Prospective Isolation and Characterization of Human Bone Marrow-Derived MSCs, by A. Harichandan, K. Sivasubramaniyan, H.-J. Buhring Urine as a Source of Stem Cells, by Christina Benda, Ting Zhou, Xianming Wang, Weihua Tian, Johannes Grillari, Hung-Fat Tse, Regina Grillari-Voglauer, Duanqing Pei, Miguel A. Esteban Expansion of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells under Xenogenic-Free Culture Conditions, by Sven Kinzebach, Karen Bieback Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Biology and Potential Applications, by Danielle Minteer, Kacey G Marra, J Peter Rubin Potential for Osteogenic and Chondrogenic Differentiation of MSC, by Antonina Lavrentieva, Tim Hatlapatka, Anne Neumann, Birgit Weyand, Cornelia Kasper Potential for Neural Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, by Letizia Ferroni, Chiara Gardin, Ilaria Tocco, Roberta Epis, Alessandro Casadei, Vincenzo Vindigni, Giuseppe Mucci, Barbara Zavan Migratory Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, by Thomas Dittmar, Frank Entschladen Dissecting Paracrine Effectors for Mesenchymal Stem Cells, by Stefania Bruno, Federica Collino, Ciro Tetta, Giovanni Camussi Proteomics Approaches in the Identification of Molecular Signatures of Mesenchymal Stem Cells, by Yin Xiao, Jiezhong Chen Does the Adult Stroma Contain Stem Cells?, by Richard Schafer

The integrated and advanced science research topic Man-Machine-Environment system engineering (MMESE) was first established in China by Professor Shengzhao Long in 1981, with direct support from one of the greatest modern Chinese scientists, Xuesen Qian. In a letter to Shengzhao Long from October 22nd, 1993, Xuesen Qian wrote: You have created a very important modern science and technology in China
MMESE primarily focuses on the relationship between man, machines and the environment, studying the optimum combination of man-machine-environment systems. In this system, man refers to people in the workplace (e.g. operators, decision-makers); machine is the general name for any object controlled by man (including tools, machinery, computers, systems and technologies), and environment describes the specific working conditions under which man and machine interact (e.g. temperature, noise, vibration, hazardous gases etc.). The three goals of optimization of Man-Machine-Environment systems are to ensure safety, efficiency and economy.
"Proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Man-Machine-Environment System Engineering" are an academic showcase of the best papers selected from more than 400 submissions, introducing readers to the top research topics and the latest developmental trends in the theory and application of MMESE.
These proceedings are interdisciplinary studies on the concepts and methods of physiology, psychology, system engineering, computer science, environment science, management, education, and other related disciplines. Researchers and professionals working in these interdisciplinary fields and researchers on MMESE related topics will benefit from these proceedings."

Medicine and engineering work together towards solutions for biomedical problems. The interactions of blood elements with artificial materials (bags, tubes, artificial organs, etc.) require many disciplines for its understanding. Thus the effort presented in this book is the culmination of a genuine discussion on the problems arising in blood banks, in hospitals, in biomaterials development, in experimental haemocompatibility testing when platelets interact with biomaterials. Haematologists, chemists, biologists and engineers have tried to put their own point of view and to understand the point of view of the other disciplines. The main themes that are presented in the discussion are: platelet collection, storage and transfusion; haemostasis and anticoagulation; platelet and biomaterials, extracorporeal circulation and implanted materials; haemorheological parameters; modulation of platelet function; biological tests for evaluating platelet biomaterial interactions.

"Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols" provides a range of techniques for studying vascular morphogenesis in vivo and in vitro, reflecting advances in the field. Endothelial cell signaling is currently believed to promote fundamental cues for cell fate specification, embryo patterning, organ differentiation and postnatal tissue remodeling. Understanding the concept of vascular bed specificity represents a major challenge for future investigations. Indeed, one of the most interesting theoretical perspectives and practical applications of endothelial cell signaling is the possibility for these cells to maintain their inductive potential during adult life. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology" series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Practical and authoritative, "Vascular Morphogenesis: Methods and Protocols" will serve as a instructive and useful reference for cell biologists, anatomists, pathologists and physiologists, as well as all those interested in this area of biological study.

