Praise for the First Edition "essential reading for any physical scientist who is interested in performing biological research." Contemporary Physics "an ambitious text.... Each chapter contains protocols and the conceptual reasoning behind them, which is often useful to physicists performing biological experiments for the first time." -Physics Today This fully updated and expanded text is the best starting point for any student or researcher in the physical sciences to gain firm grounding in the techniques employed in molecular biophysics and quantitative biology. It includes brand new chapters on gene expression techniques, advanced techniques in biological light microscopy (super-resolution, two-photon, and fluorescence lifetime imaging), holography, and gold nanoparticles used in medicine. The author shares invaluable practical tips and insider's knowledge to simplify potentially confusing techniques. The reader is guided through easy-to-follow examples carried out from start to finish with practical tips and insider's knowledge. The emphasis is on building comfort with getting hands "wet" with basic methods and finally understanding when and how to apply or adapt them to address different questions. Jay L. Nadeau is a scientific researcher and head of the Biomedical Engineering in Advanced Applications of Quantum, Oscillatory, and Nanotechnological Systems (BEAAQONS) lab at Caltech and was previously associate professor of biomedical engineering and physics at McGill University.

Arguably the first book of its kind, Computational Bioengineering explores the power of multidisciplinary computer modeling in bioengineering. Written by experts, the book examines the interplay of multiple governing principles underlying common biomedical devices and problems, bolstered by case studies. It shows you how to take advantage of the latest computational capabilities to deal with biomedical problems using an integrative approach. This approach fosters an integrative problem-solving mentality for the generation of new and novel solutions to future biomedical problems. Each chapter begins with a brief review of the advances in computational efforts in the selected topic area and ends with case studies with detailed technical information. The approach provides a relevant overview of the selected topic area and demonstrates, with case studies, the power of computational modeling in offering predictive capabilities to assess new surgical concepts and medical devices and post-operative surgical outcomes. The book illustrates the expanded capabilities of computational bioengineering through discussions of bioengineering problems and discusses an image-based bioengineering modeling technique. Although computer modeling has been used to tackle bioengineering problems for decades, a systematic study of computational bioengineering not only addresses many critical challenges facing bioengineering but also sets a new direction for advancing the field. In a long run, this book is expected to foster an integrative problem-solving mentality that will help you generate new and novel solutions to future biomedical problems.

Biophysics is the science of physical principles underlying all processes of life, including the dynamics and kinetics of biological systems.

This fully revised 2nd English edition is an introductory text that spans all steps of biological organization, from the molecular, to the organism level, as well as influences of environmental factors. In response to the enormous progress recently made, especially in theoretical and molecular biophysics, the author has updated the text, integrating new results and developments concerning protein folding and dynamics, molecular aspects of membrane assembly and transport, noise-enhanced processes, and photo-biophysics. The advances made in theoretical biology in the last decade call for a fully new conception of the corresponding sections. Thus, the book provides the background needed for fundamental training in biophysics and, in addition, offers a great deal of advanced biophysical knowledge.

A reflection of the intense study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on living tissues that has taken place during the last decades, Advanced Electroporation Techniques in Biology and Medicine summarizes most recent experimental findings and theories related to permeabilization of biomembranes by pulsed electric fields. Edited by experts and including contributions from pioneers in the field, the book focuses on biophysical mechanisms of electroporation and applications of this phenomenon in biomedical research and medicine. The field of electroporation is now mature enough to move from journal pages to book covers. The book leads readers from the basics and history of electroporation, through mechanisms of membrane permeabilization in lipid bilayers and living cells, to electrically-mediated gene delivery and cancer therapy in animals and humans. This book is an interdisciplinary compilation intended broadly for biomedical and physical scientists, engineers, and clinicians. It can also be used as a textbook for students in advanced courses in biomedical engineering, molecular and cell biology, as well as in biophysics and clinical medicine.

