This book, Biotic Stress Management in Rice: Molecular Approaches, addresses biotic stress of rice and its management through molecular approaches. It focuses on the biotechnological aspects of rice with the aim of reducing the fungicide and insecticides and ultimately ensuring safety of rice as a food as well as the environment. Rice is an important crop in much of the Asia-Pacific region, and there are a number of threats to rice production, including fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases and insect pests, both in temperate and tropical countries, which can cause the significant economic loss. Remarkable efforts are being made by scientists and breeders to raise rice productivity and safety by modifying and manipulating rice plants to survive under different types of stresses. The book provides an understanding of the genetic basis of resistance and susceptibility and goes on to present studies directed to understand the host-plant interaction in rice that have given rise to specialized breeding programs for resistance to diseases and insect-pests. In addition to these advancements in molecular breeding, marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches open new ways to increase resistance in rice for better production under several biotic stresses. This book covers the most recent advancements and research strategies of molecular breeding, transgenic approaches, and other tools for effective biotic stress management in rice. This book should find a prominent place on the shelves of new plant breeders, biotechnologists, plant pathologists and entomologists working in academic and commercial rice research programs, and in the libraries of research establishments.

All microbes, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can be classified and identified by matching a few peptides known to be unique to each organism. Identifying Microbes by Mass Spectrometry Proteomics describes ways to identify microorganisms using powerful new techniques combining hardware and software and yielding highly accurate methods for detection, identification, and classification of microbes. This straightforward technology can be used to detect unknown and unsequenced microorganisms as well as microbes in complex environmental samples. This book reviews various mass analyzers used for detection and describes ionization methods frequently used for analysis of microbial constituents, a necessary step in the preparation of mass spectrometry (MS) samples. The text also discusses diverse processing methods, which are used to analyze MS files for matching mass spectral profiles, and examines protein and nucleic acid sequence-based methods capable of classification and identification of microbial agents. The book also covers sample collection methods and specific sample preparation techniques. The text addresses using computer software and bioinformatics approaches for data mining to discriminate microbes using mass spectrometry proteomics (MSP). It also discusses historical pattern recognition-based methods and other approaches such as analysis of pyrolysis products, chemical ionization (CI) of fatty acid methyl esters, and MALDI-MS. The text contains examples of the application of the MSP technique for microbe detection and includes a survey of suitable and commercially available MS-based platforms. Successful applications include the identification of unknown microbes in honey bees associated with colony collapse disorder and the analysis of virus strains from the 2009 influenza pandemic. The final chapter outlines future trends in these groundbreaking uses of MS techniques, which are fast, not limited by sample type, and show potential in answering complex environmental questions.

Molecular biologists are performing increasingly large and complicated experiments, but often have little background in data analysis. The book is devoted to teaching the statistical and computational techniques molecular biologists need to analyze their data. It explains the big-picture concepts in data analysis using a wide variety of real-world molecular biological examples such as eQTLs, ortholog identification, motif finding, inference of population structure, protein fold prediction and many more. The book takes a pragmatic approach, focusing on techniques that are based on elegant mathematics yet are the simplest to explain to scientists with little background in computers and statistics.

The book helps readers develop fundamental skills in the field of biomedical illustrations with a training approach based on step-by-step tutorials with a practical approach. Medical/scientific illustration mainly belongs to professionals in the art field or scientists trying to create artistic visualization. There is not a merging between the two, even if the demand is high. This leads to accurate scientific images with no appeal (or trivial mistakes), or appealing CSI-like images with huge scientific mistakes. This gives the fundamentals to the scientist so they can apply CG techniques that give a more scientific approach creating mistake-free images. Key Features This book provides a reference where none exist. Without overwhelming the reader with software details it teaches basic principles to give readers to fundamentals to create. Demonstrates professional artistic tools used by scientists to create better images for their work. Coverage of lighting and rendering geared specifically for scientific work that is toturoal based with a practical approach. Included are chapter tutorials, key terms and end of chapter references for Art and Scientific References for each chapter.

Over the last few decades, the rapid and vast development of advanced microbial bioresources and metagenomics techniques has completely transformed the field of microbial biotechnology. Our understanding of microbial diversity, evolutionary biology, and microbial interaction with their animal and plant hosts at molecular level has been revolutionized with an abundance of new research. This new volume, Advances in Microbial Biotechnology: Current Trends and Future Prospect, focuses on the application of microorganisms for several purposes: for plant protection and improvement, for environmental remediation purposes, and for the improvement of human health. Various applications of microorganisms are covered broadly and have been appropriately reflected in depth in different chapters. The book is divided into four major sections: applied microbiology in agriculture microbes in the environment microbes in human health microbes in nanotechnology The book provides insight into the diverse microorganisms that have been explored and exploited in the development of various applications for agricultural improvements. The book also looks at the application of microbes for the removal of pollutants and the recovery of metals and oils. Also discussed is the detection and exploitation of microorganisms in the diagnosis of human diseases, providing possible holistic approaches to health. This new volume will provide a wealth of information on new research on the application of microbial biotechnology today.

