Fred Campano and Dominick Salvatore
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195300918
- eISBN:
- 9780199783441
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195300912.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Intended as an introductory textbook for advanced undergraduates and first year graduate students, this book leads the reader from familiar basic micro- and macroeconomic concepts in the introduction ...
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Intended as an introductory textbook for advanced undergraduates and first year graduate students, this book leads the reader from familiar basic micro- and macroeconomic concepts in the introduction to not so familiar concepts relating to income distribution in the subsequent chapters. The income concept and household sample surveys are examined first, followed by descriptive statistics techniques commonly used to present the survey results. The commonality found in the shape of the income density function leads to statistical modeling, parameter estimation, and goodness of fit tests. Alternative models are then introduced along with the related summary measures of income distribution, including the Gini coefficient. This is followed by a sequence of chapters that deal with normative issues such as inequality, poverty, and country comparisons. The remaining chapters cover an assortment of topics including: economic development and globalization and their impact on income distribution, redistribution of income, and integrating macroeconomic models with income distribution models.Less
Intended as an introductory textbook for advanced undergraduates and first year graduate students, this book leads the reader from familiar basic micro- and macroeconomic concepts in the introduction to not so familiar concepts relating to income distribution in the subsequent chapters. The income concept and household sample surveys are examined first, followed by descriptive statistics techniques commonly used to present the survey results. The commonality found in the shape of the income density function leads to statistical modeling, parameter estimation, and goodness of fit tests. Alternative models are then introduced along with the related summary measures of income distribution, including the Gini coefficient. This is followed by a sequence of chapters that deal with normative issues such as inequality, poverty, and country comparisons. The remaining chapters cover an assortment of topics including: economic development and globalization and their impact on income distribution, redistribution of income, and integrating macroeconomic models with income distribution models.
Michael Bergmann
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199275748
- eISBN:
- 9780191603907
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199275742.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Virtually all philosophers agree that for a belief to be epistemically justified, it must satisfy certain conditions. Perhaps it must be supported by evidence, or perhaps it must be reliably formed, ...
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Virtually all philosophers agree that for a belief to be epistemically justified, it must satisfy certain conditions. Perhaps it must be supported by evidence, or perhaps it must be reliably formed, or perhaps there is some other ‘good-making’ features it must have. But does a belief’s justification also require some sort of awareness of its good-making features? The answer to this question has been hotly contested in contemporary epistemology, creating a deep divide among its practitioners. Internalists insist that such awareness is required for justification whereas externalists insist that it is not. The first part of this book argues that internalism faces an inescapable dilemma: either it leads to vicious regress problems and, ultimately, radical skepticism or it is entirely unmotivated. The second part of the book begins by developing the author’s own externalist theory of justification, one imposing both a proper function and a no-defeater requirement. It concludes by demonstrating the failure of two prominent critiques of externalism: that it is infected with epistemic circularity and that it cannot respond adequately to skepticism. Together, the two parts of the book provide a decisive refutation of internalism and a sustained defense of externalism.Less
Virtually all philosophers agree that for a belief to be epistemically justified, it must satisfy certain conditions. Perhaps it must be supported by evidence, or perhaps it must be reliably formed, or perhaps there is some other ‘good-making’ features it must have. But does a belief’s justification also require some sort of awareness of its good-making features? The answer to this question has been hotly contested in contemporary epistemology, creating a deep divide among its practitioners. Internalists insist that such awareness is required for justification whereas externalists insist that it is not. The first part of this book argues that internalism faces an inescapable dilemma: either it leads to vicious regress problems and, ultimately, radical skepticism or it is entirely unmotivated. The second part of the book begins by developing the author’s own externalist theory of justification, one imposing both a proper function and a no-defeater requirement. It concludes by demonstrating the failure of two prominent critiques of externalism: that it is infected with epistemic circularity and that it cannot respond adequately to skepticism. Together, the two parts of the book provide a decisive refutation of internalism and a sustained defense of externalism.
Marcus Giaquinto
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199285945
- eISBN:
- 9780191713811
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199285945.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
Visual thinking — visual imagination or perception of diagrams and symbol arrays, and mental operations on them — is omnipresent in mathematics. Is this visual thinking merely a psychological aid, ...
