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Elsevier

Books in Life sciences

  • Marijuana and Health Hazards

    Methodological Issues in Issues in Current Research
    • 1st Edition
    • Jared Tinklenberg
    • English
    Marijuana and Health Hazards: Methodological Issues in Current Research is a collection of manuscripts presented at a conference on methodological issues involving marijuana research, held in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the Drug Abuse Council Inc. This book is composed of five parts encompassing 18 chapters that focus on the human health consequences of marijuana consumption. Part I discusses the cytogenetic effects of marijuana, with an emphasis on its cell-damaging, genotoxic, and teratogenic effects. Part II describes the interaction of marijuana products on the T-lymphocytes of man and Part III examines the effects of marijuana smoking on male reproduction, specifically on plasma testosterone level. Part IV investigates the central nervous system damage associated with marijuana use and looks into some of the methodological problems arising at the general issues of central nervous system dysfunction as these relate to marijuana consumption. Part V focuses on the psychiatric consequences of different degrees of marijuana use. This book is of great benefit to scientists and researchers who wish to elucidate the issues regarding the effects of marijuana.

  • Biology of Rice

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 7
    • S. Tsunoda + 1 more
    • English
    This book presents a wealth of both general and specific information about rice. The first section outlines the distribution and mutual relationships of various types of rice with special attention to the adaptive strategy of wild and cultivated rice, and to the relationships between different ecotypes and their adaptation to low temperature, different photoperiods or different humidities. The section on rice morpho-physiology compares the characteristics of rice and dry land crops and different ecotypes with regard to seed dormancy and germination; describes the important steps in the photosynthetic structure process and its adjustment to the course of evolution of cultivated rice; studies the root and nutrient uptake and the responses to hormones in terrestrial and aquatic plants; considers the reproductive nature in relation to tolerance to environmental stress; and discusses the morphological characteristics of rice panicle in relation to grain filling, sink-source balance and variation in yield components of panicle structure. The last section reviews the genetics of rice and includes new findings on chromosomal analysis, cytoplasmic analysis and gene analysis and reviews recent achievements in tissue culture and genetic engineering techniques.The book is authoritative, well-documented and international in scope. It presents new and useful information of direct use to rice research workers and students, and of interest to crop physiologists, agronomists, plant physiologists and breeders throughout the world.

  • Progress in Theoretical Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Fred Snell
    • English
    Progress in Theoretical Biology, Volume 2, brings together the significant and timely theoretical developments in particular areas of biology in a critical and synthetic manner. It is concerned with a field which has emerged as an identifiable subdiscipline of the biological sciences. This emergence and recognition signify that biological science has evolved from its initial stage of description and classification into the adolescence of transformation to the quantitative. The book's opening chapter develops a theory that uses a new generalization of statistical mechanics to provide a basis for understanding how the microscopic behavior of nonliving parts can generate the macroscopic appearance of a living aggregate. The subsequent chapters discuss theoretical methods in systematic and evolutionary studies; the theory of neural masses; the design of chemical reaction systems; cooperative processes in biological systems; and the organization of motor systems. This book is intended for the modern biological scientist as well as for the physical scientist who is inquisitive of the ways of the most complex of all processes.

  • Invertebrate Tissue Culture

    Applications in Medicine, Biology, and Agriculture
    • 1st Edition
    • Edouard Kurstak
    • English
    Invertebrate Tissue Culture: Applications in Medicine, Biology, and Agriculture comprises the proceedings of the IV International Conference on Invertebrate Tissue Culture, held on June 5-8, 1975 at Mont Gabriel, Quebec, Canada. The conference focuses on invertebrate organ, tissue, and cell culture, as well as cell culture limitations, pitfalls, and applications in medicine, biology, agriculture, neurophysiology, and studies of morphogenesis, differentiation, viruses, symbionts, and parasites. This reference material specifically provides information on sophisticated laboratory methods and on numerous utilizations of invertebrate cell culture techniques in medicine and biology. This book also elucidates the nutritional requirements and the establishment of cell lines. The study of viruses and protozoa of agricultural and forest importance is also shown. This book will be useful and stimulating to the readers and will provide in a single volume the results obtained in the diverse areas of research pursued by the leading exponents of invertebrate tissue culture from America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

  • The Physiological Ecology of Woody Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Theodore T. Kozlowski + 2 more
    • English
    The efficient management of trees and other woody plants can be improved given an understanding of the physiological processes that control growth, the complex environmental factors that influence those processes, and our ability to regulate and maintain environmental conditions that facilitate growth.

  • Isozymes V4

    Genetics and Evolution
    • 1st Edition
    • Clement Markert
    • English
    Isozymes, IV: Genetics and Evolution contains manuscripts presented at the Third International Conference on isozymes convened in April 1974 at Yale University. Separating 58 manuscripts into chapters, this book begins by elucidating the usefulness of isozymes as effective markers in studies of various aspects of genetics and evolution. Specific discussions are given to isozymes in evolutionary systematics and isozyme polymorphism maintenance mechanisms viewed from the standpoint of population genetics. This book explains multiple allelism and isozyme diversity in human populations. It also addresses the usefulness of isozyme variants as markers of population movement in man and plant population genetics.

  • Extracellular Matrix Genes

    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Boyd
    • English
    Extracellular Matrix Genes provides some of the interesting complexities of the structure of the entire family of extracellular matrix genes. This book illustrates the permanent role that molecular biology and molecular genetics play in the detailed understanding of the normal biology of extracellular matrix. Organized into 10 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the structural and sequence aspects of the entire family of genomic sequences with a view to establishing common functional domains among collagens and their genes. This text then examines the status of the literature concerning human types. III and V. Other chapters consider the FACIT collagen gene family. This book discusses as well the development in understanding the structure of small proteoglycan core proteins and their role in proteoglycan biosynthesis and function as a result of their molecular cloning and expression. The final chapter deals with mutations in collagen genes. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists.

