Discusses different aspects of mechanics problems in geodynamics involving the earth's rotation, tectonic analyses of various parts of the world, mineral physics and flow in the mantle, seismic source studies and wave propagation and application of the DDA method in tectonic analysis.

Incomplete second order linear differential equations in Banach spaces as well as first order equations have become a classical part of functional analysis. This monograph is an attempt to present a unified systematic theory of second order equations y" (t) + Ay' (t) + By (t) = 0 including well-posedness of the Cauchy problem as well as the Dirichlet and Neumann problems. Exhaustive yet clear answers to all posed questions are given. Special emphasis is placed on new surprising effects arising for complete second order equations which do not take place for first order and incomplete second...

Conceptually unsavoury, airway mucus is vital to homeostasis in the respiratory tract. In contrast, when abnormal, mucus contributes significantly to the pathophysiology of a number of severe bronchial diseases, including asthma, chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. This volume provides wide ranging and in-depth coverage of the scientific and clinical aspects of airway mucus. It commences with introductory chapters which address the biochemical and molecular biological basis of airway mucus and continues with comprehensive coverage of the various physiological and rheological aspects of...

Discrete-time systems arise as a matter of course in modelling biological or economic processes. For systems and control theory they are of major importance, particularly in connection with digital control applications. If sampling is performed in order to control periodic processes, almost periodic systems are obtained. This is a strong motivation to investigate the discrete-time systems with time-varying coefficients. This research monograph contains a study of discrete-time nodes, the discrete counterpart of the theory elaborated by Bart, Gohberg and Kaashoek for the continuous case,...

Building on the existing titles in the "Airways Smooth Muscle" sub-series, the sixth volume explores physiological and pharmacological processes in the lung in vivo. The various animal models available for studying the bronchospasm and inflammation associated with human asthma are thoroughly reviewed by internationally recognised scientists. Specific chapters focus on the problems of administering drugs to animal airways, the mechanics of assessing lung function in the models, and describe in detail the species used, from rodents to primates. The use of genetically altered animals, an area of...

Continuing the Respiratory Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy series, this volume explores the pathophysiology and therapy of rhinitis. The volume is introduced by a chapter describing the normal anatomy and physiology of the nose and sinuses. Against this background the contributing authors describe and discuss the immunological and pathological changes which occur in rhinitis. The various causes and the types of rhinitis - such as allergic, vasomotor, and infectious - are discussed as are the treatments available (pharmacotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery). The book concludes with a description...

Infection of the lower respiratory tract is a major determinant of the course of cystic fibrosis. Although numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the specific mechanisms predisposing the respiratory mucosa of cystic fibrosis patients to infection, so far no clinically relevant procedures for completely effective prevention or control of infection have resulted. Hence, in dealing with infections in cystic fibrosis, we continue to rely mainly on antimicrobials. Antiinfective measures are inseparably correlated with microbiology, and the quality of antiinfec tive therapy directly reflects...

Most studies on autonomic innervation of smooth muscle have focused on the short-term mechanisms involved in neurotransmission in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. However recent obser- vations of the long-term plasticity of this system, i. e. its capacity for regeneration and for compensatory change in pattern of innervation and expression of cotransmitters and receptors in ageing, following surgery, trauma or in disease, have indicated that an understanding of the mechanisms involved could influence the design of therapeutic regimes. There is increasing evidence for long-term...

Building on the existing titles in the "Airways Smooth Muscle" sub-series, the sixth volume explores physiological and pharmacological processes in the lung in vivo. The various animal models available for studying the bronchospasm and inflammation associated with human asthma are thoroughly reviewed by internationally recognised scientists. Specific chapters focus on the problems of administering drugs to animal airways, the mechanics of assessing lung function in the models, and describe in detail the species used, from rodents to primates. The use of genetically altered animals, an area of...