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

Theoretical chemistry has been an area of tremendous expansion and development over the past decade; from an approach where we were able to treat only a few atoms quantum mechanically or make fairly crude molecular dynamics simulations, into a discipline with an accuracy and predictive power that has rendered it an essential complementary tool to experiment in basically all areas of science.
This volume gives a flavour of the types of problems in biochemistry that theoretical calculations can solve at present, and illustrates the tremendous predictive power these approaches possess.
A wide range of computational approaches, from classical MD and Monte Carlo methods, via semi-empirical and DFT approaches on isolated model systems, to Car-Parinello QM-MD and novel hybrid QM/MM studies are covered. The systems investigated also cover a broad range; from membrane-bound proteins to various types of enzymatic reactions as well as inhibitor studies, cofactor properties, solvent effects, transcription and radiation damage to DNA.

This detailed volume addresses recent developments in phosphoproteomic techniques with a particular focus on the plant system. Over the recent decades, proteomic methods were refined to study the significance and dynamics of protein phosphorylation in various biological contexts. However, working with plant tissue imposes particular challenges to the biologist which are attributed to the rigid cell wall making protein extraction more difficult, the skewed protein abundance with Rubisco as a highly abundant protein and a large central vacuole leading to low protein yield and increased degradative enzyme activity. The methodologies in this book seek to move beyond these issues. Written for the 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. Practical and authoritative, Plant Phosphoproteomics: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference for researchers investigating this vital area of plant science.

The diverse applications in this volume range from the study of allosteric regulation of ion channel activity using a classic mutagenesis approach, to the study of channel subunit stoichiometry using a novel biophysical approach based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Highlights include methods for heterologous expression of ion channels in cells, for determining channel structure-function, and for studying channel regulation.

The environmental clean up industry has been estimated as having an annual turnover of $50 billion globally. With new regulations being written on addi tional chemicals that are just, now, becoming understood from a toxicological and environmental risk standpoint, this industry could expand even further. This is particularly true as more nations become industrialized. Typical conta minants that are of concern include agricultural byproducts, municipal wastes, industrial solvents, petroleum hydrocarbons, heavy metals, pesticides, radioac tive wastes, munitions, and other man made products. In order to treat and remediate these contaminants, practioners have several "tools" in the remediation "toolbox" including physical, chemical, and biological methods. One relatively new biological method that has been applied to address various environmental concerns is phytotechnologies. The method is defined as the use of vegetation to contain, sequester, remove, or degrade inorganic and organic contaminants in soils, sediments, surface waters, and groundwater. Although its roots were developed from other disciplines such as agronomy, agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, forestry, horticulture, hydroge ology, and microbiology, this set of technologies has grown substantially on its own in understanding of and application in the environmental clean up indus try around the world.

This thesis addresses two fundamental areas in contemporary organic chemistry: synthesis of natural products and catalytic asymmetric synthesis. Firstly, a new methodology, developed by our research group, which allows the asymmetric synthesis of lactones, a structural unit ubiquitous in natural products, was utilised in the synthesis of a number of natural product analogues that showed significant biological activity. Secondly, the development of a catalytic asymmetric synthesis of a key structural motif present in a number of natural products and pharmaceuticals was accomplished. During the course of this work we discovered dual stereo control, which is significant because it allows the configuration of a new stereo centre to be controlled by a simple change of proton source.

Medicinal chemistry is both science and art. The science of medicinal chemistry offers mankind one of its best hopes for improving the quality of life. The art of medicinal chemistry continues to challenge its practitioners with the need for both intuition and experience to discover new drugs. Hence sharing the experience of drug research is uniquely beneficial to the field of medicinal chemistry. Drug research requires interdisciplinary team-work at the interface between chemistry, biology and medicine. Therefore, the topic-related series Topics in Medicinal Chemistry covers all relevant aspects of drug research, e.g. pathobiochemistry of diseases, identification and validation of (emerging) drug targets, structural biology, drugability of targets, drug design approaches, chemogenomics, synthetic chemistry including combinatorial methods, bioorganic chemistry, natural compounds, high-throughput screening, pharmacological in vitro and in vivo investigations, drug-receptor interactions on the molecular level, structure-activity relationships, drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, toxicology and pharmacogenomics. In general, special volumes are edited by well known guest editors.

