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Elsevier

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.

  • Aspects of Sponge Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Frederick Harrison
    • English
    Aspects of Sponge Biology is the result of a symposium about sponge biology held in Albany, New York in May 1975. The symposium not only presents investigations, but also problem areas in the field of sponge biology. This book therefore shows that sponges are a very challenging and untouched subject area for future studies. This book is divided into three major parts, wherein the first part introduces and discusses sponge biology. The introduction and discussion include sponge biology principles, perspectives, and problems. The next two parts discuss cell and development biology, taxonomy, and ecology. Part 2 deals with several topics of the cellular aspect, including an analysis of reproduction in sponge populations and cytochemical studies of connective tissues in sponges. This part also looks into the cytological abnormalities in various normal and transformed cell lines. Part 3 describes the different types of sponge in their various habitats. Sponge feeding mechanisms, ecological factors controlling sponge distribution, and zoogeography of Brazilian marine Demospongiae are also discussed in this part. This book will be of important value to biology students and teachers. Specialists including zoologists, ecologists, comparative physiologists, and biologists will also benefit from this book.

  • Biochemistry of Insects

    • 1st Edition
    • Morris Rockstein
    • English
    Biochemistry of Insects reviews the state of knowledge in insect biochemistry. The book begins by examining the function of carbohydrates in regulating and maintaining the life processes of insects. This is followed by separate chapters on the functional roles of lipids and proteins in insects; and protein synthesis in insects. Subsequent chapters cover the chemistry of insect cuticle; the structure, distribution, and chemistry of insect biochromes; and chemical control of insect behavior. Also discussed are the biochemical aspects of the natural products used by insects in defensive contexts; the reaction of insecticides and related compounds with their targets; detoxification mechanisms in insects; and genetic variation in natural populations. Designed to serve as a basic textbook in field, this volume should be equally useful as an auxiliary text for most relevant courses in insect biology, particularly insect physiology, insect ecology, insect control, and economic entomology. The book should also serve as an important reference source for the advanced student, the research scientist, and the professional entomologist seeking authoritative details of relevant areas of subject matter.

  • Biological Transmission of Disease Agents

    • 1st Edition
    • Karl Maramorosch
    • English
    Biological Transmission of Disease Agents covers the proceedings of a 1960 symposium on Biological Transmission of Disease Agents, held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This book discusses methods, approaches, and problems that contribute to the progress in basic and applied research in biological transmission. This compilation is organized into two major parts encompassing 13 chapters that cover agents of plant, animal, and human diseases. The first part of the book deals with the status and significant advances of plant viruses, and the mechanical and non-mechanical transmissions and nematode vectors of these viruses. The second part starts with a discussion on viral agents known to be mosquito-borne, their importance in animal and human disease causation, as well as the several types of biological cycles involved in their transmission. The following chapters describe groups of diseases caused by transmission of sandflies, tabanids, Tsetse-borne insects, mites, ticks, and helminths. The concluding chapter presents ways of suppressing the vectors that cause diseases, such as malaria, typhus, filariasis, dysentery, trypanosomiasis, and dengue. The book appeals to students of entomology, plant pathology, human and veterinary medicine, virology, zoology, microbiology, and other branches of biology.

  • Nutrition Intervention Strategies in National Development

    • 1st Edition
    • Barbara Underwood
    • English
    Nutrition Intervention Strategies in National Development reviews nutritional programs as key components of policy planning for national development in general and health programs in particular. It summarizes research on targeted application of nutrition knowledge in public health and efforts to reduce worldwide malnutrition, and it highlights the importance of planned controlled change in the quality of diet as a preventive strategy against widespread disease. Organized into seven sections encompassing 33 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the basic concepts of nutrition intervention and some elements of successful nutrition intervention strategies. It then discusses the economic effects of early malnutrition and economic considerations for nutrition intervention programs; the role of the government in income distribution and nutritional improvement; supplementary feeding programs; and strategies for addressing protein energy malnutrition. The reader is also introduced to the nutrition-infection cycle in relation to intervention techniques, nutrient-specific interventions including prevention of iron deficiency, and nutrition education. Scientists, nutritionists, policymakers, medical doctors, economists, education specialists, and health workers concerned with nutrition intervention programs will find this book extremely helpful.

  • Serology and Immunochemistry of Plant Viruses

    • 1st Edition
    • M.H.V. Van Regenmortel
    • English
    Serology and Immunochemistry of Plant Viruses investigates the antigenic properties of plant viruses. It looks at the practical aspects of plant virus serology, along with the molecular basis of viral antigenicity, antigenic determinants in proteins, the structure of antibodies, virus purification, antiserum production, and the theoretical principles and practical implementation of the various serological techniques. It also considers the problems associated with identification and classification of plant viruses. Organized into 10 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of antigens and antigenic determinants before proceeding with a discussion of the immunochemistry of plant viruses, virus-antibody binding, the role of quaternary structure in antigenicity, and the structure of viral antigenic determinants. The reader is also introduced to the methods and principles of purifying plant viruses, preparation of antisera and purification of antibodies, antigen-antibody interaction, immunochemical techniques used with plant viruses, the role of quaternary structure on viral antigenicity, diagnosis of virus diseases, use of serological criteria for measuring the degree of relationship between viruses, and immunochemical studies of plant viruses. The book includes a bibliography with 1,400 references and a list of all the plant viruses that have been studied by serology. This book will be a useful resource for virologists and plant pathologists, as well as for students and research workers in plant virology, plant pathology, microbiology, and general virology.