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Visual thinking — visual imagination or perception of diagrams and symbol arrays, and mental operations on them — is omnipresent in mathematics. Is this visual thinking merely a psychological aid, facilitating grasp of what is gathered by other means? Or does it also have epistemological functions, as a means of discovery, understanding, and even proof? This book argues that visual thinking in mathematics is rarely just a superfluous aid; it usually has epistemological value, often as a means of discovery. The book explores a major source of our grasp of mathematics, using examples from basic geometry, arithmetic, algebra, and real analysis. It shows how we can discern abstract general truths by means of specific images, how synthetic a priori knowledge is possible, and how visual means can help us grasp abstract structures. This book reopens the investigation of earlier thinkers from Plato to Kant into the nature and epistemology of an individual's basic mathematical beliefs and abilities, in the new light shed by the maturing cognitive sciences.Less
Visual thinking — visual imagination or perception of diagrams and symbol arrays, and mental operations on them — is omnipresent in mathematics. Is this visual thinking merely a psychological aid, facilitating grasp of what is gathered by other means? Or does it also have epistemological functions, as a means of discovery, understanding, and even proof? This book argues that visual thinking in mathematics is rarely just a superfluous aid; it usually has epistemological value, often as a means of discovery. The book explores a major source of our grasp of mathematics, using examples from basic geometry, arithmetic, algebra, and real analysis. It shows how we can discern abstract general truths by means of specific images, how synthetic a priori knowledge is possible, and how visual means can help us grasp abstract structures. This book reopens the investigation of earlier thinkers from Plato to Kant into the nature and epistemology of an individual's basic mathematical beliefs and abilities, in the new light shed by the maturing cognitive sciences.
Reinhard B. Neder and Thomas Proffen
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199233694
- eISBN:
- 9780191715563
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199233694.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, Crystallography: Physics
In most cases, simulations of disordered materials are performed to understand experimental observations, in this case diffraction data. This chapter discusses the calculation of several experimental ...
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In most cases, simulations of disordered materials are performed to understand experimental observations, in this case diffraction data. This chapter discusses the calculation of several experimental quantities: single crystal diffuse scattering, powder diffraction, and the atomic pair distribution function (PDF). Since diffraction data are obtained via a Fourier transform, the finite size of the model crystal as well as issues concerning coherence are discussed in detail. The PDF is basically calculated from the atomic structure directly. Different ways to incorporate thermal motion are illustrated.Less
In most cases, simulations of disordered materials are performed to understand experimental observations, in this case diffraction data. This chapter discusses the calculation of several experimental quantities: single crystal diffuse scattering, powder diffraction, and the atomic pair distribution function (PDF). Since diffraction data are obtained via a Fourier transform, the finite size of the model crystal as well as issues concerning coherence are discussed in detail. The PDF is basically calculated from the atomic structure directly. Different ways to incorporate thermal motion are illustrated.
James Halteman and Edd Noell
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199763702
- eISBN:
- 9780199932252
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199763702.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
Is economics like car building or car repair? Are we working toward a finished product, or are we attempting to answer pertinent questions that arise and change from time to time? These questions are ...
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Is economics like car building or car repair? Are we working toward a finished product, or are we attempting to answer pertinent questions that arise and change from time to time? These questions are entertained in this chapter in order to explore the nature of the methods economists employ. The subjective nature of data and the relevance of predicting from past trendsis explored. The proof that rational choice analysis predicts better than any alternative process is seen to be less than definitive by typical standards of proof. Welfare economics comes closest to philosophy when it optimizes social welfare with a social welfare function, but the ramifications of that model are rarely explored. Finally, it is suggested that key questions change and economic thinking then adapts to deal with the new challenges. The vignette for this chapter looks at John Maynard Keynes and his rethinking of mainstream macroeconomics.Less
Is economics like car building or car repair? Are we working toward a finished product, or are we attempting to answer pertinent questions that arise and change from time to time? These questions are entertained in this chapter in order to explore the nature of the methods economists employ. The subjective nature of data and the relevance of predicting from past trendsis explored. The proof that rational choice analysis predicts better than any alternative process is seen to be less than definitive by typical standards of proof. Welfare economics comes closest to philosophy when it optimizes social welfare with a social welfare function, but the ramifications of that model are rarely explored. Finally, it is suggested that key questions change and economic thinking then adapts to deal with the new challenges. The vignette for this chapter looks at John Maynard Keynes and his rethinking of mainstream macroeconomics.
James Halteman and Edd Noell
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199763702
- eISBN:
- 9780199932252
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199763702.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This chapter traces efforts to expand the approach of economic thinking to political, legal, social, and religious institutions. Using rational choice analysis, these efforts move the discussion ...