International concern in scientific, industrial, and governmental communities over traces of xenobiotics in foods and in both abiotic and biotic environments has justified the present triumvirate of specialized publications in this field: comprehensive reviews, rapidly published research papers and progress reports, and archival documentations. These three international publications are inte grated and scheduled to provide the coherency essential for nonduplicative and current progress in a field as dynamic and complex as environmental contamina tion and toxicology. This series is reserved exclusively for the diversified litera ture on ''toxic'' chemicals in our food, our feeds, our homes, recreational and working surroundings, our domestic animals, our wildlife and ourselves. Tre mendous efforts worldwide have been mobilized to evaluate the nature, pres ence, magnitude, fate, and toxicology of the chemicals loosed upon the earth. Among the sequelae of this broad new emphasis is an undeniable need for an articulated set of authoritative publications, where one can find the latest impor tant world literature produced by these emerging areas of science together with documentation of pertinent ancillary legislation. Research directors and legislative or administrative advisers do not have the time to scan the escalating number of technical publications that may contain articles important to current responsibility. Rather, these individuals need the background provided by detailed reviews and the assurance that the latest infor mation is made available to them, all with minimal literature searching."

Folding for the Synapse addresses the current view on how protein folding and misfolding, controlled by molecular chaperones, contribute to synapse function and dysfunction. Molecular chaperones have been studied in relation to de novo protein folding, but there is increasing awareness that chaperone function is required for the regulation of protein dynamics when functioning physiologically as an isolated moiety or part of a protein complex. This book will introduce both important concepts of folding machineries and give examples of the biological relevance of further chaperone functions.

It has become clear that tumors arise from excessive cell proliferation and a c- responding reduction in cell death. Tumors result from the successive accumulation of mutations in key regulatory target genes over time. During the 1980s, a number of oncogenes were characterized, whereas from the 1990s to the present, the emphasis shifted to tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). It has become clear that oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes function in the same pathways, providing positive and ne- tive growth regulatory activities. The signaling pathways controlled by these genes involve virtually every process in cell biology, including nuclear events, cell cycle, cell death, cytoskeletal, cell membrane, angiogenesis, and cell adhesion effects. Tumor suppressor genes are mutated in hereditary cancer syndromes, as well as somatically in nonhereditary cancers. In their normal state, TSGs control cancer development and p- gression, as well as contribute to the sensitivity of cancers to a variety of therapeutics. Understanding the classes of TSGs, the biochemical pathways they function in, and how they are regulated provides an essential lesson in cancer biology. We cannot hope to advance our current knowledge and to develop new and more effective therapies without understanding the relevant pathways and how they influence the present approaches to therapy. Moreover, it is important to be able to access the powerful tools now available to discover these genes, as well as their links to cell biology and growth control.

Blurb for Volume 1
Hans Vogel and a panel of leading researchers review the protein chemistry and behavior of this significant protein class, and provide a comprehensive collection of proven experimental techniques for their study both in vitro and in vivo. This first volume discusses the role of calcium in intracellular secondary messenger activation mechanisms, including unique aspects of calcium chemistry and its utilization in diary proteins and blood clotting. Detailed case studies provide a wealth of valuable information about protein purification and characterization strategies, X-ray crystallography, and specific calcium-binding proteins and their modes of action. The second companion volume focuses on cutting-edge experimental methods for studying solution structure, stability, dynamics, calcium-binding properties, and biological activity of calcium-binding proteins in general.
Single Blurb for Both Volumes:
Hans Vogel and a panel of leading researchers review the protein chemistry and behavior of this significant protein class, and provide a comprehensive collection of proven experimental techniques for their study both in vitro and in vivo. The first volume discusses the role of calcium in intracellular secondary messenger activation mechanisms, including unique aspects of calcium chemistry and its utilization in dairy proteins and blood clotting. Detailed case studies provide a wealth of valuable information about protein purification and characterization strategies, X-ray crystallography, and specific calcium-binding proteins and their modes of action. The second volume focuses on cutting-edge experimental techniques for studying the solution structure, stability, dynamics, calcium-binding properties, and biological activity of calcium-binding protein in general. In addition to enzymatic assays and more routine spectroscopic and protein chemistry techniques, there are also NMR approaches, thermodynamic analyses, kinetic measurements such as surface plasmon resonance, strategies for amino acid sequence alignments, and fluorescence methods to study the distribution of calcium and calcium-binding proteins in cells.

