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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.

  • General Biophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • M Volkenstein
    • English
    General Biophysics, Volume I deals with the theoretical physics underlying biological phenomena and presents some pertinent experimental results. It explores the molecular foundations of biophysics, the thermodynamics of nonequilibrium systems and membrane transport, nerve impulses, and mechanochemical processes. Comprised of five chapters, this volume begins with an overview of molecular biophysics and the concept of molecular recognition, followed by a discussion of the interaction between antibodies and antigens, the primary processes that determine odor reception, and the importance of intercellular interactions in the existence and development of multicellular organisms. The next chapters explain how protein biosynthesis is regulated by molecules and how proteins are biosynthesized in eukaryotic cells, along with the application of thermodynamics to the analysis of biophysical problems and the coupling of chemical reactions near equilibrium. The reader is also introduced to the stability conditions of a steady state, the concept of entropy for an open system, the thermodynamics of the sodium pump, ionic equilibrium between sodium and potassium solutions separated by an active membrane, the conformational properties of membranes, and the general phenomenological theory of facilitated transport and the role of the carriers. The book concludes with a chapter on biological mechanochemical processes and their thermodynamics. This book is a valuable resource for physicists and biophysicists, graduate and postgraduate students having the necessary knowledge of physics, and anyone acquainted with proteins and nucleic acids.

  • Water Activity and Food

    • 1st Edition
    • John Troller
    • English
    Water Activity and Food explores the role of water activity in the water relations of microorganisms and in food processing, packaging, and storage. It reviews the literature and provides numerous examples demonstrating the use of water activity to predict the reactions of microorganisms or the stability of food components. It also highlights cases where water activity is not a reliable predictor of events and considers some interesting interactions with other environmental parameters. Comprised of 11 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of water in foods and solutions, water activity values for foods, and water relations of enzyme activity. It then discusses lipid oxidation, enzyme reactions and non-enzymatic browning, and several other food-related factors. The reader is also introduced to water relations of microbial growth; the effects of water on microbial survival; the spoilage and preservation of foods at various levels of water activity; the water relations of food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella and toxigenic molds; the importance of water activity in non-microbiological aspects of food processing and storage; and the influence of atmospheric relative humidity on sanitation and the protection of food products. This book is an important source of information for researchers in food microbiology and microbial water relations.

  • Dairy Cattle Feeding and Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • W. J. Miller
    • English
    Dairy Cattle Feeding and Nutrition was designed to provide information needed by those interested in the feeding and nutrition of dairy cattle. It contains basic information for students in courses on feeds and feeding, dairy cattle production, and animal nutrition.

  • A Flexible System of Enzymatic Analysis

    • 1st Edition
    • Oliver Lowry
    • English
    A Flexible System of Enzymatic Analysis is a multipurpose manual of laboratory methods that offers a systematic scheme for the analysis of biological materials from the level of the wholeorgan down to the single cell and beyond. It intends to guide the development of methods, the refinement of old ones, and the adaptation in general of methods to almost any scale of sensitivity. This manual is organized into three parts: a general section, one on quantitative histochemistry, and an appendix containing information that may be useful to have at the bench. The general section is comprised of nine chapters that focus on properties of the pyridine nucleotides, kinetics, and glassware, as well as on improvement, modification, adaptation, trouble shooting, and development of methods. This part also describes the preparation of tissues for analysis, the enzymatic cycling methods, and a compendium of 36 metabolite assays. The quantitative histochemistry section is comprised of four chapters that include information on the preparation of frozen-dried material and dissection of samples for analysis; the fishpole balance for weighing samples; and the generalities of analysis with emphasis on the ""oil well technique."" This book will be useful to novices as well as experts who are familiar with other analytical styles.

  • Nutritional Toxicology V1

    • 1st Edition
    • John Hathcock
    • English
    Nutritional Toxicology, Volume I is a sample result that has risen from the need for increased toxicological awareness and understanding by nutritionists and other professionals concerned with food production, utilization, and health. This book aims to collate significant information regarding nutrition-associated toxicity problems. The book is divided into 13 chapters. The first two chapters deal with a general overview of nutritional toxicology. Some of the topics discussed in this section include the nutritional effects of toxicants, xenobiotics, toxic action, and biotoxification. The following subject areas discussed include vitamin excess and toxicity; trace elements and cardiovascular disease; and factors affecting the metabolism of nonessential metals in food. The subsequent chapters focus on problem areas including the hazards of foodborne bacterial infections and intoxications, mycotoxins and toxic stress metabolites, environmental contaminants in food, and hazards of compounds in human nutrition. The last section tackles the close relationship of toxicology with food, including their effects and applications. Some topics include food colors, ingredients, chemicals, and substances, as well as their effects on other organisms. This volume will be invaluable to students and professionals in nutrition and toxicology. Other people who studies nutrition, toxicology, and pharmacology will also benefit from this resource.

  • Introduction to Crop Husbandry

    Including Grassland
    • 6th Edition
    • J. A. R. Lockhart + 1 more
    • English
    Since 1983, when the last edition was published, there have been important new developments in crop husbandry methods as well as an increasing awareness of political and ecological pressures. These pressures have resulted in considerable changes in crop husbandry and the new edition reflects these changes by updating all chapters and by including new sections on combinable crops, organic farming and nitrogen leaching. As in previous editions this book presents all the modern crop production methods in a comprehensive and easily understood manner. As such it should continue to be the standard textbook for all crop husbandry syllabi at all levels of agricultural teaching.