Vitamin K, one of the group of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K), has come into prominence lately because its activity as a blood coagulation factor impinges on the widespread occurrence of deep vein thrombosis in the human population especially in the older age group. This volume focuses, not only on the problem of blood coagulation and hypercoagulability, but upon the individual status of vitamin K in the human.
First published in 1943, "Vitamins and Hormones" is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, "Vitamins and Hormones" continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists.
*Focuses on the problem of blood coagulation and hypercoagulability as well as bone metabolism and vascular biology
*In the category of basic science, contributions cover: VKOR1, the quinone reductases including structure, function and mechanism, vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, the actions of Gas6, vitamin K2-mediated apoptosis and other topics
*In the category of disease-related subjects, contributions cover warfarin therapy, diabetic nephropathy, bone health, including osteoporosis and tumor cell suppression, as well as other topics

Practical applications of physiology of exercise factual materials found in the Applied Physiology of Exercise textbook are of paramount importance to understand the principles of training. The Applied Physiology of Exercise Laboratory Manual complements the Applied Physiology of Exercise textbook where practical applications in both laboratory and field settings are shared. These practical applications are mostly through personal research at the Nanyang Technological University, National Institute of Education, and Human Bioenergetics Laboratory of Singapore. The uniqueness of the laboratory sessions found in the manual was attested to the many hours of hard laboratory research work. For example, the Running Energy Research Index (RERI) Laboratory was born as a result of a 10-year long research. This laboratory research work, like the other researched laboratory sessions in the manual, is then used in practical sessions in physiology of exercise classes to fine-tune the best possible learning experiences for students. After a long process of fine tuning and constructive feasibility, the laboratory sessions became concrete and designed specifically for this manual.

This book presents the latest findings in the field of research of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in different cells and tissues. Mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction of the heart and vascular cells, in the lung, in bone and joint tissues, in sensor systems and in blood cells are described in detail. This Volume focuses on molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction via cytoskeleton. Integrin-mediated mechanotransduction, the role of actin cytoskeleton and the role of other cytoskeletal elements are discussed. It contains a detailed description of several stretch-induced signaling cascades with multiple levels of crosstalk between different pathways. It contains a description of the role of nitric oxide in regulation of cardiac activity and in regulation of mechanically gated channels in the heart. In the heart mechanical signals are propagated into the intracellular space primarily via integrin-linked complexes, and are subsequently transmitted from cell to cell via paracrine signaling. Biochemical signals derived from mechanical stimuli activate both acute phosphorylation of signaling cascades, such as in the PI3K, FAK, and ILK pathways, and long-term morphological modii cations via intracellular cytoskeletal reorganization and extracellular matrix remodelling. Cellular and molecular effects of mechanical stretch on vascular cells are also discussed. This Volume highlights the role of mechanotransduction in the lung, in bone and joint tissues. For the first time mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction in blood cells are discussed. It contains new insights into mechanosensitive K+ channels functioning in mouse B lymphocytes. This book is a unique collection of reviews outlining current knowledge and future developments in this rapidly growing field. Currently, investigations of the molecular mechanisms of mechanosensitivity and mechanotransduction are focused on several issues. The majority of studies investigate intracellular signaling pathways. Knowledge of the mechanisms which underlie these processes is necessary for understanding of the normal functioning of different organs and tissues and allows to predict changes, which arise due to alterations of their environment. Possibly such knowledge will allow the development of new methods of artificial intervention and therapies. This book brings up the problem closer to the experts in related medical and biological sciences as well as practicing doctors besides just presenting the latest achievements in the field.

First published in 1943, VITAMINS AND HORMONES is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. In the early days of the Serial, the subjects of vitamins and hormones were quite distinct. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms.
Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, VITAMINS AND HORMONES continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. In the early days of the serial, the subjects of vitamins and hormones were quite distinct. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors have played a key role in the advancement of knowledge of pharmacology and neurotransmission since the inception of studies in these fields, and the effects of naturally occurring drugs acting on muscarinic receptors were known and exploited for both therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes for hundreds of years before the existence of the receptors themselves was recognized. This volume presents a broad yet detailed review of current knowledge of muscarinic receptors that will be valuable both to long-time muscarinic investigators and to those new to the field. It describes the detailed insights that have been obtained on the structure, function, and cell biology of muscarinic receptors. This volume also describes physiological analyses of muscarinic receptors and their roles in regulating the function of the brain and of a variety of peripheral tissues. This volume shows how the study of muscarinic receptors continues to provide new and surprising insights not just to the cholinergic system but to the broad areas of neurobiology, cell biology, pharmacology, and therapeutics.

