This thesis focuses on theoretical analysis of the sophisticated ultrafast optical experiments that probe the crucial first few picoseconds of quantum light harvesting, making an important contribution to quantum biology, an exciting new field at the intersection of condensed matter, physical chemistry and biology. It provides new insights into the role of vibrational dynamics during singlet fission of organic pentacene thin films, and targeting the importance of vibrational dynamics in the design of nanoscale organic light harvesting devices, it also develops a new wavelet analysis technique to probe vibronic dynamics in time-resolved nonlinear optical experiments. Lastly, the thesis explores the theory of how non-linear "breather" vibrations are excited and propagate in the disordered nanostructures of photosynthetic proteins.

Plant improvement has shifted its focus from yield, quality and disease resistance to factors that will enhance commerical export, such as early maturity, shelf life and better processing quality. Conventional plant breeding methods aiming at the improvement of a self-pollinating crop, such as wheat, usually take 10-12 years to develop and release of the new variety. During the past 10 years, significant advances have been made and accelerated methods have been developed for precision breeding and early release of crop varieties. This work summarizes concepts dealing with germplasm enhancement and development of improved varieties based on innovative methodologies that include doubled haploidy, marker assisted selection, marker assisted background selection, genetic mapping, genomic selection, high-throughput genotyping, high-throughput phenotyping, mutation breeding, reverse breeding, transgenic breeding, shuttle breeding, speed breeding, low cost high-throughput field phenotyping, etc. It is an important reference with special focus on accelerated development of improved crop varieties.

Introduction: Serpins: From the Way It Was to the Way It Is; J. Travis. Serpins: A Mechanistic Class of Their Own; S.R. Stone, et al. Coagulation: Antithrombin-A Bloody Important Serpin; I. Bjoerk, S.T. Olson. Heparin Cofactor II; D.M. Tollefsen. Neurobiology and Cancer: Regulation of Neurons and Astrocytes by Thrombin and Protease Nexin-l: Relationship to Brain Injury; D.D. Cunningham, F.M. Donovan. Maspin: A Tumor Suppressing Serpin; R. Sager, et al.. Fibrinolysis: The Role of Reactive-Center Loop Mobility in the Serpin Inhibitory Mechanism; D.A. Lawrence. Substrate Specificity of Tissue Type Plasminogen Activator; E.L. Madison. Development and Reproduction: Biology of Progesterone-Induced Uterine Serpins; P.J. Hansen, W.-J. Liu. Serpins from an Insect, Manduca sexta; M.R. Kanost, H. Jiang. Inflammation: Serpins and Programmed Cell Death; G.S. Salvesen. Noninhibitor Serpins: Structure-Function Studies on PEDF: A Noninhibitory Serpin with Neurotropic Activity; S.P. Becerra. Abstracts: Coagulation, Neurobiology and Cancer. Fibrinolysis, Development and Reproduction. Inflammation and Noninhibitor Serpins. 10 Additional Articles. Index.

This book reviews the advances and challenges of structure-based drug design in the preclinical drug discovery process, addressing various diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis and cancer. Written by internationally recognized researchers, this edited book discusses how the application of the various in-silico techniques, such as molecular docking, virtual screening, pharmacophore modeling, molecular dynamics simulations, and residue interaction networks offers insights into pharmacologically active novel molecular entities. It presents a clear concept of the molecular mechanism of different drug targets and explores methods to help understand drug resistance. In addition, it includes chapters dedicated to natural-product- derived medicines, combinatorial drug discovery, the CryoEM technique for structure-based drug design and big data in drug discovery. The book offers an invaluable resource for graduate and postgraduate students, as well as for researchers in academic and industrial laboratories working in the areas of chemoinformatics, medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacoinformatics.

This volume focuses on mono-ADP-ribosylation and enzymes that use NAD+ including Sirtuins, PARPs, and bacterial and eukaryotic ADP-ribosyltransferases. The chapters in this book are organized into eight parts, and offer detailed descriptions of key protocols used to study topics such as in vitro techniques for ADP-ribosylation substrate identification; biochemical and biophysical assays of PAR-WWE domain interactions; monitoring expression and enzyme activity of ecto-ARTCs; HPLC-based enzymes assays for Sirtuins; and identifying target RNAs of PARPs. 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, ADP-ribosylation and NAD+ Utilizing Enzymes: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this developing and expanding field.

