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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.

  • Data Analysis in Biochemistry and Biophysics

    • 1st Edition
    • Magar Mager
    • English
    Data Analysis in Biochemistry and Biophysics describes the techniques how to derive the most amount of quantitative and statistical information from data gathered in enzyme kinetics, protein-ligand equilibria, optical rotatory dispersion, chemical relaxation methods. This book focuses on the determination and analysis of parameters in different models that are used in biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular biology. The Michaelis-Menten equation can explain the process to obtain the maximum amount of information by determining the parameters of the model. This text also explains the fundamentals present in hypothesis testing, and the equation that represents the statistical aspects of a linear model occurring frequently in this field of testing. This book also analyzes the ultraviolet spectra of nucleic acids, particularly, to establish the composition of melting regions of nucleic acids. The investigator can use the matrix rank analysis to determine the spectra to substantiate systems whose functions are not known. This text also explains flow techniques and relaxation methods associated with rapid reactions to determine transient kinetic parameters. This book is suitable for molecular biologists, biophysicists, physiologists, biochemists, bio- mathematicians, statisticians, computer programmers, and investigators involved in related sciences

  • Biological Environmental Impact Studies

    Theory and Methods
    • 1st Edition
    • Diana V. Ward
    • English
    Biological Environmental Impact Studies: Theory and Methods explains how an environmental impact study aimed at predicting biological changes can be approached and accomplished. It explores environmental impact studies from an ecosystem function point of view and highlights ecological tools and guidelines for use in biological studies in the context of environmental impact assessment. It also considers four general concepts of biological impact studies: synergy, experimental control and causality, measures of ecosystem change, and the interrelationships between structure, function, and time. Organized into seven chapters, this volume begins with an overview of environmental impact and environmental impact analysis, field surveys and their objectives, and mathematical modeling of biological systems. It then discusses time frames for ecological impacts; the role of field experiments and laboratory studies in environmental impact assessment; and common types of biological impact studies, including a study that investigated the impact of insecticides on the ecology of salt marshes in New Jersey and the effects of dredging, filling, and lagoon construction on tidal wetlands in Delaware. This book is a valuable resource for biologists, biology students, managers, and government agents interested in environmental impact assessment.

  • Fundamentals of Weed Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Robert Zimdahl
    • English
    Fundamentals of Weed Science provides an introduction to the basic principles of weed science for undergraduate courses. It discusses several aspects of weed biology and control, and traces the history of herbicide development. The book begins with an introduction to weeds, covering their definition, characteristics, harmful aspects, and the cost of weed control. This is followed chapters on weed classification, the uses of weeds, weed biology, weed ecology, allelopathy, the significance of plant competition, weed management and control methods, and biological weed control. Later chapters deal with herbicidesthe most important weed control tools and the ones with the greatest potential for untoward effects. Students of weed science must understand herbicides and the factors governing their use as well as the potential for misuse. These chapters discuss chemical weed control, the properties and uses of herbicides, factors affecting herbicide performance, herbicide application, herbicide formulation, ecological impact of herbicides, pesticide registration and legislation, weed management systems, and the future of weed science.

  • Plant Responses and Control of Water Balance

    • 1st Edition
    • T.T. Kozlowski
    • English
    Water Deficits and Plant Growth, Volume III: Plant Responses and Control of Water Balance focuses on the influence of water deficits on shrinkage of plant tissues, seed germination, reproductive growth, and internal plant responses such as protoplasmic resistance to desiccation, enzymatic activity, nitrogen metabolism, hormonal relations, and mineral nutrition. This book also considers alleviation and control of water deficits in plants. This volume is organized into 10 chapters and begins with an overview of shrinkage and swelling in plant tissues and their biological implications, along with some basic aspects of seed germination and environmental factors affecting germination as well as its relation to soil moisture. The discussion then shifts to the impact of water deficits on growth of fruits at different stages of development, from flowering to fruit ripening, and the ability of the protoplasm to survive a serious reduction in water content (known as protoplasmic resistance). The following chapters explore the effects of water deficits on enzyme activity, nutrient availability, nitrogen metabolism, and hormonal distribution in plants. This book also looks at transpiration in plants and how to reduce it, and then concludes with a chapter on soil water conservation as a problem of management of available water resources in the context of agriculture. This book is a valuable resource for scientists and investigators in fields such as botany, plant pathology, forestry, and agriculture.

  • Scale-Up and Automation in Plant Propagation

    Cell Culture and somatic cell Genetics of Plants
    • 1st Edition
    • Indra Vasil
    • English
    Scale-Up and Automation in Plant Propagation reviews methods of automation and scale-up of plant propagation in vitro. It looks at the large scale clonal propagation of plants, or micropropagation, as the first major practical application of plant biotechnology. It also discusses the advantages and limitations of micropropagation and evaluates current methods of commercial micropropagation. Organized into 13 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the benefits of scaling up and automating plant propagation before proceeding with a discussion of synthetic seeds and their use for plant propagation, along with problems and economic considerations associated with synthetic seed technology. It then considers the implementation of somatic embryogenesis technology for clonal forestry, the development and commercialization of bioreactor technology for automated propagation of potato microtubers and lily microbulbs, and approaches to automated propagation of fruit trees. Other chapters focus on issues of cost reduction and development of ""new"" products, scale-up and operation of prototype bioreactors for plant propagation, and application of machine vision technology to scale-up and automated evaluation of somatic embryogenesis in sweet potato. The book also describes methods of measurement and control of the environment in culture, environmental factors affecting photosynthesis, and use of robotics and field transplanters in the automation of plant propagation. Scientists and plant breeders will find this book extremely useful.

