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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.

  • Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resources

    • 1st Edition
    • Donald L. Grebner + 2 more
    • English
    Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resources presents a broad overview of the profession of forestry. The book details several key fields within forestry, including forest health, economics, policy, utilization, and forestry careers. Chapters deal specifically with forest products and harvesting, recreation, wildlife habitats, tree anatomy and physiology, and ethics. These topics are ideal for undergraduate introductory courses and include numerous examples (mainly graphical) and questions for students to ponder. Unlike other introductory forestry texts, which focus largely on forest ecology rather than practical forestry concepts, Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resources encompasses economic, ecological, and social aspects providing a uniquely balanced text. The wide range of experience of the contributing authors equips them especially well to identify missing content from other texts in the area and address topics currently covered in corresponding college courses.

  • Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition

    • 3rd Edition
    • English
    The role of nutrition in improving quality of life and combating disease is undeniable — and researchers from different disciplines are bringing their perspectives to bear on this fundamental topic. The 4-volume Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition, Third Edition, is a thorough revision of the previous award-winning version and reflects the scientific advances in the field of human nutrition. It presents the latest understanding on a wide range of nutrition-related topics including food safety, weight management, vitamins, bioengineering of foods, plant based diet and raw foods among others. New articles on organic food, biofortification, nutritional labeling and the effect of religious customs on diet, among many others, reflect the dedication to currency in this revision. It not only contains the most current and thorough information available on the topic, but also contains broader cross-referencing on emerging opportunities for potential treatment and prevention of diseases.An ideal starting point for scientific research, Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition, Third Edition, continues to provide authoritative information in an accessible format, making this complex discipline available to readers at both the professional and non-professional level.

  • Plastic Films in Food Packaging

    Materials, Technology and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Sina Ebnesajjad
    • English
    The value of the groceries purchases in the USA is over $500 billion annually, most of which is accounted for by packaged foods. Plastic packaging of foods is not only ubiquitous in developed economies, but increasingly commonplace in the developing world, where plastic packaging is instrumental in decreasing the proportion of the food supply lost to spoilage. This new handbook is a combination of new material and updated chapters, chosen by Dr. Sina Ebnesajjad, from recently published books on this subject. Plastic Films in Food Packaging offers a practical handbook for engineers, scientists and managers working in the food packaging industry, providing a tailor-made package of science and engineering fundamentals, best practice techniques and guidance on new and emerging technologies. By covering materials, design, packaging processes, machinery and waste management together in one book, the authors enable the reader to take a lifecycle approach to food packaging. The Handbook addresses questions related to film grades, types of packages for different types of foods, packaging technologies, machinery and waste management. Additionally the book provides a review of new and emerging technologies. Two chapters cover the development of barrier films for food packaging and the regulatory and safety aspects of food packaging.

  • Nutritional Management of Renal Disease

    • 3rd Edition
    • Joel D. Kopple + 2 more
    • English
    This translational text offers in-depth reviews of the metabolic and nutritional disorders that are prevalent in patients with renal disease. Chapter topics address the growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Each chapter integrates basic and clinical approaches, from cell biology and genetics to diagnosis, patient management and treatment. Chapters in sections 4-7 include new illustrative case reports, and all chapters emphasize key concepts with chapter-ending summaries. New features also include the latest National Kidney Foundation Clinical Practice Guidelines on Nutrition in Chronic Renal Failure, the most recent scientific discoveries and the latest techniques for assessing nutritional status in renal disease, and literature reviews on patients who receive continuous veno-venous hemofiltration with or without dialysis.

  • Nutrigenetics

    Applying the Science of Personal Nutrition
    • 1st Edition
    • Martin Kohlmeier
    • English
    Nutrigenetics: Applying the Science of Personal Nutrition provides a fully referenced, readable guide to understanding the rationale and importance of nutrigenetic applications and explains why single nutrition recommendations will not fit everybody or even a majority of modern humans. This books explains how genetic variation shapes individual nutrition requirements and sensitivities, presents questions to ask about reported gene-nutrient interactions, and what needs to be done before putting nutrigenetic tests to practical use. This book blends key concepts from the fields of genetics, biochemistry, epidemiology, public health, and clinical medicine to give a rich perspective on the genetically diverse nutritional needs and sensitivities of individuals in health and disease. A steadily increasing number of people order genetic tests to find out what they should eat for better health, well being and performance, and an even greater number asks their healthcare providers about such tests. Most of the currently offered tests are not grounded in current knowledge, often absurdly so, but few professionals can explain why they are misguided. On the other hand, there are more evidence-supported genetic variants that can guide nutrition decisions, but again most healthcare providers know little about them, much less use them in their daily practice. There is a great need for a solidly evidence-based yet accessible book that explains the science of nutrigenetics and provides the tools to evaluate new nutrigenetic tests.