Ovarian Cycle, Volume 107, the latest in the Vitamins and Hormones series first published in 1943, and the longest-running serial published by Academic Press, covers the latest updates on hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology and enzyme mechanisms. This latest release includes an overview of the ovarian cycle, a section on ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, information on androgens and ovarian follicular maturation, information on peptide inhibitors of human thymidylate synthase to inhibit ovarian cancer cell growth, sections on nodal and luteolysis, neurokinins, dynorphin and pulsatile Lh secretion, Lh receptor expression by Mir12, and gonadotrophin-surge attenuating factor, melatonin and Bmp-6 regulation, amongst other topics.

This updated second edition covers the molecular biology, genome engineering tools and comprehensive analysis techniques for Corynebacterium glutamicum. Aside from modern omics-based approaches, the authors also focus on cell physiology, including cell division, central carbon metabolic pathways, and the respiratory chain. Readers will learn how primary mechanisms like energy metabolism can be applied in processes like biorefinery. Newly added topics include cell envelope structures and aromatic compound metabolism in C. glutamicum. These chapters will be particularly useful for those interested in the microbial production of commodity chemicals, fuels, and proteins. Corynebacteriacea are already some of the most important industrial microorganisms. Understanding the cell physiology of C. glutamicum will help manufacturers to increase their product range and productivity through efficient metabolic engineering.

Isoprenoids are important in primary and secondary metabolism. They have implications in a myriad of physiological processes notably in plants, microorganisms and parasites, and biological activities at the cellular, organism, and ecosystem levels. The importance of isoprenoids in various areas of the scientific world has spurred intense research worldwide. Also their role in "nutraceuticals" has stimulated scientific curiosity. Literature on isoprenoids is widely scattered in journals with quite differing readerships and geographic distribution. A comprehensive book on isoprenoids does not exist. Isoprenoid Synthesis in Plants and Microorganisms: New Concepts and Experimental Approaches fills this gap by presenting the latest and the most applicable information on isoprenoids. The most recent TERPNET conference serves as the backdrop and provides much of the inspiration for the topics covered in the book. Additional topics of interest are covered as well, making Isoprenoid Synthesis in Plants and Microorganisms: New Concepts and Experimental Approaches the most comprehensive review of isoprenoid synthesis to date.

Metabolic Aspects of Aging, Volume 155, the latest release in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series seeks to provide the most topical, informative and exciting monographs available on a wide variety of research topics related to prions, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. The series includes in-depth knowledge on the molecular, biological aspects of organismal physiology and function, with this release including chapters on Longevity, Metabolic Disease and Community Health, the Metabolic Aspects of Aging, Obesity, Metabolism, and Aging: A Multiscalar Approach, The Intersection of Curandismo and Western Medicine and Their Epidemiological Impact for Aging Mexican Americans, and more.

The Microbiology of Central Nervous System Infections, Volume 3, discusses modern approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis of central nervous system (CNS) infections. This new release is divided into five sections that cover treatment strategies, imaging, molecular diagnosis, management of CNS infections with metal nanoparticles, and prophylaxis of CNS infections, including bacterial, viral and fungal infections. The last section contains a chapter on transmissible spongiform encephalopathies and modern trends in its diagnosis and treatment. University teachers, medical practitioners, graduate and postgraduate students, researchers in microbiology, and those in the pharmaceutical and laboratory diagnostic industries will find the book very important.

1 Theoretical Background.- 2 Theoretical Calculations on Small Amino Acids.- 3 Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA).- 4 The Diaminobutyric (DABA), Delta Aminopentanoic, and Epsilon Aminohexanoic Acids.- 5 Ab Initio Studies of Some Acids and Basic Amino Acids: Aspartic, Glutamic, Arginine, and Deaminoarginine.- 6 Proline.- 7 Taurine and Hypotaurine.- 8 Ab Initio Calculations Related to Glucagon.- 9 The Alpha Factor.- 10 Tight Turns in Proteins.- 11 Some Small Peptides.- 12 Oligopeptides That Are Anticancer Drugs.- Appendix Theoretical Studies of a Glucagon Fragment: Ser8-Asp9-Tyr10.

