Search results for ""Royal Society of Chemistry""

Without interstellar dust, the Universe as we see it today would not exist. Yet at first we considered this vital ingredient merely an irritating fog that prevented a clear view of the stars and nebulae in the Milky Way and other galaxies. We now know that interstellar dust has essential roles in the physics and chemistry of the formation of stars and planetary systems, the creation of the building blocks of life, and in the movement of those molecules to new planets. This is the story in this book. After introducing the materials this interstellar dust is made of, the authors explain the range of sizes and shapes of the dust grains in the Milky Way galaxy and the life cycle of dust, starting from the origins of dust grains in stellar explosions through to their turbulent destruction. Later on we see the variety of processes in interstellar space involving dust and the events there that cause the dust to change in ways that astronomers and astrobiologists can use to indirectly observe those events. This book is written for a general audience, concentrating on ideas rather than detailed mathematics and chemical formulae, and is the first time interstellar dust has been discussed at an accessible level.

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Fibrosis is a condition with globally high unmet medical need, and as such is a highly active area of academic and pharmaceutical research covering multiple treatment targets, organs, tissues and therapeutic approaches. Anti-fibrotic Drug Discovery is a single source reference for the latest drug-discovery approaches to tackle fibrosis in various tissues, comprehensively covering recent success and future perspectives on emerging therapeutic intervention points. The book highlights significant pre-clinical and clinical drugs currently being developed globally for this disorder. This book is ideal for postgraduate students and researchers with an interest in anti-fibrotic drug discovery as well as clinicians specialising in liver, kidney, heart and lung disease, in which fibrosis plays a key role in pathology.

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Chemical analysis requires solvents, reagents and energy and generates waste. The main goal of green analytical chemistry is to avoid or reduce the undesirable environmental side effects of chemical analysis, while preserving the classic analytical parameters of accuracy, sensitivity, selectivity and precision. This book portrays the current and changing situation concerning adoption of the principles of green chemistry as applied to analysis. It begins by looking at the advantages of and problems associated with on-site analysis and how analytical techniques can lead to increased productivity, efficiency and accuracy, and thereby reduce the consumption of materials. It then focuses on sample preparation techniques minimising solvent consumption or using alternative solvents, concepts and methods of improving the ‘greenness’ of instrumental analysis where miniaturization is an important part, separation methods from the perspective of green analytical chemistry and chemometrics approaches, which can reduce or can even remove the need for conventional steps in chemical analysis. Aimed at graduates and novices just entering the field, managers of analytical research laboratories, teachers of analytical chemistry and green public policy makers, this title will be a useful addition to any analytical scientist's library.

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Thermoelectric materials have received a great deal of attention in energy-harvesting and cooling applications, primarily due to their intrinsic low cost, energy efficient and eco-friendly nature. The past decade has witnessed heretofore-unseen advances in organic-based thermoelectric materials and devices. This title summarises the significant progress that has been made in the molecular design, physical characterization, and performance optimization of organic thermoelectric materials, focusing on effective routes to minimize thermal conductivity and maximize power factor. Featuring a series of state-of-the-art strategies for enhancing the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) of organic thermoelectricity, and highlighting cutting-edge concepts to promote the performance of organic thermoelectricity, chapters will strengthen the exploration of new high-ZT thermoelectric materials and their potential applications. With contributions from leading worldwide authors, Organic Thermoelectric Materials will appeal to graduate students as well as academic and industrial researchers across chemistry, materials science, physics and engineering interested in the materials and their applications.

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Academic and industrial research around polymer-based colloids is huge, driven both by the development of mature technologies, e.g. latexes for coatings, as well as the advancement of new materials and applications, such as building blocks for 2D/3D structures and medicine. Edited by two world-renowned leaders in polymer science and engineering, this is a fundamental text for the field. Based on a specialised course by the editors, this book provides the reader with an invaluable single source of reference. The first section describes formation, explaining basic properties of emulsions and dispersion polymerization, microfluidic approaches to produce polymer-based colloids and formation via directed self-assembly. The next section details characterisation methodologies from microscopy and small angle scattering, to surface science and simulations. The final chapters close with applications, including Pickering emulsions and molecular engineering for materials development. A comprehensive guide to polymer colloids, with contributions by leaders in their respective areas, this book is a must-have for researchers and practitioners working across polymers, soft matter and chemical and molecular engineering.