  • A Flexible System of Enzymatic Analysis

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

  • Concepts of Membrane Structure

    • 1st Edition
    • Ronald Aloia
    • English
    Membrane Fluidity in Biology, Volume 1: Concepts of Membrane Structure covers membrane properties influenced by alterations in membrane lipid compositions and/or other organizational parameters that are encompassed by the term fluidity. This book is composed of eight chapters that discuss significance of fluidity changes in both normal and pathological cellular functions. This book starts by describing membrane structural organization and composition and arrangement of the molecular components of cell membranes. This is followed by discussions on structural properties of lipids and role of nonbilayer lipid structures in membrane fusion. The methodological approaches in study of cellular membrane structural diversity and fluid mosaic model for accurate representation of membrane fluidity are also discussed. This volume then describes the phenomenon of reversed or ""negative"" membrane images, as viewed with transmission electron microscope. Chapters 6 and 7 explain the interaction of cytochrome P-450 with phospholipids and proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum and steps in the derivation of membrane structure and packing principles. Finally, the concluding chapter focuses on the membrane of the human red blood cell and presents relatively simple arguments concerning its physical properties. The book will serve as a primary source for research scientists and teachers interested in cellular membrane fluidity phenomena.

  • Before Water Management Measures

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 15A
    • English
    The ultimate motivation for the study which is the subject of this book was the need to draw conclusions on the impact of man's activity on natural ecosystems. The results characterize the situation of the south-Moravian floodplain forest in the period of fading uncontrolled floods before the extensive technical measures successively changed the moisture regime by eliminating inundation and lowering the level of underground water. This publication is unique in Czechoslovakia as it records the ecological situation in the floodplain forest prior to the major and irreversible changes. The study also documents the exceptional role played by the Central-European floodplain forest in maintaining the gene pool and structure of the one thousand or so species in flora and fauna of an agricultural region.

  • Nutrition of Grazing Ruminants in Warm Climates

    • 1st Edition
    • English
    @from:From the PrefaceThe objective of this book is to review the basic knowledge and methodology of feeding grazing ruminants in tropical and semitropical countries. It is hoped this information will be of use to farmers, research specialists, teachers, students, extension specialists, feed manufacturers, and others throughout the world concerned with the nutrition of grazing ruminants. A unique feature is the identification of nutritional limitations of grazing ruminants in the tropics, which will be beneficial for increasing animal production efficiency through the application of improved nutrition. A large number of photographs illustrate nutritional deficiencies and conditions in tropical countries.This book contains 18 chapters concerned with the nutrition of grazing ruminants. The first chapter deals with the contributions, locations, and various types of ruminants and their importance to human welfare in the tropics and subtropics. Chapters 2 - 4 progress through nutrient requirements of grazing ruminants in warm climates, the effects of tropical heat on these requirements, and water requirements for ruminant species. Chapters 5 - 7 discuss grass and legume forage species suitable for tropical regions, pasture management procedures, and energy-protein supplementation programs needed during the extensive dry periods. The importance of tropical forages and soils toward meeting mineral requirements is discussed in Chapter 8. Chapters 9 -14 contain concise, up-to-date summaries of minerals emphasizing mineral status, incidence of mineral deficiencies and excesses in tropical regions, and benefits and methods of mineral supplementation for grazing ruminants are discussed in Chapters 15 - 17. Chapter 18 reviews vitamin nutrition considerations for ruminants consuming tropical forages.

  • 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.

  • Plant Growth and Development

    A Molecular Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • Donald E. Fosket
    • English
    Plant Growth and Development: A Molecular Approach presents the field of plant development from both molecular and genetic perspectives. This field has evolved at a rapid rate over the past five years through the increasing exploitation of the remarkable plant Arabidopsis. The small genome, rapid life cycle, and ease of transformation of Arabidopsis, as well as the relatively large number of laboratories that are using this plant for their research, have lead to an exponential increase in information about plant development mechanisms.In Plant Growth and Development: A Molecular Approach Professor Fosket synthesizes this flood of new information in a way that conveys to students the excitement of this still growing field. His textbook is based on notes developed over more than ten years of teaching a course on the molecular analysis of plant growth and development and assumes no special knowledge of plant biology. It is intended for advanced undergraduates in plant development, as well as those in plant molecular biology. Graduate students and researchers who are just beginning to work in the field will also find much valuable information in this book. Each chapter concludes with questions for study and review as well as suggestions for further reading. Illustrated with two-color drawings and graphs throughout, and containing up-to-date and comprehensive coverage, Plant Growth and Development: A Molecular Approach will excite and inform students as it increases their understanding of plant science.

