Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage of progress in the major areas of chemical research. Written by experts in their specialist fields the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, supplying regular critical in-depth accounts of progress in particular areas of chemistry. For over 80 years the Royal Society of Chemistry and its predecessor, the Chemical Society, have been publishing reports charting developments in chemistry, which originally took the form of Annual Reports. However, by 1967 the whole spectrum of chemistry could no longer be contained within one volume and the series Specialist Periodical Reports was born. The Annual Reports themselves still existed but were divided into two, and subsequently three, volumes covering Inorganic, Organic and Physical Chemistry. For more general coverage of the highlights in chemistry they remain a 'must'. Since that time the SPR series has altered according to the fluctuating degree of activity in various fields of chemistry. Some titles have remained unchanged, while others have altered their emphasis along with their titles; some have been combined under a new name whereas others have had to be discontinued. The current list of Specialist Periodical Reports can be seen on the inside flap of this volume.

This book is a passionate account of the scientific breakthroughs that led to the solution of the first protein structures and to the understanding of their function at atomic resolution. The book is divided into self-standing chapters that each deal with a protein or protein family. The subject is presented in a fluid, non-technical style that will engage student and scientists in biochemistry, biophysics, molecular and structure biology and physiology.

This volume introduces bioinformatics research methods for proteins, with special focus on protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) and networks. This book is organized into four parts and covers the basic framework and major resources for analysis of protein sequence, structure, and function; approaches and resources for analysis of protein PTMs, protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and protein networks, including tools for PPI prediction and approaches for the construction of PPI and PTM networks; and bioinformatics approaches in proteomics, including computational methods for mass spectrometry-based proteomics and integrative analysis for alternative splice isoforms, for functional discovery. 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 or computational protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Protein Bioinformatics: From Protein Modifications and Networks to Proteomics is a valuable resource for readers who wish to learn about state-of-the-art bioinformatics databases and tools, novel computational methods, and future trends in protein and proteomic data analysis in systems biology. This book is useful to researchers who work in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, and in various academic departments, such as biological and medical sciences and computer sciences and engineering.

"A Historical Perspective on Evidence-Based Immunology" focuses on the results of hypothesis-driven, controlled scientific experiments that have led to current understanding of immunological principles. This book helps beginning students in biomedical disciplines to understand the basis of immunologic knowledge and more advanced students to gain further insight. It also serves as a crucial reference for researchers studying the evolution of ideas and scientific methods.

Among the fundamental insights covered in the book are: Immunologic toleranceInteractions of lymphocytes with antigen - TCR and BCRGeneration of diversity and mechanism of tolerance of T cells and B cellsThe first cytokinesThe concept of autoimmunityIdentification of NK cells as a unique cell typeThe structure of antibody molecules and identification of Fab and Fc regionsDendritic cells
A complete review of the hypothesis-driven, controlled scientific experiments that have led to our current understanding of immunological principlesExplains the types of experiments that were performed and how the interpretation of the experiments altered the understanding of immunologyPresents concepts such as the division of lymphocytes into functionally different populations in their historical context"

This two-volume set takes an in-depth look at stress signaling in plants from a uniquely genomic and proteomic perspective and offers a comprehensive treatise that covers all of the signaling pathways and mechanisms that have been researched so far. Currently, plant diseases, extreme weather caused by climate change, drought and an increase in metals in soil are amongst the major limiting factors of crop production worldwide. They devastate not only the food supply but also the economy of a nation. With global food scarcity in mind, there is an urgent need to develop crop plants with increased stress tolerance so as to meet the global food demands and to preserve the quality of our planet. In order to do this, it is necessary to understand how plants react and adapt to stress from the genomic and proteomic perspective. Plants adapt to stress conditions by activating cascades of molecular mechanisms, which result in alterations in gene expression and synthesis of protective proteins. From the perception of the stimulus to the transduction of the signal, followed by an appropriate cellular response, the plants employ a complex network of primary and secondary messenger molecules. Cells exercise a large number of noticeably distinct signaling pathways to regulate their activity. In order to contend with different environmental adversities, plants have developed a series of mechanisms at the physiological, cellular and molecular levels that respond to stress. Each chapter in this volume provides an in-depth explanation of what we currently know of a particular aspect of stress signaling and where we are heading. Together with the highly successful first volume, Stress Signaling in Plants: Genomics and Proteomics Perspective, Volume 2 covers an important aspect of plant biology for both students and seasoned researchers.