This new volume is devoted to molecular chemistry and its applications to the fields of biology. It looks at the integration of molecular chemistry with biomolecular engineering, with the goal of creating new biological or physical properties to address scientific or societal challenges. It takes a both multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective on the interface between molecular biology, biophysical chemistry, and chemical engineering. Molecular Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering: Integrating Theory and Research with Practice provides effective support for the development of the laboratory and data analysis skills that researchers will draw on time and again for the practical aspects and also gives a solid grounding in the broader transferable skills.

Owing to its considerable winter hardiness, rye is a cereal that played a major role in the feeding of European populations throughout the Middle Ages. Recent data shows that rye is grown on about 5.4 million hectares, with a world production of approximately 13 million tons. While still an important bread food in many countries, rye produced for bread making has decreased or stagnated, whereas production is increasing for other market segments. Particularly, rye for feeding, ethanol processing, and biogas is promoted in Europe. The first comprehensive monograph on rye, Rye: Genetics, Breeding, and Cultivation gathers all the relevant and historic information from botany and genetics to utilization and sustainability of rye. The book covers taxonomy, morphology, and other botany-related aspects of rye. It describes its physiology, cytology, and genetics, including use for genetic improvement of other cereals. The author addresses various types of breeding such as population, hybrid, and molecular breeding. He also discusses rye cropping, including seeding techniques, fungal and viral diseases, and predators. The book examines the various uses for rye beyond bread making. This includes feeding, biomass and biogas production, ethanol production, and other important characteristics such as phytosterol content and antioxidant activity. It also explores the nutritional value of rye. Written by a leading expert in the field, this monograph compiles the most important facets of rye research, past and present.

This is the only book to cover toxoplasmosis of animals and humans thoroughly in one single source. Found worldwide from Alaska to Australasia, Toxoplasma gondii is the cause of one of the most common parasitic infections in humans, livestock, companion animals, and wildlife, and is included on the list of potential bioterrorism microbes. Furthermore, T. gondii has been and continues to be used extensively as a model for the cell biology of apicomplexan parasites. In the decade since the second edition of this book was published, there has been an explosion of knowledge concerning the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and toxoplasmosis. This update provides unique information on all known host types for this parasite, with an additional chapter on history, substantial updates throughout, and a detailed focus on the biology of the parasite in Chapter 2. The third edition is compiled by author JP Dubey, an authority on T. gondii who has worked with virtually all hosts of the protozoan during the last 55 years, including humans, all livestock species, wildlife, and zoo animals. The book distills the voluminous and potentially confusing scientific literature, that has grown geometrically in the 30+ years since the publication of the first edition, into a comprehensive resource for all professionals, graduate students and researchers working in this field.

Annual Plant Reviews, Volume 10 The cytoskeleton is a dynamic filamentous structure composed of at least actin and microtubule networks. Actin and microtubules are no different structurally from their animal and fungal counterparts. However, the strategies of cell differentiation and development in plants require this network to respond appropriately to plant-specific developmental cues and to environmental factors. This book views the cytoskeleton from different perspectives but, on the whole, as a network composed of structural and regulatory proteins controlled by internal and external stimuli that result in different aspects of cell differentiation. This is a volume for researchers and professionals in plant biochemistry, cell biology and genetics.

Covers wide range of concepts, investigations, and technological advancement in metagenomics at the global level. Highlights the novel and recent approaches to analyze microbial diversity and its functional attributes. Features range of chapters that present an introduction to the field and functional insight of various ecosystems.

Proteostasis integrates biological pathways controlling biogenesis, trafficking, folding, and degradation of proteins. This book focuses on two protein breakdown/degradation processes (proteolysis), which are part of a normally functioning proteostatic system: the ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy.

Genome-editing methods are becoming routine tools for molecular and cell biologists. Such tools include ZFNs, CRISPR, megaTALs and TALENs. These tools are revolutionizing the creation of precisely manipulated genomes to modify the characteristics of organisms or cells. Additionally, gene drives have altered the way we understand inheritance laws. They give us the ability to have total control of the inheritance of traits of choice and importance. This succinct volume summarizes the history, principles and applications - as well as the advantages and disadvantages - of each of these tools and various kinds of gene drives. The book is part of a program to produce books helpful to students and faculties of science at colleges and universities. This volume in the Pocket Guides to Biomedical Sciences series will help demystify these technologies. The book fills the gap between established conventional methods and the novel and exciting newly introduced tools of genome editing and gene drives. It will help young scientists understand the emerging genome-editing tools and gene drives, thereby promoting related research and adoption. Key Features Extensively reviews the current genome-editing tools and gene drives Clarifies the targeting mechanisms and specificity of genome-editing tools Details many different types of natural and synthetic gene drives Highlights concerns with gene drives and genome-editing tools Related Titles Brown, T. A. Genomes 4 (ISBN 978-0-8153-4508-4) Samuelsson, T. The Human Genome in Health and Disease: A Story in Four Letters (ISBN 978-0-8153-4591-6) Soh, J., et al. Genome Annotation (ISBN 978-1-4398-4117-4)

