Ewald R. Weibel – författare

The book discusses the controversial issue of whether animals are designed according to the same rules that engineers use in building machines, namely that materials and energy are used economically while attempting to achieve a high level of performance. There is considerable scientific controversy surrounding this question because, although there is much evidence suggesting that animals are indeed well designed, evolutionary biology tells us that animals are not 'engineered' but result from evolution by natural selection. This book collates this evidence which is discussed by a group of eminent biologists from many different biological disciplines.

The book discusses the controversial issue of whether animals are designed according to the same rules that engineers use in building machines, namely that materials and energy are used economically while attempting to achieve a high level of performance. There is considerable scientific controversy surrounding this question because, although there is much evidence suggesting that animals are indeed well designed, evolutionary biology tells us that animals are not 'engineered' but result from evolution by natural selection. This book collates this evidence which is discussed by a group of eminent biologists from many different biological disciplines.

This book addresses a simple question: Are animals designed economically? The pronghorn can run at speeds of up to 60 kilometers an hour and can maintain this speed for nearly a full hour. Clearly, the form of this elegant animal is beautifully matched to the function it needs to perform. This is symmorphosis. The theory of symmorphosis predicts that the size of the parts in a system must be matched to the overall functional demand. Moreover, it predicts that animals must provide their complex systems with a functional capacity that can cope with the highest expected functional demands, possibly including some safety margin to prevent the system from failing when it is overloaded. In Symmorphosis, Ewald Weibel tests these predictions by working out the quantitative relations between form and function. Physiologists will value this book because Weibel shows them that morphological information can be as quantitative as physiological data. Anatomists will value the book for its demonstration that advanced integrative physiology crucially depends on adequate but rigorously quantitative and testable information on structural design. Finally, anyone interested in the origins of the diverse forms of animals will be fascinated by Weibel's demonstrations that show how animals as different as shrews, pronghorns, dogs, goats--even humans--all develop from essentially the same blueprint by variation of design. This is a hidden beauty of the animal kingdom, which can be uncovered by a rigorous investigation of the quantitative relations of form and function.

Morphometry of the Human Lung considers the developments in understanding the quantitative anatomy of the lung, and in the correlation of anatomy with physiology. This book is composed of 11 chapters, and begins with an overview of a systematic approach to a quantitative morphologic analysis of the architecture of the human lung, followed by a presentation of general problems of methodology and the derivation of reliable dimensional models of this organ. The subsequent chapters describe the methods of preparation of tissues, methods of random sampling, and adaptation of methodologies from other fields of science. These topics are followed by discussions the mathematical formulations for the translation of the data into the desired geometric forms and a technique of counting. The final chapters look into the mode of distribution and geometric forms that should eventually facilitate mathematical and physical considerations regarding the function of the lungs. These chapters also consider the application of these quantitative methods to the study of pathologic specimens, providing a most timely renovation of morphologic pathology. This book will be of value to pulmonologists, physiologists, and researchers who are interested in lung morphometry.

In March 2000 leading scientists gathered at the Centro Seminariale Monte Verità, Ascona, Switzerland, for the Third International Symposium on "Fractals 2000 in Biology and Medicine". This interdisciplinary conference was held over a four-day period and provided stimulating contributions from the very topical field Fractals in Biology and Medicine. This Volume III in the MBI series highlights the growing power and efficacy of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyze living phenomena and complex shapes. Many biological objects, previously considered as hopelessly far from any quantitative description, are now being investigated by means of fractal methods. Researchers currently used fractals both as theoretical tools, to shed light on living systems` self-organization and evolution, and as useful techniques, capable of quantitatively analyzing physiological and pathological cell states, shapes and ultrastructures. The book should be of interest to researchers and students from Molecular and C

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine" explores the potential of fractal geometry for describing and understanding biological organisms, their development and growth as well as their structural design and functional properties. It extends these notions to assess changes associated with disease in the hope to contribute to the understanding of pathogenetic processes in medicine. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the importance of the new concept of fractal geometry for biological and medical sciences. It collates in a logical sequence extended papers based on invited lectures and free communications presented at a symposium in Ascona, Switzerland, attended by leading scientists in this field, among them the originator of fractal geometry, Benoit Mandelbrot. "Fractals in Biology and Medicine" begins by asking how the theoretical construct of fractal geometry can be applied to biomedical sciences and then addresses the role of fractals in the design and morphogenesis of biological organisms as well as in molecular and cell biology. The consideration of fractal structure in understanding metabolic functions and pathological changes is a particularly promising avenue for future research.

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine, Volume 2" explores the potential of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyse natural shapes. The volume devotes special emphasis to the complex field of human tumours.