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CHEMISTRY STUDENT GUIDES. GUIDED BY STUDENTS For any student who has ever struggled with a mathematical understanding of chemistry, this book is for you. Mathematics is the essential tool for physical scientists. We know that confidence in using mathematics early on in a chemistry degree builds a solid foundation for further study. However, applying the abstract mathematics taught in schools to chemical phenomena is one of the biggest challenges that chemistry students face. In this book, we take a ‘chemistry-first’ approach. We link the mathematics to recognisable chemical concepts, building on high school chemistry, to facilitate deeper understanding. We cover the practical mathematical skills, including representation of data as tables and graphs, and give an overview of error handling in the physical sciences. More advanced mathematical concepts are introduced, using calculus to determine kinetic rate laws, intermolecular forces and in quantifying energetic change in thermodynamics. We also introduce the concept of the complex number and its role in considering quantum wave functions, widely used in computational chemistry. There are worked examples and problem sets to provide plenty of practise material to build proficiency. We also include insights from real students, which identify common problem areas and provide the prompts that helped them to overcome these. Chemistry Student Guides are written with current students involved at every stage, guiding the books towards the most challenging aspects of the topic.

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Nutraceuticals is a broad umbrella term used to describe any product derived from food sources with extra health benefits in addition to the basic nutritional value found in foods. This book is a comprehensive look at two themes in the area: technical and biological considerations. Technical considerations include an in-depth look at the process of bioactive identification and extraction and factors controlling bioactive concentrations in food. It also includes details of how these products are regulated and the steps necessary to utilize these products in human populations. Biological considerations include looking at how these products can be used in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, and a discussion on the process of formulations and how these influence bioavailability. This will be the first book to comprehensively examine the entire process of nutraceutical development from food to supplement creation and all the important considerations in between. This serves as an excellent and up-to-date reference for food scientists, food chemists, researchers in nutraceuticals and human nutrition.

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Modern printing technology has paved the way for the fabrication of thin inexpensive electronics and is now established as a topic taught on advanced level courses across materials science and engineering. The properties of printed electronics, such as thin-form factor, flexibility, stretchability, portability, and rollability mean that they have a wide range of applications, including in wearable devices, smart packaging, healthcare, and the automotive industry. This book describes the key printing technologies for printed electronics. Chapters cover principles and mechanisms, techniques, inorganic and organic materials, substrates, post-treatment and applications of printed electronics technologies. Written by a leader in the field, this title will be essential reading for students on courses across materials science, electronics science, manufacturing and engineering, as well as those with an interest in printed electronics.

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From pathology to treatment, MicroRNAs in Diseases and Disorders highlights the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development and progression of a variety of diseases, including cancer, neurological disease, endocrine disease and autoimmune disease, and underscores the utilization of miRNA targets in the treatment of these conditions. Providing a comprehensive account, this book also includes the identification of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for disease, as well as evaluates translational value from clinical trials using synthesized and functionalized miRNA mimics and inhibitors. With a global contribution list and chapters from leading experts across the field, MicroRNAs in Diseases and Disorders is an invaluable reference to miRNA researchers and health professionals in a variety of disease areas in government, academia and industry. The book will also appeal to pharmaceutical and medicinal chemists with an interest in miRNA targeting therapeutics, as well as to advanced students in chemical biology and drug discovery.

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Amphiphilic polymer co-networks (APCNs) are a type of polymeric hydrogel, their hydrophobic polymer segments and hydrophilic components produce less aqueous swelling, giving better mechanical properties than conventional hydrogels. This new class of polymers is attracting increasing attention, resulting in further basic research on the system, as well as new applications. This book focuses on new developments in the field of APCNs, and is organised in four sections: synthesis, properties, applications and modelling. Co-network architectures included in the book chapters are mainly those deriving from hydrophobic macro-cross-linkers, representing the classical approach; however, more modern designs are also presented. Properties of interest discussed include aqueous swelling, thermophysical and mechanical properties, self-assembly, electrical actuation, and protein adsorption. Applications described in the book chapters include the use of co-networks as soft contact lenses, scaffolds for drug delivery and tissue engineering, matrices for heterogeneous biocatalysis, and membranes of controllable permeability. Finally, an important theory chapter on the modelling of the self-assembly of APCNs is also included. The book is suitable for graduate students and researchers interested in hydrogels, polymer networks, polymer chemistry, block copolymers, self-assembly and nanomaterials, as well as their applications in contact lenses, drug delivery, tissue engineering, membranes and biocatalysis.

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Providing critical reviews of recent advances in photochemistry, including computational and organic aspects, the latest volume in the series reflects the current interests in this area. It includes a series of highlights on photorelease processes (via two-photon excitation and Norrish type II reactions), the design of light-activated tissue bonding, photoresponsive molecular devices targeting nucleic acids, ECL based biosensing techniques, photochemical bond activation at metal centres, photoredox catalysis via aromatic hydrocarbons, photoinduced multicomponent reactions and asymmetric catalysis via triplet-state. This is essential reading for anyone wanting to keep up to date with the literature on photochemistry and its applications.

