الصفحة 17
الصفحة 17
Selective Sweep
Selective Sweep deals with the theory and practice of detection of recent adaptive evolution at the genomic level from the patterns of DNA polymorphism. Recent advances in genomic sequencing provide the background for analysis of polymorphic sites in large chromosomal regions or even in whole genome, thus providing the tool for effective identification of loci that are under strong pressure of positive selection. For this reason, the studies of selective sweep, which formerly were of interest mostly to evolutionists, have become widely recognized and appreciated by the large biological community involved in identification of the targets of selection during speciation, host/pathogen interactions, and resistance to chemical agents.
Selection Methods in Plant Breeding
Written for plant breeders, researchers and post-graduate students, this book provides a comprehensive review of the methods and underlying theoretical foundations used for selection in plant breeding programmes. The authors review basic elements of population and quantitative genetic theory, and consider in a unique way the tackling of the problems presented by soil heterogeneity and intergenotypic competition when selecting quantitative characters.
Selection and Breeding Programs in Aquaculture
Although aquaculture as a biological production system has a long history, systematic and efficient breeding programs to improve economically important traits in the farmed species have rarely been utilized until recently, except for salmonid species. This means that the majority of aquaculture production (more than 90 %) is based on genetically unimproved stocks. In farm animals the situation is vastly different: practically no terrestrial farm production is based on genetically unimproved and undomesticated populations. This difference between aquaculture and livestock production is in spite of the fact that the basic elements of breeding theory are the same for fish and shellfish as for farm animals. One possible reason for the difference is the complexity of reproductive biology in aquatic species, and special consideration needs to be taken in the design of breeding plans for these species. Since 1971 AKVAFORSK, has continuously carried out large scale breeding research projects with salmonid species, and during the latest 15 years also with a number of fresh water and marine species. Results from this work and the results from other institutions around the world have brought forward considerable knowledge, which make the development of efficient breeding programs feasible. The genetic improvement obtained in selection programs for fish and shellfish is remarkable and much higher than what has been achieved in terrestrial farm animals.
Selected Aspects of Cancer Progression : Metastasis, Apoptosis and Immune Response
The processes of tumor metastasis, apoptosis and anti-tumor immune response are among the most complex yet rapidly advancing fields in the area of cancer research. This monograph presents a comprehensive coverage of the recent advances in the various key concepts in these fundamental aspects of human cancer. It would be of particular interest to members of the cancer research community, especially those who are actively involved in the study of basic and translational aspects of human cancer.
Secondary Metabolites in Soil Ecology
Secondary Metabolites in Soil Ecology focuses on the role of bacterial, fungal and plant secondary metabolites in soil ecosystems. Our understanding of the biological function of secondary metabolites is surprisingly limited, considering our knowledge of their structural diversity and pharmaceutically relevant activities. This volume reviews functional aspects of secondary metabolite production, with a focus on interactions among soil organisms. Topics such as truffle metabolites and burnt phenomenon, ecology of mycotoxins in soil, root exudates, and chemical interactions between Streptomyces and mycorrhiza fungi are treated. Further aspects are the role of microbial metabolites as quorum sensing signals, their role in protecting plants against pathogens and the effect of volatiles on soil invertebrates. Chapters describing techniques for the detection of antibiotics in soil and the application of metabolomics to rhizosphere research, which has advanced rapidly in recent years, complement the book.
Secondary Analysis of Electronic Health Records
This book trains the next generation of scientists representing different disciplines to leverage the data generated during routine patient care. It formulates a more complete lexicon of evidence-based recommendations and support shared, ethical decision making by doctors with their patients. Diagnostic and therapeutic technologies continue to evolve rapidly, and both individual practitioners and clinical teams face increasingly complex ethical decisions. Unfortunately, the current state of medical knowledge does not provide the guidance to make the majority of clinical decisions on the basis of evidence.
Seasonal Landscapes
This book studies seasonal landscape in Scandinavia and Brazil, on the Aegean islands and in European mountains, in agriculture tourism, in cities and in the countryside.
