Blackwell Publishing
Sweeteners, 3d ed.
From acesulfame K to xylitol, the food industry has been driven to find low-calorie substitutes for sugar in products from chewing gum to pharmaceuticals. In this update of the 2002 and 1996 editions, Wilson (senior technical advisor, Leatherhead Food International, Surrey, UK) compiles descriptions by international food scientists of a dozen intense and ten bulk sweeteners. Descriptions of these food additives include a general overview; their chemical, physical, and physiological properties; applications; analytical methods; regulatory status (in some cases); a recipe/ formulation; and further reading. New material has been added on neotome, isomaltose, and trehalose; and the chapter on permitted sweeteners in the UK, Europe, and US has been updated. The handbook includes a list of suppliers. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Syncope and transient loss of consciousness; multidisciplinary management.
Syncope (i.e. a period of self-limited cerebral hypoperfusion) presents a number of clinical challenges in that it is only one of many causes of transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and usually the patient has recovered by the time of medical evaluation. In this volume, Benditt (Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, U. of Minnesota, US), Brignole (cardiology, Ospedali del Tegullio Lavagna, Italy), Raviele (cardiovascular department, Umberto I Hospital, Italy), and Wieling (medicine, U. of Amsterdam, the Netherlands), together with their contributors, build upon the European Society of Cardiology Syncope Guideline initiative in order to address criteria for diagnosis of the cause of syncope from history and physical examination; optimal diagnostic testing strategies; new insights into treatment options; and the need for a multidisciplinary structured approach to TLOC/syncope management, including development of a multidisciplinary practice guideline. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Tectonic geomorphology of mountains; a new approach to paleoseismology.
Building on an earlier project that studied global climate change and tectonic deformation as major influences on the behavior of geomorphic systems, Bull (retired, geomorphology, U. of Arizona) presents information on fault zone study sites (from California to New Zealand) gained from advances in paleoseismology for dating prehistoric earthquakes and rates of the processes involved. Assuming familiarity with basic geologic principles, he discusses how techniques such as lichenometry (using the growth rates of lichens) can help determine which faults are still active, time of most recent event, and their frequency and magnitude. This research is aimed at making seismic maps to assess earthquake hazards. Some of the text's many images are courtesy of NASA. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Thymosins in health and disease; proceedings.
The result of a March 2007 symposium designed to bring together researchers from the US, Europe and Asia, this collection reports on the advances being made in the study of the chemistry and biology of this biological response modifier and describes new clinical applications. Thymosins have shown promise in treating cancer and infectious diseases, so general topics including thymosins' discovery, chemistry and biological properties; their structure and design, isoforms, multifunctionality; contribution to wound healing and treatment of inflammation and fibrosis; use in cardiovascular protection, neuroplasticity, stem cell repair and regeneration; immunopharmacology and combination therapies; molecular markers, signaling, and diagnostics for cancer and infectious diseases; and clinical applications. Includes poster session papers and index of contributors. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Trans fatty acids.
Trans fatty acids (TFAs) have long been used to make fats and fat blends more attractive to consumers. However, research has shown TFAs can increase bad blood cholesterol levels while reducing the good. As consumers become more savvy many manufacturers and retailers are now obliged to reduce or eliminate TFAs in the finished product and find alternatives. This collection of nine articles gives researchers and students a good grounding in the science behind TFAs, including their structure, occurrence, nomenclature, biosynthesis and properties, along with information on the epidemiology and health implications of fatty acids, the effects of conjugated linoleic acids on body composition and clinical biomarkers of disease, analysis of trans monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, the control of physical and chemical properties of fat blends, trans isoner control in the hydrogenation of edible oils, fractionation and interesterification, fixed applications of FTAs and food products without trans fatty acids. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Tropical conservation biology.
The authors, academics who hail from Singapore and Australia, concentrate on biodiversity conservation and management in this delicate and damaged part of the planet, which is threatened by development not only locally but also by global factors. They describe the effects of diminishing habitat in the tropics, which are regions of high biodiversity, the underlying details of losses, and the results of fragmented landscapes, fires alien invaders, and humans' uses and abuses. They examine the exploitation of the tropical aquatic environment, the impact of human-induced temperature changes, the results of the extinction crisis, and steps being taken to correct problems. Includes biographies of leading tropical conservationists. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Understanding historic building conservation.
British architects and engineers explain the importance of understanding the history of a building before making strategic decisions, define the role of each conservation team member, and address planning challenges in urban, industrial, and rural contexts. Topics of the 18 contributions include the discourse between academic history and conservation, conserving buildings of the Modern Movement, international standards and charters, writing the conservation plan, costing and contracts, and preventative maintenance. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
The young athlete.
Published under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, this collection of articles provides an overview of the physiologic characteristics, responsiveness to training, and possible health hazards associated with the training, coaching, and medical care of young athletes. The reference work contains currently available information on exercising and training in young athletes, and summarizes information from thousands of studies. It is intended for sports physicians, pediatricians, general practitioners, physical therapists, dieticians, coaches, students, and researchers. Some section topics include the physiologic bases of physical performance in view of growth and development, the epidemiology of injuries and their prevention and treatment, and trainability and the consequences of a high level of physical activity during childhood and adolescence for future health. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