This volume offers a careful selection of trend-setting topics in the field. In-depth review articles illustrate current trends in the field. Experienced experts present a comprehensive overview concerning the electrochemical biosensing of glucose for diabetes care from an industrial research and development perspective a survey of bioassay applications for individually addressable electrochemical arrays, focusing on liquid-phase bioanalytical assays a review of recent advances in the development of electronic tongues based on the use of biosensor arrays coupled with advanced chemometric data analysis novel strategies of DNA biosensor development and corresponding applications for studies of DNA damage a survey of recent trends in the electrochemistry of redox proteins, including the increasing diversity of redox proteins used in electrochemical studies, novel immobilization strategies, and biosensor / biofuel cell applications an overview of electrochemical sensing of blood gases with advanced sensor concepts a survey of recent bioelectroanalytical studies with high spatial resolution using scanning electrochemical microscopy with a wide range of applications covering imaging of living cells, studies of metabolic activity, imaging of local enzyme activity, and studies of transport through biolayers This timely collection will be of interest not only for experts in the field, but also to students and their teachers in disciplines that include analytical chemistry, biology, electrochemistry, and various interdisciplinary research areas.

This book gathers selected peer-reviewed papers presented at the Second International Conference on Infectious Diseases and Nanomedicine (ICIDN), held in Kathmandu, Nepal on December 15-18, 2015. It also includes invited papers from the leading experts in the related fields. The book highlights the importance of "Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research for Innovation in the Biomedical Sciences," the motto of the ICIDN conference. In particular, it addresses interdisciplinary scientific approaches for systematic understanding of the biology of major human infectious diseases and their treatment regimes by applying the tools and techniques of nanotechnology. It also provides cutting-edge information on infectious diseases and nanomedicine, focusing on various aspects of emerging infectious diseases: cellular and molecular microbiology; epidemiology and infectious disease surveillance; antimicrobials, vaccines and alternatives; drug design, drug delivery and tissue engineering; nanomaterials and biomedical materials.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes are at the forefront of research in two of the most high profile and funded scientific areas - cardiovascular research and stem cells. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Exosomes provides insight into the biofunction and molecular mechanisms, practical tools for research, and a look toward the clinical applications of this exciting phenomenon which is emerging as an effective diagnostic. Primarily focused on the cardiovascular applications where there have been the greatest advancements toward the clinic, this is the first compendium for clinical and biomedical researchers who are interested in integrating MSC-derived exosomes as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Biochemistry for Medical Professionals contains pivotal advances in the biochemistry field and provides a resource for professionals across medicine, dentistry, pharmaceutical sciences and health professions who need a concise, topical biochemistry reference. Relevant, well-illustrated coverage begins with the composition of the human body and then goes into the technical detail of the metabolism of the human body and biochemistry of internal organs before featuring a biotechnology study inclusive of numerous methods and applications. The work is written at a consistently high level, with technical notes added to aid comprehension for complex topics.

Biocidal polymers are designed to inhibit or kill microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and protozoans. This book summarizes recent findings in the synthesis, modification and characterization of various antimicrobial polymers ranging from plastics and elastomers to biomimetic and biodegradable polymers. Modifications with different antimicrobial agents as well as antimicrobial testing methods are described in a comprehensive manner.

This detailed volume explores the continuing techniques of studying RNA-protein complexes and interactions as research in these areas expand. After an introductory chapter, the book continues with ways to purify RNA-protein complexes assembled in cells or in isolated cellular extracts, methods for measuring various biochemical activities of RNA-interacting proteins or ribonucleoproteins, biochemical methods for measuring direct RNA-protein contact, as well as various new or innovative methods pertinent to the subject. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters contain brief 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. Authoritative and up-to-date, RNA-Protein Complexes and Interactions: Methods and Protocols provides a set of useful protocols, both basic and advanced, designed to inspire researchers working with RNA and RNA-interacting proteins.

