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Woodhead Publishing

  • Applied Plant Genomics and Biotechnology

    • 1st Edition
    • Palmiro Poltronieri + 1 more
    • English
    Applied plant genomics and biotechnology reviews the recent advancements in the post-genomic era, discussing how different varieties respond to abiotic and biotic stresses, investigating epigenetic modifications and epigenetic memory through analysis of DNA methylation states, applicative uses of RNA silencing and RNA interference in plant physiology and in experimental transgenics, and plants modified to produce high-value pharmaceutical proteins. The book provides an overview of research advances in application of RNA silencing and RNA interference, through Virus-based transient gene expression systems, Virus induced gene complementation (VIGC), Virus induced gene silencing (Sir VIGS, Mr VIGS) Virus-based microRNA silencing (VbMS) and Virus-based RNA mobility assays (VRMA); RNA based vaccines and expression of virus proteins or RNA, and virus-like particles in plants, the potential of virus vaccines and therapeutics, and exploring plants as factories for useful products and pharmaceuticals are topics wholly deepened. The book reviews and discuss Plant Functional Genomic studies discussing the technologies supporting the genetic improvement of plants and the production of plant varieties more resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several important crops are analysed providing a glimpse on the most up-to-date methods and topics of investigation. The book presents a review on current state of GMO, the cisgenesis-derived plants and novel plant products devoid of transgene elements, discuss their regulation and the production of desired traits such as resistance to viruses and disease also in fruit trees and wood trees with long vegetative periods. Several chapters cover aspects of plant physiology related to plant improvement: cytokinin metabolism and hormone signaling pathways are discussed in barley; PARP-domain proteins involved in Stress-Induced Morphogenetic Response, regulation of NAD signaling and ROS dependent synthesis of anthocyanins. Apple allergen isoforms and the various content in different varieties are discussed and approaches to reduce their presence. Euphorbiaceae, castor bean, cassava and Jathropa are discussed at genomic structure, their diseases and viruses, and methods of transformation. Rice genomics and agricultural traits are discussed, and biotechnology for engineering and improve rice varieties. Mango topics are presented with an overview of molecular methods for variety differentiation, and aspects of fruit improvement by traditional and biotechnology methods. Oilseed rape is presented, discussing the genetic diversity, quality traits, genetic maps, genomic selection and comparative genomics for improvement of varieties. Tomato studies are presented, with an overview on the knowledge of the regulatory networks involved in flowering, methods applied to study the tomato genome-wide DNA methylation, its regulation by small RNAs, microRNA-dependent control of transcription factors expression, the development and ripening processes in tomato, genomic studies and fruit modelling to establish fleshy fruit traits of interest; the gene reprogramming during fruit ripening, and the ethylene dependent and independent DNA methylation changes.
  • Surface Modification of Magnesium and its Alloys for Biomedical Applications

    Biological Interactions, Mechanical Properties and Testing
    • 1st Edition
    • T.S.N. Sankara Narayanan + 2 more
    • English
    Surface modification of magnesium and its alloys for biomedical applications: Biological interactions, mechanical properties and testing, the first of two volumes, is an essential guide on the use of magnesium as a degradable implant material. Due to their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, magnesium based degradable implants provide a viable option for the permanent metallic implants. This volume focuses on the fundamental concepts of surface modification of magnesium, its biological interactions, mechanical properties and, in vitro and in vivo testing. The contents of volume 1 is organized and presented in three parts. Part 1 reviews the fundamental aspects of surface modification of magnesium, including surface design, opportunities, challenges and its role in revolutionizing biodegradable biomaterials. Part 2 addresses the biological and mechanical properties covering an in vivo approach to the bioabsorbable behavior of magnesium alloys, mechanical integrity and, the effects of amino acids and proteins on the performance of surface modified magnesium. Part 3 delves in to testing and characterization, exploring the biocompatibility and effects on fatigue life alongside the primary characteristics of surface modified magnesium. All chapters are written by experts, this two volume series provides systematic and thorough coverage of all major modification technologies and coating types of magnesium and its alloys for biomedical applications.
  • Wear of Polymers and Composites

    • 1st Edition
    • Ahmed Abdelbary
    • English
    In the field of tribology, the wear behaviour of polymers and composite materials is considered a highly non-linear phenomenon. Wear of Polymers and Composites introduces fundamentals of polymers and composites tribology. The book suggests a new approach to explore the effect of applied load and surface defects on the fatigue wear behaviour of polymers, using a new tribometer and thorough experiments. It discusses effects of surface cracks, under different static and cyclic loading parameters on wear, and presents an intelligent algorithm, in the form of a neural network, to map the relationship between wear rate and relevant factors. Using the aforementioned method leads to more accurate and cost effective prediction of surface fatigue wear rates, under different service conditions. The first three chapters of the book introduce polymers and composite materials tribology, followed by three chapters that cover testing in wear, applied load and contact pressure and surface defects. The remaining chapter moves on to predicting wear of polymers, and concludes by discussing questions and problems.
  • Reliability Characterisation of Electrical and Electronic Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • English
    This book takes a holistic approach to reliability engineering for electrical and electronic systems by looking at the failure mechanisms, testing methods, failure analysis, characterisation techniques and prediction models that can be used to increase reliability for a range of devices. The text describes the reliability behavior of electrical and electronic systems. It takes an empirical scientific approach to reliability engineering to facilitate a greater understanding of operating conditions, failure mechanisms and the need for testing for a more realistic characterisation. After introducing the fundamentals and background to reliability theory, the text moves on to describe the methods of reliability analysis and charactersation across a wide range of applications.
  • Machine-to-machine (M2M) Communications

