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Books in Life sciences

Neurobiology of Motor Programme Selection
New Approaches to the Study of Behavioural Choice
1st Edition
J. Kien + 2 more
English
The traditional view of motor systems as a linear chain of elements switched on and off by command neurons has become increasingly difficult to maintain in the face of accumulating evidence against the existence of command elements. So far, however, the general formulation of an alternative approach has been lacking. This book, by summarising the evidence against the linear approach to motor systems, argues forcefully against it. Analyses are presented of motor systems ranging from the lobster stomatogastric system through molluscan systems, leech movement, insect singing and locomotion, fish and amphibian behaviour, to goal-directed a movements in primates and volitional movements in humans. Comparison of these motor systems reveal the existence of some general principles underlying motor control and behavioural choice such that motor systems appear generally to be parallel, distributed processing networks. By discussing the treatment of motor systems in terms of parallel distributed processing systems, this book presents in concentrated form an alternative to the earlier view of motor systems. As such, the book is a must for all neuroscientists interested in the organisation of motor systems and the neuronal substrates of behavioural choice.
Bacterial Endotoxins
A Comprehensive Treatise
1st Edition
George Weinbaum + 2 more
English
Microbial Toxins, Volume IV: Bacterial Endotoxins covers a general introduction of bacterial endotoxins, as well as research concerning structure (both morphological and physical), chemistry, immunology, biosynthesis, and genetics of bacterial endotoxins. The book describes the general characteristics of bacterial endotoxins; the anatomy and chemistry of Gram-negative cell envelopes; and the physical structure of bacterial lipopolysaccharides. The text also discusses the isolation and chemical and immunological characterization of bacterial lipopolysaccharides; the chemistry of the unique carbohydrates of bacterial lipopolysaccharides; and the relation of bacteriophage attachment to lipopolysaccharide structure. The chemical and biological heterogeneity of endotoxins, as well as the biosynthesis of the core region of lipopolysaccharide are also considered. The book further tackles the biosynthesis of O-antigens and the genetic aspects of biosynthesis and structure of Salmonella lipopolysaccharide. Microbiologists, biochemists, bacteriologists, immunologists, and people involved in biochemical research will find the book useful.
Comprehensive Insect Physiology, Volume 8
Endocrinology II
1st Edition
G. A. Kerkut
English
Endocrinology II concerns the actions of hormones in insects, complementing Volume 7 which is concerned with the production and chemistry of insect hormones. While the preceding volume is directed mainly towards the insect endocrinologist, this volume has much of intrinsic interest to the general physiologist. It deals with the regulation of metabolism, reproduction, cuticle properties, and certain aspects of behaviour from a systems point of view and amply documents how hormones have provided basic insights into the functioning of such systems. Interference in endocrine regulation could provide future systems for insect control and this volume will provide the foundation on which the future formulation of these strategies is based. More information on diverse aspects of insect hormone action is brought together here than in any previous single work and this volume will therefore be a valuable reference source for many years to come.
International Review of Connective Tissue Research
Volume 6
1st Edition
David A. Hall + 1 more
English
International Review of Connective Tissue Research, Volume 6 presents the relationship between structure and function in connective tissue. This book deals with articular cartilage, a connective tissue that depends for its function on the integrity of its surface. Organized into six chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the structure, biology, chemistry, and biochemistry of collagen. This text then summarizes the data on the construction and application of collagen products to medicine and surgery. Other chapters consider the characteristic of the amino acid composition of basement membranes and the structural features of the synovial joint. This book discusses as well the functional properties of collagenous tissues with emphasis on their behavior when internal or external mechanical stresses are applied. The final chapter deals with the structure of fresh connective tissue based on conventional histological procedures such as dehydration, fixation, embedding, and staining. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists, rheologists, and physicists.
Interleukin-1 in the Brain
1st Edition
Nancy J. Rothwell
English
Interest in interleukin-1 (IL-1) has increased dramatically over the last decade, but has been largely restricted to immunologists, cell biologists and those studying inflammation and cancer. However, it has recently been recognized that the brain directly controls or modulates many aspects of immune function, while molecules classically associated with the immune system, such as interleukin-1, are synthesised within the brain and act directly on the central nervous system to modify local and systemic functions. Thus, this topic is relatively new to neurobiologists, and this book is the first comprehensive description of current knowledge on interleukin-1 in the brain, including its location, synthesis and receptors, actions on behaviour, fever, metabolism, neuroendocrine function, electrical activity of the brain, nerve growth factor, and relationship to clinical indications. The book is organised into three sections. The first reviews the data available on the neural localisation of IL-1 and the nature of its central receptors. The main part of the book examines the different neural effects of IL-1 and the mechanisms which are involved in these actions, comparing IL-1 where possible to other inflammatory cytokines which also have neurotrophic effects. The final section evaluates the possible role of IL-1 in neural plasticity and neuronal degeneration.
Neurobiology of Cytokines, Part B
1st Edition
Volume 17
P. Michael Conn + 1 more
English
Recent data suggest a critical role for cytokines in the regulation of brain and endocrine function under normal physiological conditions. The aim of this volume and its companion Volume 16 is to provide an overview of the effects of cytokines in the brain and in the endocrine system.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Solvents
2nd Edition
Volume 2
D.R. Buhler + 1 more
English
This particular volume, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Solvents, is the second in a comprehensive and up-to-date series. The introduction of new nitrogen- and phosphorus- containing solvents used in industry has been accompanied by an explosion of knowledge about their properties, toxicity and metabolism. Even a relatively simple compound such as N-methylformamide undergoes a complex metabolic transformation in mammals. Such information, and other considerations contained in this volume will supply researchers and students with an excellent information source on modern mechanistic toxicology, while helping to provide a sound scientific basis for accurate health risk assessment.
Assessing Ecological Risks of Biotechnology
1st Edition
Lev R. Ginzburg
English
Assessing Ecological Risks of Biotechnology presents a comprehensive analysis of ecological risk assessment for biotechnology as viewed predominantly by scientists doing research in this area, but also by regulators, philosophers, and research managers. The emphasis is on the ecological risks associated with the release of genetically engineered organisms into the environment. The book contains 17 chapters that are organized into four parts. Part I discusses the ecological experience gained from previous biological introductions. Part II explores the ecology and the genetics of microbial communities. Emphasis is given to the transport of microorganisms since one of the major ecological concerns about biotechnology is the danger of the spread of genetically engineered organisms to ecosystems other than the one to which they are released. Part III reviews mathematical models that can be used for ecological risk assessment at four different levels. Part IV concerns the regulation of biotechnology, current research trends, and social values.
Neuropeptide Analogs, Conjugates, and Fragments
Methods in Neurosciences, Vol. 13
1st Edition
P. Michael Conn
English
Methods in Neurosciences, Volume 13: Neuropeptide Analogs, Conjugates, and Fragments covers the synthesis and characterization of peptide analogs, conjugates, and fragments, their use as ligands for receptors, and their role in the development and use of antisera. The book discusses techniques such as novel synthetic approaches; biotinylation; purification and characterization; radioligand techniques and assay development; use of agonists and antagonists; distinguishing receptor subtypes; conjugation to carrier proteins; antiidiotypic antibody development; and radiolabeling. Neuroscientists, biochemists, neurochemists, and pharmacologists will find the book useful.
International Review of Connective Tissue Research
Volume 2
1st Edition
M. A. Epstein
English
International Review of Connective Tissue Research, Volume 2 is a collection of papers that deals with the morphological background, physiological, and pathological aspects of studies done on connective tissues. One paper discusses the precipitation of collagen fibers from solution — that fibrils form in vitro and in vivo by similar mechanisms. Another paper examines the importance of elastic tissues in the reactions of connective tissue including diseases of the vascular and pulmonary systems. As simple as elastic tissues appear to be, these can be models in studies of the basic structure and function of other more complicated tissues. One author discusses the physiology of the connective tissues of the reproductive tract; he concludes that defects in the connective tissue functions can cause failure in ovulation or the formation of cystic ovaries. Other authors discuss the diseases of collagen and related tissues (rheumatic fever, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis), as well as the aging process. One author analyzes the role of collagen fibers in aging: whether factors exist that causes cross-linking or ester cross-links or the dissolution of the collagen macromolecule associated with the aging of collagen. This book can prove helpful for molecular or cellular biologists, pathologists, physiologists, gerontologists, and researchers in gene therapy, pharmacology or micro-chemistry.

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