  • Agricultural Sustainability

    Progress and Prospects in Crop Research
    • 1st Edition
    • Gurbir Bhullar + 1 more
    • English
    Collaboratively written by top international experts and established scientists in various fields of agricultural research, this book focuses on the state of food production and sustainability; the problems with degradation of valuable sources of land, water, and air and their effects on food crops; the increasing demand of food resources; and the challenges of food security worldwide. The book provides cutting edge scientific tools and methods of research as well as solid background information that is accessible for those who have a strong interest in agricultural research and development and want to learn more on the challenges facing the global agricultural production systems.

  • Robotics and Automation in the Food Industry

    Current and Future Technologies
    • 1st Edition
    • Darwin G Caldwell
    • English
    The implementation of robotics and automation in the food sector offers great potential for improved safety, quality and profitability by optimising process monitoring and control. Robotics and automation in the food industry provides a comprehensive overview of current and emerging technologies and their applications in different industry sectors.Part one introduces key technologies and significant areas of development, including automatic process control and robotics in the food industry, sensors for automated quality and safety control, and the development of machine vision systems. Optical sensors and online spectroscopy, gripper technologies, wireless sensor networks (WSN) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems are discussed, with consideration of intelligent quality control systems based on fuzzy logic. Part two goes on to investigate robotics and automation in particular unit operations and industry sectors. The automation of bulk sorting and control of food chilling and freezing is considered, followed by chapters on the use of robotics and automation in the processing and packaging of meat, seafood, fresh produce and confectionery. Automatic control of batch thermal processing of canned foods is explored, before a final discussion on automation for a sustainable food industry.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Robotics and automation in the food industry is an indispensable guide for engineering professionals in the food industry, and a key introduction for professionals and academics interested in food production, robotics and automation.

  • 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.

  • Social Insects V1

    • 1st Edition
    • Henry Hermani
    • English
    Social Insects, Volume I is a part of a four-volume discourse and collection of research on insect sociobiology. This volume covers the “modern theory” with certain concepts of insect sociality, particularly through genetic, behavioral, and evolutionary pathways. This book consists of eight chapters, which mostly deal with the sociality of insects and other aspects. The first chapter provides an introduction to the subject of insect sociality. Topics in this chapter include definition of sociality, types of social insects, and insect sociobiology. The next chapter focuses on the origin and evolution of insect sociality and discusses the theories of origin of sociality. The following chapters discuss the aspects of social insects in terms of antiquity and territoriality. Caste differentiation and division of labor is also emphasized, as well as the genetics of sociality. The last two chapters deal with the larvae of the social hymenoptera and the social and evolutionary significance of social insect symbionts. This volume is a good reference for students and teachers in the study of entomology, zoology, and biology.

  • An Introduction to Animal Law

    • 1st Edition
    • Cooper
    • English
    Legislation relating to animals has ancient origins and in many civilizations certain species have held particular significance, be it religious, cultural, nutritional, or sporting. As a general rule, the law was primarily concerned with animals as property, rather than in need of protection, until the 19th century. Since the 1970s animal law has proved to be a growth area in the production and enforcement of both national and international legislation. This has been particularly so in the areas of conservation and welfare and there has been extensive legal and philosophical consideration of the status of animals.This book is not intended to be a standard text, but rather a handbook in the true sense, a guide for the lay person--namely, to help the non-lawyer to understand the basic concepts of animal law and to provide the lawyer (who is the lay person in the world of animal science) with an introduction to relevant concepts and literature which are not normally found in the conventional legal texts.

  • Transport And Diffusion Across Cell Membranes

    • 1st Edition
    • Wilfred Stein
    • English
    Transport and Diffusion across Cell Membranes is a comprehensive treatment of the transport and diffusion of molecules and ions across cell membranes. This book shows that the same kinetic equations (with appropriate modification) can describe all the specialized membrane transport systems: the pores, the carriers, and the two classes of pumps. The kinetic formalism is developed step by step and the features that make a system effective in carrying out its biological role are highlighted. This book is organized into six chapters and begins with an introduction to the structure and dynamics of cell membranes, followed by a discussion on how the membrane acts as a barrier to the transmembrane diffusion of molecules and ions. The following chapters focus on the role of the membrane's protein components in facilitating transmembrane diffusion of specific molecules and ions, measurements of diffusion through pores and the kinetics of diffusion, and the structure of such pores and their biological regulation. This book methodically introduces the reader to the carriers of cell membranes, the kinetics of facilitated diffusion, and cotransport systems. The primary active transport systems are considered, emphasizing the pumping of an ion (sodium, potassium, calcium, or proton) against its electrochemical gradient during the coupled progress of a chemical reaction while a conformational change of the pump enzyme takes place. This book is of interest to advanced undergraduate students, as well as to graduate students and researchers in biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and biophysics.

  • The Macrophage In Neoplasia

    • 1st Edition
    • Mary Fink
    • English
    The Macrophage in Neoplasia is a compilation of papers presented at a workshop held at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on October 8-11, 1975. The book presents the many faceted activities of macrophage. This book is divided according to the five sessions of the workshop. First session talks about the role of tumor macrophages in vivo. It then elucidates the macrophage function and indicates how the interaction of macrophages with other cells can alter the host-tumor balance. The remaining sessions, as presented in this book, explore the mechanism of macrophage mediated cytotoxicity, functional expression of macrophages and neoplasia, and the stimulation of macrophage function and applied therapy.

