First published in 1996, liposomes have become an important model in fundamental biomembrane research, including biophysical, biochemical, and cell biological studies of membranes and cell function. They are thoroughly studied in several applications, such as drug delivery systems in medical applications and as controlled release systems, microencapsulating media, signal carriers, support matrices, and solubilizers in other applications. While medical applications have been extensively reviewed in recent literature, there is a need for easily accessible information on applications for liposomes beyond pharmacology and medicine. The Handbook of Nonmedical Applications of Liposomes fills this void. This unique new handbook series presents recent developments in the use of liposomes in many scientific disciplines, from studies on the origin of life, protein function, and vesicle shapes, to applications in cosmetics, diagnostics, ecology, bioreclamation, and the food industry. In these volumes many of the top experts contribute extensive reviews of their work.

This volume presents a collection of lectures on linear partial differntial equations and semigroups, nonlinear equations, stochastic evolutionary processes, and evolution problems from physics, engineering and mathematical biology. The contributions come from the 6th International Conference on Evolution Equations and Their Applications in Physical and Life Sciences, held in Bad Herrenalb, Germany.

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.

This book explores the profound importance of phenotypic plasticity as a central organizing theme for understanding biology. Chapters take a broad, integrative approach to explain how physical and biological environmental stimuli (temperature, photoperiod, nutrition, population density, predator presence, etc.), influence insect biochemical, physiological, learning, and developmental processes, altering phenotype, which then influences performance, ecology, life-history, survival, fitness, and subsequent evolution. Topics include endocrinology, development, body size, allometry, polyphenism, reproduction, reproductive and life-history tradeoffs, alternative mating and life-history strategies, density-dependent prophylaxis, physiological adaptation, acclimation, homeostasis, heat-shock proteins, learning, adaptive anti-predator behavior, and evolution of phenotypic plasticity.

Originally published in 1982 The Awakening Earth explores the idea of the Earth as a collective, self-regulatory living organism, and considers in this context, the function of the human race. The book provides an exploration of humanity's potential and explores the possibility of mankind's evolutionary future. Drawing on the work of physicists, psychologists, philosophers and mystics, the book argues that humanity is on the verge of another evolutionary leap and explores evolution in the context of spiritual growth, arguing that widespread inner awakenings could lead to a more analogous society, functioning as a single social super-organism, much in the way cells in a body function as a biological organism.

Proteins of Iron Metabolism presents a clear picture of the structure and function of the main proteins involved in iron metabolism. The book gives you a detailed description of the structure and function of each protein, and discusses the structure and regulation of the corresponding genes in parallel. It supplies an analysis of the differential expression and regulation of these proteins. Numerous figures offer an integrated view of iron metabolism at the level of various tissues. The book delineates the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism and shows how these mechanisms adapt to the differential and peculiar iron need of different cell types. Each chapter contains extensive bibliographical information providing a wide reference to the literature. The comprehensive coverage of the advances in understanding the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism, especially at the molecular level, found in this book will give you insight into the regulation of iron metabolism. Proteins of Iron Metabolism fills the need for a clearly written, comprehensive review of the latest research, putting every thing you need in one easy-to-use resource.

Evolutionary biology has increasingly relied upon tools developed in molecular biology that allow for the structure and function of macromolecules to be used as data for exploring the patterns and processes of evolutionary change. Integrated Molecular Evolution, Second Edition is a textbook intended to expansively and comprehensive review evolutionary studies now routinely using molecular data. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded, and provides a basic summary of evolutionary biology as well as a review of current phylogenetics and phylogenomics. Reflecting a burgeoning pedagogical landscape, this new edition includes nearly double the number of chapters, including a new section on molecular and bioinformatic methods. Dedicated chapters were added on: Evolution of the genetic code Mendelian genetics and population genetics Natural selection Horizontal gene transfers Animal development and plant development Cancer Extraction of biological molecules Analytical methods Sequencing methods and sequencing analyses Omics Phylogenetics and phylogenetic networks Protein trafficking Human genomics More than 400 illustrations appear in this edition, doubling the number included in the first edition, and over 100 of these diagrams are now in color. The second edition combines and integrates extensive summaries of genetics and evolutionary biology in a manner that is accessible for students at either the graduate or undergraduate level. It also provides both the basic foundations of molecular evolution, such as the structure and function of DNA, RNA and proteins, as well as more advanced chapters reviewing analytical techniques for obtaining sequences, and interpreting and archiving molecular and genomic data.

