What does the Honeybee See? And how do we Know?
This book is the only account of what the bee, as an example of an insect, actually detects with its eyes. Bees detect some visual features such as edges and colours, but there is no sign that they reconstruct patterns or put together features to form objects. Bees detect motion but have no perception of what it is that moves, and certainly they do not recognize "things" by their shapes. Yet they clearly see well enough to fly and find food with a minute brain. Bee vision is therefore relevant to the construction of simple artificial visual systems, for example for mobile robots. The surprising conclusion is that bee vision is adapted to the recognition of places, not things. In this volume, Adrian Horridge also sets out the curious and contentious history of how bee vision came to be understood, with an account of a century of neglect of old experimental results, errors of interpretation, sharp disagreements, and failures of the scientific method. The design of the experiments and the methods of making inferences from observations are also critically examined, with the conclusion that scientists are often hesitant, imperfect and misleading, ignore the work of others, and fail to consider alternative explanations. The erratic path to understanding makes interesting reading for anyone with an analytical mind who thinks about the methods of science or the engineering of seeing machines.
The Curious Human Knee
Winner, 2023 Choice Outstanding Academic TitleBronze Winner, 2024 Nonfiction Book Awards Where would we be without the knee? This down-to-earth joint connecting the thigh and the lower leg doesn't receive the attention it deserves. Yet, as The Curious Human Knee reveals, it is crucial to countless facets of science, medicine, culture, and history--and even what makes us human. The science writer Han Yu provides an informative, surprising, and entertaining exploration of the human knee across time and place. She begins with our earliest ancestors, emphasizing that walking upright separates us from the apes and bipedal knees appeared long before big brains and sophisticated tools. Yu considers the intricate anatomy of the knee, its evolutionary history, and the complexity of treating knee pain, including her own. She examines why women's knees might be more prone to damage than men's and addresses the roles of race and class in ailments such as osteoarthritis. This book gets knee-deep into an astonishing range of topics--fashion from flappers to miniskirts and ripped jeans, cultural practices spanning Japanese knee walking and Thai boxing, and more. Yu reflects on the symbolic power of kneeling from the imperial court in China to the football field in the United States and shows why the knee figures into so many social and political phenomena. Distilling a vast amount of research in a style that is engaging, conversational, and even personal and witty, this book opens readers' eyes to the complexity and significance of the humble knee.
Human Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Book with Facts and MCQ's (Multiple Choice Questions
Looking for a comprehensive (127 pages) Coloring +Facts/Theory+ MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) book on Anatomy & Physiology with colored interiors,45 coloring pages, and 30 Multiple Choice Questions?All the subject matter experts agree on the fact that complex learning which involves the visual coloring effect as a differentiator leaves a lasting impression on the brain. Also, it makes the topic more interesting.This book is a perfect gift to Medical School Students, Nurses, Doctors, Teens, and Adults who are interested in learning about Human Anatomy and Physiology.The Theory & MCQ part is unique which makes the learning tested and revised for the long term.The last chapter consists of basic terminologies of anatomy.What makes this book comprehensive is: 127 pages of comprehensive step-by-step Anatomy knowledgeBasic Anatomy & Physiology theory covered in each section45 coloring pages with a different topic30 + MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) with SolutionSpace to make some notes on each topicDetailed drawing of all sections to make a lasting impression for long-term recallThis is a unique book with all interiors in color and colored photos provided for each coloring page.The sections of Anatomy & Physiology covered are: 1. Introduction & History2. Levels of organization of the Body3. Body Cavities4. The Integumentary System5. The Skeletal System6. The Muscular System7. The Nervous System8. The Endocrine System9. The Circulatory System10. The Lymphatic System11. The Respiratory System12. The Digestive System13. The Urinary System14. The Reproductive System15. Basic TerminologiesSo, what are you waiting for? Learn Human Anatomy & Physiology with ease!
Galectins
This second edition is dedicated to new and updated methodological approaches designed to study galectin function. Chapters examine salient features of galectin functions. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Galectins: Methods and Protocols, Second Eidtion aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.
Interaction of Coronavirus Disease 2019 with Other Infectious and Systemic Diseases
The proposed book discuses most recent developments in COVID-19 pathogenesis and treatment. It addresses COVID-19 coinfection with other infectious diseases like malaria and tuberculosis and cancer and focuses on post-COVID and long-term COVID problems.