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This chapter traces efforts to expand the approach of economic thinking to political, legal, social, and religious institutions. Using rational choice analysis, these efforts move the discussion closer to value-laden areas of life. One important concern is the nature of the utility function, how it is formed, and what is utility or happiness?[CE1]Social norms, cooperation models, game theory, behavioral economics, and neuroeconomics all have something to say about human behavior,and they also have important moral ramifications. While some claim that behavioral responses in these cases are merely self-interest disguised, outward behavior seems to work best in the long run if it is heartfelt. Character traits that signal trust are strongest when backed by moral commitments, and there is evidence that human brains are hardwired with some empathetic tendencies. The work of Dan Kahneman and AmartyaSen is highlighted in the closing vignettes.Less
This chapter traces efforts to expand the approach of economic thinking to political, legal, social, and religious institutions. Using rational choice analysis, these efforts move the discussion closer to value-laden areas of life. One important concern is the nature of the utility function, how it is formed, and what is utility or happiness?[CE1]Social norms, cooperation models, game theory, behavioral economics, and neuroeconomics all have something to say about human behavior,and they also have important moral ramifications. While some claim that behavioral responses in these cases are merely self-interest disguised, outward behavior seems to work best in the long run if it is heartfelt. Character traits that signal trust are strongest when backed by moral commitments, and there is evidence that human brains are hardwired with some empathetic tendencies. The work of Dan Kahneman and AmartyaSen is highlighted in the closing vignettes.
Leon Ehrenpreis
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198509783
- eISBN:
- 9780191709166
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198509783.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Mathematical Physics
Radon showed how to write arbitrary functions in Rn in terms of the characteristic functions (delta functions) of hyperplanes. This idea leads to various generalizations. For example, R can be ...
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Radon showed how to write arbitrary functions in Rn in terms of the characteristic functions (delta functions) of hyperplanes. This idea leads to various generalizations. For example, R can be replaced by a more general group and “plane” can be replaced by other types of geometric objects. All this is for the “nonparametric” Radon transform. For the parametric Radon transform, this book parametrizes the points of the geometric objects, leading to differential equations in the parameters because the Radon transform is overdetermined. Such equations were first studied by F. John. This book elaborates on them and puts them in a general framework.Less
Radon showed how to write arbitrary functions in Rn in terms of the characteristic functions (delta functions) of hyperplanes. This idea leads to various generalizations. For example, R can be replaced by a more general group and “plane” can be replaced by other types of geometric objects. All this is for the “nonparametric” Radon transform. For the parametric Radon transform, this book parametrizes the points of the geometric objects, leading to differential equations in the parameters because the Radon transform is overdetermined. Such equations were first studied by F. John. This book elaborates on them and puts them in a general framework.
David P. Blecher and Christian Le Merdy
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198526599
- eISBN:
- 9780191712159
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198526599.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Pure Mathematics
This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles ...
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This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles the basic concepts, theory, and methodologies. A major trend in modern mathematics, inspired largely by physics, is toward ‘noncommutative’ or ‘quantized’ phenomena. In functional analysis, this has appeared notably under the name of ‘operator spaces’, which is a variant of Banach spaces which is particularly appropriate for solving problems concerning spaces or algebras of operators on Hilbert space arising in ‘noncommutative mathematics’. The category of operator spaces includes operator algebras, selfadjoint (that is, C*-algebras) or otherwise. Also, most of the important modules over operator algebras are operator spaces. A common treatment of the subjects of C*-algebras, nonselfadjoint operator algebras, and modules over such algebras (such as Hilbert C*-modules), together under the umbrella of operator space theory, is the main topic of the book. A general theory of operator algebras and their modules naturally develops out of the operator space methodology. Indeed, operator space theory is a sensitive enough medium to reflect accurately many important noncommutative phenomena. Using recent advances in the field, the book shows how the underlying operator space structure captures, very precisely, the profound relations between the algebraic and the functional analytic structures involved. The rich interplay between spectral theory, operator theory, C*-algebra and von Neumann algebra techniques, and the influx of important ideas from related disciplines, such as pure algebra, Banach space theory, Banach algebras, and abstract function theory is highlighted. Each chapter ends with a section of notes containing additional information.Less
This book presents the general theory of algebras of operators on a Hilbert space, and the modules over such algebras. The new theory of operator spaces is presented early on and the text assembles the basic concepts, theory, and methodologies. A major trend in modern mathematics, inspired largely by physics, is toward ‘noncommutative’ or ‘quantized’ phenomena. In functional analysis, this has appeared notably under the name of ‘operator spaces’, which is a variant of Banach spaces which is particularly appropriate for solving problems concerning spaces or algebras of operators on Hilbert space arising in ‘noncommutative mathematics’. The category of operator spaces includes operator algebras, selfadjoint (that is, C*-algebras) or otherwise. Also, most of the important modules over operator algebras are operator spaces. A common treatment of the subjects of C*-algebras, nonselfadjoint operator algebras, and modules over such algebras (such as Hilbert C*-modules), together under the umbrella of operator space theory, is the main topic of the book. A general theory of operator algebras and their modules naturally develops out of the operator space methodology. Indeed, operator space theory is a sensitive enough medium to reflect accurately many important noncommutative phenomena. Using recent advances in the field, the book shows how the underlying operator space structure captures, very precisely, the profound relations between the algebraic and the functional analytic structures involved. The rich interplay between spectral theory, operator theory, C*-algebra and von Neumann algebra techniques, and the influx of important ideas from related disciplines, such as pure algebra, Banach space theory, Banach algebras, and abstract function theory is highlighted. Each chapter ends with a section of notes containing additional information.
