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Books in Agricultural and biological sciences

The Agricultural and Biological Sciences collection advances science-based knowledge for the improvement of animal and plant life and for secure food systems that produce nutritious, novel, sustainable foods with minimal environmental impact. Food Science titles include not only those products from agriculture but all other aspects from food production to nutrition, health and safety, chemistry to security, policy, law and regulation. Biological Sciences address animal behaviour and biodiversity, organismal and evolutionary biology, entomology, marine biology and aquaculture, plant science and forestry.

  • Molecular Biophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • M Volkenstein
    • English
    Molecular Biophysics presents the fundamental principles of biophysics and their application to the study of the physical properties of biological macromolecules. The merger of biology and physics involves the development of sophisticated instrumentation and the molecular approach to the study of life phenomena. This book is composed of nine chapters and begins with an overview of the thermodynamical aspects and chemical foundations of biophysics. These topics are followed by the physical aspects of macromolecules, with a particular emphasis on the biological functions, conformation, and hydrophobic interactions of proteins. The subsequent chapter describes the structural and electro-optical properties of biopolymers based on X-ray, optical, and spectroscopic analysis. The discussion then shifts to enzymes, their chemical kinetics, catalytic potential, and conformational and cooperative properties. The remaining chapters explore the physical aspects of nucleic acids and the biosynthesis of proteins. This book will prove useful to molecular biophysicists, biologists, physicists, and researchers in the fields of life sciences.
  • Evolutionary and Genetic Biology of Primates V2

    • 1st Edition
    • John Buettner-Janusch
    • English
    Evolutionary and Genetic Biology of Primates, Volume II presents research on the evolution and genetic biology of the Primates. This book is organized into six chapters that discuss the serum proteins and hemoglobins; virology; and functional and behavior studies of reproductive systems, manipulative abilities, and displays of the Primates. The opening chapter presents the susceptibility of Primates to host range spans of viruses with both broad and narrow spectra, in relation to their taxonomic classification. The following chapter examines the Primates as a model group for the evaluation of the phylogenetic and evolutionary significance of immunochemical information. This book discusses the relationship of protein structure to evolution and of immunochemistry to protein structure, as well as the application of immunochemical methods in the antigenic correspondence among the Primates. This volume also covers the evolution of hemoglobin from one taxonomic level of the Primates to another. A chapter focuses on the reproductive physiology and behavior of the Lemuroidea, including their external genitalia, testis, sperm ducts, and associated glands. The concluding chapters discuss the role and phylogenetic relations of prehensive patterns and grips in the biology of Primates. A discussion on the origin and evolution of the different groups of components of primate displays is included. This book is an invaluable source for physical anthropologists and researchers, histologists, anatomists, neurologists, geneticists, cytologists, and other specialists.
  • The Study of Prosimian Behavior

    • 1st Edition
    • G.A. Doyle
    • English
    The Study of Prosimian Behavior aims to provide as complete coverage as possible to the field of prosimian behavior. Organized into 14 chapters, the book begins with the classification of the prosimians, followed by the phylogenetic aspects of prosimian behavior. It also explains the development of behavior, learning, intelligence, and vocal and olfactory communications in prosimians. Furthermore, the book looks into the prosimian reproduction; how the various prosimian species handle the production and rearing of the young; diet and ecology of prosimians; role of vision in prosimian behavior; and prosimian locomotor behavior.
  • Perspectives In Membrane Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Sergio Estrada-O
    • English
    Perspectives in Membrane Biology is consists of the proceeding of the first Meeting on Perspectives in Membrane Biology held at Oaxaca, Mexico, on January 14-18, 1974. Organized into seven parts, the book first discusses the structure and plasticity of biological membranes. It then explains the ion and metabolite distribution, as well as the conservation of energy and light mediated phenomena in membranes. It also elucidates the role of membranes in genome expression, the association between membrane and immunological response, and the reconstitution of specific membrane functions.
  • Mammalian Olfaction, Reproductive Processes, and Behavior

    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Doty
    • English
    Mammalian Olfaction, Reproductive Processes, and Behavior presents the conceptual, methodological, and empirical advances in the study of the complex interactions between nasal chemoreception, sexual behavior, and endocrine function in mammals. It focuses on the orders Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Carnivora, Rodentia, and Primates. The book describes techniques for producing anosmia in laboratory animals and the usefulness of the popular pheromone concept in describing chemosensory influences on mammalian behavior and endocrinology. It also reviews studies examining reproductive endocrine-olfactory interactions in humans. Moreover, the book discusses the anatomy, physiology, and development of the olfactory and vomeronasal systems. This book is invaluable to anatomists, endocrinologists, mammalogists, physiologists, psychologists, and zoologists not only as a source book, but as a textbook on chemosensation as well.
  • Interferons

