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Toxic Plant Proteins
by Martin R. Hartley J. Michael LordMany plants produce enzymes collectively known as ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs). RIPs catalyze the removal of an adenine residue from a conserved loop in the large ribosomal RNA. The adenine residue removed by this depurination is crucial for the binding of elongation factors. Ribosomes modified in this way are no longer able to carry out protein synthesis. Most RIPs exist as single polypeptides (Type 1 RIPs) which are largely non-toxic to mammalian cells because they are unable to enter them and thus cannot reach their ribosomal substrate. In some instances, however, the RIP forms part of a heterodimer where its partner polypeptide is a lectin (Type 2 RIPs). These heterodimeric RIPs are able to bind to and enter mammalian cells. Their ability to reach and modify ribosomes in target cells means these proteins are some of the most potently cytotoxic poisons found in nature, and are widely assumed to play a protective role as part of the host plant's defenses. RIPs are able to further damage target cells by inducing apoptosis. In addition, certain plants produce lectins lacking an RIP component but which are also cytotoxic. This book focuses on the structure/function and some potential applications of these toxic plant proteins.
Combating Fungal Infections: Problems and Remedy
by Iqbal Ahmad Mohammed Shahid Farrukh Aqil Mohammad OwaisThe currently available means of combating fungal infections are weak and clumsy. The application of fungal genomics offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop novel antifungal drugs. Interestingly, several novel antifungal drug targets have already been identified and validated. However, it is premature to expect a novel antifungal agent in clinical setting as drug discovery programs are still in their infancy. In addition to classical and genomic approaches to drug discovery, treasure trove based on natural products and phytomedicine can provide a multitude of alternative modes of combating fungal infection. This book incisively addresses essential topics on various aspects pertaining to fungal diseases in human and animals, their reservoir, fungal pathogenesis, their management and recent advances in their treatment. Issues of antifungal drug toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, are also discussed. The development of resistance in fungal pathogens, including multidrug resistance and its mechanism, is dealt with in two chapters. Diverse diagnostic approaches to fungal infections are also reviewed. The combinational drug strategies used in combating invasive fungal infections are addressed in detail. The management of pulmonary mycoses in stem cell transplantation is also given special focus. Novel antifungal drugs (synthetic and herbal), fungal vaccines, and metabolic pathways as drug targets are discussed in detail in three different chapters. Subsequently the roles of innate immunity, cytokine therapy and immunomodulators in the treatment of fungal infections are elaborated upon. As novel drug delivery systems have a great potential for modifying the pharmacokinetics of medications, the last chapter takes this fact into consideration in its examination of state-of-the-art delivery systems in controlling fungal infections.
Naturnaher Wasserbau
by Heinz Patt Peter Jürging Werner KrausDer Autor stellt die wichtigsten Grundlagen für die Planung und Durchführung naturnaher Maßnahmen an Fließgewässern dar. Dabei behandelt er Technik und Ökologie als gleichwertige Partner. Hinweise zur aktuellen rechtlichen Situation, zum Planungsablauf sowie neue Aspekte der Gewässerunterhaltung sind ebenso enthalten wie hydrologische, hydraulische und sedimentologische Grundlagen. Die 4. Auflage berücksichtigt die Neufassungen zahlreicher Gesetze, u. a. des Bundesnaturschutzgesetzes, sowie das seit April 2010 gültige Wasserhaushaltsgesetz.
RNA Technologies and Their Applications
by Jan Barciszewski Volker A. ErdmannRNA technologies are the driving forces of modern medicine and biotechnology. They combine the fields of biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physics, nanotechnology and bioinformatics. The combination of these topics is set to revolutionize the medicine of tomorrow. After more than 15 years of extensive research in the field of RNA technologies, the first therapeutics are ready to reach the first patients. Thus we are witnessing the birth of a very exciting time in the development of molecular medicine, which will be based on the methods of RNA technologies. This volume is the first of a series. It covers various aspects of RNA interference and microRNAs, although antisense RNA applications, hammerhead ribozyme structure and function as well as non-coding RNAs are also discussed. The authors are internationally highly respected experts in the field of RNA technologies.
