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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.

  • The Biology and Utilization of Shrubs

    • 1st Edition
    • Cyrus McKell
    • English
    The Biology and Utilization of Shrubs brings together the wide range of information about shrubs from many disciplines and world locations. The book is organized into seven parts. Part I describes the major shrublands found on each of the vegetated continents. It provides an overview of the dominant shrubland types as well as the associated features of soil and climate that influence the geographic distribution of major shrub species. Part II discusses environmental influences and plant responses. Part III considers the range of genetic diversity for important traits and how these may vary in different habitats. Part IV discusses the effects of stress on physiological processes of shrubs, and the kinds of strategies shrubs employ to meet physiological stress. Part V offers evidence to support the claim that the many virtues of shrubs provide a basis for sustaining shrub use for livestock fodder, wildlife habitat, reclamation and erosion control, fuel, and naturalized landscaping. Part VI outlines methods for collecting and processing seeds from natural stands or from superior genotypes planted in seed production orchards. Part VII describes cultural adaptation to shrub use in a livestock-dominated primitive culture, followed by a detailed economic analysis of establishing shrub plantations to improve livestock production.

  • Reproduction of Marine Invertebrates V2

    Entoprocts and Lesser Coelomates
    • 1st Edition
    • Arthur Giese
    • English
    Reproduction of Marine Invertebrates, Volume II: Entoprocts and Lesser Coelomates focuses on the reproduction of smaller groups of marine metazoans. It is organized into nine chapters; each chapter is devoted to a specific marine metazoan. The asexual and sexual reproduction and developmental stages of entoprocta, tardigrada, priapulida, sipuncula, pogonophora, chaetognatha, hemichordata, tunicata, and cephalochordate are discussed. This book is ideal for marine invertebrate researchers, scientists, and reproduction experts.

  • Theoretical Systems Ecology

    Advances and Case Studies
    • 1st Edition
    • Efraim Halfon
    • English
    Theoretical Systems Ecology: Advances and Case Studies aims to relate systems ecology theory to theoretical systems ecologists and other theoreticians in systems science. The main language of systems theory is mathematics. This book somewhat simplifies concepts, advances, and developments of the field to non-mathematicians who lack background in some aspects of systems ecology. It presents examples after every chapter that shows the application of theory to the development and analysis of models. This book generally focuses on three problems. The first problem is the selection of components found in the system model. The definition of the relationships and interactions between the system variables is another concern of this book. It also looks into the model analysis. These problems are thoroughly discussed in each section of the book. The theory of modeling, formalisms, classes, and properties of models are covered in the first two sections of this book. A whole section in this book is dedicated to Systems Identification and deals mostly with the problem of extracting information from data. Other sections cover model analysis with focus on trends in some aspects, such as stability and control theory.

  • Recent Advances in Acarology

    • 1st Edition
    • J Rodriguez
    • English
    Recent Advances in Acarology, Volume I, emerged from the V International Congress of Acarology held at Michigan State University in August 1978. It includes the contents of the symposia and a selection of contributions to the workshops and submitted paper sessions. The book is organized into six parts. Part 1 focuses on the pest management of agricultural mites. Part 2 on the biology of spider mites presents contributions in the areas of male reproductive behavior, silk production, pheromones, the components of reproductive success, and the effects of nutrition and temperature on tetranychid development. Part 3 on stored product acarology includes papers that reflect a broad understanding of acarine biology, nutrition, biochemistry, systematics, and ecology. Part 4 is devoted to physiology, biochemistry, and toxicology. It includes reports on the use of low-energy laser-generated x rays to measure salt concentrations in ducts of living mites; the use of labeled butanediol in metabolism studies of acarid mites; and electron microscope studies of functional morphology of ticks. Part 5 on ecology, bionomics, and behavior includes studies on the developmental cycle of sponge-associated water mites; behavior of tick larvae in relation to C02; and the influence of maternal age on the sex ratio of the progeny of a tetranychid. Part 6 presents research on soil mite biology.

  • Nutrition and Drug Interrelations

    • 1st Edition
    • John Hathcock
    • English
    Nutrition and Drug Interrelations examines and presents the different relations of nutrition, metabolism, and effects of drugs, including drugs' positive effects in the field of animal husbandry and human and veterinary medicine. This book also highlights the importance of the interrelations between nutrition and drugs. The introductory chapter gives an overview of the variable role of food in humans on a historical and sociological context and perspective. The first section of this book deals with the impacts of drugs on the nutrition process. These impacts can either be harmless or harmful depending on the adequacy of nutrition. The second section of this book describes some of the many influences of nutritional condition on biochemical competence to cope with xenobiotics, including drugs. The third section highlights the various uses of pharmacological agents in food production. This section also discusses some concerns about the effect in the food chain of pharmacological agents. The last section in this book demonstrates the overlap in boundary between dietetic and pharmacological treatments. Given focus is the use of vitamin D derivatives and megavitamin treatments with doubtful benefits. This book will benefit most students and professionals in the field of food and nutrition, human and veterinary medicine, and animal husbandry. The subject area in this book will also yield interest from people involved in metabolism, nutrition, and pharmacology.

