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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Genetics (non-medical)
This is the first detailed assessment of the development and
implementation of social policy to deal with the problem of the
`mentally deficient' in Britain between 1870 and 1959. Mathew
Thomson analyses all the factors involved in the policy-making
process, beginning with the politics of the legislature and showing
how the demands of central government were interpreted by local
authorities, resulting in a wide and varied distribution of
medical, institutional, and community care in different parts of
the country. The efforts of health professionals, voluntary
organizations and the families themselves are considered, alongside
questions about the influence of changing concepts of class,
gender, and citizenship. The author queries the belief that the
policy of segregation was largely unsuccessful, and reveals a
hitherto unrecognized system of care in the community. He reframes
our understanding of the campaign for sterilization and examines
why British policy-makers avoided extremist measures such as the
compulsory sterilization introduced in Germany and parts of the US
during this period. Thomson shows that the problem of mental
deficiency cannot be understood simply in terms of eugenics but
must also be considered as part of the process of adjusting to
democracy in the twentieth century.
The desire for humanity and the desire for security have co-existed
as long as humans have been alive. As science has become
increasingly sophisticated, so have the methods of self-defence by
States. Nanotechnology is already changing warfare by increasing
capabilities upon which armed forces are heavily reliant: more
efficient energy storage, advanced photovoltaics, and improved
military protective equipment to name a few of these developments.
Some applications of nanomaterials by the military are both
powerful and subtle, and have neurological and biological
applications: 'devices that can infiltrate electronics and seize
control at crucial moments, artificial "disease" agents that can
rest harmlessly in victims' bodies until activated by an external
signal'. The advance of the use or contemplation of use of these
types of nanoscale applications by the military requires urgent
analysis in light of existing international law, particularly in
light of their potential effects on humans and on the environment.
Stromal Signaling in Cancer, Volume 154 in the Advances in Cancer
Research series, highlights new advances in the field, with this
new volume presenting interesting chapters on a variety of timely
topics surrounding cancer research. Each chapter is written by an
international board of authors.
Revealing essential roles of the tumor microenvironment in cancer
progression, this volume focuses on the extracellular matrix
components of the tumor microenvironment during cancer development.
Furthermore, it teaches readers about the roles of distinct
constituents of the tumor microenvironment and how they affect
cancer development. Topics include elastin, decorin, syndecan-1,
versican, lipoproteins, brevican, thrombospondin, and much more.
Taken alongside its companion volumes, Tumor Microenvironment:
Extracellular Matrix Components - Part B updates us on what we know
about the different aspects of the tumor microenvironment, as well
as apprises us on the future advances in the field. For the newest
generation of researchers, this volume serves as a useful
introduction to the history of scientists' focus on the tumor
microenvironment, and explores how this knowledge is currently
applied in cancer treatments. The book is an essential text for
advanced cell biology and cancer biology students, as well as for
scientists seeking an update on the developments in tumor
microenvironment research. All of the chapters authors are renowned
international experts in the field of cancer biology, and in the
specific subfields that are the focus of their chapters.
This volume focuses on the latest methods used to sequence,
assemble, and analyze insect genomes. The collection of protocols
in this book provides an introduction to the workflows and
bioinformatics tools available for researchers. The chapters cover
a range of useful topics such as determining genome size by flow
cytometry; High Molecular Weight DNA extraction; improvements to a
genome assembly provided by long-range sequencing approaches;
assessments of orthology and single-copy genes at different
phylogenetic levels; detecting regulatory regions with FAIRE,
RAMPAGE, and computational analysis of cis-regulatory modules in
insects; bioinformatics analysis of epigenetic modifications,
high-throughput scanning of insect genomes (TEEseq) for the
presence of endosymbionts, and leveraging genome sequence
information to design RNAi strategies. Written in the highly
successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Cutting-edge and thorough, Insect
Genomics: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for graduate
students, postdocs, and novice research scientists who are
interested in learning more about this developing field.
This book marries stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and
regenerative biology into a single, interdisciplinary volume. The
chapters also explore embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent
stem cells, cardiovascular regeneration, skeletal development,
inflammation, polymeric biomaterials, neural injury, cartilage
regeneration, regeneration in ambystoma, models for regeneration
using salamander and zebrafish, and more. The volume also discusses
recent advances and their potential in developing future therapies.