Seagrasses : Biology, Ecology and Conservation
In this book experts in 26 areas of seagrass biology present their work in chapters which are state-of–the-art and designed to be useful to students and researchers alike. The book not only focuses on what has been discovered but what exciting areas are left to discover. The book is divided into sections on taxonomy, anatomy, reproduction, ecology, physiology, fisheries, management, conservation and landscape ecology. It is destined to become the chosen text on seagrasses for any marine biology course.
Sclerotinia Diseases of Crop Plants : Biology, Ecology and Disease Management
The present book on Sclerotinia deals with the aspects on taxonomy, nomenclature, geographical distribution, economic importance, host range, the diseases caused, symptomatology, disease assessment, reproduction, ultra-structures, pathogenic variability, perpetuation, infection and pathogenesis, biochemical, molecular and physiological aspects of host pathogen interaction, seed infection, disease cycle, epidemiology and forecasting, host resistance and disease management strategies. In addition, laboratory and field techniques developed so far for Sclerotinia have been included.
Science of Microscopy
New forms of imaging in science have nearly always led to major advances, especially at the nanoscale, and the pace of these developments has increased dramatically in recent decades. Many new types of microscopes have joined the traditional light microscope and the transmission and scanning electron microscopes during the past two decades. In the present volumes, a group of experts present comprehensive reviews of these new instruments and new versions of the older ones as well as associated techniques and draw attention to their principal areas of application. Numerous subjects are benefiting from these new tools, including semiconductor physics, medicine, molecular biology, the nanoworld in general, magnetism, and ferroelectricity. Science of Microscopy will be an indispensable guide to a wide range of scientists in university laboratories as well as to engineers and scientists in industrial R&D departments.
Science for Agriculture and Rural Development in Low-income Countries
Special emphasis was given to lessons for future thinking about the contribution of agriculture to: 1) poverty alleviation and rural livelihoods; 2)food security, human nutrition and health; 3) environmental sustainability and natural resource management. In discussing the way ahead, a number of major research challenges, as well as policy questions are outlined.
Schistosomiasis
A Goal of this volume is to initiate conversations among those working across the research-to-control spectrum on schistosomiasis about the future of their field, and by doing so lead to constructive efforts to identify and address the most critical questions and challenges related to schistosomiasis. The book covers four main areas: schistosome phylogenetics, gene expression, and the overall genome, including information on exciting new tools for addressing questions that have long been inaccessible to schistosomologists; the host-schistosome interaction at the larval to adult worm interface and addresses aspects important for vaccine development as well as how differential gene expression as detected by DNA microarrays may be utilized to develop tools for detection and control of infection or pathology; the development of the host immune response to eggs, granuloma formation and factors affecting the development and regulation of immunopathology; and the public health concerns associated with schistosomiasis, including morbidity control, host genetics, treatment and proposals for improved partnerships. The volume concludes with a chapter addressing the schisms that sometimes exist along the spectrum from basic research programs to the implementation of control schemes, and a proposal to make these differences benefit patients and researchers rather than succumb to base temptations to compete for resources to no one’s benefit. Like many of the diseases featured in the World Class Parasites series, the prospects for dramatic advances in schistosomiasis coincide with a seemingly shrinking pool of both human and material resources. The most meaningful progress will occur as the laboratory better understands the needs in the field and the field better understands the capabilities of the laboratory.
Scaling and Uncertainty Analysis in Ecology : Methods and Applications
Draws together a series of important case studies to provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the most recent concepts, theories and methods in scaling and uncertainty analysis. It compares current definitions and ideas concerning scale within a coherent framework, and examines two key scaling approaches: similarity-based scaling, which is rooted in the idea of similitude or self-similarity; and dynamic model-based scaling, which emphasizes processes and mechanisms.