  • 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.

  • Comparative Nutrition Of Man and Domestic Animals

    • 1st Edition
    • H Mitchell
    • English
    Comparative Nutrition of Man and Domestic Animals, Volume I discusses practical phases in the evaluation of the nutrient requirements of man and his domesticated animals and the factors that modify these quanta. This book also covers various nutrients' biochemical nature, functions, and participation in the energy transactions of the body. Organized into 11 chapters, the book initially discusses the principles of the basal metabolism and the activity increment and their role in evaluating maintenance requirement of human and animal for energy. The subsequent chapter focuses on the maintenance requirement of protein under stress and non-stress conditions. Other chapters discuss nutrient requirements for maintenance, such as water and minerals. The book also examines the nutrient requirements for muscle activities, growth, senescence, reproduction, and lactation. A discussion on the storage of nutritive material, such as water, protein, minerals, vitamins, and energy, is included. This volume is an invaluable source for organic chemists, biochemists, animal physiologists, zoologists, and nutritionists.

  • Biophysical Aspects of Cardiac Muscle

    • 1st Edition
    • Martin Morad
    • English
    Biophysical Aspects of Cardiac Muscle is based on the proceedings of the first cardiac muscle symposium held May 1977, at the Pahlavi University in Shiraz, Iran. The compendium deals with topics on the gating processes in excitable membranes; ionic transport mechanisms in the generation of cardiac action potential plateau; structure and function of the sarcotubular system; excitation-contracti... coupling in heart muscle; and mechanisms of drug action in cardiac muscle. The book will be of value to physicians, cardiologists, physiologists, and researchers in the field of medicine and anatomy.

  • Communication in Development

    • 1st Edition
    • Anton Lang
    • English
    Communication in Development presents the proceedings of the 28th Symposium of the Society for Developmental Biology, held in Boulder, Colorado, on June 16-18, 1969. It is organized into five parts encompassing 12 chapters that discuss the progress of research in developmental communication, communication within the cell, and cell interaction. The book initially presents the evolution of developmental communication systems in cells, focusing on prebiological models. It goes on to describe intracellular communication from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and the nature of the molecules that participate in communication. A chapter also describes communication physiology, pointing to cell surface and the nucleus as the first and last sites of developmental change. A discussion on the localization in the developing Fucus egg is also provided. The third part deals with the cellular and molecular events occurring during the inductive phase, with an emphasis on the role of complex cellular interactions. The fourth part covers the mechanism of nervous and hormonal communication in insects. It also presents evidence, obtained by a combination of biochemical and autoradiographic techniques, on the nature of hormone-dependent tissues and their interaction with estradiol. It also discusses the role of auxin as a communication carrier in plant cell enlargement. The concluding part examines the role of nitrate pathway mechanisms in plant cell communication. It also examines the significance of light on plant and animal developmental stages. This book will greatly appeal to cell and developmental biologists, physiologists, and researchers.

  • Cell Biology of Physarum and Didymium V2

    Differentiation, Metabolism, and Methodology
    • 1st Edition
    • Henery Aldrich
    • English
    Cell Biology of Physarum and Didymium, Volume II: Differentiation, Metabolism, and Methodology summarizes important experimental research using Physarum and Didymium for developmental and cellular studies. This book is organized into three parts, encompassing 28 chapters that cover the differentiation, metabolism, and experimental techniques for cellular studies. After presenting an introduction to some aspects of developmental biology, this volume describes the ultrastructure and physiology of sporulation, spore germination, encystment, excystment, spherulation, and spherule germination. This is followed by a discussion on regulatory events leading to morphogenesis and on biochemical, physiological, and structural data on the amoeboid stage. The second part focuses on metabolic aspects. This includes metabolic characteristics of myxomycetes; the formation of nucleotides in Physarum by de novo synthesis and from nucleic acid degradation products; and radiation and radiomimetic agents on myxomycete species. Considerable chapters in the concluding part are devoted to procedures and protocol for isolation of cell components from Physarum and Didymium species. This volume also evaluates some techniques, including electron microscopy, time-lapse microcinematography, phase-contrast microscopy, Feulgen staining, and culture methods. The concluding chapters examine the preparation, isolation, and characterization of ribonucleic acid, histone, plasmodial polysaccharides, myosin, actins, and fragmin. The book will serve as a frequent, single reference source to brief cell biologists on the primary research on Physarum and Didymium. It will also be a good source for graduate students in cell biology and perhaps in other graduate courses.

  • Handbook of B and T Lymphocytes

    • 1st Edition
    • English
    To compile this up-to-date handbook, Dr. Charles Snow of the University of Kentucky Medical Center has assembled works by a premier group of active investigators who meet the needs of todays researchers. The handbookprovides a broad overview of the historical and current research in B- and T-cell biology, and presents the latest developments in this fast-breaking field to all professionals concerned with the humoral immune response of the body.

  • Neuronal and Glial Proteins

    Structure, Function, and Clinical Application
    • 1st Edition
    • Paul Marangos
    • English
    Neuronal and Glial Proteins: Structure, Function, and Clinical Application focuses on the basic and clinical information relating to a number of proteins that are either enriched in or unique to nervous tissue. This book discusses the structural and functional characteristics of cell-specific proteins, which provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in processes that are specific to glia or neurons. Organized into three sections encompassing 15 chapters, this book starts with an overview of the fundamental principles and strategies involved in studying the anatomical, structural, functional, and immunological aspects of brain protein. This text then discusses the techniques, including the preparation of brain tissues as well as the preparation of neural and glial cells in purified form. Other chapters review the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, which is recognized as a significant technique for discovering brain molecules. The final chapter deals with the membrane-associated nervous system proteins. Neurochemists and clinical researchers will find this book useful.

