Humans receive the vast majority of sensory perception through the eyes and ears. This non-technical book examines the everyday physics behind hearing and vision to help readers understand more about themselves and their physical environment. It begins wit

This new volume of Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers Stem Cells in Development and Disease. The chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as the mechanisms of pluripotency in vivo and in vitro, hematopoietic stem cell development, intestinal stem cells and their defining niche, epithelial stem cells in adult skin, the mammary stem cell hierarchy, satellite cells, neural stem cells of the hippocampus, lung stem and progenitor cells in tissue homeostasis and disease, spermatogonial stem cell functions in physiological and pathological conditions, the origin, biology, and therapeutic potential of facultative adult hepatic progenitor cells, nephron progenitor cells, adult stem cell niches, cancer stem cells, pluripotency and cellular heterogeneity, and cellular mechanisms of somatic stem cell aging
Covers the area of Stem Cells in Development and DiseaseInternational board of authors Provides a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as Intestinal Stem Cells, Nephron Stem Cells/Progenitors, Skin epithelial Stem Cells and Lung Stem Cells

"Methods of Adipose Tissue Biology" is a must-have for anyone interested in obesity or the physiology of white or brown adipose tissues. It contains state-of-the-art methods from researchers who are world leaders in this field. Detailed lab protocols include methods to visualize adipocytes and adipose tissues in humans and experimental models, converting stem cells into white and brown adipocytes in vitro, evaluating aspects of adipocyte metabolism, inducibly knocking out genes in adipose tissues, and evaluating transcriptional control of adipogenesis on a global scale.
The study of adipose tissue goes hand in hand with our global effort to understand and reverse the epidemic of obesity and associated medical complicationsContributors include leading researchers who have made tremendous contributions to our ability to investigate white and brown adipose tissuesThe wide variety of experimental approaches detailed within this volume: including the evaluation of adipose tissue biology at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, tissue, and organismal levels

Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and up-to-date, this book offers a valuable guide to these cellular processes whilst encouraging researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Volume 3 explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury. A full section is devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer. Finally, the work explores the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, with attention to the ways in which autophagy regulates apoptosis, and the ways in which autophagy has been explored in Lepidoptera, elucidating the use of larval midgut as a model for such exploration. From these well-developed foundations, researchers, translational scientists, and practitioners may work to better implement more effective therapies against some of the most devastating human diseases. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Necrosis and Inflammation in Human Diseases. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

Autophagy: Cancer, Other Pathologies, Inflammation, Immunity, Infection, and Aging is a complete, authoritative examination of the role of autophagy in health and disease. Understanding this phenomenon is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and forward thinking, this four-volume work offers a valuable guide to cellular processes while encouraging researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Understanding the role of autophagy is critical, considering its association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer (both antitumor and protumor functions), immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Cell homeostasis is achieved by balancing biosynthesis and cellular turnover. In spite of the increasing importance of autophagy in various pathophysiological conditions mentioned above, this process remains underestimated and overlooked. As a consequence, its role in the initiation, stability, maintenance, and progression of these and other diseases (e.g., autoimmune disease) remains poorly understood. This work will broaden the knowledge base of academic and clinical professors, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and medical students regarding this vital biological process. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Necrosis and Inflammation in Human Diseases. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

Many studies of the neural bases of language processes are now conducted with functional and structural neuroimaging. Research is often compromised because of difficulties in identifying the core structures in the face of the complex morphology of these regions of the brain. Although there are many books on the cognitive aspects of language and also on neurolinguistics and aphasiology, "Neuroanatomy of Language Regions of the Human Brain" is the first anatomical atlas that focuses on the core regions of the cerebral cortex involved in language processing. This atlas is a richly illustrated guide for scientists interested in the gross morphology of the sulci and gyri of the core language regions, in the cytoarchitecture of the relevant cortical areas, and in the connectivity of these areas.

