Chemistry

New Releases from Wiley

FINE CHEMICALS: THE INDUSTRY AND THE BUSINESS. Peter Pollak. Wiley.

The business of chemicals touches each of our lives on an hourly basis – from the medicines we consume to the fire extinguishers we use to protect our property, chemistry drives every component of the modern lifestyle. In Fine Chemicals, Pollak (a world-renowned expert in the field) has created the definitive resource dissecting each facet of the chemical industry now responsible for a staggering $60 billion in annual revenue. Here, Pollak brings inside knowledge to his subject as he instructs his readers on how to succeed in this multi-layered and doggedly competitive arena. In the course of his study, Pollak gives an overview of the top chemical companies in the world, in addition to analyzing both the products and the myriad technologies which drive this market. Topics of coverage include fine chemicals manufacturing; contract research organizations specific to the field; laboratory chemical suppliers; a full summary of the products specific to the fine chemicals industry (including both big and small molecule products); full analysis of the technological systems that enhance production (including traditional chemical synthesis); in addition to summaries of the research, management and economic considerations those who oversee the field must respect. Pollak’s treatise is noteworthy for the way it blends information on both the manufacturing and business sides of fine chemical production, giving the reader a very specific roadmap on how to compete in an industry that confronts new challenges on a daily basis. Readers will note that Pollak’s presentation is comprehensive in tone, as he has taken great pains to show students how far-reaching the tentacles of the fine chemicals markets are (encompassing everything from pharmaceuticals to the agrochemical and animal-health industries). The text stands out for both its writing and organization, providing a ‘bird’s eye’ view of a topic that is responsible for protecting everything from our bodies to our food and water supplies.

by John Aiello

FLAME RETARDANT POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES. Editors: Alexander B. Morgan; Charles A. Wilkie. Wiley.

This fine text by Wiley extends from the central premise of Pollak’s treatise, not so much in relation to subject matter, but by continuing to delineate the mission of the industrial scientist who is charged with developing products that enhance the quality of life for the global citizen/consumer. This text focuses on Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, utilizing a variety of practical examples in order to dissect the core of polymer nanocomposites as they apply to flame retardancy. Chapters focus on all elements of the subject, including theory, design, synthesis and characterization. In sum, Flame Retardant is dedicated to breaking down the primary elements affecting specific fire retardancy mechanisms inherent to nanocomposites, in turn encouraging researchers to design more efficient products for firefighters to use in the field. Noted for its up-to-date perspective and for the way the editors have created a resource applicable not only to behind-the-scenes chemists but to manufacturers, fire-safety engineers and quality control personnel as well.

by John Aiello

COATING AND DRYING DEFECTS: TROUBLESHOOTING OPERATING PROBLEMS. 2nd Edition. Edgar B. Gutoff. Edward D. Cohen. John Wiley.

Now in its second edition, this volume continues Wiley’s journey as preeminent publisher in the realms of industrial and applied chemistry. Here, Gutoff and co-writers have developed a textbook that is completely unique to its audience, addressing common (and not so common) problems inherent with the drying and coating process. Topics of coverage include how to detect defects and eliminate them; the tools used for operation and analysis; problems associated with feed preparation (including filtration and temperature control); problems noted with roll coating; problems in slot, extrusion, slide, and curtain coating; problems inherent with static electricity; and problems that impede proper drying. The idea of this reference is to thoroughly educate manufacturers on how to identify possible trouble-spots within production so as to avoid product defect. As Gutoff and co-authors show us, this is a complicated process with many independent facets that all must come together in a delicate and precise ballet. Accordingly, if one aspect of the process goes awry, defects immediately occur and compromise production. Coating’s second edition has been thoroughly updated to address advances in technology affording scientists, engineers and controllers a more effective arsenal with which to improve operating procedures and mitigate corruption. Readers will quickly see that the text excels because it goes beyond basic trouble-shooting applications and instead looks at the methodology of the process: The goal to equip students and professionals with knowledge on how to identify and correct coating and drying defects as they work towards their ultimate prevention.

