"Taken together, the body of information contained in this book provides readers with a bird's-eye view of different aspects of exciting work at the convergence of disciplines that will ultimately lead to a future where we understand how immunity is regulated, and how we can harness this knowledge toward practical ends that reduce human suffering. I commend the editors for putting this volume together." -Arup K. Chakraborty, Robert T. Haslam Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Professor of Physics, Chemistry, and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA New experimental techniques in immunology have produced large and complex data sets that require quantitative modeling for analysis. This book provides a complete overview of computational immunology, from basic concepts to mathematical modeling at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. It showcases modern mechanistic models and their use in making predictions, designing experiments, and elucidating underlying biochemical processes. It begins with an introduction to data analysis, approximations, and assumptions used in model building. Core chapters address models and methods for studying immune responses, with fundamental concepts clearly defined. Readers from immunology, quantitative biology, and applied physics will benefit from the following: Fundamental principles of computational immunology and modern quantitative methods for studying immune response at the single molecule, cellular, organism, and population levels. An overview of basic concepts in modeling and data analysis. Coverage of topics where mechanistic modeling has contributed substantially to current understanding. Discussion of genetic diversity of the immune system, cell signaling in the immune system, immune response at the cell population scale, and ecology of host-pathogen interactions.

This title includes a number of Open Access chapters. This book covers a wide scope of biological approaches to such biological phenomena as cell division, motility, collective cell behavior, multicellular structures, morphogenesis, and tumor development. Over the past two decades, biologists have generated large sets of experimental data and discovered a lot of facts that need explanation. This biological boom attracts physicists who believe they can help to develop a theoretical framework in biology and explain complete biological phenomena using basic principles. This is the first book to present recent advances in biophysical studies of the different aspects of cell life. This book presents recent advances in biophysical studies of living cells and gives the impression that a combination of quantitative live cell observations, detailed biochemical and biophysical data, and mathematical modeling are capable to answer many important biological questions and to achieve a more complete understanding of such complex phenomena.

The current interest in developing novel materials has motivated an increasing need for biological and medical studies in a variety of dinical applications. Indeed, it is dear that to achieve the requisite mechanical, chemical and biomedical properties, especially for new bioactive materials, it is necessary to develop novel synthesis routes. The tremendous success of materials science in developing new biomaterials and fostering technological innovation arises from its focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration between materials and medical sciences. Materials scientists seek to relate one natural phenomenon to the basic structures of the materials and to recognize the causes and effects of the phenomena. In this way, they have developed explanations for the changing of the properties, the reactions of the materials to the environment, the interface behaviors between the artificial materials and human tissue, the time effects on the materials, and many other natural occurrences. By the same means, medical scientists have also studied the biological and medical effects of these materials, and generated the knowledge needed to produce useful medical devices. The concept of biomaterials is one of the most important ideas ever generated by the application of materials science to the medical field. In traditional materials research, interest focuses primarilyon the synthesis , structure, and mechanical properties of materials commonly used for structural purposes in industry, for instance in mechanical parts of machinery.

Computational biology has developed rapidly during the last two decades following the genomic revolution which culminated in the sequencing of the human genome. More than ever it has developed into a field which embraces computational methods from different branches of the exact sciences: pure and applied mathematics, computer science, theoretical physics. This Second Edition provides a solid introduction to the techniques of statistical mechanics for graduate students and researchers in computational biology and biophysics. Material has been reorganized to clarify equilbrium and nonequilibrium aspects of biomolecular systems Content has been expanded, in particular in the treatment of the electrostatic interactions of biomolecules and the application of non-equilibrium statistical mechanics to biomolecules New network-based approaches for the study of proteins are presented. All treated topics are put firmly in the context of the current research literature, allowing the reader to easily follow an individual path into a specific research field. Exercises and Tasks accompany the presentations of the topics with the intention of enabling the readers to test their comprehension of the developed basic concepts.

