Nitric oxide (NO) is a gas naturally found in the body that conveys information between cells. In the last decade researchers have found that NO is a signaling molecule of key importance for the cardiovascular system, regulating blood pressure and blood flow to different organs. In addition, discoveries surrounding nitric oxide s role as a principal neurotransmitter moderating erectile function, a pathophysiological negotiator and messenger in inflammation, and a weapon against infections have increased research attention across the fields of biochemistry, chemistry, molecular biology, gene therapy, cell biology, immunology, pharmacology, neuroscience, and physiology.
Edited by Nobel Laureate Louis J. Ignarro

Up-to-date therapeutic implications of nitric oxide research Authored by world experts on nitric oxide Detailed research of the biochemistry and synthesis of nitric oxide

A fast moving research area where there is an ever-expanding interest, and which impacts upon a wide variety of genetic diseases. Important introductory section which considers the merits of methods employed in these studies, and examines factors which influence study design. Looks at the different approaches that have been taken to study complex inherited diseases by considering a variety of common diseases as models. Discusses the successes achieved through past studies, with implications for future research.
Multifactorial or complex diseases are those characterized by increased risks within families, caused by more than one gene, and which predominantly have a tremendous impact on morbidity and mortality in the general public. Examples of multifactorial diseases include: common cancers - breast, bowel, ovary etc.: Alzheimer's; epilepsy; diabetes; multiple sclerosis; schizophrenia and manic depression; asthma; rheumatoid arthritis etc.
Key Features
* Introductory overview of genetic diseases and how they are identified
* Concluding summary chapter looking at approaches taken and lessons learnt - and their relatived impacts
* Section on methods of statistical analysis and design issues researchers should consider in their studies
* Chapters focus on specific diseases as model systems and examples, and look at the application of different methodologies to different diseases

This is a rapidly expanding research area, with most current publications existing as journal articles, or as single chapters in larger volumes. This will be one of the first books to bring all this information together into a comprehensive review volume, aimed at both researchers and clinicians.
Hypertension is a condition in humans which is characterized by persistently high arterial blood pressure (over 140/90 mm Hg). Affected individuals are at risk from heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. This important disease affects a huge number of people worldwide, and therefore the study of the disease is of vital clinical importance. Hypertension is a genetically determined disease, with many other contributing factors. Research has expanded rapidly in this area, particularly over the last decade, and there are continuing advances in our understanding of the disease.
Key Features
* One of the first books to look at this important disease which affects many individuals worldwide
* Looks at the study and the applications of molecular genetic approaches to this important disease
* Aimed at a wide audience from the clinician involved in this field
* Provides information on new strategies and developments in this expanding area of research

The clinical picture of diseases, caused by trinucleotide repeats, such as fragile X syndrome, myotonic dystrophy, Huntington's disease and forms of spinocerebella ataxia, provide the starting point for this authoritative review volume.
The book proceeds to integrate the current understanding of the molecular pathologies of these diseases, their genotype-phenotype relationships, the mutational processes involved and the laboratory and clinical issues relating to genetic testing for these disorders.
Clinicians and researchers in genetics, neuroscience, pediatrics and psychiatry will all benefit from the comprehensive overviews contributed by recognized world experts.

Provides a coherent and comprehensive account of the theory and practice of real-time human disease outbreak detection, explicitly recognizing the revolution in practices of infection control and public health surveillance.
*Reviews the current mathematical, statistical, and computer science systems for early detection of disease outbreaks
*Provides extensive coverage of existing surveillance data
*Discusses experimental methods for data measurement and evaluation
*Addresses engineering and practical implementation of effective early detection systems
*Includes real case studies

Microarrays is an invaluable laboratory manual for anyone conducting experiments in the field of molecular biology or medical biochemistry who needs to understand and use microarray technologies. These technologies are especially appropriate in genome analysis, diagnostics, and studies involving differential gene expression.
Providing straightforward explanations, the authors demonstrate proven methods for biochip application and an overview of presently available instruments, biochips, and software. Chapters cover the different requirements for DNA and protein chips, as well as spotters and scanners. The book also covers high throughput screening, patent research, and the minimum requirements for setting up or expanding a microarray laboratory.
- Covers microarray applications, technology, and execution
- Written in an approachable yet informative tone
- Includes more than 100 detailed figures and graphs
- Examines the history of microarrays and their future potential
- Defines key terms from related disciplines
- Contains a full chapter on the importance of database research and patents
- Describes how to develop or improve one's own microarray laboratory