In March 2000 leading scientists gathered at the Centro Seminariale Monte Verità, Ascona, Switzerland, for the Third International Symposium on "Fractals 2000 in Biology and Medicine". This interdisciplinary conference was held over a four-day period and provided stimulating contributions from the very topical field Fractals in Biology and Medicine. This Volume III in the MBI series highlights the growing power and efficacy of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyze living phenomena and complex shapes. Many biological objects, previously considered as hopelessly far from any quantitative description, are now being investigated by means of fractal methods. Researchers currently used fractals both as theoretical tools, to shed light on living systems` self-organization and evolution, and as useful techniques, capable of quantitatively analyzing physiological and pathological cell states, shapes and ultrastructures. The book should be of interest to researchers and students from Molecular and C

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine" explores the potential of fractal geometry for describing and understanding biological organisms, their development and growth as well as their structural design and functional properties. It extends these notions to assess changes associated with disease in the hope to contribute to the understanding of pathogenetic processes in medicine. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the importance of the new concept of fractal geometry for biological and medical sciences. It collates in a logical sequence extended papers based on invited lectures and free communications presented at a symposium in Ascona, Switzerland, attended by leading scientists in this field, among them the originator of fractal geometry, Benoit Mandelbrot. "Fractals in Biology and Medicine" begins by asking how the theoretical construct of fractal geometry can be applied to biomedical sciences and then addresses the role of fractals in the design and morphogenesis of biological organisms as well as in molecular and cell biology. The consideration of fractal structure in understanding metabolic functions and pathological changes is a particularly promising avenue for future research.

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine, Volume 2" explores the potential of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyse natural shapes. The volume devotes special emphasis to the complex field of human tumours.

Stereologic techniques begin to play an increasing role in biologic morphology, particularly there where correlation of structure and function on a quantitative basis is sought. These powerful methods have been in use for many years - partly even for many decades - in geology, mineralogy and metallurgy, while attempts to introduce them into histology have remained rather rare until a few years ago. In order to stimulate discussion among anatomists about stereo logic methods the International Society for Stereology, an interdisciplinary society, organized a Sym­ posium on Quantitative Methods in Morphology which took place on August 10, 1965 in the framework of the Eighth International Congress of Anatomists in Wiesbaden, Germany. The papers presented at this symposium are published in this volume in slightly extended form. Some of the papers of this volume are of rather specialized nature and presume a basic knowledge of stereology. The first chapter on general stereological principles has therefore been considerably extended and short introductory review paragraphs have been added to a few subsequent chapters to help those who are not yet familiar with this new field in understanding the more specialized original articles. Long discussion periods formed an essential part of the symposium. However, they were conducted very informally and hence it would not have been profitable to reproduce them in extenso, particularly since the major results of discussion have been incorporated by the authors into the expanded manuscripts presented here.

Stereologic techniques begin to play an increasing role in biologic morphology, particularly there where correlation of structure and function on a quantitative basis is sought. These powerful methods have been in use for many years - partly even for many decades - in geology, mineralogy and metallurgy, while attempts to introduce them into histology have remained rather rare until a few years ago. In order to stimulate discussion among anatomists about stereo logic methods the International Society for Stereology, an interdisciplinary society, organized a Sym­ posium on Quantitative Methods in Morphology which took place on August 10, 1965 in the framework of the Eighth International Congress of Anatomists in Wiesbaden, Germany. The papers presented at this symposium are published in this volume in slightly extended form. Some of the papers of this volume are of rather specialized nature and presume a basic knowledge of stereology. The first chapter on general stereological principles has therefore been considerably extended and short introductory review paragraphs have been added to a few subsequent chapters to help those who are not yet familiar with this new field in understanding the more specialized original articles. Long discussion periods formed an essential part of the symposium. However, they were conducted very informally and hence it would not have been profitable to reproduce them in extenso, particularly since the major results of discussion have been incorporated by the authors into the expanded manuscripts presented here.

The work presented in this monograph marks a new era, we believe, both in the development of quantitative anatomy of the lung, and in the correlation of anatomy with physiology. For many years, physiologists interested in the overall functioning of the lung have felt a need for better quantitative descriptions of pulmonary anatomy. As physiologists, we know a good deal about the forces operating to producepulmonary ventilation, and the quantities that define this function in rest and exercise ; and the same for effective distribution of air within the lung - "alveolar" ventilation-, and for the exchange of respiratory gases between air and blood. There have been no correspondingly precise quantitative measurements of the pulmonary structures that serve theese functions. The great advances in the study of pulmonary anatomy in the past decade have been chiefly in the realm of "fine structure". This has tended to bring together anatomy and biochemistry or physical chemistry, rather than anatomy and physiology. This conjunction has aided, for example, the conception of diffusion as a physicochemical process, but not that of diffusion as a metabolic bodily function. It was, therefore, a remarkably fortunate circumstance which brought together in our laboratory, about three years ago, Professor DoMINGO GoMEZ and Dr. EWALD R. WEIBEL: Professor GoMEZ a mathematician and biophysicist of dis­ tinction and long experience; Dr. WEIBEL a young anatomist trained under Pro­ fessor GIAN TöNDURY in Zürich, and with additional research experience with Professor A VERILL LIEBOW at Y ale.

