This volume details experimental protocols to study structure and function of hepatocytes in vivo and in vitro, and for characterizing heterogeneity and plasticity of hepatocytes in healthy and in injured liver. Chapters guide readers through separating hepatocyte subfractions, characterizing the heterogeneity, novel culture systems, hepatocyte-like cells from human pluripotent stem cells, analyzing drug metabolism, monitoring protein sorting, manipulating gene expression, and methods for expanding primary hepatoblastoma and identifying hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Hepatocytes: Methods and Protocols aims to provide techniques to further understand molecular mechanisms involved in the regulating hepatocyte functions and underlying liver diseases.

"Systems Biology of Apoptosis" summarizes all current achievements in this emerging field. Apoptosis is a process common to all multicellular organisms. Apoptosis leads to the elimination of cells via a complex but highly defined cellular programme. Defects in the regulation of apoptosis result in serious diseases such as cancer, autoimmunity, AIDS and neurodegeneration. Recently, a substantial step forward in understanding the complex apoptotic pathways has been made by utilising systems biology approaches. Systems biology combines rigorous mathematical modelling with experimental approaches in a closed loop cycle for advancing our knowledge about complex biological processes. In this book, the editor describes the contemporary systems biology studies devoted to apoptotic signaling and focuses on the question how systems biology helps to understand life/death decisions made in the cell and to develop new approaches to rational treatment strategies.

The papers in this volume comprise the refereed proceedings of the Second IFIP International Conference on Computer and Computing Technologies in Agriculture (CCTA2008), in Beijing, China, 2008. The conference on the Second IFIP International Conference on Computer and Computing Technologies in Agriculture (CCTA 2008) is cooperatively sponsored and organized by the China Agricultural University (CAU), the National Engineering Research Center for Information Technology in Agriculture (NERCITA), the Chinese Society of Agricultural Engineering (CSAE) , International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP), Beijing Society for Information Technology in Agriculture, China and Beijing Research Center for Agro-products Test and Farmland Inspection, China. The related departments of China's central government bodies like: Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Education and the Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation, Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, etc. have greatly contributed and supported to this event. The conference is as good platform to bring together scientists and researchers, agronomists and information engineers, extension servers and entrepreneurs from a range of disciplines concerned with impact of Information technology for sustainable agriculture and rural development. The representatives of all the supporting organizations, a group of invited speakers, experts and researchers from more than 15 countries, such as: the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Germany, Greece, Australia, Estonia, Japan, Korea, India, Iran, Nigeria, Brazil, China, etc.

In the statistical domain, certain topics have received considerable attention during the last decade or so, necessitated by the growth and evolution of data and theoretical challenges. This growth has invariably been accompanied by computational advancement, which has presented end users as well as researchers with the necessary opportunities to handle data and implement modelling solutions for statistical purposes. Showcasing the interplay among a variety of disciplines, this book offers pioneering theoretical and applied solutions to practice-oriented problems. As a carefully curated collection of prominent international thought leaders, it fosters collaboration between statisticians and biostatisticians and provides an array of thought processes and tools to its readers. The book thereby creates an understanding and appreciation of recent developments as well as an implementation of these contributions within the broader framework of both academia and industry. Computational and Methodological Statistics and Biostatistics is composed of three main themes: * Recent developments in theory and applications of statistical distributions;* Recent developments in supervised and unsupervised modelling;* Recent developments in biostatistics; and also features programming code and accompanying algorithms to enable readers to replicate and implement methodologies. Therefore, this monograph provides a concise point of reference for a variety of current trends and topics within the statistical domain. With interdisciplinary appeal, it will be useful to researchers, graduate students, and practitioners in statistics, biostatistics, clinical methodology, geology, data science, and actuarial science, amongst others.

Of the 7,000 estimated non-native species present in North America, approximately 1,000 are invasive. Clearly, invasive species are in the minority, but their small numbers don't keep them from causing billions of dollars in economic and ecological harm each year. Policymakers and ecologists continue to try to figure out which species might be harmful, which invasive species are doing the most damage, and which of these might respond best to eradication efforts. Invasive species reports and case studies are prevalent in political, environmental, and scientific news cycles, and a significant portion of the public is concerned about the issue.
In Invasive Species: What Everyone Needs to Know(r), Simberloff will first cover basic topics such as how non-native species are introduced, which areas have incurred the most biological invasions, and how the rates of biological invasions have shifted in recent years. He then moves on to the direct and indirect impacts of the impacts of invasive species on various ecosystems, such as habitat and resource competition, how invasive species transmit pathogens, and how introduced plants and animals can modify a habitat to favor other non-native species. Simberloff's final chapters will discuss the evolution of invasive species, the policies we currently have in place to manage them, and future prospects for controlling their spread. The book will also contain a section dedicated to the more controversial topics surrounding invasive species: invasive natives, useful non-native species, animal rights versus species rights, and non-native species' impacts on the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
What Everyone Needs to Know(r) is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press. is a registered trademark of Oxford University Press

This book introduces advanced mathematical methods and techniques for analysis and simulation of models in mathematical epidemiology. Chronological age and class-age play an important role in the description of infectious diseases and this text provides the tools for the analysis of this type of partial differential equation models. This book presents general theoretical tools as well as large number of specific examples to guide the reader to develop their own tools that they may then apply to study structured models in mathematical epidemiology. The book will be a valuable addition to the arsenal of all researchers interested in developing theory or studying specific models with age structure.

