| Marine organisms produce a wide array of toxins, many of which are not only structurally unusual, but also show potent and interesting modes of action. Since the discovery of tetrodotoxin, a pufferfish toxin, as a potent and selective blocker of Na+ channels in 1964, it has been widely used as a research tool in pharmacological and physiological research. This has led to the identification of a number of important biological functions for Na+ channels. In recent years, much biological research has been carried out at molecular and cellular levels, and therefore selective inhibitors of enzymes and selective antagonist/agonists of receptors and channels have become increasingly important research tools. Accordingly, interest in using such compounds as reagents has increased. Marine toxins are some of the most popular research tools and have already contributed much to our understanding of biological processes and disease mechanisms. |
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Economics of Identity Theft: Avoidance, Causes and Possible CuresToday, identity is more than anything, economic. The technology used to create, utilize and protect identities is increasingly ill-matched to the economics and uses of identities. Identity theft is the misuse of private authenticating information to steal money. Protecting identity requires privacy. Proving identity requires exposing information.... | | Understanding Operating Systems
This book explains a very technical subject in a not-so-technical manner, putting the
concepts of operating systems into a format that students can quickly grasp.
For those new to the subject, this text demonstrates what operating systems are, what
they do, how they do it, how their performance can be evaluated, and... | | |
The Computer: A Very Short Introduction
What is the basic nature of the modern computer? How does it work? How has it been possible to squeeze so much power into increasingly smaller machines? What will the next generations of computers look like? In this Very Short Introduction, Darrel Ince looks at the basic concepts behind all computers, the changes in hardware and... | | Quantum Dots: Research, Technology and ApplicationsSince first developed in the early sixties, silicon chip technology has made vast leaps forward. From a rudimentary circuit with a mere handful of transistors, the chip has evolved into a technological wonder, packing millions of bits of information on a surface no larger that a human thumbnail. And most experts predict that in the near future, we... | | Switching to the Mac: The Missing Manual, Tiger EditionIt's little wonder that longtime Windows users are migrating in droves to the new Mac. They're fed up with the virus-prone Windows way of life, and they're lured by Apple's well-deserved reputation for producing great all-around computers that are reliable, user-friendly, well designed, and now--with the $500 Mac mini--extremely... |
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