With usage of mass spectrometry continually expanding, an increasing number of scientists, technicians, students, and physicians are coming into contact with this valuable technique. Mass spectrometry has many uses, both qualitative and quantitative, from analyzing simple gases to environmental contaminants, pharmaceuticals, and complex biopolymers. The extraordinary versatility can make mass spectrometers daunting to novices. Consequently, new users would benefit greatly from an understanding of the basic concepts as well as the processes that occur in these instruments. Mass Spectrometry for the Novice provides exactly that, with detailed, straightforward descriptions and clear illustrations of principles of operations and techniques. The book begins with an overview that includes essential definitions and then provides information on the components of and the strategies used in the most common instruments. The authors discuss the methodologies available, classes of compounds analyzed, and the types of data that can be generated. A group of representative applications from published articles is summarized, demonstrating the diversity of mass spectrometry. The authors also condense the essentials of the topic into one invaluable chapter that provides a set of concise take-home messages on all aspects of mass spectrometry. The final section provides a collection of resources including books, reviews, and useful websites. Using simple language, new color figures, clever cartoons, and assuming no prior knowledge, this book provides a readily understandable entree to mass spectrometry. Downloadable resources with selected figures and cartoons is included.

The boundaries between simple and complicated, and complicated and complex system designations are fuzzy and debatable, even using quantitative measures of complexity. However, if you are a biomedical engineer, a biologist, physiologist, economist, politician, stock market speculator, or politician, you have encountered complex systems. Furthermore, your success depends on your ability to successfully interact with and manage a variety of complex systems. In order not to be blindsided by unexpected results, we need a systematic, comprehensive way of analyzing, modeling, and simulating complex systems to predict non-anticipated outcomes. In its engaging first chapters, the book introduces complex systems, Campbell's Law, and the Law of Unintended Consequences, and mathematics necessary for conversations in complex systems. Subsequent chapters illustrate concepts via commonly studied biological mechanisms. The final chapters focus on higher-level complexity problems, and introduce complexity in economic systems. Designed as a reference for biologists and biological engineers, Introduction to Complexity and Complex Systems lends itself to use in a classroom course to introduce advanced students studying biomedical engineering, biophysics, or physiology to complex systems. Engaging and illustrative, this book aids scientists and decision makers in managing biological complexity and complex systems.

This books provides an excellent survey of and introduction to new methods of biological imaging and sensing. The main topics discussed are cell imaging, multiphoton microscopy for biomedical studies, molecular imaging, infrared imaging, biomedical magnetic imaging and microscopy with laser-trapped particles. The book also deals with nanosurgery with light, the effects of ultrasound on tissue, diagnostics, near- and far-infrared transmission of biomedical information, and cell sensors. This book will be a valuable resource for both medical doctors and biophysicists.

Biomateriomics is the holistic study of biological material systems. While such systems are undoubtedly complex, we frequently encounter similar components -- universal building blocks and hierarchical structure motifs -- which result in a diverse set of functionalities. Similar to the way music or language arises from a limited set of music notes and words, we exploit the relationships between form and function in a meaningful way by recognizing the similarities between Beethoven and bone, or Shakespeare and silk. Through the investigation of material properties, examining fundamental links between processes, structures, and properties at multiple scales and their interactions, materiomics explains system functionality from the level of building blocks. Biomateriomics specifically focuses the analysis of the role of materials in the context of biological processes, the transfer of biological material principles towards biomimetic and bioinspired applications, and the study of interfaces between living and non-living systems. The challenges of biological materials are vast, but the convergence of biology, mathematics and engineering as well as computational and experimental techniques have resulted in the toolset necessary to describe complex material systems, from nano to macro. Applying biomateriomics can unlock Nature's secret to high performance materials such as spider silk, bone, and nacre, and elucidate the progression and diagnosis or the treatment of diseases. Similarly, it contributes to develop a de novo understanding of biological material processes and to the potential of exploiting novel concepts in innovation, material synthesis and design.