  • Macaca mulatta

    Enzyme Histochemistry of the Nervous System
    • 1st Edition
    • Sohan Manocha
    • English
    Macaca mulatta: Enzyme Histochemistry of the Nervous System focuses on the enzyme architecture of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) brain, both at the gross and the microscopic levels. Composed of 12 chapters, this book provides a complete topographical map of the distribution of several enzymes with respect to the neuroanatomical structures. It provides measurement and comparison of the relative sites and concentrations of enzymes in different cytoarchitectural areas in the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, olfactory bulb, and eyes. Particular attention is placed on the distribution of a few hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. This reference material will be valuable to students, teachers, and research workers in neuroanatomy, histochemistry, neurophysiology,neur... animal behavior, and other related fields.

  • Microbeam Analysis in Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Claude Lechene
    • English
    Microbeam Analysis in Biology contains the proceedings of a workshop on Biological X-Ray Microanalysis by Electron Beam Excitation, held in Boston, Massachusetts on August 25-26, 1977. This book focuses on the principles, techniques, and biological use of electron probe microanalysis, energy-loss spectroscopy, and ion probe microanalysis. This text reflects the emphasis of the workshop on presenting the principles of analysis, the optimization of operating conditions, the description of successful techniques for sample preparation and quantitation, the illustration of problems and pitfalls, and the direction of microbeam analysis in biology.

  • The Structural Basis of Membrane Function

    • 1st Edition
    • Youssef Hatafi
    • English
    The Structural Basis of Membrane Function is a documentation of an international symposium of the same title. This book serves as a collection of the significant articles pertaining to the field of membrane research. It is composed of seven parts, where the first and last parts are articles contributed by scientific authorities. The book generally discusses the membrane research and this study’s relevance to the society. Then, the book specifically looks into membrane features, including its structure, processes in it, functions, and types. Some of the specific topics included in the discussion of each part are phospholipases and monolayers used in studies of membrane structure; molecular aspects of active transport; and electron-transfer in energy-transducing membranes. The book also explains the two functions in common of biological membranes; synaptic receptor proteins; and liver microsomal membranes. The scope of this book is broad and helpful to many fields of scienec. It will be of great benefit to students, teachers, scientists, and researchers in the field of biochemistry, biology, molecular biology, chemistry, pharmacology, and cellular biology among others.

  • 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.

  • Viruses and Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Edouard Kurstak
    • English
    Viruses and Environment contains the proceedings of the Third International Conference on Comparative Virology, held at Mont Gabriel, Quebec, Canada on May 1977. The primary focus of the conference is the ecology of viruses, that is, the interrelationships between organisms and their environment. Organized into seven parts with a total of 33 chapters, this book centers on the impact of viruses on the environment; the persistent virus infections of man, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and plants; and the smallest disease agents, the viroids. In particular, this book describes the reservoirs of viruses, such as arthropod vectors, water, cultivated plants, and wild animals; safety considerations concerning the use of live virus vaccines; and the viral insecticides. The use of bacterial viruses in genetic engineering is also addressed. This treatise will be valuable to research workers in medical and biomedical fields; biological control; and animal and plant quarantine. It will also benefit the university teachers and graduate students.

  • Processing and Presentation of Antigens

    • 1st Edition
    • Benvenuto Pernis
    • English
    Processing and Presentation of Antigens brings together the views of immunologists, biochemists, cell biologists, and virologists who have a common interest in the early phases of the immune response. Antigen processing and presentation comprise a series of events that are much more complex and sophisticated than had been thought for a long time, and constitute an essential part of the biology of the immune response to T-dependent protein antigens. The book is organized into seven parts. Part I discusses the major advances and insights in antigen processing, some results on the interaction of antigen with class II MHC molecules, and the precise mechanism involved in antigen processing. Part II presents papers on endosomes, lysosomes, and recycling. Part III deals with studies on presentation in the context of class I MHC molecules. The chapters in Part IV examine interactions of antigens with class II MHC molecules. Part V contains papers on macrophages and dendritic cells as accessory cells. Part VI examines antigen presentation by B cells. Part VII covers studies on T cells.

  • Biology of Fertilization V1

    Model Systems and Oogenesis
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Metz
    • English
    Biology of Fertilization, Volume 1: Model Systems and Oogenesis is the first in a three-volume series that gathers various lines of research about reproduction in general and fertilization in particular. Knowledge about cell biology, immunobiology, biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular genetics has progressed significantly beyond our understanding of some aspects of fertilization. Components of these constitute ""model systems."" The present volume includes reviews of such systems, some relatively simple model systems in lower organisms, sex-determining mechanisms, and oogenesis. The book contains 12 chapters organized into two sections. Section I includes studies on evolution, reproductive success, and immortality of the germ line; the structures and mechanisms involved in fertilization problems; and fertilization in Paramecium. Section II on oogenesis includes studies on gamete differentiation; sex-determining role of the H-Y antigen in mammals and non-mammals; the mechanism of starfish oocyte maturation; meiotic arrest in animal oocytes; and the mitotic and meiotic aspects of the mammalian germ cell life cycle.

  • Regulatory Aspects of Carcinogenesis and Food Additives: The Delaney Clause

    • 1st Edition
    • Frederick Coulston
    • English
    Regulatory Aspects of Carcinogenesis and Food Additives: The Delaney Clause is composed of papers and discussions presented in the seventh meeting of the International Academy of Environmental Safety regarding the philosophy of the Delaney Clause. The Delaney Clause became a part of the Food and Drug Law in 1958. It states in part “that no additive shall be deemed to be safe if it is found to induce cancer when ingested by man or animal, or if it is found after tests which are appropriate for evaluation of safety of food additives to induce cancer in man or animal”. This book covers the different views of the meeting’s participants on the interpretation of the Delaney Clause. It presents list of points that should be considered in making decisions with respect to safety. Many other factors that should be taken into consideration are also discussed in this reference.