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The technique of Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) is a powerful experimental tool for extracting temporal and spatial information at the nanoscale from both soft and hard condensed matter systems. However, while seemingly simple, the method is beset with sensitivities that, if ill considered, can hinder data interpretation and possibly publication. By highlighting key theoretical and data evaluation aspects of the technique, this specialised ‘primer style’ training resource encourages research success by guiding new researchers through a typical QENS experiment; from planning and sample preparation considerations to data reduction and subsequent analysis. Research examples are referenced throughout to illustrate the concepts addressed, with the book being written in such a way that it remains accessible to chemists, biologists, physicists, and materials scientists.

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Often described as ‘nature’s perfect food’, perceptions of egg consumption and human health have evolved substantially over the past decades, in particular dietary guidelines no longer include a limit for dietary cholesterol and recommend eggs as part of healthy eating patterns. This book presents the opportunities for processing eggs to produce value-added food, nutritional, biomedical, functional food, and nutraceutical applications. It provides new evidence around egg consumption with respect to cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, weight management, mental development, eye, muscle, and ageing health. It also highlights the new discovery regarding egg bioactives that are relevant to anti-oxidants, anti-inflammation, cardiovascular and bone health, anti-microbial and anti-viral activities. Appealing to food scientists, food chemists, researchers in human nutrition specialising in eggs and dairy nutrition, and those involved in egg production, this book is reflecting the trends and innovations in this area of research.

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Following the success of the first edition, this fully updated and revised book continues to provide an interdisciplinary introduction to sustainability issues in the context of chemistry and chemical technology. Its prime objective is to equip young chemists (and others) to more fully to appreciate, defend and promote the role that chemistry and its practitioners play in moving towards a society better able to control, manage and ameliorate its impact on the ecosphere. To do this, it is necessary to set the ideas, concepts, achievements and challenges of chemistry and its application in the context of its environmental impact, past, present and future, and of the changes needed to bring about a more sustainable yet equitable world. Progress since 2010 is reflected by the inclusion of the latest research and thinking, selected and discussed to put the advances concisely in a much wider setting - historic, scientific, technological, intellectual and societal. The treatment also examines the complexities and additional challenges arising from public and media attitudes to science and technology and associated controversies and from the difficulties in reconciling environmental protection and global development. While the book stresses the central importance of rigour in the collection and treatment of evidence and reason in decision-making, to ensure that it meets the needs of an extensive community of students, it is broad in scope, rather than deep. It is, therefore, appropriate for a wide audience, including all practising scientists and technologists.

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This book offers a state-of-the-art view of leather making, based on the scientific principles underpinning the technology. In particular, it contributes to the understanding of the modern leather industry, allowing practitioners to make judgements about day-to-day problems in the tannery and how change can be applied in a predictable way. Major themes running through the book are the economics and environmental impact of leather making and how these will ensure the sustainability of the industry. This second edition of Tony Covington’s Tanning Chemistry is a revision, update and extension in collaboration with a new co-author, Will Wise. The update reflects the advances made in the past decade, including a discussion of the impact of new information concerning the chemistry of sulfide. The original chapters have been re-organised and new chapters on novel modes of reagent delivery and the principles of finishing are now included. Enzymology is addressed as a separate topic, as are environmental impact and the future of leather. The book will be useful to all those involved in the supply chain, from farm, through students, chemical suppliers and tanners, to leather goods brands. Leather science is the key to understanding leather technology, to make it work, to make it work better and to keep it ahead of the competition.

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In recent years polymerisation using organocatalysts has become an appealing alternative to more traditional metal-based catalysts. Conferring numerous advantages including low cost and ease of use, as well as the ability to precisely control the synthesis of advanced polymer structures, organocatalysts are increasingly used in polymer synthesis. Organic Catalysis for Polymerisation provides a holistic overview of the field, covering all process in the polymer synthesis pathway that are catalysed by organic catalysts. Sub-divided into two key sections for ease of use, the first focuses on recent developments in catalysis and the applications of catalysts to the full range of polymerisations that they have been utilised in; the second concerning monomers, arranges the field by monomer type and polymerisation mechanism. The book will therefore, provide a complimentary view of the field, providing both an overview of state-of-the-art catalyst development and also the best methodologies available to create specific polymer types. Edited by leading figures in the field and featuring contributions from researchers across the globe, this title will serve as an excellent reference for postgraduate students and researchers in both academia and industry interested in polymer chemistry, organic chemistry, catalysis and materials science.

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Polyurethane nanocomposites present an attractive and sustainable way for designing smart materials that can be used in packaging, health and energy applications. Biobased Smart Polyurethane Nanocomposites brings together the most recent research in the field from the basic concepts through to their applications. Special emphasis is given to sustainable biodegradable polyurethane nanocomposites with hyperbranched architecture. The book introduces biobased polyurethanes and the nanomaterials that can be used as nanocomposites followed by the resulting polyurethane nanocomposites. The second part then explores important applications in paints and surface coatings, shape memory, self-healing, self-cleaning, biomaterials and packaging materials. Written by a leading expert on polyurethane nanocomposites, the book is a great introduction to this smart material and its applications.

