In this book we seek to approach the architecture-energy combination and its relationship to human comfort and the environment .There are chapters on thermal comfort, low energy architecture dealing with various criterion for comfort in different parts of the World. The book also seeks to understand how previous generations lived in harsh climates and without abundant sources of energy, yet managed to design and build appropriate dwellings providing both comfort and harmony with the environment.Other chapters deal with the bioclimatic concept in Vernacular Architecture; the major role which climate plays at different locations and how this can dictate the shape and form of the buildings and save energy; the importance of micro-climate and its various elements and usage; ventilation and its importance in buildings and the technology for modern architecture...

Acronycine, a potent antitumor agent, was discovered in the bark of the small Australian Rutaceous tree, Acronychia baueri Schott. This new work presents a comprehensive survey of the isolation, structure determination, methods of synthesis, and the biological properties of acronycine, as well as an account of natural and synthetic analogues of acronycine, and their biological properties. Solanum alkaloids were reviewed in 1990 and this book surveys the new developments (isolation procedures, structural elucidation methods) and critically updates earlier reviews. In addition it presents the interesting chemistry and synthesis of cyclopeptide alkaloids. These cyclopeptide alkaloids have been isolated from ascidians, sea hares, and cyanobacteria. Also included are reviews of the use of the functionalized lactam, pyroglutamic acid, as a chiral template for the synthesis of alkaloids. The second review examines the on-line coupling of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of alkaloid mixtures. Finally a review of oxygenated analogs of the alkaloid Marcfortine for their potent antiparasitic activity is included at the end of this work. Each chapter in this volume has been reviewed by at least one expert in the field. Indexes for both subjects and organisms are provided...

Volume 11 of this series presents five timely reviews on current research on alkaloids. Chapter 1 by Paul L. Schiff, Jr. is a monumental survey of research that has been carried out over the past decade on the Thalictrum alkaloids. Forty-six new alkaloids are described from fifteen species of the genus Thalictrum, as well as 116 alkaloids of known structure from thirty-six species and subspecies of the genus. The chapter includes discussions of isolation and structure elucidation, analysis, biosynthesis, cell culture, and pharmacology. Also featured are inclusive compilations of botanical sources, alkaloids by alkaloid types, and calculated molecular weights of the Thalictrum alkaloids.Chapter 2 by Giovanni Appendino provides a fascinating treatment of Taxine, a collective name referring to a mixture of diterpenoid alkaloids from the yew tree (genus: Taxus). Taxine is responsible for the toxic properties of the yew tree that has been documented in historical and fictional literature, from Julius Caesar to Shakespeare, and from Agatha Christie to T.S. Eliot. The chapter treats the history, isolation techniques, structure elucidation, chemistry, and pharmacology of Taxine.Chapter 3 by Mary D. Menachery surveys the alkaloids of South American Menispermaceae (moonseed family). Many different structural types are included in this family. The alkaloid-bearing plants are woody-vines, shrubs, or small trees. Several of these species possess potent curare activity. The chemistry as well as pharmacology of these alkaloids is summarized.Chapter 4 by Russell J. Molyneux, Robert J. Nash, and Naoki Asano treats the chemistry and biological activity of the calystegines and related nortropane alkaloids. These polyhydroxylated bicyclic alkaloids represent another class of compounds that inhibit glycosidases, producing profound effects in biological systems by disrupting the essential cellular function of glycoprotein processing.Chapter 5, a related chapter by Robert J. Nash, Naoki Asano, and Alison A. Watson, reviews polyhydroxylated alkaloids that inhibit glycosidases. Topics covered include distribution, ecological significance and toxicity, isolation, synthesis, and biosynthesis...