This Handbook provides a complete compendium of methods for evaluation of IT-based systems and solutions within healthcare. Emphasis is entirely on assessment of the IT-system within its organizational environment. The author provides a coherent and complete assessment of methods addressing interactions with and effects of technology at the organizational, psychological, and social levels.
It offers an explanation of the terminology and theoretical foundations underlying the methodological analysis presented here. The author carefully guides the reader through the process of identifying relevant methods corresponding to specific information needs and conditions for carrying out the evaluation study. The Handbook takes a critical view by focusing on assumptions for application, tacit built-in perspectives of the methods as well as their perils and pitfalls.
*Collects a number of evaluation methods of medical informatics
*Addresses metrics and measures
*Includes an extensive list of anotated references, case studies, and a list of useful Web sites

The book deals with both the abstract and practical aspects of moving from a univerisity laboratory to a position in the biotech industry. Each chapter lists common and unique features to evaluate breaking down complex decisions into manageable elements. Several sections provide "how to" guides for the preparation of manuscripts, patents, grants, and internal company documents.
*Written by an experienced academician and successful biotechnology entrepreneur
*Reviews the basic tools taught in a traditional university
*Identifies new ways these these tools will be used in the corporate world
*Details the 'nuts and bolts' necessary to negotiate a successful position in the biotech industry

This book is based on presentations given at the Fifth International Symposium on Nutritional Aspects of Osteoporosis held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2003. Although an often neglected chapter of medical research, the nutritional influences on bone health was a discussed topic at this congress. Also discussed were new insights into the role of proteins, vitamins, potassium, vegetables, food acid load, mineral waters and calcium.
This book is based on presentations given at the Fifth International Symposium on Nutrional Aspects of Osteoporosis held in Lausanne, Switzerland in 2003. Although an often neglected chapter of medical research, the nutritional influences on bone health was a discussed topic at this congress. Also discussed were new insights into the role of proteins, vitamins, potassium, vegetables, food acid load, mineral waters and calcium.

WTEC Panel on Tissue Engineering Research is a comparative review of tissue engineering research and development activities in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe conducted by a panel of leading U.S. experts in the field. This book covers biomaterials, cells, biomolecules, non-medical applications, engineering design, informatics, and legal and regulatory issues associated with tissue engineering research and applications. This document will serve as a basis for continued dialogue within nations' tissue engineering research and development community and with other important stakeholders, providing guidance for future programs. This text highlights the necessity for providing continued and enhanced resources to further the progress in tissue engineering, harness developments, and maintain scientific and economic leadership.

The aim of this work is to provide a fuller spectrum of information in a single source on enzyme-catalyzed reactions than is currently available in any published reference work or as part of any Internet database. The Enzyme Reference: A Comprehensive Guidebook to Enzyme Nomenclature, Reactions, and Methods includes 20,000 review articles and seminal research papers. Additionally, it provides a novel treatment of so-called ATPase and GTPase reactions to account for the noncovalent substratelike and productlike states of molecular motors, elongation factors, transporters, DNA helicases, G-reulatory proteins, and other energases.
Key Fetures
* Includes a compendium of over 6,000 enzyme reactions (including enzyme commission numbers, alternative names, substrates, products, alternative substrates, and properties)
* Covers over 900 chemical structures of key metabolites and cofactors
* Index directs readers to the exact pages for over 9,500 enzyme names

A comprehensive treatise on new developments in biotechnology, the authors of Biotechnology and Safety Assessment, 3e, bring readers an up-to-date review of food safety issues, pre-clinical safety and development of new foods and drugs, plant biotechnology, food allergies and safety assessment, and consumer benefits with regard to genetically modified food.
Tomorrow's foods will be obtained from genetically modified crops, offering consumers higher nutritional value and more of it. Our medications will be obtained through a variety of biotechnological procedures yielding more potent and specific medications for diseases and vaccines. In order to make this view of the future come to light, John A. Thomas and Roy L. Fuchs have updated their classic in order to keep readers one step ahead.
Written by internationally recognized molecular biologists, plant agronomists, microbiologists, toxicologists, nutritionists, and regulatory authorities, this third edition is an excellent and authoritative resource, making it a valuable resource to any biomedical library or scientific bookshelf.
Key Features
* Provides timely coverage on topics of agribiotechnology and biotherapeutics
* Describes the recent progress in genetically modified crops and their safety
* Presents an update of the newer developments in therapeutic agents
* Discusses role of genetically modified microorganisms in the development of new food products
* Outlines various global regulatory issues relating to GM crops
* Addresses environmental and ecological topics related to GM crops

This volume of "Advances in Cell Aging and Gerontology" critically reviews the rapidly advancing area of telomerase research with a focus at the molecular and cellular levels. The clearly established function of telomerase is to maintain chromosome ends during successive rounds of cell division by adding a six base DNA repeat on to the telomeric ends of chromosomes. As presented in the chapters of this volume, the mechanisms that regulate telomerase expression and activity are complex. Moreover, emerging data suggest additional roles for telomerase in the regulation of cell differentiation and survival.