  • Crops as Enhancers of Nutrient Use

    • 1st Edition
    • R Duncan
    • English
    Crops as Enhancers of Nutrient Use examines the various plant and soil factors that contribute to nutrient use efficiency of plants. It attempts to address policies regarding Low Input Sustainable Agriculture (LISA), conservation-oriente... cropping systems, and reductions in environmental contaminants. It also presents longer-term remedies to some of the inherent problems of high volume applications of expensive fertilizer nutrients. This book emphasizes plant-soil interaction, particularly, nutritional interactions involving rhizosphere, microbes, and stress on the root system. Stress factors include moisture and low and high pH. The book also covers the genetic and physiological response of plant to nutrients at the cellular level, on a whole-plant basis, and when subjected to stress. This book will contribute to the development of a more cost-effective and judicious nutrient usage of major crops.

  • Plant Tissue Culture

    Techniques and Experiments
    • 1st Edition
    • Robert H. Smith
    • English
    Plant Tissue Culture Techniques and Experiments is a manual that contains laboratory exercises about the demonstration of the methods and different plant materials used in plant tissue culture. It provides an overview on the plant cell culture techniques and plant material options in selecting the explant source. This book starts by discussing the proper setup of a tissue culture laboratory and the selection of the culture medium. It then explains the determination of an explant which is the ultimate goal of the cell culture project. The explant is a piece of plant tissue that is used in tissue culture. Furthermore, the book discusses topics about callus induction, regeneration and morphogenesis process, and haploid plants from anther and pollen culture. The meristem culture for virus-free plants and in vitro propagation for commercial propagation of ornamentals are also explained in this manual. The book also provides topics and exercises on the protoplast isolation and fusion and agrobacterium-mediat... transformation of plants. This manual is intended for college students, both graduate and undergraduate, who study chemistry, plant anatomy, and plant physiology.

  • Ecology of Tropical Oceans

    • 1st Edition
    • Bozzano G Luisa
    • English
    This book breaks new ground with the integration of geography, oceanography, plankton and benthic biology, as well as fish, to present a comprehensive account of the ecology of the tropical ocean. Proceeding from a description of the geomorphology, sediments, and vegetation of tropical continental shelves and the oceanography of tropical regions, the authors describe the benthos, plankton, and fish communities of tropical seas. An examination of the production of plant and animal life in tropical oceans is presented together with the numerical population biology of fish and invertebrates.

  • Optical Techniques in Biological Research

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

  • Tropical Diseases of Legumes

    • 1st Edition
    • Julio Bird
    • English
    Tropical Diseases of Legumes consists of papers presented at a workshop held at Rio Piedras Agricultural Station, University of Puerto Rico, in June 1974. Legumes are group of plants that provide an important and often sole source of protein in the diet of millions of people. In the growing problem of hunger, there is an immediate need to raise the production of legumes through better knowledge of plant diseases, by ultimate prevention of these diseases, and through improved crop production. Consequently, a workshop is organized and the presented papers, grouped into four parts, are shown in this book. The first two parts describe the rugaceous and mosaic diseases. Bacterial diseases, chemical control, and ecology of pathogens are explained in the third part of this book. The last part explores the origin and improvement of the common bean, as well as its diseases in the tropical Americas. This book aims to provide a stimulating forum for discussion of the findings and observations in tropical legume disease research.

  • Reproduction of Marine Invertebrates V4

    Molluscs: Gastropods and Cephalopods
    • 1st Edition
    • Arthur Giese
    • English
    Reproduction of Marine Invetebrates, Volume IV Molluscs: Gastropods and Cephalopods describes the wide range of structural complexity and diverse modes of reproduction of gastropods and cephalopods. Each chapter discusses the asexual reproduction, sexual reproduction capacity, and developmental stages of different group of gastropods and cephalopods, including prosobranchia, opisthobranchia, pulmonata, nautiloidea, decapoda, and octopoda. Gastropods are among the most conspicuous sea animals, and species of limpets, snails, and slugs are found in all marine habitats. Cephalopods are active and important marine predators, ranging from archaic nautiloids to more recent pelagic decapods and benthic octopods, which are often considered to be one of the apexes of invertebrate evolution. They are all gonochoric and reproduce only by sexual means. All have intricate courtship behavior and derived developmental patterns. Marine biologists and researchers, scientists, and developmental biologists will find this book invaluable.