  • Disease Resistance in Plants

    • 2nd Edition
    • J.E. Vanderplank
    • English
    Disease Resistance in Plants, Second Edition, looks at genetic, epidemiologic, biochemical, and biometric principles for developing new cultivars possessing genetic resistance to diseases. It examines the nature of disease resistance and resistance genes, and it highlights the importance of stabilizing selection, sugar, biotrophy, and necrotrophy to obtain the greatest possible yields. Organized into 17 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of disease resistance in plants and the ways to develop disease-resistant variants. It then discusses unspecific resistance; the resistance gene paradox; susceptibility and resistance within narrow host taxa; phenotypic variation and gene numbers in host plants; discontinuous variation and cytoplasmic inheritance; and experimental difficulties in partitioning variance. The reader is also introduced to epistasis and the structure of virulence in pathogens; the notion of physiological race; how the pathogen adapts to the host; mutation in the pathogen from avirulence to virulence; horizontal and vertical resistance to disease and its epidemiological effects; and the link between protein polymorphism and vertical resistance. In addition, the book discusses genes for susceptibility in the host versus genes for avirulence (or virulence) in the pathogen; sink-induced loss of resistance; high-sugar disease processes and biotrophy; slow rusting of cereal crops; plant resistance against endemic disease; and the accumulation of resistance genes in heterogeneous host populations. This book will be useful to plant pathologists and plant breeders.

  • Biological Applications of Magnetic Resonance

    • 1st Edition
    • R Shulman
    • English
    Biological Applications of Magnetic Resonance discusses various applications of magnetic resonance techniques. The book's opening chapter examines the exchange behavior of the hydrogen-bonded protons and its influence on their nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. This is followed by separate chapters dealing with NMR studies of nucleic acid and drug-nucleic acid complexes. Aspects of the basic theory of the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) are presented, along with applications of NOEs observed for protons in biomolecules. Subsequent chapters cover specialized EPR techniques that have been applied to biological problems; the use of physical methods to refine a model of the combing site of the Fv fragment of protein 315; and the utility of model compounds in the analysis of hemoprotein NMR spectra. The remaining chapters discuss serine proteinases that have been investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy; the use of NMR in the study of intact living tissue and organs; and 31P and 13C NMR studies of E. coli cells.

  • Microbiological Assay

    An Introduction to quantitative principles and Evaluation
    • 1st Edition
    • William Hewitt
    • English
    Microbiological Assay: An Introduction to Quantitative Principles and Evaluation aims to provide an introduction to the principles of microbiological assay, assay design, and calculation procedures. Organized into nine chapters, this book begins with the philosophy of biological assay, as well as the method’s basic techniques, principles, mechanization, automation, purpose, reference standards, specifications, and reports. It also looks into the preparation of test solutions of standard and sample. Some chapters follow explaining the specific methods, such as agar diffusion assay and tube assay; others explore the statistical evaluation of these assays. Features of assay design, such as replication, number of dose levels, and spacing of dose levels, are also described. This book will serve as an elementary introduction to this field of interest to help encourage a less empirical approach to the subject.

  • Nitrogen Management and Ground Water Protection

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 21
    • Ronald F Follett
    • English
    Supplying crops with adequate nitrogen is vital to ensuring food supplies. Once nitrogen is added to the soil, it is subject to chemical transformations of the nitrogen-cycle including transformation to nitrate. Excessive amounts of accumulated nitrate may then leach out of the soil and could potentially enter and contaminate drinking water supplies. The purpose of this book is to examine the subject of nitrogen management and ground water protection.The issue of maintaining ground water quality is addressed primarily from an agronomic point of view. Topics covered include: health and economic aspects of nitrate in drinking water; nitrate sources; ground water nitrate in the USA and other developed countries; transport, leaching and accounting for nitrogen; soil, nitrogen, crop and water management; and nitrate in aquifer systems. The book contains a keyword index and is organized into thirteen chapters, each with appropriate references, tables and figures. Chapter authors are among the leading experts on the subject of nitrate and ground water quality.Readers to whom the book is directed include soil scientists and agronomists, agricultural engineers (irrigation and drainage), environmental scientists, agricultural policy makers, and hydrologists.

  • Internal Anatomy and Physiological Regulation

    • 1st Edition
    • Linda Mantel
    • English
    The Biology of Crustacea, Volume 5: Internal Anatomy and Physiological Regulation is an eight-chapter book that begins with a discussion on the internal anatomy of Crustacea with emphasis on its major organ systems. This volume provides information on the regulation of the composition of hemolymph and provision of energy to tissues. Some chapters deal with the exchange and transport of gases, particularly, on ventilation, perfusion, and oxygen transport. Because this book contains vast background information and perspective on the subject matter, it will be a valuable source for zoologists, paleontologists, ecologists, physiologists, endocrinologists, morphologists, pathologists, and marine biologists. It will be an essential reference work for institutional libraries as well.

