Emerging Model Systems in Developmental Biology


Book Description

An ever-growing roster of model organisms is a hallmark of 21st century Developmental Biology. Emerging model organisms are well suited to asking some fascinating and important questions that cannot be addressed using established model systems. And new methods are increasingly facilitating the adoption of new research organisms in laboratories. This volume is written by some of the scientists who have played pivotal roles in developing new models or in significantly advancing tools in emerging systems. - Presents some of the most interesting additions to the core set of model organisms - Contains contributions from people who have developed new model systems or advanced tools - Includes personal stories about how and why model systems were developed













Soft Scale Insects


Book Description

This text presents an up-to-date account of the soft-scale insects, "Coccidae", and covers almost the entire spectrum of the knowledge of this insect family. It is divided into three sections, covering: soft scale insects; their natural enemies; and damage and control.




Nitrogen Use Efficiency: Plant Biology to Crop Improvement


Book Description

The predominant role of unused fertilizers in reactive nitrogen pollution and the need for research and policies to improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is now well known globally. NUE research was originally championed by the scientists of the International Nitrogen Initiative (INI) and later recognized by some national governments and UN agencies such as UNEP, FAO and UNECE. The resulting first ever UN resolution on “Sustainable nitrogen management” in 2019 boosted the demand for solutions, especially in agriculture. The Berlin Declaration from the INI 2021 conference called for improvement of nitrogen use efficiency towards achieving sustainable food systems and all the 17 sustainable development goals. Crop NUE is primarily a biological problem, as there exists a genetic limit to agronomic improvement. Overcoming this genetic barrier for crop improvement requires better understanding of the biological mechanisms of N-response and the genetic determinants of NUE. Fortunately, crop genomics in general and the functional genomics of N-response in particular have been providing a wealth of information. The recent developments in phenotyping and genotyping for NUE and the emergence of phenomics, coupled with the growing ability of bioinformatics to integrate diverse datasets offer unprecedented opportunities to solve the NUE puzzle. Some candidate genes for this multi-genic trait have been validated, while some others are being identified, shortlisted or offered for validation.







Epigenetics and Biological Processes


Book Description

Epigenetics and Biological Processes deals with epigenetic control of various plant processes such as chromatin modification, biomacromolecule interactions, cell cycle, DNA replication, DNA recombination, DNA damage response, transcription, RNA processing and translation initiation, host restriction and modification, heterochromatin, euchromatin, centromere functions, telomeric maintenance, transposon activation, transposon silencing, transposon reactivation, photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, polyploidisation, heterosis, homeostasis, cytoplasmic male sterility, self-incompatibility, circadian clocks, epigenetic imprinting, dosage compensation, somaclonal variation, plant stress response, plant-microbe interactions, disease responsive genes, and sustainable green revolution through epigenetics. Understanding epigenetics of these plant processes is essential for using science of epigenetics as a tool for crop improvement. This book is primarily designed as a textbook for senior/upper undergraduate (B.Sc. Agri.; B.Sc. Biotechnology and B.Tech. (Biotechnology) and graduate level (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) students studying epigenetics in conventional, agricultural and medical universities. Teachers and researchers in any discipline of life sciences, agricultural sciences, medicine, and biotechnology.




The R Book


Book Description

The high-level language of R is recognized as one of the mostpowerful and flexible statistical software environments, and israpidly becoming the standard setting for quantitative analysis,statistics and graphics. R provides free access to unrivalledcoverage and cutting-edge applications, enabling the user to applynumerous statistical methods ranging from simple regression to timeseries or multivariate analysis. Building on the success of the author’s bestsellingStatistics: An Introduction using R, The R Book ispacked with worked examples, providing an all inclusive guide to R,ideal for novice and more accomplished users alike. The bookassumes no background in statistics or computing and introduces theadvantages of the R environment, detailing its applications in awide range of disciplines. Provides the first comprehensive reference manual for the Rlanguage, including practical guidance and full coverage of thegraphics facilities. Introduces all the statistical models covered by R, beginningwith simple classical tests such as chi-square and t-test. Proceeds to examine more advance methods, from regression andanalysis of variance, through to generalized linear models,generalized mixed models, time series, spatial statistics,multivariate statistics and much more. The R Book is aimed at undergraduates, postgraduates andprofessionals in science, engineering and medicine. It is alsoideal for students and professionals in statistics, economics,geography and the social sciences.




Resistance to Anti-CD20 Antibodies and Approaches for Their Reversal


Book Description

Resistance to Anti-CD20 Antibodies and Approaches for Their Reversal presents in-depth content written by international experts in the study of resistance to anti-CD20 antibodies and approaches for their reversal. Anti-CD20 antibodies are used to achieve B cell depletion and are developed to treat B cell proliferative disorders, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the past two decades, anti-CD20 antibodies have revolutionized the treatment of all B cell malignancies, however, there are patients that fail to respond to initial therapy or relapse sooner. This book explores new and existing avenues surrounding Anti-CD20 antibodies. In recent years, several next-generation anti-CD20 therapies have been developed but predicting and reversing resistance is still a challenging task. These areas are being actively studied as they represent a potential to improve anti-CD20 therapies and are discussed thoroughly in the book. It is a valuable resource for researchers, students and member of the biomedical and medical fields who want to learn more about resistance to anti-CD20 antibodies and their reversal. • Presentation of current research, critical analyses, in-depth literature reviews, and the latest clinical reports on anti-CD20 antibody treatment• Discussion of recent developments of anti-CD20 antibodies in cancer and noncancer diseases treatment, possible resistance mechanisms and their reversals, as well as the exciting therapeutic opportunities offered by anti-CD20 antibodies in combination with chemotherapy or other treatment modalities• Utilization of a number of diagrams to visually illustrate complex content and plenty of tables to summarize important information