  • Agricultural Engineering Soil Mechanics

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 10
    • E. McKyes
    • English
    This book provides an introduction to classical soil mechanics and foundation engineering, and applies these principles to agricultural engineering situations. Theoretical design formulae are given, plus tables and graphs dealing with bearing capacity factors, wall pressure factors, soil cutting numbers and soil mechanical properties. Many example problems of design and analysis are solved in the text, and there are unsolved problems given for each chapter.The text begins with descriptions of soil origins and classification systems, including agricultural classification schemes, and then introduces classical concepts of soil strength and strength measurement techniques in the laboratory and in the field. Soil mechanics is applied to the design of shallow foundations, and the design formulae as well as tables of bearing capacity factors for design use are provided. New research and design findings in the specialized area of tall and heavy farm silos are also given, in addition to deep pile foundation design for heavy structures on very soft soils. Water flow in soils is treated, together with stability of ditch bank slopes and small earth dams, design of retaining walls and pressure pressures in bins and silos, soil erosion and protection methods, soil cutting and tillage design methods, soil compaction analysis, the use of geotextiles and problems of soil freezing.The book is directed primarily at professional university students in Agricultural Engineering, but will also be of interest to scientists working in other engineering branches, landscape architecture, soil physics and the like.

  • Newer Methods of Nutritional Biochemistry V3

    With applications and interpretations
    • 1st Edition
    • Anthony Albanese
    • English
    Newer Methods of Nutritional Biochemistry: With Applications and Interpretations, Volume III presents the pressing problems in emergency feeding of populations in developing areas of the world with emphasis on the need for simple procedures to assess utilization of dietary proteins. This book reviews the criterion of protein utilization and considers the important components of protein metabolism. Organized into 11 chapters, this volume starts with an overview of the metabolic changes induced by deficiencies of essential nutrients. This text then examines the problems of human protein needs in the light of the food habits of vegetarians. Other chapters explore lipid metabolism in terms of its dynamic mechanisms. This book discusses as well the significance of minerals in the utilization of primary foodstuffs, namely, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The final chapter deals with the methodology for studies in human nutrition. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists, graduate students, and clinical researchers.

  • Pathology of Domestic Animals

    • 4th Edition
    • English
    The all-new Fourth Edition of Pathology of Domestic Animals comprehensively covers the biology and pathology of diseases of domestic animals on a systemic basic. Updated and expanded to reflect the current knowledge of the study of domestic animal diseases, this three-volume set appeals to veterinarians, veterinary students, trainee veterinary pathologists learning the scope of their field, and practicing pathologists confronted with diagnostic problems.

  • The Biology of the Monotremes

    • 1st Edition
    • Mervyn Griffiths
    • English
    The Biology of the Monotremes is an attempt to make available all gathered information about monotremes to the greater public. This book specifically targets the students, newly graduates, teachers, and researchers interested in the study of life processes and evolution. This book comprises of 10 chapters. Each chapter except Chapter 10 discusses three genera - Ornithorhynchus, Tachyglossus, and Zaglossus. Chapter 1 serves as an introduction to the subject matter. It covers the discovery and general anatomy of the monotremes. In accordance, Chapter 2 discusses the different kinds of monotremes and its other aspects. Aside from the mentioned genera, it also includes Obdurodon insignis. In Chapter 3, the food and feeding habits of the monotremes is given focus. Meanwhile, the varied physiology of monotremes is the subject of Chapter 4, and temperature regulation in Chapter 5. A more detailed and thorough discussion regarding the anatomy of the monotremes is provided in Chapters 6 through 9. The discussion covers topics including the glands in the endocrine and immune systems, as well as special senses, organs, and behavior of monotremes. Its reproduction and embryology is also discussed. This book explains as well the mammal’s lactation, composition of the milk, sucking, and growth of the young. Lastly, Chapter 10 provides the readers with four differing views regarding the relationship of the monotremes with the rest of the mammals.

  • Plant Nonprotein Amino and Imino Acids

    Biological, Biochemical, and Toxicological Properties
    • 1st Edition
    • Gerald Rosenthal
    • English
    Plant Nonprotein Amino and Imino Acids: Biological, Biochemical, and Toxicological Properties provides a comprehensive discussion of plant nonprotein amino acids. Much of this monograph is written with the neophyte in mind, thus necessitating the presentation of certain basic concepts that are well-known to the advanced worker. Rather than providing an exhaustive coverage of the subject matter, the book attempts to represent effectively the state of the art; to provide a helpful means of identifying and locating the pertinent literature; and to present the basic information necessary to encourage other workers to enter into the study of the nonprotein amino acids. The book begins with a review of nomenclature and physicochemical properties. This is followed by a discussion of analytical methods such as partition paper chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, ninhydrin color reaction, ion-exchange chromatography, and gas chromatography. Subsequent chapters deal with the toxicity of some nonprotein amino acids and their ability to exert debilitating effects in a host of organisms; and the intermediary metabolism of nonprotein amino acids.

  • Soil and Water

    Physical Principles and Processes
    • 1st Edition
    • Daniel Hillel
    • English
    Soil and Water: Physical Principles and Processes describes the physical principles governing the soil-water system and particularly the sequence of processes constituting the cycle of water in the field. Organized into two parts, with a total of 11 chapters, this book first discusses the basic physical properties of both soil and water. Some chapters deal with the state of water in soil and flow of water in saturated and unsaturated soil. The second part focuses on the aspects of field water cycle, starting from the entry of water into soil to the redistribution of soil moisture. It also describes the groundwater drainage, evaporation from bare-surface soils, uptake of soil water by plants, and the water and energy balance in the field. This work is meant for students and professional workers in soil physics and other related disciplines who need or might be interested in a fundamental and up-to-date exposition of soil physics.