Data from diffusion MRI and resting-state connectivity are integrated iwth critical experimental anatomical data about homologous areas in the macaque monkey to provide the latest information on the connectivity of the language-relevant cortical areas of the brain. Although the anatomical connectivity data from studies on the macaque monkey provide the most detailed information, they are often neglected because of difficulties in interpreting the terminology used and in making the monkey-to-human comparison. This atlas helps investigators interpret this important source of information. "Neuroanatomy of Language Regions of the Human Brain" will assist investigators of the neural bases of language in increasing the anatomical sophistication of their research adn in evaluating studies of language and the brain.
Abundantly illustrated with photographs, 3-D MRI reconstructions, and sections to represent the morphology of the sulci and gyri in the frontal, temporal, and parietal regions involved in language processingPhotomicrographs showing the cytoarchitecture of cortical areas involved in language processingSeries of coronal, sagittal, and horizontal sections identifying the sulci and gyri to assist language investigators using structural and functional neuroimaging techniquesAll images accompanied by brief commentaries to help users navigate the complexities of the anatomyIntegration of data from diffusion MRI and resting-state connectivity with critical experimental anatomical data on the connectivity of homologous areas in the macaque monkey

Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and forward thinking, these books offer a valuable guide to both cellular processes while inciting researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Considering that autophagy is associated with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer (both antitumor and protumor functions), immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases, there is a great need to understanding its role. Cell homeostasis is achieved by balancing biosynthesis and cellular turnover. In spite of the increasing importance of autophagy in various pathophysiological situations (conditions) mentioned above, this process remains underestimated and overlooked. As a consequence, its role in the initiation, stability, maintenance, and progression of these and other diseases (e.g., autoimmune disease) remains poorly understood. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Necrosis and Inflammation in Human Diseases. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition by presenting updated protocols for several of the techniques described in the first edition of Drosophila: Methods and Protocols and current methods that cover recent breakthroughs in Drosophila research. The book begins with a description of FlyBase--a database of genes and genomes--followed by the presentation of systems for versatile gene expression in the fly. The first few chapters in this book detail gene knockdown and editing, including CRISPR-Cas9 and protein knockdown. The next few chapters are devoted to methods describing live imaging of different tissues and organs, followed by chapters on how to quantify image data and how to probe tissue mechanics by laser ablation. The next two chapters provide methods for analyzing transcription followed by protocols to study growth, metabolism, ageing, and behavior in Drosophila. This volume concludes with chapters on electrophysiological recordings and methods to establish cell lines. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Drosophila: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable source of hands-on protocols and reviews for molecular, cell, and developmental biologists using Drosophila as model systems in their work.

This manual is intended to guide and facilitate human anatomical dissections. It is flexible enough for use in long as well as short courses. It can be particularly useful as a link with real anatomy when used together with computerised-anatomy programs, or where students do not dissect but merely look at atlases, prosections and models. There is an introduction for each anatomical region; and for each section to be dissected there is an overview, a dissection schedule which guides the student through a set of instructions, a summary and a list of objectives that are clinically important. The terminology used is the latest. The manual is suitable for medical and dental students. It is also of value for advanced knowledge of anatomy for surgery and in relation to the interpretation of normal anatomy in non-invasive imaging of anatomy for clinical diagnosis, surgical practice on cadaveric material, and in discussions about clinical problems.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding proteins currently number in the thousands and defects in their function are at the heart of diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. RNA binding proteins have become implicated in the intricate control of surprisingly diverse biological settings, such as circadian rhythm, stem cell self-renewal, oncogenesis and germ cell development. This book surveys a range of genome-wide and systems approaches to studying RNA binding proteins, the importance of RNA binding proteins in development, cancer and circadian rhythm.

Cellular and Molecular Control of Neuronal Migration provides an up-to-date collection of reviews on the molecular and cellular principles of neuronal migration in the mammalian brain. Over the last decades a rich catalogue of signaling molecules controlling neuronal migration has been compiled, and within this book an international panel of experts provides up-to-date discussions of the state of knowledge how these distinct signaling pathways regulate various aspects of neuronal migration. This book introduces the reader to the latest discoveries and concepts of neuronal migration enabled through the application of most sophisticated methods and cutting edge experimental approaches. Cellular and Molecular Control of Neuronal Migration also provides an update on the underlying cellular and molecular basis of neurodevelopmental migration disorders in human patients for all interested neuroscientists and clinicians.