Plant Communication from an Ecological Perspective
by František Baluška Velemir NinkovicThis book shows the complexity of plant signaling and behavior in an ecological context and is intended to increase our understanding of it. It reflects the multifaceted interactions between plants and other organisms that affect their growth and development. In addition it puts emphasis on the effects of plant signaling and behavior on other trophic levels. This field of research is growing and developing rapidly, and new findings are regularly reported. Thus, this book provides a broader view of the field and represents a valuable reference work on the current state of research.
Homo Novus - A Human Without Illusions
by Ulrich J. Frey Kai P. Willführ Charlotte StörmerConverging evidence from disciplines including sociobiology, evolutionary psychology and human biology forces us to adopt a new idea of what it means to be a human. As cherished concepts such as free will, naïve realism, humans as creation's crowning glory fall and our moral roots in ape group dynamics become clearer, we have to take leave of many concepts that have been central to defining our humanness. What emerges is a new human, the homo novus, a human being without illusions. Leading authors from many different fields explore these issues by addressing a range of illusions and providing evidence for the need, despite considerable reluctance, to relinquish some of our most cherished ideas about ourselves.
Intraperitoneal Therapy for Ovarian Cancer
by Lisa M. Hess Mary C. Clouser David AlbertsIntraperitoneal chemotherapy is increasingly being used as first-line treatment for ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, it is difficult for the oncologist to find a definitive text that documents both the fundamental methods required to optimize therapy and the up-to-date results of phase I, II, and III clinical trials. With this in mind, the editors of Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy have assembled a team of highly experienced clinicians and researchers to cover every aspect of the subject. The topics addressed include treatment principles, patient, drug, and catheter selection, administration guidelines, the role of hyperthermia, supportive care requirements, novel drugs, and the most recent results of clinical trials. This book will be an invaluable source of information for both practicing clinical oncologists and oncologists in training.
The Right Sensory Mix: Targeting Consumer Product Development Scientifically
by Diana DervalBerry-AMA Book Prize FINALIST 2011! "The Right Sensory Mix" is one of the four best marketing books in 2011 according to the American Marketing Association Foundation. The Berry-AMA Book Prize is awarded annually be the Foundation (AMAF) and recognizes books whose innovative ideas have had significant impact on marketing and related fields. For additional information about the Berry-AMA Book Prize, visit Berry-AMA Book Prize. Why do some people drink black coffee and others stick to tea? Why do some people prefer competitors' products? Why do we sell less in this country? Many companies fail to acknowledge and analyze disparities observed among customers and simply put them down to culture or emotion. New neuroendocrinological research proves that consumers are rational: They just have a different biological perception of the same stimulus! Their preferences, behavior, and decisions are strongly influenced by the hundreds of millions of sensors monitoring their body and brain. People with more taste buds are for example sensitive to bitterness and are more likely to drink their coffee with sugar or milk, or to drink tea. After reading the book, managers will be able to: * Understand and predict consumers' behavior and preferences * Design the right sensory mix (color, shape, taste, smell, texture, and sound) for each product * Fine-tune their positioning and product range for every local market * Systematically increase their innovation hit rate
C-X Bond Formation (Topics in Organometallic Chemistry #31)
by Arkadi VigalokContents: Kilian Muñiz: Transition Metal Catalyzed Electrophilic Halogenation of C-H bonds in alpha-Position to Carbonyl Groups; Arkadi Vigalok * and Ariela W Kaspi: Late Transition Metal-Mediated Formation of Carbon-Halogen Bonds; Paul Bichler and Jennifer A. Love*: Organometallic Approaches to Carbon-Sulfur Bond Formation; David S. Glueck: Recent Advances in Metal-Catalyzed C-P Bond Formation; Andrei N. Vedernikov: C-O Reductive Elimination from High Valent Pt and Pd Centers; Lukas Hintermann: Recent Developments in Metal-Catalyzed Additions of Oxygen Nucleophiles to Alkenes and Alkynes; Moris S. Eisen: Catalytic C-N, C-O and C-S bond formation promoted by organoactinide complexes.
Trends in Nanophysics
by Alexandru Aldea Victor Bârsan"Trends in Nanophysics" contains reviews on various domains of nanotechnology such as: radiation-induced polymerization, cross-linking and grafting; Mossbauer study of nanomaterials; biomedical applications of nanomaterials; organic thin films for photovoltaics; growth and characterization of semiconductor nanowires; graphene and carbon nanotubes; fractional statistics in nanophysics; nanomechanical properties of materials; ab-initio simulations in nanoscience; fabrication and characterization of ordered atomic-scale structures; plasmonics; and nano-optical studies of motile structures of neuronal cells. These reviews cover key issues from experimental and theoretical nanophysics and are interesting for active researchers as well as for graduate and undergraduate students in the nanoscience field.
Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Economics
by Panos M. Pardalos Endre Bjørndal Mette Bjørndal Mikael RönnqvistThe book consists of a collection of articles (survey and research) describing the area of energy, natural resources and environmental economics. The contents of the book is divided into four sections. The first part considers petroleum and natural gas applications, taking up topics ranging from the management of incomes and reserves to market modeling and value chain optimization. The second and most extensive part studies applications from electricity markets, including analyses of marked prices, risk management, various optimization problems, electricity market design and regulation. The third part describes different applications in logistics and management of natural resources. Finally, the fourth part covers more general problems and methods arising within the area. The volume contains many examples from Nordic countries where there is knowledge and experience in managing natural resources.
Price Regulation and Risk
by Michael HierzenbergerNatural monopolies are not subject to the market-based principle of competition. Consequently, it is necessary to control companies in such monopoly positions with regard to their pricing. In the future, it will become more and more important to consider a possible change in the regulation regime when the future-oriented costs of equity - both in terms of price regulation and for conducting capital market-oriented business valuations - are to be determined. Based on the principal-agent problem, the book explains this topic. The effect of a change in the regulation regime is presented in the form of two studies: an international secondary analysis of the effects on cost of equity based on event studies of the Anglo-Saxon area and a primary analysis based on the Austrian regulation policy for electricity and gas supply systems. The two studies arrive at similar results: The change from a rate-of-return regulation to incentive regulation systems leads to a significant increase in systematic risk.
Chest Surgery (Springer Surgery Atlas Series)
by Hendrik C. Dienemann Hans Hoffmann Frank C. DetterbeckChest Surgery provides readers with a comprehensive and authoritative text that explains and illustrates all thoracic surgery procedures, with the exception of those on the heart and esophagus. The easy-to-read text is supported by clear, instructive line drawings and intraoperative photographs. The result is a well-illustrated practical guide for the seasoned and novice practitioner alike. The contributors, who are all acknowledged experts, demonstrate simple and safe forms of operation by distilling their experience into the most efficient methods for both standard and less common procedures. For ease in following a surgical procedure, the text description of each step is coupled with an appropriate drawing. There are often numerous ways of performing an operation, and this book takes care to impart the basic principles underlying surgery. It will be the "must-have" guide for all thoracic surgery residents who wish to acquaint themselves with the latest developments in this constantly expanding field.
Pediatric Retina
by James D. Reynolds Scott E. OlitskyPediatric retinal diseases are not simply retinal diseases that occur in children; rather, they are unique disorders that often are not found in adults. This textbook of the pediatric retina offers in-depth guidance on congenital and acquired diseases of the retina in the pediatric population. It is organized according to disease onset and timing, as well as anatomy. All chapters are written by leading authorities in the field from both the pediatric and the retinal perspective. A multidisciplinary approach to the topic is adopted, and critical information is included on disease classification and diagnosis, pathophysiology, genetics, complications, and prognosis. Pediatric Retina will be a useful source of information for pediatric ophthalmologists, retina specialists, and other eye care providers who care for children.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management
by Thorsten Klaas-Wissing Christoph Tyssen Balkan Cetinkaya Richard Cuthbertson Graham Ewer Wojciech PiotrowiczThis book focuses on the need to develop sustainable supply chains - economically, environmentally and socially. This book is not about a wish list of impractical choices, but the reality of decisions faced by all those involved in supply chain management today. Our definition of sustainable supply chains is not restricted to so-called "green" supply chains, but recognises that in order to be truly sustainable, supply chains must operate within a realistic financial structure, as well as contribute value to our society. Supply chains are not sustainable unless they are realistically funded and valued. Thus, a real definition of sustainable supply chain management must take account of all relevant economic, social and environmental issues. This book contains examples from a wide range of real-life case studies, and synthesizes the learnings from these many different situations to provide the fundamental building blocks at the centre of successful logistics and supply chain management.