Protein Folding Kinetics - Biophysical Methods (2nd Edition) gives a deep insight into the principles and concepts of the kinetic and structural resolution of fast chemical and biophysical reactions of proteins with emphasis on protein-folding reactions. The study of fast protein-folding reactions and the understanding of the folding paradox have significantly advanced due to the recent development of new biophysical methods which allow not only kinetic resolution in the sub-millisecond time scale but also structural resolution with unprecedented precision. Pathways and structures of early and late folding events and the transition state structures of fast- and ultrafast-folding proteins can now be studied in far more detail. Important techniques include biophysical, chemical, molecular biological and mathematical methods, in particular protein engineering, Phi-value analysis, time-resolved circular dichroism, optical triggers and pulsed infrared LASER methods, pressure and temperature jump, ultrafast mixing, stopped flow and quenched flow, dielectric relaxation and electric-field-jump, acoustic relaxation, fluorescence- and isotope-labeling, H/D exchange methods, NMR line broadening and stopped-flow NMR, transition state theory, solutions of rate equations, and evolutionary computer programming. Protein Folding Kinetics - Biophysical Methods is written for students and researchers in biochemistry, biophysics, and related fields.

Special features in the second edition:

-Includes detailed information and 12 color figures on the high resolution of folding transition states.

-Discusses structural determinants of the rate of protein folding on a timescale from microseconds to seconds.

-Provides information on self-evolving computer programs for protein-folding simulations and protein-structure predictions.

This book shows the various sandwich assays that are constructed from recognition molecules, such as antibodies, oligonucleotide sequences and aptamers, developed as a result of nano- and biotechnology advances. It consists of ten chapters presenting interesting examples of these assays, organized according to the type of analytic methods (colorimetric, fluorescence, electrochemical, etc.) and detected objects (protein, nucleic acid, small-molecule, ion, etc.). It also includes a chapter discussing the introduction of sandwich assays as biosensors for the detection of a range of targets. It is an interesting and useful resource for a wide readership in various fields of chemical science and nanotechnology.

This book covers the latest developments in capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for the analysis of therapeutic proteins. The application of capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) coupling technology in the analysis of recombinant therapeutic proteins is detailed thoroughly. Specific topics include recent developments in coupling capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry for the quality control of monoclonal antibody therapeutics, top-down analysis of monoclonal antibody using the CE-MS platform, and detection of host cell protein impurities. Comprehensive characterization of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) by coupling capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry is also covered. This is an ideal book for scientists in the life science and biopharmaceutical industry who are working on characterizing the PTMs of monoclonal antibodies, as well as graduate students and researchers in the separation science and biological mass spectrometry fields.

This thesis offers readers a comprehensive introduction to amyloid proteins and the computational methods used with them. Katrine Skeby critically assesses and compares both the literature and the experiments performed by other researchers, which further elevates the quality and relevance of her own work. Amyloid proteins are highly complex, and this research provides unparalleled insights, especially with regard to the origin of cytotoxicity and to developing technologies for early detection, revealing in detail the molecular mechanisms behind hIAPP behavior. Several studies within the thesis answer difficult questions which promote future research into the properties of amyloid proteins.

Biomass conversion research is a combination of basic science, applied science, and engineering testing and analysis. Conversion science includes the initial treatment (called pre-treatment) of the feedstock to render it more amenable to enzyme action, enzymatic saccharification, and finally product formation by microbiological or chemical processes. In Biomass Conversion: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers in the field detail methods which are now commonly used to study biomass conversion. These methods include Biomass Feedstocks and Cellulose, Plant Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes and Microorganisms, and Lignins and Hemicelluloses. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, the chapters include the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting informed, reproducible results in the laboratory.

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.

As the title suggests, Isotope Effects in the Chemical, Geological and Bio Sciences deals with differences in the properties of isotopically substituted molecules, such as differences in the chemical and physical properties of water and the heavy waters. Since the various fields in which isotope effects are applied do not only share fundamental principles but also experimental techniques, this book includes a discussion of experimental apparatus and experimental techniques.

Isotope Effects in the Chemical, Geological and Bio Sciences is an educational monograph addressed to graduate students and others undertaking isotope effect research. The fundamental principles needed to understand isotope effects are presented in appropriate detail. While it is true that these principles are more familiar to students of physical chemistry and some background in physical chemistry is recommended, the text provides enough detail to make the book an asset to students in organic and biochemistry, and geochemistry.