    Architecture, Performance and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Carles Anton-Haro + 1 more
    • English
    Part one of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Communications covers machine-to-machine systems, architecture and components. Part two assesses performance management techniques for M2M communications. Part three looks at M2M applications, services, and standardization. Machine-to-machine communications refers to autonomous communication between devices or machines. This book serves as a key resource in M2M, which is set to grow significantly and is expected to generate a huge amount of additional data traffic and new revenue streams, underpinning key areas of the economy such as the smart grid, networked homes, healthcare and transportation.
  • Medical Modelling

    The Application of Advanced Design and Rapid Prototyping Techniques in Medicine
    • 2nd Edition
    • Richard Bibb + 2 more
    • English
    Medical modelling and the principles of medical imaging, Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Rapid Prototyping (also known as Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing) are important techniques relating to various disciplines - from biomaterials engineering to surgery. Building on the success of the first edition, Medical Modelling: The application of Advanced Design and Rapid Prototyping techniques in medicine provides readers with a revised edition of the original text, along with key information on innovative imaging techniques, Rapid Prototyping technologies and case studies.Following an overview of medical imaging for Rapid Prototyping, the book goes on to discuss working with medical scan data and techniques for Rapid Prototyping. In this second edition there is an extensive section of peer-reviewed case studies, describing the practical applications of advanced design technologies in surgical, prosthetic, orthotic, dental and research applications.
  • Switchable and Responsive Surfaces and Materials for Biomedical Applications

    • 1st Edition
    • Johnathan Zhang
    • English
    Surface modification of biomaterials can ultimately determine whether a material is accepted or rejected from the human body, and a responsive surface can further make the material "smart" and "intelligent". Switchable and Responsive Surfaces and Materials for Biomedical Applications outlines synthetic and biological materials that are responsive under different stimuli, their surface design and modification techniques, and applicability in regenerative medicine/tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical devices, and biomedical diagnostics. Part one provides a detailed overview of switchable and responsive materials and surfaces, exploring thermo-responsive polymers, environmentally responsive polyelectrolytes and zwitterionic polymers, as well as peptide-based and photonic sensitive switchable materials. Further chapters include a detailed overview of the preparation and analysis of switchable polymer brushes and copolymers for biomedical application. Part two explores the biological interactions and biomedical applications of switchable surfaces, where expert analysis is provided on the interaction of switchable surfaces with proteins and cells. The interaction of stimuli-sensitive polymers for tissue engineering and drug delivery with biosurfaces is critiqued, whilst the editor provides a skillful study into the application of responsive polymers in implantable medical devices and biosensors.
  • Anti-Abrasive Nanocoatings

    Current and Future Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • M Aliofkhazraei
    • English
    This book provides an overview of the fabrication methods for anti-abrasive nanocoatings. The connections among fabrication parameters, the characteristics of nanocoatings and the resulting properties (i.e. nanohardness, toughness, wear rate, load-bearing ability, friction coefficient, and scratch resistance) are discussed. Size-affected mechanical properties of nanocoatings are examined, including their uses. Anti-abrasive nanocoatings, including metallic-, ceramic-, and polymeric-based layers, as well as different kinds of nanostructures, such as multi-layered nanocomposites and thin films, are reviewed.
  • Controlled Drug Delivery

    The Role of Self-Assembling Multi-Task Excipients
    • 1st Edition
    • M A Mateescu + 2 more
    • English
    In complex macromolecules, minor modifications can generate major changes, due to self-assembling capacities of macromolecular or supramolecular networks. Controlled Drug Delivery highlights how the multifunctionality of several materials can be achieved and valorized for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical applications. Topics covered in this comprehensive book include: the concept of self-assembling; starch and derivatives as pharmaceutical excipients; and chitosan and derivatives as biomaterials and as pharmaceutical excipients. Later chapters discuss polyelectrolyte complexes as excipients for oral administration; and natural semi-synthetic and synthetic materials. Closing chapters cover protein-protein associative interactions and their involvement in bioformulations; self-assembling materials, implants and xenografts; and provide conclusions and perspectives.
  • Engineering Systems Acquisition and Support

    • 1st Edition
    • J P T Mo + 1 more
    • English
    Engineering systems such as an aircraft or frigate are highly complex and specifically designed to meet the customer’s requirements. This important book provides the information necessary to acquire and support complex engineering systems expected to last for a long time. Chapters in the first half of the book examine the life cycles of these systems, their design, testing and certification, and the principles behind their acquisition. The second half of the book reviews topics including operations support and logistics, systems maintenance, reliability and upgrades, and performance and risk analysis, ending with a discussion of the need for continuous improvements in these systems.