This first book on nanocellulose and nanohydrogels for biomedical applications is unique in discussing recent advancements in the field, resulting in a comprehensive, well-structured overview of nanocellulose and nanohydrogel materials based nanocomposites. The book covers different types of nanocellulose materials and their recent developments in the drug delivery and nanomedicine sector, along with synthesis, characterization, as well as applications in the biotechnological and biomedical fields. The book also covers the current status and future perspectives of bacterial cellulose and polyester hydrogel matrices, their preparation, characterization, and tissue engineering applications of water soluble hydrogel matrices obtained from biodegradable sources. In addition, the chitosan-based hydrogel and nanogel matrices, their involvement in the current biofabrication technologies, and influencing factors towards the biomedical sector of biosensors, biopharmaceuticals, tissue engineering appliances, implant materials, diagnostic probes and surgical aids are very well documented. Further, the history of cellulose-based and conducting polymer-based nanohydrogels, their classification, synthesis methods and applicability to different sectors, the challenges associated with their use, recent advances on the inhibitors of apoptosis proteins are also included. The recent developments and applications in the drug delivery sector gives an overview of facts about the nanofibrillated cellulose and copoly(amino acid) hydrogel matrices in the biotechnology and biomedicine field. This book serves as an essential reference for researchers and academics in chemistry, pharmacy, microbiology, materials science and biomedical engineering.

The first book of its kind to highlight the unique capabilities of laser-driven acceleration and its diverse potential, Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration presents the basic understanding of acceleration concepts and envisioned prospects for selected applications. As the main focus, this new book explores exciting and diverse application possibilities, with emphasis on those uniquely enabled by the laser driver that can also be meaningful and realistic for potential users. It also emphasises distinction, in the accelerator context, between laser-driven accelerated particle sources and the integrated laser-driven particle accelerator system (all-optical and hybrid versions). A key aim of the book is to inform multiple, interdisciplinary research communities of the new possibilities available and to inspire them to engage with laser-driven acceleration, further motivating and advancing this developing field. Material is presented in a thorough yet accessible manner, making it a valuable reference text for general scientific and engineering researchers who are not necessarily subject matter experts. Applications of Laser-Driven Particle Acceleration is edited by Professors Paul R. Bolton, Katia Parodi, and Joerg Schreiber from the Department of Medical Physics at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen in Munchen, Germany. Features: Reviews the current understanding and state-of-the-art capabilities of laser-driven particle acceleration and associated energetic photon and neutron generation Presents the intrinsically unique features of laser-driven acceleration and particle bunch yields Edited by internationally renowned researchers, with chapter contributions from global experts

This book provides a comprehensive coverage on nanobioceramics and their potential applications in healthcare. Ground-breaking new discoveries in bioceramics and their properties have meant an increasing interest in the development of how this can be related to nanobiomaterials, and in treating various conditions from osteoporosis to surgical dentistry. Research has also been driven by ageing global populations, where better restorative and reparative treatments are needed. As a consequence of this change in demographics, the research of nanobioceramics for application in healthcare is a field that is advancing at a considerable pace.Individual chapters give the reader an in-depth coverage on the synthesis and characterization of various nanobioceramics including silica, calcium phosphates, bioglass, and glass-ceramics. Through reviewing and analysing current literature, this book provides a rich source of valuable information on nanobioceramics for any professionals and students in materials science and engineering. It is also aimed at medical professionals searching for state-of-the-art techniques and treatments available and made possible through this particular field of innovation.

This book will serve as the preeminent text book on the topic of 'base excision repair', a key DNA repair pathway that protects cells from most spontaneous forms of DNA damage, including oxidative lesions that arise both in the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The book, which includes contributions from many of the world leaders in the field, provides a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms of base excision repair, as well as its emerging relationship to epigenetic regulation, the aging process and human disease, such as cancer susceptibility, immunological defects and neurological disorders. The book will also cover the state-of-the-art technologies being developed to assess base excision repair capacity among individuals in the population, in addition to the strategies being employed to target base excision repair as part of therapeutic paradigms to eradicate disease, namely cancer.This book represents one of the most extensive efforts to date to cover the topic of 'base excision repair'. It includes chapters by many of the most established investigators in the field, from all over the world.

