This volume reviews our current understanding for how sex determination is initiated and how it results in sexual dimorphic development. Chapters discussing work on different model systems provide a basis for understanding similarities that exist between different species. Coverage includes discussion of sexual development of the soma in C. elegans; sexual development of the germline in C. elegans; sexual development of the soma in Drosophila; sexual development of the germline in Drosophila; sexual development of the soma in the mouse; sexual development of the germline in the mouse; control of sex-specific behavior in Drosophila; and control of sex-specific behavior in vertebrates.
* Uncovers the latest research findings on sexual determination and sexual development* Detailed model systems illustrate species differences and similarities* Thoroughly explains sexual development across various germlines including Drosophila* Outlines the origins and control of sex-specific behavior

This book focuses on explaining the distribution of sexual systems (simultaneous hermaphroditism, sequential hermaphroditism, environmental sex determination,dioecy, androdioecy, etc.) among taxa, which remains a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Although significant advances have been made for angiosperms, there is not yet a theory that predicts the sexual system for the majority of animal taxa, and other taxa of plants also remain poorly understood. The problem, particularly for animals, is that sexual systems can be very conservative, with whole phyla and classes being characterized by a single sexual system; for example essentially the whole phylum Platyhelminthes is simultaneously hermaphroditic, whereas the Insecta (Hexapoda) and the Tetrapoda among the vertebrates, are exclusively dioecious. Sex allocation theory on the other hand, suggests that sexual systems should be highly responsive to evolution, changing with population density, life span, patterns of resource availability, etc. The book provides an overview of the topic and then presents a series of chapters, each dealing with a taxon with substantial lability in sexual system in order to identify the factors associated with changes in sexual system in each case. By doing so, the authors reveal factors that have not been considered in formal theory but seem to have a major impact on transitions between sexual systems. This book appeals to a wide readership in fields from zoology and evolutionary biology to botany.

"Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols" provides a range of techniques for studying vascular morphogenesis in vivo and in vitro, reflecting advances in the field. Endothelial cell signaling is currently believed to promote fundamental cues for cell fate specification, embryo patterning, organ differentiation and postnatal tissue remodeling. Understanding the concept of vascular bed specificity represents a major challenge for future investigations. Indeed, one of the most interesting theoretical perspectives and practical applications of endothelial cell signaling is the possibility for these cells to maintain their inductive potential during adult life. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Practical and authoritative, "Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols" will serve as a instructive and useful reference for cell biologists, anatomists, pathologists and physiologists, as well as all those interested in this area of biological study.

Historically the field of endocrine research has always been at the forefront of scientific endeavors. The investigators of these important breakthroughs in research have been rewarded by numerous Nobel awards. In the field of diabetes alone, Nobel prizes have been awarded to researchers who discovered insulin, characterized the protein and invented radioimmunoassays using insulin as a paradigm. Not surprisingly, biomedical researchers have always been attracted by the endocrine system and other similar systems of intercellular communication.
Over the past two decades, endocrine research has developed rapidly and adapted modern molecular and cellular biology techniques for its specific use. These changes have allowed researchers in the field to maintain their edge. Thus, endocrine disease-related genes have been characterized and mutations in these genes have helped explain common and
less common endocrine disorders. Our understanding of the regulation of gene expression has been greatly enhanced by molecular techniques.
In an attempt to bring investigators up to date with the recent advances in this exploding field we have decided to publish a series entitled Advances in Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. Internationally famous investigators have agreed to participate and their contributions are appreciated.
Volume 1 has focused on aspects of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis including GnRH and GH gene regulation, molecular aspects of insulin, insulin-like growth factors and glucagon. In addition, reviews on the recently cloned calcium receptor and steroid receptor interactions with DNA are presented.

This volume offers a comprehensive history of the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory (MDIBL), one of the major marine laboratories in the United States and a leader in using marine organisms to study fundamental physiological concepts. Beginning with its founding as the Harpswell Laboratory of Tufts University in 1898, David H. Evans follows its evolution from a teaching facility to a research center for distinguished renal and epithelial physiologists. He also describes how it became the site of major advances in cytokinesis, regeneration, cardiac and vascular physiology, hepatic physiology, endocrinology and toxicology, as well as studies of the comparative physiology of marine organisms. Fundamental physiological concepts in the context of the discoveries made at the MDIBL are explained and the social and administrative history of this renowned facility is described.