  • Biological Approaches and Evolutionary Trends in Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Shoichi Kawano
    • English
    Biological Approaches and Evolutionary Trends in Plants is a collection of papers presented at the Fourth International Symposium of Plant Biosystematics held on July 10-14, 1989 in Kyoto, Japan. Contributors, some are world's leading plant biologists, discuss the findings in evolutionary biology and issues in plant biosystematics in light of the evidence and ideas brought forward at various levels of biological organization, from molecule to cell, individual, population, species, and community levels. This volume is organized into four sections encompassing 22 chapters and begins with an overview of discoveries concerning parapatric differentiation of weed populations, including adaptive evolution in herbicide resistant biotypes and complex evolutionary patterns in weed-crop complexes of various groups. The next section explores molecular approaches in plant biosystematics, focusing on amino acid sequencing of proteins; restriction-site variations of cpDNA, mitDNA, rDNA, etc.; and chromosome-banding patterns revealed by differential staining. The discussion shifts to a wave of research in plant population biology and evolutionary ecology since the 1970s and its impact on biology and biosystematics. The book considers various aspects of reproductive biology and evolutionary changes in significant reproductive parameters and attempts to demographically quantify these parameters. The final chapter is devoted to the use of functional phylogenetic systematics for predictive ecology. This book will be of interest to plant biologists and scientists and researchers in fields such as biochemistry, botany, microbiology, ecology, and evolutionary biology.

  • Agricultural Policy Formation in the European Community

    The Birth of Milk Quotas and CAP Reform
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • M. Petit + 5 more
    • English
    Understanding why agricultural policies of developed countries are what they are is critical on several accounts for the developed countries as a group and for individual countries. It is important because the inter-dependencies among national agricultural policies are so numerous, as illustrated by the ongoing agricultural trade confrontation between the United States and the European Community; confrontation that is vividly expressed in the current subsidy war between the two trading blocs. The stakes for developing countries are also very high because the domestic agricultural policies of these two giants have a considerable influence on the international markets of major agricultural commodities.Studying why policies are what they are is an important research issue: legitimate in its own right on scientific grounds and relevant for any institution dealing with agricultural policies. Thus, it is only fitting that an international research institute dealing with food policy should analyze developed country policies and actions. This book is a further development of a research report by Michel Petit, ``Determinants of Agricultural Policies in the United States and the European Community'', published by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), and is written by a team of eminent European scholars from a variety of organisations called together by Michel Petit and working under his leadership. Concentrating on the policy process in the European Community, this research provides useful insights on the influence of domestic, economic and political factors in shaping the positions of member countries in Community negotiations and on the process leading to a Community policy decision.

  • Optimizing The Soil Physical Environment Toward Greater Crop Yields

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

  • Field and Laboratory Guide to Tree Pathology

    • 1st Edition
    • Robert Blanchard
    • English
    Field and Laboratory Guide to Tree Pathology presents a selection of tree diseases, along with related field and laboratory activities, to provide students with the basic information and skills necessary for tree disease diagnosis. The diseases discussed in this book intend to be representative of the major health problems of forest and shade trees. The book is organized into four parts. Part I presents some basic information about the tools, techniques, and terminology associated with the study of tree diseases. The subsequent parts describe the infectious and noninfectious diseases. The last part describes several exercises ranging from elementary to advanced, which demonstrate certain disease concepts and allow students to experience the techniques utilized in disease diagnosis. A broad selection of exercises is provided to allow choices dependent on facilities, equipment, supplies, and student level. In addition to students, professionals in arboriculture, forestry, landscape architecture, nursery practice, and other plant science specialties will find this book invaluable.

  • Rapid Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents

    • 1st Edition
    • David Kingsbury
    • English
    Rapid Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents is a collection of papers presented at the International Symposium on Rapid Detection and Identification of Infectious Agents held on October 5-7, 1983, in Oakland, California, and organized by the Naval Biosciences Laboratory of the School of Public Health of the University of California at Berkeley. Contributors examine progress in the field of rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, with a particular emphasis on DNA probe-based assays and monoclonal and polyclonal antibody-based immunoassays. This volume is organized into five sections encompassing 20 chapters. It begins with an overview of state-of-the-art methods for rapid detection and identification of infectious agents, including technology that is currently applied in clinical microbiology, as well as concerns regarding the political and scientific climates, which have an impact on health care and clinical microbiology. Chapters are organized to deal with a single diagnostic type of test for a given broad group of organisms. The approach is to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each of the new diagnostic procedures, using the same type of clinical material whenever possible. The book gives consideration to the fundamental design of DNA probes and probe assay systems, the clinical comparison of immunologic assays for the diagnosis of meningococcal disease, and immunodiagnostics for viral and parasitic pathogens. This book will be of value to scientists and researchers interested in immunology and infectious diseases, as well as the methods used to detect and identify them.