It is expected that this quite comprehensive volume will provide a valuable resource for graduate students and postdocs in the telomerase field and for established investigators in other fields who are beginning to study telomerase in their particular research program. With an increasing number of proteins being brought into the fold of telomerase research (e.g., DNA damage and repair response proteins, heat-shock proteins, and proteins in various signal transduction cascades) many new scientists are beginning to study this enzyme from novel vantage points.

Aging occurs at the level of individual cells, a complex interplay between intrinsic "programming" and exogenous "wear and tear," with genetically-determined cellular capacity to repair environmentally-induced DNA damage playing a central role in the rate of aging and its specific manifestations. In 12 chapters, "The Role of DNA Damage and Repair in Cell Aging" provides an intellectual framework for aging of mitotic and post-mitotic cells, describes a variety of model systems for further studies, and reviews current concepts of DNA responses and their relationship to the phenomenon of aging.

As part of a series entitled "Advances in Cell Aging and Gerontology," this volume also summarizes seminal recent discoveries such as the molecular basis for Werner syndrome (a mutant DNA helicase), the complementary roles of telomere shortening and telomerase activity in cell senescence versus immortalization, the role of apoptosis in the homeostasis of aging tissue, and the existence of an inducible SOS-like response in mammalian cells that minimizes DNA damage from repeatedly encountered injurious environmental agents. Insights into the relationship between cellular aging and age-associated diseases, particularly malignancies, are also provided in several chapters.

This book is an excellent single source of information for anyone interested in DNA repair, mechanisms of aging, or certainly their intersection. Students will gain a general appreciation of these fields, but even the most senior investigators will benefit from the detailed coverage of rapidly advancing areas.

Collectively, the chapters in this work will provide the reader with novel insight into the inter-relationships of the function of different organelles in the sequences of events that lead to cellular dysfunction and degeneration in the aging human population. The chapters are rich in information for cell and molecular biologists pursuing studies of the different diseases covered. In addition, the clinician will find value in understanding mechanisms underlying age-related disease as such an understanding will lead to novel therapeutic approaches for an array of age-related diseases.

Gene Expression Systems: Using Nature for the Art of Expression offers detailed information on a wide variety of gene expression systems from an array of organisms. It describes several different types of expression systems including transient, stable, viral, and transgenic systems. Each chapter is written by a leader in the field. The book includes timelines and examples for each expression system, and provides an overview of the future of recombinant protein expression.
Key Features
* Provides detailed information on expression systems
* Covers a variety of promoters and host organisms enabling researchers to tailor protocols to their specific needs
* Includes timelines and examples
* Compares pros and cons of each method

Investigating Biological Systems Using Modeling describes how to apply software to analyze and interpret data from biological systems. It is written for students and investigators in lay person's terms, and will be a useful reference book and textbook on mathematical modeling in the design and interpretation of kinetic studies of biological systems. It describes the mathematical techniques of modeling and kinetic theory, and focuses on practical examples of analyzing data. The book also uses examples from the fields of physiology, biochemistry, nutrition, agriculture, pharmacology, and medicine.
Key Features:
* Contains practical descriptions of how to analyze kinetic data
* Provides examples of how to develop and use models
* Describes several software packages including SAAM/CONSAM
* Includes software with working models

Metabolic engineering is a new field with applications in the production of chemicals, fuels, materials, pharmaceuticals, and medicine at the genetic level. The field's novelty is in the synthesis of molecular biology techniques and the tools of mathematical analysis, which allow rational selection of targets for genetic modification through measurements and control of metabolic fluxes. The objective is to identify specific genetics or environmental manipulations that result in improvements in yield and productivities of biotechnological processes.
Key features of the book are pathway integration and the focus on metabolic flux as a fundamental determinant of cell physiology. The book keeps mathematical complexity to a minimum, and provides a glossary of biological terms to facilitate use of the book by a broader spectrum of readers. A web page exists to communicate updates of the codes and homework problems.

Key Features
* Demonstrates metabolic engineering in action with numerous examples of pathway modification
* Includes methods for identifying key enzymes in metabolic networks
* Contains a comprehensive review of metabolic biochemistry
* Discusses metabolic regulation at the gene, enzyme, operon, and cell levels
* Explains concepts of stoichiometry, kinetics, and thermodynamics of metabolic pathways
* Minimizes mathematical complexity
* Links to a Web page to communicate updates of the software code and homework problems

This groundbreaking work, now available in paperback, has helped to shape the emerging discipline of molecular epidemiology. Molecular Epidemiology has proven useful to epidemiologists unfamiliar with the terminology and techniques of molecular biology as well as to the molecular biologist working to understand the determinants of human disease and to use that information to control disease. This book demonstrates how molecular epidemiology utilizes the same paradigm as traditional epidemiology in addition to using biological markers to identify exposure, disease, or susceptibility.