  • Insect Pathology V1

    An Advanced Treatise
    • 1st Edition
    • Edward Steinhaus
    • English
    Insect Pathology: An Advanced Treatise, Volume 1 reviews some of the principal developments in insect pathology as well as the major research trends in the field. This book is concerned with non-infectious diseases, microbiota of healthy insects, immunity, physiopathology, predisposition to disease, virus diseases, and rickettsial diseases. Organized into 17 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the nature and scope of insect pathology as a distinct branch of entomology, as well as the challenges involved in the study of insect diseases and some of the principal applications of insect pathology in agriculture, medicine, and general biology. The next chapters introduce the reader to the physical factors that cause injury/harm to insects; the pathological changes induced in insects by chemicals used as insecticides; and insect nutrition and nutritional diseases. The book discusses other diseases in insects, including genetic diseases, tumors, granuloses, rickettsiae, and rickettsioses. This book is a valuable resource for entomologists.

  • The Biology of Crustacea

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

  • 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.

  • Tree Pathology

    A Short Introduction
    • 1st Edition
    • William H. Smith
    • English
    Tree Pathology: A Short Introduction is a compilation of texts about some of the significant stress factors that are capable of inducing tree injuries and diseases. It also provides an overview of some of the examples of the damage caused by each stress factors or agents. In addition, existing hypotheses related to the mechanism by which each agent causes abnormal tree physiology are reviewed. As an introduction, the book provides a discussion on the agents, mechanisms, and control of the pathological stresses of forest trees. It also offers specific examples of forest tree species, mostly from the northeastern portion of the United States, as well as examples of citrus and other fruit or jut tree species. The book then discusses all injury and disease agents including their taxonomy, morphology, physiology, and ecology. It also presents the different mechanisms of the injury and disease, control possibilities on mitigating disease influences of plants, and specific utility of the various procedures used in forest tree disease control. The materials presented in the book are based from the numerous published texts, journal articles, and research reports.

  • Cell Cycle Regulation

    • 1st Edition
    • James R. Jr. Jeter
    • English
    Cell Cycle Regulation describes the interaction of the nuclear genome, the cytoplasmic pools, the organelles, the cell surface, and the extracellular environment that govern the cell cycle regulation. Comprised of 12 chapters, this book includes cell cycle regulation around nuclear chromatin modulation and some aspects of chromatin modification and its effects on gene expression. The opening chapters describe the macromolecular structure of chromatin subunits and the types and kinds of postsynthetic modifications occurring on histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation. The subsequent chapter deals extensively on histone phosphorylation, especially histone H1, H1M, H2A, and H3, during the cell cycle. Another chapter describes a selective histone leakage from nuclei during isolation accounting for the role of histone acetylation and phosphorylation in gene expression. This book goes on examining the assembly of microtubules and structural analysis on the regulatory role of calcium into a pattern for mitosis regulation. Other chapters discuss the methods used to measure intracellular pH changes as a function of the cell cycle of Physarum and the quantitative and qualitative changes taking place during the various phases of the cell cycle. The use of mammalian cell fusion to study cell cycle regulation and the protein synthesis regulation during the cell cycle in Chlamydomonas reinhardi are then discussed. The final chapters focus on the regulation of expression of an inducible structural gene during the cell cycle of the green alga Chlorella. The chapters provide evidence for a model of positive and negative oscillatory control of inducible gene expression. An analysis of the expression of cytoplasmic genes as a function of the cell cycle using pedigrees of a large number of individual yeast cells is also included. This book will appeal to a wide variety of life scientists and to molecular, cellular, and developmental biologists.

  • Molecular Mechanisms In Cellular Growth and Differentiation

    • 1st Edition
    • A.R. Bellve
    • English
    Molecular Mechanisms in Cellular Growth and Differentiation describes the cellular differentiation and development. It emphasizes the pattern formation, specifically the genesis of spatial relationships, among the parts of a vertebrate or invertebrate organism, embryonic or adult. Organized into five parts, this book deals with the major steps leading from growth factor-receptor interactions, through transduction and modulation mechanisms, to proliferative response. It also discusses the relation of growth factors and their receptors to oncogenes and to protooncogenes. It also elucidates the roles of growth factors and receptors in cell differentiation and development, particularly, in pattern formation. The homeotic systems regulated intracellularly and the two differentiation systems thought to involve sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins in conjunction with small molecules are also explored.