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Self-propelled objects (particles, droplets) are autonomous agents that can convert energy from the environment into motion. These motions include nonlinear behaviour such as oscillations, synchronization, bifurcation, and pattern formation. In recent years, there has been much interest in self-propelled objects for their potential role in mass transport or their use as carriers in confined spaces. An improved understanding of self-organized motion has even allowed researchers to design objects for specific motion. This book gives an overview of the principles of self-propelled motion in chemical objects (particles, droplets) far from their thermodynamic equilibrium, at various spatial scales. Theoretical aspects, the characteristics of the motion and the design procedures of such systems are discussed from the viewpoint of nonlinear dynamics and examples of applications for these nonlinear systems are provided. This book is suitable for researchers and graduate students interested in physical and theoretical chemistry as well as soft matter.

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Gels are used in a large variety of commercial and scientific products from drug delivery systems and food science to biomedical sensors. They also are invaluable in MRI physics research where they mimic biological tissue and in radiotherapy quality assurance where they are used to capture the three dimensional radiation dose distribution. This unique book discusses the state-of-the-art of NMR and MRI techniques in studying the physics and chemistry of gel systems, in their application as MRI phantoms and as three dimensional radiation dosimeters. The first part of the book will cover the fundamental physical concepts of gels and the NMR techniques to study gel systems. The second part is dedicated to the application of gels in the life sciences and in the medical practice to validate radiotherapy and new MRI techniques. Filling the gap in literature, this volume provides the scientific reader with an extensive overview of possible techniques and methods to study the interesting properties and applications of gels. For the MRI researcher and medical physicist, the book will be a valuable resource in using gel phantoms for validating contemporary MRI techniques and radiotherapy treatments.

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Field-cycling NMR relaxometry is evolving into a methodology of widespread interest with recent technological developments resulting in powerful and versatile commercial instruments. Polymers, liquid crystals, biomaterials, porous media, tissue, cement and many other materials of practical importance can be studied using this technique. This book summarises the expertise of leading scientists in the area and the editor is well placed, after four decades of working in this field, to ensure a broad ranging and high quality title. Starting with an overview of the basic principles of the technique and the scope of its use, the content then develops to look at theory, instrumentation, practical limitations and applications in different systems. Newcomers to the field will find this book invaluable for successful use of the technique. Researchers already in academic and industrial settings, interested in molecular dynamics and magnetic resonance, will discover an important addition to the literature.

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Concerns about the adverse health effects of chemicals and radiation present in the environment and at workplaces have created the need for better detection systems to assess their potential to cause DNA damage in humans and other organisms across ecosystems. The Micronucleus Assay in Toxicology is the first comprehensive volume concerning the use of micronucleus assays in genetic toxicology. It succinctly explains the mechanisms by which genotoxins cause micronucleus formation and its relation to diseases. Furthermore, it describes the methods which are currently used for the analyses of micronuclei in different types of cells in human in vivo biomonitoring studies, routine in vivo tests with rodents, in vitro studies with human and mammalian cells, environmental monitoring with invertebrates and vertebrates such as molluscs, fish and, also, in plant bioassays. Moreover, this book also focuses on the use of the micronucleus technique in other research areas, including the detection of DNA damage caused by important groups of genotoxic carcinogens (heavy metals, industrial chemicals, cytotoxic drugs, pesticides, ionising radiation, etc.) as well as study designs, statistical analyses, international regulatory guidelines, and the development of automated scoring devices for this assay. This book will serve as both, a reference and a guide to students, and investigators in biomedical, biochemical and pharmaceutical sciences interested in gaining a better understanding of the biology of micronuclei and their application in measuring DNA damage caused by natural or man-made genotoxins.

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Photoaging results from chronic exposure to UV radiation and is an increasingly common clinical feature, with an aging population the clinical burden is likely to increase despite advances in our understanding of the pathology and development of improved treatments. This book will present and review the latest progress from the forefront of translational research in cutaneous photoaging. The core chapters focus on the current understanding of the biochemical mechanisms of photoageing and lead on to aspects of photoprotection and photomedicine to provide a complete picture of the current field and a context for the importance of the basic mechanistic understanding. With a global team of authors Cutaneous Photoaging provides an international perspective on the causes, consequences, pathophysiology and treatment of photoaging, ideal for dermatologists, students and professionals in photoscience.

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Elastomeric proteins are ubiquitous in nature, where they have evolved precise structures and properties that are necessary to perform specific biological roles and functions. This book emphasizes the impact of amino acid sequence on modulating protein structure, properties, and function. Examples include conformational ensemble dynamics, environmental responsiveness, self-assembly, physico-mechanical properties, morphology, and properties tailored for biomedical applications. This foundational framework is not only critical to advance scientific understanding and knowledge on elastomeric proteins but also enables the conceptualization, rational design, and development of biosynthetic elastomers and their analogous polypeptides for a variety of applications. Edited and contributed by pioneering researchers in the field, the book provides a timely overview of the materials, along with the synthesis techniques, the unique characteristics of elastomeric proteins, and biomedical and industrial applications. The book will provide a reference for graduate students and researchers interested in designing biomimetic proteins tailored for various functions.