The Nobel laureate Otto Warburg was widely regarded as one of the most important biochemists of the twentieth century. A Jewish homosexual living openly with his partner, he was also among the most despised figures in the Third Reich. Yet top Nazi officials-perhaps even Hitler himself-dreaded cancer and protected Warburg in the hope he could cure it. Using new archival sources and interviews with current cancer authorities, Sam Apple depicts a relentless figure, hungry for fame, who pursued his research even as the world around him disintegrated. Remarkably, Warburg's theory about the metabolic origins of cancer has been revived in our own time, as scientists investigate the dangers of sugar and the link between obesity and cancer. Ravenous is a book for readers of Alan Turing and The Emperor of All Maladies: a tale of scientific discovery, personal peril and the race to end a disastrous disease.

Whether classified as regulators of inflammation, metabolism, or other physiological functions, a distinctive set of molecules enables the human body to convey information from one cell to another. An in-depth primer on the molecular mediators that coordinate complex bodily processes, Body Messages provides fresh insight into how biologists first identified this special class of molecules and the consequences of their discovery for modern medicine. Focusing on proteins that regulate inflammation and metabolism-including the cytokines and adipokines at the core of her own research-Giamila Fantuzzi examines the role body messages play in the physiology of health as well as in the pathology of various illnesses. Readers are introduced to different ways of conceptualizing biomedical research and to the advantages and pitfalls associated with identifying molecules beginning with function or structure. By bringing together areas of research usually studied separately, Fantuzzi stresses the importance of investigating the body as a whole and affirms the futility of trying to separate basic from clinical research. Drawing on firsthand interviews with researchers who made major contributions to the field, Body Messages illustrates that the paths leading to scientific discovery are rarely direct, nor are they always the only routes available.

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 special volume titled The Cardiovascular Glycocalyx in Health and Disease has the goal of giving an updated perspective of the glycocalyx function through the cardiovascular system and its integration in whole system physiology. This volume will address roles of the glycocalyx at the membrane and cellular level and its implications to overall cardiovascular function and disease progression. Further, pharmacological targeting of the glycocalyx will be addressed as an important mechanism for diagnosis and therapeutic interventions.

Control of Cell Cycle & Cell Proliferation, Volume 135 in the Advances in Protein Chemistry and Structural Biology series, highlights new advances, with this new volume presenting chapters on a variety of timely topics, including Exploiting pivotal mechanisms behind the senescence-like cell cycle arrest, Viral infection on through Cell Cycle Regulation, Analyzing drug resistant mutation in CDK4 gene and identification of potential inhibitors through structure based virtual screening approach, Controlling cell proliferation by targeting CDK6 using drug repurposing approach, Cdk Regulators: Growth Arrest or Apoptosis? Scenarios in normal and cancerous cells, Targeting cell cycle signaling pathways for cancer therapy, and much more. Other sections focus on The role of the nucleolus in regulating cell cycle, Chromatin regulators in DNA replication and genome stability maintenance during S-phase, Role of macrophage in cancer cell progression and targeted immunotherapies, Anti-cancer drug molecules targeting cancer cell cycle and proliferation, Cellular signals integrate cell cycle and metabolic control in cancer, Therapeutic targeting and proliferation of HSCs by small molecules and biologicals, Mechanism of cell cycle regulation and cell proliferation during human viral infection, and Cyclin-dependent kinases: Role, regulation, and therapeutic targets in cancer.