  • 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.

  • Structural and Resonance Techniques in Biological Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Denis Rousseau
    • English
    Structural and Resonance Techniques in Biological Research discusses the fundamentals and applications of nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, Mössbauer spectroscopy, x-ray absorption spectroscopy, macromolecular crystallography, and small-angle x-ray scattering and diffraction. 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 Optical 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.

  • Fish As Food V2

    Nutrition, Sanitation, and Utilization
    • 1st Edition
    • Georg Borgstrom
    • English
    Fish as Food, Volume II: Nutrition, Sanitation, and Utilization summarizes the public health aspects of fish, including fish handling and processing. This volume also discusses the global aspects of fish utilization, illustrating the key role of fisheries in many countries and major regions. Comprised of three parts encompassing 19 chapters, the book initially discusses the protein, amino acid, vitamins, and mineral content of fish and fish oil. This volume also explains the effects of fish processing and handling on these nutritional components. The subsequent chapters present studies on the role of fish in human nutrition, focusing on the Japanese diet. The book also covers the utilization of converted fish-processing wastes to fish meal and condensed fish soluble in feeding poultry, livestock, and mink. The second part of the book focuses on food poisoning caused by fish and fishery products. This part deals with the bacterial activity in fish and related products due to water pollution and contamination. Other chapters examine Salmonella problems in the sea and the allergies and other disorders related to fish poisoning. The effect of radioactivity on marine organisms and the uptake and bioaccumulation of radionuclides in marine organisms are also discussed. Lastly, this volume presents the trends and patterns in fish and shellfish utilization. This volume will be of considerable value primarily to fish and food scientists in general and also to public health workers, marine and fresh-water biologists, nutritionists, and sanitary engineers.

  • Plant, Chemicals and Growth

    • 1st Edition
    • F.C. Steward
    • English
    Plants, Chemicals and Growth investigates natural and synthetic chemicals that control plant growth and development. It examines how plant growth regulators, such as 2,4-D, 2,4-dichlorophenoxya... acid, 2,4,5-T, 2,4,5-trichloropheno... acid, ammonium sulfamate, indole-3-butyric acid, disodium 3,6-endoxohexahydrop... gibberellic acid, and 2-chloroethyltrimeth... chloride, induce biological responses in plants. These responses range from tropism and chemotropism to growth of organs by cell division and enlargement, rhythmic phenomena in growth and development, initiation of lateral organs and problems of phyllotaxy, and the regulatory effects of light and temperature on growth and form. Comprised of 10 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of chemical regulators and the ways in which they elicit biological responses in plants; how chemical regulation of plants is related to the growth and development of flowering plants; cell growth and cell division; cell cycle; and cellular ontogeny. It then looks at the history and modern concepts of growth-regulating compounds, such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins. The book introduces readers to how chemicals induce growth in quiescent cells; natural sources of growth stimulatory substances; synergisms and interactions of growth regulatory systems; growth-regulating effects in free cell systems; examples of biologically active compounds; the mechanisms of action of plant growth regulators; concepts and interpretations of plant growth regulation; and prospects and problems associated with chemical regulation of plant growth and behavior. Teachers, biology students, agriculturalists, and researchers will find this book extremely useful.

  • The Glycoconjugates V3

    Glycoproteins, Glycolipids and Proteoglycans
    • 1st Edition
    • Martin Horowitz
    • English
    The Glycoconjugates: Mammalian Glycoproteins, Glycolipids, and Proteoglycans Volume III is a collaboration of different experts in the field of molecular biology on the subject of glycoconjugates. The third volume covers topics such as the glycosylation of proteins, inhibition of lipid-dependent glycosylation, and the relationship between translation and glycosylation. Also included are topics such as the intracellular transport of glycoproteins, the nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins, and the glycosyltransferases and proteoglycans in the colon and B and T cells. The book is recommended for molecular biologists, organic chemists, and biochemists who would like to know more about glycolipids and glycoproteins and their applications.

  • Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs V3

    Biology 2
    • 1st Edition
    • O.A. Jones
    • English
    Biology and Geology of Coral Reefs, Volume III: Biology 2 covers the major advances made in the biological aspects of coral reef problems. This book discusses the ecology, animal associates, and toxicity of coral reefs. Composed of 11 chapters, the book initially describes the diversity of animals permanently or temporarily associated with living corals despite the formidable nematocyst batteries possessed by corals. The text goes on discussing some specializations of some shrimps and prawns permanently associated with living corals, thus, augmenting the number of biological niches available for colonization. The subsequent chapters deal with the appearance and distribution of coral reefs echinoderms and their biogeography; the role of fishes in the energetic of the coral reef system; the high incidence of toxic fishes in coral reef waters; and the origin, transmission, detection, pharmacology, and chemistry of ciguatoxin. The book also discusses natural and man-induced destruction of coral reef communities and the rate, manner, and extent of recovery of such destruction. It also describes the types of vegetation that grow on the limestone substratum provided by coral islands. Another chapter provides distributional data on the birds of the Great Barrier Reef region and the behavior and evolution of island populations of sea birds. The concluding chapters present the general biology of sea turtles and the factors that influence the number and types of organisms found on coral islands. This book will acquaint readers with some of the exciting developments in coral reef biology and will provide information that will enable them to assess the status of research in different fields.