Johannes Klumpers Biotechnologies, such as genetic engineering, cloning and biodiversity, raise many legal and ethical concerns, so it is important that people understand these issues and feel able to express their opinions. This is why the European Commission has been, for a number of years, supporting actions to improve communication among scientists in these diverse areas. The project 'Women in Biotechnology' (WONBIT), financed under the 6th Framework programme of the European Commission, is an excellent example of what can be done to target opinion-formers such as scientists, economists and lawyers in bottom-up activities, and to encourage a debate on gender issues triggered by developments in the life sciences. WONBIT gave rise to a successful international conference highlighting the importance of adopting good practices and ethical considerations in parallel with the rapid pace of progress in biotechnology - from a woman's point of view. In particular, the conference addressed women in decision-making positions in b- technology with specific reference to scientific excellence, social competencies and management qualities as well as issues relating to environment, society and the younger generation. But it did not stop there: a key part of the conference was dedicated to stimulating public debate among non-specialists, which has led to a number of recommen- tions to policy-makers on better communication in biotechnology, on taking better account of the gender aspects of research, and on involving more women in the decision-making process that surrounds developments in biotechnology.

Features: • Provides an accessible introduction to the subject. • Up to date with the latest advances in emerging technologies and procedures. • Provides a historical overview of CT technology.

Unraveling the mystery of the negative thermal expansion of liquid water has been a challenge for scientists for centuries. Various theories have been proposed so far, but none has been able to solve this mystery. Since the thermodynamic properties of matter are determined by the interaction between particles, the mystery can be solved fundamentally if the thermodynamic physical quantities using the laws of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics are determined, the experimental results are reproduced, and the phenomena in relation to the shape of the interaction between particles are elucidated. In this sense, this book has fundamentally unraveled this mystery. In addition, it discusses the mysteries of isothermal compressibility, structural diversity, as well as liquefaction and boiling points of water in relation to the shape of the interaction between particles. It carefully explains the analysis and calculation methods so that they can be easily understood by the readers.

Although many radiation protection scientists and engineers use dose coefficients, few know the origin of those dose coefficients. This is the first book in over 40 years to address the topic of radiation protection dosimetry in intimate detail. Advanced Radiation Protection Dosimetry covers all methods used in radiation protection dosimetry, including advanced external and internal radiation dosimetry concepts and regulatory applications. This book is an ideal reference for both scientists and practitioners in radiation protection and students in graduate health physics and medical physics courses. Features: A much-needed book filling a gap in the market in a rapidly expanding area Contains the history, evolution, and the most up-to-date computational dosimetry models Authored and edited by internationally recognized authorities and subject area specialists Interrogates both the origins and methodologies of dose coefficient calculation Incorporates the latest international guidance for radiation dosimetry and protection

Highlights the utilization of nanofillers. Investigates the moisture absorption and ageing on the physio-chemical, mechanical, thermal properties of the vinyl ester-based composites. Considers the influence of hybridization, fibre architecture, and fibre-ply orientation on the mechanical and thermal properties of vinyl ester-based biocomposites. Discusses the effects of the alkali treatment. Chapters are written by global experts to cover a diverse scope of industry applications for fibre-reinforced polymer composites.

This detailed volume presents an updated collection of state-of-the-art protocols in cardiac tissue engineering. These protocols demonstrate advancements in cell sourcing, assembly, and use of engineered cardiac tissues, imaging and diagnostics, as well as therapeutic applications. New animal models, biomaterials, and quantitative analyses are described for broad adoption. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Cardiac Tissue Engineering: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal resource for inspiring the advancement of cardiotoxicity assessment, drug discovery, and heart repair and regeneration in order to accelerate heart health improvement around the globe.

