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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The boundaries between simple and complicated, and complicated and complex system designations are fuzzy and debatable, even using quantitative measures of complexity. However, if you are a biomedical engineer, a biologist, physiologist, economist, politician, stock market speculator, or politician, you have encountered complex systems. Furthermore, your success depends on your ability to successfully interact with and manage a variety of complex systems. In order not to be blindsided by unexpected results, we need a systematic, comprehensive way of analyzing, modeling, and simulating complex systems to predict non-anticipated outcomes. In its engaging first chapters, the book introduces complex systems, Campbell's Law, and the Law of Unintended Consequences, and mathematics necessary for conversations in complex systems. Subsequent chapters illustrate concepts via commonly studied biological mechanisms. The final chapters focus on higher-level complexity problems, and introduce complexity in economic systems. Designed as a reference for biologists and biological engineers, Introduction to Complexity and Complex Systems lends itself to use in a classroom course to introduce advanced students studying biomedical engineering, biophysics, or physiology to complex systems. Engaging and illustrative, this book aids scientists and decision makers in managing biological complexity and complex systems.

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

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

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

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

Utilizing the flood of new information derived from the Human Genome Project and corresponding efforts to elucidate the mouse genome, Genetic Influences on Neural and Behavioral Functions provides a scholarly catalog, organized logically, of relations between the expression of specific genes, nerve cell biology and behavior, normal and abnormal, in animals AND humans.
Sample topics include genes in relation to schiziphrenia, panic disorder, epilepsy, alcoholism, sleep, eating disorders, and more.

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

The DVD contains approx. 2,000 images and more than 250 movies of the cell biology and structure-function relationships of subcellular components of plant cells.

Most forms of microscopy and most forms of sample preparation are included (TEM, SEM, FESEM, NSEM, tomography, confocal, wide-field, DIC, fluorescence, immuno-localisations, GFP and other probes, etc.). The superior quality given by high-pressure freezing/freeze-substitution is featured in all chapters. Particular emphasis is placed on movie recording of dynamic processes in live cells, thus making avaiable events which few teachers or students can hope to see for themselves.

Program facilities include hierarchical menus, comprehensive navigation and progress-monitoring aids, detailed descriptions of all images, ability to export images, and a slide-show module that allowas pre-selection of sequences of images/movies for use in one-click presentations or tutorial exercises.

Mechanobiology-the study of the effects of mechanical environments on the biological processes of cells-has evolved from traditional biomechanics via the incorporation of strong elements of molecular and cell biology. Currently, a broad range of organ systems are being studied by surgeons, physicians, basic scientists, and engineers. These mechanobiologists aim to create new therapies and further biological understanding by quantifying the mechanical environment of cells and the molecular mechanisms of mechanically induced pathological conditions. To achieve these goals, investigators must be familiar with both the basic concepts of mechanics and the modern tools of cellular/molecular biology. Unfortunately, current literature contains numerous studies that misuse standard mechanical estimations and terminology, or fail to implement appropriate molecular analyses. Therefore, the Mechanobiology Handbook not only presents cutting-edge research findings across various fields and organ systems, but also provides the elementary chapters on mechanics and molecular analysis techniques to encourage cross-field understanding and appropriate planning. Aided by the continuous advancement of research tools in both mechanics and biology, more sophisticated experiments and analyses are possible-thus fueling the growth of the field of mechanobiology. Considering the complexity of the mechanics and the biology of the human body, most of the world of biomechanics remains to be studied. Since the field is still developing, the Mechanobiology Handbook does not force one unified theory, but brings out many different viewpoints and approaches to stimulate further research questions.

Despite a decline in developed countries, cancer has consistently maintained its status as one of the top killers since time immemorial. Exploring cancer management and treatment at the molecular level, Biology of Oral Cancer: Key Apoptotic Regulators presents a key molecular event-apoptosis-in relation to genesis and progression of oral cancer. The book uses oral cancers as the specific means to demonstrate the use of apoptotic regulators for controlling cancers. The book comprehensively deals with the different aspects of oral cancer. The authors discuss strategies to leverage apoptotic regulatory mechanisms for better management along with state-of-the-art medical options available for management and treatment. Using an informal writing style that makes the information accessible to a wider audience, each chapter begins with a prologue followed by detailed discussion and concludes with a glimpse into future approaches and challenges. The book examines detection techniques that leverage molecular events associated with oral carcinogenesis to effectively detect oral cancer. A thorough examination of the internal (genetics) and external (carcinogens, radiation, and smoking) factors that cause cancer, the book provides an enhanced understanding of why oral cancer has consistently ranked among the top ten causes of cancer-related mortalities worldwide. It furthers the effective identification of the causal factors and their modulation that can restore cells' normal state and be used to develop increasingly effective modalities.

The rapid growth of the study of apoptosis-mechanism-driven, regulated cell death-has created an urgent need for reliable documentation of t he different approaches to and methods of studying the various aspects of the field. Apoptosis in Neurobiology is an important resource for researchers in this emerging frontier of biomedical study. This volume allows the uninitiated neuroscientist intellectual and practical acce ss to the study of apoptosis, with special consideration to the nervou s system. The first section concentrates on conceptual approaches to t he study of apoptosis in neurobiology and its significance to the nerv ous system. The second section provides a user-friendly approach to me thods and techniques in the study of apoptosis as applied to neurobiol ogy.

A Guide to Cancer: Origins and Revelations unfolds the complex and fascinating topic of cancer in two ways: firstly, no specialist knowledge is assumed on the part of the reader, and secondly, despite the serious nature of the topics, the book aims to stimulate interest, provoke thought, and paradoxically entertain. It takes an array of complex topics and breaks them down in clear, concise terms, so that anyone with a basic knowledge of science can understand. The book is aimed at the general public as well as students of biological subjects, first and second year university students, and researchers in the nascent field of cancer genomics.

A Guide to Cancer: Origins and Revelations unfolds the complex and fascinating topic of cancer in two ways: firstly, no specialist knowledge is assumed on the part of the reader, and secondly, despite the serious nature of the topics, the book aims to stimulate interest, provoke thought, and paradoxically entertain. It takes an array of complex topics and breaks them down in clear, concise terms, so that anyone with a basic knowledge of science can understand. The book is aimed at the general public as well as students of biological subjects, first and second year university students, and researchers in the nascent field of cancer genomics.