This comprehensive reference delivers key information on all aspects of sunflower. With over 20 chapters, this book provides an extensive review of the latest developments in sunflower genetics, breeding, processing, quality, and utilization; including food, energy and industrial bioproduct applications. World-renowned experts in this field review U.S. and international practices, production, and processing aspects of sunflower.

Human Physiology, Biochemistry and Basic Medicine is a unique perspective that draws together human biology, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, and cell biology in one comprehensive volume. In this way, it is uniquely qualified to address the needs of the emerging field of humanology, a holistic approach to understanding the biology of humans and how they are distinguished from other animals. Coverage starts with human anatomy and physiology and the details of the workings of all parts of the male and female body. Next, coverage of human biochemistry and how sugars, fats, and amino acids are made and digested is discussed, as is human basic medicine, covering the science of diseases and human evolution and pseudo-evolution. The book concludes with coverage of basic human nutrition, diseases, and treatments, and contains broad coverage that will give the reader an understanding of the entire human picture.

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research collates fundamental information about the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use. The handbook offers a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors and signalling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The evolution of hormones and gene families is also covered both in the text and in online ancillaries. Users will find simple and visual ways to learn key molecular information. Chapters and online ancillary resources integrate additional sections, providing a comparative molecular, functional, and evolutionary consideration.

Carbohydrate Chemistry provides review coverage of all publications relevant to the chemistry of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides in a given year. The amount of research in this field appearing in the organic chemical literature is increasing because of the enhanced importance of the subject, especially in areas of medicinal chemistry and biology. In no part of the field is this more apparent than in the synthesis of oligosaccharides required by scientists working in glycobiology. Clycomedicinal chemistry and its reliance on carbohydrate synthesis is now very well established, for example, by the preparation of specific carbohydrate- based antigens, especially cancer-specific oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. Coverage of topics such as nucleosides, amino-sugars, alditols and cyclitols also covers much research of relevance to biological and medicinal chemistry. Each volume of the series brings together references to all published work in given areas of the subject and serves as a comprehensive database for the active research chemist Specialist Periodical Reports provide systematic and detailed review coverage in major areas of chemical research. Compiled by teams of leading authorities in the relevant subject areas, the series creates a unique service for the active research chemist, with regular, in-depth accounts of progress in particular fields of chemistry. Subject coverage within different volumes of a given title is similar and publication is on an annual or biennial basis.

Animal Models of Hepatic Encephalopathy and Hyperammonemia.- Brain Metabolism in Encephalopathy Caused by Hyperammonemia.- In Vivo Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Role of the Cellular Hydration State for Cellular Function: Physiological and Pathophysiological Aspects.- Astrocyte-Neuron Interactions in Hyperammonemia and Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Spinal Seizures in Ammonia Intoxication.- Molecular Mechanism of Acute Ammonia Toxicity and of its Prevention by L-Carnitine.- Portal-Systemic Encephalopathy: a Disorder of Multiple Neurotransmitter Systems.- The GABA Hypothesis: State of the Art.- Neuropharmacologic Modulation of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Experimental and Clinical Data.- S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine Synthetase and Methionine Metabolism Deficiencies in Cirrhosis.- Diagnosis and Therapy of Hepatic Encephalopathy.- Neomycin Reduces the Intestinal Production of Ammonia from Glutamine.- N-Acetylglutamate Synthetase (NAGS) Deficiency.- Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency: A Model for Gene Therapy.- Retroviral Gene Transfer for LDL Receptor Deficiency into Primary Hepatocytes.- The Carnitine System: Recent Aspects.- Use of Hepatocyte Cultures for Liver Support Bioreactors.- Hepatitis C Viral infection after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.- Exercise-Induced Hyperammonemia: Skeletal Muscle Ammonia Metabolism and the Peripheral and Central Effects.- Possible Role of Ammonia in the Brain in Dementia of Alzheimer Type.- Contributors.