Recommended as a reference to compliment engineers and quality-control officers within the coating and drying industry. In addition, this text should be used in all advanced applied chemistry courses that teach aspects of this subject matter. Finally, this text belongs center-stage in all college-level libraries – a one-of-a-kind resource that speaks to its subject in eloquent and comprehensive terms.

MEANINGFUL SCENTS AROUND THE WORLD. Roman Kaiser. John Wiley.

The human animal is driven by scent – the animalistic psyche commanded by its interpretation of smell which enhances the quest for food, spirits sexual gratification and augments deeper sense-memory. In this text, flavor-chemist Roman Kaiser presents readers with an exhaustive resource that covers this ever-evolving topic. Meaningful Scents places the reader in the research center beside Kaiser, as he takes us on a tour of the myriad places across the world where he has studied the effect of scent on the development of culture and the individual. Accordingly, Kaiser expertly reviews the natural scents of the world and dissects their skeletons so that we might come to understand their impact on Biology. Simply, threads of fragrance and what we smell allow the animal to gauge danger and detect food, augmenting the senses of sight and hearing and enhancing our ability to taste food. Simply, man’s ability to smell allows him to savor the essence of life and investigate its holy depths. Kaiser’s intuitive understanding of this subject and his ability to take historical data and synthesize it and then apply it to the journey of man makes this textbook vital to the overall mission of the student of science. As readers will note, man’s sense of smell is a key component in his construction and in his unique physiology. Moreover, the way certain odors can be linked to certain cultures enable us to peel away the skin of our beings and engage in a study of anthropology that begins at the sinewy eye of the core. As Kaiser teaches us, there is a meaning within each distinct scent and odor; in turn, being able to investigate what each smell might mean broadens the depth of life and helps us gain a better grasp of ourselves in the process. From page one of this volume, it is apparent that Kaiser is a fine writer with a deep mind, and his ability to put us in touch with distant locations (such as Papua New Guinea and India) present the unique opportunity for us to see how scent helps to refine (and define) a given culture.

This text is recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. In addition, it is recommended as a supporting class text is all science courses that explore the olfactory system.

Editor’s Picks From Wiley & Sons

From the Editor: Even though the following books are not featured with full-length reviews, they have in fact been copiously examined by The Editor and they are recommended for consideration/adoption by instructors in each field – each noted for their clarity and breadth, recognized as benchmarks in their respective disciplines.

DECHEMA CORROSION HANDBOOK. Corrosive Agents and Their Interaction Materials. Second Edition. Edited by Gerhard Kreysa and Michael Schûtze. John Wiley.

This is a major addition to scientific literature in the area of chemistry and chemical engineering. The Dechema Corrosion Handbook offers an authoritative compendium of data as it relates to corrosion and its myrtiad chemical processes, including analysis of metallic, non-metallic, organic and inorganic compounds. Amazing its breadth and depth, Dechema not only looks at the origin and phenonmemon of corrosive agents, it also examines ways that science might look toward prevention/protection. As a reference text, Dechema has profound value in that the data it collects will help guide researchers toward preservation of natural resources and the overall well-being of the environment.

MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY: IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. Second Edition. Edited by Suzana Pereira Nunes and Klaus-Viktor Peinemann. John Wiley.

In keeping with the underlying mission of the Dechema Corrosion Handbook, Membrane Technology looks to further the health of the environment by showing ways science can look to preserve sources of energy while offering cleaner alternatives to myriad industrial processes. In turn, this text examines various aspects of chemical industry, exploring new technologies and production techniques. Accordingly, Membrane Technology is the only book we have seen that dissects membranes for the chemical industry, identifying how they might be integrated into various chemical processes in order to make these processes more efficient and effective. Readers will find the chapter on fuel cells especially timely and meaningful given the world-wide energy crisis we as a People are facing in the next 100 years. Recommended to both students and established researchers in the fields of chemical engineering, electrochemistry and environmental chemistry for its cutting-edge and comprehensive tone.

PREPARATIVE CHROMATOGRAPHY. Editor: Henner Schmidt-Traub. Wiley-VCH.