This book covers the latest developments in metalloenzymes, including characterizing metal bridging in proteins and peptides, copper(II) complexes of marine peptides, high-spin Co(II) in model and metalloprotein systems to enzymes such as the molybdenum-containing enzymes, CW and pulse EPR of cytochrome P450 enzymes and the radical S-adenosylmethionine FeS family. In the previous two related volumes in the Biological Magnetic Resonance series, High-Resolution EPR: Applications to Metalloenzymes and Metals in Medicine and Metals in Biology:Applications of High-Resolution EPR to Metalloenzymes, topics covered included high-resolution EPR methods, iron proteins, nickel and copper enzymes, metals in medicine, iron-sulfur cluster-containing proteins, and molybdenum enzymes. In this volume, new developments in these areas are covered in detail and new areas that have emerged are also detailed. This is an ideal book for graduate students and researchers working in the fie lds of high-resolution EPR, metalloenzymes, and metals in biology.

The establishment of clean, safe water is one of the major challenges facing societies around the globe. The continued urbanization of human populations, the increasing manipulation of natural resources, and the resulting pollution are driving remarkable burden on water resources. Increasing demands for food, energy, and natural resources are expected to continue to accelerate in the near future in response to the demands of these changing human populations. In addition, the complexity of human activities is leading to a diversity of new chemical contaminants in the environment that represent a major concern for water managers. This will create increased pressure on both water quantity and quality, making it increasingly difficult to provide a sustainable supply of water for human welfare and activities. Although protection of water resources is the best long-term solution, we will also need innovative novel approaches and technologies to water treatment to ensure an adequate superior quality resource to meet these needs. Solving tomorrow's water issues will require unique approaches that incorporate emerging new technologies. Great advances have been made in the area of nanotechnology. Due to their unique physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials are extensively used in antibacterial medical products, membrane filters, electronics, catalysts, and biosensors. Nanoparticles can have distinctly different properties from their bulk counterparts, creating the opportunity for new materials with a diversity of applications. Recent developments related to water treatment include the potential use of carbon nanotubes, nanocompositae, nanospheres, nanofibers, and nanowires for the removal of a diversity of chemical pollutants. By exploiting the assets and structure of these new materials, such as increased surface area, high reactivity, and photocatalytic action, it will be possible to create technologies that can be very efficient at removing and degrading environmental pollutants. Understanding and using these unique properties should lead to innovative, cost-effective applications for addressing the complexities of emerging needs for water treatment and protection. Although still in the early stages, research into the application of nanotechnology shows great promise for solving some of these major global water issues. This comprehensive text describes the latest research and application methods in this rapidly advancing field.

Protein-Protein Interactions in Human Disease, Volume 111, Part B, promotes further research and development in the protein interaction network in order to identify critical proteins involved in the etiology of human diseases and locate new protein targets for drug development. Thus, this volume is of considerable interest to protein chemists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, immunologists, structural biologists, computational biochemists and other researchers working in the field. In addition, these articles would be of great benefit to medical, biology and pharmacology students who specialize in this field.

Mechanisms of DNA Recombination and Genome Rearrangements: Methods to Study Homologous Recombination, Volume 600, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. Homologous genetic recombination remains the most enigmatic process in DNA metabolism. The molecular machines of recombination preserve the integrity of the genetic material in all organisms and generate genetic diversity in evolution. The same molecular machines that support genetic integrity by orchestrating accurate repair of the most deleterious DNA lesions, however, also promote survival of cancerous cells and emergence of radiation and chemotherapy resistance. This two-volume set offers a comprehensive set of cutting edge methods to study various aspects of homologous recombination and cellular processes that utilize the enzymatic machinery of recombination The chapters are written by the leading researches and cover a broad range of topics from the basic molecular mechanisms of recombinational proteins and enzymes to emerging cellular techniques and drug discovery efforts.

