Michael I. Bergman

Michael Bergman’s An Introduction to Quantum Physics: From Schrodinger's Equation to Quantum Computing makes quantum mechanics concepts more accessible by focusing on the essentials of the Schrodinger equation and its application to the hydrogen atom, while exploring other idealized but important quantum mechanical problems, such as the infinite square well and the harmonic oscillator, in order to build students’ physical intuition. The text assumes only calculus-based introductory physics, but helps students understand the origin of the periodic table and the electronic structure of atoms in a deeper way than they may have explored in introductory chemistry coursework. The text also enables users to make connections with concepts in linear algebra, a course that many students have recently taken or may be taking concurrently. An Introduction to Quantum Physics: From Schrodinger's Equation to Quantum Computing also seeks to explore in rigorous fashion philosophical issues in quantum mechanics that readers will find intriguing. Testing these philosophical issues has now become experimentally possible, laying the groundwork for quantum computing, and broadening the book’s potential interest to students in related fields, including computer science, mathematics, and engineering. For a student’s first exposure to quantum mechanics the book offers a unique concentration on locality, entanglement, Bell’s theorem, and quantum gates. This valuable first edition delivers engaging explanations and illustrative examples for both classic problems solved by quantum mechanics and new ones that form the basis for quantum computing.

Earth’s Core: Geophysics of a Planet’s Deepest Interior provides a multidisciplinary approach to Earth’s core, including seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics. The book examines current observations, experiments, and theories; identifies outstanding research questions; and suggests future directions for study. With topics ranging from the structure of the core-mantle boundary region, to the chemical and physical properties of the core, the workings of the geodynamo, inner core seismology and dynamics, and core formation, this book offers a multidisciplinary perspective on what we know and what we know we have yet to discover. The book begins with the fundamental material and concepts in seismology, mineral physics, geomagnetism, and geodynamics, accessible from a wide range of backgrounds. The book then builds on this foundation to introduce current research, including observations, experiments, and theories. By identifying unsolved problems and promising routes to their solutions, the book is intended to motivate further research, making it a valuable resource both for students entering Earth and planetary sciences and for researchers in a particular subdiscipline who need to broaden their understanding.

This issue of Medical Clinics devoted to prediabetes and diabetes prevention belongs in the hands of every practicing internist, PCP, hospitalist, nurse practitioner, endocrinologist, and any healthcare provider who is concerned about the diabetes epidemic. The importance of this resides in our ability to prevent diabetes by early identification of individuals with a precursor condition termed prediabetes that affect 54 million adult Americans. This entity has grown globally over the recent decades paralleling the obesity epidemic. No country or region of the world is immune. Overweight and obesity affect approximately 60% of our population and children as well as adolescents are not spared. Approximately 13% of adolescents have prediabetes which has doubled since the year 2000. Both type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are preventable and reversible with lifestyle changes involving weight loss and exercise. This issue gives a historical perspective on diabetes prevention, examines its public health implications, and explores diabetes prevention initiatives. Essential topics covered include prediabetes definition, epidemiology, mechanisms of complications, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. Diabetes prevention trials and the economics of prevention are also covered.