Bioproducts for Health II
In order to build a promising future, health and sustainability must be interelated. Marine, forestry, agriculture, and food systems are important sources of bioproducts used in health applications. To explore the potential of such sources for the development of natural products capable of biological activities, it is necessary to develop new technologically sustainable strategies. Despite the range of natural compounds already available, there is a need to identify bioactive molecules (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols) from different natural sources with positive health properties, including antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, antimicrobial, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, antithrombotic, immune-modulatory, relaxing, and satiety-inducing effects. The Second Edition of this Special Issue aimed to identify and gather works on the latest varied sources of bioproducts, the biological and functional activities of these bioactive compounds, their mechanisms of action, and the methods used for extraction and purification, without losing our focus on alignment with the concept of green technology.
Advances in Neuroimaging Data Processing
The development of in vivo neuroimaging techniques has yielded an incredible amount of digital information about the brain. Neuroimaging techniques are increasingly being used to study human cognitive processes, create brain-machine interfaces, and also to identify and diagnose certain brain disorders. Currently, neuroscientists and medics actively use different methods for brain scans, including electro- and magnetoencephalography (EEG/MEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), electrocorticography (ECoG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Recent advances in signal processing and machine learning for neuroimaging data using various signal processing methods have made impressive progress in solving a number of practical tasks in medicine, healthcare, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, brain-machine interfaces, and cognitive science, to name but a few. This Special Issue aims to provide a forum for academic and industrial communities to present and discuss the latest theoretical and experimental results related to recent advances in neuroimaging data processing in terms of new theories, algorithms, architectures, and applications.
Parasites and Wildlife
This reprint focuses on field studies aimed at unraveling the complex networks created by interactions between parasites and hosts in a given ecosystem. Since most transboundary diseases have been propagated from the wilderness to anthropized areas, societies are increasingly concerned about the relevance of wildlife as it pertains to global health. In this respect, research on parasites that may affect the biology and population equilibrium of wildlife is of major interest, especially when a One Health perspective is considered. The studies compiled in the present Special Issue fall within several areas of interest, such as epidemiology, diagnosis, emerging zoonoses, food safety, conservation issues, parasite-host interactions, and the pathology of infections caused by parasites in wild host species.
Chemical and Biological Threats, Hazard Potential and Countermeasures
In this Special Issue of Toxics entitled, "Chemical and biological threats, hazard potential and countermeasures". In this special issue we would like to pay attention to various aspects of toxicology specifically focused on the chemical and biological threats, which may accidentally or on purpose endanger human health. Besides the characterization of such threats and their biological consequences we will focus on the available and novel experimental countermeasures capable to protect from and/or threat such exposures.
Food Hygiene, Quality & Safety
Food safety and food hygiene are not to be confused with food hygiene and food safety! These terms are misused in common language: although food security is an expression that refers to the safety of food supplies in quantity and quality. Whereas, food safety is the assurance that food does not harm the consumer when prepared and/or consumed in accordance with its intended use. Examples of means implemented for food safety: control of origins, control of composition, detection of sources of bacterial contamination, control of the chain of manufacture or processing and control of the cold chain. However, food hygiene (dietetics) is a medical term referring to the reasoned choice of food (rules of nutrition and dietetics) and food hygiene (Food Hygiene) as for it, refers to all the conditions and measures necessary to ensure the safety and wholesomeness of food at all stages of the food chain
Evolving Tomorrow
The Anthropocene defines the here-and-now time period on Earth of indelible (and possibly irreversible) human disturbance to the natural world, from habitat destruction and mass extinction to global climate change. To ameliorate and repair the damage that threatens the world's dwindling resources and our very existence, humanity is enacting massive interventions to fuse modern technologies with long established natural processes. Advances in genetic engineering have put us on the cusp of directly shaping the DNA of every living organism (including ourselves), as well as determining the evolution of completely novel species. The author invites the reader to explore how humans have manipulated the ancient forces of evolution and the future possibilities of genetic engineering for conservation and rewilding, de-extinction, and even the creation of viable populations of entirely new species. To entertain such possibilities of synthetic biology, he forces us to wrestle with the threats and ethical conundrums that surround the unintended consequences, as well as the values that humanity places on authenticity in nature. In so doing, this accessible and thought-provoking book explores the potential future of life on planet Earth.
Evaluation of the demands of the thrombophilia assessment in South Tunisia
Thrombophilia is a state of hypercoagulability defined by biological abnormalities predisposing to thrombotic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the demands of thrombophilia assessment and its biological profile during thrombotic events in young subjects. This is a retrospective study including 969 patients with venous thromboembolic disease and 211 cases with arterial thrombosis. PS and CP determination by chronometric method, TA determination by chromogenic method, detection of CPPa and CCA type LA by chronometric method, and detection of Factor V Leiden polymorphism by specific PCR-allele were performed. In venous thrombosis, hereditary thrombophilia was found in 208 cases with 184 isolated anomalies and 24 combined anomalies. LA-type ACC was found in 50 patients and mixed thrombophilia was noted in 14 cases. In arterial thrombosis, hereditary thrombophilia was found in 35 cases with 31 isolated anomalies and 4 combined anomalies. Our study reveals the importance of clinical information and complete and controlled investigations.