Principles of Genomics and Proteomics is the perfect reference for graduate students and researchers in these areas to understand its principles and execute precise and reproducible experiments. Following an introductory chapter, the book dives into proper research, including genome mapping. Experiments covered in the book span from Sangers Sequencing, Shotgun sequencing, SAGE analysis, DNA footprinting, Gel retardation, ChIP, and protein resolution methods, including PAGE, 2D gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. Biophysical techniques are also described in detail, including ultraviolet and visible light spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, NMR and X-ray diffraction. A final proteome analysis is dedicated to functional analysis. Other chapters cover applications of omics technologies broadly. This book is the perfect reference for genetics labs around the world. Graduate students will benefit from the structured and detailed coverage of methods and established researchers will benefit from the book for staff training in research and may find it particularly helpful in enhancing reproducibility of experiments.

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 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.

Completely updated and rewritten, with 150 new figures Genomes from a wide variety of organisms included, from viruses to humans Techniques fully integrated into the text, including those investigating the genome, transcriptome, and proteome Coverage of expression, regulation, and evolution is on a genomic scale Short answer questions and in-depth problems at the end of each chapter Same structure as Genomes 3 but streamlined

Since the first Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides was prepared in 2001, the wealth of new information on the use of these peptides as transport systems has in fact served to confound the field. The constant internal change in the field of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) is due to recent research uncovering apparent ambiguities in cellular uptake. There is still neither a common terminology nor a uniform explanation for the penetrative mechanism of cell-penetrating peptides. In this second edition of the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides, the authors summarize the current state of the field including recent reevaluations of earlier studies of CPP mechanisms. Beginning with an overview of the classes of peptides and their individual uptake mechanisms, from the earlier lipid models to the more recent endocytotic pathways, the book demonstrates the diversity and the opportunity for these biologically active proteins to serve as future drug leads. The text then covers the use of CPPs in gene modulation, addressing the application of antisense and decoy oligonucleotides, as well as the new avenue of research targeting specific tumors and other tissues-questions that had barely been asked when the first edition was published. By summarizing the diffuse information regarding CPPs, including the ambiguities and variety of mechanisms, the Handbook of Cell-Penetrating Peptides provides the most solid foundation available from which to expand the potential of this rapidly growing field of medicine.

Since the discovery of Glutathione S-Transferase (GST) or Glutathione transferase, studies have probed important questions about its pharmacological and physiological significance. Toxicology of Glutathione Transferases is the only text that details the methods used in GST research. With chapters written by experts who have been involved in all areas of GST research and have actively contributed to the progress of this field, the book describes the role of GSTs in toxicology, focusing on their pharmacologic and physiologic roles and their relevance to biological toxicology. The book provides current information on gene families, structure and regulation of gene expression, reaction mechanisms and substrates, three-dimensional structures of GSTs, design of proteins with GST activity, and various approaches to developing inhibitors that overcome drug resistance. It also covers the physiological significance and the mechanisms of activation of microsomal GSTs. carcinogens and possible implications of GST polymorphism in human health and disease, make the volume useful to researchers in the field of pharmacology and toxicology. Chapters cover the possible and exciting role of GSTs in defense mechanisms against chronic oxidative stress-linked disorders such as atherosclerosis and the newly emerging area of GST-mediated modulation of stress-signaling through its catalytic as well as binding activities. They explore an intriguing hypothesis that strongly suggests an important role of the factors that modulate the GSH-electrophile conjugate (GS-E) homeostasis in the regulation of cellular processes. Chapters on known and potential endogenous electrophilic substrates and a major role of GSTs in suppressing stress-induced lipid peroxidation reinforce this newly emerging role of GSTs. These are just a few of the features that make the book helpful to clinicians involved in basic as well as translational research, particularly those studying oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases.

Tissue stem cells and their medical applications have become a major focus of research over the past decade. With 16 full-color illustrations, this reference provides a thorough and up-to-date overview of the current and emerging technologies for stem cell research and transplantation. Divided into three sections covering general issues, adult stem cells within specific tissues, and clinical applications, this source studies advances in bone marrow transplantation, cancer development modeling, tumor analysis, and gene therapy.