Biochemical engineering mostly deals with the most complicated life systems as compared with chemical engineering. A fermenter is the heart of biochemical processes. It is essential to operate a system properly. A description of enzymatic reaction kinetics is followed by cell growth kinetics to determine several kinetic parameters. Operations and analyses of several biochemical processes are included to determine their special. The book also covers the determination of several operational parameters, such as volumetric mass transfer coefficient, mixing time, death rate constant, chemical oxygen demand, and heat of combustion. This book provides a novel description of the experimental protocol to find out several operational parameters of biochemical processes. A comprehensive collection of numerous experiments based on fundamentals, it focuses on the determination of not only the characteristics of raw materials but also other essential parameters required for the operation of biochemical processes. It also emphasizes the applicability of the analysis to various processes. Equipped with illustrative diagrams, neat flowcharts, and exhaustive tables, the book is ideal for young researchers, teachers, and scientists working towards developing a solid understanding of the experimental aspects of biochemical engineering.

Among the offspring of humans and other animals are occasional individuals that are malformed in whole or in part. The most grossly abnormal of these have been referred to from ancient times as monsters, because their birth was thought to foretell doom; the less severely affected are usually known as anomalies. This volume digs deeply into the cellular and molecular processes of embryonic development that go awry in such exceptional situations. It focuses on the physical mechanisms of how genes instruct cells to build anatomy, as well as the underlying forces of evolution that shaped these mechanisms over eons of geologic time. The narrative is framed in a historical perspective that should help students trying to make sense of these complex subjects. Each chapter is written in the style of a Sherlock Holmes story, starting with the clues and ending with a solution to the mystery.

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

Biomedical Application of Nanoparticles explores nanoparticles, their chemical and physicals properties, and how they interact in biological systems with proteins, immune system and targeted cells. Risk assessment of nanoparticles for human is described, including: cellular paradigms, transcriptomics and toxicogenomics. Finally, the applications of nanoparticles in medicine and antioxidant regenerative therapeutics are presented in several chapters with emphasis on how nanoparticles enhance transport of drugs across biological membrane barriers and therefore may enhance drug bioavailability.

This book provides a review of biochemistry as an algebra of molecules of living matter and utilizes Clifford algebras to discuss the basic biochemical processes of DNA replication, DNA transcription, RNA splicing and translation. Viral carcinogenesis is discussed in depth, specific attention is paid to the structural features of biomolecules that define a particular Clifford algebra, and useful examples of genetic information being transformed into Clifford algebras are provided.

Rapid detection and indication of the microbiological quality of liquids is an emerging topic that has high potential for numerous applications in the fields of environmental monitoring, industrial process control and medical surveillance. Latest technologies allow online and near-real-time quantitative or qualitative microbial measurements with a significantly higher temporal resolution than traditional methods. Such novel developments will significantly enhance quality monitoring of water resources and liquids and have great capability for automation, control and optimization of industrial processes. Therefore, such methods are assumed to have major impacts on scientific research and technical applications in the near future. The book presents cutting edge research on frontiers in microbiological detection from leading experts: Seven chapters containing review articles on emerging and state-of-the-art online and near-real-time methods of microorganism detection and - indication are giving a comprehensive insight into this novel field. A balance between chapters from industry and contributions from academia was aimed for, covering the broad field of microbiological quality of waters and liquids in environmental, industrial and medical systems. This handbook also contains an extensive glossary pointing out and describing relevant terms and definitions. This handbook is the first of its kind and is a timely, comprehensive source of information for researchers and engineers in the areas of biotechnology, environmental sciences, control technology and the process industries.

This reference text is a must have for any current or future clinicians or students of microbiology. It is concisely organized to provide vital information on many of the microbes one will regularly encounter and the most efficacious ways of addressing associated infections. Discussion of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and measures to combat them are also one of the key features of this text. Whether you desire to utilize this book at the bedside for prompt treatment decisions or as a reference manual to be used at your leisure, you will find it to be a valuable addition to your library.

Describes the ways Vitamin C can inhibit, perturb or retard the growth and spread of cancer through changing the ways cancers respond to different doses and treatmentsSumarizes the results of clinical trialsOutlines therapeutical usesChapters by an international team of researchers.

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.

Following its predecessor, the second edition of Amino Acids: Biochemistry and Nutrition presents exhaustive coverage of amino acids in the nutrition, metabolism and health of humans and other animals. Substantially revised, expanded and updated to reflect scientific advances, this book introduces the basic principles of amino acid biochemistry and nutrition, while highlighting the current knowledge of the field and its future possibilities. The book begins with the basic chemical concepts of amnio acids, peptides and proteins, and their digestion and absorption. Subsequent chapters cover cell-, tissue-, and species-specific synthesis and catabolism of amino acids and related bioactive metabolites, and the use of isotopes to study amino acids metabolism in cells and the body. The book details protein turnover, physiological functions of amino acids, as well as both the regulation and inborn errors of amino acid metabolism. The book concludes with a presentation on human and animal dietary requirements of amino acids and evaluates dietary protein quality. Features: Encompasses a comprehensive coverage of basic to applied concepts in amino acid metabolism in humans and other animals. Highlights important roles of dietary amino acids and protein intake in growth, physical performance and health, including sarcopenia mitigation and immunity. Discusses concerns over the excess intakes of amino acids or protein in the development of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and cancers, as well as bone integrity Each chapter contains select references to provide comprehensive reviews and original experimental data on the topics discussed. Each chapter is backed by original experimental data on various topics discussed and contains select references to aid the reader further in research. Written by Distinguished Professor of Animal Nutrition, Guoyao Wu, Ph.D., this book is an authoritative reference for students and researchers in both biomedicine and agriculture.

In situ hybridization is a technique that allows for the visualization of specific DNA and RNA sequences in individual cells, and is an especially important method for studying nucleic acids in heterogeneous cell populations. in situ Hybridization in Electron Microscopy reviews the three main methods developed for the ultrastructural visualization of genes: ° hybridization on ultrathin sections of tissue embedded in hydrophilic resin (post-embedding method) ° hybridization prior to embedding (pre-embedding) ° hybridization on ultrathin sections of frozen tissue (frozen tissue method). For each technique, the different stages are described in detail: the preparation of tissue, pretreatment, hybridization, and visualization of the hybridization products. The book combines theory and practice, starting with the basic principles, then breaking down the experimental process into successive steps illustrated by numerous diagrams, detailed protocols, and tables. This is all done in a format that uses parallel columns to convey useful comments next to the theory and practical details alongside each stage of the protocol. Additionally, the summary tables provide the criteria for choosing the probe type and technique, and a detailed index aids in the search for information. in situ Hybridization In Electron Microscopy is an essential companion for applying these methods at the electron microscopic level.

This new edition of Fungi in Ecosystem Processes continues the unique approach of examining the roles of fungi from the perspective of ecosystem functions. It explores how fungi have adapted to survive within particular constraints, how they help to maintain homeostasis in ecosystems, how they facilitate resistance to perturbations, and how they influence the communities of other organisms. Updated and revised, the second edition Expands the section on plant pathogens, invasive species, and insect-fungal interactions Provides more extensive coverage on insect-fungal interactions, including entomopathogens, the links between entomopathogens and endophytes, and symbiotic and mutualistic interactions Adds a new section on fungi in the built environment Presents new material on below-ground to above-ground interactions mediated through fungi, such as mycorrhizal signaling systems for herbivory defense The book also includes expanded coverage of the role of fungi in suppressive soils, aquatic and marine fungi, modern methods of following food chains in fungal-invertebrate trophic interactions, and the physiology of nutrient uptake by mycorrhizae. A necessary update and expansion to previous material, this book provides an essential reference on the current understanding of fungal roles in ecosystem processes. It also identifies directions for future study, including an emphasis on the need for further research on fungi in built environments.

Although designed for undergraduates with an interest in molecular biology, biotechnology, and bioengineering, this book-Techniques in Genetic Engineering-IS NOT: a laboratory manual; nor is it a textbook on molecular biology or biochemistry. There is some basic information in the appendices about core concepts such as DNA, RNA, protein, genes, and genomes; however, in general it is assumed that the reader has a background on these key issues. Techniques in Genetic Engineering briefly introduces some common genetic engineering techniques and focuses on how to approach different real-life problems using a combination of these key issues. Although not an exhaustive review of these techniques, basic information includes core concepts such as DNA, RNA, protein, genes, and genomes. It is assumed that the reader has background on these key issues. The book provides sufficient background and future perspectives for the readers to develop their own experimental strategies and innovations. This easy-to-follow book presents not only the theoretical background of molecular techniques, but also provides case study examples, with some sample solutions. The book covers basic molecular cloning procedures; genetic modification of cells, including stem cells; as well as multicellular organisms, using problem-based case study examples.