Innovations in Molecular Mechanisms and Tissue Engineering combines
perspectives from the biomedical, bioengineering, and medical
fields to present a cutting-edge, multifaceted picture of the
tissue engineering and regenerative medicine fields. This
installment of Springer's Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative
Medicine series is ideal for scientists, clinicians, and
researchers in the fields of stem cell biology, regenerative
medicine, biomedical engineering, and tissue engineering.
This book focusing on the bitter gourd genome is the first
comprehensive compilation of knowledge on the botany, cytogenetical
analysis, genetic resources and diversity, traditional breeding,
tissue culture and genetic transformation, whole genome sequencing
and comparative genomics in the Cucurbitaceae family. It discusses
the biochemical profile of the bioactives present in this
horticultural crop, used both as a vegetable and as a medicine, and
also addresses sex determination in bitter gourd. Written by
respected international experts, the book is useful to students,
teachers and scientists in academia, as well as seed companies and
pharmaceutical industries.
This volume brings together a set of reviews that provide a summary
of our current knowledge of the proteolytic machinery and of the
pathways of protein breakdown of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Intracellular protein degradation is much more than just a
mechanism for the removal of incorrectly folded or damaged
proteins. Since many short-lived proteins have important regulatory
functions, proteolysis makes a significant contribution to many
cellular processes including cell cycle regulation and
transciptional control. In addition, limited proteolytic cleavage
can provide a rapid and efficient mechanism of enzyme activation or
inactivation in eukaryotic cells.
In the first chapter, Maurizi provides an introduction to
intracellular protein degradation, describes the structure and
functions of bacterial ATP-dependent proteases, and explores the
relationship between chaperone functions and protein degradation.
Many of the principles also apply to eukaryotic cells, although the
proteases involved are often not the same. Interestingly,
homologues of one of the bacterial proteases, Ion protease, have
been found in mitochondria in yeast and mammals, and homologues of
proteasomes, which are found in all eukaryotic cells (see below),
have been discovered in some eubacteria.
Studies of proteolysis in yeast have contributed greatly to the
elucidation of both lysosomal (vacuolar) and nonlysosomal
proteolytic pathways in eukaryotic cells. Thumm and Wolf (chapter
2) describe studies that have elucidated the functions of
proteasomes in nonlysosomal proteolysis and the contributions of
lysosomal proteases to intracellular protein breakdown. Proteins
can be selected for degradation by a variety of differen
mechanisms. The ubiquitin system is one complex and highly
regulated mechanism by which eukaryotic proteins are targetted for
degradation by proteosomes. In chapter 3, Wilkinson reviews the
components and functions of the ubiquitin system and considers some
of the known substrates for this pathway which include cell cycle
and transcriptional regulators.
The structure and functions of proteosomes and their regulatory
components are described in the two subsequent chapters by Tanaka
and Tanahashi and by Dubiel and Rechsteiner. Proteasomes were the
first known example of threonine proteases. They are multisubunit
complexes that, in addition to being responsible for the turnover
of most short-lived nuclear and cytoplasmic protein, are also
involved in antigen processing for presentation by the MHC class I
pathway. Recent studies reviewed by McCracken and colleagues
(chapter 6) lead to the exciting conclusion that some ER-associated
proteins are degraded by cytosolic proteasomes.
Lysosomes are responsible for the degradation of long-lived
proteins and for the enhanced protein degradation observed under
starvation conditions. In chapter 7 Knecht and colleagues review
the lysosomal proteases and describe studies of the roles of
lysosomes and the mechanisms for protein uptake into lysosomes.
Methods of measuring the relative contribution of different
proteolytic systems (e.g., ubiquitin-proteasome pathway,
calcium-dependent proteases, lysosomes) to muscle protein
degradation, and the conclusions from such studies, are reviewed by
Attai and Taillinder in the following chapter.
Finally, proteases play an important role in signaling apoptosis by
catalyzing the limited cleavage of enzymes. Mason and Beyette
review the role of the major players, caspases, which are both
activated by and catalyze limite proteolysis, and also consider the
involvement of other protoelytic enzymes in this pathway leading
cell death.