Hox Modules in Evolution and Development
Few, if any, genes have had the same level of impact on the field of evolutionary-developmental biology (evo-devo) as the Hox genes. These genes are renowned for their roles in patterning the body plans and development of the animal kingdom.
Greenhouse Management for Better Vegetable Quality, Higher Nutrient Use Efficiency and Healthier Soil
Greenhouse cultivation provides an artificially controlled environment for the year-round production of vegetables, and has played an increasingly important role in agriculture production systems in recent decades. Recent works have shown that improving greenhouse conditions can promote the growth of vegetables and enhance the uptake of nutrients, leading to better vegetable quality. Meanwhile, greenhouse conditions not only directly influence soil nutrient cycling processes and properties, but also indirectly affect them by regulating vegetable root growth and plant-soil interactions. This Special Issue features twelve original research articles that deal with the effects of novel greenhouse practices and strategies on the yield and quality of horticulture crops, as well as greenhouse soil properties. Among these publications, three studied the effects of fertilizers, including organic and macro- and micro-nutrient fertilizers, on the growth and nutrient uptake of vegetables. Two articles described the effects of water and nutrient supply using irrigation or hydroponic supplying systems on the yield and quality of vegetables. Four articles investigated the effects of environmental conditions (mainly light and temperature) on the growth and quality of vegetables. In terms of degenerated greenhouse soil, three articles showed how reductive soil disinfestation decreased soil salinity, improved soil quality, and inactivated soil-borne pathogens.
Carbon Dots in Biology
The research on carbon dots is evolving and expanding very rapidly. A high-tech overview for academia and industry is needed to modernize carbon dots in biological applications. This book covers the use of carbon dots in biology, medicine, and pharmacy: synthesis, properties and applications, obstacles in exploiting these materials, and future research prospects. The reader is able to explore the wide scope of carbon dots in the global market.
Nutrition at the Interface of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms
An integral part of homeostasis includes daily rhythms in physiology, behavior, and metabolism. The circadian timing system enables organisms to adapt their biological functions to the cyclic nature of the Earth. Sleep is a fundamental physiological function, playing a crucial role in physical, mental and emotional health. Alterations of sleep quality and quantity caused by modern lifestyle and behavior as well sleep disorders are associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases. Chronic misalignment of endogenous rhythms can also lead to metabolic dysfunction. Research is starting to demonstrate the complex interrelationship between nutrition, sleep and the circadian system. For example, some foods and nutrients may impact the availability of substances that influence sleep. On the other hand, inadequate sleep is associated with an unhealthy nutrient intake and altered metabolism. Nutrients can act as drivers of circadian rhythms; they have the ability to influence circadian regulation and alter biological functions in specific tissues. A lacuna still exists in the knowledge surrounding the interplay of nutrition with sleep and the circadian system. In light of this, novel opportunities are disclosed for developing tailored nutritional recommendations with beneficial effects on sleep and circadian rhythmicity so as to improve life quality and prevent disease. The purpose of this Special Issue is therefore to collect contributions regarding this interplay and the related clinical implications.
Spicy and Aromatic Plants
This book aims to provide a wide range of viable alternative designs that utilize valuable compounds from spicy and aromatic plants. Spices and aromatic plants have been used for thousands of years to flavor food, but they can also be used for healing purposes. Until a few decades ago, however, this was performed with little knowledge of their actual properties. The attitude toward these plants has changed, and the need for knowledge has increased. The studies are oriented towards an in-depth analysis of the valuable compounds in these plants in order to be used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural industries.
Bioinformation Computing of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Intelligent Algorithm Optimization
Lactobacillus antibacterial peptides are natural food preservatives. The biological experiment of separating lactic acid bacteria antibacterial peptides is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Computer artificial intelligence technology can quickly identify them in batches. Graph neural network is a popular new technology in recent years, which has been successfully applied in the field of natural language and text processing. Look at the sequence information of antibacterial peptide protein of lactic acid bacteria in the text, and use the information transmission between nodes on the graph to transfer label information and feature information well. At the same time, we also include some cases of intelligent algorithms to solve classical combinatorial optimization problems, hoping to bring scientific inspiration and inspiration to readers.
