Therapeutic Proteins and Peptides, Volume 112 in an ongoing series promotes further research in the discovery of new therapeutic targets that can be affected by therapeutic proteins and peptides to cure or manage symptoms of human diseases, with this release focusing on the Rational Design of Stable Liquid Formulations of Biopharmaceuticals, Formulation strategies for peptides, proteins and antibodies using nanotechnology, the Solution structural dynamics of therapeutic peptides and their adsorption on plasmonic nanoparticles, Enzymatic approaches of protein-polymer conjugation, Chimeric small antibody fragments as a strategy to deliver therapeutic payloads, Smart cell-penetrating peptide-based techniques for cytoplasmic delivery of therapeutic macromolecules, and more.

The identification and quantification of the widespread occurrence of trace organic chemicals at minute concentrations in the aqueous environment impacted by human activities is a result of rapid advances in environmental analytical chemistry. The body of knowledge regarding the characterization, fate and transport of these chemicals of emerging concern (CECs) in the natural water environment and engineered water treatment processes, as well as their toxicity, has grown substantially over the last two decades. Recently, the focus in the environmental chemistry community has shifted from these CEC parent compounds to the fate, transport, and toxicity of transformation products, which are generated through abiotic and biotic mechanisms in natural systems and during engineered advanced water treatment processes. This two-part book focuses on the studies and recent advancements towards the development of more harmonized strategies and workflows using non-target and suspects screening methods, including suitable bioassay approaches to assess the overall relevance of transformation products. Volume I covers the relevance of transformation products and international strategies to manage CECs, new methods for a comprehensive assessment of transformation products, and the fate and transport of transformation products in natural systems. This book is ideal for environmental scientists and engineers, particularly chemists, environmental engineers, public health officials, regulators, other chemistry-related professionals, and students.

WNT Signaling, Volume 153, the latest release in the Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science series, seeks to provide the most topical, informative, and exciting monographs available on a wide variety of research topics related to prions, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. The series provides readers with in-depth knowledge of important molecular biological aspects of organismal physiology and function, along with insights into how this knowledge may be applied to understand and ameliorate human disease. Each volume is edited by an internationally recognized expert who selects contributors at the forefront of a field.

Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche focuses on an individual organ, looking at the stem cells in the organ itself (if they exist), their niches, and how to use them alongside relevant methods and protocols. This series addresses stem cells during development, homeostasis, and disease/injury of the respective organs, presenting new developments, such as new data on disease and clinical applications. Specific chapters delve into the evolution of hematopoietic stem cell niches, the role of CNS in the regulation of HSCs, and targeting the bone marrow niche in hematological malignancies. In addition, video content illustrates protocols, transplantation techniques, and work with mice.

Ticks of Trinidad and Tobago: An Overview explores tick species prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), their distribution, associated pathogens, their effects on the host, and control methods. The book also reviews the basic biology of ticks. Ticks are known to parasitize a wide range of hosts including mammals, reptiles and birds. These parasites are of veterinary and public health significance since they are responsible for the spread of a number of pathogens to humans and animals. Worldwide, ticks are responsible for billions of dollars in losses in the livestock industry annually due to the effects of these pathogens. Based on review of the literature from more than five decades, twenty-three species of both hard and soft tick have been discovered on the twin-island republic with a greater number of species in Trinidad. Tick genera observed and recorded included Argas, Ornithodoros, Amblyomma, Dermacentor, Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, and Rhipicephalus species. The tick species found in Trinidad and Tobago parasitize both wild and domestic species. Hosts include bats, fowl, equids, wild and domestic ruminants, birds, rodents, marsupials, and a variety of reptiles such as toads, tortoises, and snakes. Based on geographical location, most tick species discovered in T&T have also been recorded in other Caribbean islands in the archipelago, North, Central and South America. Both soft and hard tick species found in T&T have also been implicated in a number of blood-borne pathogens including Borrelia, Ehrlichia, Babesia, Hepatozoon, Rickettsia, and Anaplasma.

Natural products in the plant and animal kingdom offer a huge diversity of chemical structures that are the result of biosynthetic processes that have been modulated over the millennia through genetic effects. With the rapid developments in spectroscopic techniques and accompanying advances in high-throughput screening techniques, it has become possible to isolate and then determine the structures and biological activity of natural products rapidly, thus opening up exciting opportunities in the field of new drug development to the pharmaceutical industry. This series covers the synthesis or testing and recording of the medicinal properties of natural products, providing cutting edge accounts of the fascinating developments in the isolation, structure elucidation, synthesis, biosynthesis and pharmacology of a diverse array of bioactive natural products.