This text is a major release linking elements of Preparative Chromatography to the fields of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical research. The core of Schmidt-Traub’s study is steeped in the idea of bringing chromatographic processes to the industrial-based production line. Intricate analysis by the authors (stitched together by Schmidt-Traub’s skillful editing) serves to join basic principles of chemistry with aspects of fine-chemical engineering to strengthen the industrial process as it relates to both food and pharmaceutical production.

Target: Although the obvious audience for this book is among the practicing professional (chemists, pharmaceutical researchers  and fine-chemical engineers), Preparative Chromatography would also prove to be an indispensable classroom resource in chemistry courses focused on teaching the practical applications of the chromatographic process.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

ADVANCES IN PHOTOCHEMISTRY. VOLUME 29. Editors: Douglas C. Neckers. Wiliam S. Jenks. Thomas Wolff.  Wiley-Interscience.

This selection surveys current literature in photochemistry, and then goes one step further, analyzing the material with in depth eyes as a means to build a bridge between the scientist and the idea of critical study. The ultimate purpose of a text like this is to dig beyond the surface, propelling the student-reader toward deeper levels of understanding, pushing the student-reader back into the laboratory (where further research might yield revolutionary advancements in the field).

Target:  Advances in Photochemistry would prove to be a useful supporting class text in any chemistry course that investigates aspects of the photochemical sciences.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

HIGH PERFORMANCE PIGMENTS. Second Edition. Editors: Edwin B. Faulkner. Russell J. Schwartz. Wiley-VCH.

Here, in a single volume, Faulkner and Schwartz present a one-of-a-kind textbook that covers all aspects of high performance pigments. Obviously, this is a relatively small and rarefied area of the chemical industry focused on ways that high performance pigments can be used in place of “classical” pigments. In High Performance, the authors review the subject in its entirety, providing detailed analysis of the synthesis, reaction mechanisms, physical/chemical properties, applications, regulatory boundaries and commercial markets applicable to high performance pigments. Noted for the way the authors weave a complete narrative of their subject, with in depth discussion of both the chemical and commercial ‘faces’ of high performance pigments. In sum, this work serves as a true crossover reference that applies to both the research laboratory and the university classroom with equal relevance.

Highly recommended as a frontline text for all chemistry classes that delve into the study of pigments. Further recommended to researchers and manufacturers at work in pigment laboratories throughout the world.

Order from John Wiley & Sons.

by John Aiello

MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY: A MOLECULAR AND BIOCHEMICAL APPROACH. Thomas Nogrady. Donald F. Weaver. Oxford University Press.

Now in its 3rd edition, this text from Oxford is recognized for its readability and clear-honed pitch, as the authors delve deeply into the mechanical specifics of how drugs take action on the human body.

As inferred by its title, Medicinal Chemistry focuses on molecular and biochemical principles, looking to unlock some of the mystery of how narcotics work, analyzing the mechanics of drug action on a broad and incisive molecular plane.

The text begins with a strong overview of the primary principles of medical chemistry, before graduating into exploration of the properties of drug molecules and the characteristics of drug receptors (in turn deftly outlining” drug receptor interactions”). Finally, through analysis of these receptors, the reader will be able to draw a discernible link between how disease stalks a human cell and how science might design better chemical compounds that hold the power to isolate pathogens (and then eradicate them from the host).

Nogrady’s and Weaver’s third edition is noted for updated information on myriad areas of study. However, the revised chapter on the immune system is of major importance: As Public Health offices in cities across the world struggle to prepare for a possible outbreak of Avian flu, a more acute understanding of how to use drugs to forestall the spread of viral and bacterial disease is desperately needed. To this end, the data Norgrady and Weaver share is vital, as scientists fight against the clock to build medications which have more striking power against pathogens (but don’t alter the overall balance of the body). Sections on specific drug classes (including medicines for antihypertensive, antiviral, and anticancer drugs) have also seen vast revision, with recent advances in pharmacological research smartly noted.

Aside from its organization (linear in fashion, building from one topic section to the next so as to create an ordered course of study), the value of this manuscript is in its greater social importance: When researchers come to understand the exact way each different drug class acts on human cell structure, they will then be able to design better medicines with fewer side effects and a more complete ability to counter-act disease. This will result in better medicines at more cost-effective pricing, in turn boosting the world-wide economy.