This astute volume brings together the latest expert research on
adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs). ACPs are histologically
benign but clinically aggressive tumors exhibiting a high
propensity for local invasion into the hypothalamus, optic and
vascular structures. These tumors, as well as the current
treatments, may result in pan-hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus,
morbid obesity followed by type II diabetes mellitus, blindness, as
well as serious behavioral and psychosocial impairments. Exploring
in detail advances in both the understanding of tumor biology as
well as clinical advances in patient management are explored in
detail, this book will also look towards potential new treatment
approaches. Basic Research and Clinical Aspects of Adamantinomatous
Craniopharyngioma is the first book compiling all current research
on ACPs. Mouse and human studies have unequivocally demonstrated
that mutations in CTNNB1 encoding -catenin underlie the etiology of
the majority, if not all ACP tumors. Genetic studies in mice have
shown that ACPs are tumors of the pituitary gland and not of the
hypothalamus as previously thought, and are derived from Rathke's
pouch precursors. In addition, a role for tissue-specific adult
pituitary stem cells has been revealed as causative of ACP.
Together, these studies have provided novel insights into the
molecular and cellular etiology as well as the pathogenesis of
human ACP. Finally, this volume covers new treatment approaches
that have been shown to be effective both in reducing ACP burden as
well as reducing the morbidity associated with therapy.
This invaluable resource discusses clinical applications with
effects and side-effects of applications of stem cells in liver,
lung and heart regeneration. All chapters are contributed by
pre-eminent scientists in the field and covers such topics as cell
therapy in the treatment of cirrhosis and other liver, heart and
lung diseases, characteristics of hepatic progenitor cells, future
directions of the discussed therapies and much more. Liver, Lung
and Heart Regeneration and the other books in the Stem Cells in
Clinical Applications series will be invaluable to scientists,
researchers, advanced students and clinicians working in stem
cells, regenerative medicine or tissue engineering.
What will our lives be like fifty years from now? What will we know
about ourselves as humans, and how will that affect our lives? It's
impossible to know the future for certain, but one thing we do
know--perhaps nothing will alter our future more than the Genetics
Revolution of the past thirty-five years. This book clarifies the
history and examines the possible impact of five major areas of
genetic research:
- The Human Genome Project and genetic engineering
- In vitro fertilization (IVF) and the technology of
reproduction
- The Human Genome Diversity Project, which is studying the
variation of the human genome
- Embryonic stem-cell research
- Cloning
All of these areas of research produce two reactions among the
general public--hope for the improvement of people's lives, and
fear of science out of control. The Genetics Revolution examines
the scientific, social, and political impacts of the genetics on
everyday life--in the past, in the present, and in the future. Each
specific topic is contained within its own chapter for ease in
accessing specific information. This is an ideal resource for
students, teachers, and others preparing research papers. In
addition, it integrates science and social science topics in a way
that supports topics in the school curricula. The book contains
documented, current information that both supports and challenges
current thinking about genetics.
This invaluable resource discusses clinical applications with
effects and side-effects of applications of stem cells in diabetes,
kidney and wound treatment. All chapters are contributed by
pre-eminent scientists in the field and covers such topics as stem
cells and cell therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus,
kidney failure, wound and other skin aging diseases,
characteristics of some kinds of stem/progenitor cells for therapy,
future directions of the discussed therapies and much more.
Pancreas, Kidney and Skin Regeneration and the other books in the
Stem Cells in Clinical Applications series will be invaluable to
scientists, researchers, advanced students and clinicians working
in stem cells, regenerative medicine or tissue engineering.
This book includes papers presented at the 2017 Joint meeting of
Fodder Crops and Amenity Grasses Section and Protein Crops Working
Group of EUCARPIA-Oil and Protein Crops Section. The theme of the
meeting "Breeding Grasses and Protein Crops in the Era of Genomics"
has been divided into six parts: (1) Utilisation of genetic
resources and pre-breeding, (2) Genetic improvement of quality and
agronomic traits, (3) Breeding for enhanced stress tolerance (4)
Implementation of phenomics and biometrics, (5) Development of
genomic tools and bioinformatics and (6) Reports of Parallel
Sessions.
The Wonder of Life takes you from Earth's beginning and describes
the events that preceded man and carries you along the path of
man's education. This came through wars, then religion, and always
through the silent killers of man as disease became one of the
major carriers of education as well as death. You will journey
through the battles with the silent killers and understand how man
went from a defensive mode to one of the aggressor with the
invention of the microscope. Follow the progress of the wins over
the Staff infections, to the use of penicillin during the war and
then the defeat of Polio; always in the search of what made man
tick. This carries him through the discovery of DNA, the genetic
code, AIDS, the human genome and to today's great hope of the use
of stem cells to correct for the body's malfunction of its organs.
It's an exciting story told in a novel manner for the layman to
understand.
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