Over the past several decades there has been increasing research interest in thermodynamics as applied to biological systems. This concerns topics such as muscle work and internal energy such as fat and starch. Applications of the first and second laws of thermodynamics to the human body are important to dieticians and health science experts, and applications of these concepts to the animal body are a major concern of animal scientists. This book covers these key topics, which are typically not covered in classic or traditional thermodynamics texts used in mechanical and chemical engineering.

The New Benchmark for Understanding the Latest Developments of Ion Channels Ion channels control the electrical properties of neurons and cardiac cells, mediate the detection and response to sensory stimuli, and regulate the response to physical stimuli. They can often interact with the cellular environment due to their location at the surface of cells. In nonexcitable tissues, they also help regulate basic salt balance critical for homeostasis. All of these features make ion channels important targets for pharmaceuticals. Handbook of Ion Channels illustrates the fundamental importance of these membrane proteins to human health and disease. Renowned researchers from around the world introduce the technical aspects of ion channel research, provide a modern guide to the properties of major ion channels, and present powerful methods for modeling ion channel diseases and performing clinical trials for ion channel drugs. Conveniently divided into five parts, the handbook first describes the basic concepts of permeation and gating mechanisms, balancing classic theories and the latest developments. The second part covers the principles and practical issues of both traditional and new ion channel techniques and their applications to channel research. The third part organizes the material to follow the superfamilies of ion channels. This part focuses on the classification, properties, gating mechanisms, function, and pharmacology of established and novel channel types. The fourth part addresses ion channel regulation as well as trafficking and distribution. The final part examines several ion channel-related diseases, discussing genetics, mechanisms, and pharmaceutical advances.

The reference provides interdisciplinary discussion for diverse II-VI semiconductors with a wide range of topics. The third volume of a three volume set, the book provides an up-to-date account of the present status of multifunctional II-VI semiconductors, from fundamental science and processing to their applications as various sensors, biosensors, and radiation detectors, and based on them to formulate new goals for the further research. The chapters in this volume provide a comprehensive overview of the manufacture, parameters and principles of operation of these devices. The application of these devices in various fields such medicine, agriculture, food quality control, environment monitoring and others is also considered. The analysis carried out shows the great potential of II-VI semiconductor-based sensors and detectors for these applications. Considers solid-state radiation detectors based on semiconductors of II-VI group and their applications; Analyzes the advantages of II-VI compounds to develop chemical and optical gas and ion sensors;  Describes all types of biosensors based on II-VI semiconductors and gives examples of their use in various fields.

MINIATURE LASER SOURCE TECHNOLOGY: Properties of High Power Semiconductor Lasers (D.F. Welch). DiodePumped Miniature Solid State Lasers (R. Pratesi). LIGHTTISUE INTERACTIONS AND OPTICS OF TISSUES: Biophysical Bases of LaserTissue Interactions (J.L. Boulnois). Optical and Thermal Modeling of Tissues: Dosimetry (M.J.C. van Gemert et al.). DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES: Holography in Medical Diagnostics (G. von Bally). Laser Reflectance Spectroscopy of tissue (B. Wilson et al.). Monitoring and Imaging of Tissue Blood Flow by Coherent Light Scattering (G.E. Nilsson et al.). Transillumination Imaging (P.C. Jackson et al.). THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES: Lamps: Ultraviolet Radiation Lamps for the Phototherapy of Psoriasis (B.L. Diffey). Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy of Psoriasis (T.B. Fitzpatrick). Light Therapy for Neonatal Jaundice (J.F. Ennever). The Hazards of Cosmetic Tanning with UVA Radiation (A.R. Young). Lasers: The Role of Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG) Laser in Medicine (H. Barr et al.). Diode Laser Photocoagulation in Opthamology (R. Brancato et al.). FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Initial Applications and Potential of Miniature Lasers in Medicine (R. Pratesi). Future Trends in Laser Medicine (J.A. Parrish). 8 additional articles. Index of Contributors. Subject Index.

