detail with interesting facts about history and social applications in a way that resembles a double helix. The effect is awesome...



4. The book "Biotechnology for Beginners" contains a treasure of knowledge for this interdisciplinary area of science, which makes it a unique book. The multitude of scientific areas making up biotechnology has made it a very hard subject to cover in a comprehensible way in a volume that is not too heavy, both physically and reading it. Many textbooks on Biotechnology are biased with too much molecular biology, forgetting that Biotechnology is so much more, which is shown with abundance in this volume. In this book the use of recombinant DNA is integrated in almost all of the chapters, and then it becomes relevant. The book is well suited for students as an introduction into biotechnology, and also for journalists, policy makers, governmental workers and others that get in contact with the wonderful world of microorganisms and higher cells, and what these are able to do for each of us.
   
   On 360 pages the author and editor give a up to date survey of most of the core areas in which biotechnology has made such a crucial impact on our daily lives. The book is generously illustrated and has very useful "boxes" to cover specific subjects from a historical perspective and they are full of unique information. The whole book is filled with facts, some usually not found in textbooks on Biotechnology. So even though I have been in the field for over 25 years, I found a lot of new information.
   
   It must also be said that there are things to improve, hopefully for the 2nd edition. Specifically there are terms that are used without an explanation. To solve this I suggest a glossary at the start of each chapter with explanation of the key words used in the chapter. Just an example, on page 33 the words enthalpy and non-competitive inhibition are used but not explained whereas hydrophilic and hydrophobic are. There are more cases like this and a glossary would solve this problem. Another problem is that to comprehend some parts of the text you need to have some background knowledge in science, specifically biochemistry, and hopefully today's students have that.
   
   A short remark on the spelling of the synonym for bioreactor. A fermenter is an organism which carries out the process of fermentation. A fermentor is a large growth vessel used to culture microorganisms on a large scale, frequently for the production of some commercially valuable product. In this book fermenter is used for bioreactor throughout. There are also other spelling mistakes which should be corrected in an eventual 2nd edition.
   
   Stefan Rokem
   Department of Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
   The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
   Israel



5. I have just ended to read the book: Prof. Renneberg has written a masterpiece. This book is complete, well written, rich of marvelous figures and, very important, the book is strongly didactic. All the aspects of the modern biotechnology are covered.
   I really suggest this book to anyone that wants to learn about modern biotechnology: she/he will not be disappointed. The reading of this book is really pleasant.
   Thanks to Prof. Renneberg.

No comments about Fundamental Molecular Biology.

No comments about Physical Chemistry for the Biosciences.

1 comments about Numerical Computation in Science and Engineering (Topics in Chemical Engineering).

1. This is an extremely useful and well-written book. It is perfectly organized and very well structured. The level is just right; not too simple and not too tough. The software is a big bonus. Everything I have needed on numerics I have found in this book. Highly recommended.

5 comments about Welcome to Biotech Nation: My Unexpected Odyssey into Land of Small Molecules, Lean Genes, and Big Ideas.

1. This book is dangerous. Most of us have a life and have to be productive on many levels. When one stays up until 2 or even 3 am (depending upon whether or not you are an Eveyln Woods Reading Dynamics graduate) it is hard to maintain your normal schedule. As an art history and history buff I did not imagine this book would have such universal appeal. For example,Brooke Shields bares all -- especially on her ankle and this book holds the definitive answer to the evolution question. One chapter leads to the next and it is fun and riveting. Have fun and beware, you will become absolutely borish on the topics covered by this book at your next cocktail party.........It is a great read worthy of several re-reads. It is on my bookshelf next to the computer. Enjoy.



2. With her usual zesty style and humor, Moira takes what could be a very dry subject and brings it fully to life, full of drama and fun. I've lived in the Bay Area for 20 years, even worked at Genentech, and had no IDEA there was so much going on this most important sector of the economy. In Silicon Valley, we're constantly seduced by the latest hype around the IPod or IPhone but all the truly amazing, life-saving work that goes on right under our noses is barely understood by most people. Moira's right, it's like falling down the rabbit hole in your own back yard. Highly recommend it.



3. Moira Gunn is to biotech what "Click and Clack" is to cars! And as with Cartalk, I thought the "Biotech Nation" subject would be beyond me until my sister sent me a copy for my birthday. I felt compelled out of politeness to at least attempt it. I was stunned and pleased to find the book was an absolute joy, and I had no idea I could understand these complex concepts...but Dr. Gunn makes it easy, fun and fascinating. I've already bought copies for presents and feel as if I have a much better understanding of what makes our world go around!



4. I've been fan of NPRs Tech Nation for years. As a technology-focused radio host, Moira Gunn is without peer. I judge that by the fact that years of difficult-to-understand topics have remained rooted in my mind--from the Tech Nation interviews. She brings out the best from her authors with a light-hearted style, humor, and an infectious laugh. On the other hand, it's always clear that Dr. Gunn has read her author's book and therefore never dumbs-down an interview. I recommend reading "Welcome To Biotech Nation" for any one of three reasons: (1) as a fascinating journey into the strange world of biotechnology; (2) for insight into the latest happenings within the biotech world; (3) to experience Dr. Gunn's unique talent for wrapping a page-turning story around a complex topic--making memorable something that might be beyond the grasp of many.



5. I purchased this book to get an overview of the Biotech market as it is today. New to the field so looking for information that was not to scientific. The conversational, tell-alstory nature of the book made it hard for me to follow. By the time I got to the end of a paragraph, I was not sure what it had been about. Made it through about 40 pages and then abandoned the book - which I rarely do. Maybe it got better later on...

1 comments about Science Lessons: What the Business of Biotech Taught Me About Management.

1. Gordon Binder's Science Lessons demonstrates the efficacy of creating an atmosphere of autonomy and employee ownership in the corporate structure. Mr Binders straightforward corporate philosophy shines in its simplicity and effectuality.
   To the layman, 'science" conotates cold, calculating numbers, control groups and petri dishes. Mr Binder brings warmth and humanity to the scientific ascent at Amgen and leaves an indellible impression on the reader.
   Science Lessons is a blueprint for the creation of a mission statement for anyone in business. The author has a unique and refreshing approach to management rooted in positive reinforcement and a reverence for autonomy. In a corporate age of maddening bureacracy, Science Lessons is a mandatory read for anyone who manages people.
   A utilitarian would marvel at Mr Binder's results; but, to the contrary, its the means by which he accomplished things that astounds. Science Lessons is refreshing, invigorating and ulimately pragmatic for all readers. Five stars all the way!