  • Swine Feeding and Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • Tony Cunha
    • English
    Swine Feeding and Nutrition provides detailed information on aspects of swine production. It begins with a presentation of the past, present, and future of swine industry. Then, it reviews the many factors that can affect nutrient requirements and needs. This text summarizes minerals, vitamins, proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, fiber, fatty acids, fat, energy, water, enzymes, and antibiotics and other antimicrobial compounds in swine industry. Furthermore, it discusses the relative value of feeds for use in swine diets and the feeding requirement for baby pig, growing-finishing pigs, and the breeding herd. This book will be very valuable to beginners in swine production, established swine raisers, feed manufacturers and dealers, county agents, farm advisors and consultants, and veterinarians. Animal science and agriculture students and instructors will also find this book helpful.

  • Advances in Aquatic Microbiology

    • 1st Edition
    • M.R. Droop
    • English
    Advances in Aquatic Microbiology Volume 1 describes the characteristics of ecological niches for individual microorganisms and the intensities of individual microbiological processes in the course of turnover of various substances in reservoirs. This volume follows Volume 1 of Advances in Microbiology of the Sea book. The opening chapter presents insight to the tradition of Russian limnological microbiology followed by a discussion on conversion of inorganic nitrogen to organic nitrogen, and the microorganisms responsible for assimilatory reactions. The book considers aspects of the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen and nitrate to ammonia and the incorporation of ammonia into organic compounds. Such considerations will relate particularly to those organisms of significance in aquatic environments. The relations between prey and predator and their significance in the investigation both the behavior of the microorganisms themselves and the prey-predator situation in general are also discussed. Chapter 4 examines how viruses, bacteria, and fungi affect the blue-green algae and the development and regulation of algal blooms. The final two chapters summarize studies in freshwater sediment microbiology and the role of bacteria in water pollution monitoring. This book caters primarily to aquatic microbiologists, but limnological microbiologists, aquatic researchers, scientists, teachers, and students with courses in aquatic microbiology will find this book invaluable.

  • Interferons A Primer

    • 1st Edition
    • Robert Friedman
    • English
    Interferons: A Primer covers general information on interferon, including analysis, purification, production, properties, mechanism of action, and clinical uses. Organized into 10 chapters, the book starts with a short history of interferon’s discovery by Isaacs and Lindenmann, followed by topics on assays for interferon, such as factors affecting interferon assays and rapid biological assay. Chapters 3 to 6 discuss the purification, properties, production, antiviral action, and other functions of interferon. Chapters 7 and 8 examine the recovery from viral infection and clinical uses of interferon, with emphasis on treatment of human cancer. The concluding chapters focus on the application of interferon studies on two revolutionizing fields of biology, namely, the cloning of animal genes in microorganisms and the production of monoclonal antibodies. This book is intended for students, scientists, physicians, or educated laypersons who wish to know something about interferons, but do not plan carrying out research in this area.

  • Growth, Nutrition, and Metabolism of Cells In Culture V2

    • 1st Edition
    • George Rothblat
    • English
    Growth, Nutrition, and Metabolism of Cells in Culture, Volume 2, summarizes the state of knowledge of the growth, nutrition, and metabolism of various types of cell cultures. The chapters are both detailed and comprehensive enough for the specialist and broad enough to provide a general background for the nonspecialist. The present volume deals with specialized mammalian, plant, and invertebrate cell systems and techniques. The book begins by tracing the history of the development of tissue culture. This is followed by separate chapters on the use of perfusion systems in cell and tissue culture; and the cultivation of muscle tissue, nerve tissue, and hematopoietic cells. Subsequent chapters discuss the use of cell culture to study mechanisms of hormone action; the cultivation of mammalian embryos; cultivation of cells from poikilothermie vertebrates; and the cultivation of arthropod cells and plant cells. This book will be valuable resource for investigators who routinely use cell culture techniques, as well as students and individuals in associated areas of cell and molecular biology.

  • 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.

  • Biology of Bats

    • 1st Edition
    • William Wimsatt
    • English
    Biology of Bats, Volume I, examines most of the basic characteristics related to the anatomy, physiology, behavior, and ecology of the bat. It covers the animal's evolution, as well as karyology, bioeconomics, zoogeography, principles of classification, and procedures and issues involved in the care and management of bats as research subjects in the laboratory. Organized into 10 chapters, this volume begins with a historical overview of bat origins and evolution, karyotypic trends in bats, and the role of karyotypes in studying the biology of bats. It then discusses the bat skeletal and muscular systems; flight patterns and aerodynamics; prenatal and postnatal development; migration and homing; ecology and physiological ecology of bat hibernation; thermoregulation and metabolism; and the urinary system, including gross anatomy and embryology, histophysiology, and renal physiology. It also looks at morphological contrasts between the skulls and dentitions of different families and genera of bats. This book will benefit biologists, zoologists, teachers, and others concerned with the general biology of Chiroptera.

  • Advances in Food-Producing Systems For Arid and Semiarid Lands Part A

    • 1st Edition
    • Jamal Manassah
    • English
    Advances in Food-Producing Systems for Arid and Semiarid Lands: Part A contains the proceedings of a symposium on ""Advances in Food-Producing Systems for Arid and Semiarid Lands"" of the International Symposium Series held in Kuwait in April 1980. Organized into five parts, separating the first five sessions of the symposium, this book begins by discussing the needs of arid lands. It then tackles the biotechnologies that may find valuable applications in arid and semiarid lands. Furthermore, it explores the water management and environmental tolerance aspects involved in these harsh environments. The presented papers bring renewed vitality to the hope that appropriate and directed exploitation of various technologies can evolve developable industries for arid and semiarid lands.