  • Biological Applications of Liquid Scintillation Counting

    • 1st Edition
    • Yutaka Kobayashi
    • English
    Biological Applications of Liquid Scintillation Counting, based on a series of lectures given at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, discusses the various biological applications of liquid scintillation counting and presents its principles in a manner that is simple, practical, and useful. This book explains the fundamentals of scintillators and the scintillation process, from sample preparation to testing and setting up a counter and the application of radiotracers. This text is organized into six chapters and begins with a historical overview of liquid scintillation counting, emphasizing two major events that stimulated its development: the discovery of organic compounds called ""scintillators"" and the introduction of photomultiplier tubes. This book considers the factors that affect the performance of photomultiplier tubes, including temperature and magnetic fields, and the use of liquid scintillation counting to measure radioactivity. The discussion then shifts to the factors that must be taken into account when choosing a method for preparing samples, including the physical and chemical characteristics of the sample, the isotope or isotopes of the sample, and the anticipated level of radioactivity. The following chapters look at the general considerations when installing a liquid scintillation counter, procedures for applying radiotracers, and practical aspects of sample preparation. This book is intended for physicists and experimental biologists.

  • Correlative Microscopy In Biology

    Instrumentation and Methods
    • 1st Edition
    • M.A. (Eric) Hayat
    • English
    Correlative Microscopy in Biology: Instrumentation and Methods presents the detailed methodology of biological correlative microscopy, a technology that allows the acquisition of multiple data from single tissue block, cell, or section. The chapters in the book include detailed and complete instructions on the preparatory procedures. The book has 20 chapters that deal with various forms and systems of microscopy. Some of the forms and methods used in the book include light, scanning electron, fluorescence, scanning transmission electron, and ion microscopy, as well as combined light and electron and transmission electron microscope. Other methods and their applications are all discussed in detail in the book. This book will help students apply the methods without outside help as each methodology is presented in a step-by-step approach, including applications and techniques. Aside from students, the book will also be good reference for teachers, scientists, and researchers in the fields of biology, biochemistry, and medicine.

  • 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.

  • Mitosis/Cytokinesis

    • 1st Edition
    • Arthur Zimmerman
    • English
    Mitosis/Cytokinesis provides a comprehensive discussion of the various aspects of mitosis and cytokinesis, as studied from different points of view by various authors. The book summarizes work at different levels of organization, including phenomenological, molecular, genetic, and structural levels. The book is divided into three sections that cover the premeiotic and premitotic events; mitotic mechanisms and approaches to the study of mitosis; and mechanisms of cytokinesis. The authors used a uniform style in presenting the concepts by including an overview of the field, a main theme, and a conclusion so that a broad range of biologists could understand the concepts. This volume also explores the potential developments in the study of mitosis and cytokinesis, providing a background and perspective into research on mitosis and cytokinesis that will be invaluable to scientists and advanced students in cell biology. The book is an excellent reference for students, lecturers, and research professionals in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology.

  • 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.

  • After Water Management Measures

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 15B
    • English
    Technical water management measures in the inundation region of southern Moravia significantly affected conditions of terrestrial and water ecosystems. Changes in ecological conditions and reaction of biota in the ecosystems of floodplain forests and meadows and regulated watercourses and retention reservoirs were studied within the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" programme for several years by a multi-disciplinary team of scientific workers. A broad extent of knowledge from many scientific disciplines enables a deeper insight into complexity of ecological relations after an intervention into landscape to ecologists, water managers, foresters, agronomists and biologists of different specializations.

  • 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.

  • Plant Pathology

    • 3rd Edition
    • George N. Agrios
    • English
    Plant Pathology, Third Edition, provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts of plant pathology, incorporating important new developments in the field. The present volume also follows closely the organization and format of the Second Edition. It includes two new chapters, ""Plant Disease Epidemiology"" and ""Applications of Biotechnology in Plant Pathology."" Extensively updated new information has been added about the history of plant pathology, the stages in the development of disease, the chemical weapons of attack by pathogens, and the genetics of plant disease. The book is organized into three parts. Part I discusses basic concepts such as classification of plant diseases; parasitism and disease development; how pathogens attack plants; effects of pathogens on plant physiology; plant defenses against pathogens; and genetics, epidemiology, and control of plant diseases. Part II on specific plant diseases covers diseases caused by fungi, prokaryotes, parasitic higher plants, viruses, nematodes, and flagellate protozoa. Part III deals with applications of biotechnology in plant pathology.

  • Crop Production and Crop Protection

    Estimated Losses in Major Food and Cash Crops
    • 1st Edition
    • E.-C. Oerke + 3 more
    • English
    The objective of this book is to provide information to be used as a basis for evaluating the fragile, shaky structure of global food production. The volume analyses the data by region and by intensity of cultivation; and furnishes information about the yield response, giving some indication of the health of the plants. It will be invaluable to all plant and crop scientists as well as to agriculturalists.

  • The Physiological Ecology of Tunas

    • 1st Edition
    • Gary Sharp
    • English
    The Physiological Ecology of Tunas documents the proceedings of the Tuna Physiology Workshop held at the National Marine Fisheries Service Southwest Fisheries Center at La JoDa, California, January 10-15, 1977. The contributions made by researchers at the workshop are organized into seven chapters. The first chapter includes studies on the morphological diversity and muscle-tissue-specif... enzymatic attributes of scombrids. Papers in the second chapter deal with the integrated aspects of tuna behavior and capabilities that result from their complex cardiovascular system. The third chapter contains studies on skipjack tuna white muscle and the locomotor muscles of Scomber and Katsuwonus. The fourth chapter focuses on the thermal biology of tunas while the fifth chapter examines the hydromechanics of tuna propulsion. The sixth chapter provides information on energetic costs of tunas, and observations on physiological demands and correlates. It culminates with a conceptual model for the complex life cycle of the extant "ultimate tuna," the Atlantic bluefin tuna. The seventh chapter discusses applications of tuna physiology studies.