This detailed volume presents a comprehensive compendium of clinical metabolomics protocols covering LC-MS, GC-MS, CE-MS, and NMR-based clinical metabolomics as well as bioinformatics and study design considerations. The methodologies explored here form the core of several very promising initiatives evolving around personalized health care and precision medicine, which can be seen as complimentary to the field of clinical chemistry and aid the aforementioned field with novel disease markers and diagnostic patterns. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include brief introductions to their topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Clinical Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols aims to serve as the basis for successful communication between scientists from several fields, including chemists, biologist, bioinformaticians, and clinicians, ultimately leading to effective study design and completion.

This book focuses on the regulation of transcription and translation in Archaea and arising insights into the evolution of RNA processing pathways. From synthesis to degradation and the implications of gene expression, it presents the current state of knowledge on archaeal RNA biology in 13 chapters. Topics covered include the modification and maturation of RNAs, the function of small non-coding RNAs and the CRISPR-Cas defense system. While Archaea have long been considered exotic microbial extremophiles, they are now increasingly being recognized as important model microorganisms for the study of molecular mechanisms conserved across the three domains of life, and with regard to the relevance of similarities and differences to eukaryotes and bacteria. This unique book offers a valuable resource for all readers interested in the regulation of gene expression in Archaea and RNA metabolism in general.

This book reviews the latest biotechnological advances with pluripotent stem cells, exploring their application in tissue engineering and medicinal chemistry. Chapters from expert contributors cover topics such as the production of transgene-free induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), expansion, controlled differentiation and programming of pluripotent stem cells, and their genetic instability. Particular attention is given to the application of the pluripotent stem cells for vascularision of engineered tissue and for drug screening. This book will appeal to researchers working in regenerative medicine and drug discovery, and to bioengineers and professionals interested in stem cell research.

Thyroid hormone, Volume 106, the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series first published in 1943 provides up-to-date information on crystal structures and basic structural studies on neurotrophins and their receptors, neurotrophin functions and the biological actions of neurotrophins related to clinical conditions and disease. This new release focuses on timely topics, including the Nuclear Import and Export of the Thyroid Hormone Receptor, the Thyroid hormone and the white matter of the central nervous system: from development to repair, Thyroid hormone and astrocyte differentiation, and the Molecular Basis of Nongenomic Actions of Thyroid Hormone, amongst other topics.

This volume takes a closer look how the cell organelles Golgi apparatus (also known as the Golgi complex or Golgi body), and centriole are structurally and functionally intertwined. Initially, it was believed that the role of Golgi complex is limited to the packaging and preparation for secretion of various cellular proteins, while the centriole participates in cell division and cilia formation. However, since their discovery nearly 200 years ago, it became clear that these two organelles are interacting, and that their functions are much more complex and far reaching than previously thought. Recent findings indicate that the Golgi-Centriole relationship may be important for directional protein transport, cell polarization and cell cycle progression. Current studies indicate that Golgi and centriole also participate in development and act as cellular and immunological sensors, and that their abnormalities lead to cell and developmental abnormalities, Alzheimer, cancer, various lipid disorders and neurological and immunological diseases in humans. This volume combines the latest information on the structure, molecular composition, and roles of Golgi and centriole in various cellular functions and diseases. The better understanding of the Golgi-centriole interactions may lead to the development of novel therapies for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer.

Chemical Glycobiology, Part B, Volume 598, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, continues the legacy of this premier serial with quality chapters authored by leaders in the field. This volume is the second release on chemical glycobiology.

This book provides a timely review of progress in the area of primary plant metabolism, and in particular highlights the extent to which molecular techniques now influence the investigation and understanding of plant metabolism. The emphasis of the book is centred on processes related to the dominant pathways of carbohydrate production and utilisation, and is arranged to reflect the current focus of researchers on three broadly overlapping areas of investigation. -- The molecular architecture of selected enzymes of primary metabolism;
-- The integration of metabolism between organelles, cells, tissues and organs;
-- The manipulation of major pathways of carbohydrate metabolism.

Each of the contributors is an internationally recognised researcher who presents a cogent summary of recent advances in the field. The volume will be of particular value to undergraduates, graduates and advanced researchers in plant biology, biotechnology and biochemistry, as well as researchers in related areas of plant physiology, crop production and horticulture who need to keep abreast of current developments in the understanding of the fundamental aspects of plant carbohydrate metabolism.