Even though Xenopus is one of the two most popular non-mammalian animals used in biomedical research, its value in the lab suffers from a lack of standardization regarding their optimal care, breeding, and housing. Filling the need for such a reference, The Laboratory Xenopus sp provides researchers and lab managers with a practical, step-by-step manual that emphasizes the humane care and use of captive clawed frogs in basic as well as biomedical, and toxicological research. The Only Book of Its Kind Available to Researchers Amply illustrated with 50 color illustrations of management practices and technical procedures, this how-to guide: Offers quick reference on the humane care and use of clawed frogs in the laboratory Illustrates management practices and technical procedures with figures and tables Provides sources of additional information on frogs, feed, and sanitation supplies Supported with hypothesis-driven research, this well-organized manual explores the full range of responsibilities facing individuals who work with this species. The content is divided into intentionally brief sections that allow for the quick retrieval of essential information regarding important biological features and experimental methodology, as well as compliance and veterinary care, husbandry, housing, and water quality management. The book has an accompanying website with more information, including interesting frog trivia.

Instant Notes in Mathematics and Statistics for Life Scientists is aimed at undergraduate life science students who need to improve or brush-up their mathematical and statistical skills to a level which will make the quantitative components of most undergraduate biological courses accessible.

With chapter contributions from more than 30 metal biology experts, Cellular and Molecular Biology of Metals explains the role of key divalent metal ions involved in the molecular and cellular biology of various target cell populations. Although it primarily focuses on homeostatic metals, such as nickel, zinc, and chromium, the text also discusses a few environmentally pertinent, toxic divalent cations, including mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. This authoritative resource reviews the physiological mechanisms underlying the handling of essential and toxic metal ions, including metal ion homeostasis, metals and enzyme activity, metals and transcriptional regulation, and metal ion transport. It also analyzes other functions designed to avoid metal-induced toxicity and mediate the metal enhancement of cellular function. The role of metal ions and their effect on mammalian cells and organs are only beginning to be truly defined. Cellular and Molecular Biology of Metals arms metals toxicologists and cellular and molecular biologists with the necessary knowledge they need to take the research effort to the next level. Key selling features: Presents the most recent advances in the cell and molecular biology of metal ions Provides a complete exploration of transport mechanisms Addresses homeostatic metals as well as several environmentally relevant toxic divalent cations Features contributions from experts in their respective fields

Mitochondria produce the chemical energy necessary for eukaryotic cell functions; hence mitochondria are an essential component of health, playing roles in both disease and aging. More than 80 human diseases and syndromes are associated with mitochondrial dysfunction; this book focuses upon diseases linked to these ubiquitous organelles. Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage results in mitochondrial dysfunction through two main pathways. Mutation in mitochondrial DNA causes diseases such as Kearns-Sayre syndrome and Pearson syndrome. Mutation in chromosomal DNA causes diseases such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. These and many other diseases are reviewed in this book. Key Features Presents the detailed structure of mitochondria, mitochondrial function, roles of oxidants and antioxidants in mitochondrial dysfunction. Includes summary of both causes and effects of these diseases. Discusses current and potential future therapies for mitochondrial dysfunction diseases Explores a wide variety of diseases caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

Stands as the most comprehensive guide to the subject-covering every essential topic related to DNA damage identification and repair.

Covering a wide array of topics from bacteria to human cells, this book summarizes recent developments in DNA damage repair and recognition while providing timely reviews on the molecular mechanisms employed by cells to distinguish between damaged and undamaged sites and stimulate the appropriate repair pathways.

about the editors...

WOLFRAM SIEDE is Associate Professor, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth. He received the Ph.D. degree (1986) from Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt Germany.

YOKE WAH KOW is Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. He received the Ph.D. degree (1981) from Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts.

PAUL W. DOETSCH is Professor, Departments of Biochemistry, Radiation Oncology, and Hematology and Oncology, and Associate Director for Basic Research, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. He received the Ph.D. degree (1982) from Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The second volume of the Chromosomal Nonhistone Proteins treatise is dedicated in its entirety to the immunobiology of these proteins. Since immunological methods are adding rapidly to our knowledge of the specificity and intranuclear localization of chromosomal nonhistone proteins, a collection of chapters dealing with various aspects of this important area was judged appropriate.