The Elsevier Tetrahedron Organic Chemistry Series is a topical series of monographs by world-renowned scientists in several fields of organic chemistry. The Tetrahedron Organic Chemistry Series has been very successful in providing some of the very best scholarly works in these topical areas that have proven to be of lasting quality as indispensable reference sources. These books have provided the practicing researcher, student and scholar with an invaluable source of comprehensive reviews in organic chemistry, predominantly in the areas of synthesis and structure determination, including:* Reagents* Reaction mechanisms* Molecular Diversity* Asymmetric Synthesis* Multi-dimensional nmr* Enzymatic Synthesis* Organometallic Chemistry* Biologically Important Molecules ..

Great loss of human life, structural damage, and social and economic upheaval occur repeatedly due to such natural hazards as earthquakes, typhoons, hurricanes, landslides, floods and tsunamis. Both the US and Taiwan, along with many other countries, have a history of such occurrences and a common need to reduce their effects.This volume includes papers from the fourth symposium workshop, held jointly between the US and Taiwan to discuss research and its application to multiple hazard mitigation. The workshop, Urban Disaster Mitigation, The Role of Engineering and Technology, discussed lessons learned from recent natural disasters; assessed results of Taiwan's multiple hazards research program and potential application to the US; and proposed further studies on subjects of mutual concern.Topics include recent scientific findings obtained in various natural hazard areas and assessment of actual and potential damage from earthquakes, floods and landslides. Of particular importance are measures that can be taken to mitigate these hazards ranging from use of new algorithms for structural engineering to warning systems for a given region. At a time when natural disasters are widespread, engineers play a key role. Construction methods and building codes are changing; current knowledge shapes the direction of these changes. The research results presented in these proceedings will benefit both the academic and practicing communities around the world, strengthening the relationship between these two important parties...

Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) is the material lying between fullerenes and graphite as a new member of carbon allotropes. The study of CNT has gradually become more and more independent from that of fullerenes. As a novel carbon material, CNTs will be far more useful and important than fullerenes from a practical point of view, in that they will be directly related to an ample field of nanotechnology. This book presents a timely, second-generation monograph covering as far as practical, application of CNT as the newest science of these materials. Most updated summaries for preparation, purification and structural characterisation of single walled CNT and multi walled CNT are given. Similarly, the most recent developments in the theoretical treatments of electronic structures and vibrational structures are covered. The newest magnetic, optical and electrical solid-state properties providing a vital base to actual application technologies are described. Explosive research trends towards application of CNTs, including the prospect for large-scale synthesis, are also introduced. It is the most remarkable feature of this monograph that it devotes more than a half of the whole volume to practical aspects and offers readers the newest developments of the science and technological aspects of CNTs...

In recent years C-glycoside chemistry has been one of the main topics in carbohydrate chemistry, not only because of the synthetic challenges posed, but also because C-glycosides have the potential to serve as carbohydrate analogues resistant to metabolic processes. Consequently, this class of compounds is currently receiving much interest as a potential source of therapeutic agents for clinical use. This book provides a broad coverage of the various synthetic methods available for the preparation of C-glycosides, and illustrates the interesting breadth of connections between carbohydrate chemistry and modern general synthetic organic chemistry by including topics such as transition-metal catalysis, radical chemistry, cycloaddition and rearrangement processes. In addition, in the final chapter of the book, the syntheses of C-di and trisaccharides reported through 1994 are reviewed. This well organised account of the synthetic chemistry in this field will prove to be very valuable to a wide range of researchers and advanced students, both as an introduction to the topic and for reference...

The book introduces procedures for simulating migration and entrapment of oil in three dimensions in sequences of sandstones and shales.A principal purpose is to show how simulation experiments can represent oil migration routes and predict places where oil may be trapped in sandstones and intercalated shales.The book derives the differential equations used to represent three-dimensional motions of porewater and oil in sedimentary sequences, and shows how the equations may be transformed into finite form for numerical solution with computers. There is emphasis on the graphic display of solutions, and results of example theoretical and actual applications are presented.The book is directed to geologists who have backgrounds in mathematics and computing and who are engaged in oil exploration and production...