This is the first book entirely dedicated to Intravital Microscopy. It provides the reader with a broad overview of the main applications of Intravital Microscopy in various areas of the biomedical field. The book contains accurate descriptions of the state of the art methodologies used to image various organs at different level of resolution, ranging from whole tissue down to sub-cellular structures. Moreover, it is an extremely valuable guide to scientists that want to adopt this powerful technique and do not have experience with animal models and microscopy.

Assembles a collection of experts to provide a current account of different approaches (e.g., traditional, comparative and experimental) being applied to study mobility. Moreover, the book aims to stimulate new theoretical perspectives that adopt a holistic view of the interaction among intrinsic (i.e. skeletal) and extrinsic (i.e. environmental) factors that influence differential expression of mobility. Since the environment undoubtedly impacts mobility of a wide variety of animals, insights into human mobility, as a concept, can be improved by extending approaches to investigating comparable environmental influences on mobility in animals in general. The book teases apart environmental effects that transcend typical categories (e.g., coastal versus inland, mountainous versus level, arboreal versus terrestrial). Such an approach, when coupled with a new emphasis on mobility as types of activities rather than activity levels, offers a fresh, insightful perspective on mobility and how it might affect the musculoskeletal system.

Methods for Obtaining X-Ray Diffraction Patterns from Drosophila 198 Diffraction Patterns from Drosophila IFM 203 Concluding Remarks 211 Note Added in Proof 211 17. Functional and Ecological Effects of Isoform Variation in Insect Flight Muscle 214 James H. Marden Abstract 214 Introduction 215 Nature's Versatile Engine 215 The Underlying Genetics: An Underinflated Genome and a Hyperinflated Transcriptome and Proteome 216 Functional Effects of Isoform Variation 219 Alternative Splicing and the Generation of Combinatorial Complexity 220 Functional Consequences of Naturally Occurring Isoform Variation 220 18. Muscle Systems Design and Integration 230 Fritz- OlafLehmann Abstract 230 Power Requirements for Flight 230 Power Reduction 233 Power Constraints on Steering Capacity 234 Balancing Power and Control 236 Changes in Muscle Efficiency in Vivo 238 Concluding Remarks 239 From the Inside Out 19. Molecular Assays for Acto-Myosin Interactions 242 John C. Sparrow and Michael A. Geeves Abstract 242 Introduction 242 Myosin Purification and Preparation of the SI Fragment 243 Purification of Flight Muscle Actin 244 Assays of Myosin and Acto-Myosin 244 Major Conclusions Relating to the Enzymatic Properties of Insect Flight Muscle Acto-Myosin 247 Major Questions about Insect Flight Muscle Acto-Myosin Kinetics That Remain 249 20.

Advances in Insect Physiology publishes eclectic volumes containing important, comprehensive and in-depth reviews on all aspects of insect physiology. It is an essential reference source for invertebrate physiologists and neurobiologists, entomologists, zoologists and insect biochemists. First published in 1963, the serial is now edited by Steve Simpson (Oxford University, UK).
* More than 300 pages with contributions from the leading researchers in entomology
* Over 40 figures and illustrations combined
* Includes an in-depth review of the genetics of the honey bee
* Discusses the physiological diversity in insects

In biology, few organs have been as elusive as the lung-air sac system of birds. Considerable progress has recently been made to fill the gaps in the knowledge. While summarizing and building on earlier observations and ideas, this book provides cutting-edge details on the development, structure, function, and the evolutionary design of the avian respiratory system. Outlining the mechanisms and principles through which biological complexity and functional novelty have been crafted in a unique gas exchanger, this account will provoke further inquiries on the many still uncertain issues. The specific goal here was to highlight the uniqueness of the design of the avian respiratory system and the factors that obligated it.

Primate Craniofacial Function and Biology is an integrative volume with broad coverage of current research on primate craniofacial biology and function. Topic headings include: the mammalian perspective on primate craniofacial form and function, allometric and comparative morphological studies of primate heads, in vivo research on primate mastication, modeling of the primate masticatory apparatus, primate dental form and function, and palaeoanthropologic studies of primate skulls. Additionally, the volume includes introductory chapters discussing how primatologists study adaptations in primates and a discussion of in vivo approaches for studying primate performance. At present, there are no texts with a similar focus on primate craniofacial biology and no sources that approach this topic from such a wide range of research perspectives. This breadth of research covered by leaders in their respective fields make this volume a unique and innovative contribution to biological anthropology.