Assistive technologies for the old and people with disabilities is now a very active field of research. It also constitutes a very profitable market (expected to reach US $60 billion p.a. by 2018). The book covers key aspects of this important field and provides guidelines for developing assistive technologies in smart environments. The book also presents the new paradigm of open innovation used by the most prolific research teams around the world. The latest developments in the field are given. Overall this book will be a reference for researchers, practitioners and engineers.

This is a comprehensive overview of bionanotechnology to students in nanotechnology, biotechnology, bionanotechnology, related fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science and also everyone who is interested in this research area. It describes the definition of bionanomaterials, how they can be synthesized, characterized and applied in different fields. The current status and future of bionanotechnology, as well as its advantages and limitations, are comprehensively discussed throughout the book. This is an entry-level book which is easy for readers to understand its contents. In this book, we tried to identify the definition of bionanotechnology. Briefly, Bionanotechnology is the emerging research field that comes from the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology. Nanotechnology is referring to the design, development, and application of materials which at least one dimension at nanometer scale meanwhile biotechnology is developed based on knowledge about living systems and organisms to create or improve different products. The association of nanotechnology and biotechnology pave a way to develop a hybrid technology with unique features. Thus, this novel technology will be used to improve our living standard in different aspects from developing new medicine, food, and functional cosmetics, introducing new methods to analyze and treat cancer to protect environmental problems.

Artificial Intelligence to Solve Pervasive Internet of Things Issues discusses standards and technologies and wide-ranging technology areas and their applications and challenges, including discussions on architectures, frameworks, applications, best practices, methods and techniques required for integrating AI to resolve IoT issues. Chapters also provide step-by-step measures, practices and solutions to tackle vital decision-making and practical issues affecting IoT technology, including autonomous devices and computerized systems. Such issues range from adopting, mitigating, maintaining, modernizing and protecting AI and IoT infrastructure components such as scalability, sustainability, latency, system decentralization and maintainability. The book enables readers to explore, discover and implement new solutions for integrating AI to solve IoT issues. Resolving these issues will help readers address many real-world applications in areas such as scientific research, healthcare, defense, aeronautics, engineering, social media, and many others.

This book is intended as a reference guide for graduate students, postgraduate students and researchers with a basic knowledge of protein chemistry who would like to know more about the biomedical applications of natural proteins to promote healthier lives. The book is divided into ten chapters, each of which explains different natural proteins and their established biomedical applications. The first chapter extensively deals with protein based natural fibers and provides an overview of all protein based fibers currently available. In turn, chapter two mainly focuses on the biomedical applications of a special class of proteins called Heat Shock Proteins; the biomedical applications of silkworm pupae proteins are dealt in chapter three. Chapter four examines an interesting use of Eri silk fibroin as a biomaterial for Tissue Engineering, while chapter five discusses the key experimental details involved in converting Tasar silk sericin into self-assembled nanoparticles. Chapter six offers brief descriptions of bioactive proteins with respect to their sources, synthesis and applications. Chapter seven is dedicated to Interleukine-8 and its role in human life, while chapter eight addresses the importance of natural proteins in infectious diseases. Chapter nine explores the issue of excess intake of dietary proteins and its adverse effects, and finally, chapter ten discusses the efficiency of drug delivery systems made up of gelatin nanocomposites. The book is above all intended as a valuable resource for students and researchers alike, sparking their curiosity with regard to the applications of natural proteins and motivating them to focus their own energies on the discovery or identification of additional natural proteins for diverse biomedical uses.