  • molecular Approaches to Immunology

    • 1st Edition
    • E.E. Smith
    • English
    Molecular Approaches to Immunology is the 9th volume of the series ""Miami Winter Symposia"". This volume presents papers that cover various aspects about cellular and modern immunology. Cellular immunology deals with the interactions of cells and molecules of the immune system and how these interactions help eliminate pathogens. The main goal of this book is to discuss and provide basic assumptions, approaches, and direction about the advances in the research of immunological science. In relation to this, the chapters of the book examine the recognition of antigen by T-lymphocytes, the role of cell interactions in determining the immune responsiveness, and the concepts behind clonal selection. The book also explains the different genes coding used for antibodies and the characterization of cell surface receptors at molecular level. Furthermore, it examines the evidences for genetic restrictions in cell interactions and the chemical properties of thymosin used in physiological studies. Discussions on the immunoregulation and immunological tolerance by T cells and the growth control of mammalian cells are also presented in this volume. This compilation will be invaluable to biologists, medical practitioners, professors, and students.

  • Molecular Control of Proliferation and Differentiation

    • 1st Edition
    • John Papaconstantinou
    • English
    Molecular Control of Proliferation and Differentiation documents the proceedings of the 35th symposium of The Society for Developmental Biology entitled "Molecular Control of Proliferation and Differentiation," held at Asilomar, Monterey Peninsula, California, June 8-11, 1976. The contributions made by researchers at the symposium are organized into seven parts. Part I presents a paper on cell communication in embryological development. Part II includes studies on growth factors, including fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor. Part III examines the factors affecting nerve cell differentiation and function. It includes papers on nerve growth factor and peptides as central nervous system neurotransmitters. Part IV focuses on cell interactions in blood cell development. It includes studies on factors affecting the differentiation of blood cells and the proliferation of hemopoietic stem cells in vitro. Part V examines cell interactions in the immune system. Part VI deals with cell interactions in organogenesis. Part VII covers the factors effecting differentiation in lower eukaryotes.

  • Towards a Second Green Revolution

    From Chemical to New Biological Technologies in Agriculture in the Tropics
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 19
    • G.B. Marini-Bettòlo
    • English
    Genetic research in some fundamental crops, together with the use of chemicals as pesticides and fertilizers, opened the way in the 1950s and 1960s to great changes in methodology in agriculture - with astonishing results in the tropics. This change became known as the Green Revolution - a truly great revolution in methods and materials which, when applied with intelligence, made possible in a few years the achievement of complete sufficiency in cereals production in South and South East Asia, Mexico and South America. After 20 years of continuous success, aspects of the Green Revolution need to be rediscussed in the light of new findings and possibilities offered by scientific and technological progress - and negative side effects on environment and health. These papers examine the present state of agriculture, and indicate the way forward for its development, especially in the tropics and, in particular, Africa and South America. The need for more research is stressed; priorities in the application of this research are discussed, such as the economic aspects of any new system to be adopted, and the need to respect the ecological equilibria of different environments and the balance of energy input/output in a given agrosystem.

  • Plant Physiology 7A

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

  • Practical Tissue Culture Applications

    • 1st Edition
    • Karl Maramorosch
    • English
    Practical Tissue Culture Applications contains the proceedings of a conference held at the International Laboratory for Research on Animal Diseases in Nairobi, Kenya, August 24-29, 1978. This book aims to describe some of the more important practical applications of in vitro techniques in a simple, easily understandable manner. Organized into three sections, with a total of 27 chapters, this book provides critical reviews, describes various techniques, and presents complete step-by-step methodology. It emphasizes applications pertaining to the health and economy in developing nations. In particular, this book discusses the pitfalls in preparing general purpose culture media, balanced salt solutions, and the procedures followed in the development of modern in vitro techniques. It also describes techniques for cultivation of vertebrate cells and organs; plant tissue culture and its numerous applications; and electron microscopy of cultured cell. This book explains as well virus isolation and identification in cell cultures, mass production of cells for vaccines, and use of cultured cells for drug evaluation. The applications of in vitro techniques to parasitology are explored in numerous chapters of this book. Considering the potential benefit of application of in vitro techniques, this reference material will be of interest both in developed and developing countries.

  • 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.

  • Perspectives In Membrane Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Sergio Estrada-O
    • English
    Perspectives in Membrane Biology is consists of the proceeding of the first Meeting on Perspectives in Membrane Biology held at Oaxaca, Mexico, on January 14-18, 1974. Organized into seven parts, the book first discusses the structure and plasticity of biological membranes. It then explains the ion and metabolite distribution, as well as the conservation of energy and light mediated phenomena in membranes. It also elucidates the role of membranes in genome expression, the association between membrane and immunological response, and the reconstitution of specific membrane functions.

  • The Biology of Pseudomonas

    • 1st Edition
    • J Sokatch
    • English
    The Bacteria, A Treatise on Structure and Function, Volume X: The Biology of Pseudomonas is generally an update of information already published about pseudomonas. This book contains information that has been discovered since the release of “Genetics and Biochemistry of Pseudomonas”. Divided into three parts, the book starts with the foundation, which is the biology of the pseudomonas. The next part deals about the genetics, while the last part tackles the biochemistry of pseudomonas. The first section of this book covers topics including the modern review of the taxonomy of pseudomonas. Other sections include chapters on the important medical applications of features of these bacteria. Chapters on the virulence factors, membrane transport, and plasmids are also presented in this book. The second section of this book deals with genetics and topics including cloning and regulation of transcription. The metabolic versatility is given recognition in the third section of this book. Moreover, this section thoroughly discusses amino acid metabolism, cytochrome, and hydrocarbon catabolism.

