This valuable new book offers a new perspective on dendrimers that bridges the gap between basic research and applied nanomedicine. It explores the ultimate effectiveness of dendrimers in theranostics, a promising field that combines therapeutics and diagnostics into single multifunctional formulations used to affect therapy or treatment of a disease state. The authors examine the potential uses of dendrimers, which have proven their capabilities in local/systemic drug delivery, physical stabilization of the drug, solubility enhancement of the poorly soluble drugs, and gene delivery.

Development of superior crops that have consistent performance in quality and in quantity has not received the same emphasis in the field of genetics and breeding as merited. Specialty trait requires special focus to propagate. Yet basic germplasm and breeding methodologies optimized to improve crops are often applied in the development of improved specialty types. However, because of the standards required for specialty traits, methods of development and improvement are usually more complex than those for common commodity crops. The same standards of performance are desired, but the genetics of the specialty traits often impose breeding criteria distinct from those of non-specialty possessing crops. Specifically, quality improvement programs have unique characteristics that require careful handling and monitoring during their development for specific needs. Adding value either via alternative products from the large volumes of grain produced or development of specialty types is of interest to producers and processors. This work assimilates the most topical results about quality improvement with contemporary plant breeding approaches.The objective of this book is to provide a summary of the germplasm, methods of development, and specific problems involved for quality breeding. In total, fourteen chapters, written by leading scientists involved in crop improvement research, provide comprehensive coverage of the major factors impacting specialty crop improvement.

This valuable new book offers a new perspective on dendrimers that bridges the gap between basic research and applied nanomedicine. It explores the ultimate effectiveness of dendrimers in theranostics, a promising field that combines therapeutics and diagnostics into single multifunctional formulations used to affect therapy or treatment of a disease state. The authors examine the potential uses of dendrimers, which have proven their capabilities in local/systemic drug delivery, physical stabilization of the drug, solubility enhancement of the poorly soluble drugs, and gene delivery.

Maize is one of the most generally grown cereal crops at global level, followed by wheat and rice. Maize is the major crop in China both in terms of yield and acreage. In 2012, worldwide maize production was about 840 million tons. Maize has long been a staple food of most of the global population (particularly in South America and Africa) and a key nutrient resource for animal feed and for food industrial materials. Maize belts vary from the latitude 58° north to the latitude 40° south, and maize ripens every month of the year. Abiotic and biotic stresses are common in maize belts worldwide. Abiotic stresses (chiefly drought, salinity, and extreme temperatures), together with biotic stresses (primarily fungi, viruses, and pests), negatively affect maize growth, development, production and productivity. In the recent past, intense droughts, waterlogging, and extreme temperatures have relentlessly affected maize growth and yield. In China, 60% of the maize planting area is prone to drought, and the resultant yield loss is 20%–30% per year; in India, 25%–30% of the maize yield is lost as a result of waterlogging each year. The biotic stresses on maize are chiefly pathogens (fungal, bacterial, and viral), and the consequential syndromes, like ear/stalk rot, rough dwarf disease, and northern leaf blight, are widespread and result in grave damage. Roughly 10% of the global maize yield is lost each year as a result of biotic stresses. For example, the European corn borer [ECB, Ostrinianubilalis (Hübner)] causes yield losses of up to 2000 million dollars annually in the USA alone in the northern regions of China, the maize yield loss reaches 50% during years when maize badly affected by northern leaf blight. In addition, abiotic and biotic stresses time and again are present at the same time and rigorously influence maize production. To fulfill requirements of each maize-growing situation and to tackle the above mentions stresses in an effective way sensibly designed multidisciplinary strategy for developing suitable varieties for each of these stresses has been attempted during the last decade.  Genomics is a field of supreme significance for elucidating the genetic architecture of complex quantitative traits and characterizing germplasm collections to achieve precise and specific manipulation of desirable alleles/genes. Advances in genotyping technologies and high throughput phenomics approaches have resulted in accelerated crop improvement like genomic selection, speed breeding, particularly in maize.  Molecular breeding tools like collaborating all omics, has led to the development of maize genotypes having higher yields, improved quality and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses. Through this book, we bring into one volume the various important aspects of maize improvement and the recent technological advances in development of maize genotypes with high yield, high quality and resilience to biotic and abiotic stresses

The present manual is of immense importance for the researchers, teachers and scholars in the field of biological sciences.It will also prove of great importance to the industrialists for developing an effective mycorrhizal cultures on commercial scale.The mycorrhizal fungi are playing a multipurpose role in the crop improvement programmes by improving the plant health through the acquisition of many micro and macro nutrients.The use efficiency of different nutrient elements is also enhanced by AM fungi. Mycorrhizae provide protection to the plant roots against many soil borne diseases.Regarding the plant water relations, these organisms play a pivotal role in controlling the release of water by the plants during drought conditions.Soil physical properties like granulation and aeration are also improved by these fungi. The author is highly thankful to the scientific staff of Department of Agricultural Microbiology, TNAU, Coimbatore for their generous help in providing the material for the present wo