TRP Channels as Therapeutic Targets: From Basic Science to Clinical Use is authored by experts across academia and industry, providing readers with a complete picture of the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with using TRP channels as drug targets. This book offers a unique clinical approach by covering compounds that target TRP channels in pre-clinical and clinical phases, also offering a discussion of TRP channels as biomarkers. An entire section is devoted to the novel and innovative uses of these channels across a variety of diseases, offering strategies that can be used to overcome the adverse effects of first generation TRPV1 antagonists. Intended for all researchers and clinicians working toward the development of successful drugs targeting TRP channels, this book is an essential resource chocked full of the latest clinical data and findings.

Even the most cursory survey of the chemical literature reveals that modern NMR spectroscopy has indeed fulfilled its potential as a powerful and indispensable tool for probing molecular structure, providing detail that is comparable to, and sometimes surpasses that, of X-ray crystallography. As NMR spectroscopy's 70th anniversary approaches, the diversity of chemical problems to which this technique can be applied continues to grow across many scientific fields. Beyond the laboratory setting, the technology underlying NMR is now a widely used and critical medical diagnostic technique, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Unfortunately, the number of applications of NMR spectroscopy across so many STEM-related fields presents significant challenges in how best to introduce this powerful technique in meaningful ways at the undergraduate level. Inspired by the development of the field, and building upon the work of previous symposia and an ACS symposium series book on this topic (3), a symposium was developed, entitled "NMR Spectroscopy in the Undergraduate Curriculum," for the 239th American Chemical Society National Meeting in San Francisco. This book brings together all of the presenters who have been successful in developing and successfully integrating NMR spectroscopy pedagogy across their undergraduate curriculums. Their knowledge and experiences will aid readers who are interested in expanding and invigorating their own curriculum.

In recent years, a number of academic and commercial software packages and databases have been developed for the analysis and screening of biological data; however, the usability of these data is compromised by so-called novel genes to which no biological function is assigned. Annotating new genes outlines an approach to the analysis of evolutionary-conserved, heart-enriched genes with unknown functions, offering a step-by-step description of the procedure from screening to validation. The book begins by offering an introduction to the databases and software available, before moving on to cover programming guidelines, including a specific case study on the use of C-It for in silico screening. The second half of the book offers a step-by-step guide to experimental validation concepts and procedures, as well as an overview of additional potential applications of this approach in the field of stem cells and tissue regeneration, before a concluding chapter summarises the concepts and theories presented.
Focuses not only on screening but also on biological validationsProvides details of databases and software (web interface) products for biologists with minimal computation skillsOffers a step-by-step outline of the procedure involved

This MIE volume provides laboratory techniques that aim to predict the structure of a protein which can have tremendous implications ranging from drug design, to cellular pathways and their dynamics, to viral entry into cells.
Expert researchers introduce the most advanced technologies and techniques in protein structure and folding
Includes techniques on tiling assays.

Levels of mycotoxin contamination in agricultural commodities are regulated in more than 100 countries, and exposure to these naturally occurring toxins presents serious risks to the health of humans and animals with negative impacts to commodity values. This symposium series book presents significant scientific developments in the multifaceted approach to reducing exposure to these naturally occurring toxins. A broad-spectrum of subject matter of the multidisciplinary field of mycotoxin research is conveniently compiled in this single volume, and general themes include prevention, control, exposure, molecular biology, biosynthesis, analytical methodology, and emerging techniques. The book opens with an overview of prevention of mycotoxin production by means of biological control and human exposure to contaminated foods, including tofu, apples, figs, and a broad range of fruits.
The second section focuses on molecular biological approaches to control mycotoxin exposure. Topics covered include genomic approaches, detoxification, structure-activity studies of biosynthetic precursors, and mycotoxin biosynthesis. The success of these strategies is supported by the reduction of mycotoxin occurrence and incidence in foods. Accurate estimates of mycotoxin concentration in foods are important for food safety and wholesomeness.
The final section covers analytical approaches, including sampling plans for foods and dietary supplements, extraction efficiency of mycotoxins from naturally contaminated grains, traditional detection methods such as chromatography/mass spectrometry, and emerging techniques such as the use of molecularly imprinted polymers for purification and isolation and cyclodextrins for fluorescent enhancement of several mycotoxins.

Amyloids, Prions and Beta Proteins is the last volume of the three-part thematic series on Fibrous Proteins in the Advances in Protein Chemistry serial. Fibrous proteins act as molecular scaffolds in cells providing the supporting structures of our skeletons, bones, tendons, cartilage, and skin. They define the mechanical properties of our internal hollow organs such as the intestines, heart, and blood vessels. This volume covers such topics as Beta-Structures in Fibrous Proteins; B-Silks: Enhancing and Controlling Aggregation; Beta-Rolls, Beta-Helices and Other Beta-Solenoid Proteins; Natural Triple B-Stranded Fibrous Folds; Structure, Function and Amyloidogenesis of Fungal Prions: Filament Polymorphism and Prion Variants; X-Ray Fiber and powder Diffraction of PRP Prion Peptides; From the Polymorphism of Amyloid Fibrils to Their Assembly Mechanism and Cytotoxicity; Structural Models of Amyloid-like Fibrils.

Microbiological risk assessment (MRA) is one of the most important recent developments in food safety management. Adopted by Codex Alimentarius and many other international bodies, it provides a structured way of identifying and assessing microbiological risks in food. Edited by two leading authorities, and with contributions by international experts in the field, Microbiological risk assessment provides a detailed coverage of the key steps in MRA and how it can be used to improve food safety.
The book begins by placing MRA within the broader context of the evolution of international food safety standards.
Part one introduces the key steps in MRA methodology. A series of chapters discusses each step, starting with hazard identification and characterisation before going on to consider exposure assessment and risk characterisation. Given its importance, risk communication is also covered. Part two then considers how MRA can be implemented in practice. There are chapters on implementing the results of a microbiological risk assessment and on the qualitative and quantitative tools available in carrying out a MRA. It also discusses the relationship of MRA to the use of microbiological criteria and another key tool in food safety management, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) systems.
With its authoritative coverage of both principles and key issues in implementation, Microbiological risk assessment in food processing is a standard work on one of the most important aspects of food safety management.
Provides a detailed coverage of the key steps in microbiological risk assessment (MRA) and how it can be used to improve food safetyPlaces MRA within the broader context of the evolution of international food safety standardsIntroduces the key steps in MRA methodology, considers exposure assessment and risk characterisation, and covers risk communication

This is the first book solely devoted to single-molecule biochemistry and molecular biology. Authors were selected on the basis of their contribution to this new and exciting field, and were asked to focus more on the biological problems that can be approached using single-molecule techniques rather than on the techniques per se. It is thought that such techniques will eventually dominate the physical characterization of biologically important macromolecules.

This ACS Symposium Series is the product of a symposium held at the 241st National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Anaheim, CA on March 27-31, 2011. It includes chapters on new biobased building blocks such as the furandicarboxylic acid, polyesters and polyamides from adipic, succinic and sebacic acids with aliphatic diols such as 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,12-dodecylenediol and isosorbide. The conversion of hydroxymethylfurfural, the dehydration product of hexose sugars, to succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol to produce poly(butylene succinate) is described in one chapter. Also the synthesis of new polymers from plant-derived olefinic monomers such as tulipalin A and studies of composites from cotton by-products are featured in other chapters. There is a strong emphasis on biocatalytic synthesis and polymerization within the book. Chapter topics include the synthesis of ?-hydroxyfatty acids and polymers therefrom, an interesting discussion on the structural differences of the products of the biocatalytic and chemical catalytic synthesis of polyesters from oleic diacid and glycerol and the ability to produce polylactic acid (PLA) and PLA-PHA copolyesters within a "microbial cell factory". Other areas of interest explored in other chapters include recent developments of biobased polymer fibers and oleate-based pressure sensitive adhesives and composites. One chapter describes a large increase in cold-drawn fiber tensile strength by the blending of a small amount of ultrahigh molecular weight (MW) poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with a much lower MW 3-hydroxybutyrate polymer. The addition of a rubber and inorganic fillers to normally brittle PLA was found to dramatically improve its ductility. Finally, there are several chapters on seed oil-based polyurethanes, one on fibers from soy proteins and composites from starch.

People working in development of drugs, pesticides, washing detergents, etc., are obliged by law to conduct analyses of the "metabolic pathways" or "maps" for the chemical compounds that they are using or proposing.
Everyone in these industries or carrying out research toward such products is therefore interested in having a reference on these compounds.
Key Features
* Covers literature relating to degradation and metabolic profiles of molecules
* Draws together the literature on degradation and metabolism patterns with that on diversified conditions of the environmental systems
* Indicates 3D chemical structures, predicted physico-chemical parameters, logP and the SMILES chemical notations of the parent compounds to assist scientists design the lead compounds for new discovery using computer-aided technology

Natural products play an integral and ongoing role in promoting numerous aspects of scientific advancement, and many aspects of basic research programs are intimately related to natural products. The significance, therefore, of the Studies in Natural Product Chemistry series, edited by Professor Atta-ur-Rahman, cannot be overestimated. This volume, in accordance with previous volumes, presents us with cutting-edge contributions of great importance.