This updated monograph deals with methanogenic endosymbionts of anaerobic protists, in particular ciliates and termite flagellates, and with methanogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of vertebrates and arthropods. Further chapters discuss the genomic consequences of living together in symbiotic associations, the role of methanogens in syntrophic degradation, and the function and evolution of hydrogenosomes, hydrogen-producing organelles of certain anaerobic protists. Methanogens are prokaryotic microorganisms that produce methane as an end-product of a complex biochemical pathway. They are strictly anaerobic archaea and occupy a wide variety of anoxic environments. Methanogens also thrive in the cytoplasm of anaerobic unicellular eukaryotes and in the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans. The symbiotic methanogens in the gastrointestinal tracts of ruminants and other "methanogenic" mammals contribute significantly to the global methane budget; especially the rumen hosts an impressive diversity of methanogens. This makes this updated volume an interesting read for scientists and students in Microbiology and Physiology.

Spanning biological, mathematical, computational, and engineering sciences, computational biofluiddynamics addresses a diverse family of problems involving fluid flow inside and around living organisms, organs, tissue, biological cells, and other biological materials. Computational Hydrodynamics of Capsules and Biological Cells provides a comprehensive, rigorous, and current introduction to the fundamental concepts, mathematical formulation, alternative approaches, and predictions of this evolving field. In the first several chapters on boundary-element, boundary-integral, and immersed-boundary methods, the book covers the flow-induced deformation of idealized two-dimensional red blood cells in Stokes flow, capsules with spherical unstressed shapes based on direct and variational formulations, and cellular flow in domains with complex geometry. It also presents simulations of microscopic hemodynamics and hemorheology as well as results on the deformation of capsules and cells in dilute and dense suspensions. The book then describes a discrete membrane model where a surface network of viscoelastic links emulates the spectrin network of the cytoskeleton, before presenting a novel two-dimensional model of red and white blood cell motion. The final chapter discusses the numerical simulation of platelet motion near a wall representing injured tissue. This volume provides a roadmap to the current state of the art in computational cellular mechanics and biofluiddynamics. It also indicates areas for further work on mathematical formulation and numerical implementation and identifies physiological problems that need to be addressed in future research. MATLAB (R) code and other data are available at http://dehesa.freeshell.org/CC2

Genetic, hormonal, neurological, and other biological factors need to be taken into account to fully understand sexual orientation. This work represents the latest research and theory on causes of variation in sexual orientation. It looks at sexual orientation as a cross-species phenomenon with numerous determining factors.

This work is a collection of chapters by some of the leading researchers in the scientific study of sexual orientation. The theory that many genetic, hormonal, neurological, and other biological factors need to be taken into account to fully understand sexual orientation is espoused in this book. It presents much of the latest research on the causes of variation in sexual orientation and related phenomena. It views sexual orientation as a cross-species phenomenon with both biological and environmental determinants.

Advances in Insect Physiology is committed to publishing eclectic volumes containing comprehensive and in-depth reviews on all aspects of insect physiology. First published in 1963, these volumes are an essential reference source for invertebrate physiologists, insect neurobiologists, entomologists, zoologists and insect biochemists. This volume is a serial index volume containing Volumes 1-29.
* Contents of Volumes 1-29
* Cumulative Subject Index
* Contributor Index