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The combination of two leading imaging techniques – magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography – is poised to have a large impact and has recently been a driver of research and clinical applications. The hybrid instrument is capable of acquiring both datasets simultaneously and this affords a number of advantages ranging from the obvious, two datasets acquired in the time required for one, through to novel applications. This book describes the basics of MRI and PET and then the technical issues and advantages involved in bringing together the two techniques. Novel applications in preclinical settings, human imaging and tracers are described. The book is for students and scientists entering the field of MR–PET with an MRI background but lacking PET or vice versa. It provides practical details from experts working in the area.

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Aerobic organisms have evolved to utilise the intrinsic oxidising power of oxygen from the atmosphere. This so-called 'activation' of oxygen is often catalysed by a heme-containing enzyme. This book highlights the many and varied catalytic activities of O2-dependent heme–iron enzymes, including monoxygenases and cytochrome P450, dioxygenases, oxidases and model heme systems. Dioxygen-dependent Heme Enzymes will be a useful resource for postgraduate students and researchers in biochemistry and metallobiology working in, or moving into, research areas involving heme proteins.

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Providing a detailed survey of renewable raw materials for paints, inks and glues, this book is ideal for researchers and practitioners working in the areas of green chemistry, industrial chemistry and sustainability. Beginning with a brief history of coatings and adhesives, this book walks the reader through the chemistry, properties, sourcing and processing of a number of renewable raw materials, including lipids, natural resins, proteins, and carbohydrates. Their use in a range of recent developments and concepts from material protection, to decorative paints and coatings, adhesives and sealants is highlighted, providing the reader with a complete and modern foundation to the field.

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Biorefineries are becoming increasingly important in providing sustainable routes for chemical industry processes. The establishment of bio-economic models, based on biorefineries for the creation of innovative products with high added value, such as biochemicals and bioplastics, allows the development of “green chemistry” methods in synergy with traditional chemistry. This reduces the heavy dependence on imports and assists the development of economically and environmentally sustainable production processes, that accommodate the huge investments, research and innovation efforts. This book explores the most effective or promising catalytic processes for the conversion of biobased components into high added value products, as platform chemicals and intermediates. With a focus on heterogeneous catalysis, this book is ideal for researchers working in catalysis and in green chemistry.

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The pharmaceutical industry has become acutely aware of the importance of the solid state, but pharmaceutical scientists often lack specific training in topics related to solid-state structure and crystallography. This book provides needed support in this topical area. Taking an intuitive and informal approach to solid-state structure and crystallographic concepts, this book is written for anyone who needs a clear understanding of modern crystallography, with specific reference to small-molecule pharmaceutical solids. The author describes molecular crystals and crystal structures, symmetry, space groups, single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques and the analysis and interpretation of crystallographic data. Useful technical details are presented where necessary and case studies from the pharmaceutical literature put theory into a practical context. Written by an internationally leading figure and with its focus on molecular crystals, this book is equally applicable to chemists with a need to understand and apply X-ray crystal-structure determination.

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Synthetic chemistry plays a central role in many areas of chemical biology; utilising recent case studies, the goal of Chemical and Biological Synthesis is to highlight the full impact that the preparation of novel reagents can have in chemical biology. Covering the synthetic approaches that can be applied across the whole field of chemical biology, this book provides synthetic chemists with the broader context to which their work contributes and the biological questions that can be addressed through it. An ideal guide for postgraduate students and researchers in synthetic organic chemistry and chemical biology, Chemical and Biological Synthesis introduces synthetic techniques and methods to those who wish to incorporate synthesis for the first time in their biology-focused research programmes.

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There is a growing interest in the development of sustainable processes for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and this book bridges the divide between industrial examples and the fundamental chemistry. It explains the basic principles of using transition metal catalysis with several green approaches for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. The topic is an important one for green chemistry and the chapters in this book on hydroformylation, green oxidation and olefin metathesis will also be of interest to both medicinal and organic chemists. Written by leading experts in the field, it provides a valuable and easy tool for scientists and industrialists who require information regarding this topic.

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There is great interest in the novel mass-transport properties of graphene-based membrane materials, especially for environmental applications such as wastewater treatment and reuse, gas separation and water desalination. Graphene-based Membranes for Mass Transport Applications is a comprehensive overview of the research in this area. Starting with current state-of-the-art membrane-based filtration and separation technologies, the book then explores the structure, composition and general properties of graphene-based membranes including nanoporous graphene and graphene oxide followed by the selective mass transport properties of the membranes. The final chapters look at their specific use in barrier applications, purification and separation applications and water desalination. Edited by leading researchers, the book provides an introduction and reference to physicists, chemists, material scientists, chemical engineers and students who are entering or already working in the field of graphene-based membrane materials.

