Genomic Approaches in Earth and Environmental Sciences

This book provides a sound introduction to the basic physical processes that dominate the workings of the Earth, its atmosphere and hydrosphere. It systematically introduces the physical processes involved in the Earth’s systems without assuming an advanced physics or mathematical background. Offers an integrated approach to the study of earth, marine and atmospheric environmental sciences, reflecting current trends in undergraduate courses. Natural examples of physical processes, rather than abstract physics and maths, are used throughout to illustrate the scientific principles involved. Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/leeder.

A comprehensive treatment of statistical applications for solving real-world environmental problems A host of complex problems face today's earth science community, such as evaluating the supply of remaining non-renewable energy resources, assessing the impact of people on the environment, understanding climate change, and managing the use of water. Proper collection and analysis of data using statistical techniques contributes significantly toward the solution of these problems. Statistics for Earth and Environmental Scientists presents important statistical concepts through data analytic tools and shows readers how to apply them to real-world problems. The authors present several different statistical approaches to the environmental sciences, including Bayesian and nonparametric methodologies. The book begins with an introduction to types of data, evaluation of data, modeling and estimation, random variation, and sampling—all of which are explored through case studies that use real data from earth science applications. Subsequent chapters focus on principles of modeling and the key methods and techniques for analyzing scientific data, including: Interval estimation and Methods for analyzinghypothesis testing of means time series data Spatial statistics Multivariate analysis Discrete distributions Experimental design Most statistical models are introduced by concept and application, given as equations, and then accompanied by heuristic justification rather than a formal proof. Data analysis, model building, and statistical inference are stressed throughout, and readers are encouraged to collect their own data to incorporate into the exercises at the end of each chapter. Most data sets, graphs, and analyses are computed using R, but can be worked with using any statistical computing software. A related website features additional data sets, answers to selected exercises, and R code for the book's examples. Statistics for Earth and Environmental Scientists is an excellent book for courses on quantitative methods in geology, geography, natural resources, and environmental sciences at the upper-undergraduate and graduate levels. It is also a valuable reference for earth scientists, geologists, hydrologists, and environmental statisticians who collect and analyze data in their everyday work.

Inorganic Chemistry for Geochemistry and Environmental Sciences: Fundamentals and Applications discusses the structure, bonding and reactivity of molecules and solids of environmental interest, bringing the reactivity of non-metals and metals to inorganic chemists, geochemists and environmental chemists from diverse fields. Understanding the principles of inorganic chemistry including chemical bonding, frontier molecular orbital theory, electron transfer processes, formation of (nano) particles, transition metal-ligand complexes, metal catalysis and more are essential to describe earth processes over time scales ranging from 1 nanosec to 1 Gigayr. Throughout the book, fundamental chemical principles are illustrated with relevant examples from geochemistry, environmental and marine chemistry, allowing students to better understand environmental and geochemical processes at the molecular level. Topics covered include: • Thermodynamics and kinetics of redox reactions • Atomic structure • Symmetry • Covalent bonding, and bonding in solids and nanoparticles • Frontier Molecular Orbital Theory • Acids and bases • Basics of transition metal chemistry including • Chemical reactivity of materials of geochemical and environmental interest Supplementary material is provided online, including PowerPoint slides, problem sets and solutions. Inorganic Chemistry for Geochemistry and Environmental Sciences is a rapid assimilation textbook for those studying and working in areas of geochemistry, inorganic chemistry and environmental chemistry, wishing to enhance their understanding of environmental processes from the molecular level to the global level.

Scientists believe that stem cells have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. This guide covers recent advances in technologies and their applications in stem cell biology, addressing the use of both embryonic and adult stem cells and discussing diverse technologies, including genome-wide expression analysis, informatics, chemical genomics, and more. Applications covered encompass self-renewal, differentiation, reprogramming, and regeneration in model organisms. This is a premier reference for practicing professionals involved in stem cell research and students.