Camp Signaling
This volume discusses the latest techniques used by researchers to measure cAMP activity at the cell population, whole cell, and subcellular level. The techniques covered in the book address questions related to cAMP compartmentalization, which look at relevant protein-protein interactions that increase the spatial and temporal resolution of cAMP signals detection, and that can help in the integration of the increasingly complex information that is becoming available in this field. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, cAMP Signaling: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for scientists and researchers who are interested in learning more about this important and developing field. Chapter 7 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.
Antimicrobial Substances in Plants
Microbial contamination of agriculture and food commodities may cause significant losses, with economic, social and environmental consequences. Therefore, the search for new, promising substances that demonstrate antagonism towards different microorganisms has been observed in recent years. Different plants, as well as differentiated methods of obtaining of biological compounds, are the research subject. Moreover, current trends focus on the sustainable recovery of antimicrobial substances from waste materials. The contributed articles present original research with a focus on: The biological activity of plant-derived extracts and oils: the research is concentrated on the discovery of new sufficient antimicrobial substances, characterized by broad biological properties including antibacterial, antifungal, antimycotoxigenic and cytotoxic activity.Novel extraction techniques to obtain plant-derived extracts such as supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), which has gained acceptance for the extraction of valuable substances due to its environmentally friendly character, or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The extraction techniques of the plant-derived bioactive compounds have a significant impact on the quality of the extracts and their chemical composition
Biobanks in Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Relevance, Setup and Management
This book introduces the fundamentals of biobanking and guides through the practical planning thereof, with a special focus on the situation in low- and middle-income countries. On the example of the setup of a Ukrainian biobank the book discusses the main steps and aspects of successful biorepository implementation and management. Topics covered include collection, storage and shipping of samples, establishment of an IT system, development of a sustainability plan, and project and risk management. Furthermore, the importance of the formation of international biobanking societies such as the Ukraine Association of Biobanks is highlighted, and their main objectives and tasks are discussed.The book addresses life science and business professionals as well as national authorities who are interested in biobanking in general and in setting up a biobank in particular.
Return of the God Hypothesis
The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin's Doubt, Stephen Meyer, presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology.Beginning in the late 19th century, many intellectuals influenced by scientific materialism began to insist that scientific knowledge conflicts with traditional theistic belief--that science and belief in God are "at war." Philosopher of science Stephen Meyer challenges this view by examining three scientific discoveries with decidedly theistic implications. Building on the case for the intelligent design of life that he developed in Signature in the Cell and Darwin's Doubt, Meyer demonstrates how discoveries in cosmology and physics coupled with those in modern biology help to establish the identity of the designing intelligence behind life and the universe. Meyer argues that theism--with its affirmation of a transcendent, intelligent and active creator--best explains the evidence we have concerning biological and cosmological origins. Previously Meyer refrained from attempting to answer questions about "who" might have designed life. Now, in a powerful case for the God hypothesis, he provides an evidence-based answer to perhaps the ultimate mystery of the universe. In so doing, he reveals a stunning conclusion: the data support not just the existence of an intelligent designer of some kind--but the existence of a personal God. Three Scientific Discoveries: Meyer reveals how breakthroughs in cosmology, physics, and biology point directly toward a transcendent, intelligent creator.The Big Bang Theory: Uncover the theistic implications of a universe with a definite beginning, a discovery that challenges the core assumptions of a purely materialistic worldview.Cosmological Fine-Tuning: Explore the breathtaking precision of the universe's initial conditions and physical constants, which appear exquisitely set from the start to allow for life.The DNA Enigma: Delve into the origin of the digital code within our cells, a profound mystery that the case for intelligent design directly addresses.
A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth
The Royal Society's Science Book of the Year "[A]n exuberant romp through evolution, like a modern-day Willy Wonka of genetic space. Gee's grand tour enthusiastically details the narrative underlying life's erratic and often whimsical exploration of biological form and function." --Adrian Woolfson, The Washington PostIn the tradition of Richard Dawkins, Bill Bryson, and Simon Winchester--An entertaining and uniquely informed narration of Life's life story.In the beginning, Earth was an inhospitably alien place--in constant chemical flux, covered with churning seas, crafting its landscape through incessant volcanic eruptions. Amid all this tumult and disaster, life began. The earliest living things were no more than membranes stretched across microscopic gaps in rocks, where boiling hot jets of mineral-rich water gushed out from cracks in the ocean floor. Although these membranes were leaky, the environment within them became different from the raging maelstrom beyond. These havens of order slowly refined the generation of energy, using it to form membrane-bound bubbles that were mostly-faithful copies of their parents--a foamy lather of soap-bubble cells standing as tiny clenched fists, defiant against the lifeless world. Life on this planet has continued in much the same way for millennia, adapting to literally every conceivable setback that living organisms could encounter and thriving, from these humblest beginnings to the thrilling and unlikely story of ourselves. In A (Very) Short History of Life on Earth, Henry Gee zips through the last 4.6 billion years with infectious enthusiasm and intellectual rigor. Drawing on the very latest scientific understanding and writing in a clear, accessible style, he tells an enlightening tale of survival and persistence that illuminates the delicate balance within which life has always existed.
