Аннотация

The increase in the world population and changes in welfare have led to an enormously expanding demand for food. In the industrialized world, food surpluses rather than shortages are a problem together with adverse environmental impacts from the overuse of chemicals and excessive exploitation of agricultural land. In the developing world, food production cannot keep up with population growth and the gap between demand and supply is growing. This book explores the theme of sustainable agricultural development in the developing world, with a particular focus on crop protection. Includes chapters on the ecology of food production, on sustainable agriculture and crop protection methods, on the economics of food production and more.

Аннотация

Using a multidisciplinary approach, it features contributions and discussions of the latest research from leading scientists working on all aspects of GTPase activity. Covers all known members of the important superfamily of enzymes–the GTPases. Considers numerous key cellular functions and how they are regulated by GTPases. Also describes various regulatory proteins that modulate GTPase activity.

Аннотация

TGF-beta, originally identified as a transforming growth factor with similar properties, is now known to exist as a family of factors with similar properties. These factors promote cell proliferation in some tissue types or conditions and induce cell differentiation in others. Features the latest information on the TGF-beta family and its receptors. Describes correlations between TGF-beta and certain cancers, including glioblastomas. Also contains reports of preliminary investigations of clinical applications for TGF-beta in many diseases, including leukemia and its use to accelerate wound healing.

Аннотация

Connects classical cellular descriptive studies with more recent work on the molecular and genetic aspects regarding germline development. Prominent scientists discuss research on a range of organisms including insects, worms, birds, fish, amphibia, mammals and green algae. Specification of germ cells, their migration to the gonads and subsequent interactions with the soma and evolutionary factors of their segregation are among the topics covered.

Аннотация

Describes the structure and function of important peptides from several different organisms. An exciting development is the use of these peptides or their analogues in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Considers ways in which these peptides may be used to control the insect vectors of key pathogens including the malarial parasite. Discusses the role of antimicrobial peptides in the mammalian immune system and their interaction with other components of that system.

Аннотация

Experts from a variety of areas compare and discuss IL-6 and LIF in order to provide a new understanding of their modes of action, the significance of their polyfunctionalization–why the body chooses to use one molecule to regulate various cell types–and their functional overlap. Covers such topics as actions of IL-6 and LIF on lymphoid populations, on megakaryocyte and platelet production, on bone metabolism, their effects on leukemic cells and much more. Includes contributions from researchers working on a variety of cell types and organ systems along with potential clinical applications regarding these two factors.

Аннотация

Contains the presentations and discussions that took place during a symposium at the CIBA Foundation on October 1-3, 1990 on the subject of catalytic antibodies. The recognition that monoclonal antibodies can possess catalytic activity is a recent advance with profound ramifications for chemistry. In addition to their potential commercial applications as catalysts for reactions, for which there are no known enzymes, antibodies promise to provide valuable insight into the detailed mechanisms of biological catalysis and organic chemistry.

Аннотация

Neural tube defects are the second most common cause of perinatal death from birth defects in the United Kingdom. In this important book, leading scientists evaluate the latest evidence on the causative factors–both genetic and environmental–of these major human congenital malformations. They also discuss prospects for early detection by prenatal screening and for treatment both before and after birth. The extensive coverage encompasses such topics as: formation and patterning of the avian neuraxis, neurulation in mammals and the normal human embryo, folic acid and more.

Аннотация

Examines the progress of leading scientists working on various aspects of handedness in order to consider the occurrence of handedness in the biological world. Provides in-depth coverage of the origin and development of morphological asymmetry occurring in most types of living organisms.

Аннотация

The many different kinds of blood cells found in the human body are derived from multi-potential stem cells, which are induced to differentiate into one or another cell type by the action of regulatory proteins or growth factors. This volume looks at the way that binding of these proteins to specific receptors causes changes in gene expression in the nucleus and the activity of certain enzymes in the cytoplasm, committing the cell to a particular developmental pathway. Also discussed are recently established clinical applications and clinical trials of new techniques.