The terms phase transitions and phase transformations are often used in an interchangeable manner in the metallurgical literature. In this book, transformations driven by pressure changes, radiation and deformation and those occurring in nanoscale multilayers are brought to the fore. Order-disorder transformations, many of which constitute very good examples of continuous transformations, are dealt with in a comprehensive manner. Almost all types of phase transformations and reactions that are commonly encountered in inorganic materials are covered and the underlying thermodynamic, kinetic and crystallographic aspects elucidated.* Shows readers the advancements in the field - due to enhanced computing power and superior experimental capability* Drawing upon the background and the research experience of the authors, bringing together a wealth of experience * Written essentially from a physical metallurgists view point..

During the last thirty years metal surface physics, or generally surface science, has come a long way due to the development of vacuum technology and the new surface sensitive probes on the experimental side and new methods and powerful computational techniques on the theoretical side. The aim of this book is to introduce the reader to the essential theoretical aspects of the atomic and electronic structure of metal surfaces and interfaces. The book gives some theoretical background to students of experimental and theoretical physics to allow further exploration into research in metal surface physics.The book consists of three parts. The first part is devoted to classical description of geometry and structure of metal crystals and their surfaces and surface thermodynamics including properties of small metallic particles. Part two deals with quantum-mechanical description of electronic properties of simple metals. It starts from the free electron gas description and introduces the many body effects in the framework of the density functional theory, in order to discuss the basic surface electronic properties of simple metals. This part outlines also properties of alloy surfaces, the quantum size effect and small metal clusters. Part three gives a succinct description of metal surfaces in contact with foreign atoms and surfaces. It treats the work function changes due to alkali metal adsorption on metals, adhesion between metals and discusses the universal aspects of the binding energy curves. In each case extensive reference lists are provided...

Powered submersibles have enabled the exploration of lake and ocean depths, and are used extensively for inspection of drilling rigs and offshore pipelines. Their potential for the discovery of undersea mineral resources is widely acknowledged.The design of such vehicles poses many problems not encountered with land-based systems: for example, normal pressures are very large, and many structural elements are extremely sensitive to initial geometric imperfections.Following a review of the history and development of submersibles, each chapter concentrates on a specific geometric design. The bibliography is unusually complete, and includes summaries of many referenced publications.This unique book covers all aspects of the structural mechanics, analysis and design of submersibles, and will be invaluable to ocean engineers, naval architects and graduate students entering the field...

The need to validate an analytical or bioanalytical method is encountered by analysts in the pharmaceutical industry on an almost daily basis, because adequately validated methods are a necessity for approvable regulatory filings. What constitutes a validated method, however, is subject to analyst interpretation because there is no universally accepted industry practice for assay validation. This book is intended to serve as a guide to the analyst in terms of the issues and parameters that must be considered in the development and validation of analytical methods. In addition to the critical issues surrounding method validation, this book also deals with other related factors such as method development, data acquisition, automation, cleaning validation and regulatory considerations. The book is divided into three parts. Part One, comprising two chapters, looks at some of the basic concepts of method validation. Chapter 1 discusses the general concept of validation and its role in the process of transferring methods from laboratory to laboratory. Chapter 2 looks at some of the critical parameters included in a validation program and the various statistical treatments given to these parameters.Part Two (Chapters 3, 4 and 5) of the book focuses on the regulatory perspective of analytical validation. Chapter 3 discusses in some detail how validation is treated by various regulatory agencies around the world, including the United States, Canada, the European Community, Australia and Japan. This chapter also discusses the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) treatment of assay validation. Chapters 4 and 5 cover the issues and various perspectives of the recent United States vs. Barr Laboratories Inc. case involving the retesting of samples. Part Three (Chapters 6 - 12) covers the development and validation of various analytical components of the pharmaceutical product development process. This part of the book contains specific chapters dedicated to bulk drug substances and finished products, dissolution studies, robotics and automated workstations, biotechnology products, biological samples, analytical methods for cleaning procedures and computer systems and computer-aided validation. Each chapter goes into some detail describing the critical development and related validation considerations for each topic.This book is not intended to be a practical description of the analytical validation process, but more of a guide to the critical parameters and considerations that must be attended to in a pharmaceutical development program. Despite the existence of numerous guidelines including the recent attempts by the ICH to be implemented in 1998, the practical part of assay validation will always remain, to a certain extent, a matter of the personal preference of the analyst or company. Nevertheless, this book brings together the perspectives of several experts having extensive experience in different capacities in the pharmaceutical industry in an attempt to bring some consistency to analytical method development and validation...