  • Regulatory Aspects of Carcinogenesis and Food Additives: The Delaney Clause

    • 1st Edition
    • Frederick Coulston
    • English
    Regulatory Aspects of Carcinogenesis and Food Additives: The Delaney Clause is composed of papers and discussions presented in the seventh meeting of the International Academy of Environmental Safety regarding the philosophy of the Delaney Clause. The Delaney Clause became a part of the Food and Drug Law in 1958. It states in part “that no additive shall be deemed to be safe if it is found to induce cancer when ingested by man or animal, or if it is found after tests which are appropriate for evaluation of safety of food additives to induce cancer in man or animal”. This book covers the different views of the meeting’s participants on the interpretation of the Delaney Clause. It presents list of points that should be considered in making decisions with respect to safety. Many other factors that should be taken into consideration are also discussed in this reference.

  • Cell-Cell Signaling in Vertebrate Development

    • 1st Edition
    • E.J. Robertson
    • English
    Cell-Cell Signaling in Vertebrate Development provides a comprehensive discussion of cell-cell interactions in vertebrate development and the molecular signals that mediate them. The book is divided into six parts, arranged according to major developmental phenomena demonstrated in illustrative systems derived from amphibian, avian, mammalian, and piscine sources. Part I introduces the mechanisms of gene activation in the context of early vertebrate development. Part II is concerned with cellular contacts and the induction process. Cell-cell interactions are illustrated through analyses of neurogenesis in the mouse; embryonic induction is considered in the frog and in the chick. Part III deals with cell migration and differentiation. It examines cell lineages in the frog eyebud; migration phenomena in connection with axon guidance in the embryonic rat spinal cord and mouse visual system; pathfinding by primary motoneurons; and the formation of terminal arbors in zebrafish embryos. Part IV discusses developmental processes that depend on diffusible signals and signal gradients. Part V illustrates pattern formation as exemplified in the developing chick hindbrain and in urodele limb regeneration. Part VI highlights gene expression and its regulation by transcription factors or growth factors in rodent development.

  • Crop Breeding: A Contemporary Basis

    • 1st Edition
    • P. B. Vose + 1 more
    • English
    The aim of this book is to gather together, in an integrated manner, information on the physiology and technology of contemporary plant breeding. The approach is multidisciplinary, with special emphasis being placed on the application of theoretical knowledge to the solution of practical problems concerned with the improvement of crop yield through the breeding of plants better suited to their environment. The role of modern techniques, such as tissue culture and induced mutation are discussed in detail

  • Insects, Science & Society

    • 1st Edition
    • David Pimentel
    • English
    Insects, Science, & Society documents the proceedings of a symposium of the same name celebrating the centennial of entomology at Cornell University. The symposium and the resulting book brought together some of the world's leading entomologists, who discussed recent advances in their diverse specialties. In commemorating the hundred years of entomology, the symposium also honors the founder of the department at Cornell, John Henry Comstock, whose investigations encompassed not only many aspects of entomology—insect taxonomy, morphology, and ecology—but also focused on practical problems of pest control. Starting with a discussion that provides a broad perspective of the interrelationship of insects, science, and society, the remainder of the book presents the contributions made by researchers at the symposium. These contributions are organized into five parts. Part I discusses aspects of the social implications of insects. Part II deals with communication among insects. Part III examines other interactions among insects and between insects and plants. Part IV covers insect population dynamics. Part V deals with insect pest management.

  • Progress in Ape Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Geoffrey Bourne
    • English
    Progress in Ape Research presents the papers reported in the conference organized by the staff of Yerkes Primate Research Center in celebrating the centenary of Dr. Robert Mearns Yerkes' birth, who gave significant contributions to ape research. This book is divided into four sections representing the sessions of the conference. First, the historical beginnings of research on great apes are presented. The other three sections deal mainly with the ongoing studies at the Yerkes Primate Research Center, particularly, in the field of communication and language in great apes, utilization of chimpanzees as biomedical models, and the comparative perspectives of human origins.Presentation... by outstanding scientists from other institutions are also shown. The conference is arranged to honor the memory of Dr. Robert Mearns Yerkes, to inspire, and to emphasize some of the areas in psychobiological and medical sciences to which research on great apes is making a contribution.

  • Biology of Fertilization V1

    Model Systems and Oogenesis
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles Metz
    • English
    Biology of Fertilization, Volume 1: Model Systems and Oogenesis is the first in a three-volume series that gathers various lines of research about reproduction in general and fertilization in particular. Knowledge about cell biology, immunobiology, biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular genetics has progressed significantly beyond our understanding of some aspects of fertilization. Components of these constitute ""model systems."" The present volume includes reviews of such systems, some relatively simple model systems in lower organisms, sex-determining mechanisms, and oogenesis. The book contains 12 chapters organized into two sections. Section I includes studies on evolution, reproductive success, and immortality of the germ line; the structures and mechanisms involved in fertilization problems; and fertilization in Paramecium. Section II on oogenesis includes studies on gamete differentiation; sex-determining role of the H-Y antigen in mammals and non-mammals; the mechanism of starfish oocyte maturation; meiotic arrest in animal oocytes; and the mitotic and meiotic aspects of the mammalian germ cell life cycle.

