Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of the key topics in these archetypal multidisciplinary fields. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.
In this volume of Reviews there are three outstanding articles, one on phspholipase D, an enzyme that is widely distributed in bacteria, protozoa, fungi, plants and animals. Phospholipase D carries out a transphosphatidylation reaction, which is unique to this enzyme. This review is focussed on mammalian PLDs. The second review deals with endotoxin tolerance, the term which describes the phenomenon that immune responses and metabolic changes are mitigated after repeated LPS administration. The third article summarizes the current knowledge relevant to understanding the molecular basis of GPCR function and focusses on the underlying mechanisms of GPCR malfunctions responsible for diferent human diseases.
Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.
Since the middle of the Sixties, new types of formulation for biologically active com pounds have been developed, which have been introduced into the literature under the term Controlled Release Formulations (CRF). Stimulated by results from former and successful pharmaceutical research, which was engaged in the production of prepa rations with protracted effects (introduction onto the market in the year 1952 of D amphetamine in the form of pellets, coated to varying degrees with fats and waxes) 1), experiments were carried out to transfer the prolongation of effectiveness to pesticidal substances also, by means of a depot formulation. Initial work was concerned with the production of protective coatings for sonar systems in marine ecosystems. By means of antifouling paints or rubber coatings containing tri-n-butyl-tin oxide (TBTO), the growth of marine organisms on sonar domes, buoys and hulls in the water could be effectively prevented 2. 3). Controlled release formUlations of pesticides are defined as depot systems which continuously release their toxic constituents into the environment over a specified period of time (usually months to years) 4). According to this definition, such formu lations can be successfully employed where a chronic exposure to biologically active compounds is required over a longer period. The following hypothetical example is intended to illustrate this 5). In Fig. 1, the duration of activity of a non-persistent pesticide with a loss rate under environmental conditions of t1/2 = 15 days, is graphically illustrated.
Advances in Insect Physiology publishes eclectic volumes containing important, comprehensive and in-depth reviews on all aspects of insect physiology. It is an essential reference source for invertebrate physiologists and neurobiologists, entomologists, zoologists and insect biochemists. First published in 1963, the serial is now edited by Steve Simpson (Oxford University, UK). In 2002, the Institute for Scientific Information released figures showing that Advances in Insect Physiology has an Impact Factor of 3, placing it 2nd in the highly competitive category of Entomology. Volume 31 contains four timely reviews, including an important contribution on insect neurobiology. - Ranked 2nd in ISI's Entomology list with an Impact Factor of 3 - Serial includes over 40 Years of Coverage -- in print since 1963! - Consistently features reviews by internationally acclaimed entomologists
In recent years many of the conventional methods of insect control by broad spectrum synthetic chemicals have come under scrutiny because of their unde sirable effects on human health and the environment. In addition, some classes of pesticide chemistry, which generated resistance problems and severely affected the environment, are no longer used. It is against this background that the authors of this book present up-to-date findings-relating to biochemical sites that can serve as targets for developing insecticides with selective prop erties, and as the basis for the elucidation of resistance mechanisms and countermeasures. The book consists of eight chapters relating to biochemical targets for insec ticide action and seven chapters relating to biochemical modes of resistance and countermeasures. The authors of the chapters are world leaders in pesti cide chemistry, biochemical modes of action and mechanisms of resistance. Biochemical sites such as chitin formation, juvenile hormone and ecdysone receptors, acetylcholine and GABA receptors, ion channels, and neuropeptides are potential targets for insecticide action. The progress made in recent years in molecular biology (presented in depth in this volume) has led to the iden tification of genes that confer mechanisms of resistance, such as increased detoxification, decreased penetration and insensitive target sites. A combina tion of factors can lead to potentiation of the resistance level. Classifications of these mechanisms are termed gene amplification, changes in structural genes, and modification of gene expression.
The publication of the extensive 7-volume work Comprehensive Molecular Insect Science provided library customers and their end-users with a complete reference encompassing important developments and achievements in modern insect science, including reviews on the ecdysone receptor, lipocalins, and bacterial toxins. One of the most popular areas in entomology is pharmacology, and this derivative work, Insect Pharmacology, taps into a previously unapproached market – the end user who desires to purchase a comprehensive yet affordable work on important aspects of this topic. Contents will include timeless articles covering sodium channels, spider toxins and their potential for insect control, insect transformation for use in control, amino acid and neurotransmitter transporters, and more. New summaries for each chapter will give an overview of developments in the related article since its original publication. - Articles selected by the known and respected editor-in-chief and co-editor of the original MRW - The articles are classic reviews offering broad coverage of essential topics in pharmacology, with special addenda including author notes on the chapter since its original publication - Introduction by the editor puts the selected body of work in context for this volume, highlighting the need for entomologists, pharmacologists and related researchers to have these reviews in their personal collection
The Insects has been the standard textbook in the field since the first edition published over forty years ago. Building on the strengths of Chapman's original text, this long-awaited 5th edition has been revised and expanded by a team of eminent insect physiologists, bringing it fully up-to-date for the molecular era. The chapters retain the successful structure of the earlier editions, focusing on particular functional systems rather than taxonomic groups and making it easy for students to delve into topics without extensive knowledge of taxonomy. The focus is on form and function, bringing together basic anatomy and physiology and examining how these relate to behaviour. This, combined with nearly 600 clear illustrations, provides a comprehensive understanding of how insects work. Now also featuring a richly illustrated prologue by George McGavin, this is an essential text for students, researchers and applied entomologists alike.
This unique book is written with the novice in mind, providing an introduction to all aspects of working with cockroaches. The focus of this writing is on the neuroendocrine system of cockroaches, which was collected by entomologists, primarily with the aim of improving methods of insect pest control. It includes some chapters devoted exclusively to techniques with detailed instructions. This comprehensive work also covers details of anatomy along with illustrations and experimental results. This is one of the few books available which provides such a broad coverage of areas of neurobiology of one organism. This handbook is a must for all researchers in the biomedical/veterinary field. Entomologists will find this reading exciting as well.