Search

Animal Toxins is a collection of papers that tackles the advancement in studies that aim to enhance the contemporary understanding of animal toxins. The materials in the text are organized according to the organism they cover. The first section tackles the concerns with venomous arthropods, such as the structure of the venom gland of the black widow spider Latrodectus mactans and the biochemical-immunochemical aspects of the venom from the scorpion Centruroides sculpturatus. Next, articles about poisonous marine animals are presented, which include differentiation of the poisons of fish, shellfish, and plankton and block of sensory nerve conduction in the cat by mussel poison and tetrodotoxin. In Section III, the selection reviews papers about snakes and amphibians, such as epidemiological methods in studying venomous snakebites and chemistry of cytotoxic substances in amphibian toxins. The book will be of great interest to toxicologists, zoologists, and biochemists.

The Entomology of Radiation Disinfestation of Grain presents how the irradiation process can fit into the handling techniques of that industry with a minimum of disturbance of normal procedures. The book presents papers on the susceptibility of the grain and rice weevils, Sitophilus granarius (L.) and Sitophilus zeamais to gamma radiation; the susceptibility of laboratory and wild strains of the grain weevil Sitophilus granarius to Gamma Radiation; and the influence of temperature upon the radiation susceptibility of Sitophilus granaries. The text also includes papers on the effects of continuous and fractionated doses of gamma radiation on the survival and fertility of Sitophilus granarius; the effect of culture environment on the susceptibility of Sitophilus granarius to gamma radiation; and the control of weevil populations with sterilizing and substerilizing doses of gamma radiation. The effect of rearing medium on the susceptibility of Tribolium confusum Duv. and sitophilus granarius to gamma radiation; and the susceptibility of the confused flour beetle, the rust-red flour beetle, the saw-toothed grain beetle, and of Australian strains of Sitophilus and Tribolium species to gamma radiation are also considered. Entomologists will find the book useful.

Weather Economics presents the papers and discussions at a symposium held at the Welsh Plant Breeding Station on March 13, 1968. The book discusses the cost of British weather; the effect of the weather on farm organization and farm management; and the weather and machinery work-days. The text also describes the basic frost, irrigation and degree-day data for planning purpose; the variations in the marginal value of agricultural labor due to weather factors; and the areal patterns in the value of early potato production in Southwest Wales in 1967. The weather and risk in forestry, as well as the use of cost/benefit studies in the interpretation of probability forecasts for agriculture and industry are also encompassed.

The Role of Water in Agriculture focuses on the role of water in British agriculture. This book discusses the growing importance of hydrological science and agricultural hydrology. Organized into 14 chapters, this book begins with an overview of the problems of accurate rainfall measurement and its importance to agriculture. This text then presents a comprehensive study of the sources of error in agricultural water budgets. Other chapters consider the progress reports on two catchment studies and a report on the effect of agricultural treatments on water availability in the soil. This book discusses as well the sediment yields from forested and agricultural lands on an international basis. The final chapter deals with a summary of the discussions with conclusions and implications. This book is a valuable resource for hydrologists, geographers, meteorologists, agricultural scientists, applied biologists, plant physiologists, and pedologists. Engineers, administrators, and advisers will also find this book useful.

Control of Insect Behavior by Natural Products presents papers on new biochemical approaches to pest control. The book presents articles on pheromone research with stored-product Coleoptera; some general considerations of insects responses to the chemicals in food plants; and pheromones of the honey bee. The text also includes papers on several substances responsible for the feeding behavior and growth of the silkworm larva; the sensory responses of Phytophagus lepidoptera to chemical and tactile stimuli; and the use of volatile organic sulfur compounds as insect attractants with special reference to host selection. Insect anti-feedants in plants; a house fly attractant in the mushroom; and studies on sex pheromones of the stored grain moths are also considered. The book also demonstrates articles on the electrophysiological investigation of insect olfaction; and host attractants for the rice weevil and the cheese mite. Entomologists, biologists, chemists, and people involved in the research of pest control will find the book invaluable.

All Heal contains a selection of the articles of more general interest that were published in The Proceedings of the Royal Society of Medicine since 1957. The editors have chosen no more than one paper from any individual author. This book features 17 medical and social miscellany articles. The topics covered by these papers include the evolution on teaching-hospital physicians in Great Britain, the relation between crime and the British penal system, the conflict between drug control and therapeutic freedom and the academic and economic freedom of British universities. This book will be of interest to persons dealing with studies on medical and social history of Great Britain since1957.

