Hundreds of articles explore the most important fields of science. Based on content from the McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Fifth Edition, each of these subject-specific quick-reference guides features: Detailed, well-illustrated explanations; Hundreds of concise articles in each volume; An easy-to-understand presentation, accessible and interesting to non-specialists; A portable, convenient format; Bibliographies, appendices, and other information supplement the articles.

Based on the highly acclaimed reviews of American Reference Books Annual, RRB features only those resources that have been recommended for purchase by small and medium-sized academic, public, or school libraries. Written by over 200 subject specialists, the reviews will help librarians quickly identify the best, most affordable, and most appropriate new reference materials in any given field. All reviewer comments--both positive and negative--have been retained, since even recommended works may be weak in one respect or another. If your budget precludes ARBA, this tool will provide you with the necessary information for the development of your collection. Features 530 critical reviews of reference books, CD-ROMs, and Web sites from the years 2004-2006 written by academic, public, and school librarians or professionals in the field. The reviews are selected based on their appropriateness for school libraries, small college libraries, or small public libraries (i.e., lower priced, highest quality, etc.), and feature a coded letter (i.e., C, P, S) indicating the type of library for which the medium is recommended. The reviews are pulled from ARBA 2006.

Do you want to know what inherited defect causes thalassaemia? Do you understand the significance of "resistance" when applied to microbiology? Can you say what a "frozen section" really is? The Dictionary of Biomedical Sciences answers all these questions and more. This informative, practical guide contains over 8000 entries that define all the basic principles of biomedical sciences, together with a wealth of other information. It reflects current practice in all aspects of biomedical science and includes variant spellings, punctuation, abbreviations, acronyms, symbols, nomenclature, prefixes and suffixes and covers the field in a concise, clear and authoritative manner.

Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects: Methods, Products, Applications, and Perspectives offers hands-on guidance for addressing the specific challenges involved in conserving historical monuments, sculptures, archaeological sites, and caves that have been attacked and colonized by micro- and macroorganisms. The volume provides many case studies of removal of biological growth with practical advice for making the right choices. It presents detailed and updated information related to biocides and to alternative substances, features that will be valuable to dealing with these challenges. The author’s goal is to provide access to information and offer the conceptual framework needed to understand complex issues, so that the reader can comprehend the nature of conservation problems and formulate her/his own views. From bacteria to plants, biological agents pose serious risks to the preservation of cultural heritage. In an effort to save heritage objects, buildings, and sites, conservators’ activities aim to arrest, mitigate, and prevent the damages caused by bacteria, algae, fungi, lichens, plants, and birds. Although much has been learned about these problems, information is scattered across meeting proceedings and assorted journals that often are not available to restorers and conservators. This book fills the gap by providing a comprehensive selection and examination of international papers published in the last fifteen years, focusing on the appropriate methods, techniques, and products that are useful for the prevention and removal of micro- and macroorganisms that grow on artificial and natural stone works of art, including wall paintings. Results on new substances with antimicrobic properties and alternative methods for the control of biological growth are presented as well. The book also emphasize issues on bioreceptivity of stones and the factors influencing biological growth and includes an outline of the various organisms able to develop on stones, a discussion on the bioprotection of stones by biofilms and lichens, a review of the main analytical techniques, and a section on bioremediation. This volume will be a valuable reference for cultural heritage conservators and restorers, scientists, and heritage-site staff involved in conservation and maintenance of buildings, archaeological sites, parks, and caves.