  • The Genus Coelomomyces

    • 1st Edition
    • John Couch
    • English
    The Genus Coelomomyces aims to elucidate the utilization of Coelomomyces spp. as agents for the biological control of mosquitoes. This book begins with the life history of species of Coelomomyces, followed by the species’ structure and development. It also expounds the taxonomy, experimental systematics, physiology, biochemistry, and culture of Coelomomyces. Lastly, it discusses the ecology and use of Coelomomyces species in biological control. This book will serve as a catalyst for new and expanded studies on Coelomomyces species.

  • Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs V2

    Biology 1
    • 1st Edition
    • O.A. Jones
    • English
    Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs, Volume II: Biology 1 discusses the major advances made in the biological aspects of coral reef problems. This book is organized into 12 chapters that cover the microbial aspects of coral reefs, the nutrition in corals, and diversity in coral reefs. The opening chapters describe the distribution and role of coral reef microorganisms, as well as the significance of bacterioplankton as a food source for the marine fauna of coral reefs. The following chapter discusses the occurrence of algae in coral reef, their competition with corals for space, and their role in reef construction. Other chapters deal with food and feeding mechanisms of corals, the role of marine antibiotics in coral reef ecology, and some chemical compounds isolated from coral reef organisms, providing evidence for marine pharmacologic activity in coral reef areas. The book also discusses some basic problems relating to the distribution and abundance of hermatypic corals on reefs. It then examines species diversity on coral reefs, variety of reef structure, and the important role of toxic materials produced by holothurians on the general ecology and physiology of coral reefs. The last chapters describe the development, feeding, and behavior of the larval stages of several coral reef asteroids. Particular emphasis is given to the larval and post-larval stages of the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci. The starfish population explosions, the devastating effects on the hard coral cover of coral reefs, and causes and control of population explosions are also covered. This volume will acquaint readers with some of the exciting developments in coral reef biology and will provide information that will enable them to assess the status of research in different fields.

  • Protein-Calorie Malnutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • Robert Olson
    • English
    Protein-Calorie Malnutrition reviews the state of knowledge of metabolic phenomena in the syndromes embraced by the general term protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), and places this new knowledge in perspective with the traditional descriptions of kwashiorkar and marasmus. The clarification it provides constitutes a benchmark for design of future programs of prevention, therapy, rehabilitation, research, or teaching. Highly noteworthy are the new advances in amino acid and protein metabolism; the enlightening evidence concerning lysine and carnitine; the evidences of derangements or deficiencies of the broad spectrum of nutrients from carbohydrates to vitamins and minerals; and the implications of these for recovery and therapy. This book includes papers on the following: the impact of age on amino acid requirements; the mechanisms of adaptation to low-protein intakes; the metabolic consequences of essential amino acid deficiency in higher animals; carbohydrate metabolism; vitamin deficiencies associated with PCM; and mineral metabolism in PCM. Other studies deal with the effects of malnutrition on endocrine function; liver function in PCM; the synergistic interaction of malnutrition and infection; and the treatment and prevention of PCM.

  • Pathology of Domestic Animals

    • 4th Edition
    • English
    The all-new Fourth Edition of Pathology of Domestic Animals comprehensively covers the biology and pathology of diseases of domestic animals on a systemic basic. Updated and expanded to reflect the current knowledge of the study of domestic animal diseases, this three-volume set appeals to veterinarians, veterinary students, trainee veterinary pathologists learning the scope of their field, and practicing pathologists confronted with diagnostic problems.

  • The Structure of Nematodes

    • 1st Edition
    • Alan Bird
    • English
    The Structure of Nematodes attempts to connect the research on the fine structure of nematodes, as seen with the aid of the electron microscope, with the research on these animals done with the aid of the light microscope. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with the detailed information on modern techniques that have proved to be successful with nematodes. The other chapters deal with the organism’s exoskeleton; molting; the hypodermis; the pseudocoelom; musculature; the nervous, excretory, digestive, and reproductive systems; and the egg. This book caters to all workers interested in nematodes, particularly, to zoologists, medical research workers, veterinarians, and to agricultural scientists.

  • Application of Mutation Breeding Methods in the Improvement of vegetatively propagated crops V2

    • 1st Edition
    • C. Broertjes
    • English
    Application of Mutation Breeding Methods in the Improvement of Vegetatively Propagated Crops: An Interpretive Literature Review summarizes advances in the use of artificially induced mutations to improve cultivated plants, particularly those that are vegetatively propagated. It brings together all available and accessible references that examine the advantages, drawbacks, and possibilities of the mutation breeding method, as well as the challenges that prevent it from being applied to various crops. Comprised of eight chapters, this volume begins with an overview of various aspects of mutagenic treatment using chemical and physical mutagens. It then discusses the structure and functioning of shoot apices and their behavior after irradiation; adventitious bud techniques and other in vivo or in vitro methods of asexual propagation; and breeding of root and tuber crops, such as cassava and potato, ornamental crops such as foliage plants and cut flowers, fruit crops, and other crops. Plant breeders who want to better understand how to apply mutation breeding to their crops will find this book extremely helpful.