In Volume 18 of this well-established series, Professor Atta-ur-Rahman again brings together the work of several of the world's leading authorities in organic chemistry. Their contributions demonstrate the rapid, ongoing development of this field by illustrating many of the latest advances in synthetic methods, total synthesis, structure determination, biosynthetic pathways, and biological activity.
The opening chapter presents an overview of strategies for the synthesis of several classes of natural products with an emphasis on complex polycyclic systems. Subsequent chapters discuss the synthesis of specific classes of compounds, including morphine, polyketides, acetogenins, nonactic acid derivatives, complex spirocyclic ethers, a-lactam and pyridone derivatives, inositol phosphates, sphingolipids, brassinosteroids, Hernandia lignans, and dimeric steroidal pyrazine alkaloids. Finally, the ever stronger links between chemistry and biology are reinforced by chapters on the origin and function of secondary metabolites, bioactive conformations of gastrin hormones, and immunochemistry."

Recent advances in genetic engineering and in the chemistry and biochemistry of fruit and vegetables have radically changed our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these processes, and the potential for modification of the products themselves. This is the first book to examine these topics and address the role of fresh fruits and vegetables in a healthy diet and the prevention of cancer and coronary diseases. The main focus is on the secondary metabolites which are responsible for quality characteristics including color, aroma, and flavor, and their nutritional importance and role in the prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The book also explores how the post-harvest technological treatments to which these commodities are submitted can cause changes in secondary metabolism, with consequences for the quality of the product.

In the past, the stability of milk and milk products was the primary consideration, but this is no longer the principal objective due to the evolution of modern sanitary practices as well as pasteurization. Today, the manufacture of dairy products of consistently good flavor and texture is crucial. In previous flavor studies, researchers identified hundreds of volatile compounds, with little or no attention paid to their sensory contribution to overall flavor of dairy products. The availability of powerful chromatographic separation techniques like high resolution gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry and olfactory detection ports have revolutionized the work on characterization of dairy flavor. This along with recent developments in sensory methods and our increased knowledge about the genomics of diary culture organisms have allowed great advancements in our understanding of dairy flavor chemistry. Flavor of Dairy Products covers the evolution of dairy flavor research and presents updated information in the areas of instrumental analysis, biochemistry, processing and shelf-life issues related to the flavor of dairy products.

Consumers, regulators, and the food industry increasingly require that foods comply not only with label descriptions of food content, but also with information regarding the food's origin. For example, the wine industry has a long history of labeling wines based on varietal, regional, or age (vintage)-related properties. However, regulatory agencies are now beginning to require methods to confirm this label information. Food retailers are also facing voluntary or mandatory labeling requirements that will indicate regional or country-of-origin, species and/or varietal information. As a result, development of reliable analytical methods to confirm the authenticity of the label information is needed. This book presents the latest research on food and wine authentication. The chapters are authored by leading international scientists whose research focuses on the development and application of analytical methodologies used for the authentication of food and beverages.

Measuring metabolic rates is central to important questions in many areas of scientific research. Unfortunately these measurements are anything but straightforward, and numerous pitfalls await the novice and even the experienced investigator.
Measuring Metabolic Rates de-mystifies the field, explaining every common variation of metabolic rate measurement, from century-old manometric methods through ingenious syringe-based techniques, direct calorimetry, aquatic respirometry, stable-isotope metabolic measurement and every type of flow-through respirometry. Each variation is described in enough detail to allow it to be applied in practice. Background information on different analyzer and equipment types allows users to choose the best instruments for their application. Respirometry equations - normally a topic of terror and confusion to researchers - are derived and described in enough detail to make their selection and use effortless.
Vital topics such as manual and automated baselining, implementing multi-animal systems, and the correct analysis and presentation of metabolic data are covered in enough detail to turn a respirometry neophyte into a hardened metabolic warrior, ready to take on the task of publication in peer-reviewed journals.

ZIP Metal Ion Transporters, Volume 684 in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of topics, including Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Structure determination of a bacterial ZIP in lipidic cubic phase, Cell-based metal transport assay for animal and plant ZIPs, Measurement of metal binding affinity and transport activity in ZIP transporters using spectroscopic methods, Considerations in production of the (prokaryotic) ZIP family transporters for structural and functional studies, Metal-protein interactions investigated using model systems: thermodynamic, spectroscopic and computational methods, and more. Additional chapters cover Getting Zinc Into and Out of Cells, In-silico modeling of ZIP9 (TBD), Cellular Function and Regulation, Methods to visualize zinc transporter proteins of the SLC39A family in cells, Assessing metal ion transporting activity of ZIPs: intracellular zinc and iron detection, In vitro studies for studying manganese transport and homeostasis, and much more.