  • Energy in Farm Production

    • 1st Edition
    • R.C. Fluck
    • English
    This last volume of the Energy in World Agriculture series is in many ways the series' Alpha and its Omega. It addresses the broad issues related to the use of energy in agricultural production, and also characterizes and quantifies the energy involvements of many agricultural production technologies. It is a compilation of descriptive and analytical information and design principles and data of energy use in this field. A significant aspect is the relationship between energy and agricultural productivity, increased knowledge and resulting improved management of energy-consuming operations on the farm. Information provided here has not been published elsewhere before. Throughout the book are examples of the important role that energy inputs have played in increasing productivity of the world's agricultural systems. Together with a revived interest in energy for agricultural production due to increases in energy costs, this volume meets that interest with valuable information and insights.

  • Biology of Plant Litter Decomposition V1

    • 1st Edition
    • C.H. Dickinson
    • English
    Biology of Plant Litter Decomposition, Volume 1 focuses on decomposition of various types of litter, which include all plant remains, ranging from still standing dead trees to the decomposing hyphae of fungi and bacterial cells, including herbivore dung. The book is organized into seven chapters, each devoted to a specific type of litter including lower plants, herbaceous, angiosperm, and coniferous tree leaf litters; wood; root; and digested litter. It describes the structure and function of the organisms concerned. It also covers the involvement of biotrophic and necrotrophic parasites of higher plants in the early stages of decomposition. With a strong focus on the interrelationships in plant litter decomposition, the book is an ideal source of information for research biologists who are interested in life cycle and decomposition of plants.

  • Horse Feeding And Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • Tony Cunha
    • English
    Horse Feeding and Nutrition is the fourth in a series of books on animal feeding and nutrition that focuses on horse feeding and nutrition, aiming to assist in world food production. Organized into 20 chapters, the book contains basic information on horse industry, feeding problems, and importance in food production of proper horse nutrition. The introductory chapters discuss the importance of the horse industry; the art, science, and myths in feeding horses; the problems involved in supplying an adequate level of nutrients in horse rations; and the digestion of feeds. Chapters 5-10 cover concise, up-to-date summaries on macro- and micronutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, and water. The book goes on, examining the important interrelationships between nutrition, disease, and performance; the relative value of various feeds in horse rations; and the value of pasture and hay for horses. Chapters 15-18 focus on feeding the foal, growing horses; the performance and race horses; and the mares and stallions. The final chapters discuss purified rations for horses, antibiotics, founder, learning ability, feeding behavior, nutrient toxicity, weight equivalents, weight-unit conversion factors, and the effect of cold weather on horses. The book provides information helpful to beginners and experts in horse production. It will also be valuable for county agents, farm advisors, consultants, veterinarians, and teachers of vocational agriculture, as well as animal science students and teachers.

  • Exploitation of Environmental Heterogeneity by Plants

    Ecophysiological Processes Above- and Belowground
    • 1st Edition
    • English
    There is a new emerging interest in the effects of gaps and patches on succession and biodiversity. This innovative volume is a synthesis of studies of plant responses to temporal and spatial heterogeneity, the exploitation of resources from pulses and patches by plants, and their competition with neighbors in the face of this variability.Abovegro... the book focuses upon the nature of canopy patchiness, consequences of this heterogeneity for the light environment, and the mechanisms by which plants respond to and exploit this patchiness. Belowground, the text explores the heterogeneity of soil environments and how root systems obtain nutrients and water in the context of this temporal and spatial variability. As a new reference in an evolving and growing field, this text is sure to be a valuable tool for researchers and advanced students in plant physiology, ecology, agronomy, and forestry alike.

  • Keratinization

    A Survey of Vertebrate Epithelia
    • 1st Edition
    • Nancy Alexander
    • English
    Keratinization: A Survey of Vertebrate Epithelia illustrates the salient features of the epithelial portion of the skin and its appendages in each class of vertebrates, with emphasis on the ultrastructural and functional aspects. Divided into six chapters, this book begins with the general process of keratinization. Then, epithelial differentiation and specialization in the various classes of vertebrates are described. Classes of vertebrates considered are fish, amphibian, reptilian, avian, and mammalian. This treatise is designed to provide an introduction to the study of vertebrate skin and to stimulate professional investigators to delve into its mysteries.

  • Penguin Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Lloyd S. Davis + 1 more
    • English
    Penguin Biology is the first broad-based collection of biological and ecological studies of these unique birds to be published since 1975. Topics have since become broad ecological hypotheses, not species-specific descriptions, and new technology has taken observations into the oceanic depths. Penguin Biology shows new techniques and the applications mad of them in contemporary biological and evolutionary theory. Penguin Biology is an invaluable reference for ornithologists, animal behaviorists, animal physiologists, marine zoologists, marine ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and Antarctic researchers.

  • Tissue Printing

    Tools for the Study of Anatomy, Histochemistry, And Gene Expression
    • 1st Edition
    • Bozzano G Luisa
    • English
    Tissue Printing explains and compiles step-by-step methods and applications of this elegantly simple and practical technique. The protocols can be easily modified by the research biologist or teacher to study a wide variety of biological problems for basic research or classroom teaching. Tissue printing requires no expensive equipment for successful implementation, is safe, and can be used for both plant and animal systems. This practical laboratory guide contains many illustrative halftones, a complete bibliography, technique overviews, detailed protocols, and sample practical applications.