  • Exploitation of Environmental Heterogeneity by Plants

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

  • Environmental Injury to Plants

    • 1st Edition
    • Bozzano G Luisa
    • English
    The reaction of plant tissue to stress is of critical importance to growers concerned with the production of horticultural or agronomical plants on a large scale. This book discusses several factors that contribute to plant stress, including freezing and chill injury, drought stress, heat shock, salt stress, and toxic metals. The detection of plant stress by remote sensing devices is also examined.

  • Refined Carbohydrate Foods And Disease

    • 1st Edition
    • D Burkitt
    • English
    Refined Carbohydrate Foods and Disease: Some Implications of Dietary Fibre addresses the geographical distribution and historical emergence of the characteristically western diseases, which may be accounted for on a common dietary basis, particularly, on deficiency of dietary fiber. The book is divided into 10 parts, each with number of chapters focusing on relationship between disease and the environment; refined carbohydrate foods; various diseases of the large intestine; and other diseases that are associated with constipation, straining at stool, and refined carbohydrate foods. The book shows the role of refined carbohydrate foods as a significant cause of diseases, because it removes fiber, which has many unsuspected physiological functions. This reference is deemed to be useful to forge stronger links between epidemiologists and experimental workers.

  • Phytopathogenic Prokaryotes V2

    • 1st Edition
    • Mark Mount
    • English
    Phytopathogenic Prokaryotes, Volume 2, provides an understanding of the diversity and complexity of diseases caused by these organisms. It is part of a two-volume treatise that summarizes current research on phytopathogenic prokaryotes. The book is organized into five parts. Part I describes the movement of pathogens from one host to another. The concepts to be presented are essential for understanding the epidemiology and, therefore, the control of diseases caused by prokaryotes. Parts II and III elaborate on the dynamic nature of host/parasite interaction. First to be presented are methods by which hosts may evolve to minimize damage caused by their pathogens. Second, the mechanisms for rapid genetic change available to the pathogen to counteract host defenses are discussed. Part IV emphasizes control of diseases caused by prokaryotes. Manipulation of plant-prokaryote interactions to break the disease cycle or minimize losses is discussed in regard to cultural practices, host breeding, biological control, and chemical control. Part V deals with cultivation and preservation of phytopathogenic prokaryotes.

  • Rodent Malaria

    • 1st Edition
    • R. Killick-Kendrick
    • English
    Rodent Malaria reviews significant findings concerning malaria parasites of rodents, including their taxonomy, zoogeography, and evolution, along with life cycles and morphology; genetics and biochemistry; and concomitant infections. This volume is organized into eight chapters and begins by sketching out the history of the discovery of rodent as well as aspects of parasitology, immunology, and chemotherapy. These concepts are investigated two decades following Ignace Vincke's major discovery and Meir Yoeli's successful establishment of the method of cyclical transmission of the parasite. The following chapters focus on the taxonomy and systematics of the subgenus Vinckeia, with reference to the concepts of species and subspecies of animals and the degree to which they apply to malaria parasites, in particular to those of rodents. The discussion then shifts to how the rodent malaria parasites provide a unique insight into the subcellular organization of Plasmodium species, the use of rodent malaria as an experimental model to study immunological responses, and infectious agents that interact with malaria parasites. The book concludes with a chapter on malaria chemotherapy, with emphasis on the value of rodent malaria in antimalarial drug screening and the use of antimalarial drugs as biological probes. This book will be of interest to protozoologists and physicians as well as those from other disciplines including biochemistry, immunology, pharmacology, cell biology, and genetics.

  • Pest Control Strategies

    • 1st Edition
    • Edward H. Smith
    • English
    Pest Control Strategies is a compilation of papers presented at the symposium held at Cornell University in June 1977. It covers various aspects and issues on pest control. It also discusses the risks and benefits of using pesticides on human health as well as on the economy and environment. Composed of four parts, the book provides an overview of the various alternative pest control techniques and identifies possible solutions on crop pest problems. Part 1 discusses the role of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the integrated pest management programs and policy. The following part discusses the complexity of pest management in terms of socioeconomic and legal aspects. Part 3 presents the different case studies about pest management. These case studies include the potentials for research and implementation of integrated pest management on deciduous tree-fruits and other agricultural crops. The last part of this collection describes the current status, needs, and future developments of integrated pest management. This book will be relevant to extension leaders, educators, government officials, and agriculturists as well as to students, teachers, and researchers who are interested in the integrated pest management program.