Due to recent advancements in the development of numerical algorithms and computational hardware, computer simulations of biological membranes, often requiring use of substantial computational resources, are now reaching a mature stage. Since molecular processes in membranes occur on a multitude of spatial and time scales, molecular simulations of membranes can also serve as a testing ground for use of multi-scale simulation techniques. This book addresses some of the important issues related to understanding properties and behavior of model biological membranes and it Shows how simulations improve our understanding of biological membranes and makes connections with experimental results. Presents a careful discussion of the force fields used in the membrane simulations including detailed all-atom fields and coarse-grained fields. Presents a continuum description of membranes. Discusses a variety of issues such as influence of membrane surfaces on properties of water, interaction between membranes across water, nanoparticle permeation across the membrane, action of anesthetics and creation of inhomogeneous regions in membranes. Discusses important methodological issues when using simulations to examine phenomena such as pore creation and permeation across membranes. Discusses progress recently achieved in modeling bacterial membranes. It will be a valuable resource for graduate students, researchers and instructors in biochemistry, biophysics, pharmacology, physiology, and computational biology.

This book encompasses the full breadth of the super-resolution imaging field, representing modern techniques that exceed the traditional diffraction limit, thereby opening up new applications in biomedicine. It shows readers how to use the new tools to increase resolution in sub-nanometer-scale images of living cells and tissue, which leads to new information about molecules, pathways and dynamics. The book highlights the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques, and gives state-of-the-art examples of applications using microscopes currently available on the market. It covers key techniques such as stimulated emission depletion (STED), structured illumination microscopy (SSIM), photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), and stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). It will be a useful reference for biomedical researchers who want to work with super-resolution imaging, learn the proper technique for their application, and simultaneously obtain a solid footing in other techniques.

Considering the increased need to test and develop ventilation both for normobaric and hyperbaric use in underwater technology industries (diving equipment, submarines and other underwater facilities), mining, and other relevant industries, this book presents a complete study in the field of normobaric and hyperbaric ventilation. It focuses on development and verification of the research-based mathematical modeling approach for deterministic modeling of ventilation processes, both for objects with semi-closed and closed circulation of breathing gas. It also proposes validated analytical models of ventilation processes, and a new type of carbon dioxide emission simulator that was also developed. Features Describes ventilation processes by replacing semi-empirical models with more accurate analytical models. Includes concepts based on deterministic models (cause-and-effect models). Focuses on analytical mathematical model of the ventilation process. Covers both the objects with semi-closed and closed circulation of breathing gas, for hyperbaric and normobaric conditions. Summarizes relevant research results and their validation in real conditions and implemented into operational practice. This book is aimed at researchers, professionals, and graduate students in hyperbaric facility processing, building ventilation processing, life support system design, shipbuilding, marine engineering, and diving submarine safety.

While the effects of pressure change are readily quantified in physics, chemistry, and engineering applications, the physiology, medicine, and biology of pressure changes in living systems are much more complicated. This complex science translated to technical diving is discussed in a five-part series, with each topic self-contained and strategically developed in relationship to diving, spanning many disciplines and focusing on a number of technical areas. A suite of application exercises is provided at strategic points in the text. Additional material focusing on diving data, statistical correlations, underwater tests, and risk is included.

The Geometric Induction of Bone Formation describes new biomimetic biomaterials that offer mechanistic osteogenic surfaces for the autonomous and spontaneous induction of bone formation without the addition of osteogenic soluble molecular signals of the transforming growth factor- supergene family. The chapters frame our understanding of regenerative medicine in primate species, including humans. The goal is to unravel the fundamental biological mechanisms of bone formation unique to non-human and human primates. The broad target audience dovetails with several disciplines both in the academic and private biotech sectors primarily involved in molecular biology, tissue biology, tissue engineering, biomaterial science, and reconstructive, orthopedic, plastic, and dental surgery. Key Features Includes outstanding images of undecalcified whole mounted sections Summarizes non-human primate research - ideal for clinical translation Reviews methods for creating devices capable of making bone autonomously, i.e. an intrinsically osteo-inductive bioreactor and/or biomaterial Describes the spontaneous induction of bone formation including a whole spectrum of tissue biology, from basic molecular biology to clear-cut morphology and pre-clinical application in non-human primate species Intended for audiences in both academic research and the biotech industry

This book is rather unique in its approach and coverage. The approach is essentially that of an engineering textbook, emphasizing the quantitative aspects and highlighting the fundamentals and basic concepts involved. The coverage progresses in a logical and systematic manner from the subcellular, starting with the electrophysiology of the cell membrane, then proceeding to synapses, neurons, and muscle, before considering neuronal motor ensembles and the neuromuscular system as a whole. Simple, clear, and comprehensive explanations are given throughout. After an introductory chapter on some background material in biology, biophysics, and chemical kinetics, a substantial part of the book (Chapters 2-8) necessarily covers in considerable detail the basic components and processes that underlie the electrical and associated activities of the nervous system. The remaining chapters of the book (Chapters 9-13) focus on the neuromuscular system, starting with the structure of muscle cells, the generation of force by muscular contraction, and muscle receptors. The last chapter examines aspects of the control of movement, motor learning and memory, the maintenance of posture, and locomotion, and critically examines some of the theories that have been advanced to explain how movement is controlled. The book is intended for undergraduate or graduate students in the natural sciences, mathematics, or engineering who seek a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of neuroscience and the somatomotor system, in accordance with the aforementioned objectives. The book can serve as a textbook for a one-semester course on the neuromuscular system or as a reference in a more general course on neuroscience. Provides a thorough analytical treatment of membrane electrophysiology, starting from the first principles Emphasizes strongly the basic and fundamental concepts throughout Discusses thoroughly the essential features and properties of the basic constituents of the nervous system, that is, neurons and synapses, including the neuromuscular junction Explains the main aspects of posture, locomotion, and control of movement Includes practice problems throughout the text and a solutions manual will be available for adopting professors Nassir Sabah is professor of biomedical engineering in the electrical and computer engineering department at the American University of Beirut, Lebanon. He received his B.Sc. (Hons. Class I) and his M.Sc. in electrical engineering from the University of Birmingham, U.K., and his Ph.D. in biophysical sciences from the State University of New York (SUNY/Buffalo). He has served as Chairman of the Electrical Engineering Department, Director of the Institute of Computer Studies, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at the American University of Beirut. In these capacities, he was responsible for the development of programs, curricula, and courses in electrical, biomedical, communications, and computer engineering. Professor Sabah has extensive professional experience in the fields of electrical engineering, electronics, and computer systems, with more than 35 years' teaching experience in neuroengineering, biomedical engineering, electronics, and electric circuits. He has over 100 technical publications, mainly in neurophysiology, biophysics, and biomedical instrumentation. He has served on numerous committees and panels in Lebanon and the region. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, U.K.), a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and a member of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE).

This book is dedicated to label-free, non-invasive monitoring of cell-based assays and it comprises the most widely applied techniques. Each approach is described and critically evaluated by an expert in the field such that researchers get an overview on what is possible and where the limitations are. The book provides the theoretical basis for each technique as well as the most successful and exciting applications. Label-free bioanalytical techniques have been known for a long time as valuable tools to monitor adsorption processes at the solid-liquid interface in general - and biomolecular interaction analysis (BIA) in particular. The underlying concepts have been progressively transferred to the analysis of cell-based assays. The strength of these approaches is implicitly given with the name 'label-free': the readout is independent of any label, reagent or additive that contaminates the system under study and potentially affects its properties. Thus, label-free techniques provide an unbiased analytical perspective in the sense that the sample is not manipulated by additives but pure. They are commonly based on physical principles and read changes in integral physical properties of the sample like refractive index, conductivity, capacitance or elastic modulus to mention just a few. Even though it is not implied in the name, label-free approaches usually monitor the cells under study non-invasively meaning that the amplitude of the signal (e.g. electric field strength, mechanical elongation) that is used for the measurement is too low to interfere or affect. In contrast to label-based analytical techniques that are commonly restricted to a single reading at a predefined time point, label-free approaches allow for a continuous observation so that the dynamics of the biological system or reaction become accessible.