Volume 10 of this series presents four timely reviews. Chapter 1 provides a fascinating account of the history of alkaloid discovery in Australia beginning with the isolation of the first alkaloid from an Australian plant, the Tasmanian sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum), by Zeyer in 1861. Also included is a comprehensive survey of alkaloid-bearing plants, and a section dealing with detection, estimation, extraction, and work-up procedures for alkaloids.Chapter 2 provides a comprehensive update to the chapter on "Pyridine and Piperidine Alkaloids" which appeared in volume 3 of this series. The focus of this chapter is on new alkaloids isolated, biosynthesis, and biological properties.Chapter 3 looks at "3-Alkylpiperidine Alkaloids Isolated from Marine Sponges in the Order Haplosclerida". Studies over the past thirty years have shown that sponges are a rich source of alkaloids. Many of these sponge alkaloids are related to each other by the presence of a 3-alkylpiperidine moiety in their structures and it happens that the sponges that have been reported to contain 3-alkylpiperidine alkaloids are all in the order Haplosclerida.Chapter 4 reviews &bgr;-carboline and isoquinoline alkaloids which are pharmacologically some of the most significant marine natural products. This chapter treats the isolation, structure elucidation, synthesis, biosynthesis, and pharmacological activity of these alkaloids...

The availability of efficient and cost-effective technologies to repair or extend the life of aging military airframes is becoming a critical requirement in most countries around the world, as new aircraft becoming prohibitively expensive and defence budgets shrink. To a lesser extent a similar situation is arising with civil aircraft, with falling revenues and the high cost of replacement aircraft.This book looks at repair/reinforcement technology, which is based on the use of adhesively bonded fibre composite patches or doublers and can provide cost-effective life extension in many situations. From the scientific and engineering viewpoint, whilst simple in concept, this technology can be quite challenging particularly when used to repair primary structure. This is due to it being based on interrelated inputs from the fields of aircraft design, solid mechanics, fibre composites, structural adhesive bonding, fracture mechanics and metal fatigue. The technologies of non-destructive inspection (NDI) and, more recently smart materials, are also included. Operational issues are equally critical, including airworthiness certification, application technology (including health and safety issues), and training.Including contributions from leading experts in Canada, UK, USA and Australia, this book discusses most of these issues and the latest developments. Most importantly, it contains real histories of application of this technology to both military and civil aircraft...

Over 50% of known flaviviruses have been associated with human disease. The Flavivirus genus constitutes some of the most serious human pathogens including Japanese encephalitis, dengue and yellow fever. Flaviviruses are known for their complex life cycles and epidemic spread, and are considered a globally-emergent viral threat.Structure, Replication and Evolution is the first volume of The Flaviviruses and presents the latest research covering the conceptual advances on aspects such as the characterization of virus structure, cellular receptors, mechanisms of virus entry, host and viral components of the RNA replicase.* Includes new, detailed information on the evolution, viral structure and replication of the Flavivirus family* The only complete reference book on a major virus family* Descibes the technologies that have contributed to our current knowledge about Flaviviruses* Identifies the major problems faced in understanding the virus-host interactions that result in disease..

This volume and its companions (Volumes 255, 256, 257, and the forthcoming 329) cover all biochemical and biological assays currently in use for analyzing the role of small GTPases in these aspects of cell biology at the molecular level.The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today--truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences...