Since the publication of Nonistopic DNA Probe Techniques in 1992, the move away from radioactive materials for research and diagnostics has continued. This is due in part to public awareness of the hazards of radioactive waste and laws making radioactive disposal more difficult and costly and to improvement in both the sensitivity and convenience of nonisotopic techniques. Several new nonisotopic techniques have been developed and substantial improvements made to existing nonisotopic methods since 1992, and these are now included in Nonisotopic Probing, Blotting, and Sequencing.
Nonisotopic Probing, Blotting, and Sequencing is an updated, expanded edition of the bestseller, Nonisotopic DNA Probe Techniques. It has been thoroughly revised to include the latest improvements in nonisotopic tagging techniques for macromolecules. Like its predecessor, it enables researchers to select the best nonisotopic method for their needs and maximize success by following its straightforward protocols.
Key Features
* Provides strategies and detailed procedures for labeling, blotting, and probing specific nucleic acid sequences and, with this edition, protein molecules
* Gives protocols for nonisotopic DNA sequencing - new in this edition
* Gives extensive, practical information
* Presents background information for each method
* Provides expert accounts from the inventor or developer of each method
* Contains seven entirely new chapters
* Covers all major types of nonisotopic procedures for labeling and detection

Integrins: Molecular and Biological Responses to the Extracellular Matrix will help basic, applied, and clinical researchers keep up with the explosion of literature on the integrin family of proteins. This volume extends material previously covered in "Receptors for Extracellular Matrix." It addresses some of the most exciting areas of integrin biology, including the varied roles of integrins in cell division, differentiation, movement, wound healing, inflammation, thrombosis, osteoporosis, and cancer.
Key Features
* Describes key aspects of integrin structure, function, and biology
* Covers collagen receptors, epithelial cell integrins, leukocyte integrins, platelet integrins, integrin signaling, and integrin antagonists
* Investigates the expression and role of integrins during development and in the cytoskeleton
* Includes the actions and influences of integrins in inflammation, thrombosis, and osteoporosis

This book serves as a comprehensive overview of the current scientific knowledge on the health effects of dietary and supplemental antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E). Chapters integrate information from basic research and animal studies, epidemiologic studies, and clinical intervention trials.
The popular media has taken great interest in antioxidants, with numerous articles emphasizing their role in preventing disease and the possible slowing of the aging process. These antioxidant vitamins may be important in preventing not only acute deficiency symptoms, but also chronic disorders such as heart disease and certain types of cancer. This book, therefore, is not only for scientists and doctors, but also for health writers, journalists, and informed lay people.
The text focuses on several human conditions for which there is now good scientific evidence that oxidation is an important etiological component. Specifically, antioxidants may prevent or slow down the progression of: Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Immune system disorders, Cataracts, Neurological disorders, Degeneration due to the aging process.

Recent concerns over the possible hazards of electrical and magnetic fields in the home and workplace are comprehensively addressed within this book. The chapters contain detailed research on the biological effects of electric and magnetic fields, and evidence for and against any interaction of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and the biological systems.
The two volumes cover:
* The relative risk of exposure to EMFs
* Putative behavioral and neural effects of EMFs
* EMF effects on cells

Recent concerns over the possible hazards of electrical and magnetic fields in the home and workplace are comprehensively addressed within this book. The chapters contain detailed research on the biological effects of electric and magnetic fields, and evidence for and against any interaction of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and biological systems.
The two volumes cover:
* The relative risk of exposure to EMFs
* Putative behavioral and neural effects of EMFs
* EMF effects on cells

After a decade of dominance by recombinant DNA technology, the field of molecular and cell biology is witnessing a renewed interest in techniques and approaches that are not driven by DNA acrobatics. In hindsight, this is an inevitable outcome. Deoxyribonucleic acid is not the master; it is only a storage house. If one wishes to know how cells work, the secret is not to be found in DNA, but rather in everything outside DNA. Science based on DNA is useful but does not itself solve the problem. It is most fortunate that at the height of the DNA phenomenon, there remain scientists who continue to probe cells by non-DNA means. Suddenly, people with such expertise are in high demand.
In this volume, some truly original scientists take the time to tell us their stories of innovations-some almost iconoclastic. All of these researchers have pioneered approaches that were long neglected; moreover, each is now in the fruitful phase of great harvests. It is a wonderful lesson for graduate students and postdoctorates that, although not being in the pack might be risky, the reward of such work is sweeter. As in physics, biology needs more young people who think like Richard Feynman - the ultimate iconoclast.
On the surface, the eight chapters of this volume appear to be diverse, but they are not. If our purpose is to understand cells, we must stop the habit of constantly dissecting leaves. Once in a while we have to see which forest we are in. The contributions included herein cannot cover the whole cell, but they give a sufficient flavor to arouse a desire to think more globally about cells. At a time when our field is in danger of being buried by thousands of kinases and phosphatases, these chapters inform our intended audiences that there are other ways - other techniques, other approaches, other thinkings, and other stories. We need all of them to appreciate the holistic aspect of cells, which has been a taboo until now.

Written by experts in their respective fields, this book reviews the expanding knowledge concerning the mechanisms regulating male reproduction at the molecular and cellular levels. It covers the development of the testes and regulatory controls for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and it considers aspects of Sertoli cell function. Areas of emphasis include communication between the various cell types involved in reproduction by hormone and growth factors and the mechanisms by which these factors regulate gene expression. A number of mammalian systems, including humans, are covered. The carefully selected authors provide a clear synopsis of the concepts in each area as well as the latest references, enabling the reader to investigate the topic further. This book is of interest to those seeking an understanding of the regulatory mechanisms in male reproduction and is written for the graduate and postgraduate levels.
Key Features
* Provides up-to-date reviews of the molecular and cellular biology of male reproduction
* Includes chapters on the developmental biology of the testes
* Links conventional hormonal control of testicular function with the evolving role of growth factors and proto-oncogenes

The field of fibre optics is an interdisciplinary one, involving aspects of science, engineering and medicine. Some who work in this field are scientists interested in physics of optical fibers, or chemists interested in the optical triggering of certain chemicals. Engineers may be attracted to the challenge of new problems in designing and making laser and fiber systems. Among physicians, some are interested in the more scientific aspects of laser tissue interactions and in animal experiments; others are more interested in the implementation of these techniques on patients.;The increasing use of fibre optics in the field of medicine has created a need for an interdisciplinary perspective of the technology and methods for physicians as well as engineers and biophysicists. This book presents a comprehensive examination of lasers and optical fibers in an hierarchical, three-tier system. Each chapter is divided into three basic sections: the fundamentals section provides an overview of basic concepts and background, the principles section offers an in-depth engineering approach, and the advances section features specific information on systems and biophysical parameters. All those int

Written by well-known experts in their respective fields, this book synthesizes recent work on the biology of bone cells at the molecular level. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Bone covers the differentiation of these cells, the regulation of their growth and metabolism, and their death resorption. The authors' special comprehensive treatment of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone metabolism makes this book a unique and valuable tool. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Bone provides interested readers-with concise state-of-the-art reviews in bone biology that will enlarge their scope and increase their appreciation of the field. Research in this area has intensified recently due to the increasing incidence of osteoporosis. The editor hopes an understanding of the basic biology of this disease will prove relevant to its prevention and treatment.

This is the first comprehensive review of mRNA stability and its implications for regulation of gene expression.
Key Features
* Provides perspectives from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
* Offers a timely, comprehensive review of mRNA degradation, its regulation, and its significance in the control of gene expression
* Discusses the mechanisms, RNA structural determinants, and cellular factors that control mRNA degradation
* Evaluates experimental procedures for studying mRNA degradation
Written by experts in the field, Control of Messenger RNA Stability serves both as a reference for specialists in regulation of mRNA stability and as a general introduction for a broader community of scientists.
Key Features
* Provides perspectives from both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems
* Offers a timely, comprehensive review of mRNA degradation, its regulation, and its significance in the control of gene expression
* Discusses the mechanisms, RNA structural determinants, and cellular factors that control mRNA degradation
* Evaluates experimental procedures for studying mRNA degradation

This book is the first laboratory manual to bring together basic procedures for measurement of stable and radioactive isotopes of nitrogen, with specific applications to plant, soil, and aquatic biology. This bench-top reference gives practical coverage of mass and emission spectrometry, nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and identification, organic nitrogen, and the radioactive isotope 13N. Methods are described so that researchers can adapt them, without the aid of outside references, to virtually any task they may encounter in investigations of nitrogen transformation processes.
Key Features
* Serves as a practical guide for nitrogen isotope techniques
* Features studies of nitrogen transformations in terrestrial and aquatic systems
* Includes basic measurement techniques plus specific applications for stable and radioactive nitrogen isotopes
* Presents detailed protocols, overviews, and key references
* Includes fifty figures and sixteen tables
* Hands-on reference for both students and researchers

This book explains the use of an ecological way of farming, with modern practical applications, to make the fullest use of land resources and the best utilization of available capital and labour. In analyzing the vital relationship between soil, plant, animal and man, the author discusses the best care of land itself, its components, grassland management and the most efficient use of crops to maximize yield, food quality and profitability without the extensive use of chemicals and without damaging the ecology. Widdowson also covers the holistic approach to animal farming, the welfare and health of poultry, cattle, sheep and goats, their nutritional needs through the various stages of their lives, and the best way to balance their diets.

This practical reference examines the structure and properties of the atmosphere, including listings of compounds in clouds, fog, rain, snow, and ice; a listing of compounds detected in the stratosphere; and a compendium of compounds in indoor air. An introduction to carcinogenicity and bioassay of atmospheric compounds is also presented. Readers will find the extensive cross-referencing especially useful--compounds can be located by chemical type, name, CAS registry number, or source.

Phosphorous-31 NMR: Principles and Applications focuses on the evolution of phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a widely applied spectroscopic probe of the structure and dynamics of phosphorus-containing compounds. The selection first offers information on the principles and empirical observations of phosphorus-31 chemical shifts and the principles and applications of phosphorus-31 spin-spin coupling constants. Discussions focus on introduction and basic principles, directly bonded phosphorus coupling constants, and two-bond and three-bond coupling constants. The text then ponders on phosphorus-31 NMR of enzyme complexes and paramagnetic probes of enzyme complexes with phosphorus-containing compounds. The manuscript elaborates on the use of chiral thiophosphates and the stereochemistry of enzymatic phosphoryl transfer and DNA and RNA conformations. Topics include helix-coil transitions, sequence dependence of double-stranded DNA conformations, dynamic behavior of RNA and DNA, biological and genetic significance, and stereochemical problems studied with chiral thiophosphates. The conformation and dynamics of nucleic acids and phosphoproteins, relaxation behavior of nucleic acids, and theory and applications of solid-state phosphorus-31 NMR to nucleic acids are also discussed. The selection is a valuable reference for readers interested in the principles and applications of phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance.

Animal Migration, Orientation, and Navigation presents the various aspects of animal migration, including the evolution of migration, climatic and meteorological influences, and bioenergetics. This book discusses the physiological control, sensory systems, orientation and navigation, and biological clocks and phenology aspects of animal migration. Organized into five chapters, this book begins with an overview of the migration strategies of animals in the context of a space continuum. This text then explains the influence of short- and long-term climatic cycles on the spectrum of migratory patterns in nature. Other chapters consider the energetic requirements of different migration strategies and the energy stores of the migrants. This book discusses as well the physiological basis of animal migration, with emphasis on endocrinal findings on the timing and energetic aspects of different migration strategies. The final chapter deals with the mechanisms used in direction finding by migrating animals. This book is a valuable resource for biologists and ecologists.