Ligand-gated ion channels mediate fast synaptic transmission in the central nervous s- tem (CNS) and at ganglionic and neuromuscular synapses. The nicotinic acetylcholine - ceptor (nAChR) is a member of the ligand-gated ion channel superfamily, which includes the 5-HT , glycine and GABA type A and C receptors. These receptors are known as Cys- 3 loop receptors, as all of them have a conserved sequence containing a pair of cysteines separated by 13 residues and linked by a disulfide bridge. nAChRs can be divided into two groups: muscle receptors, which are found at the skeletal neuromuscular junction where they mediate neuromuscular transmission, and neuronal receptors, which are found throughout the peripheral and central nervous system. Many of the early studies carried out on the subunit composition and structure of the nAChRs were performed on receptors isolated from the electric organ of Torpedo californica, as this tissue is very rich in nAChRs, and they were found to have a high degree of homology with the embryonic v- tebrate muscle type receptor. Muscle nAChRs are made up of five subunits arranged around a central pore (Fig. 1A, B). In Torpedo electric organ and vertebrate fetal muscle, the subunit composition is (a1) b1gd, and in adult muscle the g subunit is replaced by the e to give an (a1)b1ed 2 2 composition (Mishina et al. 1986).

These exciting new companion handbooks are the only ones of their kind devoted solely to the effects of environmental variables on the physiology of the world's major fruit and nut crops. Their cosmopolitan scope includes chapters on tropical and temperate zone species written by scientists from several continents. The influence of environmental factors, such as irradiance, temperature, water and salinity on plant physiology and on vegetative and reproductive growth, is comprehensively discussed for each crop. In addition to being a thorough and up-to-date set of textbooks, the organzation of the two volumes makes them an excellent reference tool. Each chapter focuses on a single crop, or a group of genetically or horticulturally related crop, and is appropriately divided into subsections that address individual environmental factors. Some chapters emphasize whole-plant physiology and plant growth and development, while other chapters feature theoretical aspects of plant physiology. Several chapters provide botanical background discussions to enhance understanding of the crop's response to its environment.

These exciting new companion handbooks are the only ones of their kind devoted solely to the effects of environmental variables on the physiology of the world's major fruit and nut crops. Their cosmopolitan scope includes chapters on tropical and temperate zone species written by scientists from several continents. The influence of environmental factors, such as irradiance, temperature, water and salinity on plant physiology and on vegetative and reproductive growth, is comprehensively discussed for each crop. In addition to being a thorough and up-to-date set of textbooks, the organzation of the two volumes makes them an excellent reference tool. Each chapter focuses on a single crop, or a group of genetically or horticulturally related crop, and is appropriately divided into subsections that address individual environmental factors. Some chapters emphasize whole-plant physiology and plant growth and development, while other chapters feature theoretical aspects of plant physiology. Several chapters provide botanical background discussions to enhance understanding of the crop's response to its environment.

One of the world's greatest fairy tales is re-told in a graphic-novel format. In a far-away kingdom, there lives an Emperor who prizes fancy clothes above all else. He buys suit after suit made of the most expensive materials instead of tending to his threadbare kingdom. Then, one day, two travelling merchants offer to make the Emperor a special suit that has magical powers. The merchants, however, are not who they claim to be, and the suit has one major flaw, no one can see it!

Originally published in 1928, this book presents an account regarding the formal qualities of poetry. The text begins with a discussion of the fundamental nature of poetry, before moving into a more detailed analysis of metrical and stylistic techniques. Extensive quotation is used to back up all observations. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in poetic form and method.

One of the world's greatest fairy tales is re-told in a graphic-novel format. In a far-away land, perched upon her little nest, Mother Duck waits for her last remaining egg to hatch. When the odd little egg finally breaks open, Mother Duck is shocked to see an ugly duckling staring up at her. Despite its homeliness, Mother Duck adores her awkward child and does her best to protect him. Unfortunately, no one else on the farm wants anything to do with the Ugly Duckling, and he is driven from the farm to fend for himself. Survival, however, takes more than good looks, and the plucky little duck plods bravely into the wilderness.