    • 1st Edition
    • Thomas Merigan
    • English
    Interferons documents the proceedings of a major international conference on Chemistry and Biology of Interferons: Relationship to Therapeutics held at Squaw Valley, California, in March 1982. The meeting was one of the 1982 UCLA Symposia on Molecular and Cellular Biology organized through the Molecular Biology Institute of the University of California at Los Angeles. The book is organized into four parts. Part I presents papers on recombinant DNA production of interferon. It includes studies on the synthesis of human immune interferon in E. coli and monkey cells; the expression of human β interferon gene in heterologous cells; and the molecular activities of recombinant and hybrid leukocyte interferons. Part II deals with the biology of interferons, covering topics such as interferon production control process; the effect of interferon on cellular enzymes; and human amniotic interferon. Part III examines the factors relevant to clinical application of interferons, including structure-function studies with human interferon-gamma and on human alpha interferon. Part IV presents clinical studies of interferon, such as interferon α trials in human tumor diseases and interferon in renal transplant recipients.
  • Soil Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • A Burgers
    • English
    Soil Biology brings together the microbiological, botanical, and zoological aspects of soil biology. Leading specialists provide critical reviews and assessments of their particular branches of soil biology, paying particular attention to functional aspects and biotic interrelationships whenever possible. This volume is organized into 17 chapters and begins with an overview of the soil system, emphasizing the system components including the mineral fraction, organic matter, soil moisture, and soil atmosphere. The next chapters focus on microorganisms present in the soil, along with their effects on plant roots. The book also discusses the soil algae, including how algae are affected by physical and chemical environments and their interrelations with other organisms. The remaining chapters look at other organisms that inhabit the soil, including Arthropoda, Collembola, and Mollusca, as well as the probable effects of inhibiting substances upon the biology of soil microorganisms. The final chapters explain the decomposition of organic matter in the soil and the effects of synthetic chemicals on soil microorganisms. This book is a valuable resource for soil biologists and research workers in fields such as botany, agriculture, zoology, and microbiology.
  • Developmental Aspects of the Cell Cycle

    • 1st Edition
    • Ivan Cameron
    • English
    Developmental Aspects of the Cell Cycle discusses the molecular, organelle, cellular, and organismal levels of cell cycle, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. It addresses the possible antagonism between the ability of cells to proliferate and to differentiate. After brief historical, theoretical, and methodological background information for each cell system, this book concentrates on the mechanisms involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation. The book presents systems in which mass cultures of cells can be induced to undergo a synchronous transition from one cell state to another, enabling the amplification of cellular and biochemical events to be analyzed with the available morphological and biochemical techniques. Some chapters explain the possibility of cell state production by a microenvironment that occurs at the organismal level, in which a series of mitotic and growth steps causes cells proliferation. The concluding chapters discuss cell proliferation and differentiation in specific cell system, such as embryonic chick and male germ cell. This book will appeal to investigators in many disciplines, teachers, and life sciences students, particularly, to molecular, cellular, and developmental biologists.
  • Microbiological Quality of Foods

    • 1st Edition
    • L Slanetz
    • English
    Microbiological Quality of Foods contains the proceedings of a conference held in Franconia, New Hampshire, on August 27-29, 1962. Contributors review the state of knowledge of foodborne diseases and discuss the use and efficiency of microbiological tests and standards for food quality from the academic, regulatory, and industrial standpoints. Problems related to the use of microorganisms as an index of food quality are given special attention. This book includes a consideration of total counts, coliforms, fecal streptococci, and the detection of specific pathogens. This text is organized into 26 chapters and begins with an overview of the status of microbiological tests and standards that have been developed to ensure food quality. The book then discusses the concerns of regulators at the federal and local levels concerning food microbiology, particularly the safety or wholesomeness of foods. The next chapters focus on industry perspectives regarding food safety; the role of universities in food microbiological research; and problems and challenges presented by foodborne diseases. The book also introduces the reader to staphylococcal enterotoxins, halophilic bacteria, botulism, and Clostridium perfringens that causes food poisoning. This book is a valuable resource for those involved in food microbiology, science and technology, and industry; bacteriology; and public health.
  • population genetics and ecology

    • 1st Edition
    • Samuel Karlin
    • English
    Population Genetics and Ecology is a collection of papers presented at a 1975 conference-workshop held in Israel and is devoted to topics in population genetics and ecology. Contributors discuss topics related to population genetics and ecology, including the determinants of genetic variation in natural populations; experimental design and analysis of field and laboratory data; and theory and applications of mathematical models in population genetics. The book describes a number of field and laboratory studies that focus on a variety of spatial and temporal character and enzyme frequency patterns in natural populations, along with possible associations between these patterns and ecological parameters. This volume is organized into three sections encompassing 31 chapters and begins by summarizing the results of field and laboratory research that investigated gene frequency patterns in space and time of animal and plant populations. This book then explains the origin of new taxa; animal and plant domestication; variation in heritability related to parental age; and problems in the genetics of certain haplo-diploid populations. The next section offers a combination of data analyses and interpretations of related models, with some papers devoted to the origin of race formation and the interaction between sexual selection and natural selection. Among the theoretical studies presented are facets of selection migration interaction; stochastic selection effects; properties of density and frequency dependent selection; concepts and measures of genetic distance and speciation; aspects of altruism; and kin selection. This book will be of interest to naturalists, experimentalists, theoreticians, statisticians, and mathematicians.