Recommended as a teaching text in any Pharmacy or Medicinal Chemistry course which concentrates on teaching students how to dissect the mechanics of drug action on human cell structure. Further recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text.

by John Aiello

SYNTHESES AND REACTIONS: IN THE ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LABORATORY. Lutz F. Tietze. Theophil Eicher. Ulf Diederichsen. Andreas Speicher. Wiley-VCH.

This is a hugely important volume relevant to a multiplicity of disciplines, offering practical analysis of myriad compounds as it sets out to identify and then unlock the secrets of biochemical reaction. The authors whose work has been stitched together serve as the veritable experts in their field, and this work proves representative of the vastness of science itself – dissecting the way that compounds function and move and react (while simultaneously evincing the intricacies of the universe). Target: This textbook is appropriate as a primary text in all graduate level organic chemistry courses looking to explore the endless cycle of reaction and syntheses. In addition, recommended to all practicing chemists and laboratory researchers working in various chemical industries (such as the world of pharmaceuticals).

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: STATE OF THE ART 2003-2005. Douglass F. Taber. John Wiley.

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: STATE OF THE ART 2005-2007. Douglass F. Taber. John Wiley. 

Douglass Taber is a renowned Professor of Chemistry from the University of Delaware who also writes a widely-acclaimed column (“Organic Chemistry Highlights”) which is published on the organic-chemistry.org website. Piercing and layered, Taber’s columns should be any chemist’s first-stop on their journey to gain an understanding of developments in the study of organic synthesis. In these volumes, four years worth of Taber’s columns are stitched together in handy compendiums that serve to discuss the most relevant data in the field. In State of The Art 2003-2005, Taber includes some 103 articles that survey a vast array of topics; the more than 100 reactions covered here include exploration of Heterocycle Construction by Grubbs Meatheis and Organic Reactions in Ionic Liquids. The second volume in the series, State of The Art 2005-2007, continues down the same road, effectively summarizing advancements in the field. Topics of coverage here include the selective reactions of alkenes; discussion of the Overman Route to Gelsemine; and exploration of both the Stork Synthesis of (-)- Reserpine and synthesis of (-)- Littoralisone (to name random highpoints). Although Taber is a scientist, he is nonetheless able to order his presentation with the deft hand of a journalist – building one subject analysis onto the next as a means to bring continuity to topics that often suffer from fragmentation when locked in book form. Additionally, the creative impulse of this series is noteworthy, since it seeks to offer chemists a way to keep pace with vital new information without having to invest hours of library time. In sum, Taber’s Organic Synthesis: State of The Art series gives practicing chemists an avenue to stay current with research in the field via an innovative text that’s been designed to present data in compact and digestible ‘bites.’

This series is recommended to all practicing chemists, researchers and instructors as a way to stay current with developments in the field of Organic Synthesis. In addition, these books are highly recommended to libraries at the college level for their long-term reference value summarizing the ‘state’ of the discipline from 2003-2007.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY. James Allen. Wiley-Blackwell. 

In this volume, readers will gain a fundamental understanding of physical chemistry though the concurrent study of biological and biochemical topics. Here, Allen uses a unique approach that does not presume a supreme knowledge of mathematical theory. Instead, instructors are allowed to tailor lesson plans and lectures to the level of the classroom so that students are able to gain an understanding of fundamental scientific concepts (a tact which should naturally result in better problem-solving skills and deeper competence in terms of scientific study). Noted for both the author’s writing style and his unique presentation which seeks to integrate many different sub-disciplines into the study of biophysical chemistry.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

Previously Featured

CORROSION HANDBOOK: CORROSIVE AGENTS AND THEIR INTERACTION WITH MATERIALS; VOLUME 8, PART B: CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS – CHLOROETHANES, ALKANOLS. Completely revised and enlarged in the 2nd edition. G. Kreysa. M. Schutze. Wiley-VCH.

