Tumors and Cancers: Skin - Soft Tissue - Bone - Urogenitals provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Autophagy and Signaling is an up-to-date overview of the many signaling pathways regulating autophagy in response to different cellular needs. Discussion includes the status and future directions of autophagy signaling research with respect to different aspects of health and disease. These include the roles of autophagy in regulating cell fate, immune response and host defense, nutrient sensing and metabolism, neural functions and homeostasis. The mechanisms and significance of cross-talk between autophagy and other cellular processes is also explored. Lastly, alterations in autophagy observed in aging and age-related pathologies are described.

This book discusses the mechanisms of transmembrane signal transduction during B-Cell Activation, the Regulation of Gene Expression during B-Cell Differentiation, Anti-immunoglobulin antibody induction of B-Lymphocyte activation and differentiation in vivo and in vitro, Helper signals in B-Lymphocyte differentiation, Growth and differentiation of b-cell clones in vitro, B-Cell tumors as models of lymphocyte differentiation, and Memory b-cell activation, differentiation, and isotype switching.

In one form or another psoralens have been in use dating back to biblical times for the treatment of depigmented patches of skin. However, it has only been in the past 40 years that the structure and function of psoralens have been elucidated. Although several volumes have been published on photobiology and photomedicine, no one volume has ever been devoted to the psoralen photobiology. In these two volumes we focus on the properties and uses of photoactivated psoralens.In these volumes the various aspects of psoralens are presented in a review of the field as it stands in mid 1986. In retrospect, we may find that this particular time was crucial in the development of new therapeutic modalities as many of the applications of modem molecular biology are beginning to impact on the practice of medicine.This book was written with two purposes in mind. First, to serve as an update (the last collective review of the field was in 1982). Second, it is hoped that newcomers to the fields of photobiology andphotomedicine both scientists and clinicians would find it a useful introduction.

In one form or another psoralens have been in use dating back to biblical times for the treatment of depigmented patches of skin. However, it has only been in the past 40 years that the structure and function of psoralens have been elucidated. Although several volumes have been published on photobiology and photomedicine, no one volume has ever been devoted to the psoralen photobiology. In these two volumes we focus on the properties and uses of photoactivated psoralens.In these volumes the various aspects of psoralens are presented in a review of the field as it stands in mid 1986. In retrospect, we may find that this particular time was crucial in the development of new therapeutic modalities as many of the applications of modem molecular biology are beginning to impact on the practice of medicine.This book was written with two purposes in mind. First, to serve as an update (the last collective review of the field was in 1982). Second, it is hoped that newcomers to the fields of photobiology andphotomedicine both scientists and clinicians would find it a useful introduction.

A useful reference for those using or interested in cultured invertebrate cells, this two-volume text provides information about techniques and advances in invertebrate tissue culture. Cell lines for Insecta, Crustacea, Mollusca, and Nematoda are introduces along with their characterizations. Developments in insect biotechnology, including foreign protein production by insect cells infected with recombinant virus are described. Fundamental studies for introducing foreign genes into cultured insect cells is also presented. Wide information on studies -at cellular levels-on pathogens of insects, plants, and vertebrates is given.

This important publication addresses intercellular communication in health and disease. It includes recent advances in morphology and chemical organization of gap junctions. It discusses the possible role of intercellular channels in excitable and non-excitable tissues. The book presents modulation of junctional permeability, as well as the possible role of cell communication in embryonic development and growth. The text concludes with a synthetic view of the role of gap junctions and potential implications to cardiology, oncology, and other areas of pathology. This volume is important to professionals in pharmacology, physiology, biochemistry, biomedical science, pathobiology, pathology, molecular genetics, toxicology and human development.

Paradoxically, it is the termneurosis more than perhaps any other which has the implication of organic basis. Possibly the popular but erroneous belief that it implies impeded systematic biological research in this area. On scrutiny, it becomes obvious that there is considerable evidence for a biological basis to these hitherto ignored conditions. This book endeavours to present this information in a systematic manner.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Present and Future Uses of Microarray Technology Microarray technology continues to evolve, taking on a variety of forms. From the spotting of cDNA and the in situ synthesis of oligonucleotide arrays now come microarrays comprising proteins, carbohydrates, drugs, tissues, and cells. With contributions from microarray experts in both academia and industry, Microarray Methods and Protocols is a turn-by-turn roadmap through the processes necessary to perform a successful microarray experiment. This easy to use book addresses the fundamental aspects of preparing and processing microarrays and bead arrays, labeling, and detection. It also includes a detailed How it Works section that discusses the underlying principles of a number of techniques. Troubleshooting guides offer additional advice for the successful performance of more than 100 protocols in 10 chapters that cover work involving nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and lectins. --Concise and Well-Organized-- With a focus on the preparation and use of microarrays of biomedical relevance, the text describes a variety of microarray formats useful in the assessment of human disease and in genomic and proteomic research. This authoritative resource provides detailed information regarding sample preparation, labeling, array construction processes, substrate chemistry, array printing, and quality control. Originating with the glass microscope slide and biochip, microarray technology is now pressing onward into the nanotechnology frontier. This book is the all-inclusive manual scientists need to take microarray research to the next level of discovery.