Eric Engel and Stylianos Antonarakis have written the most authoritative and vital reference on molecular and clinical aspects of uniparental disomy (UPD) and genomic imprinting to date. Genomic Imprinting and Uniparental Disomy in Medicine features comprehensive overviews of a multitude of genetic disorders linked to UPD, with a strong emphasis on clinical consequences. This book will provide readers with the tools necessary to identify and treat diseases associated with nontraditional chromosomal inheritance. Genomic Imprinting and Uniparental Disomy in Medicine features handy tables summarizing clinical phenotypes and chromosomal involvement in UPD, as well as clear illustrations on imprinting mechanisms and diagnostic testing. This authoritative, completely up-to-date practical reference will be useful for any clinical geneticist, genetic counselor, physician, or researcher encountering patients with such disorders or studying complex disease mechanisms.

Modeling Uncertainty in the Earth Sciences highlights the various issues, techniques and practical modeling tools available for modeling the uncertainty of complex Earth systems and the impact that it has on practical situations. The aim of the book is to provide an introductory overview which covers a broad range of tried-and-tested tools. Descriptions of concepts, philosophies, challenges, methodologies and workflows give the reader an understanding of the best way to make decisions under uncertainty for Earth Science problems. The book covers key issues such as: Spatial and time aspect; large complexity and dimensionality; computation power; costs of 'engineering' the Earth; uncertainty in the modeling and decision process. Focusing on reliable and practical methods this book provides an invaluable primer for the complex area of decision making with uncertainty in the Earth Sciences.

The field of whole genome selection has quickly developed into the breeding methodology of the future. As efforts to map a wide variety of animal genomes have matured and full animal genomes are now available for many animal scientists and breeders are looking to apply these techniques to livestock production. Providing a comprehensive, forward-looking review of animal genomics, Genomic Selection in Animals provides coverage of genomic selection in a variety of economically important species including cattle, swine, and poultry. The historical foundations of genomic selection are followed by chapters that review and assess current techniques. The final chapter looks toward the future and what lies ahead for field as application of genomic selection becomes more widespread. A concise, useful summary of the field by one of the world’s leading researchers, Genomic Selection in Animals fills an important gap in the literature of animal breeding and genomics.

A breakthrough guide employing knowledge that unites cheminformatics and bioinformatics as innovation for the future Bridging the gap between cheminformatics and bioinformatics for the first time, Computational Approaches in Cheminformatics and Bioinformatics provides insight on how to blend these two sciences for progressive research benefits. It describes the development and evolution of these fields, how chemical information may be used for biological relations and vice versa, the implications of these new connections, and foreseeable developments in the future. Using algorithms and domains as workflow tools, this revolutionary text drives bioinformaticians to consider chemical structure, and similarly, encourages cheminformaticians to consider large biological systems such as protein targets and networks. Computational Approaches in Cheminformatics and Bioinformatics covers: Data sources available for modelling and prediction purposes Developments of conventional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) Computational tools for manipulating chemical and biological data Novel ways of probing the interactions between small molecules and proteins Also including insight from public (NIH), academic, and industrial sources (Novartis, Pfizer), this book offers expert knowledge to aid scientists through industry and academic study. The invaluable applications for drug discovery, cellular and molecular biology, enzymology, and metabolism make Computational Approaches in Cheminformatics and Bioinformatics the essential guidebook for evolving drug discovery research and alleviating the issue of chemical control and manipulation of various systems.

Practical Utility of Biomarkers in Drug Discovery and Development covers all aspects of biomarker research applied to drug discovery and development and contains state-of-the-art appraisals on the practical utility of genomic, biochemical, and protein biomarkers. Case histories and lessons from successful and unsuccessful applications of biomarkers are included along with key chapters on GLP validation, safety biomarkers and proteomics biomarkers. Regulatory agency perspectives and initiatives both in the US and internationally are also discussed.

Since the 1980s, and especially since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, there has been a substantial extension in the adoption and use of Environmental Assessment (EA) procedures in developing countries and countries in transition (low and middle income countries). However, few existing texts in environmental assessment or development studies have reflected this trend sufficiently, until this publication. Divided into two main parts: * EA Principles, Processes and Practice. * Country and Institutional Studies of EA Procedures and Practice. This book explains the essentials of environmental impact association in the context of developing countries and assesses its importance to both developed and developing countries.