Image synthesis across and within medical imaging modalities is an active area of research with broad applications in radiology and radiation oncology. This book covers the principles and methods of medical image synthesis, along with state-of-the-art research. First, various traditional non-learning-based, traditional machine-learning-based, and recent deep-learning-based medical image synthesis methods are reviewed. Second, specific applications of different inter- and intra-modality image synthesis tasks and of synthetic image-aided segmentation and registration are introduced and summarized, listing and highlighting the proposed methods, study designs, and reported performances with the related clinical applications of representative studies. Third, the clinical usages of medical image synthesis, such as treatment planning and image-guided adaptive radiotherapy, are discussed. Last, the limitations and current challenges of various medical synthesis applications are explored, along with future trends and potential solutions to solve these difficulties. The benefits of medical image synthesis have sparked growing interest in a number of advanced clinical applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-only radiation therapy treatment planning and positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI scanning. This book will be a comprehensive and exciting resource for undergraduates, graduates, researchers, and practitioners.

This book explores the impact of nonlinearity on a broad range of areas, including time-honored fields such as biology, geometry, and topology, but also modern ones such as quantum mechanics, networks, metamaterials and artificial intelligence. The concept of nonlinearity is a universal feature in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, and is used to characterize systems whose behavior does not amount to a superposition of simple building blocks, but rather features complex and often chaotic patterns and phenomena. Each chapter of the book features a synopsis that not only recaps the recent progress in each field but also charts the challenges that lie ahead. This interdisciplinary book presents contributions from a diverse group of experts from various fields to provide an overview of each field's past, present and future. It will appeal to both beginners and seasoned researchers in nonlinear science, numerous areas of physics (optics, quantum physics, biophysics), and applied mathematics (ODEs, PDEs, dynamical systems, machine learning) as well as engineering.

Highlights the performance of epoxy-based biocomposites with reinforced with various natural fibres and plant resources. Investigates the behavior of hybrid biocomposites and biocomposites reinforced with various nanofillers. Evaluates the response of epoxy-based biocomposites exposed to moisture absorption, accelerated weathering, and hygrothermal aging. Discusses the static and dynamic properties, such as creep, fatigue, and free vibration properties. Chapters are written by global experts to cover a diverse scope of industry applications for fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Image synthesis across and within medical imaging modalities is an active area of research with broad applications in radiology and radiation oncology. This book covers the principles and methods of medical image synthesis, along with state-of-the-art research. First, various traditional non-learning-based, traditional machine-learning-based, and recent deep-learning-based medical image synthesis methods are reviewed. Second, specific applications of different inter- and intra-modality image synthesis tasks and of synthetic image-aided segmentation and registration are introduced and summarized, listing and highlighting the proposed methods, study designs, and reported performances with the related clinical applications of representative studies. Third, the clinical usages of medical image synthesis, such as treatment planning and image-guided adaptive radiotherapy, are discussed. Last, the limitations and current challenges of various medical synthesis applications are explored, along with future trends and potential solutions to solve these difficulties. The benefits of medical image synthesis have sparked growing interest in a number of advanced clinical applications, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-only radiation therapy treatment planning and positron emission tomography (PET)/MRI scanning. This book will be a comprehensive and exciting resource for undergraduates, graduates, researchers, and practitioners.

This proceedings volume highlights the latest research and developments in psychometrics and statistics. It represents selected and peer-reviewed presentations given at the 85th Annual International Meeting of the Psychometric Society (IMPS), held virtually on July 13-17, 2020. The IMPS is one of the largest international meetings on quantitative measurement in education, psychology and the social sciences. It draws approximately 500 participants from around the world, featuring paper and poster presentations, symposiums, workshops, keynotes, and invited presentations. Leading experts and promising young researchers have written the included chapters. The chapters address a wide variety of topics including but not limited to item response theory, adaptive testing, Bayesian estimation, propensity scores, and cognitive diagnostic models. This volume is the 9th in a series of recent works to cover research presented at the IMPS.

This book discusses prospective alternative approaches to fight bacterial infections to minimize the indiscriminate use of conventional antibiotics. It offers the current knowledge on research and development of alternative antibacterial agents such as probiotics, nanobiotics etc. while it also discusses newly emerging trends such as phage therapy, antibody therapy etc. The book highlights on the phytochemicals with potent antibacterial activities as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Chemical modification to develop next generation antibiotics with enhanced efficacy has also been included. Such modifications are reported to overcome the inherent resistance of the parent antibiotics. Phage therapy and targeted antibodies are considered as potential alternative approaches to treat bacterial ailments and represent areas of cutting-edge research and have therefore been discussed with sufficient care. Mainly, the book highlights various approaches other than conventional antibiotics in treating bacterial infections. The scientific advancements in these areas will strengthen the 'One Health' approach benefiting human beings, animals and environment as well. This book is a comprehensive resource to cater researchers, biological scientists, herbalists and clinical practitioners with up-to-date information on antibacterials other than antibiotics.

Agriculture is one of the oldest and most global human enterprises, and as the world struggles with sustainable practices and policies, agricultural chemistry has a clear role to play. This book highlights the ways in which science in agriculture is helping to achieve global sustainability in the 21st century, and demonstrates that this science can and should be a leading contributor in discussion on environmental science and chemistry. The four drivers of this subject are presented, those being economic, environmental, regulatory and scientific, and help showcase agricultural chemistry as a dynamic subject that is contributing to this necessity of global sustainability in the 21st century.