  • The Biology of Crustacea

    Pathobiology
    • 1st Edition
    • Anthony Jr. Provenzano
    • English
    The Biology of Crustacea, Volume 6: Pathobiology summarizes the state of knowledge, major advances, and important problems in crustacean diseases. Organized into five chapters, this book begins with the discussion on the disease-causing viruses, Rickettsiae, bacteria, and fungi afflicting crustaceans. It then talks about diseases caused by protozoans, indicating the large gaps in knowledge of life histories, mechanisms of transmission, and pathogenesis. This book also emphasizes the many different ways in which a host crustacean may respond to a disease-causing organism and how these responses are linked to the mode of invasion and nature of the disease-causing organism, itself. The life histories of metazoans that live in various relationships in or on crustacean hosts, and the life histories and impacts of parasitic crustaceans on hosts are also explored. This book will serve as a starting point for those needing a summary of topics concerning crustacean diseases and as a stimulus for further work.

  • The Recombination of Genetic Material

    • 1st Edition
    • K Low
    • English
    The Recombination of Genetic Material aims to introduce the elementary properties of recombinational phenomena. Genetic recombination is a favorite research topic in biology due to its significance. In fact, a simple recombination event can have a profound effect and sometimes can mean the difference between the survival and the demise of an organism. Examples of this are provided in this book. This work also describes numerous recombination systems, mechanisms of the major types of recombination, and the macroscopic products of this biological process. Molecular analyses of recombination enzymes and substrates that have been identified or implicated are also shown. This book will be valuable as a reference material to those interested in this field of study.

  • Plant Physiology 7A

    A Treatise: Physiology of Development: Plants and Their Reproduction
    • 1st Edition
    • F.C. Steward
    • English
    Plant Physiology: A Treatise, Volume VIA: Physiology of Development: Plants and Their Reproduction explores the various problems of development and reproduction that arise as plants, responsive to environmental stimuli, develop a vegetative plant body and produce seeds and fruits or organs of perennation. This book considers the morphological aspects of plant growth and development as well as the growth and reproduction of fungi, physiological aspects of vegetative reproduction and flowering, and perennation and dormancy. This volume is organized into four chapters and begins with an overview of growth and development, with reference to organization and patterns of development in vascular plants and the initiation and development of plants. The discussion then shifts to vegetative, sexual, and asexual reproduction in fungi, along with heterokaryosis and morphogenesis. The next chapter explores reproduction in plant biology, focusing on vegetative and sexual reproduction, sex determination, and photoperiodism. This book concludes by considering the physiological mechanisms underlying the production of organs of perennation and the establishment of dormancy. This text will be of value both to graduate students and to established investigators with specific interest in plant physiology.

  • The Orthopoxviruses

    • 1st Edition
    • Frank Fenner
    • English
    The Orthopoxviruses presents knowledge and comprehensive and integrated picture of orthopoxviruses. The book looks into the molecular biology of this genusof viruses, particularly, the structure and chemical composition of the virion, replication, morphogenesis, pathogenesis, pathology, and immunology of this virus’ infections. It also elucidates the global spread, control, and eradication of smallpox. Additionally, the book describes a potentially important use of vaccinia virus, namely, its use as a vector for genes from other viruses, bacteria, or protozoa that specify antigens important in stimulating the production of a protective immune response. Such comprehensive account of all aspects of the biology of all known species of orthopoxviruses will be valuable to molecular biologists, virologists, immunologists, pathologists, and researchers in the veterinary sciences.

  • Nutrition and Immunity

    • 1st Edition
    • M Gershwin
    • English
    Nutrition and Immunity discusses the interaction between nutrition, immune function, and immunity, based on empirical and epidemiologic point of view. It is organized into 14 chapters that focus on experimental studies on laboratory animals, including animal models to isolate specific factors in the interaction between nutrition and immunity. The book starts with an introduction to the potential impact of nutritional factors on immune responsiveness. Two chapters deal with the evaluation of immune function and nutritional assessment. Other chapters present classic observations on malnutrition and infectious disease, involving field studies as well as studies on the effect of nutritional factors on immune ontogeny. The following chapters examine issues related to caloric intake, proteins, minerals, vitamins, lipids, breast milk, and alcohol, as well as their effects in immune function and immunity. The book’s final chapters cover future directions and the potential role of nutritional modulation in immune dysfunction. Each chapter is meant to be an authoritative review presenting the state of the art as well as providing key illustrations from classic papers in a given field. Nutritionists, immunologists, scientists, and researchers will find this book very helpful in expanding their knowledge in the interrelationship between nutrition and immunity.

  • Animal Products in Human Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • Donald Beitz
    • English
    Animal Products in Human Nutrition evaluates the contributions of food derived from animals to a balanced diet. The individual chapters in this book are organized into two major sections. The first section begins with a history of the use of animal-derived foods from the early ages of mankind, followed by a treatise of economic and resource costs of animal foods, including use of industrial and agricultural by-products and fish. Trends in the changes in the composition of American diets and the metabolism and disposition of common environmental toxins within animal tissues are also included in this section. The second section details the essential nutrients provided by animal products, as well as the possible effects of consumption of animal products on the development of hypertension, milk intolerance, infections from food-borne bacteria, cancer, and atherosclerosis. This book will be useful to agricultural scientists, journalists, professionals that deal with human nutrition, and human nutritionists and dietitians.