Jonathan Wolff and Avner De-Shalit
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199278268
- eISBN:
- 9780191707902
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278268.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter argues the importance of examining not only what functionings a person achieves, but also his or her prospect of securing and sustaining a level of functioning should he or she attempt ...
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This chapter argues the importance of examining not only what functionings a person achieves, but also his or her prospect of securing and sustaining a level of functioning should he or she attempt to do so. Key determinants of their prospects are: their probability of success, and what they have to sacrifice to achieve that probability of success. Thus, a key aspect of disadvantage is for one's functionings being or becoming insecure involuntarily, or when in order to secure certain functionings, one is forced to make other functionings insecure in a way that other people do not have to do. Accordingly, a policy of rectifying disadvantage would need to pay special attention to the question of how to secure functionings and how to avoid cross-category risk, i.e., when a risk spreads to other functionings. It is suggested that if a snapshot of a person's functioning is to be represented as a bar chart, the heights and widths of each bar should represent the functioning level achieved and the functioning's security, respectively.Less
This chapter argues the importance of examining not only what functionings a person achieves, but also his or her prospect of securing and sustaining a level of functioning should he or she attempt to do so. Key determinants of their prospects are: their probability of success, and what they have to sacrifice to achieve that probability of success. Thus, a key aspect of disadvantage is for one's functionings being or becoming insecure involuntarily, or when in order to secure certain functionings, one is forced to make other functionings insecure in a way that other people do not have to do. Accordingly, a policy of rectifying disadvantage would need to pay special attention to the question of how to secure functionings and how to avoid cross-category risk, i.e., when a risk spreads to other functionings. It is suggested that if a snapshot of a person's functioning is to be represented as a bar chart, the heights and widths of each bar should represent the functioning level achieved and the functioning's security, respectively.
Paul M. Pietroski
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199244300
- eISBN:
- 9780191714153
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199244300.001.0001
- Subject:
- Linguistics, Semantics and Pragmatics
This book articulates and defends a simple conception of semantic composition: when two meaningful expressions are concatenated, the result is understood as a conjunction of monadic predicates; in ...
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This book articulates and defends a simple conception of semantic composition: when two meaningful expressions are concatenated, the result is understood as a conjunction of monadic predicates; in human languages, concatenation always signifies predicate conjunction. From this ‘Conjunctivist’ perspective, simple cases of adjunction (like ‘black cat’) are paradigms, and neo-Davidsonian event analyzes rightly associate certain grammatical relations with thematic roles. The sentence ‘Fido chased Garfield yesterday’ means, roughly, that something satisfies four conditions: its Agent was Fido, it was a chase, its Theme was Garfield, and it occurred yesterday. Such analyses, involving existential closure of a covert variable, are easily extended to examples involving negation and sentential connectives. This book contains four chapters. Chapter 1 compares elementary Conjunctivist proposals with ‘Functionist’ accounts according to which (i) predicate-argument concatenation signifies function-application, and (ii) adjuncts are accommodated by appeal to type-shifting or function-conjunction. Chapter 2 provides a Conjunctivist account of quantificational constructions, like ‘chased every cat’, in terms of a metalanguage with plural variables. This account is extended to plural noun phrases, as in ‘Three dogs chased the cats’; and this suggests a treatment of apparently nonconjunctive phrases like ‘big ants’. The resulting proposals — which explain the conservativity of determiners, and handle collective readings without quantifying over collections — are better than Functionist alternatives. Chapter 3 shows that Conjunctivism is superior to Functionism with regards to causative constructions, serial verbs, and many verbs that combine with complementizer phrases. Chapter 4 is a summary of conclusions, and discusses some difficulties facing all extant accounts of meaning.Less
This book articulates and defends a simple conception of semantic composition: when two meaningful expressions are concatenated, the result is understood as a conjunction of monadic predicates; in human languages, concatenation always signifies predicate conjunction. From this ‘Conjunctivist’ perspective, simple cases of adjunction (like ‘black cat’) are paradigms, and neo-Davidsonian event analyzes rightly associate certain grammatical relations with thematic roles. The sentence ‘Fido chased Garfield yesterday’ means, roughly, that something satisfies four conditions: its Agent was Fido, it was a chase, its Theme was Garfield, and it occurred yesterday. Such analyses, involving existential closure of a covert variable, are easily extended to examples involving negation and sentential connectives. This book contains four chapters. Chapter 1 compares elementary Conjunctivist proposals with ‘Functionist’ accounts according to which (i) predicate-argument concatenation signifies function-application, and (ii) adjuncts are accommodated by appeal to type-shifting or function-conjunction. Chapter 2 provides a Conjunctivist account of quantificational constructions, like ‘chased every cat’, in terms of a metalanguage with plural variables. This account is extended to plural noun phrases, as in ‘Three dogs chased the cats’; and this suggests a treatment of apparently nonconjunctive phrases like ‘big ants’. The resulting proposals — which explain the conservativity of determiners, and handle collective readings without quantifying over collections — are better than Functionist alternatives. Chapter 3 shows that Conjunctivism is superior to Functionism with regards to causative constructions, serial verbs, and many verbs that combine with complementizer phrases. Chapter 4 is a summary of conclusions, and discusses some difficulties facing all extant accounts of meaning.
