Characteristic Classes


Book Description

The theory of characteristic classes provides a meeting ground for the various disciplines of differential topology, differential and algebraic geometry, cohomology, and fiber bundle theory. As such, it is a fundamental and an essential tool in the study of differentiable manifolds. In this volume, the authors provide a thorough introduction to characteristic classes, with detailed studies of Stiefel-Whitney classes, Chern classes, Pontrjagin classes, and the Euler class. Three appendices cover the basics of cohomology theory and the differential forms approach to characteristic classes, and provide an account of Bernoulli numbers. Based on lecture notes of John Milnor, which first appeared at Princeton University in 1957 and have been widely studied by graduate students of topology ever since, this published version has been completely revised and corrected.




Rules of Thumb for Mechanical Engineers


Book Description

Fluids -- Heat transfer -- Thermodynamics -- Mechanical seals -- Pumps and compressors -- Drivers -- Gears -- Bearings -- Piping and pressure vessels -- Tribology -- Vibration -- Materials -- Stress and strain -- Fatigue -- Instrumentation -- Engineering economics.




Dorland's Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations


Book Description

Medical acronyms and abbreviations offer convenience, but those countless shortcuts can often be confusing. Now a part of the popular Dorland's suite of products, this reference features thousands of terms from across various medical specialties. Its alphabetical arrangement makes for quick reference, and expanded coverage of symbols ensures they are easier to find. Effective communication plays an important role in all medical settings, so turn to this trusted volume for nearly any medical abbreviation you might encounter. - Symbols section makes it easier to locate unusual or seldom-used symbols. - Convenient alphabetical format allows you to find the entry you need more intuitively. - More than 90,000 entries and definitions. - Many new and updated entries including terminology in expanding specialties, such as Nursing; Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies; Transcription and Coding; Computer and Technical Fields. - New section on abbreviations to avoid, including Joint Commission abbreviations that are not to be used. - Incorporates updates suggested by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP).




Steps to an Ecology of Mind


Book Description

Gregory Bateson was a philosopher, anthropologist, photographer, naturalist, and poet, as well as the husband and collaborator of Margaret Mead. This classic anthology of his major work includes a new Foreword by his daughter, Mary Katherine Bateson. 5 line drawings.







The Algebraic and Geometric Theory of Quadratic Forms


Book Description

This book is a comprehensive study of the algebraic theory of quadratic forms, from classical theory to recent developments, including results and proofs that have never been published. The book is written from the viewpoint of algebraic geometry and includes the theory of quadratic forms over fields of characteristic two, with proofs that are characteristic independent whenever possible. For some results both classical and geometric proofs are given. Part I includes classical algebraic theory of quadratic and bilinear forms and answers many questions that have been raised in the early stages of the development of the theory. Assuming only a basic course in algebraic geometry, Part II presents the necessary additional topics from algebraic geometry including the theory of Chow groups, Chow motives, and Steenrod operations. These topics are used in Part III to develop a modern geometric theory of quadratic forms.




Diophantine Approximation


Book Description

This volume contains 21 research and survey papers on recent developments in the field of diophantine approximation, which are based on lectures given at a conference at the Erwin Schrödinger-Institute (Vienna, 2003). The articles are either in the spirit of more classical diophantine analysis or of a geometric or combinatorial flavor. Several articles deal with estimates for the number of solutions of diophantine equations as well as with congruences and polynomials.




Dictionary of Medical Acronyms and Abbreviations


Book Description

This dictionary lists acronyms and abbreviations occurring with a reasonable frequency in the literature of medicine and the health care professions. Abbreviations and acronyms are given in capital letters, with no punctuation, and with concise definitions. The beginning sections also include symbols, genetic symbols, and the Greek alphabet and symbols.




Mathematical Analysis II


Book Description

The second volume expounds classical analysis as it is today, as a part of unified mathematics, and its interactions with modern mathematical courses such as algebra, differential geometry, differential equations, complex and functional analysis. The book provides a firm foundation for advanced work in any of these directions.