Malignant neoplasms occurring in the biliary tract and pancreas remain a therap- tic challenge. The mechanism of carcinogenesis as well as the growth and spread of these tumors is still poorly understood, making the development of rational tre- ment strategies difficult. In order to improve the clinical results achieved by sur- cal or other medical treatment of such malignant tumors, the establishment of an experimental animal model is critical. For this purpose, attempts were made to induce carcinoma experimentally in the biliary tree and finally an animal model using the hamster was established in 1994 at our laboratory. Because the tumor in this model mimicked the characteristics of human tumors, a series of experimental investigations were conducted to clarify the pathological characteristics of biliary carcinoma, the genetic alterations during biliary carcinogenesis, and the relationship between biliary inflammation and c- cinogenesis. The chemopreventive effects on the occurrence of biliary carcinoma were also successfully examined. In addition, in vitro studies led to the establi- ment of transplantable biliary cancer cell lines and biliary epithelial cell lines by utilizing the hamster model. This monograph represents the collective efforts in hepato-biliary and pancreatic disease research over the past 20 years. I hope that this monograph will be a source of useful knowledge for basic researchers as well as for clinicians involved in the care of patients with hepato-biliary and pancreatic neoplasms. Takashi Kanematsu, M.D., Ph.D.

Muscle contraction has been the focus of scientific investigation for more than two centuries, and major discoveries have changed the field over the years. Early in the twentieth century, Fenn (1924, 1923) showed that the total energy liberated during a contraction (heat + work) was increased when the muscle was allowed to shorten and perform work. The result implied that chemical reactions during contractions were load-dependent. The observation underlying the "Fenn effect" was taken to a greater extent when Hill (1938) published a pivotal study showing in details the relation between heat production and the amount of muscle shortening, providing investigators with the force-velocity relation for skeletal muscles. Subsequently, two papers paved the way for the current paradigm in the field of muscle contraction. Huxley and Niedergerke (1954), and Huxley and Hanson (1954) showed that the width of the A-bands did not change during muscle stretch or activation. Contraction, previously believed to be caused by shortening of muscle filaments, was associated with sliding of the thick and thin filaments. These studies were followed by the classic paper by Huxley (1957), in which he conceptualized for the first time the cross-bridge theory; filament sliding was driven by the cyclical interactions of myosin heads (cross-bridges) with actin. The original cross-bridge theory has been revised over the years but the basic features have remained mostly intact. It now influences studies performed with molecular motors responsible for tasks as diverse as muscle contraction, cell division and vesicle transport.

Physiological Systems in Insects, Fourth Edition explores why insects have become the dominant animals on the planet. Sections describe the historical investigations that have led us to our current understanding of insect systems. Integrated within a basic physiological framework are modern molecular approaches that provide a glimpse of the genetic and evolutionary frameworks that testify to the unity of life on earth. This updated edition describes advances that have occurred in our understanding of hormone action, metamorphosis, and reproduction, along with new sections on the role of microbiomes, insecticide action and its metabolism, and a chapter on genetics, genomics and epigenetic systems. The book represents a collaborative effort by two internationally known insect physiologists who have instructed graduate courses in insect physiology. As such, it is the ideal resource for entomologists and those in other fields who may require knowledge of insect systems.

Neuro-Behavioral Determinants of Interlimb Coordination: A multidisciplinary approach focuses on bimanual coordination against the broader context of the coordination between the upper and lower limbs. However, it is also broad in scope in that it reviews recent developments in the study of coordination by means of the latest technologies for the study of brain function, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, magneto-encephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. In addition, new developments in recovery of interlimb coordination following spinal cord injury and other insults of the central nervous system, such as stroke, are reviewed.
Neuro-Behavioral Determinants of Interlimb Coordination: A multidisciplinary approach is intended to be a helpful source of information for scientists in basic research as well as practioners involved in clinical settings. Those who will benefit most are neuroscientists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, cognitive neuroscientists, kinesiologists, motor and rehabilitation scientists, physical therapists etc. Special efforts have been made to make the contents accessible to graduate students by means of review chapters that contain explanatory boxes. We hope to convey our excitement and enthusiasm about the field of interlimb coordination and what it has to offer as a prototypical vehicle for a cognitive neuroscience approach to movement control.

Volume 5 in the series "Advances in Structural Biology" is based upon a selection of articles presented at the Workshop on Molecular Bio-physics of the Cytoskeleton: Microtubule Formation, Structure, Function, and Interactions (August 18-22 1997 at the Banff Conference Centre in Banff, Alberta, Canada). Its main objective was to review the state-of-the-art of the field and stimulate a multidisciplinary investigation into the molecular biology of the cytoskeleton, which is amply manifested in the articles selected and published in this volume.