  • The Fine Structure of Algal Cells

    • 1st Edition
    • John D. Dodge
    • English
    The Fine Structure of Algal Cells is a hybrid between a review and a comprehensive descriptive work on fine structure of algae. Such fine structural data are important for any consideration of the classification of algae and for attempting to analyze their phylogenetic relationships. ”Fine-structure” has provided many vital keys to the understanding of the interrelationships and phylogeny of the algae. Notably, the trend in algal fine structure work is toward use of electron microscopy to try to understand the functions of cells and organelles under both normal and experimental conditions. This book brings together information which has been gathered by electron microscopists. It considers 13 classes of algae: Chlorophyceae, Haptophyceae, Prasinophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, Chloromonadophyceae, Phaeophyceae, Euglenophyceae, Dinophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Xanthophyceae, Rhodophyceae, and Chrysophyceae. It covers the main structural features of the various classes and the organelles present in typical cells. The book also describes the algal cell covering, flagella, pyrenoid, eyespot, nucleus, and ejectile organelles,as well as membranes, envelope, and stroma of algal chloroplasts. Lastly, it also explains the algal cell division. This book will help students visualize and compare algal structure, and at the same time provide enough references so that research workers can enter the literature to find out more precise details from the original sources.

  • 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.

  • New Technologies in Animal Breeding

    • 1st Edition
    • B G Brackett
    • English
    New Technologies in Animal Breeding looks at new reproductive technologies in breeding domestic animals, such as sex selection, frozen storage of oocytes and embryos, in vitro fertilization and embryo culture, amphibian nuclear transplantation, parthenogenesis, identical twins and cloning in mammals, and gene transfer in mammalian cells. It summarizes the state-of-the art and offers perspectives on future directions for several animal industries of great importance in food production, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer, poultry breeding, and aquaculture. Organized into five sections encompassing 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of animals in society and perspectives on animal breeding. It then discusses the animal industries that are heavily dependent on reproductive technology, including those engaged in cloning, selfing, aquaculture, artificial insemination, and embryo transfer. It also explains the developing technologies as well as their potential applications and impacts on animal production, along with special economic considerations, such as the benefits of reproductive management, synchronization of estrus, and artificial insemination of beef cattle and sheep. The final chapter considers biomedical and agricultural research, implementation of new technologies in animal breeding, and research in animal reproduction. This book is an essential reference for scientists and researchers interested in animal science and animal reproduction.

  • Growth, Nutrition, and Metabolism of Cells In Culture V3

    • 1st Edition
    • George Rothblat
    • English
    Growth, Nutrition, and Metabolism of Cells in Culture, Volume 3, focuses on a number of specific, timely areas of research that make use of cell and tissue culture. The major theme of this volume is growth and its regulation in animal cells. The book includes studies on the role of growth factors in cell culture systems; the effects of cyclic nucleotides in cell proliferation in culture; metabolic regulation during the cell cycle; and the role of the cell surface in growth and metabolic regulation. There are also separate chapters on aspects of abnormal cell growth and metabolism; DNA repair; genetic analysis using cell fusion techniques; the growth of vascular cells in culture for atherosclerosis research; the culture of haploid vertebrate cells for genetic analysis of cell function; data on haploid cell culture; and the value of using cell cultures to test for the possible toxicity of various pharmacologic agents.

  • 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.

  • Herbivorous Insects

    Host-seeking Behavior and mechanisms
    • 1st Edition
    • Sami Ahmad
    • English
    Herbivorous Insects: Host-Seeking Behavior and Mechanisms addresses mechanisms of searching behavior leading ultimately to host location of herbivorous insects. It is divided into four sections, wherein the first two sections deal with neurophysiology and the diversity of behavioral induction cues. The third section covers the searching mechanisms as affected by insects' breadth of diet. The last part examines the evolutionary analysis of the behavioral and physiological adaptations in insect/host plant relations. This book starts with an introduction to the chemical sensory system as it relates to host selection in general. This is followed by considerable discussions on host-seeking behavior and allied patterns in behavior. This text also includes the study of oviposition behavior in butterflies belonging to Papilionidae. The third section presents host selection and colonization by three insects within the saprophage-predator continuum, namely, Hylurgopinus rufipes, Scolytus multistriatus, and Pissodes strobi. The behaviors by which certain oligophagous insects locate and select food plants are also considered. The concluding part addresses the unifying theme and the diversity of responses of phytophagous insects to plants. The book provides direction toward developing a unifying theme and improving the ability to unravel the complexities of insect/plant interactions. Behaviorists, ecologists, entomologists, evolutionary biologists, and physiologists will find this book invaluable.

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