  • Chemical Defenses of Arthropods

    • 1st Edition
    • Murry Blum
    • English
    Chemical Defenses of Arthropods charts the significant progress in the study of chemical defenses in arthropods, a rapidly expanding area of chemical ecology. The book groups the defensive compounds secreted by arthropods based on their main functionalities and sequentially lists them according to their carbon numbers. Organized into 19 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the defensive exudates of arthropods and how arthropods have exploited these compounds to deter the ubiquitous and omnipresent predators around them. The next chapters introduce the reader to the defensive compounds produced in the exocrine glands of arthropods, ranging from alcohols and ketones to hydrocarbons, carboxylic acids, esters, 1,4-quinones and hydroquinones, lactones, phenols, steroids, and proteinaceous venoms. The book also discusses the taxonomic value of arthropod defensive compounds, with emphasis on factors affecting the composition of defensive secretions and taxonomic correlations that utilize them. Later chapters focus on arthropod biosynthesis of exocrine compounds, how insects tolerate the presence of plant toxins in their diets, and identified defensive compounds in arthropods. The book concludes with an analysis of the properties and characteristic distributions of arthropod natural products, along with their adaptiveness as defensive agents. This book is a valuable resource for biologists and chemists.

  • Mechanisms in Bioenergetics

    • 1st Edition
    • Giovanni Azzone
    • English
    Mechanisms in Bioenergetics covers the proceedings of the eighth conference on ""Mechanisms in Bioenergetics"" held in Pugnochiuso, Italy on May 1-4, 1972. This book is organized into three parts, encompassing 43 chapters that discuss bioenergetics in mitochondria, chloroplasts, chromatophores, and bacterial protoplast membranes. It summarizes the structure and dynamics of energy-transducing membranes, molecular basis of membrane transport, and energy coupling mechanisms. The first part of the book describes various aspects of structure and dynamics of energy transducing membranes. This includes their chemiosmotic coupling, reflection coefficients, structural transformation, redox properties, and circular dichroism studies. This is followed by considerable chapters discussing chemiosmotic theory of transport and metabolism, ion channel phosphorylation paths in cell membrane, and kinetics of metabolite anion uptake in mitochondria. Other topics covered are mitochondrial Ca2+-binding glycoprotein and sucrose-dependent sugar transport across artificial lipid membranes. This book also looks into the enzyme interaction in mitochondrial membrane. It also discusses the relation of hydrogen uptake to electron flow in photosynthetic bacteria and purine nucleotides and fatty acids in energy coupling. The concluding section deals with the mechanisms of energy coupling, including mechanism of respiration-driven proton, role of mitochondrial energy transfer factors, and energy in mitochondrial respiration. The behavior of cytochromes b and c of pigeon heart and in the energized mitochondrial membrane is also described. Finally, this book considers the effect of adenosine-containing compounds competitively inhibiting the mitochondrial transhydrogenase reaction. Researchers and students who are interested in bioenergetics and energy-transducing membranes will benefit from this book.

  • Interferons

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

  • Senescence and Aging in Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • L.D. Nooden
    • English
    Senescence and Aging in Plants reviews the state of knowledge in the processes involved in plant senescence and aging. The book begins by discussing the emergence of senescence as a concept; experimental analysis of senescence; and patterns of senescence. It then examines membrane deterioration during senescence; photosynthesis in relation to leaf senescence; senescence of detached plant organs; changing patterns of nucleic acid and protein synthesis during senescence; and degradative and associated assimilatory aspects of nitrogen removal. This is followed by chapters on aspects of ethylene that may impinge upon its role in promoting senescence of higher plants; the role of cytokinins in plant senescence; the promoters and retardants of senescence; and the role of calcium in plant senescence. The concept of whole plant senescence is discussed, which can be subdivided into patterns, correlative controls, cessation of vegetative growth, declining assimilatory processes, assimilate partitioning, and hormonal controls. The final chapters cover the deterioration of cellular membranes during the plant aging process and seed aging.

  • Human Laterality

    • 1st Edition
    • Michael Corballis
    • English
    Human Laterality presents the main facts of human laterality as they are known. Drawing on evidence from normal, intact human beings and neurological patients, along with material on asymmetries in other species, this book traces the development of laterality, its evolution, and inheritance. This text also reviews the literature on the relation between laterality and developmental disorders of speech and language, including dyslexia, stuttering, and dysphasia. This book is organized into nine chapters and begins with an overview of the development of knowledge and ideas about laterality over the course of history. This text gives an account of the myths that abound regarding handedness, including the association of right with male and left with female, with the goal of demythologizing human laterality. It argues that there is a common basis to both handedness and cerebral lateralization, and indeed to other manifestations of human laterality such as eyedness and footedness, and that lateralization is fundamentally biological rather than sociocultural. Human laterality is also seen as an innate disposition rather than a matter of learning or imitation. In the final chapter, this book speculates about the possible origins of laterality in the fundamental asymmetries of living molecules and of particle physics. This book is essential reading for biologists and researchers interested in the human anatomy.

  • The Proteins Composition, Structure, and Function V4

    • 2nd Edition
    • Hans Neurath
    • English
    The Proteins: Composition, Structure, and Function, Second Edition, Volume IV covers the significant developments in understanding the relationships between the composition, structure, and function of proteins. This three-chapter volume deals first with the genetic determination of protein structure and with the effects of mutational alteration on the structure and function of proteins. A highly relevant aspect of this topic is the change in protein structure during evolution and cell development. The second chapter describes the basic structure of several glycoproteins, such as orosomucoid, egg albumin, and submaxillary gland glycoprotein. The third chapter highlights the features of composition and arrangement of the group protein, which impart the capacity to perform their physical function. This book is of value to organic chemists, biochemists, and researchers in the protein-related fields.