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Vehicle exhaust emissions, particularly from diesel cars, are considered to be a significant problem for the environment and human health. Lean NOx Trap (LNT) or NOx Storage/Reduction (NSR) technology is one of the current techniques used in the abatement of NOx from lean exhausts. Researchers are constantly searching for new inexpensive catalysts with high efficiency at low temperatures and negligible fuel penalties, to meet the challenges of this field. This book will be the first to comprehensively present the current research on this important area. Covering the technology used, from its development in the early 1990s up to the current state-of-the-art technologies and new legislation. Beginning with the fundamental aspects of the process, the discussion will cover the real application standard through to the detailed modelling of full scale catalysts. Scientists, academic and industrial researchers, engineers working in the automotive sector and technicians working on emission control will find this book an invaluable resource.

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New materials are required to solve global challenges such as the growing energy demand and reducing the threat of new and re-emerging diseases and infections. Metallopolymers is an exciting and promising area of research and this book focuses on the strategy of incorporating transition metals into macromolecules to design functional materials for addressing such problems. The book starts with an introduction to current global challenges and the role of materials science in tackling these, it then discusses the fundamentals of metallopolymers and their synthesis. The final chapters look at specific applications of the materials from photovoltaics and light-emitting diodes for energy conservation, to biological sensors and drug delivery platforms. Written by leading experts in the field, this book is an ideal reference for students and researchers working in polymer chemistry, organometallic chemistry and materials science interested in both the polymers and its applications in energy and health.

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Methods for identification and measurement of existing and newly discovered contaminants are required, especially those that are cheap, simple and rapid, so that testing may be more frequent within the food supply chain. This book examines the formation of toxic compounds during the processing of food and strategies to mitigate their creation. Modification of process conditions can reduce the health risks posed by these compounds to consumers. This new volume will update knowledge on current methods for mitigation of these process contaminants and is aimed at industrialists in food processing, academic researchers and graduate students studying food science and technology or food engineering.

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Many important industrial chemical processes rely heavily on catalysis and so researchers are always on the lookout for alternative catalytic materials that may improve existing processes or lead to new ones. Families of alternative catalytic materials currently being investigated include the carbides, nitrides and phosphides as well as amorphous boron catalysts. The addition of carbon, nitrogen or phosphorous to transition metals and the creation of boron-transition metal alloys leads to catalytic materials that have interesting properties, with applications in a range of different reactions, including electrocatalysis. This book provides a comprehensive account of the preparation, characterisation and application of these catalytic materials. It is an important reference for researchers and industrialists working in heterogeneous catalysis and materials chemistry.

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Over the past few decades, experimental excited state chemistry has moved into the femtochemistry era, where time resolution is short enough to resolve nuclear dynamics. Recently, the time resolution has moved into the attosecond domain, where electronic motion can be resolved as well. Theoretical chemistry is becoming an essential partner in such experimental investigations; not only for the interpretation of the results, but also to suggest new experiments. This book provides an integrated approach. The three main facets of excited-state theoretical chemistry; namely, mechanism, which focuses on the shape of the potential surface along the reaction path, multi-state electronic structure methods, and non-adiabatic dynamics, have been brought together into one volume. Theoretical Chemistry for Electronic Excited States is aimed at both theorists and experimentalists, involved in theoretical chemistry, in electronic structure computations and in molecular dynamics. The book will provide both with the knowledge and understanding to discover ways to work together more closely through its unified approach.

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Microfluidic technology is revolutionising a number of scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, diagnostics, and engineering. The ability to manipulate fluids and objects within networks of micrometre-scale channels allows reductions in processing and analysis times, reagent and sample consumption, and waste production, whilst allowing fine control and monitoring of chemical or biological processes. The integration of multiple components and processes enable “lab-on-a-chip” devices and “micro total analysis systems” that have applications ranging from analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, and clinical diagnostics to cell biology and tissue engineering. This concise, easy-to-read book is perfectly suited for instructing newcomers on the most relevant and important aspects of this exciting and dynamic field, particularly undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on new studies, or for those simply interested in learning about this widely applicable technology. Written by a team with more than 20 years of experience in microfluidics research and teaching, the book covers a range of topics and techniques including fundamentals (e.g. scaling laws and flow effects), microfabrication and materials, standard operations (e.g. flow control, detection methods) and applications. Furthermore, it includes questions and answers that provide for the needs of students and teachers in the area.