  • Trickle Irrigation for Crop Production

    Design, Operation and Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • F.S. Nakayama + 1 more
    • English
    An entirely new agricultural technology, trickle or drip irrigation, began its development in the early 1960's. Initial progress was sporadic even though the advantages in water management with trickle systems were recognized. Operators were reluctant to use the system because of its high initial cost and questions regarding its reliability. Once the main problems were isolated and solutions developed to make the system reliable, rapid acceptance by the growers resulted. Today, trickle irrigation is being used on crops that were earlier considered to be uneconomical. This multi-purpose handbook brings together current knowledge from various engineering and scientific disciplines (crop, hydraulic, irrigation and soil sciences) needed for understanding the trickle irrigation system for crop production. The two dozen contributors are experts on the various subjects, which range from the basic to the more practical aspects of trickle irrigation. Major topics include design, operation and management - with individual chapters covering historical development, emitter construction and clogging, system design, water and salt distribution, automation, water treatment, irrigation scheduling, maintenance, fertilization and salinity.The book greatly expands the scope of research papers, reviews, extension bulletins, and updates earlier text with new information on trickle systems. A multi-disciplinary approach has been taken on a multi-faceted subject. The material contained in the book is the most comprehensive yet developed on the topic. Illustrative sample problems and solutions provide field operators and extension personnel with information needed to install and maintain trickle systems. As it is up-to-date, it is useful as a teaching and reference source for students, manufacturers and irrigation system operators as well as irrigation and crop specialists, and consultants.

  • Agriculture in Dry Lands

    Principles and Practice
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 26
    • I. Arnon
    • English
    Throughout history, man has, by over-use, consistently reduced the productive capacity of dry lands. This degradation of one-third of the land area of the globe is, unfortunately, increasing. In recent years, world interest has turned to the problems of pollution of the environment and the impending food shortage as world population grows explosively. Thus the attention of international and other agricultural bodies has turned to the need for preserving and developing more effectively the agricultural potential of these areas.This book provides a comprehensive review of present knowledge of the agriculture of dry lands, with special emphasis on measures for conserving their natural resources. Management practices are described which aim at optimizing productivity of rainfed and irrigated agriculture without adverse effects on sustainability. Land use in the dry regions, and its evolution throughout history is described and analysed, and the lessons to be learnt from destructive technologies are stressed. In particular, current proposals for an alternative agriculture are discussed and their justification is questioned. This is a generalist work, which specialists can also find interesting, not only in their own discipline but as a concise way of acquainting themselves with the state-of-the-art in associated fields. Increasing specialisation with each discipline using its own vocabulary leads inevitably to communication problems, and the need for multi-disciplinary teams makes inter-discipline communication indispensible.

  • Pathology of Domestic Animals

    • 4th Edition
    • English
    The all-new Fourth Edition of Pathology of Domestic Animals comprehensively covers the biology and pathology of diseases of domestic animals on a systemic basic. Updated and expanded to reflect the current knowledge of the study of domestic animal diseases, this three-volume set appeals to veterinarians, veterinary students, trainee veterinary pathologists learning the scope of their field, and practicing pathologists confronted with diagnostic problems.

  • Soil Microbial Associations

    Control of Structures and Functions
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 17
    • V. Vancura + 1 more
    • English
    This volume is the first publication of its kind to provide a fully comprehensive and detailed approach to the survey of microbial associations in soil: their structure and function in relation to soil fertility and environment protection. The problems covered by this title are presented on various levels of the ecological system; from subcellular phenomena occurring in the microbial cell (genetic and enzyme regulation), to processes taking place in the flow of mass and energy in the agroecosystem. The aim of this monograph is to contribute to the understanding of the laws of formation and function of microbial associations in natural and agricultural soils, and to build a scientific basis for the control of soil biological processes. Using a contemporary approach to some fields of soil microbiology, the book highlights the possibility of utilizing certain microorganisms and microbial processes to increase soil fertility and protect the environment. These critically evaluated and selected results were obtained at the Institute of Microbiology and the Institute of Experimental Phytotechnics of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, in cooperation with the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR.

  • Chemicals Controlling Insect Behavior

    • 1st Edition
    • Morton Beroza
    • English
    Chemicals Controlling Insect Behavior consists of papers originally presented at the Symposium on Chemicals Controlling Insect Behavior at the 157th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on April 16, 1969. Organized into seven chapters, this book presents information on insect pheromones, insect defense mechanisms, and other insect attractants and repellent. It specifically describes the sex pheromones of the Lepidoptera, the attractant pheromones of Coleoptera, and the boll weevil sex attractant. The chemical basis of insect sociality and arthropod defensive secretions are also explained. Lastly, the practice in programs within the USDA relating toinsect attractants and repellents is discussed. This book will serve as groundwork for even greater and more rapid progress in this field of interest. It will be useful to chemists, biochemists, biologists, entomologists, and others working to control insect pests.

  • Gene Probes for Bacteria

    • 1st Edition
    • Alberto Macario
    • English
    Gene Probes for Bacteria focuses on the preparation and use of nucleic acid probes for identifying bacteria in clinical specimens and in other samples of practical or scientific interest. Organized into 17 chapters, this book addresses which nucleic acid probes are available; how and when to utilize them; what to expect in terms of results obtained with their use; and how to prepare probes. Each chapter is composed of comprehensive manuscript covering different microorganisms. A few bacterial species are treated in more than one chapter to provide a multidimensional picture of important microbes, and to compile the knowledge gained from different laboratories using the same or different probes or methods. This reference material will be of great use to professionals, technicians, and R&D directors in universities, federal and state-dependent service and research institutes, and private and industrial laboratories.