John Wiley continues to set the pace for academic publishers with regard to the study of chemistry. As part of the DECHEMA Corrosion Handbook, Volume 8 of this reference provides comprehensive analysis of myriad corrosion data, detailing the chemical resistance of all technically important metallic, non-metallic, inorganic and organic materials (in addition to presenting methods for corrosion protection and prevention). This particular volume of the Handbook is dedicated to the discussion of hydrocarbons-chloromethanes and alkanols. Primary topics of coverage include metallic materials (including aluminum and aluminum alloys; copper and copper alloys; iron and iron-based alloys and steels; and nickel and nickel alloys); non-metallic inorganic materials (including carbon and graphite, glass and enamel); organic materials & plastics (including thermoplastics); materials with special properties (including seals and packings); and comprehensive analysis of industrial waste gases as they relate to both organic and inorganic matter. In sum, this installment of the Handbook documents the influence of chlorinated hydrocarbons-chloromethanes on over 1200 materials, stitching together the essence of the latest research in the field as it builds the most authoritative voice on corrosion presently available.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

HYDROGEN-TRANSFER REACTIONS. In four Volumes. Editors: James T. Hynes. Judith P. Klinman. Hans-Heinrich Limbach. Richard L. Schowen. Wiley-VCH.

The Electric Review has many times affirmed the fact that John Wiley’s science catalog is well-suited to the library shelf – simply, Wiley’s editors have a keen eye for building books that embody the idea of reference work (these books that must not only impart immediate pebbles of knowledge but must also contain the historical foundations of their subject in order to enhance long-term research). And this stunning multivolume selection continues the venerable publisher’s legacy. Hydrogen-Transfer Reactions is the only book of its kind to examine the hydrogen-transfer process in such authoritative and comprehensive terms. Topics of discussion include analysis of the theoretical basis of hydrogen-transfer, in addition to exploration of the most up-to-date techniques used to monitor and measure typical transfer reactions (with expert review of hydrogen-transfer in both natural and artificial systems). Noted for its superior organization which allows readers to navigate chapters quite easily. Augmented by various graphics and illustrations which serve to clarify complicated points of study.

Relevant to students in any chemistry, physics and pharmaceutical-research course that explores hydrogen-transfer reactions. In addition, this book provides an indispensable reference for all university-level libraries – a book that is likely never to be surpassed in tone or breadth.

Go to wiley.com for further information.

by John Aiello

FLAVOURINGS. Production; Composition; Applications; Regulations. Second Edition. Edited by Herta Ziegler. Wiley-VCH.

In this era, flavor is everything — from beverages to food stuffs, manufactures are constantly looking for more piercing flavors with which to tantalize consumers. Here, 40 contributors come together in a one-of-a-kind tome that examines how flavorings are produced, applied, regulated and created. Chapter topics include complete exploration of the manufacturing process (including physical and biotechnological aspects); the raw materials and ingredients used in flavorings; how different ingredients are blended in order to build different taste sensations; how flavorings are used in products like beverages, candies, baked goods, ice cream and myriad dairy products; quality control and quality analysis; microbiological testing; toxicological considerations; and religious considerations regarding the use of flavorings in different parts of the world. Flavourings stands out in the realms of academic publishing for the way it approaches a very narrow subject area and immediately makes it relevant to so many aspects of food production. Rather than just painting a picture of production and ingredients, the authors have the foresight to deal with various legal, ethical and culture considerations as a means to remind scientists and manufactures that this process doesn’t end with some new taste-craze that’s been developed; instead, it only begins there. In addition, the secondary lesson here is to remind readers and students that science has far-reaching tentacles that extend into the markets where our food is kept. Simply, those chips and soda pop you like so much likely began as a theory in some analytical chemist’s brain. Noted for its original tone and stance and for the way it brings this somewhat secret area of science to immediate life.

by John Aiello

John Wiley Author Receives Award

Dr. Paras Prasad, who publishes with John Wiley and Sons, has recently been awarded the 2004 Morley Medal by the Cleveland section of the American Chemical Society. The Morley Medal is awarded annually to a chemist located in the Cleveland, Ohio area for major contributions to the sciences.

“Professor Prasad’s research contributions are internationally recognized as outstanding,” says Dr. Darla Henderson, Senior Editor at Wiley. “His two recent Wiley books, ‘Nanophotonics’ and ‘Introduction to Biophotonics,’ coupled with his many lectures around the globe, pave the way for growth and new knowledge in these areas of science.”