  • Metabolic Basis of Detoxication

    Metabolism of Functional Groups
    • 1st Edition
    • William B. Jakoby
    • English
    Metabolic Basis of Detoxication: Metabolism of Functional Groups considers the possible fates of the relatively circumscribed number of functional groups that xenobiotics bear. An understanding of the possible reactions, and the chemical and biological factors influencing them, will contribute to the overall predictability of the fate of "real" molecules. This approach attempts to knit together the understanding of metabolic pathways with that of the enzymes that catalyze the specific steps. The book contains 18 chapters and begins with a discussion of the biological oxidation of carbon atoms. This is followed by separate chapters on the metabolism of halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons, aryl halides, heterocyclic rings, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Subsequent chapters cover oxidative processes such as metabolic dealkylations and biological oxidation at nitrogen centers; the reduction of nitro and azo compounds and tertiary amine N-oxides; the oxidation, alkylation, acylation, and glycosylation of mercaptans; epoxide metabolism; and conjugation of phenols. The book aims to inform and interest the pharmacologist and toxicologist concerning the biochemical aspects and to orient the biochemist to the pharmacological insights required in dealing with the metabolism of xenobiotics.

  • Ecology of Root Pathogens

    • 1st Edition
    • S.V. Krupa
    • English
    Ecology of Root Pathogens discusses the significance of fungi infecting the roots, and emphasizes the significant diseases of roots and their symptoms. This book also names the genera and species of fungi that cause diseases of roots, and classifies and characterizes the root and pathogen interaction in soil. The book describes the behavior of plant pathogenic bacteria, such as Agrobacterium, Corynebacterium, Xanthomonas, Pseudomonas, Erwinia, and Streptomyces. It also explores how plants and plant-produced stimuli affect the associated population of plant parasitic nematodes and how these plant parasitic nematodes affect higher plants in certain ways. In addition, this book discusses the morphology, classification, nomenclature, multiplication and translocation of viruses infecting the plants. It also describes the symptoms of the virus infection in roots. The book includes a discussion on the fundamentals of biological control, which include the pathosystem concept, the behavior of the soil microflora in the soil, the reservoirs for infection, the processes of pathogen decline, and the integrated effects on the decline of the pathogen. This discussion on biological control also presents the natural and artificially induced biological control. This book will be of great value to soil microbiologists and plant pathologists.

  • Channels, Carriers, and Pumps

    An Introduction to Membrane Transport
    • 1st Edition
    • Wilfred D. Stein
    • English
    For students as well as researchers this book describes the exciting new advances in the molecular biology of transport proteins and integrates this information with transport kinetics, function, and regulation. Experimental data are linked with theory.

  • An Introduction to Farm Organisation & Management

    • 2nd Edition
    • M. Buckett
    • English
    The interval between the first and second editions of this book have witnessed significant changes for the food producers of the EEC. They have moved from a period of increasing production to an era of food surpluses and statutory reductions in production. This overall change in the fortunes of agriculture have greatly increased the need for sound business management. This book has been substantially updated to include all the current factors that have to be taken into consideration by farmers, as well as still providing a basic introduction to the study of farm management for students. It should prove invaluable reading to those running farms, whether experienced or inexperienced.

  • Animal Population Ecology

    • 1st Edition
    • J Dempster
    • English
    Animal Population Ecology focuses on the interaction between the various factors that affect an animal population. Population ecology is the study of the factors that determine the abundance of species and is concerned with the identification and mode of action of those environmental factors that cause fluctuations in population size and of those which determine the extent of these fluctuations. Organized into 11 chapters, the book initially examines some of the basic ideas about animal populations and defines many of the terms used by population ecologists. Then, it describes the action of the most important factors affecting population size. The interaction between these factors is demonstrated in chapters 8 and 9, wherein the results from studies of a few selected species are presented in detail. Finally, chapters 10 and 11 cover the development of generalized theories of population dynamics and their application to practical problems. With a strong focus on intensive study of animal populations in the field, rather than elaborate theories, the book will be helpful to population ecologists, animal researchers, teachers, and students.

  • Contamination in Tissue Culture

    • 1st Edition
    • Jorgen Fogh
    • English
    Contamination in Tissue Culture covers the sources, prevention, detection, and elimination of contamination in tissue culture. Composed of 12 chapters, the book describes the frequency of occurrence of contamination and the many different effects of contamination on cultured cells. After introducing the intraspecies contamination of cell cultures, the book explains a specific type of contamination, such as bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic contamination. A chapter in this book describes the reversible and irreversible alterations of cultured FL human amnion cells after experimental mycoplasmal infection. Chapters 9 and 10 examine the occurrence of tissue culture contaminants by electron microscopy and procedures for isolating and identifying viral contaminants. The concluding chapter covers sterility tests of media and solutions for tissue culture and the use of antibiotics. It also summarizes the major developments made as well as future challenges in the field. This book will be helpful to investigators, teachers, students, and technicians within the many disciplines of cell biology, physiology, cytology, virology, immunology, genetics, oncology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics, in which tissue and cell cultures are used, either as the primary object of research or as tools.