Dynamics in Logistics
by Bernd Scholz-Reiter Hans-Jörg Kreowski Klaus-Dieter ThobenThe volume comprises the proceedings of the third International Conference on Dynamics in Logistics LDIC 2012. The scope of the conference targeted the identification, analysis, and description of the dynamics of logistic processes and networks. The spectrum ranged from the modeling and planning of processes and innovative methods like autonomous control and knowledge management to the new technologies provided by radio frequency identification, mobile communication, and networking. The growing dynamics in the area of logistics poses completely new challenges: Logistic processes and networks must rapidly and flexibly adapt to continuously changing conditions. LDIC 2012 provided a venue for researchers from academia and industry interested in the technical advances in dynamics in logistics. The conference addressed research in logistics from a wide range of fields, e.g. engineering, computer science and operations research. The volume consists of two invited papers and of 49 contributed papers divided into various subjects including transport logistics, routing in dynamic logistic networks, modeling, simulation, optimization and collaboration in logistics, identification technologies, mathematical modeling in transport and production logistics, information, communication, risk and failure in logistic systems, autonomous control in logistic processes, global supply chains and industrial applications, and the Internet of Things in the context of logistics.
Sustainable and Safe Nuclear Fission Energy
by Günter KesslerUnlike existing books of nuclear reactor physics, nuclear engineering and nuclear chemical engineering this book covers a complete description and evaluation of nuclear fission power generation. It covers the whole nuclear fuel cycle, from the extraction of natural uranium from ore mines, uranium conversion and enrichment up to the fabrication of fuel elements for the cores of various types of fission reactors. This is followed by the description of the different fuel cycle options and the final storage in nuclear waste repositories. In addition the release of radioactivity under normal and possible accidental conditions is given for all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle and especially for the different fission reactor types.
Ambulatory Impedance Cardiography: The Systems and their Applications (Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering #76)
by Gerard CybulskiThe book is divided in 4 parts. In the first one, the importance of the analysis of the cardiac dynamics using the ambulatory monitoring technique is presented. The second part contains the description of foundations of impedance cardiography (ICG), the models used to describe the ICG technique and the description of available systems for ambulatory monitoring of cardiac hemodynamics. The third part is devoted to the validation of the ambulatory ICG method, the verification of the quality of long term ICG recordings and the discussion of the limitations of this technique. In the last part, some clinical and research applications of the ICG ambulatory monitoring are presented. The simultaneous recordings of electrocardiogram (ECG) and ICG in the transient cardiac arrhythmia events illustrate the potential applications of that method for quantitative analysis of hemodynamics when the implementation of the stationary methods would be either difficult or not possible to do. The book is followed by references, alphabetical index and appendices containing the technical data of the available systems for portable monitoring of cardiac hemodynamics.
Manufacturing Processes 1
by Fritz Klocke Aaron KuchleThe book series on manufacturing processes for engineers is a reference work for scientific and industrial experts. This volume on Turning, Milling and Drilling starts from the basic principles of machining with geometrically defined cutting edges based on a common active principle. In addition, appropriate tool designs as well as the reasonable use of cutting material are presented. A detailed chapter about the machinability of the most important workpiece materials, such as steel and cast iron, light metal alloys and high temperature resistant materials imparts a broad knowledge of the interrelations between workpiece materials, cutting materials and process parameters. This book is in the RWTHedition Series as are the other four volumes of the reference work.
Decreasing Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Gas Emissions in Transportation: Sensing, Control and Reduction of Emissions
by Michael Palocz-AndresenWithin all areas of transportation, solutions for economical and environmentally friendly technology are being examined. Fuel consumption, combustion processes, control and limitation of pollutants in the exhaust gas are technological problems, for which guidelines like 98/69/EC and 99/96 determine the processes for the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions. Apart from technological solutions, the consequences of international legislation and their effects on environmental and climate protection in the area of the transportation are discussed.