  • Optical Techniques in Biological Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Denis Rousseau
    • English
    Optical Techniques in Biological Research discusses the fundamentals and applications of light scattering, Raman scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nanosecond fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. Electron microscopy is also included owing to some of its classical similarity to optical microscopy optical structural and resonance techniques for biological research. The chapters are aimed at a level such that only a general understanding of chemistry and biology is required. The objective is to present material in a way that allows the research worker to assess quickly the applicability, utility, and significance of the specific technique to his or her problem or field of interest. Together with Structural and Resonance Techniques in Biological Research, this book marks the introduction of a new series of volumes, Physical Techniques in Biology and Medicine, which is intended to replace a previous treatise, Physical Techniques in Biological Research.

  • Toxic Constituents of Animal Foodstuffs

    • 1st Edition
    • Irvin Liener
    • English
    Toxic Constituents of Animal Foodstuffs focuses on toxic substances that occur naturally as well as those that are deliberately or inadvertently introduced by man in animal foodstuffs. This book gives specific discussions on food contaminants in meat, dairy products, avian and fish eggs, shellfish, fish, and algae. It notes that the naturally occurring toxicants seem to be confined mainly to avian and fish eggs and to certain kinds of shellfish and amphibia. Examples of toxicity due to the introduction of synthetic chemicals may be found in most meat and dairy products. Moreover, special consideration is given to the problem of the carcinogenic nitrosamines in meat products to which nitrites have been added. This reference will convey an increased awareness of the fact that even products of animal origin may prove to be potentially hazardous to health because of certain toxic substances. Consequently, there will be a vital need for their close surveillance in the food chain.

  • 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.

  • The Biology and Agronomy of Stylosanthes

    • 1st Edition
    • Helen Stace
    • English
    The Biology and Agronomy of Stylosanthes covers the proceedings of the 1982 International Symposium on The Biology and Agronomy of Stylosanthes, held in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The symposium aims to present the developments in the research of the economically important genus, Stylosanthes. Comprised of three parts encompassing 31 chapters, the book discusses Stylosanthes taxonomy, genetic resources, plant-environment interaction, and agronomy. The opening part discusses the taxonomic problems, evolution, and cytogenetic studies of Stylosanthes species. This part also considers the natural variation and distribution, Brazilian species, and existing collection of the genus. The second part of the book presents available data on the occurrence of water shortage in plant tissue and how plants react to it. This part also deals with other environmental constraints to growth and survival, the mineral nutrition, reproductive physiology, and diseases and pest problems of Stylosanthes. A discussion on the influence of mycorrhiza and rhizobium in the genus is also included. The concluding part examines the effect of seed biology on initial pasture establishment and the population dynamics of established pastures. Considerable chapters in this part are devoted to the agronomical aspects of the genus, including nitrogen inputs; chemical composition and nutritive value; and animal and seed production. The book further presents data on global ventures in Stylosanthes, including agricultural projects, research and development, breeding programs, and productivity programs in various regions. This book is an ideal source of information for biologists, agronomists, scientists, and researchers.

  • Mycoplasma Diseases of Trees and Shrubs

    • 1st Edition
    • Karl Maramorosch
    • English
    Mycoplasma Diseases of Trees and Shrubs contains the edited papers presented at the Third Working Party meeting organized by Professor Karl Maramorosch at Rutgers University, New Jersey, in August 1979. This book also includes additional chapters by the invited contributors in the meeting. Organized into 15 chapters, this book begins with the isolation, characterization and identification of spiroplasmas and mycoplasma-like organisms. It then describes the various diseases of trees and shrubs, specifically yellows disease, stubborn disease, Paulownia witches' broom disease, mulberry dwarf, blueberry stunt, and sandal spike disease. It also elaborates the control of tree diseases by chemotherapy. This treatise will provide a standard reference work for all interested in plant mycoplasma diseases in forest pathology, entomology, and disease control.

  • Economic Microbiology: Primary Products of Metabolism

    • 1st Edition
    • A.H. Rose
    • English
    Economic Microbiology, Volume 2: Primary Products of Metabolism is part of a multi-volume series that aims to provide authoritative accounts of the many facets of exploitation and control of microbial activity. It discusses the production of industrially important chemicals by microbiological processes, specifically the production of primary products of metabolism. This volume includes accounts of the production of organic acids, nucleotides, and amino acids which form large and stable sectors of the microbiological industries. It also provides information on polysaccharide fermentations, which are currently undergoing extensive development. Further, there are discussions of the production of lipids and polyhydroxy alcohols, which have yet to be introduced on a commercial scale but could well become economically viable in the near future. Finally, there is also an account of the production of acetone and butanol by bacteria. This fermentation process featured significantly in the career of Chaim Weizmann, the first President of the State of Israel, and it is still operated in some countries.