This is the second volume in a series on membrane protein transfer. Membrane protein transport underlies the topological disposition of many proteins within cells and it is this disposition that allows for the co-ordination of the central cellular processes, such as metabolism.

This volume provides an overview of the biochemical characterization, structure-function studies, proteomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, transcriptomics and genomics of various spider species. The book also covers our current knowledge of venom components, toxins and their modes of action. The first section of Spider Venom includes contributions regarding the wide diversity of spider venom components and depicts some of their biological effects (antimicrobial, ion channel modulators, insecticides, this includes peptide and non-peptide toxins), and emphasizes spiders of public health importance. The second section covers transcriptomes, proteomes (and peptidomics), bioinformatics and molecular dynamics. The last section describes antimicrobial, insecticidal toxins, envenomation and the medical potential of spider venoms. Spider venoms are a great and extensive source of bioactive compounds, and as such form a boundless and bountiful area awaiting discovery. It is by virtue of dedicated scientists that new toxins are discovered and that new insights arise, leading the way towards the investigation of their pharmacological effects, and hopefully, as a consequence, arriving at the discovery of venom components as new drug candidates.

This book provides a detailed overview of the current understanding of the metabolic system of starch biosynthesis and degradation in plants. The focus is on new topics regarding the functional interaction between multiple enzymes and the initiation process of starch biosynthesis, which are essential for further understanding of related metabolic features. The book also explains and discusses the distinct structures of amylopectin and amylose and the crystalline structure of starch granules. At the same time, readers will be made aware of areas where further research remains to be done, such as the regulation of starch metabolism, the fine structure of starch molecules, and the manipulation of the structure and functional properties of starch by genetic and molecular technology. Also described are aspects of the biosynthetic machinery of starch, the structure and metabolism of which have developed and been refined during the process of plant evolution. In addition, recent approaches to producing novel starches with distinct physicochemical and functional properties in gene-modified mutants and transgenic plants for industrial applications are introduced. Finally, the book elaborates on the unresolved topics, necessary approaches and future prospects to achieve a complete understanding of the regulation of starch metabolism. This volume is of great value for general scientists, students and anyone wishing to understand the specific and complicated events of starch metabolism and biotechnology. It will be especially useful for food scientists and engineers in academia and industry.

This work provides rapid access to focused information on topics of Immunotoxicology not only for scientists and those dealing with laboratory aspects but also for lecturers and advanced students. Over 200 contributing authors - including many of the world's top specialists - have contributed full essays on all relevant topics, supplemented by keyword definitions of related terms. Full essays are structured uniformly to provide reader-friendly information on all aspects of Immunotoxicology, including methods of testing and analysis, characteristics of substances, the regulatory environment and the relevance of these to humans.