Saving Biological Diversity : Balancing Protection of Endangered Species and Ecosystems
The distinctive contribution of this book is that it presents a pragmatic approach for preserving biological diversity. Experts in a wide variety of fields, including philosophy, environmental policy, law, economics and biology, present different perspectives on how to prevent widespread extinction around the world. Several chapters deal with basic questions such as how we should define biodiversity and how we should determine what is most important to save. Two chapters focus on how we can place an economic value on biological diversity, a step that is often critical for gaining acceptance for conservation efforts. One of the major conclusions is that people are often willing to pay to preserve natural systems that have no immediate value in terms of generating income or commodities. Other chapters are case studies of efforts to protect particular species or ecosystems; these provide practical guidelines for how to protect biodiversity more effectively.
Sampling Methods, Remote Sensing and GIS Multiresource Forest Inventory
The book presents the state-of-the-art of forest resources assessments and monitoring and provides links to practical applications of forest and natural resource assessment programs. It gives an overview of current forest inventory systems and discusses forest mensuration, sampling techniques, remote sensing applications, geographic and forest information systems, and multi-resource forest inventory. In addition to the assessment of the productive functions of forests, particular attention is given to the quantification of non-wood goods and services and the relationship of forests to other landscape elements. All methodology is presented in the framework of sustainable management of the multiple functions that forests provide to the natural environment and to society.
SALICYLIC ACID - A Plant Hormone
This book provides information about a natural chemical, Salicylic Acid, that could be raised to the status of the above phytohormones because it has significant impact on various aspects of plant life.
Sabkha Ecosystems ; Vol. II : West and Central Asia
This new volume, provides data and information on salt desert ecosystems of numerous West and Central Asian countries, including many of which are located in the Arabian Peninsula. The information provided assists the reader to better understand sabkha geology, hydrology, geomorphology, zoology, botany, ecology, ecosystem functioning, as well as sabkha conservation, utilisation, and development. The volume is paramount literature for anyone dealing with sabkha research and development.
Rotifera X: Rotifer Research : Trends, new tools and recent advances
This volume reflects the latest developments in the research of a global community of rotifer researchers, who came together at Illmitz, Austria in 2003. Contributions are manifold and span fields from phylogeny and evolution of the phylum Rotifera to practical aspects of aquaculture and ecotoxicology. Major issues include phylogeny and evolution, genetics and molecular ecology, new aspects of rotifer anatomy through the application of confocal laser-scanning microscopy, anhydrobiosis, long-term studies in lakes and rivers, population dynamics and community ecology, trophic relationships between copepods and rotifers, alongside biodiversity studies based on classical taxonomic concepts and molecular approaches. Although primarily focussed on one taxonomic group, the scientific outcome of this meeting is of relevance to the study of other aquatic microinvertebrates as well.
Root, Tuber and Banana Food System Innovations : Value Creation for Inclusive Outcomes
This book describes recent innovations in food systems based on root, tuber and banana crops in developing countries. These innovations respond to many of the challenges facing these vital crops, linked to their vegetative seed and bulky and perishable produce. The innovations create value, food, jobs and new sources of income while improving the wellbeing and quality of life of their users. Women are often key players in the production, processing and marketing of roots, tubers and bananas, so successful innovation needs to consider gender.
Root Physiology : From Gene to Function
The classical boundaries between physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology have vanished. There has been a strong focus on a limited number of model species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. That focus has allowed greater insight into the significance of specific genes for plant development and functioning. However, many species are very different from A. thaliana, in that they are mycorrhizal, develop a symbiosis with N2-fixing microsymbionts, or have other specialised root structures. Also, some have a much greater capacity to resist extreme environments, such as soil acidity, salinity, flooding or heavy-metal toxicities, due to specific adaptations. Research on species other than A. thaliana is therefore pivotal, to develop new knowledge in plant sciences in a comprehensive manner. This fundamental new knowledge can be the basis for important applications in, e.g., agriculture and plant conservation. Although significant progress has been made, much remains to be learnt. It is envisaged that discoveries made in the recent past will likely lead to major breakthroughs in the next decade.