  • Handbook of Energy for World Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • B.A. Stout
    • English
    Adequate food supplies and a reasonable quality of life require energy - both in commercial and non-commercial forms. This handbook is intended as a reference for individuals who want a comprehensive overview of energy for agriculture, many of whom are located in remote areas with limited library resources. The purpose is to put energy for agriculture in perspective by presenting numerous national and regional examples of energy usage.Since the early 1970s, world petroleum prices have fluctuated from US$3/barrel to more than US$40/barrel in 1981, and then back to one-third of the peak price today. Consequently, the rural sector depends heavily on non-commercial energy sources. Availability of such energy is highly site-specific. This handbook deals extensively with non-commercial energy - its sources, the technologies for converting energy to more useful gaseous and liquid forms, and its ultimate end-uses.Photographs... tables, line drawings and graphs are used extensively. Over 600 references are listed along with agency names and addresses for obtaining further information.

  • Optimizing The Soil Physical Environment Toward Greater Crop Yields

    • 1st Edition
    • Daniel Hillel
    • English
    Optimizing the Soil Physical Environment Toward Greater Crop Yields contains the proceedings of an invitational panel convened during the International Symposium on Soil-Water Physics and Technology held at The Hebrew University Faculty of Agriculture in Rehovot, Israel, August 29 to September 5, 1971. Organized into 13 chapters, this book begins with a discussion on the criteria for determining the aims and direction of research in soil physics and technology. Some chapters deal with the transformation and fluxes of energy and matter in the field, particularly water, soil temperature, soil structure, soil salinity, radiation climate, and nutrient supply and uptake. The book also explores the methods of measuring, managing, and modifying the crop production system to greater agricultural advantage. This book will reflect not only what is known, but also what is missing in the incomplete conception of this environment.

  • The Mangoes

    Their Botany, Nomenclature, Horticulture and Utilization
    • 1st Edition
    • A.J.G.H. Kostermans
    • English
    The Mangoes: Their Botany, Nomenclature, Horticulture and Utilization provides a comprehensive discussion of existing mango species and their value in the common mango (Mangifera indica) industry. It covers mango species growing in very dry areas, like savannahs; species growing on inundated lands; at altitudes over 1000 m in the tropics and at higher latitudes outside the tropics; under monsoon climate conditions and under constantly wet conditions; and so-called wild species that compete in flavor with the common mango. The book begins with an overview of the genus Mangifera, covering distribution, ecology, morphology, and development. The remaining chapters discuss the phytochemistry and chemotaxonomy of the Anacardiaceae with special emphasis on Mangifera; conservation of Mangifera species; a historical overview of the development of knowledge of Mangifera; subdivision of the genus; species of uncertain position; and excluded species. The book also includes a list of references along with indexes to scientific names, vernacular names, and collection numbers. The present text was written for horticulturists and mango growers. However, it may also be useful to scientific botanists, ecologists, students, and teachers.

  • 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.

  • The Biology of Amoeba

    • 1st Edition
    • Kwang Jeon
    • English
    The Biology of Amoeba discusses the general biology, morphology, movement and related phenomena, and biochemical and physiological studies of amoeba. This book is organized into five parts, encompassing 21 chapters that primarily focus on large free-living amoeba. After briefly discussing the highlights of studies involving amoeba, the book goes on describing the biological aspects of amoeba, including its taxonomy, phylogeny, culture, and maintaining methods. The second part describes the general morphology, ultrastructure, and cellular membrane of amoeba. The third part includes discussions on the movement of Chaos-Amoeba group; the amoeboid behavioral and motile responses; the molecular mechanism of amoeboid movement and cytoplasmic streaming; and the mechanism of endocytosis in the freshwater amoeba. Part 4 covers the effects of various groups of mutagens, antibiotics, radiation, and high pressure on phenotype change and cell activities of amoeba. The concluding part deals with the isolation and purification of amoeba's nucleic acids, as well as physical and chemical characterizations of these compounds. This part also describes the characteristics of structural features of amoeba's cell surface and the chemistry of tripartite surface. Discussions on cell cycle, nucleocytoplasmic interactions, nuclear-nuclear interactions, genetics, and strain specificity in amoeba are also covered. The book is intended as a comprehensive literature source for students in cell biology as well as for those who are using amoeba as research organisms.

  • Soil disinfestation

    • 1st Edition
    • D Mulder
    • English
    Soil Disinfestation considers the effectiveness and necessity of soil disinfestation, while exposing the dangers of various treatments and the ways to overcome them. The book serves as a collection of heterogeneous articles written by a number of research workers in the field of soil science and microbial ecology. The book is divided into five sections and comprised of 15 chapters that cover the general aspects of standard, physical, chemical, and biological soil disinfestation and the fate of pesticides in the soil. The book discusses the causes and consequences of soil contamination and detection methods. The factors that influence the efficacy of each treatment and the practical application of commonly used pesticides, such as fumigants and fungicides, are also explained in this reference. Some of the contributors also give a critical retrospect about the subjects with speculation about the trends in soil disinfestation. Microbiologists and research workers in soil science, as well as students and novices in microbiology, pedology, and microbial ecology, will find this book invaluable for their practice and learning.

  • Biotic Crises in Ecological and Evolutionary Time

    • 1st Edition
    • Matthew Nitecki
    • English
    Biotic Crises in Ecological and Evolutionary Time emerged from the third Field Museum Spring Systematic Symposium held in May 1980. The symposium attempted to explore the nature and effects of crisis over as wide a range of temporal and spatial scales as possible. To this end, contributions were included from such diverse fields as astronomy, paleobiology, ecology, and anthropology. The kinds of crises considered ranged from events in the cosmological history of the universe all the way to the effects of a single introduced species on a present-day living community. The book begins by providing a definition of ""crisis"" and a general discussion of methods and approaches to the study of crises. The subsequent chapters present studies on topics such as the physical mechanisms underlying the cosmological framework in which life evolved; physical disturbance in the life of plants; the impact of species introductions; and evolutionary aspects of pre- and post-interchange fossil land mammal faunas in South America.