Natural Products for Chronic Diseases
Pharmacology and Pharmacognosy is organized into twelve articles that explore therapeutic potential of different natural products from land and marine. The articles contain highly detailed coverage of information that has been overseen by an editorial board made up of well-respected, field-leading experts. The content in this book offers readers an in-depth and easily accessible reference work on every aspect of natural product research surrounding the pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacognosy, and bioinformatics of all natural products and their scaffolds, their mechanism of action, and their therapeutic values. These elements are essential to be selected as future drugs are almost never tested and developed in the actual therapeutic system, but rather in test systems from which parameters must be determined to predict activity in systems of varying ambient physiology. As different technologies rapidly evolve, there is an ever-increasing level of knowledge about the natural products, along with increasing capability to utilize bioactive molecules to predict new drugs against chronic diseases, all of which must be communicated to professionals in varying fields.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Veterinary Medicine and Public Health
Antimicrobial resistance is the intrinsic capability of microorganisms to survive unfavorable conditions; such traits are mainly transferrable through movable genetic elements, enabling the rapid and homogeneous diffusion of resistance genes over diverse ecosystems and sectors including human medicine, veterinary medicine, and the environment. In this view, the One Health approach allows for a comprehensive depiction of the mechanisms responsible for the onset and spread of antimicrobial resistance traits, as well as enabling a clear definition of the dynamics that occurs among microbial members harboring diverse ecological niches that favor the orthogonal diffusion of antibiotic resistance between apparently separate milieus.
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Effect
This Special Issue of the journal Microorganisms highlights recent publications on the importance of the antimicrobial effect of probiotics. Current research is focused on finding novel or next-generation probiotic strains with antimicrobial properties that can efficiently modulate the ecological taxa composition and functionality of the human microbiota in the gut and beyond. Overall, this Special Issue has brought together new studies on the antimicrobial effects of various novel probiotics from the Weissella, Bacillus, Leuconostoc and Levilactobacillus genera, as well as well-known probiotic food supplements. It also highlights successful applications of probiotics for different infectious diseases including rotaviral gastrointestinal infections, wound infections and even COVID-19.
Plant Tissue Culture and Secondary Metabolites Production
This Special Issue aims to bring together the various aspects of plant cell tissue and organ culture with a special emphasis on the production of phytochemical compounds, considered therapeutically valuable for their antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.Secondary metabolites play a key role in the diverse defense mechanisms of the plant organism in response to environmental stimuli, such as climatic fluctuations, pathogenic organisms, predatory herbivores, and competing plants. Therefore, by providing the opportunity for controlled modifications of environmental conditions, in vitro culture is an easy-to-manage experimental system that can be utilized as a source of secondary metabolites for industrial applications, as well as for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical purposes.This Special Issue will highlight the modern use of different plant cell tissue and organ culture approaches for successfully producing plant secondary metabolites, particularly those with high economic value.
Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Cancer
This reprint includes a collection of up-to-date articles on epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma. It also includes items on the use of artificial intelligence for skin cancer diagnoses as well as the impact of new immunotherapies on patient's quality of life.
Epidemiology and Control of Plant Diseases
This reprint is intended for a broad readership of phytopathologists. It includes different scientific contributions focused on many crucial aspects, such as the identification, characterization and rapid detection of plant diseases; predictive models and deep learning networks; and ecofriendly measures for disease management.
A Glimpse into Future Research on Microalgae Diversity, Ecology and Biotechnology
Microalgae are photosynthetic unicellular microorganisms that represent an extremely important component of the aquatic ecosystem productivity, diversity, and functioning. Moreover, these microorganisms, using a network of signals, interact with all the other organisms present in their environment. Signals are often secondary metabolites that play an important role in competition, defense, attraction, and signaling. These molecules are recognized for having bioactive properties, but some of them are still largely underexplored and underexploited. This Special Issue focuses on studies aimed to improve knowledge on microalgal ecology (diversity and dynamics) in aquatic ecosystems, as well as on their capacity to produce bioactive compounds with potential biotechnological applications.