Wasserbau
by Andreas Huber Daniel Vischer Heinz Patt Peter GonsowskiDas bewährte Nachschlagewerk für den projektierenden Bauingenieur vermittelt das Grundwissen des konstruktiven Wasserbaus im Binnenland. Studierende des Bauwesens führt das Buch in die Grundlagen des Wasserbaus und der Wasserwirtschaft ein. Die Ausführungen zum Feststofftransport, zur Gewässerbettdynamik und zur Fließgewässertypologie beschreiben die Entwicklungsdynamik der Fließgewässer und bilden eine wichtige Grundlage für die aktuellen Ausbaumethoden und Anlagengestaltungen im Flussbau. Dazu gehören natürlich auch die Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten beim Hochwasserschutz. Weitere Kapitel des Buches widmen sich den Bauwerken und Anlagen des technischen Wasserbaus. Dazu gehören die Wehre und Stauanlagen, die Wasserkraftnutzung mit ihren Nebenanlagen, wie Wasserfassungen, Kanäle, Druckleitungen und Speicher. Den Turbinen und Pumpen sind eigene Abschnitte gewidmet. Des Weiteren behandelt das Buch das landwirtschaftliche Wasser und den Verkehrswasserbau.
Calorimetry and Thermal Methods in Catalysis (Springer Series in Materials Science #154)
by Aline AurouxThe book is about calorimetry and thermal analysis methods, alone or linked to other techniques, as applied to the characterization of catalysts, supports and adsorbents, and to the study of catalytic reactions in various domains: air and wastewater treatment, clean and renewable energies, refining of hydrocarbons, green chemistry, hydrogen production and storage. The book is intended to fill the gap between the basic thermodynamic and kinetics concepts acquired by students during their academic formation, and the use of experimental techniques such as thermal analysis and calorimetry to answer practical questions. Moreover, it supplies insights into the various thermal and calorimetric methods which can be employed in studies aimed at characterizing the physico-chemical properties of solid adsorbents, supports and catalysts, and the processes related to the adsorption desorption phenomena of the reactants and/or products of catalytic reactions. The book also covers the basic concepts for physico-chemical comprehension of the relevant phenomena. Thermodynamic and kinetic aspects of the catalytic reactions can be fruitfully investigated by means of thermal analysis and calorimetric methods, in order to better understand the sequence of the elemental steps in the catalysed reaction. So the fundamental theory behind the various thermal analysis and calorimetric techniques and methods also are illustrated.
Integrated Computer-Aided Design in Automotive Development: Development Processes, Geometric Fundamentals, Methods of CAD, Knowledge-Based Engineering Data Management
by Anton Gfrerrer Hirz Mario Johann Lang Wilhelm DietrichThe automotive industry faces constant pressure to reduce development costs and time while still increasing vehicle quality. To meet this challenge, engineers and researchers in both science and industry are developing effective strategies and flexible tools by enhancing and further integrating powerful, computer-aided design technology. This book provides a valuable overview of the development tools and methods of today and tomorrow. It is targeted not only towards professional project and design engineers, but also to students and to anyone who is interested in state-of-the-art computer-aided development. The book begins with an overview of automotive development processes and the principles of virtual product development. Focusing on computer-aided design, a comprehensive outline of the fundamentals of geometry representation provides a deeper insight into the mathematical techniques used to describe and model geometrical elements. The book then explores the link between the demands of integrated design processes and efficient data management. Within automotive development, the management of knowledge and engineering data plays a crucial role. Some selected representative applications provide insight into the complex interactions between computer-aided design, knowledge-based engineering and data management and highlight some of the important methods currently emerging in the field.
Quantum Information, Computation and Cryptography
by Fabio Benatti Dimitri Petritis Mark Fannes Roberto FloreaniniThis multi-authored textbook addresses graduate students with a background in physics, mathematics or computer science. No research experience is necessary. Consequently, rather than comprehensively reviewing the vast body of knowledge and literature gathered in the past twenty years, this book concentrates on a number of carefully selected aspects of quantum information theory and technology. Given the highly interdisciplinary nature of the subject, the multi-authored approach brings together different points of view from various renowned experts, providing a coherent picture of the subject matter. The book consists of ten chapters and includes examples, problems, and exercises. The first five present the mathematical tools required for a full comprehension of various aspects of quantum mechanics, classical information, and coding theory. Chapter 6 deals with the manipulation and transmission of information in the quantum realm. Chapters 7 and 8 discuss experimental implementations of quantum information ideas using photons and atoms. Finally, chapters 9 and 10 address ground-breaking applications in cryptography and computation.
The Role of the Regions in EU Governance
by Carlo Panara Alexander De BeckerThis publication compares for the first time how the regions in seven different countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) are involved in EU governance. It is also the first book which tackles this matter from two different perspectives; that of EU law and that of comparative law. It includes contributions both from well-established scholars in the field of EU law and from younger scholars.