The work presented in this monograph marks a new era, we believe, both in the development of quantitative anatomy of the lung, and in the correlation of anatomy with physiology. For many years, physiologists interested in the overall functioning of the lung have felt a need for better quantitative descriptions of pulmonary anatomy. As physiologists, we know a good deal about the forces operating to producepulmonary ventilation, and the quantities that define this function in rest and exercise ; and the same for effective distribution of air within the lung - "alveolar" ventilation-, and for the exchange of respiratory gases between air and blood. There have been no correspondingly precise quantitative measurements of the pulmonary structures that serve theese functions. The great advances in the study of pulmonary anatomy in the past decade have been chiefly in the realm of "fine structure". This has tended to bring together anatomy and biochemistry or physical chemistry, rather than anatomy and physiology. This conjunction has aided, for example, the conception of diffusion as a physicochemical process, but not that of diffusion as a metabolic bodily function. It was, therefore, a remarkably fortunate circumstance which brought together in our laboratory, about three years ago, Professor DoMINGO GoMEZ and Dr. EWALD R. WEIBEL: Professor GoMEZ a mathematician and biophysicist of dis­ tinction and long experience; Dr. WEIBEL a young anatomist trained under Pro­ fessor GIAN TöNDURY in Zürich, and with additional research experience with Professor A VERILL LIEBOW at Y ale.

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine" explores the potential of fractal geometry for describing and understanding biological organisms, their development and growth as well as their structural design and functional properties. It extends these notions to assess changes associated with disease in the hope to contribute to the understanding of pathogenetic processes in medicine. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the importance of the new concept of fractal geometry for biological and medical sciences. It collates in a logical sequence extended papers based on invited lectures and free communications presented at a symposium in Ascona, Switzerland, attended by leading scientists in this field, among them the originator of fractal geometry, Benoit Mandelbrot. "Fractals in Biology and Medicine" begins by asking how the theoretical construct of fractal geometry can be applied to biomedical sciences and then addresses the role of fractals in the design and morphogenesis of biological organisms as well as in molecular and cell biology. The consideration of fractal structure in understanding metabolic functions and pathological changes is a particularly promising avenue for future research.

"Fractals in Biology and Medicine, Volume 2" explores the potential of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyse natural shapes. The volume devotes special emphasis to the complex field of human tumours.

In March 2000 leading scientists gathered at the Centro Seminariale Monte Verità, Ascona, Switzerland, for the Third International Symposium on "Fractals 2000 in Biology and Medicine". This interdisciplinary conference was held over a four-day period and provided stimulating contributions from the very topical field Fractals in Biology and Medicine. This Volume III in the MBI series highlights the growing power and efficacy of the fractal geometry in understanding how to analyze living phenomena and complex shapes. Many biological objects, previously considered as hopelessly far from any quantitative description, are now being investigated by means of fractal methods. Researchers currently used fractals both as theoretical tools, to shed light on living systems` self-organization and evolution, and as useful techniques, capable of quantitatively analyzing physiological and pathological cell states, shapes and ultrastructures. The book should be of interest to researchers and students from Molecular and C

This book is a compilation of the presentations given at the Fourth International Symposium on Fractals in Biology and Medicine held in Ascona, Switzerland on - th 13 March 2004 and was dedicated to Professor Benoît Mandelbrot in honour of his 80 birthday. The Symposium was the fourth of a series that originated back in 1993, always in Ascona. The fourth volume consists of 29 contributions organized under four sections: Fractal structures in biological systems Fractal structures in neurosciences Fractal structures in tumours and diseases The fractal paradigm Mandelbrot’s concepts such as scale invariance, self-similarity, irregularity and iterative processes as tackled by fractal geometry have prompted innovative ways to promote a real progress in biomedical sciences, namely by understanding and analytically describing complex hierarchical scaling processes, chaotic disordered systems, non-linear dynamic phenomena, standard and anomalous transport diffusion events through membrane surfaces, morphological structures and biological shapes either in physiological or in diseased states. While most of biologic processes could be described by models based on power law behaviour and quantified by a single characteristic parameter [the fractal dimension D], other models were devised for describing fractional time dynamics and fractional space behaviour or both (- fractional mechanisms), that allow to combine the interaction between spatial and functional effects by introducing two fractional parameters. Diverse aspects that were addressed by all bio-medical subjects discussed during the symposium.