  • 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.

  • Histocompatibility

    • 1st Edition
    • George Snell
    • English
    Histocampatibility covers the genetic, immunologic, and the chemical studies on allograft rejection process. The book is composed of 13 chapters that describe how these studies relate to medicine, organ transplantation in man, basic immunology, cell membrane structures, and cancer research. After briefly dealing with the early studies on isografts and allografts in laboratory animals, the book describes the histogenetic methods of gene manipulation and transplantation that permit identification of individual histocompatibility loci. The following chapter examines the significance of congenic resistant lines in determining the diversity of histocompatibility loci and allele and immune response genes. Other chapters present immunogenetic and serological methods, as well as the applications of these methods in studying alloantigens and H-2 complex loci and of immunogenetic methods to human. The book also discusses the practical implication of HLA immunogenetics in organ transplantation and describes the biochemical, immunochemical, and dynamic properties of alloantigens. A chapter discusses the associations between HLA system and disease and the various mechanisms that have been suggested to explain these associations. The last chapter focuses on allograft reaction and on established facts of cellular immunity. This book is a valuable source of information for researchers in the fields of medicine, organ transplantation in man, basic immunology, cell membrane structures, and cancer.

  • The Mycetozoans

    • 1st Edition
    • Lindsay Olive
    • English
    The Mycetozoans brings together, for the first time in a single volume, comprehensive information on the biology and classification of the mycetozoans and associated groups. The mycetozoans and their associates remain of prime interest to taxonomists and phylogenists because major new taxa continue to be discovered among them. This book informs the reader where to find mycetozoans, how to isolate and culture them, their life cycles and ultrastructure, and some of the experiments that may be performed with them. It presents studies on Protostelia (protostelids); Dictyostelia (dictyostelid cellular slime molds); Myxogastria (myxomycetes); Acrasea (acrasid cellular slime molds); Plasmodiophorina (plasmodiophorids); and Labyrinthulas (labyrinthulina and thraustochytrids). This text can serve as a reference tool in courses on mycetozoans, protozoology, mycology, and developmental biology of lower organisms, and as a concentrated source of information for research workers in all aspects of the biology and taxonomy of these organisms.

  • Genetics of Sex Differentiation

    • 1st Edition
    • Ursula Mittwoch
    • English
    Genetics of Sex Differentiation intends to help readers understand the genetic basis of sex differentiation. The book focuses on explaining how the sex chromosomes affect the process of sex differentiation by influencing the rates at which cells divide. The book is composed of seven chapters. It provides overviews of classical genetics and structure of cells. It also explains the chromosomal basis of sex determination and sex determination using Drosophila. Polygenetics and continuous and quasicontinuous variations are also discussed. The book also discusses sex factors, determination, and disorders. Moreover, it explains the heterochromatin, embryological basis of sex differentiation, and triploidy and autosomal effects. In addition, it discusses the relationship of genes, chromosomes, growth, and sex. The book is an excellent ""bedside book"" for students in biology, specifically in genetics and developmental biology. Lecturers and professionals in biology and genetics will also find this book invaluable for their practice.

  • Forage in Ruminant Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • Dennis Minson
    • English
    Forage in Ruminant Nutrition is the 12th text in a series of books about animal feeing and nutrition. The series is intended to keep readers updated on the developments occurring in these fields. As it is apparent that ruminant animals are important throughout the world because of the meat and milk they produce, knowledge about the feeds available to ruminants must also be considered for increased production and efficiency. This text provides information that readers will find considerably invaluable about forage feeds, such as grass, legumes, hay, and straw. The book is composed of 16 chapters that feature the following concepts of ruminant forage feeding: • composition of ruminant products and the nutrients required for maintenance and reproduction; • energy and nutrient available in forage: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, copper, iodine, zinc, manganese, selenium, and cobalt; • intake of forage by housed ruminants; • grazing; • forage digestibility; • protein in ruminant nutrition; • protein and other nutrient deficiencies. This volume will be an invaluable reference for students and professionals in agricultural chemistry and grassland and animal husbandry researches.

  • The Origin and Domestication of Cultivated Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • C. Barigozzi
    • English
    This book consists of the proceedings of a symposium organized by the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Rome. The proceedings are unusual in that it is a rare event to see archaeologists and geneticists coming together to discuss the connection between historical facts and biological phenomena. The aim of the symposium was to discuss the origin of some important cultivated plants (wheat, maize, barley, oat, legumes and fruit trees) not only in relation to genetical mechanisms but also as a complex of historical facts recognizable through archaeological research.This international Meeting based on interdisciplinary concepts, met with a prompt and positive reaction from all those specialists invited to attend. The book itself is an unparalleled contribution to the interdisciplinary knowledge on the origin of crop plants and agriculture.