Stress induced electrical charges, action potential and electret behavior of bone, muscles, skin and nerve cells have been known for some time. Electrically Active Materials for Medical Devices builds on this knowledge and encourages readers to understand and exploit electrical activity in biomaterials from native, derived, or completely synthetic origin, or a combination thereof. It presents data and insights from both historic and contemporary research that spans over six decades with a view to generate convergence of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills.Divided into four parts, this book first introduces the reader to a general overview of electrically active materials in biology and biomedical science and describes important concepts and pioneering discoveries. The second part discusses common types of materials that are known to generate electrical activity and lays the foundation for these materials for use in medical devices. The third part gives examples of where electrically active materials have been examined for device application. The final part looks for upcoming and emerging concepts, tools and methodologies that are expected to shape the future profile of this field of converging science.Written by specialists in their respective fields, it has been specifically targeted at a readership of professionals, graduate students and researchers in the fields of biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry biology and clinical medicine.

This edited book explores the use of technology to enable us to visualise the life sciences in a more meaningful and engaging way. It will enable those interested in visualisation techniques to gain a better understanding of the applications that can be used in visualisation, imaging and analysis, education, engagement and training. The reader will be able to explore the utilisation of technologies from a number of fields to enable an engaging and meaningful visual representation of the biomedical sciences, with a focus in this volume related to anatomy, and clinically applied scenarios. The first eight chapters examine a variety of tools, techniques, methodologies and technologies which can be utilised to visualise and understand biological and medical data. This includes web-based 3D visualisation, ultrasound, virtual and augmented reality as well as functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging, storyboarding and a variety of stereoscopic and 2D-3D transitions in learning. The final two chapters examine the pedagogy behind digital techniques and tools from social media to online distance learning techniques.

This book primarily focuses on the study of various neurological disorders, including Parkinson's (PD), Huntington (HD), Epilepsy, Alzheimer's and Motor Neuron Diseases (MND) from a new perspective by analyzing the physiological signals associated with them using non-linear dynamics. The development of nonlinear methods has significantly helped to study complex nonlinear systems in detail by providing accurate and reliable information. The book provides a brief introduction to the central nervous system and its various disorders, their effects on health and quality of life, and their respective courses of treatment, followed by different bioelectrical signals like those detected by Electroencephalography (EEG), Electrocardiography (ECG), and Electromyography (EMG). In turn, the book discusses a range of nonlinear techniques, fractals, multifractals, and Higuchi's Fractal Dimension (HFD), with mathematical examples and procedures. A review of studies conducted to date on neurological disorders like epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson's, Huntington, Alzheimer's, and Motor Neuron Diseases, which incorporate linear and nonlinear techniques, is also provided. The book subsequently presents new findings on neurological disorders of the central nervous system, namely Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease, by analyzing their gait characteristics using a nonlinear fractal based technique: Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MFDFA). In closing, the book elaborates on several parameters that can be obtained from cross-correlation studies of ECG and blood pressure, and can be used as markers for neurological disorders.

Through millions of years' natural selection, sharkskin has developed into a kind of drag-reducing surface. This book shows how to investigate, model, fabricate and apply sharkskin's unique surface properties, creating a flexible platform for surface and materials engineers and scientists to readily adopt or adapt for their own bio-inspired materials.Rather than inundate the reader with too many examples of materials inspired by nature, sharkskin has been chosen as the center-piece to illustrate accurate 3D digital modeling of surfaces, complete numerical simulation of micro flow field, different fabrication methods, and application to natural gas pipelining. This is a must-read for any researcher or engineer involved in bio-inspired surfaces and materials studies.