Biophysics represents perhaps one of the best examples of interdisciplinary research areas, where concepts and methods from disciplines such as physics, biology, b- chemistry, colloid chemistry, and physiology are integrated. It is by no means a new ?eld of study and has actually been around, initially as quantitative physiology and partly as colloid science, for over a hundred years. For a long time, biophysics has been taught and practiced as a research discipline mostly in medical schools and life sciences departments, and excellent biophysics textbooks have been published that are targeted at a biologically literate audience. With a few exceptions, it is only relatively recently that biophysics has started to be recognized as a physical science and integrated into physics departments' curr- ula, sometimes under the new name of biological physics. In this period of cryst- lization and possible rede?nition of biophysics, there still exists some uncertainty as to what biophysics might actually represent. A particular tendency among phy- cists is to associate biophysics research with the development of powerful new te- niques that should eventually be used not by physicists to study physical processes in living matter, but by biologists in their biological investigations. There is value in that judgment, and excellent books have been published that introduce the int- ested reader to the use of physical principles for the development of new methods of investigation in life sciences.

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.

This book gives an introduction to molecular biophysics. It starts from material properties at equilibrium related to polymers, dielectrics and membranes. Electronic spectra are developed for the understanding of elementary dynamic processes in photosynthesis including proton transfer and dynamics of molecular motors. Since the molecular structures of functional groups of bio-systems were resolved, it has become feasible to develop a theory based on the quantum theory and statistical physics with emphasis on the specifics of the high complexity of bio-systems. This introduction to molecular aspects of the field focuses on solvable models. Elementary biological processes provide as special challenge the presence of partial disorder in the structure which does not destroy the basic reproducibility of the processes. Apparently the elementary molecular processes are organized in a way to optimize the efficiency. Learning from nature by means exploring the relation between structure and function may even help to build better artificial solar cells. The reader is exposed to basic concepts in modern biophysics, such as entropic forces, phase separation, potential of mean force, electron and proton transfer, heterogeneous reactions, coherent and incoherent energy transfer as well as molecular motors. Basic knowledge in classical and Quantum mechanics, electrostatics and statistical physics is desirable. Simplified models are presented which can be solved in limited cases analytically from the guiding lines to generate the basis for a fundamental understanding of the more complex biophysical systems. Chapters close with challenging problems whose solutions are provided at the end of the book to complete the pedagogical treatment in the book. To the second edition several new chapters were added. The medium polarization is treated self-consistently using basic elements of polaron theory and more advanced nonlinear Schroedinger equations to describe the dynamics of solvation. Ion transport through a membrane was extended by the discussion of cooperative effects. Intramolecular transitions are now discussed in the new edition in much more detail, including also radiationless transitions. Very recent developments in spectroscopy are included, especially two-dimensional and hole-burning spectroscopy. The discussion of charge transfer processes was extended by including recent results of hole transfer in DNA in connection with the super-exchange mechanism. The chapter on molecular motors was rewritten to include the most recent developments of new models. The book is a useful text for students and researchers wanting to go through the mathematical derivations in the theories presented. This book attracts a group of applied mathematically oriented students and scholars to the exciting field of molecular biophysics.

This volume describes current fundamental advances in the experimental and theoretical study of molecular dynamics and stochastic dynamic simulations, X-ray crystallography and NMR of biomolecules, the structure of proteins and its prediction, time resolved Fourier transform IR spectroscopy of biomolecules, the computation of free energy, applications of vibrational CD of nucleic acids, and solid state NMR. Further presentations include recent advances in UV resonance Raman spectroscopy of biomolecules, semiempirical MO methods, empirical force fields, quantitative studies of the structure of proteins in water by Fourier transform IR, and density functional theory. Metal-ligand interactions, DFT treatment of organometallic and biological systems, and simulation vs. X-ray and far IR experiments are also discussed in some detail. The text provides a broad perspective of the current theoretical aspects and experimental findings in the field of biomolecular dynamics, revealing future research trends, especially in areas where theoreticians and experimentalists could collaborate.

Mechanical stress is vital to the functioning of the body, especially for tissues such as bone, muscle, heart, and vessels. It is well known that astronauts and bedridden patients suffer muscle and bone loss from lack of use. Even the heart, in pumping blood, causes mechanical stress to itself and to vascular tissue. With the loss of mechanical stress, homeostasis becomes impaired and leads to pathological conditions such as osteopenia, muscle atrophy, and vascular tissue dysfunction. In elderly populations, such mechanical pathophysiology, as well as the mechanical activities of locomotor and cardiovascular systems, is important because skeletal and heart functions decline and cause diseases in other organs. In this monograph, mechanical stress is discussed by experts in the field with respect to molecular, cellular, and tissue aspects in relation to medicine. Covering topics such as gravity and tissues and disuse osteoporosis, the book provides the most up-to-date information on cutting-edge advancements in the field of mechanobiology and is a timely contribution to research into locomotor and circulatory diseases that are major problems in contemporary society.

This book will fulfill the needs of time-domain spectroscopists who wish to deepen their understanding of both the theoretical and experimental features of this cutting-edge spectroscopy technique. Coherent Multidimensional Spectroscopy (CMDS) is a state-of-the-art technique with applications in a variety of subjects like chemistry, molecular physics, biochemistry, biophysics, and material science. Due to dramatic advancements of ultrafast laser technologies, diverse multidimensional spectroscopic methods utilizing combinations of THz, IR, visible, UV, and X-ray radiation sources have been developed and used to study real time dynamics of small molecules in solutions, proteins and nucleic acids in condensed phases and membranes, single and multiple excitons in functional materials like semiconductors, quantum dots, and solar cells, photo-excited states in light-harvesting complexes, ions in battery electrolytes, electronic and conformational changes in charge or proton transfer systems, and excess electrons and protons in water and biological systems.

The organization of an Advanced Research Workshop with the title "Detection and Disposal of Liquid Explosives and Flammable Agents in Connection with Terrorism" was motivated by international findings about activities in this field of application. This ARW followed a meeting about the "Detection of Disposal Improvised Explosives" (St. Petersburg, 2005). Both items show the logistic problems as one of the lessons, terrorists have to overcome. These problems are connected with the illegal supply and transport of explosives and fuels and as counter-measure the detection of these materials. The invention of liquid explosives goes back to the middle of the 19th century and was used for special purposes in the commercial field of application. Because of the high sensitivity of liquid explosives against mechanical shock, caused by adiabatic compression of air-bobbles producing "hot spots" as origin of initiation the commercial application was not very successful. Because of this high risk, liquid explosives are not used in military or commercial application with some exceptions. In the commercial field explosives as slurries or emulsions consisting of suitable salts (Ammoniumnitrate etc.) and water are used to a large extend because of their high insensitivity. In many cases these slurries or emulsions were unfit for terrorist actions, because of their low sensitivity, large critical diameter and using in confinement. In the military field liquid explosives are used in World War I and II as bomb-fillings.

Although molecular modeling has been around for a while, the groundbreaking advancement of massively parallel supercomputers and novel algorithms for parallelization is shaping this field into an exciting new area. Developments in molecular modeling from experimental and computational techniques have enabled a wide range of biological applications. Responding to this renaissance, Molecular Modeling at the Atomic Scale: Methods and Applications in Quantitative Biology includes discussions of advanced techniques of molecular modeling and the latest research advancements in biomolecular applications from leading experts. The book begins with a brief introduction of major methods and applications, then covers the development of cutting-edge methods/algorithms, new polarizable force fields, and massively parallel computing techniques, followed by descriptions of how these novel techniques can be applied in various research areas in molecular biology. It also examines the self-assembly of biomacromolecules, including protein folding, RNA folding, amyloid peptide aggregation, and membrane lipid bilayer formation. Additional topics highlight biomolecular interactions, including protein interactions with DNA/RNA, membrane, ligands, and nanoparticles. Discussion of emerging topics in biomolecular modeling such as DNA sequencing with solid-state nanopores and biological water under nanoconfinement round out the coverage. This timely summary contains the perspectives of leading experts on this transformation in molecular biology and includes state-of-the-art examples of how molecular modeling approaches are being applied to critical questions in modern quantitative biology. It pulls together the latest research and applications of molecular modeling and real-world expertise that can boost your research and development of applications in this rapidly changing field.