  • Behavioral and Department Models

    • 1st Edition
    • Bert Zuckerman
    • English
    Nematodes as Biological Models is two-volume treatise that provides a comprehensive reference source for research, in which free-living nematodes have been used to examine fundamental processes in genetics, development, nutrition, toxicology, pharmacology, and gerontology. The text emphasizes the use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model in a variety of biological studies and also includes description of important studies utilizing other free-living nematodes as models. Volume 1: Behavioral and Developmental Models covers cell lineages, muscle development, behavior, the nervous system, control mechanisms, and genetics, with the major emphasis on C. elegans. Significant contributions derived primarily from studies on the parasitic nematode Ascaris and the free-living nematode Panagrellus are also considered. The second volume includes discussions on free-living nematodes as biological models for pharmacological and toxicant testing, and for studies on gerontology and nutrition. Several chapters in this volume also cover nematode physiology and morphology, which readers will find useful in understanding the subject matter. The book is a masterful reference for students and lecturers in parasitology, zoology, physiology, and other related biological courses. Researchers and extended workers on nematology and related disciplines will also find this book invaluable.

  • Controlled Atmosphere and Fumigation in Grain Storages

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • B.E. Ripp
    • English
    The symposium was organised by Co-operative Bulk Handling Limited and the Australian Grain Institute Incorporated in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation and Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations. The meeting attracted 270 participants from 28 countries, and as it was devoted to the practical aspects of the subject, it included a field trip to sites in various stages of the sealing exercise in order to provide coverage of the broad aspects of grain handling, storage, transport and quality control. These proceedings contain the 49 papers presented, together with a description of the field visits, plus records and discussions.

  • Trace Elements in Human and Animal Nutrition

    • 1st Edition
    • E Underwood
    • English
    Trace Elements in Human and Animal Nutrition focuses on trace elements and their nutritional significance to humans and domestic animals. The trace elements covered include copper, molybdenum, iron, cobalt, nickel, zinc, manganese, iodine, fluorine, selenium, aluminum, arsenic, barium, strontium, boron, bromine, silicon, and vanadium. This book is organized into 13 chapters and begins with an overview of the trace element concept, the mode of action of trace elements, and the use of spectrochemical methods for the detection and estimation of t ace metals in biological materials. The next chapters explore in more detail the importance of trace elements in human and animal nutrition, touching on topics such as absorption and excretion in the body, deficiency, and toxicity. The book concludes by discussing the interrelationships between plants, man and his domestic animals, and the soil, with emphasis on the link between trace element deficiencies and health. An account of factors influencing the trace element contents of plants is also given. Finally, qualitative and quantitative differences in the trace element requirements of plants and animals are described. This book is intended for nutritionists and those who plan to specialize in nutrition.

  • Liquid Scintillation Counting Recent Applications and Development

    Sample Preparation And Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Chin-Tzu Peng
    • English
    Liquid Scintillation Counting: Recent Applications and Development, Volume II. Sample Preparation and Applications documents the proceedings of the International Conference on Liquid Scintillation Counting, Recent Applications and Development, held on August 21-24, 1979 at the University of California, San Francisco. The conference brought together 180 scientists from 15 countries who share a common interest in promoting a better understanding of liquid scintillation science and technology. Liquid scintillation counting is one branch of nuclear metrology that many scientists of various disciplines use in tracing and quantification in their investigatory studies. The proceedings, consisting of 14 sections, include 76 of the 77 invited and contributed papers presented at the conference. The first volume contains 37 papers mainly dealing with the physical aspects of liquid scintillation science and technology. The present volume contains papers that cover sample preparation, flow counting, and emulsion (solgel) counting. It also includes studies on applications of liquid scintillation counting, such as chemiluminescence and bioluminescence, environmental monitoring, and biomedical and radioimmunoassays.

  • Tree Crop Physiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 18
    • A.S. Raghavendra + 1 more
    • English
    This book is the result of a recommendation from the plenary session of ``TREE-PHYSINDIA-82'... an international symposium held at the Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam, that a publication be brought out presenting information on the methodology adopted for various physiological studies in tree crops. Containing reviews on general physiology as well as detailed information on certain selected tree crops, the choice of topics emphasizes many aspects of tree physiology. The contributed articles in Part A provide an insight into different approaches to studying the physiology of tree crops, with an emphasis on methodology. Part B provides case-histories of physiological investigations on selected economically important tropical tree crops. The volume will provide a valuable source of information and stimulus to scientists involved in the work of tree physiology.

  • Gene Activity in Early Development

    • 2nd Edition
    • Eric H. Davidson
    • English
    Gene Activity in Early Development, Second Edition is devoted to gene activity in early development, considering the estimates of RNA and protein synthesis rates, complexities, and amounts. A quantitative treatment of some of the key classes of macromolecules in early embryos and oocytes is also offered. This edition is organized into eight chapters and begins with an overview of the variable gene activity theory of cell differentiation, emphasizing the transcription level regulation as the fundamental process underlying differentiation and development. The following chapters explore the genome regulation of embryogenesis, differential embryo cell function, and transcription and protein synthesis in early embryos. The reader is also introduced to direct measurements regarding the DNA sequences transcribed during early development and localization of morphogenetic determinants in egg cytoplasm. The book concludes with a discussion of the structure of lampbrush chromosomes and the synthesis of heterogeneous nuclear and messenger RNAs during oogenesis. This book will prove useful to students as well as established researchers interested in developmental genetics.

  • Autoradiography for Biologists

    • 1st Edition
    • P Gahan
    • English
    Autoradiography for Biologists discusses the basic and practical aspects of various autoradiography techniques. It is composed of six chapters; each chapter covers a specific form of autoradiography technique. Chapter 1 discusses various theoretical aspects of autoradiography, such as radioactive decay, beta-particle absorption, photographic process, sensitivity, and resolving power. Chapters 2 to 6 discuss basic aspects of several forms of autoradiography, including macro-, stripping film, diffusible substances, liquid emulsion, and high resolution autoradiography. Practical and theoretical details of the technique, together with modifications made, are covered in each chapter. This book will be both an encouragement and a help to people wanting to apply autoradiography to the solution of biological problems.