The use of micro / nanotechnology in cell and tissue engineering, and especially for cell and tissue preservation, is at the peak of its activity now, with scientific output expected to continue growing in the coming years.Micro and nanotechnologies have induced paradigm shifts in many scientific fields, and as featured in this edited volume, they are having important impact in the field of cryomedicine. The book gives an overview of the recent progress in implementing multiscale (micro and nanoscale) technologies to improve the outcome of various cryomedical applications including cryosurgery, cryopreservation, lyopreservation and to understand the fundamental engineering and science underpinning the applications.This is the first book that will provide both an introductory and in-depth account of applying the multiscale technologies in cryomedicine.

The standard in prosthodontics for nearly 50 years, McCracken's Removable Partial Prosthodontics, 13th Edition walks readers through all the principles and concepts surrounding removable partial denture treatment planning and design that today's practitioners need to know. Using an evidence-based approach, this full-color text incorporates the latest information on new techniques, procedures, and equipment, including expanded information on dynamic communication and the use of implants with removable partial dentures. From initial contact with the patient to post-treatment care, McCracken's is the complete foundation today's dentists need to successfully practice prosthodontic care. A variety of philosophies and techniques are featured throughout the text, so readers can select and incorporate applicable techniques on a case-by-case basis. Full-color drawings and photographs give readers a detailed view of techniques, materials, and anatomic detail. Evidence-based approach uses current research to help readers diagnose, design, develop, and sequence a treatment plan. Expert guidance from both authors walks readers through the latest techniques as well as technological advances specific to removable partial dentures. NEW! Standardized removable partial denture designs offered for application to the major categories of patients seen in practice. NEW! Expanded information on the use of implants with removable partial dentures highlights considerations in treatment planning including the selection of implants and provision of care utilizing dental implants. NEW! More information on dynamic communication which incorporates the progress being made in shared decision making with patients, especially regarding decisions made in light of patient values and 'trade-off' considerations.

Ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) can generate a voltage when physically deformed. Conversely, an applied small voltage or electrical field can induce an array of spectacular large deformation or actuation behaviours in IPMCs, such as bending, twisting, rolling, twirling, steering and undulating. An important smart material, IPMCs have applications in energy harvesting and as self-powered strain or deformation sensors, especially suitable for monitoring the shape of dynamic structures. Other uses include soft actuation applications and as a material for biomimetic robotic soft artificial muscles in industrial and medical contexts. This comprehensive set on ionic polymer metal composites provides a broad coverage of the state of the art and recent advances in the field written by some of the world's leading experts on various characterizations and modeling of IPMCs. The first two chapters cover the fundamentals of IPMCs and methodologies for their manufacture, followed by specific chapters looking at different aspects of actuation and sensing of IPMCs. These include uses in electrochemically active electrodes, electric energy storage devices, soft biomimetic robotics artificial muscles, multiphysics modeling of IPMCs, biomedical applications, IPMCs as dexterous manipulators and tactile sensors for minimally invasive robotic surgery, self-sensing, miniature pumps for drug delivery, IPMC snake-like robots, IPMC microgrippers for microorganisms manipulations, Graphene-based IPMCs and cellulose-based IPMCs or electroactive paper actuators (EAPap). Edited by the leading authority on IMPCs, the broad coverage of this book will appeal to researchers from chemistry, materials, engineering, physics and medical communities interested in both the material and its applications.

In the area of controlled release of active substances, such as drugs, a strong interest in nanoparticles as carriers of active ingredients has arisen. Some of the active components are extremely hydrophobic, without cellular permeability and susceptible to metabolic degradation. Owing to this, their use is limited. This kind of agent can be transported without any problem through physiological media by using nanoparticles. The size of particles is an important parameter because it governs the efficiency of the delivery system. For this type of application, particles that have a diameter smaller than 1 m are especially useful. Polymeric nanoparticles that have diameters in the colloidal range are produced by means of polymerization processes in dispersed media. Drugs are taken up into the nanoparticles by adsorption, absorption, or "entrapment," or covalent bonding and they are delivered (release) by desorption, diffusion, polymer degradation, or a combination of these mechanisms. Nanoparticles (including nanogels) that release their contents by external triggering open up new possibilities for therapeutic strategies. External triggering by light, heat, change in pH, or application of ultrasound opens up the possibility to release the material on demand. If only a part of the wall of the nanoparticle (nanocapsule) is responsive, we are dealing with the so-called nanobottles, a nanocontainer with the active substance and a lid on the container that can be "opened" and "closed" by external triggering. This book focuses on responsive nanoparticles and brings together two interesting areas: nanoparticles and responsive polymers. The concept of the book is that of a systematic approach from nanoparticles synthesis via responsive polymers to nanobottles. The second part of the book presents contributions from experts in the field and provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field.