This book focuses on the study of how the properties of nanodiscs, such as lipid composition and size, influence the function of the embedding integral membrane protein, bacteriorhodopsin. The author performed systematic studies to show that the lipid composition and the charge of the hydrophobic head and the structure of hydrophilic tails affect the photocycle pathway of bacteriorhodopsin, which is closely associated with its proton-pumping activity. Furthermore, the author demonstrated a highly efficient method for extracting membrane proteins directly from the biological membrane, preserving protein conformation, function and essential native lipids. This book demonstrates optimization and sample preparation, and presents practical methods of preparing membrane protein-embedded nanodisc samples for biophysical studies, which benefit structural and functional studies in the field of membrane protein characterization, both.

The role of metal ions in protein folding and structure is a critical topic to a range of scientists in numerous fields, particularly those working in structural biology and bioinorganic chemistry, those studying protein folding and disease, and those involved in the molecular and cellular aspects of metals in biological systems. Protein Folding and Metal Ions: Mechanisms, Biology and Disease presents the contributions of a cadre of international experts who offer a comprehensive exploration of this timely subject at the forefront of current research. Divided into four sections, this volume: Provides case study examples of protein folding and stability studies in particular systems or proteins that comprise different metal ions of co-factors Reviews the proteins that shuttle metal ions in the cell to a particular target metalloprotein Illustrates how metal binding can be connected to pathological protein conformations in unrelated diseases, from cancer to protein deposition disorders such as Parkinson's disease Addresses protein redesign of metal-containing proteins by computational methods, folding simulation studies, and work on model peptides - dissecting the relative energetic contribution of metals sites to protein folding and stability Together, the 13 chapters in this text cogently describe the state of the science today, illuminate current challenges, propose future possibilities, and encourage further study in this area that offers much promise especially with regard to novel approaches to the treatment of some of the most challenging and tragic diseases.

This book gathers selected, extended and revised contributions to the 17th International Symposium on Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering and the 5th Conference on Imaging and Visualization (CMBBE 2021), held online on September 7-9, 2021, from Bonn, Germany. It reports on cutting-edge models, algorithms and imaging techniques for studying cells, tissues and organs in normal and pathological conditions. It covers numerical and machine learning methods, finite element modeling and virtual reality techniques, applied to understand biomechanics of movement, fluid and soft tissue biomechanics. It also reports on related advances in rehabilitation, surgery and diagnosis. All in all, this book offers a timely snapshot of the latest research and current challenges at the interface between biomedical engineering, computational biomechanics and biological imaging. Thus, it is expected to provide a source of inspiration for future research and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

Experimental microdosimetry deals with the measurement of charged particle energy deposition in tissue equivalent volumes, ranging in size from nanometres to micrometres. Microdosimetry is employed to improve our understanding of the relationship between radiation energy deposition, the resulting biological effects, and the appropriate quantities to be used in characterizing and quantifying radiation quality. Although many reviews and contributions to the field have been published over the past fifty years, this new book is the first to provide a single, up to date, and easily accessible account of experimental microdosimetry. This book is designed to be used in medical, radiation, and health physics courses and by Master’s and PhD students. In addition to serving as an introductory text to the field for graduate students, this book will also be of interest as a teaching and reference resource for graduate supervisors and established researchers. Drs. Lennart Lindborg and Anthony Waker have spent a life-time career in experimental microdosimetry research in academic, industrial and regulatory environments and have observed the development of the field from its early days as a recognized discipline; they bring to this book particular knowledge and experience in the design, construction, operation and use of tissue equivalent gas ionization counters and chambers.

Stem Cell Labeling for Delivery and Tracking Using Noninvasive Imaging provides a comprehensive overview of cell therapy imaging, ranging from the basic biology of cell therapeutic choices to the preclinical and clinical applications of cell therapy. It emphasizes the use of medical imaging for therapeutic delivery/targeting, cell tracking, and determining therapeutic efficacy. The book first presents background information and insight on the major classes of stem and progenitor cells. It then describes the main imaging modalities and state-of-the-art techniques that are currently employed for stem cell tracking. In the final chapters, leading scholars offer clinical perspectives on existing and potential uses of stem cells as well as the impact of image-guided delivery and tracking in major organ systems. Through clear descriptions and color images, this volume illustrates how noninvasive imaging is used to track stem cells as they repair damaged tissue in the body. With contributions from some of the most prominent preclinical and clinical researchers in the field, the book helps readers to understand the evolving concepts of stem cell labeling and tracking as the field continues to move forward.