The papers in this volume arose out of the workshop Membrane Transport and Renal Physiology, which was conducted as part of the IMA 1998-1999 program year, Mathematics in Biology. The workshop brought together physiologists, biophysicists, and applied mathematicians who share a common interest in solute and water transport in biological systems, especially in the integrated function of the kidney. Solute and water transport through cells involves fluxes across two cell membranes, usually via specialized proteins that are integral membrane components. By means of mathematical representations, transport fluxes can be related to transmembrane solute concentrations and electrochemical driving forces. At the next level of functional integration, these representations can serve as key components for models of renal transcellular transport. Ultimately, simulations can be developed for transport-dependent aspects of overall renal function. Workshop topics included solute fluxes through ion channels, cotransporters, and metabolically-driven ion pumps; transport across fiber-matrix and capillary membranes; coordinated transport by renal epithelia; the urine concetrating mechanism; and intra-renal hemodynamic control. This volume will be of interest to biological and mathematical scientists who would like a view of recent mathematical efforts to represent membrane transport and its role in renal function.

The new edition of P.J. Bentley's established text describes the physiological mechanisms utilized by different vertebrate species to adapt to the differences and vicissitudes of water and salt availability in their natural environments. The book is especially concerned with the roles of endocrine glands in coordinating and maintaining such osmoregulation. It provides information about the environmental stresses and physiological and endocrine processes involved in the osmoregulation in each phyletic order of the vertebrates, and it describes the physiological adaptations they have evolved to foster their survival in osmotically hostile habitats. The second edition provides a comprehensive update utilizing the considerable amount of new data which have been collected over the past years. From a review of the previous edition: "I strongly recommend it as an essential reading and reference book for younger and older workers alike". Nature

Humans have always been fascinated by marine life, from extremely small diatoms to the largest mammal that inhabits our planet, the blue whale. However, studying marine life in the ocean is an extremely difficult propo- tion because an ocean environment is not only vast but also opaque to most instruments and can be a hostile environment in which to perform expe- ments and research. The use of acoustics is one way to effectively study animal life in the ocean. Acoustic energy propagates in water more efficiently than almost any form of energy and can be utilized by animals for a variety of purposes and also by scientists interested in studying their behavior and natural history. However, underwater acoustics have traditionally been in the domain of physicists, engineers and mathematicians. Studying the natural history of animals is in the domain of biologists and physiologists. Und- standing behavior of animals has traditionally involved psychologists and zoologists. In short, marine bioacoustics is and will continue to be a diverse discipline involving investigators from a variety of backgrounds, with very different knowledge and skill sets. The inherent inter-disciplinary nature of marine bioacoustics presents a large challenge in writing a single text that would be meaningful to various investigators and students interested in this field. Yet we have embarked on this challenge to produce a volume that would be helpful to not only beginning investigators but to seasoned researchers.

Radicals for Life: the Various Forms of Nitric Oxide provides an up-to-date overview of the role of nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes in physiology. Nitrosocompounds can be considered as stabilised forms of nitric oxide, one of the most important regulatory molecules in physiology today. Many nitrosocompounds share some of the physiological functions of nitric oxide, and may be formed inside living organisms. This is the first book to be published that is dedicated to the role of such nitrosocompounds in physiology, with particular emphasis on the nitrosocompounds that are endogenously formed in higher organisms and humans.
Points of discussion include: physical and chemical properties of the compounds, the main chemical pathways in vivo, as well as the physiological effects that have been recognised to date. Each of the nineteen chapters is written by distinguished specialists in the field, well known for their original and important contributions to the subject. Also included are results from a wide range of studies in vitro, in cell cultures, animal models and human volunteers.
Examples of alternative forms of nitric oxide, with special emphasis on their protective role against widespread human diseases like atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, sexual dysfunction, and renal insufficiency to stroke and ischemia are also included.
* First monograph to consider and provide an overview of endogenous nitrosocompounds and nitrosyl-iron complexes
* Extensive bibliographic references, written by specialists of human physiology
* Providing high scientific quality with a focus on implications for human diseases

Volume 2 has focused on aspects of the pituitary gland both anterior (growth hormone and prolactin receptors, and GH action) and posterior (vasopressin) pituitary. In addition, thyroid cancer and steroidogenic enzymes and precocious puberty are covered. Finally, the "hot topics" include leptin and growth factor signaling.