  • Chemical and Biological Generation of Excited States

    • 1st Edition
    • Waldermar Adam
    • English
    Chemical and Biological Generation of Excited States discusses major aspects of chemical and biological generation of electronic excitation. This book is organized into 11 chapters that focus on both chemi- and bioenergized processes. This book first discusses some of the fundamental aspects of the description of excited state behavior in condensed media. It then examines the field of gas-phase dioxetane chemiluminescence both by itself and in relation to solution-phase studies. The presented analysis is based on statistical mechanics and supported by a very simple limiting case calculation. Chapter 4 describes the state-of-the-art of how excitation yields are determined experimentally in chemienergized processes. This is followed by a discussion on activation parameters and stability trends, focusing on solution-phase data. Chapters 6 and 7 examine solution-phase chemiluminescence resulting from high-energy electron-transfer reaction, often involving aromatic radical ions, and the mechanism of excitation step. The next chapters cover the generation of electronic excited states in bioluminescence and the evaluation of luminescent oxidation mechanisms using oxygen tracers. The chapters also explain the formation of electronically excited products in dark biological processes and the mechanism of chemiexcitation as it relates to redox metabolism. Specific examples of biological oxygenation reactions yielding luminescence are also presented. Furthermore, this book discusses the concept and applicability of chemiluminigenic probing for the quantification and differentiation of oxygenation activities in mammalian phagocytes. The concluding chapter is devoted to the possible formation of singlet oxygen in various systems and processes that mimic singlet oxygen reactions. The book intends to attract young scientists as well as established research workers to broaden the horizons of this rapidly growing and potentially very important field.

  • Cell Physiology Source book

    • 1st Edition
    • Nicholas Sperelakis
    • English
    Cell Physiology Source Book provides a comprehensive discussion of physiology and biophysics at the cellular level. The book is organized into seven sections covering biophysical chemistry, electrochemistry, metabolism, second messengers, and ultrastructure (Section I); transport physiology, pumps, and exchangers (Section II); membrane excitability and ion channels (Section III); ion channels as targets for toxins, drugs, and genetic diseases (Section IV); synaptic transmission and sensory transduction (Section V); muscle and other contractile systems (Section VI); and bioluminescence and photosynthesis (Section VII). This text was written for graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the life sciences, including those taking courses in cell physiology, cell biophysics, and cell biology. Selected parts of this book can be used for courses in neurobiology, electrobiology, electrophysiology, secretory biology, biological transport, and muscle contraction. Students majoring in engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, and chemistry may use the book to understand the living state of matter. The text can serve as a reference tool for s postdoctoral scholars and faculty engaged in biological research. Medical, dental, and allied health students can also use this book to complement other textbooks in medical/mammalian physiology.

  • Anaerobic Infections in Humans

    • 1st Edition
    • Sydney Finegold
    • English
    Anaerobic Infections in Humans focuses on the human diseases caused by anaerobic bacteria. This book acknowledges the depth and breadth of the role of anaerobes in diseases of humans, and provides comprehensive reviews by internationally recognized authorities on the various disease states. The book begins with the classification and taxonomy of anaerobes and the laboratory diagnosis and therapy of anaerobic infections in humans. Infection of different body parts are discussed separately in each chapter. The book also looks into the in vitro susceptibility data for anaerobic bacteria and the mechanisms of resistance and resistance transfer in anaerobic bacteria.

  • Handbook of Food and Beverage Stability

    • 1st Edition
    • Bozzano G Luisa
    • English
    FROM THE PREFACE: Fortunately, chemistry--the root of all life processes--is becoming better understood and more accessible. A strong synergism between the chemical, agricultural, and related sciences is highly desirable. This handbook attempts to provide in easily accessible detail up-to-date information relevant to the stability of foods and beverages. Highly qualified scientists have compiled an extraordinary amount of data on the chemical, biochemical, and microbiological stability, along with sensory aspects, of selected foods and beverages. These data have been distilled and are presented mostly in tabular form, with a minimum of commentary whenever possible.****A total of 17 chapters (10 on food, 7 on beverages) by renowned experts in their particular fields from the United States, Europe, and Japan present a wealth of food and beverage stability information in handbook format. In particular, the chapters on fish and shellfish, cheese, and meat are remarkable in presenting data not readily available in an easily digestible form.****This handbook, encompassing as it does aging, shelf life, and stability--in short, the knowledge necessary to ensure preservation of our food supply--should help to bring about the above-mentioned synergism between chemical, agricultural, and related sciences. It is expected to fill a need, especially through the convenience of its tabular presentations.

  • Social Insects V2

    • 1st Edition
    • Henry Hermani
    • English
    Social Insects, Volume II is essentially a continuation and review of topics covered in Volume I. The main focus of this volume is on the systematic of eusocial hymenoptera and the closely associated realms of presocial insects and social non-insectan arthropods. Consisting of five major chapters, this volume starts with the chapter on the enemies and defense mechanisms of termites. Several mechanisms are discussed in this chapter, such as defense by the nest, workers, and soldiers. Chapter 3 focuses on presocial insects and a comparison of parental care without nests and based on nests. Chapter 4 discusses the sociality of Arachnida and emphasizes the patterns and evolution of sociality in Arachnida, particularly spiders. Two chapters discuss the social hymenoptera, including its defensive mechanisms and its systematics. This volume will be of great help to students and professionals in the field of entomology, biology, and zoology.

  • Concepts of Membrane Structure

    • 1st Edition
    • Ronald Aloia
    • English
    Membrane Fluidity in Biology, Volume 1: Concepts of Membrane Structure covers membrane properties influenced by alterations in membrane lipid compositions and/or other organizational parameters that are encompassed by the term fluidity. This book is composed of eight chapters that discuss significance of fluidity changes in both normal and pathological cellular functions. This book starts by describing membrane structural organization and composition and arrangement of the molecular components of cell membranes. This is followed by discussions on structural properties of lipids and role of nonbilayer lipid structures in membrane fusion. The methodological approaches in study of cellular membrane structural diversity and fluid mosaic model for accurate representation of membrane fluidity are also discussed. This volume then describes the phenomenon of reversed or ""negative"" membrane images, as viewed with transmission electron microscope. Chapters 6 and 7 explain the interaction of cytochrome P-450 with phospholipids and proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum and steps in the derivation of membrane structure and packing principles. Finally, the concluding chapter focuses on the membrane of the human red blood cell and presents relatively simple arguments concerning its physical properties. The book will serve as a primary source for research scientists and teachers interested in cellular membrane fluidity phenomena.