Clinical, Pathological, and Molecular Characteristics in Colorectal Cancer
Despite major medical advances in recent decades, colorectal cancer remains a major public health problem with significant unmet medical needs. This reprint presents new scientific and clinical data, and discusses the need to identify new theranostic biomarkers from tissue and fluid biopsies, to go further in terms of personalised medicine and thus overcome current limitations.
Smart Polymer Hydrogels
This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive collection of works on recent advances and developments in smart polymer hydrogels applied to the biomedical and nanotechnological fields. The research topic covers all hydrogels, including polymer hydrogels, supramolecular gels, hybrid hydrogels, metallohydrogels, etc.Stimulus-responsive polymer hydrogels have attracted considerable interest as promising smart materials due to their tremendous potential in biomedical and nanotechnological applications. They can respond to different chemical and physical external stimuli, including pH, temperature, light, enzyme activity, redox agents, the electric or magnetic field, and chemicals. Compared to single stimulus-responsive polymer hydrogels, multiple-responsive hydrogels exhibit higher flexibility and tunability to realize multiplefunctionality in a synergistic manner. The structural and phase transition of polymer hydrogels triggered by external stimuli offers enormous potential for drug delivery, tumor therapy, tissue engineering, and biodevices.
Scientific Papers Made Easy
Writing scientific publications is a fundamental step in the research process. Furthermore, as science becomes more interdisciplinary and the number of journals continues to expand, individual papers increasingly need to stand out to be read and have any form of impact. It is widely assumed that students and early career scientists will simply acquire the necessary expertise. However, this could not be further from the truth - many early career scientists find writing both intimidating and overwhelming; writing is a skill that needs to be learnt and actively developed. This novel book's fundamental principle is simple - the reader must come first. The purpose of a scientific paper is to pass on knowledge, and so impactful writing must focus on attracting, holding, and illuminating readers. The authors demonstrate how just a few simple pointers can significantly improve both writing quality and impact. They tackle each component of a paper in turn, providing a simple framework that makes clear what needs to be included (and what doesn't!), and in what order. They also provide advice for writing up different types of science, from laboratory experiments to theoretical modelling. The focus throughout is on the need to use simple, jargon-free English, and to assume that the reader has little or no prior knowledge. In summary, the book is about writing better scientific papers that are more likely to be read and have impact. Scientific Papers Made Easy is targeted at a broad audience of students and professionals, across the biological, life, and human sciences. It uses simple biological and human examples that assume no prior knowledge and will resonate with any scientist.
DNA Damage Responses
This volume provides detailed methods and key approaches used to mechanistically study DNA damage, as well as the factors involved in the damage response. Chapters guide readers through proteomics and biophysical approaches, analyzing protein function, quantifying DNA replication dynamics and nucleic acid base damage, as well as biochemical reconstitution of key pathways involved in DNA repair. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, DNA Damage Responses: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Anti-Biofilms
This reprint is based on "Antimicrobial resistance and anti-biofilms" in the journal Antibiotics since November of 2020. This reprint has one editorial article, eight research articles, one review article, and one case report article, covering a time period of 15 months from December of 2021 to February of 2023. Containing three major sub-topics in this reprint, four manuscripts regarding the prevalence of resistant microbes, the emergence and evolution of resistance, and the molecular investigation of resistance mechanisms fall into the first sub-topic as "Antimicrobial resistance in microorganisms: epidemiology and molecular mechanism"; three manuscripts fall into the second sub-topic as "New antibiofilm strategy against fungal and/or bacterial biofilms"; and three manuscripts regarding the production and characteristics of these functional material encapsulated/ delivered natural compounds, in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial and antivirulent effects, and their potential applications, such as in food and medicine, fall into the third sub-topic as "Influence of Functional Material-Based Encapsulation/Delivery on the Antimicrobial and Antivirulent Effects of Natural Compounds". Articles contained in this reprint have provided comprehensive knowledge and insight in understanding of antimicrobial resistance epidemiology and molecular mechanism and new antibiofilm strategies.
