Oxford U. Press

Computing the mind; how the mind really works.

This is described as "the only book explaining how the mind works that also contains a map of the London Tube." Edelman (Cornell U.), a member of the Experimental Epistemology Project, whose goal is to reverse-engineer the human brain, introduces a conceptual atlas of cognition based on theory-based experimentation and computer simulations. Rather than offering a compendium of facts of how the mind works, he describes principles of the operation of the mind as an information- processing or computational system that manipulates representations. Illustrations aid in making his approach accessible. Information on Bayesian decision-making, and other cognitive science projects are appended. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Coping effectively with spinal cord injury; a group program; therapist guide.

Kennedy (clinical psychology, U. of Oxford) gives counselors and therapists a running start creating and operating short-term group therapy that centers on the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with the sudden impact of spinal cord injuries (SCIs). SCIs. The therapy, a group-based intervention, identifies potential sources of stress, teaches participants a range of adaptive coping skills, challenges negative thoughts, sets up a system of social support, and develops problem solving methods. It includes complete step-by-step instructions for running sessions, lists of materials, session outlines, copies of forms and evaluation methods. With a supplementary workbook for participants, this is designed to help SCI sufferers reclaim their lives as soon as possible. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Coping effectively with spinal cord injuries; a group program, workbook.

Kennedy (clinical psychology, U. of Oxford) provides a participant workbook to accompany his guide for therapists of those who have suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI). The workbook focuses on group intervention as well as individual healing and describes skills for coping with stress caused by injury, methods for problem-solving, relaxation techniques, coping strategies, management of intense emotions, reduction of negative thoughts, and development of a care network. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Family-based treatment for young children with OCD; therapist guide.

Co-directors of the Pediatric Anxiety Research Clinic at the Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center offer a therapist's guide to family-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) specifically designed for children ages 5-8. Using a cognitive- behavioral approach, the guide provides psychoeducation for the family and a set of tools for managing the child's symptoms. Parents' tools involve differential attention, modeling, and scaffolding techniques. Children's tools include cognitive strategies such as using a feelings thermometer to rate anxiety level. Treatment centers on exposure with response prevention, conducted in sessions with a practitioner and practiced at home. The program concludes with a relapse prevention unit. A separate workbook for families is also available. There is no subject index. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

Handbook of fourier analysis & its applications.

This comprehensive text and reference is likely to become a standard in the classroom and on the professional bookshelf. Based upon practical applications but with full coverage of theory as well, this meets the needs of those working in physics, acoustics, optics, number theory, combinatorics, geometry, probability theory, statistics, signal processing, cryptography and even option pricing. Marks (engineering, Baylor U.) includes sample questions (and answers) for students and those needing a refresher, and applies Fourier analysis to a broad range of applications, including multidimensional transform theory, quantum physics, general computer science finance and Western music. For advance undergraduate and beginning graduate students the appendices provide solid background and supplemental knowledge. The result is likely to replace several other popular texts on multidimensional signals and systems, signal analysis, sampling and interpolation theory, random variables and stochastic processes, and signals and linear systems. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

High-resolution electron microscopy, 3d ed. (reprint, 2003)

Spence (physics, Arizona State U.) provides the fundamental theoretical background required to understand how electron microscopes work and practical instruction for microscope operators. This reprint of the original 2003 edition covers: elementary principles of phase-contrast microscopy, electron optics, wave optics, coherence and Fourier optics, STEM and Z-contrast, electron sources and detectors, measurement of electron-optical parameters, instabilities and the microscope environment, experimental methods, and associated techniques. The book contains numerous illustrations and each chapter includes references. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)

The pleasure center; trust your animal instincts.

Kringelbach (psychiatry, U. of Oxford) translates the science of the laboratory into a readable discussion of the nature of pleasure and pain and how those stimuli are used by humans to make decisions, learn, and reason. His wide-ranging approach includes new discoveries on human feelings as well as classic work in evolution, psychology, and brain science. (Annotation ©2009 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)