  • Cycling of Mineral Nutrients in Agricultural Ecosystems

    • 1st Edition
    • M Frissel
    • English
    Cycling of Mineral Nutrients in Agricultural Ecosystems contains the papers presented in the first international environmental symposium of the Royal Netherlands Land Development Society held at Amsterdam on 1976. The symposium is cosponsored by the International Association for Ecology and Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company. This compilation reflects the exchange of information and ideas by specialists and participants of the symposium. The book is comprised of nine chapters, which cover the following concepts of nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems: principles and control of nutrient cycling; description and classification of agro-ecosystems; nutrient cycling data from different countries; and general discussion on nutrient balances, changes in soil pools, manipulations, and future researches. This book also offers potential background and perspectives for further studies on nutrient cycling in agro-ecosystems, presenting a view on what directions future research should take. This volume will be an invaluable reference source for environmental science students and professionals. Research workers in agriculture and other environmental disciplines will also find this book useful.

  • Agricultural Ecology and Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • B.R. Stinner + 2 more
    • English
    The increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in crop production has adversely affected both the environment and the agricultural economy. Not only has it led to environmental pollution, but also the increasing costs of chemical inputs and the low prices received for agricultural products have contributed to economic unprofitability and instability.The International Symposium on Agricultural Ecology and Environment was organised in order to discuss ways of achieving the goals of economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture. It is apparent that a truly multidisciplinary effort is required and for this reason the meeting was attended by authors from many different disciplines and geographical locations. Although their papers reflect a wide diversity of agroecosystem types and examples, several common themes emerge: the increased importance of biotic control of ecosystem processes in lower input systems; the key role of soil organic matter in stabilizing nutrient cycling; the importance of agricultural landscape diversity and complexity; the importance of studying ecological processes in natural and agricultural ecosystems; the critical need to integrate socio-economic and ecological approaches.

  • Stem Cells of Renewing Cell Population

    • 1st Edition
    • A.B. Cairnie
    • English
    Stem Cells of Renewing Cell Populations constitutes the proceedings of the ""Stem Cells in Various Tissues"" symposium, organized as a tribute to Charles P. Leblond on the occasion of his 65th birthday. The pioneering studies of Dr. Leblond on the kinetics of cell populations led him to the identification and analysis of the behavior of the ""stem cells,"" which are at the origin of each cell line. This book focuses on the study of stem cells in various organs, including intestine, epidermis, hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues, and testis, under normal steady state conditions. It examines the behavior of stem cell in these organs, such as cell cycle and differentiation and regulation using several distinct techniques. The concluding part discusses the behavior of hematopoietic stem cell during growth and aging, as well as its distribution and dynamics in tumor-bearing tissues. Workers from many disciplines, including biologists, stem cell biologists, and regenerative medicine researchers will greatly benefit from this book.

  • Energy From Forest Biomass

    • 1st Edition
    • W. Ramsay Smith
    • English
    Energy from Forest Biomass is a book that emerged from the papers presented at the International Union of Forestry Research Organization (IUFRO) XVII World Congress held in Kyoto, Japan. This book includes 18 papers representing different authors from nine countries. The book is divided into four parts. The first part contains discussions of the various researches on fuel plantations around the world, as well as harvesting techniques and associated costs. The second part discusses information on the actual and potential availability of biomass from sources other than fuel plantations. This part also examines the different types of biomass fuels currently used in Japan. The third part deals with the intermediate technology that can be used, such as charcoal production and direct combustion. The last part discusses the innovations in producing energy, such as gasification and liquidification. This book will be useful to graduate and undergraduate students, researchers, scientists, and readers who are interested in the use of biomass for energy purposes.

  • The Biology of Nematocysts

    • 1st Edition
    • Howard Lenhoff
    • English
    The Biology of Nematocysts is derived from a symposium dedicated to the exclusive discussion on the biology of nematocysts and cnidocytes. This book is basically a collection of the submitted reviews of contributors and research proceedings presented at the symposium. An introduction on the recognition and discovery of both cnidarians and nematocyst aptly begins the discussion in the book. The first chapter serves as an advanced reading that helps readers be familiarized with the terms used in the entire volume. The following chapters are subdivided into six parts, including topics on the ultrastructure, development, control and morphodynamics of discharge, biochemistry, and natural history. The multidisciplinary approach of the main themes is intended to fully understand the unique qualities of the intracellular structure of nematocyst. This volume will be of great benefit to students and researchers in biological science, cell biology, zoology, microbiology, and general physiology.

  • Primate Conservation

    • 1st Edition
    • Prince Rainer III
    • English
    Primate Conservation provides a comprehensive discussion of the conservation of many species of nonhuman primates. The problems of conservation are discussed by distinguished scientists who are experts in their knowledge of the animals they write about and who have firsthand knowledge of the problems of conserving them. Animals ranging from Galago to the Gorilla have been selected to serve as examples of the types of problems that conservationists face. The book begins by discussing the ecology of two species of galagine in South Africa. It covers factors such as their distribution, habitat, population densities, activity patterns, feeding, group structure, and reproduction. This is followed by separate chapters on the conservation of the following: aye-aye; the lion tamarins of Brazil; the Peruvian yellow-tailed woolly monkey; the toque macaque of Sri Lanka; rare lion-tailed monkey of South India; rhesus monkeys in Northern India; the gelada baboons; the hanuman langur and douc langur; red ouakaris; black colobus monkeys; lesser apes; and eastern gorillas.