In addition to his full-length book manuscripts, Prasad has published more than 450 scientific papers, while holding positions in the departments of chemistry, physics, medicine, and electrical engineering at the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB). Prasad, who was presented a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Excellence in the Pursuit of Knowledge Award from the State University of New York Chancellor Robert L. King in 1997, is also the founder and executive director of UB’s Institute for Lasers, Photonics, and Biophontonics.

Prasad’s books include:

• “Nanophotonics” (Wiley; March 2004)

• “Introduction to Biophotonics” (Wiley; April 2003)

• “Introduction to Nonlinear Optical Effects in Molecules and Polymers” (Wiley; January 1991)

John Wiley and Sons was founded in 1807, and it continues to provide scientific, technical, and medical journals, encyclopedias, books, and on-line products to the academic and scientific communities. Wiley has publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Access the Wiley site at wiley.com.

To order all medical science titles, go to booksmd.com. If you don’t find the product there, search amazon.com.

ADVANCES IN CHEMICAL PHYSICS. Volume 140. Stuart A. Rice. John Wiley.

This volume, edited by Rice, collects a broad assortment of the latest advancements in the ever-evolving field of Chemical Physics – effectively summarizing the most-recent data in one place while allowing for stimulating give-and-take analysis among the pre-eminent experts in the field. Noted for its format, this volume serves as the consummate University Roundtable on the subject.

THE CHEMICAL CHOIR. A History of Alchemy. P.G. Maxwell-Stuart. Continuum Books.

The practice of alchemy has captivated people for centuries, its mystic roots driving seekers in myriad realms – including literature, philosophy and science. In this recent treatise from P.G. Maxwell-Stuart (University of St. Andrews), the history of alchemy and its practitioners is examined in detail. Here, Maxwell-Stuart strives to build a timeline and then place alchemy in a definite historical context (documenting its role in the grand evolution of modern science). Impeccably written and drenched in unique perspective, The Chemical Choir is not only a classroom text; instead, this book also serves the general reader hungry to explore the intersecting worlds of scientific eye and philosophical mind.

DEVLIN’S TEXTBOOK OF BIOCHEMISTRY WITH CLINICAL CORRELATIONS. 6th Edition. Thomas Devlin. John Wiley & Sons.

Released in December of 2005 and under revision from its 2001 edition, Devlin’s is the recognized authority in the discipline, melding analysis of the biochemical construction of mammalian cells together with their clinical correlation in order to create a textbook as unique and layered as its subject. Devlin’s is premised on the idea that what occurs on the cellular level (due to biochemical processes) causes a physiological response within the structure of the “whole animal.” Accordingly, the mission of this text is to show the reader that human disease is the result of aspects of the biochemical process gone awry. Topics of coverage are vast and build into well-detailed chapters of amazing depth. Highlights from this edition include discussion of Amino Acids and Metabolism; Lipid Metabolism; DNA Replication; digestion and absorption; and the principles of nutrition. Devlin’s is notable for its ability to synthesize a staggering amount of data and reduce it to understandable “chunks” that serve to escort the reader through the study of Biochemistry. Simply, the intent here is to allow the student to test himself as he works through the next concept, a style that promotes thorough and precise understanding of the subject as whole. In this era when the world lives under the threat of several different biohazards, the importance of this material cannot be over-emphasized. In addition to lingering threats of bioterrorism and nuclear war, the discovery of the Avian Flu has made renewed study into the correlation between cell structure, antigen and disease imperative. Here, Devlin’s has made relevant the study of Biochemistry to the current state of the world. And by doing this, the author has artfully drawn a link between mechanical (classroom) concepts of Science and the practical walls that house the Clinician. In the end, this text will be as useful to the student as it is to the laboratory researcher who might require a refresher course on the interplay between the biochemical process and human disease.

Recommended as a primary teaching text in Biochemistry courses: noted for its depth and organization, well-written and grand in scope, the chapters moving at a perfect pace to give the student a lasting lesson in the biochemical process. Further recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Finally, would be useful to infectious disease researchers for its ability to link flaws in the biochemical process together with the onset of human disease.