Reproductive technologies to assist in both human conception and animal breeding are increasingly in demand. These technologies, along with the advent of tissue engineering, have propelled the challenges of tissue collection, preservation, and banking to the research forefront. Using examples drawn from reproductive technologies, Reproductive Tissue Banking presents the scientific principles underlying tissue banking. These examples serve as models for the technology of banking other living tissues, including blood, bone marrow, cornea, and skin. In discussing research emerging from their laboratories and those of others, the authors meld fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics with the latest discoveries in the field to give the reader profound insight into research directions and ethical considerations crucial to the advancement of tissue banking.
With its emphasis on human applications and concerns, this book provides a valuable supplement to short courses on tissue preservation and tissue engineering. Researchers in reproductive medicine, animal and veterinary science, and cryobiology will find this book, with its extensive bibliography, a very handy reference.
*
* Written by leading international researchers
* Provides insightful discussions on reproductive tissue banking
* Presents comprehensive citations to relevant literature, both current and historic
* Discusses in vitro preservation of spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos, and gonadal tissues of mammals
* Contains coverage of ethical considerations from a discussion of the splitting of embryos to an exploration of the protection of biodiversity

Currently "Drosophila" is a dominant experimental model in developmental biology and in gene regulation in eukaryotes. This volume summarizes some thirty years of experience in the handling of "in vitro" cultured "Drosophila" cells. Its main emphasis is on gene transfer methodology, cell responses to heat shock, hormonal regulation of genes, and on the expression and mobility of transposable elements.
Key Features
* Some thirty years of experience in handling "in vitro" cultured "Drosophila" cells
* Cell cultures which provide material for a multiplicity of biochemical approaches
* DNA-mediated gene transfer as an irreplaceable tool for analyzing basic mechanisms of regulation
* "Drosophila" cell lines which qualify them for use in biotechnology

This unique sourcebook serves as a comprehensive reference, bridging the well-established chemistry of nitric oxide and the new and exciting role of nitric oxide as an effector and signaling molecule in numerous biological systems. Nitric Oxide: Principles and Actions relates the chemical properties of the molecule to its possible effects on biological systems, under both normal physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Combining the chemistry and analysis of nitric oxide with newer studies of the relevance of the molecule gives this book a long life, making it extremely useful to researchers in a number of areas.
Key Features
* Provides a much needed compilation of what is known about nitric oxide and its properties
* Enables researchers to understand the importance and use of nitric oxide in systems of study
* Covers an area of tremendous growth in research
* Provides the first collection of the roles of nitric oxide in microbial and mammalian systems and as a probe of metalloenzymes
* Presents the historically important role of nitric oxide in food preservation

Enzymes are indispensable tools in recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering. This book not only provides information for enzymologists, but does so in a manner that will also aid nonenymologists in making proper use of these biocatalysts in their research. The Enzymology Primer for Recombinant DNA Technology includes information not usually found in the brief descriptions given in most books on recombinant DNA methodology and gene cloning.
Key Features
* Provides essential basics as well as up-to-date information on enzymes most commonly used in recombinant DNA technology
* Presents information in an easily accessible format to serve as a quick reference source
* Leads to a better understanding of the role of biocatalysts in recombinant DNA techniques

If you investigate biological systems and might use mass spectrometry in your research but need to know more about it, this book is for you. It introduces the fundamental concepts of mass spectrometry and how mass spectrometers work. It also presents recent advancements particularly interesting to bio-researchers in an easy-to-understand manner that does not require extensive background in chemistry, math, or physics.
Key Features
* Glossary of basic terms
* Abundant illustrations
* Examples of applications
* Practical tips on using mass spectrometric techniques
* Useful for peptide, protein, oligonucleotide, and carbohydrate analysis
* Simplified description of mass spectrometry including:
* Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)
* Electrospray Ionization (ESI)
* Fast Atom/Ion Bombardment (FAB)

Immunoassay procedures (isotopic and non-isotopic) have become one of the single most important techniques in present-day diagnostic medicine. This book is designed as an introductory test for the staff of clinical research laboratories who conduct or intend to conduct such techniques, and will be of great value to the clinicians who make use of such services. The volume takes a three-pronged approach in it's in-depth presentation: explanation of the basic principles and applications of radioimmunoassays and non-isotopic immunoassays; practical illustrations of the various steps involved in immunoassays; discussion of the problems and pitfalls in immunoassays and how to avoid them. This fifth revised edition is a worthy successor to it's predecessors in this famous "Laboratory Techniques" series.