John G. Orme and Terri Combs-Orme
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195329452
- eISBN:
- 9780199864812
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195329452.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This book presents detailed discussions of regression models that are appropriate for discrete dependent variables, including dichotomous, polychotomous, ordered, and count variables. The major ...
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This book presents detailed discussions of regression models that are appropriate for discrete dependent variables, including dichotomous, polychotomous, ordered, and count variables. The major challenge in using such analyses lies in the nonlinear relationships between the independent and the dependent variables, which requires the use of link functions, and particularly in interpreting and presenting the findings in ways that are clear and meaningful. Clear and simple language guides the reader briefly through each step of the analysis and presentation of results to enhance understanding of the link function, the key to understanding these nonlinear relationships. Throughout the book provides detailed examples based on the data, and readers may work through these examples by accessing the data and output on the Internet at the companion Web site. In addition, each chapter provides a list of recommended additional readings and Internet content.Less
This book presents detailed discussions of regression models that are appropriate for discrete dependent variables, including dichotomous, polychotomous, ordered, and count variables. The major challenge in using such analyses lies in the nonlinear relationships between the independent and the dependent variables, which requires the use of link functions, and particularly in interpreting and presenting the findings in ways that are clear and meaningful. Clear and simple language guides the reader briefly through each step of the analysis and presentation of results to enhance understanding of the link function, the key to understanding these nonlinear relationships. Throughout the book provides detailed examples based on the data, and readers may work through these examples by accessing the data and output on the Internet at the companion Web site. In addition, each chapter provides a list of recommended additional readings and Internet content.
David A Liberles (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199299188
- eISBN:
- 9780191714979
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199299188.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Ancestral sequence reconstruction is a technique of growing importance in molecular evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. As a powerful tool for testing evolutionary and ecological ...
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Ancestral sequence reconstruction is a technique of growing importance in molecular evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. As a powerful tool for testing evolutionary and ecological hypotheses, as well as uncovering the link between sequence and molecular phenotype, there are potential applications in almost all fields of applied molecular biology. This book starts with a historical overview of the field, before discussing the potential applications in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by a section on computational methodology, which provides a detailed discussion of the available methods for reconstructing ancestral sequences (including their advantages, disadvantages, and potential pitfalls). Purely computational applications of the technique are then covered, including whole proteome reconstruction. Further chapters provide a detailed discussion on taking computationally reconstructed sequences and synthesizing them in the laboratory. The book concludes with a description of the scientific questions where experimental ancestral sequence reconstruction has been utilized to provide insights and inform future research.Less
Ancestral sequence reconstruction is a technique of growing importance in molecular evolutionary biology and comparative genomics. As a powerful tool for testing evolutionary and ecological hypotheses, as well as uncovering the link between sequence and molecular phenotype, there are potential applications in almost all fields of applied molecular biology. This book starts with a historical overview of the field, before discussing the potential applications in drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry. This is followed by a section on computational methodology, which provides a detailed discussion of the available methods for reconstructing ancestral sequences (including their advantages, disadvantages, and potential pitfalls). Purely computational applications of the technique are then covered, including whole proteome reconstruction. Further chapters provide a detailed discussion on taking computationally reconstructed sequences and synthesizing them in the laboratory. The book concludes with a description of the scientific questions where experimental ancestral sequence reconstruction has been utilized to provide insights and inform future research.