  • Subjective Equilibrium Theory of the Farm Household

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 3
    • C. Nakajima
    • English
    It is obvious that most of the agricultural production in the world is under the control of farm households (or family farms). This book aims to translate the characteristics of the farm household as an economic entity, into an economic theory. The book was originally written in Japanese, but various modifications have been made and new information added to the English version. The author defines the farm household as an economic entity which is a complex of the farm firm, the labourer's household and the consumer's household, and whose behavioural principle is utility maximization. The main purpose of the book is to construct a theoretical model of the decision-making behaviour of the farm household. For this purpose the method of subjective equilibrium analysis, which was used by J.R. Hicks for the consumer's household and the firm in Value and Capital, has been applied to the farm household. The major motif of the book may therefore be called ``Hicksian motif''. In analyzing the subjective equilibrium of the farm household, this book extends the Marshallian concepts of consumer's surplus and producer's surplus, by developing the three new concepts of labourer's surplus, self-employed producer's surplus and consumer's surplus. The analyses using the five concepts of economic surplus are the minor motif of the present book, which the author calls ``Marshallian motif''.Another important characteristic of this book lies in the presentation of newly developed theories of land rent. The author has tried to integrate the theory of leasehold tenancy (i.e. fixed rent tenancy) and that of share tenancy with subjective equilibrium theory of the farm household. In his foreword, John W. Longworth of the International Association of Agricultural Economists says ``From time-to-time an academic treatise appears which is truly different. This is one such book. It presents a self-contained normative theory of the farm household which is much more than just an elegant development of Hicksian and Marshallian ideas. Professor Nakajima introduces new concepts and develops a simple model of the farm household. He then extends this model in various ways to examine the subjective equilibrium of farm households under a wide range of economic circumstances. The exposition is clear and logic with each step in the argument explained in detail using both rigorous mathematical notation and easy to follow diagrams... With this book Nakajima is making his Life's Work available to non-Japanese Agricultural Economists. The international profession of Agricultural Economics will be richer for it.''

  • Biology of Fertilization V2

    Biology of The Sperm
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Metz
    • English
    Biology of Fertilization, Volume 2: Biology of the Sperm is the second in a three-volume series that brings together various lines of research about reproduction in general and fertilization in particular. It is devoted to spermatogenesis, sperm physiology, and the initial interactions of sperm with egg components. The book is organized into three parts. Part I on spermatogenesis and sperm physiology includes studies on the evolution of the sperm cell; regulatory mechanisms, sperm antigen differentiation, and maturation of sperm in the reproductive tracts in mammals; physicochemical mechanisms of the acrosome filament extrusion process; and enzymes associated with sperm cell function. Part II deals with chemotaxis in microorganisms: bacteria and slime molds. Part III on gamete recognition and binding includes studies on identifying, isolating, and characterizing specific sperm and egg surface components involved in sperm-egg interaction; fertilization in the alga Fucus; fertilization in insects; and the role of lysins in fertilization.

  • Microbiology of Aerial Plant surfaces

    • 1st Edition
    • C.H. Dickinson
    • English
    Microbiology of Aerial Plant Surfaces is composed of papers presented at a meeting held at the University of Leeds in September, 1975. The content covers progress in work on the aerial surfaces of plants during the years 1970-1975. Organized into 31 chapters, the book begins with the aspects of the structure and development of the aerial surfaces of higher plants. It then elucidates some effects of fungicides and other agrochemicals on the microbiology of the aerial surfaces of plants; effects of air pollution on the structure and function of plant-surface microbial ecosystems; and the aerial microclimate around plant surfaces. Some other topics discussed include the taxonomy of bacteria on the aerial parts of plants; fungi on the aerial surfaces of higher plants; and distribution of yeasts and yeast-like organisms on aerial surfaces of developing apples and grapes. Furthermore, the book explains the saprophytes on plant surfaces in maritime areas and antagonism between fungal saprophytes and pathogens on aerial plant surfaces.

  • The Biochemistry and Physiology of Tetrahymena

    • 1st Edition
    • Donald G. Hill
    • English
    The Biochemistry and Physiology of Tetrahymena presents a review of the literature covering the physiology and biochemistry of the ciliate genus Tetrahymena, of which Tetrahymena pyriformis is the most studied species. Organized into 10 parts, this book first provides basic information about Tetrahymena, which is found in almost any body of water and is so unusual that one can debate quite rationally as to whether it is an animal or a plant. Other chapters are restricted to specific subjects about this organism, namely, carbohydrate, lipid, energy, protein, amino acid, purine, pyrimidine, and nucleic acid metabolism. The organism’s biochemical genetics, vitamin and inorganic requirements, and evolution are also shown. This book also explores the effect of radiation, drugs, and hydrostatic pressure on Tetrahymena. The documented information presented in this book will be sufficient to stimulate even more interest in the organism.