"Visual Prosthetics" provides an in-depth analysis of the principles of operation, current state, anticipated developments, and functional aspects of visual prosthetics restoring sight to visually impaired individuals. This volume uniquely describes the human visual system in health and disease in a pedagogical and didactic manner, fitting to professionals and researchers with a bioengineering background. Readers will find a balanced overview of electrical, molecular chemical and synthetic chromophore stimulation, in addition to the biophysics and psychological aspects of vision restoration. Unlike competitive texts, this introduction also includes the need and methods for functional evaluation and rehabilitation.

Professionals in the field of biomedical engineering and graduate and postgraduate researchers will find "Visual Prosthetics" a valuable reference.

The cell cycle is a sequence of biochemical events that are controlled by complex but robust molecular machinery. This enables cells to achieve accurate self-reproduction under a broad range of conditions. Environmental changes are transmitted by molecular signaling networks, which coordinate their actions with the cell cycle. This work presents the first description of two complementary computational models describing the influence of osmotic stress on the entire cell cycle of S. cerevisiae. Our models condense a vast amount of experimental evidence on the interaction of the cell cycle network components with the osmotic stress pathway. Importantly, it is only by considering the entire cell cycle that we are able to make a series of novel predictions which emerge from the coupling between the molecular components of different cell cycle phases. The model-based predictions are supported by experiments in S. cerevisiae and, moreover, have recently been observed in other eukaryotes. Furthermore our models reveal the mechanisms that emerge as a result of the interaction between the cell cycle and stress response networks.

Written by a pioneer in the development of spin labeling in biophysics, this expert book covers the fundamentals of nitroxide spin labeling through cutting-edge applications in chemistry, physics, materials science, molecular biology, and biomedicine. Nitroxides have earned their place as one of the most popular organic paramagnets due to their suitability as inhibitors of oxidative processes, as a means to polarize magnetic nuclei, and, in molecular biology, as probes and labels to understand molecular structures and dynamics AS DRAGS FOR CANCER AND OTHER DISEASES. Beginning with an overview of the basic methodology and nitroxides' 145-year history, this book equips students with necessary background and techniques to undertake original research and industry work in this growing field.

This tutorial book offers an in-depth overview of the fundamental principles of micro/nano technologies and devices related to sensing, actuation and diagnosis in fluidics and biosystems. Research in the MEMS/NEMS and lab-on-chip fields has seen rapid growth in both academic and industrial domains, as these biodevices and systems are increasingly replacing traditional large size diagnostic tools. This book is unique in describing not only the devices and technologies but also the basic principles of their operation. The comprehensive description of the fabrication, packaging and principles of micro/nano biosystems presented in this book offers guidance for researchers designing and implementing these biosystems across diverse fields including medical, pharmaceutical and biological sciences. The book provides a detailed overview of the fundamental mechanical, optical, electrical and magnetic principles involved, together with the technologies required for the design, fabrication and characterization of micro/nano fluidic systems and bio-devices. Written by a collaborative team from France and Korea, the book is suitable for academics, researchers, advanced level students and industrial manufacturers.

The technique of Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering (QENS) is a powerful experimental tool for extracting temporal and spatial information at the nanoscale from both soft and hard condensed matter systems. However, while seemingly simple, the method is beset with sensitivities that, if ill considered, can hinder data interpretation and possibly publication. By highlighting key theoretical and data evaluation aspects of the technique, this specialised 'primer style' training resource encourages research success by guiding new researchers through a typical QENS experiment; from planning and sample preparation considerations to data reduction and subsequent analysis. Research examples are referenced throughout to illustrate the concepts addressed, with the book being written in such a way that it remains accessible to chemists, biologists, physicists, and materials scientists.