Notable From The Wiley Applied Science Shelf

INTRODUCTION TO SOIL CHEMISTRY. Analysis and Instrumentation. Alfred R. Conklin. Wiley-Interscience.

The destruction from flooding during Hurricane Katrina last August proved how susceptible this country is to natural disaster. In addition, debate is on-going as to whether steps could -or should- have been taken place to mitigate the damage from these storms.

For starters, I think that city planners and engineers could have better designed the New Orleans drainage system so that water run-off would have been more efficient. Moreover, the Orleans’ levees obviously weren’t enough to withstand the rising tides in the wake of this level-5 Hurricane. What all this proves to me is that everyone needs to go back to the starting point and re-evaluate myriad systems from ground-zero.

In this text, Conklin (professor of Agriculture and Chemistry at Wilmington College in Ohio) writes on a topic that is central to all flood control — soil analysis: without complete understanding of how soil absorbs/filters water and then drains, it becomes increasingly more difficult to forestall potential catastrophe.

Here, Conklin engages us in a thorough discussion of soil analysis, beginning with the basics and moving at a steady pace through more advanced concepts. As Conklin notes, the key for any scientist studying soil is to be able to understand exactly what characteristics influence its analytical exploration.

Readers must remember, however, that soil is not a one-dimensional entity; instead, it is a complex mix of both inorganic and organic solids, liquids and gases that flow together to create one of the building blocks of life itself. Consequently, because of its complexity, science must approach its investigation carefully and systematically, attentive to every nuance of detail.

To this end, Conklin has drafted a dependable guide that covers the central points of soil study, including data on horizonation, peds, color, naming, landscape, bonding, the components of soil in combination, the biological and organic components of soil, soil air, and titration (among many other topics ). At all times, the author’s writing is clear and defined, cognizant of holding his reader, attentive to hidden detail. The text is further enhanced by Conklin’s adept use of examples to stress key points of understanding.

All in all, Conklin has come up with a one-of-a-kind manual that is suitable to many facets of scientific study, and this book will prove invaluable to settings which include both the classroom and the Chemist’s laboratory. In the broad world of science writing, there’s not another textbook like this one anywhere.

Recommended as a teaching text in all Chemistry courses that cover soil analysis. Would also prove useful to city planners and environmental scientists focused on analyzing soil for construction purposes. Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference with long-term value.

CHEMOGENOMICS. Volume 22. Edited by Hugo Kubinyi and Gerhard Muller. Wiley-VCH. This hallmark text marks a breakthrough in the field in that it aligns the primary concepts of chemistry and biology, then takes the process one step further, applying chemistry to genomics and proteomics. This interlinking process ends up being vital to the researcher, allowing for the full and complete investigation of the interactions between proteins and their environments (in order to determine a organism’s state of wellness). Here, Muller (a scientific researcher from Munich) and Kubinyi (a medicinal chemist from the University of Heidelberg) have drafted a study that allows these fundamental platforms of scientific study to be applied to medicinal chemistry: the goal is for the health researcher to be able to understand exactly how drugs impact the body (and why these reactions are occurring). Once this is done, the possibility for the development of more efficient drugs with less troublesome side effects is possible.

TRANSITION METALS FOR ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. Edited by Matthias Beller and Carsten Bolm. Wiley-VCH. This wonderful text in two volumes is suitable for both the classroom (as a course text) and the reference library. Impeccably researched and flawlessly presented, Transition provides authoritative analysis from 70 top researchers in the field. Here, the authors have come up with a major reference meant to serve both the academic community and the industrial professional. Myriad subjects are analyzed, including catalytic and stoichiometric reactions with regard to transition metals (including a well-defined section on hydroformylation). Volume two features deep analysis of modern concepts/methods of synthesis, including important information on ionic liquids. Given the state of the planet right now (and our dwindling natural resources), this area of study is of increasing importance.Transition marks an imperative reference tool for anyone touching on the discipline.