  • Molecular Basis of Thyroid Hormone Action

    • 1st Edition
    • Jack Oppenheimer
    • English
    Molecular Basis of Thyroid Hormone Action focuses on the actions of thyroid hormones in eukaryotic cells. This book discusses the profound effects of thyroid hormones on the growth, development, and metabolism of practically all tissues of higher organisms. Organized into 15 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the kinetic interrelationships of hormone bound to specific receptors and hormone associated with other tissue and plasma pools in living animals. This book then discusses the thyroid hormone receptor, a chromatin-associated protein that appears to mediate the actions of the thyroid hormones in mammalian cells. Other chapters consider the localization of the receptors in chromatin. This book further discusses how thyroid hormones stimulate the accumulation of specific mRNA molecules in cell culture as well as in tissues in vivo. This book is intended for readers who are interested in cell and molecular biology. Endocrinologists will also find this book extremely useful.

  • Plant Improvement and Somatic Cell Genetics

    • 1st Edition
    • Indra Asil
    • English
    Plant Improvement and Somatic Cell Genetics includes all but one of the papers presented at two symposia held during the XIII International Botanical Congress in Sydney, Australia, on August 21-28, 1981. ""Frontiers in Plant Breeding"" and ""Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics in Plant Biology"" highlight the ways in which plant breeding techniques can improve crops. The book explores the potentials as well as the limitations of plant breeding, and cellular and molecular techniques in plant improvement. Comprised of 14 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the potential applications of exotic germplasm for tomato and cereal crop improvement. It continues with a discussion of multiline breeding, breeding of crop plants that can tolerate soil stresses, combining genomes by means of conventional methods, use of embryo culture in interspecific hybridization, use of haploids in plant improvement, and somaclonal variation and somatic hybridization as new techniques for plant improvement. The reader is also introduced to plant cell culture, as well as somatic cell genetics of cereals and grasses, somatic cell fusion for inducing cytoplasmic exchange, uses of cell culture mutants, genetic transformation of plant cells by experimental procedures in the context of plant genetic engineering, and use of molecular biology techniques for recognition and modification of crop plant genotypes. This book will be a useful resource for scientists and plant breeders interested in applying somatic cell genetics for crop improvement.

  • The Action of Hormones in plants and invertebrates

    • 1st Edition
    • Kenneth Thimann
    • English
    The Action of Hormones in Plants and Invertebrates focuses on the mechanisms of action of hormones in plants and invertebrates, including auxins, vitamins, steroids, and carotenoids. The book considers plant growth hormones, hormone-like substances in fungi, and hormones in insects and crustaceans. This volume is organized into four chapters and begins with a historical overview of the concept of hormones in plants, and then describes assay methods for auxins, along with auxin chemistry, transport, and role in tropisms. The discussion moves to other plant hormones such as wound hormones, flower-forming hormones, vitamins, steroids, carotenoids, rhizocaline, and caulocaline. The book then methodically explains insect hormones and their sources; the role of hormones in reproduction and postembryonic development; and hormone-induced color change in insects. This volume also offers information on the mode of action and physicochemical properties of insect hormones. The book concludes with a chapter on the biological effects of hormones on Crustacea, from sex characteristics to color change, molting and growth, retinal pigment movements, locomotion, and ovarian development. This book will be of interest to biologists, zoologists, botanists, and endocrinologists.

  • The Development Of Dictyostelium Discoideum

    • 1st Edition
    • William Loomis
    • English
    The Development of Dictyostelium discoideum consists of 11 chapters representing the 11 major aspects at which continuous progress are made in the study of Dictyostelium discoideum. This book begins with the discovery, classification, ecology, and development of Dictyostelium discoideum. It then outlines the advances in genetic manipulation and mutant isolation of the organism. Much of the advances in cell biology have been related to a better understanding of the composition and function of the cell membrane. Hence, analyses of Dictyostelium plasma membranes are collated. This reference material also describes the role of chemoattractants in organizing cell movements and the intracellular events triggered by occupancy of chemoreceptors. It also explains the understanding of the macromolecular components of the chemosensory system of Dictyostelium discoideum. It further discusses the cell motility, cell adhesion, morphogenetic signaling, cytodifferentiation, and gene expression in the species. Finally, the phenomenon of cell-type specification and regulation in this organism is addressed. This book will be valuable for those already familiar with the general outlines of Dictyostelium biology.

  • Animal Virology V4

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

  • Introduction to Forest Genetics

    • 1st Edition
    • Jonathan Wright
    • English
    Introduction to Forest Genetics examines some of the basic genetic concepts typically used in forestry and tree improvement studies, including Mendelian and population genetics. It also describes techniques that are generally useful in tree improvement work, including individual tree selection and breeding, provenance testing, species and racial hybridization, and introduction of exotics. Organized into 19 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of forest genetics and problems associated with forest genetics. It then discusses concepts from basic genetics, including chromosome structure and function; DNA and RNA; nongenetic inheritance; and genotype versus phenotype. Other chapters focus on inbreeding: complete elimination of homozygous recessive trees; mutation and migration; and controlled pollination and vegetative propagation. The book also covers the establishment and measurement of test plantations; general principles and methods of selective breeding; choice of breeding method and type of seed orchard; heritability and genetic gain; geographic variation in Scotch pine and American trees; species and racial hybridization; chromosome studies; and polyploidy and haploidy breeding. This book is a valuable resource for foresters, professional tree breeders, and those with or without previous training in genetics or forestry.