  • Recombinant DNA

    Science, Ethics and Politics
    • 1st Edition
    • John Richards
    • English
    Recombinant DNA: Science, Ethics, and Politics emerged from papers presented at a conference, Ethical and Methodological Dimensions of Scientific Research: Recombinant DNA, A Case Study, held at the University of Georgia, April 15-16, 1977. Starting with an introduction to the methods and uses of recombinant DNA technology, the remaining contributions made by researchers at the symposium are organized into four parts. The first part contains papers on the development and utilization of recombinant DNA technology; genetic engineering in agriculture; and the dangers of unrestricted research. The second part focuses on the ethical aspects of recombinant DNA research. It includes studies such as ethical prerequisites for examining biological research; the limitations of broad moral policies; and ethical theories underlying the recombinant DNA controversy. The third part examines the legal aspects of recombinant DNA research and examines the issue of whether such research should be regulated. The papers in the fourth part consider directors for future research.

  • Biomolecular Structure and Function

    • 1st Edition
    • Paul Agris
    • English
    Biomolecular Structure and Function covers the proceedings of the 1977 �Cellular Function and Molecular Structure: Biophysical Approaches to Biological Problems� symposium. It summarizes the application of several biophysical techniques to molecular research in biology. This book starts by describing the use of deuterium-labeled lipids, as monitors of the degree of organization of membrane lipids. It also describes the use of carbon-13-labeled lipids, as indicators of molecular mobility. It explains the lipid-protein interactions involving two integral membrane proteins, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase and calcium-dependent ATPase of muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum. The book goes on to present NMR studies on the organization and conformation of phospholipids, chloroplast membranes, and erythrocyte membranes. It also presents the ESR study of spectrin-phospholipi... associations. It discusses the use of fluorescence probes, electrokinetics, neutron diffraction and ion theory studies of phospholipid-protein association, hormone disease, and senescence effects on prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Moreover, this book presents the experiments and phosphorus-31 NMR methodology to simultaneously monitor the intracellular pH and phosphate metabolism in a beating heart, functioning kidney, or an intact living microorganism. This book then describes physical probing of intracellular fluidity and structural changes attending tissue or cell cycles. It also relates relatively narrow lines in the hydrogen-1 NMR spectrum of the extremely viscous complex of the muscle protein troponin and highly polymerized tropomyosin. Structure-function studies of fibrous proteins, such as collagen, actin, and myosin, and active site analysis of enzymes are also presented. Finally, a wide variety of methodologies and technologies is exemplified. This includes proton, carbon, fluorine, phosphorus, and lithium NMR spectroscopy; spin labeling and EPR spectroscopy; chemical studies; light scattering and fluorescence; and electron microscopy.

  • 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.

  • Photosynthesis, Photorespiration, And Plant Productivity

    • 1st Edition
    • Israel Zelitch
    • English
    Photosynthesis, Photorespiration, and Plant Productivity provides a basis for understanding the main factors concerned with regulating plant productivity in plant communities. The book describes photosynthesis and other processes that affect the productivity of plants from the standpoint of enzyme chemistry, chloroplasts, leaf cells, and single leaves. Comprised of nine chapters, the book covers the biochemical and photochemical aspects of photosynthesis; respiration associated with photosynthetic tissues; and photosynthesis and plant productivity in single leaves and in stands. It provides illustrated and diagrammatic discussion and presents the concepts in outlined form to help readers understand the concepts efficiently. Moreover, this book explores the rates of enzymatic reactions and the detailed structure and function of chloroplasts and other organelles and their variability. It explains the mechanism of photosynthetic electron transport and phosphorylation and the importance of diffusive resistances to carbon dioxide assimilation, especially the role of stomata. It also discusses the importance of dark respiration in diminishing productivity; the differences in net photosynthesis that occur between many species and varieties; and the influence of climate to photosynthetic reactions. The book is an excellent reference for teachers, as well as undergraduate and graduate students in biology, plant physiology, and agriculture. Research professionals working on the disciplines of plant production and food supply will also find this book invaluable.

  • Theory and application of Microbiological Assay

    • 1st Edition
    • William Hewitt
    • English
    Theory and Application of Microbiological Assay first presents an overview of microbiological assay, including general principles, basic techniques, capabilities, and limitations. This book also explains when to use a certain microbiological assay for specific analysis, citing examples to further clarify the matter. Some chapters discuss the test organisms and solutions, wherein test solutions are the final dilutions at a series of two or more concentrations that have been prepared from reference standard and unknown for application to the test system. Other chapters explore the various aspects of agar diffusion assays, tube assays, and diffusion assays. The book further looks into the quality control procedures, assay design and evaluation, and assay replication. This book will serve as an introduction to newcomers to the field and as a reference source for established workers in microbiological assay.

  • Isozymes

    Molecular Structure
    • 1st Edition
    • Clement Markert
    • English
    Isozymes, I: Molecular Structure contains manuscripts presented at the Third International Conference on isozymes convened in April 1974 at Yale University. Separating 52 manuscripts into chapters, this book discusses the biology and biochemistry of isozymes. It also elucidates the multiple forms of mammalian DNA-dependent DNA polymerases, as well as RNA polymerases of maize, fungi, and Escherichia coli. Significant topics on some specific isozymes are given separately in other chapters.