PREVENTION OF TYPE TWO DIABETES. Editor: Manfred Ganz. Wiley. Diabetes is a huge medical problem in the United States and abroad, costing tens of millions of dollars annually and evoking huge plagues of suffering (as 180 million people worldwide are known to have the disease). Ganz (University of Rome) has done a sound job in presenting a wealth of information on Type Two Diabetes (adult-onset non-insulin dependent). As denoted by the title, Prevention is focused on developing patient awareness of the disease through physician awareness of the disease. According to the experts here, the key to defeating this disease is in preventing its onset. This has to be done through 1) appropriate screening of high-risk patients and 2) teaching behavior modification (better control of weight, blood pressure, and lipids through diet and exercise) to forestall the actual development of Diabetes. Highly recommended because it presents the latest global perspective on the affliction.

Appropriate as an in-office reference for internists, endocrinologists and metabolic researchers, and also is recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text.

BIOMINERALIZATION. Second Edition. Edited by Edmund Baeuerlein. Wiley-VCH. Like the Chemogenomics title referenced above, this text marries aspects of biology and molecular biology in its investigation of Biomineralization (the natural process by way living organisms form minerals from bioorganic molecules and inorganic solids). Baeuerlein’s text is a comprehensive study of this phenomenon, and takes the reader through the topic in a well-organized and well-paced fashion, these processes of Biomineralization documented with step-by-step lucidity. Aside from the uniqueness of this text, we recommend it because of its varied value: not only will students find it useful as a learning resource, but active researchers and biologists will find it vital because of its inclusion of modern advancements in the field that have occurred over the last decade. Further, because of the way it melds differing areas of the sciences, it is recommended to both biologists and physical scienctists who are interested in exploring the link between the living and the inorganic worlds.

Also recommended to all college-level libraies as a general reference text.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY. Second Edition. Edited by R. Kellner, J.-M. Mermet, M. Otto, M. Valcarcel, H.M. Widmer. Wiley-VCH. This outstanding text should be considered by all college-level analytical chemistry instructors because of its breadth of coverage and command of the subject matter. Here, the authors have developed a massive tome which contains comprehensive data on analytical chemistry and instrumental analysis. In the course of the in depth discussions of these areas, study questions have been included to allow the student to test their retention as they are moving through the chapters. The editors have also included references toother supportive readings as they relate to each independent section of the book, thus attempting to foster a deeper awareness of the material on the part of theinquisitive student. Finally, the new edition includes information on advancements that have taken place in the laboratory during the last decade, making it particularly relevant to the advanced student who is in a professional program and about to enter the community as a researcher, healthcare worker or chemist. Well-thought out and impeccably detailed, the first-class editing job that was done here has resulted in an easy-to-follow text that will lend itself well to classroom instruction.

Further recommended to all college-level libraries (and especially Health Science libraries) as a general reference text.

ILLUSTRATED POCKET DICTIONARY OF CHROMATOGRAPHY. Paul C. Sadek. Wiley. This marks a well-developed pocket dictionary of Chromatography, combining conceptual definitions with illustrations/graphics to create a multidimensional reference tool. Dictionary has been designed for use by the practicing scientist in the laboratory setting, and it covers myriad subject areas, including analysis of both liquid and gas Chromatography (in addition to capillary electrophoresis and solid phase extraction – the primary scientific techniques used to separate components for chemical analysis/investigation). Readers will also find a broad assortment of photographs depicting the instruments/equipment used in the field; also note the compilation of references to encourage further study for both student and professional.

Pocket Dictionary does a fine job in laying a “foundation of facts” so that students of the discipline can begin to explore this very complex subject. Mr. Sadek (Chemistry Group Leader at Access Business Group in Michigan) has done a note-worthy job in constructing the book, for even though it appears in dictionary form, it does not stop there: instead, scientists will also find that the author has gone to great lengths to examine vital concepts of Chromatography – intent on promoting a complete and fundamental understanding of the subject area. Notwithstanding the fact that Dictionary is a remarkable teaching text, it will serve the professional scientist equally well – similar to the way generations of lawyers have come to trust in (and rely on) Blacks Law Dictionary for direction.

Recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. Would further serve as a useful study text in advanced analytical Chemistry courses.