Primate Behavior: Developments in Field and Laboratory Research, Volume 2, features a collection of papers that points toward the significance and efficacy of the interspecific and interenvironmental comparative approaches to the study of primate behavior. Continuing the general theme of the series, this volume combines a number of papers varying in scope and focus, ranging from extensive individual studies to comprehensive review. It allows workers from a variety of biological disciplines to obtain a more substantial grasp of primate behavior. The book contains five chapters and begins with a study on the behavior of rhesus macaques in several locales in India, providing substantial new material on the behavior of these species in ecological context. This is followed by separate chapters that present comparative studies of the behavior of Callicebus and Saimiri in field and laboratory settings of varying types; experiments on communication of affect in monkeys; and a review of behavior involved in parturition throughout the primate order.

The Provision and Use of Library and Documentation Services is a collection of papers that deals with library interdependent considerations of use and service. One paper discusses the value, organization, and exploitation of trade literature, citing the importance of maintaining a file of trade catalogues to narrow the gap between industrial activity and academic research. Another paper reports a high library membership (80% - 100%) on a survey of library provision and services in four correctional institutions in London. The author notes that professional advice should also be available to help the prisoner read effectively. One author reviews the library services for undergraduates particularly problems of inadequate services and facilities. Other authors discuss the pattern of borrowing in several libraries which generalizes the borrowing behavior of academic communities, such as the rising levels of foreign language and'off-subject'borrowing. Of interest is one author's analysis of the way scientists use libraries in terms of finding information, reading, and use of facilities. His conclusion: scientists have no clear-cut opinion on the best method of acquiring information. This book is suitable for librarians, administrators of private or public library systems, for students and academicians in the field of library science.

Reproduction of Marine Invertebrates, Volume I: Acoelomate and Pseudocoelomate Metazoans is a collection of papers that deals with the evolution of reproductive mechanisms and behavior in marine invertebrates. This collection starts with terminologies and basic events in marine invertebrate reproduction, including the method of estimating sexual reproductive activity, as well as the timing and patterns involved. The book notes that temperatures, salinities, or food availability should be favorable when the young are produced and when they are developing. One paper shows that the reproductive rhythm is dynamic and in some species is latitude-dependent. Other papers discuss the reproductive cycles of different marine invertebrates such as the Porifera, Cnidaria, Nemertinea, and Nematoda. These papers include topics on asexual reproduction, regeneration, sexual reproduction, and development, and then explain in detail the development of certain invertebrates from their kinorhynchs state (embryonic), to the molting stages, juvenile stages, then to adulthood. This book can be useful for marine biologists, marine ecologists, and students involved in marine biological and physical sciences.

Methods of Animal Experimentation, Volume V: Nutrition, Aging, and Artificial Organs is a collection of papers that deals with methods to be used in animal experiments to achieve cost effectiveness in their use. This collection discusses laboratory animals used in different experiments such as in nutritional research, aging studies, and artificial organ research. The papers describe the species of animals appropriate for the kind of experiment to be conducted and the criteria that should be followed in choosing a certain species. These criteria include their growth rate, stage of development, as well as existing performance variations. In determining test animals for aging experiments, the book recommends that complete data be available on the genetics of the species, strain, diet history, environmental factors, breeding, and spontaneous diseases to approximate the best test results. The book addresses that the aged are more susceptible to inputs than the young in terms of morphological and functional age. In selecting test animals for artificial organ research, the book notes the importance of animal selection that will be determined, for example, by 1) the size of the prosthesis; 2) the amount of blood flow needed for the device differs in animals and man; and 3) the surgical techniques that will be employed. This book will prove helpful for laboratory workers, veterinarians, and technicians working with laboratory animals. This collection will also be appreciated by researchers designing medical and scientific tests.

Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers: 7 is a collection of papers dealing with horse nutrition and ruminant nutrition. This collection of papers is divided in four parts. Part 1 deals with the evaluation of the dietary needs of ruminants, finding the need to replace their feeding systems by replacing the starch equivalent system with the metabolizable energy system. Feed and energy value calculation are likewise explained where metabolizable energy (ME) is shown to be easily calculated with reference to the Agricultural Research Council system and later analyses. Observations on the efficiency of utilization of metabolizable energy in meat and milk follow, as feeding not only involves the efficient use of energy from the feed but also of nutritional contents and composition of the feed. Practical application and calculation are then discussed to achieve best practices. In Parts 2 and 3, the evaluation of the dietary energy for pigs, poultry nutrition, food intake of practice broilers and laying fowl, and formulation problems are discussed. Part 4 discusses horse nutrition with detailed descriptions of the anatomy of the digestive tract, digestion and absorption of nutrients, and the horses'protein requirement. Energy requirements for the maintenance, growth, and reproduction of the horse using calculations based on the National Research Council basal allowance is discussed. Students and professors of veterinary medicine, stable owners, horse feed manufacturers, horse enthusiasts and equestrians will find this volume helpful.

Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers: 8 is a collection of papers that discusses world protein supplies, protein nutrition of farm livestock, alternative sources of protein, problems of amino- acid availability, and the use of synthetic amino-acids. Several papers deal with non-protein nitrogen as an alternative nitrogen source, the nutritive value of silages, and the use of dried grass or processed straw in ruminant feeding. One paper evaluates the protein and amino-acid requirements of poultry, pigs, and ruminants. Another paper examines the reduced availability of amino-acid in some batches of feeding stuffs and notes that the problem has been approached by correcting low estimates and the adoption of improved manufacturing practices. One paper points out the possibility of producing all the amino acids required for feedstock either synthetically or by fermentation, but the animal feed industry will be interested only in methionine and lysine. The paper also notes that France can save almost a quarter of its protein imports by adopting a generalized use of lysine and a better use of methionine. The collection will prove valuable to agriculturists, food technologists, bio-chemists, veterinarians, economists, livestock owners, and scientists involved in livestock food production or research.

Population and the New Biology contains the papers presented at the 10th annual Symposium of the Eugenics Society and is the third publication in a trilogy on the general theme of''population''. Organized into 13 chapters, separating the papers presented at the symposium, the book begins by discussing the production of living things by relevant methods. It also explains how to identify and care for illness and disability within a span of life, and possibilities for increasing the span, itself. It also talks about the biological nature of, and problems of controlling, common fatal diseases. The future of oral contraceptives, technology for voluntary sterilization, methods of early termination of pregnancy, and the population policies in the developing countries are shown as well. Lastly, the genetic implications, problems, and legal approaches to the “new biology” are given. This book will fill an important gap in the literature on the implications for population structure and growth of those advances that is known as the''new biology''.

Avian Biology is a collection of papers that deals with biological aspects of birds such as their classification and habitat behavior. One paper reviews how birds are classified through practical systematics, study of fossils, and some of the problems encountered in the arrangement of major groups. Another paper discusses the origin and evolution of birds from their reptilian predecessors to their current evolutionary rates. Evolutionary rates vary depending on access to new habitats; if the environment is static, evolutionary rates can also slow down. One author discusses the inter-relations of sea birds with their marine environment, including coastal areas and the biological properties of the surface water. Another author describes the biology of desert birds relating to nomadism behavior and physical adaptations especially to the arid environment. The author also describes the cooling mechanism of these desert birds. Another paper evaluates the ecological aspect of behavior that includes foraging, habitat selection, mating, and flocking cohesion. Avian biologists, zoologists, and readers who have a general interest in birds will find this book useful.

Oxygen in the Animal Organism is a compilation of papers presented during the symposium on Oxygen in the Animal Organism, jointly sponsored by the International Union of Biochemistry and the International Union of Physiological Sciences, held at Bedford College, London in September 1963. The book provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the subject of oxygen in the animal organism. The papers presented cover a wide range of facts and hypotheses on the subject. Topics discussed include studies in the transport of oxygen; the fundamental physics and chemistry of oxygen; the diffusion of oxygen from the capillaries to the mitochondria; the neural and humoral components to the regulation of ventilation; and the evolution of biochemical pathways for oxygen. Biologists, biochemists, biophysicists, physiologists, and researchers will find the text informative and insightful.