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A Flash of Light is an intriguing book that starts at the beginning of time itself and then winds its way through a host of fascinating light related topics including the hues of aliens sunsets, the psychology of colour, and the chemistry of LCD screens. Written as part of a novel experiment, editors Mark Lorch and Andy Miah hatched a plan to collect a critical mass of academics in a room and charged them with writing a popular science book, under the watchful eye of the general public at the Manchester Science Festival. The result is an enlightening look into the science behind colour and light, encompassing biology, chemistry and physics and including simple and fun “try this at home” ideas to illustrate the concepts covered. Drawing on the experience of some of the UK’s best science communicators, this book will appeal to anyone with an interest in science. Its pacey, witty and engaging tone provides illuminating insight into how and why we see the universe the way we do.

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It is London in the 1890s. A young woman has just taken a dose of a tonic she’s been given in the belief that it will improve her complexion. About ten minutes pass and she starts to experience breathing difficulties. Another minute and she collapses. Mercifully, death arrives but the poison has not yet finished, for the process of rigor mortis has set in with unusual speed. Her body is frozen into a rigid and contorted mass. This is the horror of strychnine, the nastiest of poisons. Despite knowing all the dreadfulness of this poison, Dr Thomas Neill Cream, the Lambeth Poisoner, used it to kill several prostitutes. And who knows how many other victims experienced the horror of strychnine, for it was by no means an uncommon poison. Today, there may well be more poisons available to the individual than ever before, but there are also advances in medical examination and forensic analysis that increase the likelihood of the poisoner being caught. This book will examine poisons, both natural and man-made menaces, and cases based on a particular poison as well as information about how forensic analysis is conducted. Appealing to scientists and non-scientists alike, this enthralling book will entertain and educate and bring the reader up to date with how important chemical analysis is in crime detection.

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The life and chemical sciences are in the midst of a period of rapid and revolutionary transformation that will undoubtedly bring societal benefits but also have potentially malign applications, notably in the development of chemical weapons. Such concerns are exacerbated by the unstable international security environment and the changing nature of armed conflict, which could fuel a desire by certain States to retain and use existing chemical weapons, as well as increase State interest in creating new weapons; whilst a broader range of actors may seek to employ diverse toxic chemicals as improvised weapons. Stark indications of the multi-faceted dangers we face can be seen in the chemical weapons attacks against civilians and combatants in Iraq and Syria, and also in more targeted chemical assassination operations in Malaysia and the UK. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, and drawing upon an international group of experts, this book analyses current and likely near-future advances in relevant science and technology, assessing the risks of their misuse. The book examines the current capabilities, limitations and failures of the existing international arms control and disarmament architecture – notably the Chemical Weapons Convention – in preventing the development and use of chemical weapons. Through the employment of a novel Holistic Arms Control methodology, the authors also look beyond the bounds of such treaties, to explore the full range of international law, international agreements and regulatory mechanisms potentially applicable to weapons employing toxic chemical agents, in order to develop recommendations for more effective routes to combat their proliferation and misuse. A particular emphasis is given to the roles that chemical and life scientists, health professionals and wider informed activist civil society can play in protecting the prohibition against poison and chemical weapons; and in working with States to build effective and responsive measures to ensure that the rapid scientific and technological advances are safeguarded from hostile use and are instead employed for the benefit of us all.

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Continuous professional development of chemistry teachers is essential for any effective chemistry teaching due to the evolving nature of the subject matter and its instructional techniques. Professional development aims to keep chemistry teaching up-to-date and to make it more meaningful, more educationally effective, and better aligned to current requirements. Presenting models and examples of professional development for chemistry teachers, from pre-service preparation through to continuous professional development, the authors walk the reader through theory and practice. The authors discuss factors which affect successful professional development, such as workload, availability and time constraints, and consider how we maintain the life-long learning of chemistry teachers. With a solid grounding in the literature and drawing on many examples from the authors’ rich experiences, this book enables researchers and educators to better understand teachers’ roles in effective chemistry education and the importance of their professional development.

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There is great interest in the preparation of synthetic receptor-based recognition units for cheap, robust, economic, and selective chemical sensors. Molecular imprinting provides the technology to prepare these synthetic units. There are still more and more syntheses of artificial molecular recognition constructs using analytes or their close structural analogues as templates for molecular imprinting. Stability of complexes of these constructs with the target analytes are often similar to those of biological receptors. Therefore, subsequent polymerization of these complexes results in molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) that have a selectivity close to that revealed by natural receptors. The book summarizes the latest developments and applications of molecular imprinting for selective chemical sensing with each chapter devoted to different analytical applications of molecularly imprinted polymers. Specific chapters include: designing of molecular cavities aided by computational modelling, application of molecularly imprinted polymers for separation as well as sensing of pharmaceuticals and nucleotides. The book is suitable for academics, postgraduates, and industrial researchers active in analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, molecular recognition, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy.