Knoevenagel Reaction of Unprotected Sugars, By M.-C. Scherrmann; Carbohydrate-Based Lactones: Synthesis and Applications, By N. M. Xavier, A. P. Rauter, and Y. Queneau; Heterogeneously-Catalyzed Conversion of Carbohydrates, By K. De Oliveira Vigier and F. Jerome; Palladium-Catalyzed Telomerization of Butadiene with Polyols: From Mono to Polysaccharides, By S. Bouquillon, J. Muzart, C. Pinel, and F. Rataboul; Monosaccharides, By J.A. Galbis and M.G. Garcia-Martin; Natural Sources, By L. Weignerova and V. K en; Synthesis and Applications of Ionic Liquids Derived from Natural Sugars; By C. Chiappe, A. Marra, and A. Mele"

This book represents the first serious attempt to explain the fundamental basis of ozonetherapy and is a relevant step towards achieving further progress. Ozone is now considered a real drug and, after reacting with body fluids, releases messengers and activates several mechanisms which are able to elicit multiple biological effects. The therapeutic window has been defined and, contrary to the dogma that ozone is toxic any way you deal with it', it has been shown that ozone toxicity can be tamed and even totally avoided.

New powerful methodologies have been devised and astonishing clinical results in vascular and infectious diseases have already been achieved. An exciting novelty is the induction of an adaptive response that implies the unsuspected possibility of arresting cell degeneration due to endogenous chronic oxidative stress. However, further basic and controlled clinical studies need to be performed to fully exploit ozone's therapeutic potentials and to establish the real validity of this therapy. Authoritative scientists and clinicians should abandon their prejudice and consider the profound difference between endogenous oxidative stress and the new concept of ozonetherapeutic shock'. If this happens, we could soon have a simple and inexpensive tool to restore health in millions of patients.

This book has been written in a plain scientific language and can be read by scientists and clinicians, as well as by patients keen on regaining a state of well being.

All three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) subtypes share a high degree of structural homology but differ in function, tissue distribution and ligand specificity. PPARs play critical roles as regulators of numerous physiological as well as pathophysiological pathways, and efforts are currently underway to fully characterize their functioning and to develop safer and more effective PPAR modulators to treat a myriad of diseases and conditions. In Peroxisome proliferator-Activated Receptors: Methods and Protocols, renowned experts in the PPAR arena provide detailed protocols for investigating these receptors. Chapters contain methods ranging from the cloning of receptors to their knockdown, to protocols exploring posttranslational modifications of PPARs and coactivators, as well as receptor subcellular localization. Also assembled are methods to evaluate the involvement of these receptors in behavior functions, an emerging facet in PPAR research. Written in the successful 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. With its well-honed methodologies, Peroxisome proliferator-Activated Receptors: Methods and Protocols, will be a useful resource for all seeking to advance their knowledge of this field.

During the last few years, the pace of research in the field of neuropeptide receptors has increased steadily: new neuropeptides were discovered, and the classification of receptor subtypes has been refined. It thus appeared essential to update the information. "Peptide Receptors Part I" summarizes current knowledge on ten distinct peptide families.
This volume integrates photomontages and maps of quantitative receptor autoradiography, "in situ" hybridization histochemistry, and immunocytochemistry images. Application of these classical techniques and of new approaches such as transgenic and knock-out animals has revealed a distinct species and tissue specific variation in receptor subtypes expression and pharmacology in the mammalian central nervous system.
The functional role of neuropeptides and their receptors in the CNS has been investigated thanks to the development of potent and selective receptor antagonists and agonists. The development of specific neuropeptide-related molecules will help to get a better understanding of receptor subtype physiology and neuronal distribution and may lead to innovative treatments in a variety of brain disorders.

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.

This volume describes and discusses recent advances in angiogenesis research. The chapters are organized to address all biological length scales of angiogenesis: molecular, cellular and tissue in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Specific emphasis is given to novel methodologies and biomaterials that have been developed and applied to angiogenesis research. Angiogenesis experts from diverse fields including engineering, cell and developmental biology, chemistry and physics will be invited to contribute chapters which focus on the mechanical and chemical signals which affect and promote angiogenesis.