Biological Activities of Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins
Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are rRNA N-glycosylases isolated mainly from plants that catalyze the hydrolysis of the N-glycosidic bond of a specific adenosine in the sarcin-ricin loop (SRL) of the major ribosomal RNA. Because the SRL is crucial for anchoring translation elongation factors, RIPs cause inactivation of ribosomes. They have been classified into two types based on the presence (type 2 RIPs) or absence (type 1 RIPs) of a lectin chain that can turn type 2 RIPs into potent toxins, such as ricin or abrin. The biological role of these proteins is unknown, but they are thought to be a defense mechanism of some plants against pathogens and predators. Because of their enzymatic action, RIPs show several biological activities, among which antiviral, antifungal and antiproliferative activities stand out. The most promising application of RIPs is their use as a component of immunotoxins, in which RIPs are linked to antibodies that mediate their binding and internalization by malignant cells. In agriculture, RIPs have been shown to increase resistance against viruses, fungi and insects in transgenic plants. The studies collected in this book provide the reader with an overview of the most current and interesting lines of research in the field of RIPs and their applications in medicine and agriculture. Thus, the reprint includes the isolation and biological properties of some new RIPs, both type 1 and type 2, the mechanisms of toxicity of previously described RIPs and two extensive reviews, one on the antiviral activity of RIPs and the other on the strategies used to improve their pharmacological properties.
Bacterial Reclamation Potential of Petroleum-Contaminated Soil
Crude oil is composed of several compounds, such as aliphatic, aromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and also sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen-containing compounds. PAH compounds are toxic and can be carcinogenic. Oil waste management in oil refineries needs to be focused on diminishing waste and selecting suitable strategies in order to prevent soil damage for raising crops and other agricultural purposes. In this study, several bacterial isolates were collected from PAH contaminated soil and were cultured in the presence of kerosene, diesel and petrol. Only two bacterial sp. Rhodococcus and Staph aureus degraded kerosene and may be used to reclaim oil spills for agricultural soils.
Anatomy & Physiology All-In-One for Dummies (+ Chapter Quizzes Online)
The knee-bone's connected to the...what was it again? From complicated Latin names to what can seem like a million-and-one things to memorize, no one's saying anatomy and physiology is easy. But, with a little help from your friends at Dummies, it doesn't have to be impossible! Anatomy & Physiology All-in-One For Dummies is your go-to guide for developing a deep understanding of the parts of the human body and how it works. You'll learn the body's structures and discover how they function with expert help from the book's easy-to-use teaching features. You can even go online to access interactive chapter quizzes to help you absorb the material. With this book, you'll: Get a grip on key concepts and scientific terminology used to describe the human body Discover fun physiology facts you can apply to everyday life both inside and outside the classroom Learn how the body's different systems interact with one another So, if you're looking to ace that next test, improve your overall grade, reduce test anxiety, or just increase your confidence in the subject, grab a copy of Anatomy & Physiology All-in-One For Dummies. It's your one-stop, comprehensive resource for all things A&P!
The Six-fold Nature of Reality
This work is the work A Six-fold Theory of Reality with an added section on the six-fold nature of the solar magnetic field and its compatibility with life. We show that if we base reality on six-fold symmetry we find it is described on every level for all of the building blocks from the microcosmos to the macrocosmos from the atoms to the particles from which they are made (protons) to the skeletal structure of life at it chemical basis the hydrocarbons, to the planets and the moon. This is a rough sketch of the basis of reality as six-fold unfolding where we can predict the radius of a proton and its charge. It all seems to waver around six, sometimes very closely, but we should keep in mind there should be some room for play because for something to have its function based on six it might only has to waver around it. We suggest from what we find about the moon, that the curious fact that it perfectly eclipses the sun as seen from the Earth, that it is there like that to have let us know since the time we were perhaps chipping stones to make spearpoints around the fire at night, that we are not alone in the universe. We formulate the idea of proton-seconds and find it suggests we can make a mathematical formulation of the elements and their compounds aside from our chemical description.
Biotic Stress Management of Crop Plants Using Nanomaterials
This book summarizes nanotechnology-based agricultural research for crop productivity and the management of various plant pathogens. It deals with the application of nano-molecules for quick, cost-effective, and precise plant disease diagnostic procedures, plant pests and disease management, nano-pesticides, and nano-diagnostics. Further, it explains nanomaterials for biotic stress management, with an insight into the synthesis and modification of nanomaterials and their potential applications in different domains for disease management.Features include: Compilation of current research on the Nanomaterials as well as their versatile applications in plant biotic stress management Description of the role of nanomaterials as enzyme-mimicking nanoparticles, nano-pesticides, nano-fertilizers, and nanomaterials Review of day-to-day problems related to crop plants, their diagnostics, and stress management Exploration of trends in nanomaterial utility in diagnostics, enzyme-mimicking, and crop protection, and their possible role in plant disease management Study of pertinent nanomaterials including synthetic strategies, properties, chemistry, and applications This book is aimed at researchers and graduate students in plant pathology, genetic engineering, environmental science, botany, bioengineering, and nanotechnology.