Doreen Kimura
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195054927
- eISBN:
- 9780199872268
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195054927.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Neuropsychology
Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with ...
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Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with related motor functions from a broadly biological point of view. The book discusses the possible evolutionary origins of human communication, the relation of brain mechanisms in communicative behavior to analogous nonhuman behaviors, and the neural systems involved in various levels and kinds of communication. Noncommunicative mechanisms which parallel those used in communication are outlined in detail. Individual differences in brain organization for some functions are also explored. New data is presented along with the theoretical treatment of human communication, which emphasizes a behavioral rather than a linguistic approach.Less
Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with related motor functions from a broadly biological point of view. The book discusses the possible evolutionary origins of human communication, the relation of brain mechanisms in communicative behavior to analogous nonhuman behaviors, and the neural systems involved in various levels and kinds of communication. Noncommunicative mechanisms which parallel those used in communication are outlined in detail. Individual differences in brain organization for some functions are also explored. New data is presented along with the theoretical treatment of human communication, which emphasizes a behavioral rather than a linguistic approach.
Javier DeFelipe
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195392708
- eISBN:
- 9780199863525
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195392708.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, History of Neuroscience, Molecular and Cellular Systems
This book contains a large collection of beautiful figures produced throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, which represent some characteristic examples of the early days of research ...
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This book contains a large collection of beautiful figures produced throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, which represent some characteristic examples of the early days of research in neuroscience. The main aim of this work is to demonstrate to the general public that the study of the nervous system is not only important for the many obvious reasons related to brain function in both health and disease, but also for the unexpected natural beauty that it beholds. This beauty has been discovered thanks to the techniques used to visualize the microscopic structure of the brain, a true forest of colorful and florid neural cells. As illustrated by his marvelous drawings, the studies of Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934) no doubt contributed more than those of any other researcher at the time to the growth of modern neuroscience. Thus, his name has been honored in the title of this book, even though the figures contained in the main body of it are from 91 different authors. Looking at the illustrations in this book, the readers will find that many of the early researchers that studied the nervous system were also true artists, of considerable talent and esthetic sensibility. Hence, the present book contains numerous drawings of some of the most important pioneers in neuroscience, including Deiters, Kolliker, Meynert, Ranvier, Golgi, Retzius, Nissl, Dogiel, Alzheimer, del Rio-Hortega, and de Castro.Less
This book contains a large collection of beautiful figures produced throughout the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, which represent some characteristic examples of the early days of research in neuroscience. The main aim of this work is to demonstrate to the general public that the study of the nervous system is not only important for the many obvious reasons related to brain function in both health and disease, but also for the unexpected natural beauty that it beholds. This beauty has been discovered thanks to the techniques used to visualize the microscopic structure of the brain, a true forest of colorful and florid neural cells. As illustrated by his marvelous drawings, the studies of Santiago Ramón y Cajal (1852-1934) no doubt contributed more than those of any other researcher at the time to the growth of modern neuroscience. Thus, his name has been honored in the title of this book, even though the figures contained in the main body of it are from 91 different authors. Looking at the illustrations in this book, the readers will find that many of the early researchers that studied the nervous system were also true artists, of considerable talent and esthetic sensibility. Hence, the present book contains numerous drawings of some of the most important pioneers in neuroscience, including Deiters, Kolliker, Meynert, Ranvier, Golgi, Retzius, Nissl, Dogiel, Alzheimer, del Rio-Hortega, and de Castro.
Andrea Braides
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198507840
- eISBN:
- 9780191709890
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198507840.003.0017
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of ...
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This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of general compactness theorems when direct characterizations are not available: energies are localized on open sets, where Gamma-limits indexed by the set are proved to exist defining a set function; subadditivity and regularity properties of this set function ensure that it is a measure by the De Giorgi-Letta measure criterion; integral representation theorems allow to give a description of the Gamma-limit.Less
This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of general compactness theorems when direct characterizations are not available: energies are localized on open sets, where Gamma-limits indexed by the set are proved to exist defining a set function; subadditivity and regularity properties of this set function ensure that it is a measure by the De Giorgi-Letta measure criterion; integral representation theorems allow to give a description of the Gamma-limit.