The concept of two-phase sampling was first given by Neyman (1938), later on several simple and general regression and ratio estimators have been suggested, starting from Mohanty (1967), Srivastava (1970), Chand (1975), Kiregyera (1980, 84), Mukerjee et al. (1987), Srivastava et al.(1990), Roy (2003)and Samiuddin and Hanif (2006,07). Use of multi-auxiliary information for ratio and regression estimators, were considered, by Olkin (1958), Goswami and Sukhatme (1965), Raj (1965), Rao and Mudholkar (1967), Tripathi (1970, 1976), Tripathi and Ahmed (1995), Sen (1972), Tripathi (1987), Singh and Namjoshi (1988), Tripathi and Khattree (1989), Tripahi and Chaubey (1993), Ahmed (2003), Martin and Steven (2004) and Ahmad at el. (2008). In this monograph we have provided general classes of regression and ratio estimators for two-phase and multi-phase sampling using multi-auxiliary variables for estimating single as well as multiple variables of interest.The theoretical developments provided in this monograph can be useful in multipurpose surveys in which the problem is to estimate population means of several variables simultaneously in the field like agricultural, forestry etc.

Islam today is a vastly misunderstood religion. The unfortunate events of 9/11 and subsequent similar events have cast Islam in a very negative light resulting in a tremendous upsurge in anti Islam utterances and writings. This problem is compounded by relative lack of suitable response from the majority of Muslims of the world, including the so called Muslim scholars( Ulema) in defending Islam. "The Aspects of Quran" is one humble attempt to clear some of the misconceptions surrounding Islam and present it in its true colors. The author has chosen nine important aspects of Islam which are currently the focus of Western attention and gathered the Quranic pronouncements on them in one place hence rendering them easily accessible and understandable. These aspects are: 1.Quran 2. God 3. Muhammed (Peace be Upon him) 4.Islam's relationship with other religions, especially Judaism and Christianity 5. Knowledge 6. Social Justice 7. Women 8. Jihad 9. Terrorism. Read the book to get some authoritative answers to your questions about Islam which as a religion places great emphasis on knowledge, social justice, mercy, humility, compassion and forgiveness, sense of community and brotherhood, and above all remembrance of God at all times.

Symptom Oriented Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery - Three Volume Set is an extensive, illustrated review of a broad range of symptoms in otolaryngology, edited by a team of New Zealand based experts in the field. The three volumes are each divided into two sections. Each section begins with the anatomy of the structures concerned, followed by chapters on associated symptoms and their diagnoses. The first volume covers head and neck, and laryngology, and the second volume covers rhinology and facial plastics. The final volume covers otology, with a section on paediatrics which includes nasal, oral, oesophageal and otological symptoms, including guidance on choking and swallowing difficulties. This comprehensive book is enhanced by 900 full colour images across 1200 pages, making this an essential resource for consultant otolaryngologists and residents. Key Points Three volume guide to symptoms and diagnosis in otolaryngology Two sections in each volume, covering anatomy and a broad range of symptoms Final section devoted to symptoms in paediatric otolaryngology 900 full colour images

Symptom Oriented Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery - Volume 2 is an extensive, illustrated review of a broad range of symptoms in otolaryngology, edited by a team of New Zealand based experts in the field. This volume is divided into two sections, covering rhinology and facial plastics. Both sections begin with the anatomy of the structures concerned, followed by chapters on associated symptoms and their diagnoses. This comprehensive book is enhanced by 300 full colour images across 400 pages, making this an essential resource for consultant otolaryngologists and residents. Key Points Second volume in three volume guide to symptoms and diagnosis in otolaryngology Two sections in each volume, covering anatomy and a broad range of symptoms This volume covers rhinology and facial plastics 300 full colour images

Symptom Oriented Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery - Volume 3 is an extensive, illustrated review of a broad range of symptoms in otolaryngology, edited by a team of New Zealand based experts in the field. This volume is divided into two sections covering otology and paediatrics. Both sections begin with the anatomy of the structures concerned, followed by chapters on associated symptoms and their diagnoses. This comprehensive book is enhanced by 300 full colour images across 400 pages, making this an essential resource for consultant otolaryngologists and residents. Key Points Third volume of three volume guide to symptoms and diagnosis in otorhinolaryngology Two sections in each volume, covering anatomy and a broad range of symptoms This volume covers otology and paediatrics 300 full colour images

The development of estimators of population parameters based on two-phase sampling schemes has seen a dramatic increase in the past decade. Various authors have developed estimators of population mean of study variables using either single or two auxiliary variables. The present volume is a comprehensive collection of estimators available in single and two phase sampling. The book covers estimators which utilize information on single, two and multiple auxiliary variables of both quantitative and qualitative nature. The estimators discussed in the monograph are based upon different mechanisms of availability of auxiliary information, termed as Full, Partial and No Information. Multivariate Estimators in survey sampling are also discussed in the book. Two-Phase Sampling will prove an invaluable point of reference for researchers working in the field of survey sampling in general and in the field of two-phase sampling in particular.