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Elsevier

Books in Life sciences

  • Advances in Biomedical Engineering

    Published Under the Auspices of the Biomedical Engineering Society
    • 1st Edition
    • J. H. U. Brown + 1 more
    • English
    Advances in Biomedical Engineering, Volume 2, is a collection of papers that discusses the basic sciences, the applied sciences of engineering, the medical sciences, and the delivery of health services. One paper discusses the models of adrenal cortical control, including the secretion and metabolism of cortisol (the controlled process), as well as the initiation and modulation of secretion of ACTH (the controller). Another paper discusses hospital computer systems—application problems, objective evaluation of technology, and multiple pathways for future hospital computer applications. The possible information paths of an orthotic or prosthetic systems using computing ability include the following components: signal sources, transducers, signal processors, output systems, feedback receptors, and local feedback. Ultrasound energy is a powerful diagnostic tool since it is nondestructive and has asertainability characteristics. The medical technician or researcher can also use gas-phase analytical instruments and analytical systems in investigative chemical methods involving microgram, nanogram or pictogram amounts of individual organic compounds. The collection is suitable for biochemists, microbiologists, bio-engineers, and investigators whose works involve biomedical engineering and physiological research.

  • Metabolic Activation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons

    • 1st Edition
    • Wing-Sum Tsang + 1 more
    • English
    Metabolic Activation of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons deals with the metabolic activation of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and covers topics ranging from the cytotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects of arene oxides to the role of secondary metabolites as ultimate carcinogens. The mechanism of binding of metabolites derived from polynuclear hydrocarbons to key cellular sites is also discussed. This book begins with a brief review of the early work on the mechanism of chemical carcinogenesis by polynuclear hydrocarbons, followed by a detailed survey of pertinent literature in the field. The cytotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects of arene oxides are analyzed, along with the solvolytic and nucleophilic reactions of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) diol epoxides. The discussion then turns to the carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and cytotoxicity of BaP metabolites; the "Bay-region" theory of carcinogenic activity and perturbational molecular orbital theory; and the mechanism of binding of metabolites derived from polynuclear hydrocarbons to key cellular sites. Research on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons pertaining to the "Bay-region" theory is also presented. This monograph will be of interest to chemists, biochemists, and oncologists.

  • A Laboratory Manual of Analytical Methods of Protein Chemistry

    Volume 4
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Alexander + 1 more
    • English
    A Laboratory Manual of Analytical Methods of Protein Chemistry, Volume 4 provides information pertinent to the fundamental aspects of protein chemistry. This book discusses the simple and accurate methods of estimating specific proteins. Organized into six chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the composition of acids and experimental conditions for the acid hydrolysis of proteins. This text then examines the advantages of high-voltage electrophoresis for amino acid analysis, which are paralleled by equal advantages in the peptide separation field. Other chapters consider the simple technique of estimating specific proteins, which is one of several based on the phenomenon of antigen-antibody precipitation in gels. This book discusses as well the summations of analyses in weight percentages of the various residues and of the nitrogen of each constituent. The final chapter deals with the electrical properties of molecules. This book is a valuable resource for physicists and research workers.

  • Aspects of Developmental and Comparative Immunology

    Proceedings of the 1st Congress of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 27 July - 1 August 1980, Aberdeen
    • 1st Edition
    • J. B. Solomon
    • English
    Aspects of Developmental and Comparative Immunology contains the proceedings of the 1st Congress of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, held from July 27 to August 1, 1980 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The papers explore various aspects of developmental and comparative immunology and cover topics ranging from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and membrane immunoglobulins to idiotypes and diversity, comparative ontogeny, and evolution of lymphoid organ function. Comprised of 105 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of how the host immune system utilizes polymorphic MHC antigens as the principal tool for pseudo-self versus true self distinction. The reader is then introduced to the immunology of earthworms, membrane immunoglobulins, idiotypes, and diversity. Subsequent chapters focus on the evolution of lymphoid organs in vertebrates; differentiation clocks in comparative immunology of mammals and birds; immunorecognition in invertebrates such as insects and gastropods; and the phylogeny of leucocytes in vertebrates and invertebrates. The remaining sections deal with stem cells, immune responses of gut-associated lymphoepithelial tissue, and the ontogeny of resistance to infection as well as the ontogeny of killer cells. Finally, the immunology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, chickens, and mammals is examined. This monograph will be of interest to immunobiologists.