  • Acidic Proteins of the Nucleus

    • 1st Edition
    • Ivan Cameron
    • English
    Acidic Proteins of the Nucleus focuses on the functional role of acidic nuclear proteins in differential gene expression. Historically, these proteins are referred to as acidic in nature because they are insoluble in dilute mineral acids and their amino acid composition shows a preponderance of acidic over basic amino acid residues. After an introduction to DNA-binding proteins and transcriptional control in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, the subsequent chapters describe various approaches for isolating, separating, and characterizing acidic nuclear proteins. The core chapters specifically cover the isolation, fractionation, and characterization of acidic nuclear phosphoproteins, and the role of these proteins in cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cell cycle. The last two chapters address the role of acidic nuclear protein in binding steroid hormones and in gene regulation. Each chapter contains some previously unpublished work and provides recommendations for future research. This book will be a good reference background for researchers of acidic nuclear proteins.

  • The Biology of Frankia and Actinorhizal Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Christa R. Schwintzer
    • English
    The Biology of Frankia and Actinorhizal Plants provides a comprehensive review of Frankia and the actinorhizal plants. It reviews the state of knowledge on all aspects from molecular genetics through ecology to practical applications; describes methods used in research and practical applications; and is a guide to the literature. The book begins with overviews of Frankia and the actinorhizal plants, and developments in the field prior to the first confirmed isolation of Frankia. Next is a series of authoritative chapters on the biology of Frankia, the symbiosis, and actinorhizal plants. Although methods used in research and in practical applications are included throughout the book, they are given special emphasis in the middle section. The final section of the book concerns the ecology and current and potential uses of actinorhizal plants in both the temperate regions and the tropics. This work is intended as a reference text and handbook of methods for a wide audience including established workers and students of Frankia and actinorhizal plants, specialists and students in other areas of nitrogen fixation (including the Rhizobium-legume symbiosis), soil microbiologists, plant physiologists, ecologists, general biologists, foresters, specialists in land reclamation, and managers requiring an authoritative overview of this rapidly developing field.

  • Methods for Studying Mononuclear Phagocytes

    • 1st Edition
    • Dolph Adams
    • English
    Methods for Studying Mononuclear Phagocytes is a practical guide to the study of mononuclear phagocytes that brings together various well-established and useful methods for examining these cells. The technical protocols have been made detailed, specific, practical, and inclusive of the necessary mystique for immediate and direct application in the laboratory. The book is divided into 11 parts arranged according to the sequence of steps that would generally be followed to study a given population of mononuclear phagocytes: (I) methods for obtaining and culturing populations of human and animal mononuclear phagocytes; (II) methods for separating populations of leukocytes to enrich or deplete their content of mononuclear phagocytes; (II) criteria and techniques for identifying mononuclear phagocytes; (IV) methods for quantifying the number of mononuclear phagocytes; (V) techniques for studying the morphology of mononuclear phagocytes; (VI) methods for quantifying the biochemical constituents of mononuclear phagocytes; (VII) methods of quantifying phagocytosis, pinocytosis, and chemotaxis; (VIII) methods for quantifying the secretory products of mononuclear phagocytes; (IX) procedures for quantifying the destruction of tumor cells and of microorganisms by mononuclear phagocytes; (X) methods for studying the cell biology of mononuclear phagocytes; and (XI) techniques for studying mononuclear phagocytes in vivo, including procedures for estimating their kinetics, accumulation, identification, and microbicidal properties.

  • Biomedical Signal Processing

    • 1st Edition
    • Metin Akay
    • English
    Sophisticated techniques for signal processing are now available to the biomedical specialist! Written in an easy-to-read, straightforward style, Biomedical Signal Processing presents techniques to eliminate background noise, enhance signal detection, and analyze computer data, making results easy to comprehend and apply. In addition to examining techniques for electrical signal analysis, filtering, and transforms, the author supplies an extensive appendix with several computer programs that demonstrate techniques presented in the text.

  • The molecular aspects of autoimmunity

    • 1st Edition
    • Nadir Farid
    • English
    The Molecular Aspects of Autoimmunity contains a selection of the papers presented at the first of a series of biannual meetings on molecular aspects of autoimmunity held in L'Esterel, Quebec, Canada, October 30-November 2, 1988. The book contains 20 chapters and begins with a study of the expression of the Ly-1 gene and V gene families in autoantibodies. This is followed by separate chapters on the structural characteristics of human IgM autoantibodies; human IgV gene segments for autoantibodies; and the genetic basis of anti-DNA immune responses. Subsequent chapters cover topics such as the epibodies from the immune response to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR); the specificities and idiotypes of anti-histone H1 autoantibodies; T cell tolerance; and T cell antigen receptor (TCR) gene biology and the genomic composition and expressed repertoire of these genes in several autoimmune and normal mouse strains. Also discussed are MHC Class II associations with autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease.

  • Agricultural and Industrial Applications Environmental Interactions

    An Advanced Treatise
    • 1st Edition
    • Dewayne Torgeson
    • English
    Fungicides, Volume I: Agricultural and Industrial Applications, Environmental Interactions discusses the application, use, and environmental interactions of fungicides. This book is organized into 15 chapters that cover the commercial development of fungicide and the organism's interaction with the environment. After discussing the history of fungicides, the book presents data on world fungicide usage and how this usage is influenced by epidemiology. It then describes procedures and approaches for commercial fungicide development; practical tests and laboratory techniques for agricultural fungicide toxicity; and significance of fungicide formulation that is determined by a variety of factors, including cost and biological efficiency. The following chapters discuss technological evolution, both in chemical fungicides and in the machinery for their application for soil and seed treatment. The application of foliar and postharvest fungicides and the use of other fungicides as industrial and wood preservatives is also tackled. The last four chapters are concerned with the various interactions between fungicides and the environment which may cause them to be more or less effective. The book will be useful to researchers, advanced students, and professional workers in the fungicide field of study who are concerned with the synthesis and development of better fungicides or their mode of action.