  • Animal Virology V4

    • 1st Edition
    • David Baltimore
    • English
    Animal Virology consists of papers presented in a meeting which considered broad issues and advances in animal virology and tumor viruses. This book is divided into nine parts, representing the nine sessions of the meeting. Five of the nine sections deal particularly with viruses known to be oncogenic in animals, and one of these covers explicitly human oncornaviruses. The other four sections describe the processes common to all viruses: replication, protein synthesis, and persistence, wherein emphasis is given to negative strand viruses and plant viruses.

  • Idiotypes

    • 1st Edition
    • Morris Reichin
    • English
    Idiotypes documents the proceedings of an International Conference on Idiotypes held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, October 20-23, 1985. The aims of the conference were to gather active investigators in the study of idiotypes; to assess progress in the field; and to explore directions for future research. The papers presented at the conference cover a wide range of subjects. Several papers deal with defining protein and DNA sequences which determine idiotypes. Evidence points to germ line genes encoding the V region structures which underlie idiotypy. Another subtheme which concerns several contributions is the occurrence of dominant idiotypes in induced immune responses (e.g., arsonate and lysozyme) and autoimmunity (e.g., thyroglobulin and rheumatoid factors). The presence of such dominant idiotypes is discussed from several viewpoints, but the recurrent theme is that such dominance is a manifestation of a selection process inherent in the idiotypic network. Two papers deal with idiotypic structures in T cells: on the one hand, identifying idiotypes on T helper cells and, on the other, I-J and Iat related structures which tightly govern cellular interactions in the evolution of an immune response. Network interactions through autoanti-idiotypic responses are shown to be associated with the effects on the specificity of both induced and naturally occurring immune responses. Autoanti-idiotypic responses are also shown to be correlated with the regulation of the anti-DNA response in human systemic lupus erythematosus. These data pointed to a role of the idiotype network in immune regulation.

  • Exotic Plant Pests and North American Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Wilson
    • English
    Exotic Plant Pests and North American Agriculture examines the threat posed by exotic pests introduced to North American agriculture. It considers the impact of introduced pests on humans, and it highlights the need for intensified research efforts and international cooperation to prevent further introductions. Organized into 17 chapters plus an epilogue, this volume begins with a historical overview of pest introductions, including insects and mites, and possible introductions in the future. It then discusses the impact of introduced weeds in North America; ecology and genetics of exotic species; how to detect and stop pest introductions; and research on exotic insects, plant pathogens, and weeds. The reader is also introduced to the use of exotic natural enemies for biological control of exotic pests, prediction of potential epidemics caused by exotic pests, insurance against exotic plant pathogens, and international cooperation on controlling exotic pests. Scientists, plant pathologists, ecologists, and those working in academics, government research laboratories, and regulatory agencies will benefit from reading this book.

  • Nitrogen Management and Ground Water Protection

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 21
    • Ronald F Follett
    • English
    Supplying crops with adequate nitrogen is vital to ensuring food supplies. Once nitrogen is added to the soil, it is subject to chemical transformations of the nitrogen-cycle including transformation to nitrate. Excessive amounts of accumulated nitrate may then leach out of the soil and could potentially enter and contaminate drinking water supplies. The purpose of this book is to examine the subject of nitrogen management and ground water protection.The issue of maintaining ground water quality is addressed primarily from an agronomic point of view. Topics covered include: health and economic aspects of nitrate in drinking water; nitrate sources; ground water nitrate in the USA and other developed countries; transport, leaching and accounting for nitrogen; soil, nitrogen, crop and water management; and nitrate in aquifer systems. The book contains a keyword index and is organized into thirteen chapters, each with appropriate references, tables and figures. Chapter authors are among the leading experts on the subject of nitrate and ground water quality.Readers to whom the book is directed include soil scientists and agronomists, agricultural engineers (irrigation and drainage), environmental scientists, agricultural policy makers, and hydrologists.

  • Foundations of Bioenergetics

    • 1st Edition
    • Harold Morowitz
    • English
    Foundations of Bioenergetics provides an introduction to the physical foundations of bioenergetics and the methods of applying these constructs to biological problems. It combines parts of thermal physics, biochemistry, ecology, and cellular and organismic biology into a single coherent work. Much of the material in this volume comes from ""Entropy for Biologists,"" an introductory thermodynamics book aimed particularly at life scientists. Some of the topics originally appeared in the monograph ""Energy Flow in Biology."" The current volume expands on that material with respect to biological applications and attempts to bridge the gap between physics and biology. The book explains basic concepts such as energy, temperature, the second law of thermodynamics, entropy, information theory, and statistical mechanics. It discusses the relations between thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, free-energy functions, radiant energy, the free energy of cells and tissue, chemical kinetics, and cyclic flows. It examines the relationships between energy flows and biological processes; applications of the concepts of Gibbs free energy, chemical potential, and activity; and measurements of temperature, energy, and thermochemical quantities. The book also includes chapters that deal with irreversible dynamics, irreversible theory, and osmotic flow.

  • Origins of Molecular Biology

    A Tribute to Jacques Monod
    • 1st Edition
    • Andre Lwoff
    • English
    Origins of Molecular Biology: A Tribute to Jacques Monod consists of contributions of scientists narrating their experiences with Jacques Monod. Significantly, the history of various discoveries Jacques Monod made is unfolded. This book pictures Jacques Monod through the eyes of his technician, secretary, peers, friends, and even opponents. It notes that the depiction of the same discovery may be told differently by different scientists who worked at the same time in the same laboratory. The personality of the contributor sometimes influences the narration. Through this book, one can learn how a great scientist receives, discusses, rejects, accepts, assimilates, and creates ideas; how ideas are turned into experiments; how experimental results are interpreted and how concepts are born. In a word, it tells how science is constructed.

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