  • Genetics and the Quality of Life

    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Birch + 1 more
    • English
    Genetics and the Quality of Life covers the papers and report of a consultation on Genetics and the Quality of Life, held in Zurich on June 25-29, 1973, organized by the sub-unit on Church and Society of the World Council of Churches in cooperation with the Christian Medical Commission. The book focuses on the interrelation of genetics and quality of life. The selection first elaborates on genetics and moral responsibility and ethics and the new biology. Discussions focus on breakdown of values, genetically determined debility versus socially determined debility, ethical problems, and genetic inequality and moral responsibility. The text then examines ethical issues raised by eugenics, judging the social values of scientific advances, ethical problems raised by genetics, and problems raised by eugenics in Africa. Topics include the right to an adequate physical and mental endowment, genetic engineering, euphenics, constraints imposed by genetics, fertilization of human ova in vitro, and ethical questions in eugenics. The manuscript reviews findings on genetics and the quality of life, sociogenetic problems and public opinion, social and ethical problems in caring for genetically handicapped children, ethical problems in genetic counselling, and psychological issues in counselling the genetically handicapped. The selection is a dependable source of information for researchers interested in the connection of genetics and quality of life.

  • Plant Metabolism

    • 1st Edition
    • H. E. Street + 1 more
    • English
    Plant Metabolism, Second Edition focuses on the processes, principles, and methodologies involved in the metabolism of higher plants. The book first elaborates on cell structure and function, enzymes, and catabolism. Discussions focus on the control of respiration, conservation of the energy liberated in respiration, chemical pathways of respiration, enzymes in the living cell, prosthetic groups and coenzymes, protein nature of enzymes, general structure of plant cells, and osmotic behavior of cells. The manuscript then tackles anabolism and secondary plant products. Topics include phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, isoprenoid compounds, assimilation of nitrogen and sulfur, synthesis of sucrose and polysaccharides, location of the photosynthetic apparatus, influence of external factors on the rate of photosynthesis, and general nature of photosynthesis. The text takes a look at growth and differentiation, absorption, secretion, and translocation, secondary plant products, and regulation of metabolism. The publication is a valuable source of data for plant science experts and researchers interested in plant metabolism.

  • Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Muscle Function

    Proceedings of the 28th International Congress of Physiological Sciences Budapest 1980, (including the proceedings of the satellite symposium on Membrane Control of Skeletal Muscle Function)
    • 1st Edition
    • E. Varga + 2 more
    • English
    Advances in Physiological Sciences, Volume 5: Molecular and Cellular Aspects of Muscle Function covers the proceedings of the 28th International Congress of Physiological Sciences, held in Budapest in 1980 (including the proceedings of the satellite symposium on Membrane Control of Skeletal Muscle Function). The book focuses on the molecular and cellular facets of skeletal muscle function. The selection first offers information on the mechanical properties of cross-bridges and their relation to muscle contraction; molecular basis of functional specialization in muscle as induced by innervation; and electrical properties of crustacean muscle membranes. The text then ponders on contractile protein isoforms in developing muscle; effect of age and exercise on minced gastrocnemius muscle regeneration; and contractile proteins of rat gastrocnemius during its regeneration after mincing. The publication examines the behavior of myosin projections in frog striated muscle during isometric contraction; energetics of contracting muscle and its relation to crossbridge mechanisms; and time course of chemical change and energy production during contraction of frog skeletal muscle. The physiological analysis of human myopathy and adaptation in normal and diseased muscle are also discussed. The selection is a vital source of data for readers interested in the cellular and molecular aspects of muscle function.