  • Molecular Properties V2

    • 1st Edition
    • Walter Lovenberg
    • English
    Molecular Properties, Volume II is a collection of papers that deals with the physical and chemical properties of iron-sulfur proteins, with emphasis on the theory and application of physicochemical techniques related to metalloproteins. One paper describes the chemical properties of simple iron-sulfur proteins focusing on chloroplast, bacterial-type ferredoxins, and the nature of the active site in the ferredoxins. Another paper notes that rubredoxin sequences can offer phylogenetic, evolutionary, or genetic data. The paper shows that rubredoxins from aerobic and anaerobic bacteria have originated from some common ancestor. One paper analyzes the chemical and physical properties of rubredoxin and the way they relate to the structure resulting from an X-ray diffraction. The investigator can use electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) spectroscopy, or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to determine the structural and functional features of simple and conjugated iron-sulfur proteins. He can also use a proton magnetic resonance (PMR) spectroscopy to study the structures and interactions of proteins in solution, such as ribonuclease, lysozyme, and the heme proteins (hemoglobins or myoglobins). Cellular biologists, micro-biologists, bio-chemists, and scientists involved in biological systems research will find this collection very informative.

  • The Viruses

    Biochemical, Biological, and Biophysical Properties
    • 1st Edition
    • F Burnet
    • English
    The Viruses: Biochemical, Biological, and Biophysical Properties, Volume 2: Plant and Bacterial Viruses deals with the biochemistry, biology, and biophysics of plant viruses. The viruses considered are tobacco and turnip yellow mosaic viruses; tobacco ringspot virus; potato virus X; and bacterial viruses, such as lysogenic bacteria and phages. This volume is organized into 10 chapters and begins with a discussion of the tobacco mosaic virus and other plant viruses, emphasizing the process of infection and synthesis and general features of the host-virus system. The next chapters focus on the purification and protein components of plant viruses; the chemical correlates of biological variability in viruses; and biological cycles of plant viruses in insect vectors. This book describes the bacteriophage, which is considered as a model virus in comparison with typical microorganisms and cellular organelles. It also introduces the reader to the kinetics of phage reproduction; the intracellular multiplication of bacterial viruses; and the process of lysogeny in bacteria. The book concludes with a chapter on irradiation of phage with ultraviolet light, decay of incorporated radiophosphorus (""suicide""), and ionizing radiation (usually X-rays). Biologists, botanists, biochemists, biophysicists, and microbial physiologists will find this book a rich source of information on plant and bacterial viruses.

  • Diseases of Shade Trees, Revised Edition

    • 1st Edition
    • Terry A. Tattar
    • English
    This revised edition maintains the clear, nontechnical format of the first, and covers the infectious diseases of shade trees, the major pathogens that cause them, and noninfectious diseases and their agents. Special topics include nonpathogenic conditions, disease diagnosis, and tree injection and implantation. Comprehensive disease control protocols, a detailed discussion of disease diagnosis, and tree diseases of the western and southern United States are among the useful additions to this widely used text and reference. This is an essential book for arboriculturists and students of aboriculture.

  • Plant Peroxisomes

    • 1st Edition
    • Anthony H.C. Huang
    • English
    Plant Peroxisomes deals with the biogenesis of plant peroxisomes and its relevance to the proposed model for peroxisome biogenesis in germinated seeds. The book is divided into seven chapters that discuss the history, cytochemistry, morphology, properties, isolation, metabolism, enzymology, and ontogeny of plant peroxisomes. The book first explains how advances in electron microscopy and cell fractionation studies have led to the detection of peroxisome. The subsequent chapters discuss the types and metabolic functions of plant peroxisomes and the cytochemical procedures for establishing the localization of specific enzymes and for analyzing peroxisome distribution in nonflowering plants, algae, and fungi. A chapter presents methods of peroxisome isolation from various tissues and the physical and chemical properties of the isolated organelles. Considerable chapters are devoted to the metabolic functions, enzymatic activities, development of their form, and biochemistry of peroxisomes. Several key enzymes of the glycolate pathway of photorespiration found in leaf peroxisomes are presented. A discussion on the physiology of plant peroxisomes is provided. This book will be of value to professional scientists and graduate students concerned with plant metabolism and development.

  • 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.

  • Gap Junctions

    • 1st Edition
    • J.E. Hall + 2 more
    • English
    Gap junctions are present in nearly all tissues, regardless of their embronic origin and have long been of great interest to scientists from many different disciplines. The international meeting on which this book is based brought together 157 scientists from 12 countries and almost as many scientific disciplines. The papers presented at the meeting were reviewed and updated prior to publication in this book. The seven parts of the book progress from general topics to the more specific ones (role of gap junctions in various tissues, regulation and biochemistry, and cancer).