Which fungus is as sensitive to light as the human eye? What are the myths and facts about the ozone hole, tanning, skin cancer, and sunscreens? What is the effect of light on butterfly copulation? This entertaining collection of essays explores how various organisms -- including archaebacteria, slime molds, fungi, plants, insects, and humans -- sense and respond to sunlight.

The essays in Peter A. Ensminger's book cover vision, photosynthesis, and phototropism, as well as such unusual topics as the reason why light causes beer to develop a "skunky" odor. He introducec us to the kinds of eyes that have evolved in different animals, including those in a species of shrimp that is ostensibly eyeless; gives us a better appreciation of color vision; explains how plowing fields at night may be used to control weeds; and tells about variegate porphyria, a metabolic disease that makes people very sensitive to sunlight and may have afflicted King George III of England.

These engaging essays present a complicated yet fascinating subject in an accessible way. The book will be treasured by anyone interested in the wonders of biology.

Advanced Chromatic Monitoring provides a major source of information about the novel approach of chromaticity with examples of how chromaticity may be deployed for various monitoring applications. It shows with examples what can be achieved with chromatic methods in producing relevant information with a variety of test techniques and in facilitating the interpretation of complex data about complicated situations. It will be of interest to postgraduates and researchers in a wide breadth of physical disciplines (engineering, medicine, environmental sciences) and those involved with data acquisition and analysis. Key Features: Applicable to a wide range of disciplines (engineering, medical, environmental, etc) and those interested in science, technology, data acquisition and analysis Provides an extrapolation of new knowledge well beyond that covered in existing literature with regard to dealing with complicated forms and sets of data Addresses inspiring and innovative areas of research including environmental, power delivery and medical monitoring About the Editors: Emeritus Professor Gordon R. Jones - founder and former Director of the Centre for Intelligent Monitoring Systems (CIMS), former Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, and former Director of Electric Arcs Research Group at the University of Liverpool. He was awarded the IEEE Education, Science and Technology Achievement Medal (1999). Professor Joe W. Spencer - the present Director of CIMS at the University of Liverpool, having been Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics at Liverpool. He is involved in operating a multi-million pound technology transfer unit (Sensor City, Liverpool) with whose establishment he played a major role and with which CIMS has major interactions.

The Role of Surface Modification on Bacterial Adhesion of Bio-implant Materials: Machining, Characterization, and Applications, explores the relationship between the surface roughness of artificial implants used for hard tissue replacement and their bacterial adhesion. It summarizes the reason for the failure of implants, the mechanisms of bacterial formation on implant surfaces, and the fundamental and established methods of implant surface modification techniques. It provides readers with an organized and rational representation about implant manufacturing and mechanical surface modification. It also explores the use of developed unidirectional abrasive flow finishing processes to finish biomaterials at the nano-level. It is an invaluable guide for academics, graduate students, biomaterial scientists, and manufacturing engineers researching implants, related infections, and implant manufacturing. Key Features: Explores implant related infections Discusses surface modification techniques Contains information on the mechanical finishing processes and complete guide on developed cutting edge unidirectional abrasive flow finishing technology

Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) can supply rich information on the mass, shape, size distribution, solvation, and composition of macromolecules and nanoscopic particles. It also provides a detailed view of their reversible single- or multi-component interactions over a wide range of affinities. Yet this powerful technique has been hard to master in mainstream molecular sciences due to a lack of comprehensive books on the subject. Filling this gap in the literature of biophysical methodology, Basic Principles of Analytical Ultracentrifugation explains the fundamentals in the theory and practice of AUC. The book provides you with up-to-date experimental information to confidently practice AUC. You will understand the basic concepts, full potential, and possible pitfalls of AUC as well as appreciate the current relevance of past work in the field. The book first introduces the basic principles and technical setup of an AUC experiment and briefly describes the optical systems used for detection. It then explores the ultracentrifugation experiment from a macromolecular standpoint, offering a detailed physical picture of the sedimentation process and relevant macromolecular parameters. The authors present important practical aspects for conducting an experiment, including sample preparation, data acquisition and data structure, and the execution of the centrifugal experiment. They also cover instrument calibration and quality control experiments.