  • Membrane Proteins

    FEBS Federation of European Biochemical Societies: 11th Meeting, Copenhagen, 1977
    • 1st Edition
    • Peter Nicholls + 2 more
    • English
    Membrane Proteins contains the proceedings of the 11th Meeting of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies, held in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1977. The meeting provided a forum for discussing progress that has been made in understanding membrane proteins. Topics covered range from hydrogen and electron transfer in mitochondria to energy-transferring systems as well as ATPases and hormone receptors. Comprised of 31 chapters, this volume begins by reporting the results of a study that examined the state of association of several important membrane proteins. The discussion then turns to future prospects for membrane structures; hydrogen and electron transfer in mitochondria; and the molecular mechanism of the respiratory chain proton pump. Subsequent chapters explore energy coupling in reconstituted segments of the respiratory chain; retinal-protein interaction in bacteriorhodopsin; the functional significance of protein-protein interactions in the sarcoplasmic reticulum; and the role of calcium in the action of insulin. This book will be of interest to biochemists.

  • The Mind–Body Problem

    A Psychobiological Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • Mario Bunge
    • Mario Bunge
    • English
    The Mind–Body Problem: A Psychobiological Approach examines the mind-body problem from a psychobiological perspective. It intends to show that the idea of a separate mental entity is not only unwarranted by the available data and the existing psychological models, but collides head-on with the most fundamental ideas of all modern science and is thus a stumbling block to progress. The book abandons ordinary language in favor of the state space language, which is mathematically precise and is shared by science and scientific philosophy. Comprised of 10 chapters, this monograph begins with an overview of the mind-body problem and its main proposed solutions, classified into main genera: psychophysical monism and psychophysical dualism. In particular, ten views on the mind-body problem are analyzed, along with three main varieties of materialism with regards to the problem: eliminative, reductive (or leveling), and emergentist. The discussion then turns to the notion of a concrete or material system, based on the assumption that behavior is an external manifestation of neural processes. Subsequent chapters explore the specific functions of the central nervous system; sensation and perception; behavior and motivation; memory and learning; thinking and knowing; and consciousness and personality. The book also considers sociality and social behavior in animals before concluding with an assessment of a psychological explanation of the mind, with emphasis on dualism and monism. This work will be of interest to students, academicians, practitioners, and investigators in the fields of psychobiology, psychology, neurophysiology, and philosophy.

  • Progress in Lipid Research

    Volume 18
    • 1st Edition
    • Ralph T. Holman
    • English
    Progress in Lipid Research, Volume 18 focuses on the advancements of processes, methodologies, and approaches involved in lipid research. The selection first elaborates on lipid composition of marine and estuarine invertebrates; role of acylcoenzyme A: cholesterol O-acyltransferase in cholesterol metabolism; and synthesis of acyl lipids in plant tissues. Discussions focus on fatty acid synthesis, turnover of complex lipids, arterial wall and atherosclerosis, cholesteryl ester metabolism, and solubilization. The text then examines the effects of ethanol ingestion on lipid metabolism, including fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis, lipid peroxidation, plasma triacylglycerols and lipoproteins, phospholipid metabolism, and cholesterol and bile acids. The publication takes a look at lipid metabolism in liver and selected tissues and in the whole body of ruminant animals and the effect of caval shunts on lipid metabolism. Topics include adaptation and regulation of lipid metabolism in the whole animal, lipid metabolism in specific tissues, and the effects of caval shunts on tissue lipids. The text also ponders on lipid metabolism in the neonatal ruminant, as well as transfer of lipids across the placenta, maternal contribution to fetal lipid requirements, and placental lipid metabolism. The selection is a dependable source of data for readers interested in lipid research.

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