This book offers an overview of the statistical methods used in clinical and observational vaccine studies. Pursuing a practical rather than theoretical approach, it presents a range of real-world examples with SAS codes, making the application of the methods straightforward. This revised edition has been significantly expanded to reflect the current interest in this area. It opens with two introductory chapters on the immunology of vaccines to provide readers with the necessary background knowledge. It then continues with an in-depth exploration of the analysis of immunogenicity data. Discussed are, amongst others, maximum likelihood estimation for censored antibody titers, ANCOVA for antibody values, analysis of data of equivalence, and non-inferiority immunogenicity studies. Other topics covered include fitting protection curves to data from vaccine efficacy studies, and the analysis of vaccine safety data. In addition, the book features four new chapters on vaccine field studies: an introductory one, one on randomized vaccine efficacy studies, one on observational vaccine effectiveness studies, and one on the meta-analysis of vaccine efficacy studies. The book offers useful insights for statisticians and epidemiologists working in the pharmaceutical industry or at vaccines institutes, as well as graduate students interested in pharmaceutical statistics.

This book reviews the relationship between receptors, carbohydrate moieties, and pathogenic surfaces and lectins' pathophysiology of immune responses and examines the mechanisms of action of the molecules for the treatment potentials. Increasing evidence has suggested that lectin-carbohydrate interactions perform important roles in various regulations of immune responses, but much remains to be learned about these crucial properties and their interplay with other molecules. In addition, a better understanding of the structural and functional properties of lectin and the activated immune response will be of critical importance for the development of new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies. These key areas are the focus of this book, which documents the latest research findings in the field. Evidence is provided for the various lectin types from animal and plant as well as microbial or marine lectins, and this wide range of molecular knowledge directs us to various diseases, including infectious diseases and cancer. In presenting state-of-the-art knowledge on the interactions between lectin and its interactions,the book will help to pave the way for the development of novel targets for the prevention and treatment of many disorders.

For some time, medicine has been an important driver for the development of data processing and visualization techniques. Improved technology offers the capacity to generate larger and more complex data sets related to imaging and simulation. This, in turn, creates the need for more effective visualization tools for medical practitioners to interpret and utilize data in meaningful ways.

The first edition of Visualization in Medicine and Life Sciences (VMLS) emerged from a workshop convened to explore the significant data visualization challenges created by emerging technologies in the life sciences. The workshop and the book addressed questions of whether medical data visualization approaches can be devised or improved to meet these challenges, with the promise of ultimately being adopted by medical experts.

Visualization in Medicine and Life Sciences II follows the second international VMLS workshop, held in Bremerhaven, Germany, in July 2009. Internationally renowned experts from the visualization and driving application areas came together for this second workshop.

The book presents peer-reviewed research and survey papers which document and discuss the progress made, explore new approaches to data visualization, and assess new challenges and research directions.

The assembled papers span the frontiers of VMLS, examining these topics:

* Feature Extraction

* Classification

* Volumes and Shapes

* Tensor Visualization

* Visualizing Genes, Proteins, and Molecules"

Computational biology, mathematical biology, biology and biomedicine are currently undergoing spectacular progresses due to a synergy between technological advances and inputs from physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics and computer science. The goal of this book is to evidence this synergy by describing selected developments in the following fields: bioinformatics, biomedicine and neuroscience. This work is unique in two respects - first, by the variety and scales of systems studied and second, by its presentation: Each chapter provides the biological or medical context, follows up with mathematical or algorithmic developments triggered by a specific problem and concludes with one or two success stories, namely new insights gained thanks to these methodological developments. It also highlights some unsolved and outstanding theoretical questions, with a potentially high impact on these disciplines. Two communities will be particularly interested in this book. The first one is the vast community of applied mathematicians and computer scientists, whose interests should be captured by the added value generated by the application of advanced concepts and algorithms to challenging biological or medical problems. The second is the equally vast community of biologists. Whether scientists or engineers, they will find in this book a clear and self-contained account of concepts and techniques from mathematics and computer science, together with success stories on their favorite systems. The variety of systems described represents a panoply of complementary conceptual tools. On a practical level, the resources listed at the end of each chapter (databases, software) offer invaluable support for getting started on a specific topic in the fields of biomedicine, bioinformatics and neuroscience.

This book relates to the analysis and the development of methods to for a nerve-machine interface. Peripheral nerves, both somatic and autonomic, carry signals related to control and the status of the organs. Nerves are made up of many fascicles, each surrounded by protective membranes. The goal is to provide a theoretical and experimental understanding of how one can recover neural signals from the various fascicles or selectively control the activation of these fascicles.