1 Einleitung.- 1.1 Rechtliche Hygieneregelung.- 1.2 Aspekte zum Hygienekonzept.- Literatur.- 2 Begriffe zur Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.1 Lebensmittel.- 2.2 Lebensmittelhygiene.- 2.3 Leichtverderbliche Lebensmittel.- 2.4 Verpackte Lebensmittel.- 2.5 Herstellen.- 2.6 Behandeln.- 2.7 In-Verkehr-bringen.- 2.8 Verzehren.- 2.9 Nachteilige Beeinflussung.- 2.10 Genusstauglichkeit/ Genusswert.- 2.11 Mindesthaltbarkeitsdatum.- 2.12 Bedarfsgegenstande.- Literatur.- 3 Lebensmittelmikrobiologie.- 3.1 Einteilung von Mikroorganismen.- 3.1.1 Bakterien und Bakteriensporen.- 3.1.2 Schimmelpilze.- 3.1.3 Hefepilze.- 3.1.4 Viren.- 3.2 Groessenordnung von Mikroorganismen und Viren.- 3.3 Erkennbarmachung von Keimen.- 3.4 Vermehrungsformen von Mikroorganismen.- 3.4.1 Ungeschlechtliche Fortpflanzung.- 3.4.2 Geschlechtliche Fortpflanzung von Hefen.- 3.5 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen, Lebensmittelverderber und Nutzlinge.- 3.5.1 Gesundheitsgefahrdende Mikroorganismen und schadliche Stoffwechselprodukte.- 3.5.2 Lebensmittelverderber.- 3.5.3 Technologisch erwunschte Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 4 Wachstumsvoraussetzungen fur Mikroorganismen - Beeinflussung der Vermehrung.- 4.1 Wachstumsfaktoren.- 4.1.1 Nahrstoffangebot.- 4.1.2 Wasseraktivitat und Feuchtigkeit.- 4.1.3 pH-Wert.- 4.1.4 Temperatur.- 4.1.5 Redoxpotential.- 4.2 Beeinflussung des Wachstums von Mikroorganismen.- Literatur.- 5 Mikrobielle Gefahrdung von Produkten.- 5.1 Lebensmittelverderb.- 5.1.1 Faulnis.- 5.1.2 Garung.- 5.1.3 Sauerung.- 5.1.4 Ranziditat.- 5.1.5 Schimmeln.- 5.2 Lebensmittelvergiftung.- 5.2.1 Salmonellen.- 5.2.2 Staphylococcus aureus.- 5.2.3 Clostridium perfringens.- 5.2.4 Clostridium botulinum.- 5.2.5 Bacillus cereus.- 5.2.6 Listeria monocytogenes.- 5.3 Gefahrdungen physikalischen Ursprungs.- Literatur.- 6 Schadlingsbefall und weitere Gefahrdungen.- 6.1 Insekten.- 6.2 Nager und Voegel.- 6.3 Schadlingsbekampfung als Teil der Betriebshygiene.- 6.4 Chemische Schadensquellen.- 6.5 Physikalische Schadensquellen.- 7 Raum-und Anlagenhygiene.- 7.1 Reinigung und Desinfektion.- 7.1.1 Reinigungsverfahren.- 7.1.2 Desinfektion.- 7.1.3 Reinigungsintervalle.- 7.2 Raumtemperaturen.- 7.3 Konstruktive Anlagenhygiene.- Literatur.- 8 Stichprobenplane.- 8.1 Mikrobiologische Stichprobenplane.- 8.1.1 2-Klassenplan.- 8.1.2 3-Klassenplan.- 8.2 Stichprobenplane fur die sensorische Prufung.- Literatur.- 9 Betriebseigene Massnahmen und Kontrollen - HACCP-Konzept.- 9.1 Produktbeschreibung, Ermittlung potentieller Gefahren, Identifizierung kritischer Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 1-3).- 9.2 Festlegung und Durchfuhrung des Verfahrens zur UEberwachung und Kontrolle der kritischen Punkte (HACCP-Grundsatze 4, 5).- 9.3 UEberprufung der Eigenkontrollsysteme, Dokumentation (HACCP-Grundsatze 6, 7).- Literatur.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition with an update on the latest developments in the field and new techniques used to study secondary and supersecondary structures (SSS) in proteins. Chapters in this book discuss topics such as sequence and structural features of different SSS elements; software used for the automatic annotation of secondary structure elements in proteins; the new developments in secondary and SSS prediction and the modern approaches for energy landscape calculation; protein misfolding and amyloid structural formation; analysis of 'transformer proteins'; discovery of the structure of the hydrophobic nucleus; and discussions of the main principles of protein structures formation. The contributing authors of the volume are the eminent experts in the field of protein research and bioinformatics. 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 authoritative, Protein Supersecondary Structures: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable resource for researchers who are interested in learning more about the relationship between amino acids sequences and protein structures, the evolution of proteins and the dynamics of protein formation.

Although contributing to the nutritional quality of the foods we consume, proteins also act as integral components by virtue of their diverse functional properties. The expression of these functional properties during the preparation, processing and storage of foods is largely dictated by changes to the structure or structure-related properties of the proteins involved. This work describes the nature of structure-function relationships so that the use of food protein sources can be optimized. The first section uses food systems as examples to demonstrate the intricate nature of the structure-function relationship. Later chapters discuss the techniques which are used to examine structural parameters or establish relationships between protein structure and function. This guide should prove useful for food chemists, scientists and technologists, and can serve as a reference for students of this field.