Glenn Parsons and Allen Carlson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199205240
- eISBN:
- 9780191709296
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199205240.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics
This book studies the relationship between function and aesthetic value, breaking with the philosophical tradition of seeing the two as separate. It begins by developing and defending, in a general ...
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This book studies the relationship between function and aesthetic value, breaking with the philosophical tradition of seeing the two as separate. It begins by developing and defending, in a general way, the concept of Functional Beauty, exploring how the role of function in aesthetic appreciation has been treated by some notable thinkers in the history of aesthetics. It then considers the relationship to Functional Beauty of certain views in current aesthetic thought, especially what is called ‘cognitively rich’ approaches to the aesthetic appreciation of both art and nature. Turning to work on the nature of function in the philosophy of science, it argues that this line of enquiry can help solve certain philosophical problems that have been raised for the idea that knowledge of function plays an important role in aesthetic appreciation. Although philosophical discussions of aesthetic appreciation tend to focus largely and sometimes almost exclusively on artworks, the range of aesthetic appreciation is, of course, much larger. Not simply art, but also nature, architecture, and even more mundane, everyday things — cars, tools, clothing, furniture, and sports — are objects of frequent and enthusiastic aesthetic appreciation. Accordingly, the second half of the book considers the place and importance of Functional Beauty in the aesthetic appreciation of a broad range of different kinds of things. The final chapters explore Functional Beauty in nature and the natural environment, in architecture and the built environment, in everyday artefacts, events, and activities, and finally in art and the artworld. In each case, the book argues that Functional Beauty illuminates our aesthetic experiences and helps to address various theoretical issues raised by these different objects of appreciation.Less
This book studies the relationship between function and aesthetic value, breaking with the philosophical tradition of seeing the two as separate. It begins by developing and defending, in a general way, the concept of Functional Beauty, exploring how the role of function in aesthetic appreciation has been treated by some notable thinkers in the history of aesthetics. It then considers the relationship to Functional Beauty of certain views in current aesthetic thought, especially what is called ‘cognitively rich’ approaches to the aesthetic appreciation of both art and nature. Turning to work on the nature of function in the philosophy of science, it argues that this line of enquiry can help solve certain philosophical problems that have been raised for the idea that knowledge of function plays an important role in aesthetic appreciation. Although philosophical discussions of aesthetic appreciation tend to focus largely and sometimes almost exclusively on artworks, the range of aesthetic appreciation is, of course, much larger. Not simply art, but also nature, architecture, and even more mundane, everyday things — cars, tools, clothing, furniture, and sports — are objects of frequent and enthusiastic aesthetic appreciation. Accordingly, the second half of the book considers the place and importance of Functional Beauty in the aesthetic appreciation of a broad range of different kinds of things. The final chapters explore Functional Beauty in nature and the natural environment, in architecture and the built environment, in everyday artefacts, events, and activities, and finally in art and the artworld. In each case, the book argues that Functional Beauty illuminates our aesthetic experiences and helps to address various theoretical issues raised by these different objects of appreciation.
Jonathan Wolff and Avner De-Shalit
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199278268
- eISBN:
- 9780191707902
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278268.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
In the previous chapter, it was assumed that it is possible to measure the functioning level of each representative individual for each functioning. This chapter explores how and why such measurement ...
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In the previous chapter, it was assumed that it is possible to measure the functioning level of each representative individual for each functioning. This chapter explores how and why such measurement can and should be done. It suggests that such a method should combine both subjective and objective measures, gaining the benefits of both, but providing a cross-check on each other. The York model — named after research on poverty conducted by scholars from the University of York — provides a sound approach which, from the point of the view of the current project, has many advantages. It is suggested that using one subjective and two objective measures, and looking for overlap between at least two measures is a very promising way of assessing disadvantage within possibly each category of functioning.Less
In the previous chapter, it was assumed that it is possible to measure the functioning level of each representative individual for each functioning. This chapter explores how and why such measurement can and should be done. It suggests that such a method should combine both subjective and objective measures, gaining the benefits of both, but providing a cross-check on each other. The York model — named after research on poverty conducted by scholars from the University of York — provides a sound approach which, from the point of the view of the current project, has many advantages. It is suggested that using one subjective and two objective measures, and looking for overlap between at least two measures is a very promising way of assessing disadvantage within possibly each category of functioning.