Prospects from Diagnosis to Treatment in Cancer Using Magnetic Methods
Many cancer diagnosis and treatment modalities have been developed over time, among which radioisotopes have been widely used. Recently, with the application of magnetic nanoparticles, a wide range of non-invasive diagnosis and treatment methods using magnetic techniques have attracted attention.This Special Issue introduces a lymph node biopsy method with a magnetic probe for the treatment of cancer, rapid immunostaining using magnetic nanoparticles in pathological diagnosis, cancer imaging with MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)/MPI (magnetic particle imaging), magnetic hyperthermia for cancer treatment, and the development of magnetic nanoparticles.
Regulation and Effect of Taurine on Metabolism
Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) has been reported to have a lot of physiological and pharmacological functions in various tissues, cells, and organelles in many species since discovered in the gall bladder of bovine in 1827, and its novel functions and roles have now been focused in many fields. This Special Issue consisted of eight original and two review articles contains the newest findings on the roles of taurine as an essential nutrient for development and growth in fetuses and infants, and functional maintenance in the brain, skeletal muscles, and others in adults, in mammalian, chicken, and fish.
New Research Advances on Marine Invertebrates
Marine ecosystems encompass a wide variety of invertebrates, including pelagic and benthonic ones, from intertidal to deep-sea habitats in polar and tropical regions. In addition to their high environmental importance, some marine invertebrates also have great economic value. However, despite all of the research that has been conducted so far, much still remains to be learned about these animals. This Special Issue collects articles providing new and relevant information about some marine invertebrates, namely, echinoderms, crustaceans, placozoans, molluscs and annelids. In these articles, a variety of research methods were applied in order to progress our understanding of these marine animals, including light and electron microscopy, liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and cell and tissue cultures.
Plant Breeding Supporting the Sustainable Field Crop Production
This Special Issue aims to highlight how plant breeding could contribute to strengthening sustainability in field crop production by integrating the application of modern technologies and tools. This Reprint contains eleven articles focusing on the most recent topic of plant breeding.
Wild Halophytes
Halophytes are a fascinating group of wild plants adapted to highly saline natural habitats, where most plant species and all our conventional crops would not survive. In fact, some halophytes can withstand even seawater salinity. In the current climate change scenario, increasing average temperatures and drought episodes contribute to the accelerated salinisation of irrigated cropland, especially in arid and semiarid regions, by the progressive accumulation in the soil of salts dissolved in irrigation water. This 'secondary salinisation' is one of the major causes of reducing crop yields worldwide. In this context, halophytes represent ideal experimental systems to investigate the mechanisms plants use to respond to high-salinity conditions. This knowledge will be essential for the genetic improvement of crop salt tolerance, which represents the most sensible strategy to address the abovementioned problem. Furthermore, halophytes could be the basis of a sustainable, 'saline' agriculture, after domestication and some breeding to improve agronomic characteristics. Then, they could be commercially cultivated for food, feed, fibre, or the production of biomolecules of industrial interest. Since they could be grown in saline land and irrigated with brackish water, they will not compete with our conventional crops for these limited resources, fertile land and good-quality water for irrigation. The articles included in this Special Issue address these different aspects of halophytes' research, although most focus on basic studies on salt-tolerance mechanisms.
The IX Iberian Congress of Ichthyology
This reprint presents proceedings resulting from the IX Iberian Congress of Ichthyology held in Porto, Portugal from 20th to 23rd June 2022. Published conference abstracts, presented as oral or poster communications, have been previously approved by the scientific conference committee and the original research content was double peer-reviewed. Overall, the reprint focuses on fundamental and applied ichthyological research developed mainly in the Iberian Peninsula.
Biomolecules
Biochemistry is the study of the structure and functions of biological macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. The book is organized in five chapters which covers the basic concepts and fascinating chemistry of biomolecules. It also exposes students to different metabolic pathways and concept of energy in biological system, and provides valuable material for the students of Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology and Bioscience.
An Introduction to Genetic Engineering
The fourth edition of this popular textbook retains its focus on the fundamental principles of gene manipulation, providing an accessible and broad-based introduction to the subject for beginning undergraduate students. It has been brought thoroughly up to date with new chapters on the story of DNA and genome editing, and new sections on bioethics, significant developments in sequencing technology and structural, functional and comparative genomics and proteomics, and the impact of transgenic plants. In addition to chapter summaries, learning objectives, concept maps, glossary and key word lists the book now also features new concluding sections, further reading lists and web-search activities for each chapter to provide a comprehensive suite of learning resources to help students develop a flexible and critical approach to the study of genetic engineering.