Modern acoustics has blossomed rapidly in the past decades. Beginning as a branch off from the classical physics, modern acoustics has become an interdisciplinary science that has exceeded the boundaries of its origins. As a result, the demand for graduate students, professionals and specialists who need to master the knowledge of acoustics is growing quickly. The primary goal of this publication is to meet this urgent need by providing an updated, comprehensive reference book that educates readers on both fundamental concepts as well as their broader applications in the fast-moving technological world. The Handbook of Contemporary Acoustics and Its Applications systematically covers the theoretical principle and analytical methodology of generation, propagation and reception of acoustic waves in an ideal (inviscid) and non-ideal fluid media. The topics include the transduction, radiation, scattering, diffraction and reception of the acoustic wave. It also discusses the acoustic field in a duct/pipe, waveguide and cavity, the wave propagation in the multi-layers, nonlinear finite amplitude wave propagation and the mechanisms of physical and biological effects and their broad modern applications such as sonoporation, targeted drug delivery, acoustic tweezers, noninvasive high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) surgery, as well as sonoluminscence. Readers are also provided with the fundamental mathematic background and relevant references necessary for their creative inventions and applications.This handbook is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate students, as well as specialists working in relevant fields, and may be used as a textbook in courses covering acoustics.

Regenerative engineering, with its ability to foster novel therapeutic techniques and strategies, has emerged as the most versatile and innovative technology of the 21st century. The past few years have seen a significant interest in the development of injectable hydrogels as a delivery system to realize the dream of regenerative engineering. The book will explain synthetic approaches towards developing injectable hydrogels, and the clinical implications and applications of injectable hydrogels for engineering various tissues. Injectable Hydrogels for Regenerative Engineering is the first of its kind to bring together the fields of injectable hydrogels and regenerative engineering to give a perspective of the emerging therapeutic strategies for a wide audience.

This book compiles the latest research on the A1 and A2 forms of cow milk, and attempts to show a correlation between the type of cow milk consumption and reported incidence of certain diseases (type 1 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, sudden infant death syndrome and neurological disorders). Cow milk generally contains two types of -casein, A1 or A2. The book describes the A1/A2 hypothesis, its foundation and the genetics behind it. It discusses the two forms of milk and why one is considered more harmful than the other. Seeking to provide a balanced view of the milk types, the book's initial chapters highlight the structure, function and physiological activity of -casomorphins. Subsequent sections describe the health concerns associated with A1 milk, and the various case studies and research surrounding it. In turn, the arguments against the hypothesis put forward by EFSA, American Nutritionists and Truswell are also highlighted. The book does not make any recommendations for dairy consumers; rather, it is a collection of essential data both in favour and against the hypothesis. Further mechanistic studies involving well-designed animal and human trials at the cellular, molecular, biochemical and immunological levels will be needed in order to draw sound conclusions. Overall, the hypothesis is fascinating, and possibly significant. However, verified and authenticated research with reproducible results is needed to make final consumer recommendations. This timely book offers a valuable resource for researchers and students of dairy science, as well as industry experts.