Debraj Ray
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199207954
- eISBN:
- 9780191709104
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199207954.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
The formation of coalitions to achieve both collaborative and competitive goals is a phenomenon we see all around us. The list of examples of this phenomenon is long and varied: production cartels, ...
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The formation of coalitions to achieve both collaborative and competitive goals is a phenomenon we see all around us. The list of examples of this phenomenon is long and varied: production cartels, political lobbies, customs unions, environmental coalitions, and ethnic alliances are just a few everyday instances. This book looks at coalition formation from the perspective of game theory. How are agreements determined? Which coalitions will form? And are such agreements invariably efficient from a social perspective? The book brings together developments in both cooperative and non-cooperative game theory to study the analytics of coalition formation and binding agreements. It concentrates on pure theory, but discusses several potential applications, such as oligopoly and the provision of public goods.Less
The formation of coalitions to achieve both collaborative and competitive goals is a phenomenon we see all around us. The list of examples of this phenomenon is long and varied: production cartels, political lobbies, customs unions, environmental coalitions, and ethnic alliances are just a few everyday instances. This book looks at coalition formation from the perspective of game theory. How are agreements determined? Which coalitions will form? And are such agreements invariably efficient from a social perspective? The book brings together developments in both cooperative and non-cooperative game theory to study the analytics of coalition formation and binding agreements. It concentrates on pure theory, but discusses several potential applications, such as oligopoly and the provision of public goods.
Michael Potter
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199215836
- eISBN:
- 9780191721243
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199215836.003.0018
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
From a single proposition p we form its negation not-p. From two propositions p and q we form various further propositions, e.g., p or q, p and q, etc.; similarly (though less often) with three or ...
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From a single proposition p we form its negation not-p. From two propositions p and q we form various further propositions, e.g., p or q, p and q, etc.; similarly (though less often) with three or more propositions. For each such method of forming propositions it is common to speak of a certain truth-function as corresponding to it. On the one hand, there is a function which takes senses of propositions as inputs and returns the sense of a proposition as output. On the other hand, there is a truth-function, i.e., a function taking some finite number of truth-values as arguments and giving a single truth-value as value, which is representable by a truth-table or truth-diagram. This chapter discusses the relationship between the two.Less
From a single proposition p we form its negation not-p. From two propositions p and q we form various further propositions, e.g., p or q, p and q, etc.; similarly (though less often) with three or more propositions. For each such method of forming propositions it is common to speak of a certain truth-function as corresponding to it. On the one hand, there is a function which takes senses of propositions as inputs and returns the sense of a proposition as output. On the other hand, there is a truth-function, i.e., a function taking some finite number of truth-values as arguments and giving a single truth-value as value, which is representable by a truth-table or truth-diagram. This chapter discusses the relationship between the two.
Ivan Soltesz
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195177015
- eISBN:
- 9780199864713
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195177015.001.1
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Neuroendocrine and Autonomic, Techniques
This book travels a colorful journey into the fascinatingly diverse world of interneurons, an important class of highly heterogeneous cells found in all cortical neuronal networks. Interneurons are ...
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This book travels a colorful journey into the fascinatingly diverse world of interneurons, an important class of highly heterogeneous cells found in all cortical neuronal networks. Interneurons are known to play key roles in many brain functions, from sensory processing to neuronal oscillations linked to learning and memory. This book aims to provide new insights into the striking degree of cellular diversity found in interneuronal microcircuits. The book discusses the history of research into interneuronal variability, the developmental origins of interneuronal diversity, the functional roles of heterogeneity in neuronal circuits, contemporary interneuronal classification systems, and the genetic and homeostatic mechanisms that shape the degree of cell to cell variability within interneuronal populations. It elaborates on new ideas about interneuronal diversity that rest upon recent theoretical and experimental results, with arguments touching upon evolution, animal behavior, and the mathematical theory of small world networks.Less
This book travels a colorful journey into the fascinatingly diverse world of interneurons, an important class of highly heterogeneous cells found in all cortical neuronal networks. Interneurons are known to play key roles in many brain functions, from sensory processing to neuronal oscillations linked to learning and memory. This book aims to provide new insights into the striking degree of cellular diversity found in interneuronal microcircuits. The book discusses the history of research into interneuronal variability, the developmental origins of interneuronal diversity, the functional roles of heterogeneity in neuronal circuits, contemporary interneuronal classification systems, and the genetic and homeostatic mechanisms that shape the degree of cell to cell variability within interneuronal populations. It elaborates on new ideas about interneuronal diversity that rest upon recent theoretical and experimental results, with arguments touching upon evolution, animal behavior, and the mathematical theory of small world networks.