  • Regulation of HMG-CoA Reductase

    • 1st Edition
    • Benjamin Preiss
    • English
    Regulation of HMG-CoA Reductase is a nine-chapter text that focuses on the research developments in the regulation of HMG-CoA reductase enzyme and cholesterol biosynthesis. This book deals first with the role of cholesterol in the regulation of its own biosynthesis and the work involving compactin and related competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase. The subsequent chapters examine the reversible phosphorylation of HMG-CoA reductase in hormonal and other short-term physiological changes and the structure and properties of the enzyme, including evidence for modulation of enzyme activity and structure unrelated to phosphorylation. These topics are followed by discussions on the regulation of reductase in the biosynthesis of ubiquinone, dolichols, and isopentenyl-tRNA and the regulation of reductase activity in extrahepatic tissues. This text further explores the contributions made through the use of cultured cells and their genetic manipulation, with emphasis on the great potential of this approach. The concluding chapters address the status of the low-density lipoprotein pathway and related mechanisms. These chapters also consider the regulation of human hepatic HMG-CoA reductase and the special problems inherent in work with human tissues. Enzyme scientists and researchers and graduate students will find this book invaluable.

  • The Physiology of Growth

    • 1st Edition
    • Richard Goss
    • English
    The Physiology of Growth focuses on the physiological mechanisms underlying the growth of organs and tissues such as the epidermis, connective tissues, bone and cartilage, blood cells, and the heart. The atrophy and hypertrophy of muscle, adaptive plasticity of the nervous system, and neural regulation of salivary glands are also explored. Comprised of 24 chapters, this book opens with an overview of the nature of growth, ways to measure growth, and theories of growth. The discussion then turns to the renewal of epidermis; the growth of connective tissues such as collagen and keloids; physical regulation of bone growth and cartilage regrowth; and turnover of blood cells. The following chapters focus on the link between hypertension and heart growth; expansion of arteries and veins; muscle atrophy and hypertrophy; and intraocular regulation of lens development. The effect of lactation on the growth of the mammary glands is also considered, along with liver degeneration and experimental regulation of the testis. This monograph is intended for physiologists, developmental biologists, and students of histology.

  • Physiology of Woody Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Paul Kramer
    • English
    Physiology of Woody Plants explains how physiological processes are involved in growth of woody plants and how they are affected by the environment, including the mechanisms of the processes themselves. Organized into 17 chapters, this book discusses the role of plant physiology, as well as the form and structure of woody plant. It also explores the nature and periodicity of shoot, cambial, root, and reproductive growth of trees of the temperate and tropical zones. Other topics elucidated are the process of photosynthesis and respiration, the various substances found in woody plants, plant nutrition, and factors affecting plant growth. This book will be valuable as a text to students and teachers and as a reference to investigators and others who desire a better understanding of how woody plants grow.

  • Bivalvia Through Reptilia

    • 1st Edition
    • T Pandian
    • English
    Animal Energetics, Volume 2: Bivalvia through Reptilia is part of a two-volume treatise focusing on the integrated picture of the energy transformation process at the organismic level. Since it is almost impossible to restrict meaningful discussions to only one level of organization, some reference is made to population energetics as well as to the suborganismic level. The bioenergetics of both vertebrate and invertebrate groups are discussed. Specifically, the bioenergetics of bivalves, gastropods, bryozoans, pogonophorans, echinoderms, lower chordates, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles are covered. Understanding the efficient and fast transformation of biological energy has become an important issue in world affairs; studies on energetics and growth of thermoconformers can therefore be expected to expand greatly in the future. This book aims to provide many keys to a broader understanding of biology as well as open untrodden avenues to biologists with the quest for newer energy sources and efficient methods of energy utilization.

  • Soil Water Measurement, Plant Responses, and Breeding for Drought Resistance

    • 1st Edition
    • T.T. Kozlowski
    • English
    Water Deficits and Plant Growth, Volume IV: Soil Water Measurement, Plant Responses, and Breeding for Drought Resistance explores the physiological effects of water deficits on plants and their implications on crop yield, water use, and drought resistance. This book also considers drought-resistance measurements and their application to breeding programs. This volume is organized into eight chapters and begins with an overview of measurement of soil water content and the state of water in soils. Particular emphasis is placed on methods developed from technological advances. The next two chapters focus on the structure and functioning of stomata and stomatal conductance in control of gas exchange. The discussion then shifts to the effects of water supply on photosynthesis, leaf shedding, flow of latex, and nitrogen-fixing root nodules. The final chapter is a comprehensive treatment of plant breeding for drought resistance, emphasizing breeding and testing methods as well as parameters and application to breeding programs of drought resistance. This book is a valuable resource for scientists and investigators in fields such as botany, agronomy, forestry, agriculture, and biology.

  • Plant Pathology

    • 1st Edition
    • George Agrios
    • English
    Plant Pathology presents information and advances in plant pathology including disease induction and development and disease resistance and control. This book is organized into two major parts encompassing 14 chapters that focus on diseases, pathogenicity, and pathogen variability. The first part of the book deals with general considerations of disease, the disease cycle, parasitism and pathogenicity, and the variability in pathogens. This is followed by a presentation of the mechanisms by which pathogens cause disease and plants resist disease. Core chapters focus on the effects of pathogen-produced enzymes, toxins, growth regulators, and polysaccharides on the structural organization and on the basic physiological processes of photosynthesis, translocation, and respiration. The chapters also discuss the defense mechanisms of the plant. Moreover, this book explains the genetics of host-parasite interaction, effects of environment on disease development, and control. The second part of the book deals with the infectious diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, parasitic higher plants, viruses, and nematodes. This part also looks into the noninfectious diseases caused by environmental factors. The diseases caused by each type of pathogen are discussed comprehensively as a group and are subsequently discussed individually in detail. This book includes diagrams of cycles for each disease to create visual images for better understanding of the disease and message retention. This book is ideal for students with introductory course in plant pathology.

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