This book should be of particular interest to all who, through the nature of their research, are required to maintain cultures of micro-organisms and other cells in a healthy and stable state. It is based on papers and discussion at the Specialists'Conference on Culture Collections, Ottawa, Canada, August 1962, sponsored by the Canadian Committee on Culture Collections of Micro-organisms. This first international Specialists'Conference was organized with several aims. It was hoped that a discussion of the role of culture collections would make clear their importance in science and in industry. Secondly, a consideration of the organization of collections was planned not only to aid workers actively concerned with culture collections but also to give administrators a clear pictures of organizational problems. Thirdly, it was hoped to make an examination of the fundamental and technical aspects of the reservation of micro-organisms and other cells, with special emphasis on the maintenance of physiological, morphological and genetic characteristics. The speakers of the Conference strove to elucidate what is known of the subject-matter, and also to draw attention to areas of ignorance, with the hope of stimulating research in these areas. The symposium speakers included authorities from many countries: J.F. Morgan (Canada); R. Wahl (France); H.P.R. Seeliger (Germany); T. Nei (Japan); A.L. van Beverwijk. T.O. Wikén (the Netherlands); B.L. Brady, S.T. Cowan, E.A. George, H. Proom, J.M. Shewan, R.E.O. Williams (United Kingdoms); S.G. Bradley, D.H. Braendle, W.E. Brown, R.E. Buchanan, W.A. Clark, R. Donovick, R.E. Gordon, W.C. Haynes, R.J. Heckly, N.D. Levine, P. Mazur, K.B. Raper, E.G. Simmons, E.O. Stapley, M.P. Starr, R.C. Starr, R.E. Stevenson, C.S. Stulberg, R.L. Thompson (U.S.A.); and N.A. Krasilnikov (U.S.S.R.). In addition to the symposium papers, eight research communications are presented.

International Review of Connective Tissue Research, Volume 1 is a collection of papers that deals with fibroblast, the hormonal control of connective tissues, and calcification of skeletal tissues. One paper reports on the origin, morphology, structure, and the effect of drugs on fibroblasts such as the toxic substance found in sweet pea meal that causes human lathryrism. Another paper discuses hormonal control of connective tissue related to aging, arteriosclerosis, tumors, infection, fertility, and endocrine diseases. The author also describes the repair process of an injured connective tissue; it is characterized by edema, mucinous, and fibrous organization of the extracellular water—a process similar to regeneration and growth. One author describes the structure and general distribution of susceptible blood vessels, as well as, vascular degeneration in diabetes. Another author describes the calcification and formation of bones. He reviews Robison's theory of calcification, the seeding or nucleation concept of calcification, and the role of alkaline phosphatase in calcification. This volume will prove valuable for pathologists, endocrinologists, physiologists, molecular or cellular biologists, gerontologists, and researchers in gene therapy, pharmacology or micro-chemistry.

International Review of Connective Tissue Research, Volume 3 is a collection of papers that deals with the histochemisty of connective tissues. One paper reviews the histochemistry of connective tissues, including fibrous components such as collagen, reticulum, cellulose fibers, elastic fibers. Connective tissues known as osteoblasts and odontoblasts produce bone/cartilage and teeth. One author examines the biochemistry and pathology of the connective tissue of the periodontium that is related to periodontal disease. He also examines the role of oral bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontitis; he concludes that bacterial enzymes can increase permeability for other bacterial types to directly elicit inflammation. One author analyzes the physical chemistry of gelatin and gelatin transition. He concludes that the rate of fold formation and the stability of the fold-units on single-chain gelatins and on multichain gelatins depend on the relative effectiveness of ions. Single-chain gelatins have the highest rate of network junction point formation; multichain gelatins, with enhanced cyclic junction point formation, have less network-forming properties. Cellular biologists, pathologists, physiologists, gerontologists, and researchers in gene therapy, pharmacology, micro- or molecular chemistry will find this book highly informative.

Data Acquisition and Processing in Biology and Medicine, Volume 3, documents the proceedings of the 1963 conference at the University of Rochester. The volume begins with the keynote address of the Frank W. McKee of the University of Rochester Medical Center that focused on the issue of continuing education, and the keynote address of Max A. Woodbury, Professor of Experimental Neurology, New York University Medical School, about the impact of biological computation. This is followed by the papers presented during the six sessions held during the conference. Session I contains papers on the value of computers to physicians and hospitals. Session II deals with on computer diagnosis. Session III is devoted to computer applications in psychiatry and psychophysiology. Session IV focuses on information retrieval. Session V covers the potential and limitations of computer processing and analysis. Session VI includes studies on modeling and pattern recognition. Transcripts of discussions of the papers presented during each session are also provided.