Considerable advances have taken place since the initial isolation and characterization of human embryonic stem (HES) cells; however, significant challenges remain before their potential for restoration and regeneration processes in patients can be realized. Understanding the diversity amongst HES cell lines and realizing the ability to isolate lines with robust differentiation potential remain difficult. In the Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook, experts in the field provide an assortment of protocols that have been used by various laboratories around the world so as to allow both novices and experienced investigators to compare and contrast different approaches to HES cell isolation and characterization with the hope that, from these protocols, researchers might standardize approaches for HES cell biology. Written in the Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook serves as a valuable reference for scientists pursuing this vital field and its enormous potential.

A major revision of the leading textbook of FNA cytology Both text and illustrations provide a systematic and logical approach to the acquisition, interpretation and diagnosis of Fine Needle Aspirate biopsy specimens. Orell's FNA Cytology will assist in establishing diagnostic criteria and results in the examination of benign and malignant condition in all body systems where the technique is currently applied. The information is always presented in a clinical context: it details the role of FNA and other ancillary techniques in the investigative sequence (the cytological findings are always set in the context of the patient's clinical history, physical exam and other laboratory tests). It gives practical, technical advice on how to obtain good smears and alerts the reader as to possible diagnostic pitfalls and complications. The contents are organized in a framework of anatomical regions (rather than histopathological classifications) in order to reflect the way problems present in clinical practice. Each chapter is divided into two parts: the first deals with indications, accuracy, techniques and complications; the second illustrates the cytological patterns and their implication. Both common and rare conditions are covered.Provides practical tips and advice on how to avoid pitfalls and ensure accurate diagnoses. Over 1,200 colour illustrations capture each entity's cellular, morphological and immunohistochemical appearance. Chapters have been up-dated and revised and a brand new one on cytological findings in infectious diseases added. Both MGG and Pap smears illustrated in parallel as well as the corresponding histology to help provide side-by-side analysis. Access the full text online and download images via Expert Consult. Brand new chapter on cytological findings in infectious diseases. Inclusion of immuno-profiles and other relevant ancillary tests. New illustrations. New contributing authors. Available online via Expert Consult.

Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) treat postmenopausal estrogen receptor positive tumours, which constitute the majority of breast cancer patients. This comprehensive volume brings together the current knowledge from different relevant areas, including molecular mechanisms and translational aspects of drug resistance in AIs. Topics covered include research, experimental , and clinical data specifically focused on AI resistance in breast cancer. The volume will include three sections. The first section covers general knowledge about aromatase inhibitors, including regulation of aromatase genes, and structure and function of aromatase protein. The second section provides the detailed mechanisms of resistance to AIs, while the third section explores prediction of resistance and potential strategies to overcome resistance. Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and AIs significantly improve treatments outcomes compatibly to previously used endocrine treatments. However 10-15% of post-operative patients develop a relapse during adjuvant treatment with AIs; about 25-50% of the patients do not respond to AIs in neo-adjuvant or metastatic setting, and the majority of metastatic patients who initially respond develop resistance within 3 years. There is an important need to understand these mechanisms of resistance in order to develop methods of preventing or overcoming the resistance to AIs, which will ensure a more successful outcome in treating breast cancer.

Cytometry is one of the most rapidly growing methodologies available for basic cell and molecular biology, cytogenetics, immunology, oncology, environmental sciences and also various fields of clinical medicine. Thisnew edition, split into 2 Parts, is an almost completely new book, with nearly all of the chapters devoted to new topics. Like the previous volumes on cytometry published as part of the Methods in Cell Biology series, it provides a comprehensive description of particular cytometric methods and reviews their applications. Chapters present the theoretical foundations of the described methods, their applicability in experimental laboratory and clinical settings, and describes common traps and pitfalls such as problems with data interpretation, comparison with alternative assays, and choosing the optimal assay.
* Comprehensive presentation of cytometric methods covering theoretical applications, applicability, potential pitfalls, and comparisions to alternative assays
* Discusses many new assays developed since the previous edition
* Presents recent developments in cytometric intrumentation/technology"

This issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics includes well-illustrated articles on surface anatomy, the pleura and pleural spaces (including the anatomy of the parietal and visceral pleura, the pleural reflections and recesses, and microscopic anatomy of the pleura), anatomy of the? mediastinum (including mediastinal divisions and compartments, the thymus, the superior vena cava and brachiocephalic veins, the heart and pericardium, the thoracic aorta and its branches, the thoracic duct, and the nerves of the thorax) and the anatomy of the diaphragm and the esophagus (including? vascular supply, lymphatic pathways, innvervation).

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

This volume provides descriptions of the occurrence of the UPR, methods used to assess it, pharmacological tools and other methodological approaches to analyze its impact on cellular regulation. The authors explain how these methods are able to provide important biological insights.

What happened along the evolutionary trail that made humans so unique? In his accessible style, Michael Gazzaniga pinpoints the change that made us thinking, sentient humans different from our predecessors. He explores what makes human brains special, the importance of language and art in defining the human condition, the nature of human consciousness, and even artificial intelligence.

Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a rare and severe genetic disorder affecting children. A-T is a multisystem disease characterized by progressive neurodegeneration, immunodeficiency and cancer predisposition. This detailed volume explores the ever expanding field of research into the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated) gene and the role played by ATM kinase in DNA damage signaling and diverse cellular processes. What follows is a handy desktop reference for both seasoned A-T researchers and postgraduate students, as it demonstrates the breadth of recent developments in A-T studies. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Both classic and cutting-edge techniques are described, including ATM gene mutation detection, assays for radiosensitivity and radioresistant DNA synthesis, new methods to measure ATM kinase activity by imaging microscopy and high content screening as well as proteomics, phosphoproteomics and bioinformatics approaches to decipher ATM-dependent signalling pathways. Additional methods include generation of patient-specific stem cells and approaches to study ATM functions in the nervous system. Comprehensive and practical, ATM Kinase: Methods and Protocols aims to ignite and attract the interest of colleagues from diverse fields to A-T research in an effort to bring their expertise and fresh ideas to resolve many A-T puzzles still waiting to be pieced together and to alleviate the suffering of A-T children and their families.

This is by far the most exhaustive biography on Niels Stensen, anatomist, geologist and bishop, better known as "Nicolaus Steno". We learn about the scientist's family and background in Lutheran Denmark, of his teachers at home and abroad, of his studies and travels in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Bohemia and Germany, of his many pioneering achievements in anatomy and geology, of his encounters with Swammerdam, Malpighi and with members of the newly established Royal Society of London and the Accademia del Cimento in Florence, and with the philosopher Spinoza. It further treats Stensen's religious conversion. The book includes the full set of Steno's anatomical and geological scientific papers in original language. The editors thoroughly translated the original Latin text to English, and included numerous footnotes on the background of this bibliographic and scientific treasure from the 17th century.

For more than 30 years, "Current Topics in Developmental Biology" has provided a forum for dissemination and discussion of new ideas and thought in developmental biology. Bringing together a series of articles on the structural, functional, and developmental characteristics of epithelials, this thematic volume represents a timely and valuable contribution to an exciting and multidisciplinary field of study. Because defects in epithelial function and growth control play a major role in human disease-cancerous tumors, spina bifida, cardiac malformations, for example-this volume will be of particular interest to researchers working in cancer drug design and development and those working in therapeutic areas to treat developmental abnormalities.

Coverage of current research findings and thought on cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions gives researchers a better understanding of the processes of remodeling and morphogenesis, which are critical to the development of drugs aimed at disrupting the early formation and proliferation of cancerous tumors.

Inclusion of chapters that discuss the most contemporary thought on cell polarity and tissue morphogenesis, providing researchers with a better understanding of the control of cellular organization and polarity (particularly important to researchers who are developing treatments for developmental abnormalities and those working in cancer drug development).

Use of a variety of animal models, allowingresearchers to compare and contrast the molecular mechanisms that underlie cell-cell and cell-extracelluar matrix interactions in a variety of research models."