Plasma membrane-associated channels known as gap junctions, along with their protein building blocks-connexins-have an important functional role in a range of immunological processes, including heart function, cell growth and specialization, and early development. Spanning basic science and potential clinical applications, Connexin Cell Communication Channels: Roles in the Immune System and Immunopathology assembles and synthesizes four decades of the most important research carried out in this field. The book first provides a historical overview of the discovery of these membrane channels in cells and tissues of the immune system. It describes their general molecular and biological characteristics and examines how they participate in the evolution, organization, function, and regulation of leukocytes, as well as their interaction with other tissues. The next section examines immunologically related disease scenarios where gap junctions and connexins have been shown to play a fundamental role. The contributors explain how gap junctional communication participates in the establishment and maintenance of immunological properties such as antibody and cytokine production, as well as lymphocyte immune surveillance in both physiological and pathological conditions. The book explores the most important technical approaches used and how they have been specially adapted to answer key biological questions particular to the mobile nature of leukocytes. It also describes the most recent understanding of how gap junctions and connexins participate in antigen recognition, cross-presentation, lymphocyte activation, and in the assembly and function of the immunological synapse. Finally, the book focuses on the latest progress made on translating the knowledge gained to specific treatment modalities. Topics in this section include approaches for reducing scarring and cardiac arrhythmia, combating inflammation in the central nervous system, and enhancing epithelial tissue repair. A comprehensive view of achievements in this promising field, the book will inform and update specialists, clinical practitioners, and those studying the potential for commercial applications.

This book is devoted to a broader understanding of liposomes as a versatile tool used in many domains, including basic research and applied technology, focusing on less common applications and recent developments. Over the past few years, new types of liposomes made of nonphospholipid molecules have opened new perspectives in applications. These lipid vesicles, already used in cosmetology, are being manufactured for industrial and agricultural uses. However, "Stealth" liposomes, pH-sensitive liposomes, and cationic liposomes have enlarged and improved the application field of liposomes in clinical research. The book covers these different uses of liposomes with particular attention to new formulations and new applications.

Provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of energetics of secretion responses by combining the knowledge and expertise of leading authorities from various fields.

Recent advances in technology have led to the unprecedented accuracy in measurements of endogenous electric fields around sites of tissue disruption. State-of-the-art molecular approaches demonstrate the role of bioelectricity in the directionality and speed of cell migration, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and orientation. New information indicates that electric fields play a role in initiating and coordinating complex regenerative responses in development and wound repair and that they may also have a part in cancer progression and metastasis. Compiling current research in this rapidly expanding field, Physiology of Bioelectricity in Development, Tissue Regeneration, and Cancer highlights relevant, cutting-edge topics poised to drive the next generation of medical breakthroughs. Chapters consider methods for detecting endogenous electric field gradients and studying applied electric fields in the lab. The book addresses bioelectricity's roles in guiding cell behavior during morphogenesis and orchestrating higher order patterning. It also covers the response of stem cells to applied electric fields, which reveals bioelectricity as an exciting new player in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This book provides an in-depth exploration of how electric signals control corneal wound repair and skin re-epithelialization, angiogenesis, and inflammation. It also delves into the bioelectric responses of cells derived from the musculoskeletal system, bioelectrical guidance of neurons, and the beneficial application of voltage gradients to promote regeneration in the spinal cord. It concludes with a discussion of bioelectricity and cancer progression and the potential for novel cancer biomarkers, new methods for early detection, and bioelectricity-based therapies to target both the tumor and metastatic cancer cells. This multidisciplinary compilation will benefit biologists, biochemists, biomedical scientists, engineers, dermatologists, and clinicians, or anyone else interested in development, regeneration, cancer, and tissue engineering. It can also serve as an ideal textbook for students in biology, medicine, medical physiology, biophysics, and biomedical engineering.

Cell Movements is a synthetic account of cell shape and motility (the fascinating mechanisms by which cells move, divide, and organise their internal contents). This second edition is updated throughout with recent advances in the field and has a completely revised and redrawn artwork program. The text is suitable for advanced undergraduates and graduates as well as for professionals wishing for an overview of this field

This two-volume set will be useful to the established continuous culture operator, as well as the researcher, teacher, and student who is interested in learning how the technique of continuous culture could be useful in answering both basic and applied questions in microbiology and cell biology.

This volume provides reviews covering the latest advances in particular areas of connective tissue research. This comprehensive work also includes areas of the medical field in which the basic aspects could be applied. It explains that both cells and matrix are altered in disease states because of the strong interactions established between cells and the extracellular matrix. The aim of this book is to close the existing gap between basic scientists and clinical investigators. This reference is an absolute must for all biological chemists, clinical investigators, and pathologists. Students of these professions will find this reading both informative and useful as well.

Volume I of this book provides a comprehensive discussion of the factors involved in regulation of the cell cycle, the general biological properties of growth factors, and the receptor and postreceptor mechanisms of action of these signaling agents. It evaluates the possible role of growth factors in the regulation of proto-oncogene and tumor suppressor gene expression, and the development of neoplastic processes is discussed in detail.