This book compiles various methodologies used in understanding interactions within the rhizosphere. An in-depth understanding of the rhizosphere is essential to developing successful strategies for future sustainable agriculture. The book summarizes methods and techniques used to study the mechanisms involved in mutualistic symbioses and pathogenic interactions of plants with various microbial organisms including fungi, bacteria, and oomycetes. Each chapter discusses different methodologies used in rhizosphere biology, while also providing real-world experimental data and trouble-shooting tips. Interested researchers will also find a wealth of literature references for further research. As the first comprehensive manual and compilation of methods and techniques used in rhizosphere biology, the book represents an essential resource for all researchers who are newcomers to soil microbiology experimentation.

This comprehensive guide, by pioneers in the field, brings together, for the first time, everything a new researcher, graduate student or industry practitioner needs to get started in molecular communication. Written with accessibility in mind, it requires little background knowledge, and provides a detailed introduction to the relevant aspects of biology and information theory, as well as coverage of practical systems. The authors start by describing biological nanomachines, the basics of biological molecular communication and the microorganisms that use it. They then proceed to engineered molecular communication and the molecular communication paradigm, with mathematical models of various types of molecular communication and a description of the information and communication theory of molecular communication. Finally, the practical aspects of designing molecular communication systems are presented, including a review of the key applications. Ideal for engineers and biologists looking to get up to speed on the current practice in this growing field.

The replacement of a degenerated joint such as the hip and knee is one of the most outstanding interventions that allows the medical community to restore the patient's quality of life. However, today's patient is increasingly younger and more active and this presents a challenge for the orthopaedic community as a greater demand has been created for a longer lasting artificial joint that can allow the patient to maintain their lifestyle and thus new approaches in biotribology have been focused on this area of research.This invaluable book provides a broad introduction to the boundary conditions, developments and latest research activities already available to the surgeon and offers an insight into solutions being developed for new high performance bearings in joint replacements. The contributors are leading experts in their field and this is the first complete volume to bring together such unique insights. Orthopaedic engineers, surgeons and researchers concerned with new biomaterials would find this a vital reference volume to evaluate the latest state of research in the area.

The book provides an overview of new technologies in medicine. It defines each technology and gives an account of its history, and the principles, technical problems, and applications as well as controversies involved. The goal of the book is to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging medical technologies in a simple way that is understandable to non-specialists.Biomedical science and medical technologies are developing at such a fast pace that it is hard to follow even for specialists. In addition, they have become more and more complex. This book provides readers with a basic understanding of these technologies and helps them to keep up with new developments. The value of the book is that it is comprehensive and yet concise, which makes the learning process fast and easy.

The book provides an overview of new technologies in medicine. It defines each technology and gives an account of its history, and the principles, technical problems, and applications as well as controversies involved. The goal of the book is to provide a comprehensive overview of the emerging medical technologies in a simple way that is understandable to non-specialists.Biomedical science and medical technologies are developing at such a fast pace that it is hard to follow even for specialists. In addition, they have become more and more complex. This book provides readers with a basic understanding of these technologies and helps them to keep up with new developments. The value of the book is that it is comprehensive and yet concise, which makes the learning process fast and easy.

Discusses the basic physical principles underlying Biomedical Photonics, spectroscopy and microscopy This volume discusses biomedical photonics, spectroscopy and microscopy, the basic physical principles underlying the technology and its applications. The topics discussed in this volume are: Biophotonics; Fluorescence and Phosphorescence; Medical Photonics; Microscopy; Nonlinear Optics; Ophthalmic Technology; Optical Tomography; Optofluidics; Photodynamic Therapy; Image Processing; Imaging Systems; Sensors; Single Molecule Detection; Futurology in Photonics. * Comprehensive and accessible coverage of the whole of modern photonics * Emphasizes processes and applications that specifically exploit photon attributes of light * Deals with the rapidly advancing area of modern optics * Chapters are written by top scientists in their field Written for the graduate level student in physical sciences; Industrial and academic researchers in photonics, graduate students in the area; College lecturers, educators, policymakers, consultants, Scientific and technical libraries, government laboratories, NIH.