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Written by world experts in their specialised fields, this Series tackles important environmental topics, taking a multidisciplinary approach to pollution and environmental science and the chemistry of environmental processes. The Series also focuses on broader issues, notably economic, legal and political considerations. Authors are drawn from industry, the public service and academic organisations. The books are invaluable for scientists and engineers in industry and public service, consultancy and academic institutions, who wish to keep up-to-date on topical subjects in this field. They are also essential reading for students taking specialised courses in environmental chemistry, and provide supplementary reference material for general science courses.

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This book is aimed at informing organic chemists and natural products chemists on the use of NMR for structure elucidation to enable them to ensure they yield the most reliable possible data in the minimum possible time. It covers the latest pulse sequences, acquisition and processing methods, practical areas not covered in most texts e.g. detailed consideration of the relative advantages and disadvantages of different pulse sequences, choosing acquisition and processing parameters to get the best possible data in the least possible time, pitfalls to avoid and how to minimize the risks of getting wrong structures. Useful in industrial, pharma or research environments, this reference book is for anyone involved with organic chemistry research and, in particular, natural products research requiring advice for getting the best results from the NMR facilities.

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Metal ions play key roles in biology. Many are essential for catalysis, for electron transfer and for the fixation, sensing, and metabolism of gases. Others compete with those essential metal ions or have toxic or pharmacological effects. This book is structured around the periodic table and focuses on the control of metal ions in cells. It addresses the molecular aspects of binding, transport and storage that ensure balanced levels of the essential elements. Organisms have also developed mechanisms to deal with the non-essential metal ions. However, through new uses and manufacturing processes, organisms are increasingly exposed to changing levels of both essential and non-essential ions in new chemical forms. They may not have developed defenses against some of these forms (such as nanoparticles). Many diseases such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration are associated with metal ion imbalance. There may be a deficiency of the essential metals, overload of either essential or non-essential metals or perturbation of the overall natural balance. This book is the first to comprehensively survey the molecular nature of the overall natural balance of metal ions in nutrition, toxicology and pharmacology. It is written as an introduction to research for students and researchers in academia and industry and begins with a chapter by Professor R J P Williams FRS.

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Have you ever wondered how plants attract certain insects, or how insects communicate with each other? This book explains the natural chemical compounds that determine the fascinating interactions between plants and insects providing a gentle and absorbing introduction to organic chemistry that is highly relevant to everyday life and to the natural world. Specific organic compounds and intriguing chemistry determine whether insects are keen on feeding on plants or avoid certain plants altogether. Some insects have learned to use plant compounds as their own defences, and some plants use digestive processes to use insects as nutritional supplements. Plant-insect interactions are vital for our food supply, for pollination of orchards or detrimentally in insect infestations of crops, as well as in applications like silk production. By the author of the popular book, The Chemistry of Plants: Perfumes, Pigments, and Poisons, this book benefits from Margareta Séquin’s vast experience leading field trips and seminars to botanical gardens and nature reserves, and teaching chemistry to beginners. Organic chemistry is often seen as a challenging, sometimes abstract field. This book makes chemistry exciting and accessible for readers interested in a deeper understanding of the natural world. The book is organized according to the increasing complexity of compounds introduced, and so it also serves as a useful teaching aid for undergraduate chemistry or biology courses, and as a supplementary text for students in plant sciences, ecology, and entomology, and in horticultural programs.

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The field of proteomics has developed rapidly over the past decade nurturing the need for a detailed introduction to the various informatics topics that underpin the main liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) protocols used for protein identification and quantitation. Proteins are a key component of any biological system, and monitoring proteins using LC-MS/MS proteomics is becoming commonplace in a wide range of biological research areas. However, many researchers treat proteomics software tools as a black box, drawing conclusions from the output of such tools without considering the nuances and limitations of the algorithms on which such software is based. This book seeks to address this situation by bringing together world experts to provide clear explanations of the key algorithms, workflows and analysis frameworks, so that users of proteomics data can be confident that they are using appropriate tools in suitable ways.

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Magnetic resonance systems are used in almost every academic and industrial chemistry, physics and biochemistry department, as well as being one of the most important imaging modalities in clinical radiology. The design of such systems has become increasingly sophisticated over the years. Static magnetic fields increase continuously, large-scale arrays of receive elements are now ubiquitous in clinical MRI, cryogenic technology has become commonplace in high resolution NMR and is expanding rapidly in preclinical MRI, specialized high strength magnetic field gradients have been designed for studying the human connectome, and the commercial advent of ultra-high field human imaging has required new types of RF coils and static shim coils together with extensive electromagnetic simulations to ensure patient safety. This book covers the hardware and engineering that constitutes a magnetic resonance system, whether that be a high-resolution liquid or solid state system for NMR spectroscopy, a preclinical system for imaging animals or a clinical system used for human imaging. Written by a team of experts in the field, this book provides a comprehensive and instructional look at all aspects of current magnetic resonance technology, as well as outlooks for future developments.

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