  • The Cell Nucleus V1

    • 1st Edition
    • Harris Busch
    • English
    The Cell Nucleus, Volume I reports the basic concepts of cell nucleus, including nuclear structure, the interaction between the nucleus and cytoplasm, and the chromatin. This volume first describes the nucleus’ morphological structures and relates these structures to its functions. It then discusses nuclear organization in plant cells; morphology and biochemistry of the slime mold nucleus; and structure, function, and properties of nuclear envelope. In addition, it addresses the molecular movements between nucleus and cytoplasm against a concentration gradient, presents experiments with animal cell heterokaryons, and explains the genome in specialized cells. It also explores the organization of the chromatin fiber; the human chromosome structure before and after banding; and the ultrastructure and function of heterochromatin and euchromatin.

  • Reproductive Biology of the Great Apes

    Comparative and Biomedical Perspectives
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Graham
    • English
    Reproductive Biology of the Great Apes: Comparative and Biomedical Perspectives discusses the great ape reproduction. The book opens with the menstrual cycle of apes as a good foundation for the subject areas that follow. Accordingly, Chapter 2 focuses on the endocrine changes during the stage of pregnancy among apes, specifically the hormonal changes in chimpanzee. Chapter 3 deals mainly on the condition postpartum amenorrhea. In Chapter 4, the reproductive and endocrine development – from fetal development, infancy, juvenile, to puberty – is discussed. Chapters 5 and 6 thoroughly discuss the female and male ape’s genital tract and their secretions. The sole topic of Chapter 7 deals mainly with the comparative aspects of ape steroid hormone metabolism. Meanwhile, Chapter 8 tackles laboratory research on apes’ sexual behavior. The succeeding chapters talk about the chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan reproduction in the wild. Chapters 12 and 13 basically look upon the behaviors of the great apes, specifically intermale competition and sexual selection. The next chapters (14 and 15) look at the necessity of breeding and managing apes in captivity to ensure their continued survival. Lastly, Chapter 16 highlights the significance and great value of apes as models and comparative study in human reproduction. This book will be of great use to human physiologists, comparative anatomists and zoologists, primatologists, ape breeders, and biomedical scientists.

  • Mitosis/Cytokinesis

    • 1st Edition
    • Arthur Zimmerman
    • English
    Mitosis/Cytokinesis provides a comprehensive discussion of the various aspects of mitosis and cytokinesis, as studied from different points of view by various authors. The book summarizes work at different levels of organization, including phenomenological, molecular, genetic, and structural levels. The book is divided into three sections that cover the premeiotic and premitotic events; mitotic mechanisms and approaches to the study of mitosis; and mechanisms of cytokinesis. The authors used a uniform style in presenting the concepts by including an overview of the field, a main theme, and a conclusion so that a broad range of biologists could understand the concepts. This volume also explores the potential developments in the study of mitosis and cytokinesis, providing a background and perspective into research on mitosis and cytokinesis that will be invaluable to scientists and advanced students in cell biology. The book is an excellent reference for students, lecturers, and research professionals in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology.

  • Cell Biology A Comprehensive Treatise V3

    Gene Expression: The Production of RNA's
    • 1st Edition
    • David M. Prescott
    • English
    Cell Biology, A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume 3: Gene Expression: The Production of RNA’s mainly discusses the molecular and cytological bases of gene expression. The coverage begins with the concepts of organization of DNA and gene sequences in chromosomes, as an introduction to a more detailed coverage of gene expression. The book opens with a general discussion on the organization of DNA sequences in chromosomes. This chapter includes different methods of analyzing DNA sequences. As the book progresses, it looks upon the details on gene reiteration and amplification up to the transcription of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. It includes the ways of regulating transcription. The following chapters deal mostly with the structure and activity of genes up to the different virus strains in both RNA and DNA. The cytoplasmic and environmental impact on gene expression is also discussed. Chapter 8 generally tackles the DNA conformation and template function. The succeeding chapters focus on the transfer and ribosomal RNA as a result of maturation events; the processing of hnRNA and its relation to mRNA; and recombinant DNA procedures. The book closes with the directory of the different classes of cellular RNAs. This book will be helpful to many graduate students, teachers, scientists, and researchers in need of information regarding cell biology.

  • From Gene to Protein: Translation into Biotechnology

    • 1st Edition
    • Fazal Ahmad
    • English
    From Gene to Protein: Translation into Biotechnology is the 15th volume in the continuing series under the title ""Miami Winter Symposia"". The theme of the symposium is the translation of the basic research findings into the practical application of biotechnology. This book summarizes methodology and its applications that lie behind the practical innovations. The book starts with reviews of techniques of eukaryotic cell culture, hybridoma technology and uses, and the in vitro synthesis of DNA and its use in the generation of protein analogs. Considerable space is devoted to development of monoclonal antibodies that promises to be the dominating tool of medical technology, both for diagnosis and therapy. Cloning into eukaryotic cells and methods of increasing the levels of gene expression are included. These topics reflect areas of intensive research that have important commercial and clinical value. Core chapters describe biological activities of cloned gene products, including reports on trials with human subjects of interferon, human insulin, and growth hormone. A panel session on horizons in biotechnology is also provided, looking forward to the directions of future research and its applications. Biotechnologists, cell biologists, scientists, researchers, teachers, and students will greatly benefit from this book.

  • Plant Cold Hardiness and Freezing Stress

    Mechanisms and Crop Implications
    • 1st Edition
    • P.H. Li
    • English
    Plant Cold Hardiness and Freezing Stress: Mechanisms and Crop Implications, Volume 2 contains the proceedings of an International Seminar on Plant Cold Hardiness, held at the Sapporo Educational and Cultural Hall, Sapporo, Japan on August 11-14, 1981. Organized into five parts, this book aims to update the fundamental phenomena of plant cold acclimation and freezing behavior, to examine the hypotheses and ideas important to plant cold hardiness research, and to review the application of research findings for improving the quality of life. This volume particularly addresses the cold acclimation, freezing, and other temperature-related stresses in plants. Strategies for improving freezing survival are also presented. This volume will make an additional, significant contribution to researchers involved in understanding and planning research strategies for plant cold hardiness and for attenuating crop losses by frosts and severe winters.

  • Theory and Practice of Biological Control

    • 1st Edition
    • C.B. Huffaker
    • English
    The Theory and Practice of Biological Control covers conventional biological control achievement in the major crop types and in public health problems. Composed of five sections encompassing 28 chapters, this book discusses the basic information concerning developments in other biologically based alternatives to chemical pesticides. The first two sections discuss the philosophy, theory, scope, history, and the biological and ecological bases of biological control. These sections also deal with the impact of predators and the host relationships of parasitoids and pathogens. The following section presents the methodological aspects of biological control. Discussions on the variability of natural enemies as encountered in biological control work; the fitness of individuals and populations; the ways fitness is being or can be influenced by importation procedures; and the ability of imported natural enemies to adapt to the new environment are included. The fourth section outlines the accomplishments of conventional biological control in various types of crops, forests, and public health areas. Lastly, the various components of integrated pest control other than conventional biological control that forms the essential ways used in the integrated control approach are covered in the last section of the book. This book is an ideal source for plant pathologists and researchers, microbiologists, parasitologists, and public health professionals.

  • Environmental Control of Plant Growth

    • 1st Edition
    • L.T. Evans
    • English
    Environmental Control of Plant Growth consists of the proceedings of a symposium held at Canberra, Australia, in August 1962. The symposium aims to consider the natural microenvironments of plants and the associations between natural and controlled environments. It also considers the physiological and genetic bases of responses by plants to environmental conditions. The book contains 24 chapters and discusses the physics of plant environment, as well as the physical quantities within plant-air layers. It also elucidates the energy and water balance, light relations, gas exchange, and energy relations in plant communities. The book also looks into the respiration of various organs and of whole plants. Lastly, the effects of the environment, including “climatic factors,” on the metabolism of plant cells are addressed.

  • Sexual Selection and Reproductive Competition in Insects

    • 1st Edition
    • Murray Blum
    • English
    Sexual Selection and Reproductive Competition in Insects explores the biological mechanisms underlying intrasexual reproductive competition as a driving force in sexual selection in insects. The book contains papers presented at a symposium on reproductive behavior in insects, held at the 15th International Congress of Entomology in Washington, D.C., in 1976. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with a historical background on sexual selection theory and some of the principal conceptual advances that have been made since Charles Darwin (1871) posited that a sexual character was a characteristic possessed by only one sex and not the other. It then introduces the reader to differences in patterns of sexual selection and how they affect the reproductive success of individuals, male-female mating relationships, and mate choice by females. The book also discusses the evolution of mating strategies in insects, touching on concepts such as parental investment, female choice, and sexual conflict. Later chapters focus on winglessness, fighting, and dimorphism in male fig wasps and other insects, along with agonistic behavior among males of Achias australis, the function of horns in beetles, and the evolution of alternative male reproductive strategies in field crickets. The book also looks into the courtship and mating behavior of insects, and then concludes with an analysis of insect life histories in order to elucidate the biological aspects of the male-female phenomenon. This book is an essential reading for biologists and chemists.

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

    • 1st Edition
    • Jamal Manassah
    • English
    Advances in Food-Producing Systems for Arid and Semiarid Lands: Part B 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. As a continuation of the proceedings, this compilation contains the last three parts of the symposium and the editor's closing remarks. It specifically talks about the innovative food systems and aquacultural systems in the arid and semi-arid lands. It also addresses the general problems of post-harvest losses in food of plant origin and the possibilities to reduce these losses. 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.

  • 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.

  • Cell Shape

    Determinants, Regulation, And Regulatory Role
    • 1st Edition
    • Felix Bronner
    • English
    Cell Shape: Determinants, Regulation, and Regulatory Role is written to help readers understand cell shape and its regulation. It provides insight into how the shape of a cell is determined at a molecular level. It also discusses how the shape of the cell, as a signal, controls gene expression and modulates intercellular interaction. Divided into four parts encompassing 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the mechanism of shape determination. It then explores how the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, and biochemical force transduction may affect or respond to cell shape control. Other chapters focus on the mechanical modeling of cell shape and the biochemical reactions underlying cell motility. The text also describes the results of the molecular studies that have provided important information on the composition of the cytoskeleton. The final chapter reviews the shape changes that happen during embryogenesis. It also considers how the polarity of the embryo is determined. This book is a valuable resource for biologists, embryologists, and cell biologists.

  • 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.

  • Nutritional Toxicology V3

    • 1st Edition
    • John Hathcock
    • English
    Nutritional Toxicology, Volume III is a compilation of reviews and research regarding nutrition and toxicology, specifically the issues that affect public health and regulation. This volume further develops understanding of the basic concepts significant to protect and promote public health and provide a credible scientific basis for public health and regulatory decisions. Composed of seven chapters, this volume further extends the discussion of the topics included in Volume I and Volume II of this series. The first two chapters deal with the topic of food safety. The first one discusses safety of food packaging materials and their health implications. The second chapter tackles the relation between neurotoxicology and food safety assessment. The next section of this book includes more detailed discussion regarding proteins (amino acids), phosphorylated derivatives, and vitamin B6 interactions. The discussion of these topics generally covers their chemical aspects, metabolism, bioavailability, and distribution in foods. The last two chapters give recommendations regarding toxicological experiments and vitamin supplement. Chapter 6 presents considerations in the designing of standardized diets in toxicological experiments. Chapter 7 gives an analysis of the risk/benefit of vitamin supplements. As with the other volumes, this book proves helpful to students, professionals, and researchers in the field of nutritional sciences, pharmacology, and biology.

  • Cell Biology A Comprehensive Treatise V2

    The Structure and Replication of Genetic Material
    • 1st Edition
    • David M. Prescott
    • English
    Cell Biology, A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume 2: The Structure and Replication of Genetic Material is mainly about the structure and replication of genetic material in both the nucleus and cytoplasmic organelles. This volume is part of the first four volumes that establish a firm foundation regarding issues of cell structure and function. These issues include cell reproduction, differentiation, and cell-to-cell interactions. This book is divided into nine chapters. Each chapter deals extensively with chromosomes – its physical, genetic, and chemical structures. In addition, this book explains the replication of chromosomes in terms of the cell cycle, as well as their coding capacity. It also discusses the functional organization (structure and levels) of the chromosomes. The concluding chapters present the DNA replication molecular principles and enzymatic machinery. Furthermore, this book explains DNA repair and its relationship to various biological endpoints. The authors of this book reasonably explain and emphasize already established facts and concepts in terms that are relatively easy to understand. Undergraduate and graduate students, teachers, researchers, scientists, and others interested or in need of information regarding cell biology will find this book of great use.

  • Microbial Technology

    Microbial Processes
    • 2nd Edition
    • D. Perlman
    • English
    Microbial Technology: Microbial Processes, Volume 1, describes the production and uses of economic bacteria, yeast, molds, and viruses, and reviews the technologies associated with products of microbial metabolism. It is part of a two-volume set that emerged from a worldwide survey of industrial microbiology and its contributions to agriculture, industry, medicine, and environmental control. The book contains 17 chapters that cover the development of bioinsecticides and the large-scale bioprocessing of concentrated lactic acid bacteria with emphasis on the commercial use of the resulting culture. It includes discussions of the production of single-cell protein for use in food or feed; production of yeasts and yeast products; production of butanol-acetone by fermentation; microbial production of amino acids; microbial production of antibiotics; production of microbial enzymes; microbial production of nucleosides; and production of organic acids by fermentation nucleotides. The remaining chapters cover plant cell suspension cultures and their biosynthetic potential; polysaccharides; microbial transformation of steroids and sterols; the production of vitamin B12; microbial process for riboflavin production; and the production of carotenoids.

  • Marine Pollution

    Functional Responses
    • 1st Edition
    • Winona Vernberg
    • English
    Marine Pollution: Functional Responses presents the proceedings of the symposium, ""Pollution and Physiology of Marine Organisms,"" held on November 14-17, 1977, at Hobcaw Barony in Georgetown, South Carolina. It explores the effects of pollutants, such as petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), on marine organisms ranging from pink salmon fry to sculpins, estuarine fishes and crabs, bivalve mollusks, lugworms, and oysters. Comprised of four parts encompassing 22 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the fate and effects of petroleum hydrocarbons on marine biota. It proceeds with a discussion of the hydrocarbon metabolic system in polychaetes and their role in the degradation of hydrocarbons in sediments; the effects of aromatic hydrocarbon toxicants on breathing rates of pink salmon fry; and biological and toxicological effects of heavy metals and other cations on marine species. The book also describes the impact of PCBs and pesticides on the estuarine environment; and how more specialized and less persistent chemicals affect the development and reproduction of nontarget organisms such as Crustacea. This book will be a valuable resource for marine scientists, ecologists, and students.

  • Monoclonal Antibodies against Bacteria

    • 1st Edition
    • Alberto Macario
    • English
    Monoclonal Antibodies against Bacteria, Volume I explores the generation, characterization, and utilization of monoclonal antibodies against bacteria and on other monoclonal products relevant to antibacterial immune responses. Organized into 12 chapters, this book begins with a discussion on monoclonal antibodies against bacteria, encompassing its scope, research, and directions. It shows that the coordinated use of antisera and panels of monoclonal antibodies is proving useful for classification as a diagnostic tool with prognostic implications in the case of pathogens, or as a preliminary step in taxonomy. Also, monoclonal antibodies hold great potential as instruments in working with bacteria for industrial or biotechnological purposes, including genetic engineering. This book also elucidates the use of monoclonal antibodies of predefined molecular specificity for tracing molecular ""signatures"" left by a given strain in other microorganisms, subcellular structures, and materials from ecologic niches. The possibility of antibacterial and antitoxin therapies with monoclonal antibodies is also addressed. This treatise will be a valuable reference work to anyone working with monoclonal antibodies or getting ready to prepare them against the strain(s) (or bacterial structures) of his/her interest.

  • Handbook of Flexible Manufacturing Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Nand K. Jha
    • English
    This handbook is a compilation of the current practical knowledge of flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). FMS allow manufacturing plants of all sizes to reduce their inventory while increasing their ability to meet consumer demands. By controlling automatic guided vehicles, robots, and machine tools with one central computer, products can now be produced in a variety of styles and models all at the same time. FMS are designed to adapt quickly and economically to changes in requirements and to unpredictable events. This guide explains how to effectively employ these useful new systems.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Allozyme Electrophoresis

    A Handbook for Animal Systematics and Population Studies
    • 1st Edition
    • B. J. Richardson + 2 more
    • English
    Inherited enzyme variations, studied using electrophoresis, can be used as markers for the identification of individuals, population structure analysis, the delineation of species boundaries and phytogenetic reconstruction. The purpose of this book is to describe, in a single convenient handbook, all the theoretical and practical matters relevant to those intending to use electrophoresis as a tool for answering such questions.

  • Tropical Botanic Gardens

    Their Role in Conservation and Development
    • 1st Edition
    • V. H. Heywood + 1 more
    • English
    This book includes the proceedings of the second symposium on one important role of botanic gardens in conserving world plant resources. Sessions covered topics such as implementing the botanic gardens conservation strategy, regional networks and national programs in the tropics, and germplasm banks in botanic gardens.

  • Reproductive Pathology of Domestic Mammals

    • 1st Edition
    • Mark McEntee
    • English
    This book evolved from a series of lectures and laboratories given by Dr. Kenneth McEntee to students at Cornell University, the University of Illinois, and Tufts University and is based on tissues from over 20,000 cases of reproductive disease in the International Registry of Reproductive Pathology, founded by Dr. McEntee. Dr. McEntee brings into sharp focus what is known of reproductive pathology in North America and abroad. His book will be an invaluable text and reference for those working on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of reproductive failures of all kinds.

  • Measurement Techniques in Plant Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Yasushi Hashimoto + 3 more
    • English
    Any explanation of the physiological ecology of plant growth--why plants survive in particular environments--requir... the measurement of the effects of environmental factors. This book reviews the history, development, and current status of instruments and measurement techniques that have been particularly useful in field studies of plant physiological ecology. It will be of interest to researchers and students in plant physiology and biochemistry, crop scientists, horticulturalists, and foresters.

  • Trap Responses of Flying Insects

    The Influence of Trap Design on Capture Efficiency
    • 1st Edition
    • R. C. Muirhead-Thompson
    • English
    Insect trapping is a basic field research tool for many biologists, whether they are studying insect pests, disease vectors or insect ecology for its own sake. Any field entomologist contemplating a new insect trapping program or looking to improve or develop an existing scheme will benefit from this broad review of flying insect traps, in which the author draws on a wide variety of methods used by different research projects from all over the world. Over the years a great many traps have been developed and endlessly modified to suit particular species, habitats, and research requirements. In virtually every case the design of the trap interacts with the specific behavior of the insects involved to bias trap efficiency. In addition, the limited dialogue between workers in different subject disciplines and habitats has caused a shortage of new information available to field entomologists as a whole.

  • Amphibian Cytogenetics and Evolution

    • 1st Edition
    • David M. Green + 1 more
    • English
    This book appears at a time when molecular cytogenetics is positioned to make a significant impact upon evolutionary studies, enabling problems of chromosomal structure and change to be critically assessed. It is an up-to-date and comprehensive survey of the cytogenetics of a major class of animals, including all three amphibian orders, with chapters authored by international leaders in the field.Amphibian Cytogenetics and Evolution will be of interest to classical and molecular cytogeneticists, systematicists, evolutionary biologists, herpetologists, and anyone using amphibians in genetic research.

  • Seed Dispersal

    • 1st Edition
    • David R. Murray
    • English
    Seed Dispersal focuses on the mechanics and processes involved in seed dispersal, including its implications in ecology, animal behavior, plant and animal biogeography, speciation, and evolution. The selection first elaborates on the aerial motion of seeds, fruits, spores, and pollen and seed dispersal by water. Discussions focus on seed dispersal by rain, river, and flood, effective seed dispersal by ocean currents compared to other vectors, aerodynamic forces and their effects, and launching and release mechanisms. The text then takes a look at seed dispersal syndromes in Australian Acacia, including inference of dispersal syndromes, seed dispersal syndromes, ecological consequences of seed dispersal, and evolutionary derivation of dispersal syndromes. The publication ponders on seed dispersal by fruit-eating birds and mammals, rodents as seed consumers and dispersers, and seed dispersal in relation to fire. Topics include fire as a dispersal vector, long distance dispersal, granivorous rodents and the fates of seeds, determinants of the fate path, population ecology of seed dispersal, and foraging for fruits. The selection is a valuable reference for researchers interested in the factors involved in seed dispersal.

  • Fish As Food V1

    Production, Biochemistry,and Microbiology
    • 1st Edition
    • Georg Borgstrom
    • English
    Fish as Food, Volume I: Production, Biochemistry, and Microbiology discusses progress in the field of fish research. This volume is composed of 17 chapters that cover the biology, biochemistry, world production, cultivation, nutritional composition, and microbiology of fish. The introductory chapters present some examples of the biological basis for the relationships between yield in fishery and economics. The book goes on discussing fish cultivation in Europe, Japan, and South East Asia and the factors to consider in various cultivation methods. The subsequent chapters are devoted to the nutritional value of fish, including its lipid, mineral, water, fatty acid, and protein content. A chapter considers the oxidation properties and rancidity of fish. The book also covers some problems related to fishery business, such as the production of histamine, the occurrence of non-protein nitrogenous compounds, and the rigor mortis. The concluding chapters focus on microbiological aspects of fish production. Discussions on the microbial spoilage of marine fish, crustaceans, and mollusks; the microbiology of shellfish deterioration; and the use of chemical preservatives to control microbiological fish deterioration are also included. The book is an invaluable source primarily to food scientists and also to a wide range of research workers, including biologists, chemists, bacteriologists, parasitologists, oceanographers, nutritionists, and technologists.

  • Metabolic Inhibitors V3

    A Comprehensive Treatise
    • 1st Edition
    • R Hochster
    • English
    Metabolic Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume III reviews developments in metabolic and enzyme inhibition. With contributions by investigators experienced in their respective fields, the book explores metabolic processes or systems and covers topics ranging from membrane transport to immunization; gene activity; DNA, RNA, and protein syntheses; photosynthesis; lipid metabolism; and blood clotting. Organized into 12 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of transport reactions and their inhibition, emphasizing inhibitors of ATPase including cations, substrates, and products. Some chapters deal with inhibitors, such as antibiotics; polypeptide and protein hormones; modified transfer RNAs; and oligonucleotides. Other chapters discuss inhibitors of immune reactions; animal virus replication; plant viruses and mycoplasma; and isozymes. An account of genetic deletions is also given. Finally, the book considers molecules that act as repressors and derepressors of gene activity. This book will be beneficial to biochemists and medical research workers, as well as to virologists, microbiologists, plant physiologists, and agronomists.

  • 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.

  • Insects, and Seed Collection, Storage, Testing, and Certification

    • 1st Edition
    • T.T. Kozlowski
    • English
    Seed Biology: Insects, and Seed Collection, Storage, Testing, and Certification, Volume III brings together a large body of important information on seed biology. The book describes seed collection, identification, storage, testing, and certification. It also considers insects that directly affect seeds, seed-producing organs, or seed-bearing structures of plants. Organized into six chapters, this volume begins by outlining man’s dependency on seeds as source of food, fiber, spices, beverages, oils, vitamins, and drugs. Harmful effects of seeds are also mentioned. Separate chapters focus on seed development, dissemination, germination (including metabolism, environmental control, internal control, dormancy, and seed and seedling vigor), protection from diseases and insects, longevity, and deterioration. The book concludes with a discussion on the certification of field and tree seeds, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development certification schemes, and trends in seed certification. This book is a valuable source of information for seed producers and users as well as various groups of research biologists and teachers, including agronomists, plant anatomists, biochemists, ecologists, entomologists, foresters, horticulturists, plant pathologists, and plant physiologists.

  • Ecology of Halophytes

    • 1st Edition
    • Robert J. Mold
    • English
    Ecology of Halophytes documents the proceedings of a symposium on the ecology of halophytes sponsored by the Physiological Ecology section of the Ecological Society of America, and held as a portion of the American Institute of Biological Sciences meetings in August 1972. The book considers the fundamentals of distribution, anatomy, and physiology of halophytes. It provides an overview of the role of the halophyte in ecosystems in various parts of the world. A section on habitat associations of halophytes considers the relation of the plants to other fauna and flora in natural systems. A final section deals with recent applied research related to halophytes and quantification of the impact of man on the ecology of halophytes. This text will be useful for various disciplines working in saline wetlands ecosystems. It is intended to serve land use planners, federal and state natural resources and transportation interests, and real estate developers in providing a comprehensive summary of the ""state of the art"" in understanding halophytic ecosystems. With a better fundamental knowledge of the system, the above mentioned professionals should be better able to plan activities and uses compatible with the natural halophytic ecosystem and avoid some of the past errors man has made.

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