  • Plant Tissue Culture

    Applications and Limitations
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 19
    • S.S. Bhojwani
    • English
    During the past decade, Plant Tissue Culture (PTC) has attracted considerable attention because of its vital role in plant biotechnology. PTC offers novel approaches to plant production, propagation, and preservation. Some in vitro techniques are being applied on a commercial scale while many others hold great potential. Consequently, the literature in this area has grown rapidly.This book deals with recent developments in plant tissue culture, and presents a critical assessment of the proven and potential applications of the various in vitro techniques, it also highlights current problems limiting the application of tissue culture, and projects the future lines of research in this field.

  • The Hormones V3

    Physiology, Chemistry and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Mohhamad Reza Kiani
    • English
    The Hormones: Physiology, Chemistry and Applications, Volume III covers the chemistry, physiology, and methods of analysis of various plant and animal hormones. This book is organized into 15 chapters that are mostly revision or reassessment of previous information presented in Volumes I and II. The first two chapters describe the chromatographic separation of plants hormones, particularly auxins, as well as hormones in invertebrates. These topics are followed by a chapter on the production, transport, storage, release, and mode of action of neurohormones. Significant chapters are devoted to the chemistry and physiology of secreted hormones, including parathyroid, pituitary, Islets of Langerhans, growth, lactogenic, thyroid, steroid, and sex hormones. The role and influence of these hormones on vital body processes are also discussed. The last chapter emphasizes the progress in understanding the principles and approaches in clinical endocrinology. This volume will be of great value to endocrinologists, physiologists, and biochemists.

  • Antimicrobial Drug Resistance

    • 1st Edition
    • L Bryan
    • English
    Antimicrobial Drug Resistance presents information regarding the ability of organisms to resist natural and synthetically derived inhibitors. It presents the view of the authors who made significant contributions to the understanding of resistance. The book focuses on inhibitors classified as antifungal, antiviral, and antimalarial, as well as metal ions. It also covers numerous reactions, which have been genetically and biochemically analyzed in this context. Additionally, some chapters cover resistance plasmids of most of the clinically important bacteria. The book is designed to aid those involved in microbiological and pharmaceutical research on antimicrobial agents, clinical infectious diseases and medical microbiology, teaching microbiology and pharmacology, pharmaceutical marketing, and infection control.

  • Cytogenetics, Host–Parasite Interactions, and Physiology

    • 1st Edition
    • B Zuckerman
    • English
    Plant Parasitic Nematodes, Volume II: Cytogenetics, Host-Parasite Interactions, and Physiology is a masterful reference work in nematology that includes information in ultrastructure, enzymology, and chemistry of body composition; culturing; virus transmission; biological races; and nature of plant resistance. This volume provides information about plant parasitic nematode genetics and cytology. It first explains the history and the advances in nematology, and then discusses the more specific topics about the biological processes involving nematodes. The discussions on host-parasite interactions, biochemistry, and physiology follow these topics. This book also presents useful information regarding free-living and animal parasitic nematodes. This treatise is written to provide an up-to-date reference source for students, lecturers, and research professionals in plant parasitology, specifically nematology, and related fields.

  • Management and Analysis of Biological Populations

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 8
    • B.-S. Goh
    • English
    Management and Analysis of Biological Populations demonstrates the usefulness of optimal control theory in the management of biological populations and the Liapunov function in simulating an ecosystem model under large perturbations of its initial state and continual disturbances on its dynamics. The first chapter of the book introduces the topic by presenting the different models in ecology and discussing the stability concepts, the ecological engineering, and various relevant functions in ecosystem modeling. The next chapter contains a brief survey of static optimization techniques and optimal control theory for systems, which are modeled by differential and difference equations. Another chapter covers methods that use Liapunov and Liapunov-like functions to establish that a given population model is stable relative to finite perturbations of its initial state and that it is non-vulnerable relative to large continual disturbances. The book also covers fisheries and logistic modeling, including a discussion of a few management problems. Moreover, this reference considers stability in an ecosystem model with complexities due to species richness, nonlinearities, time delays, and spatial heterogeneity. Finally, it explains how to manage pests and greenhouse crops. The book is an excellent reference source for students and professionals in ecology and environmental engineering. Research professionals and extended workers in agriculture and agronomy will also find this book invaluable.

  • Macaca mulatta

    Enzyme Histochemistry of the Nervous System
    • 1st Edition
    • Sohan Manocha
    • English
    Macaca mulatta: Enzyme Histochemistry of the Nervous System focuses on the enzyme architecture of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) brain, both at the gross and the microscopic levels. Composed of 12 chapters, this book provides a complete topographical map of the distribution of several enzymes with respect to the neuroanatomical structures. It provides measurement and comparison of the relative sites and concentrations of enzymes in different cytoarchitectural areas in the brain, cerebellum, spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, olfactory bulb, and eyes. Particular attention is placed on the distribution of a few hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes. This reference material will be valuable to students, teachers, and research workers in neuroanatomy, histochemistry, neurophysiology,neur... animal behavior, and other related fields.

  • 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.

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