  • Plant Roots and Their Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 24
    • B.L. McMichael + 1 more
    • English
    Scientists, within a wide field, ranging from applied forestry and agriculture to physiology, ecology and the environmental sciences, are today more than ever involved in root and mycorrhizal research. New problem-oriented research fields have arisen such as the effects of fertilizers and pesticides, forest management and regeneration etc. At a time when root research is expanding into different areas, it is much more difficult for the root scientist to penetrate all the new information appearing in literature.The contributors of this volume are leading scientists from different fields of root research. The ISRR-symposium in Uppsala clearly demonstrated that there are new techniques in progress, in particular with regards to video recording of plant root systems and digital image processing. The main objectives of the symposium were (i) to provide a forum for communication between scientists from different disciplines working with root research problems, (ii) to contribute to an expansion of root studies into new areas, (iii) to use current estimates of root turnover for charting the upper and lower limit of below-ground production, and (iv) to spread knowledge of new findings and techniques of the importance of root research.This book is aimed at serving as a vehicle for improving the coherence of root research, for harmonizing methods and establishing overall objectives and gaps in the knowledge of rhizosphere dynamics.

  • Experimental Marine Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Mariscal
    • English
    Experimental Marine Biology consists of eight chapters dealing with the various disciplines of marine biology. This book aims to give insights into the problems and perspectives of each discipline, as well as point out new directions which research endeavors might most profitably follow. This reference material starts with the basic topic about aquarium technique, specifically closed-system marine aquariums. This book then presents field experiments in marine ecology and describes marine organisms' behavior, physiology, endocrinology, biochemistry, and toxicology. The development in marine organisms is also discussed. This work will be valuable to both interested students and experienced researchers in this field.

  • Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • J. Shejbal
    • English
    Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains emerged from the International Symposium on Controlled Atmosphere Storage of Grains held at Castelgandolfo, near Rome, Italy, from May 12-15, 1980. The event was organized by ASSORENI (Association of ENI Companies for Scientific Research) and co-sponsored by FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), ICC (International Association for Cereal Chemistry) and the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The event was the first international symposium ever held on the subject and the entire breadth of the field of grain storage in controlled atmospheres was included in the six sessions, from naturally produced oxygen-poor atmospheres in underground pits to sophisticated automatic inert gas industrial storage facilities. The present volume is organized into seven parts corresponding to the six Sessions of original papers and the Round Table Discussion Session. Parts I-VI contain papers presented during the sessions on natural air-tight storage, entomology of controlled atmosphere storage, microbiology of controlled atmosphere storage, artificial controlled atmosphere storage, preservation of quality in controlled atmospheres, and facilities for artificial controlled atmosphere storage and economic aspects. The Round Table Discussion in Part VII presents the wrap-up reports for the six Sessions followed by a general discussion.

  • Processes and Control of Plant Senescence

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 8
    • Y.Y. Leshem + 2 more
    • English
    This monograph provides basic and empiric information underlying processes believed to be involved in the doubtless multifunctional plant senescence syndrome. While essentially assuming a `basic science' approach the authors, drawing on data obtained from many of the main laboratories and research centres involved in senescence research the world over, and also on findings of the research groups they are associated with, have described how principles of basic science have been applied to practical problems, and have outlined the partial means presently available to man for achieving plant senescence control. Moreover, information is provided on current problems in the forefront of senescence research. This approach will hopefully engender further enquiry and lead at least to partial solutions to some of the as yet unsolved problems.The book will be an asset to the book shelves of students on advanced courses in agriculture, biology and biochemistry as well as scientists and research workers, university and agricultural research station libraries and horticulturalists.

  • Chemical Mutagens Environmental Effects on Biological Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • L Fishbein
    • English
    Chemical Mutagens: Environmental Effects on Biological Systems brings together relevant facts about synthetic and naturally occurring mutagenic chemicals. Organized into two parts, this book begins with a simple discussion on the modern concepts of the gene at the molecular and biochemical levels. The first part also looks into the different types of mutations and how they form, as well as the biological systems used for their detection. The second part deals with the individual chemical mutagens of environmental significance, including their manufacture, occurrence, method of detection, degradation, and metabolism. It also discusses the types of mutation chemical mutagens induce in the various test systems that have been utilized. This book will serve as single source material for its utility to students, investigators, and those involved with public health.

  • Biotic Interactions and Soil-Borne Diseases

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 23
    • A.B.R. Beemster + 5 more
    • English
    This volume contains a collection of all the papers presented at the founding conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, held from 26th February to 2nd March 1990 at Wageningen, The Netherlands. It focusses on the theme of "Biotic Interactions and Soil-Borne Diseases", on which there are contributions from leading European scientists in the field of soil-borne diseases. Ways of exploiting biotic processes and phenomena which result in plant production harmless to the environment are explored.

  • Nocturnal Malagasy primates

    Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Charles-Dominique
    • English
    Nocturnal Malagasy Primates: Ecology, Physiology, and Behavior is composed of different studies investigating the “strategies” adopted by lesser known nocturnal species of Marosalaza forest to cope with the contrasted seasonal conditions. In general, it defines the relationship between ecology and physiology of these species. The book is divided into two parts. The first part is comprised of five chapters detailing field studies conducted during the seven successive and overlapping field trips, from November 1973 to July 1974. This part is focused on dietary adaptations,growth and reproductive cycles, activity rhythms, social structures, and interspecific competition in five sympatric prosimian species. The second part is also comprised of five chapters, but describes the laboratory studies conducted at Brunoy in simulated climatic conditions. It centerson the relationshipsand comparisons between species of annual variations in feeding,body weight, activity, and reproduction, with supplementary investigations of social interactions, marking,and learning abilities. Altogether, the field and laboratory studies presented in this book constitute a comprehensive approach to elucidate the problem of ecophysiology.

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