The ras Superfamily of GTPases presents the most comprehensive compilation of information available regarding aspects of the putative function of small ras-related GTPases. The book's chapters were written by the world's most prominent scientists in this field and cover such topics as the structure and properties of ras proteins, ras function, the ras superfamily in general, and the functional regulation of ras and ras-related GTPases. The book will benefit cell biologists, oncologists, neurobiologists, molecular biologists, and others interested in the topic.

This title, the 52nd in symposium series, presents a comprehensive review of apoptosis and features contributions from many internationally recognised authors. The book is the first to integrate programmed cell death in plants, invertebrates and vertebrates. Rapid publication ensures that the very latest research is included.

This volume is the result of the concerted effeort of a number os scientists to summarize in a succinct way the current understanding of the mechanisms of these localizations. The editors of the book gratefully acknowledge this combined effort.

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.

Now that prohibitions against stem cell research are relaxing, it is time for the field to move forward with the advances that promise to eliminate so much human suffering. However, it would be naive to ignore the fact that regenerative medicines pose a whole new set of challenges to an industry sector that for decades has geared itself to the development and delivery of traditional pharmaceuticals. Still, significant strides are being made. Unique in its focus, The Delivery of Regenerative Medicines and Their Impact on Healthcare delves into material not included in other books. Edited by Dr. Catherine Prescott and Professor Dame Julia Polak, two of the most respected authorities in stem cell research and the business of regenerative medicine, this text presents original firsthand accounts of experts from around the globe. Professor Polak starts by summarizing the progress made and the challenges currently facing the field both as a science and an emerging industry. This is followed by topics relevant to regulators, insurers, and investors as well as pharmaceutical and biotech researchers. Offering innovative insight on topics rarely covered, this volume: Details various innovative investment models Offers a detailed overview of cell-based products and therapeutic stem cell technologies Examines concerns over safeguarding intellectual property Looks at evolving regulations in the U.S. and Europe Discusses insurance and risk management and the establishment of reimbursement parameters This book reaches out to inform a wide audience across government, industry, and academia. It goes beyond the usual discussions to help invigorate the dialogue and present solutions that must occur at the crossroads of technology and commerce for regenerative medicines to realize their promise.

This book covers the structure and classification of adhesion molecules, immunohistochemical localization, junctional, functional and inflammatory adhesion molecules and molecular imaging. It discusses adhesion molecules in relation to signaling pathways, gene expression, arginine, stem cells, neutrophil migration, leukocytes decompression sickness, ischemia reperfusion injury, diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, weight loss, hypoxia, kidney disease, smoking, osteoprotegerin, tumors, bioinformatics, high-throughput technologies, chemotherapy, hematopoiesis, lipoproteins, fatty acids, atrial fibrillation and heart disease, and the brain and dementia.

During the last two decades, there has been an explosion of research pertaining to the molecular mechanisms that allow for organisms to detect different stimuli that is an essential feature for their survival. Among these mechanisms, living beings need to be able to respond to different temperatures as well as chemical and physical stimuli. Thermally activated ion channels were proposed to be present in sensory neurons in the 1980s, but it was not until 1997 that a heat- and capsaicin- activated ion channel, TRPV1, was cloned and its function described in detail. This groundbreaking discovery led to the identification and characterization of several more proteins of the family of Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels. Intensive research has provided us with the atomic structures of some of these proteins, as well as understanding of their physiological roles, both in normal and pathological conditions. With chapters contributed by renowned experts in the field, Neurobiology of TRP Channels contains a state- of- the- art overview of our knowledge of TRP channels, ranging from structure to their functions in organismal physiology. Features: * Contains chapters on the roles of several TRP ion channels with a diversity of physiological functions, providing a complete picture of the widespread importance of these proteins. * Presents an overview of the structure of TRP channels, including the roles of these proteins in different physiological processes. * Discusses the roles of TRP channels in pathophysiological processes, further highlighting their importance. * Features several full color illustrations to allow the reader better comprehension of TRP channels. A volume in the Frontiers in Neuroscience series

Over recent decades, decentralization has emerged as a key Public Sector Reform strategy in a wide variety of international contexts. Yet, despite its emergence as a ubiquitous activity that cuts across disciplinary lines in international development, decentralization is understood and applied in many different ways by parties acting from contrary perspectives. This book offers a fascinating insight into theory and practice surrounding decentralization activities in the Public Sectors of developing and transitional countries. In drawing on the expertise of established scholars, the book explores the contexts, achievements, progress and challenges of decentralization and local governance. Notably, the contributions contained in this book are genuinely international in nature; the chapters explore aspects of decentralization and local governance in contexts as diverse as Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Morocco, Tanzania, Uganda, and Viet Nam. In summary, by examining the subject of decentralization with reference to specific developing and transitional Public Sector contexts in which it has been practiced, this book offers an excellent contribution towards a better understanding of the theory and practice of decentralization and local governance in international settings. This book was published as a special double issue of the International Journal of Public Administration.