This volume looks at the state-of-the-science in stem cells, discusses the current challenges, and examines the new directions the field is taking. Dr. Turksen, editor-in-chief of the journal "Stem Cell Reviews and Reports," has assembled a volume of internationally-known scientists who cover topics that are both clinically and research-oriented. The contents range from sources of stem cells through their physiological role in health and disease, therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine, and ethics and society. An initial overview and a final summary bookend the contents into a cohesive and invaluable volume.

A panel of leading investigators summarizes and synthesizes the new discoveries in the rapidly evolving field of histone acetylation as a key regulatory mechanism for gene expression. The authors describe what has been learned about these proteins, including the identification of the enzymes, the elucidation of the enzymatic mechanisms of action, and the identification of their substrates and their partners. They also review the structures that have been solved for a number of enzymes-both alone and in complex with small molecule inhibitors-and the biological roles of the several histone deacetylases (HDAC) genes that have been knocked out in mice.

Joni Bentley's unique expertise is a direct result of being a qualified practitioner not only of the Alexander Technique but also of Classical dressage, stress management and functional medicine. It is a rare person who can combine all these areas in order to reveal a new and much needed holistic dimension in the training of horse and rider. In "Riding Success Without Stress", the author demonstrates with clarity and perception how incorrect habits and negativity can be eradicated at source and replaced with calmness, straightness and grace by the application of the Alexander Technique and the Classical school. This book demonstrates how the Alexander Technique training programme ensures that, by optimising the use of your own mind and body, you can optimise the use of your horse and ride to success completely without stress. This ground-breaking and revolutionary book provides invaluable and thought-provoking information for the benefit of all riders and their horses.

This book collects the state-of-art and new trends in image analysis and biomechanics. It covers a wide field of scientific and cultural topics, ranging from remodeling of bone tissue under the mechanical stimulus up to optimizing the performance of sports equipment, through the patient-specific modeling in orthopedics, microtomography and its application in oral and implant research, computational modeling in the field of hip prostheses, image based model development and analysis of the human knee joint, kinematics of the hip joint, micro-scale analysis of compositional and mechanical properties of dentin, automated techniques for cervical cell image analysis, and biomedical imaging and computational modeling in cardiovascular disease.

The book will be of interest to researchers, Ph.D students, and graduate students with multidisciplinary interests related to image analysis and understanding, medical imaging, biomechanics, simulation and modeling, experimental analysis

First published in 1943, Vitamins and Hormones is the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. In the early days of the serial, the subjects of vitamins and hormones were quite distinct. The Editorial Board now reflects expertise in the field of hormone action, vitamin action, X-ray crystal structure, physiology, and enzyme mechanisms. Under the capable and qualified editorial leadership of Dr. Gerald Litwack, Vitamins and Hormones continues to publish cutting-edge reviews of interest to endocrinologists, biochemists, nutritionists, pharmacologists, cell biologists, and molecular biologists. Others interested in the structure and function of biologically active molecules like hormones and vitamins will, as always, turn to this series for comprehensive reviews by leading contributors to this and related disciplines.

Eye-movement recording has become the method of choice in a wide variety of disciplines investigating how the mind and brain work. This volume brings together recent, high-quality eye-movement research from many different disciplines and, in doing so, presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in eye-movement research.
Sections include the history of eye-movement research, physiological and clinical studies of eye movements, transsaccadic integration, computational modelling of eye movements, reading, spoken language processing, attention and scene perception, and eye-movements in natural environments.
* Includes recent research from a variety of disciplines
* Divided into sections based on topic areas, with an overview chapter beginning each section
* Through the study of eye movements we can learn about the human mind, and eye movement recording has become the method of choice in many disciplines

The atlas of the Light and Specular Microscopy of the Cornea, particularly of the corneal endothelium presents photographs of healthy and pathological corneas, as well as corneas prepared for grafting. Photographs are taken from donor or patient's corneas. The first part section of the atlas shows healthy corneas and its particular layers: the epithelium (superficial and basal cells, subepithelial nerve plexus), stroma and keratocytes, and the endothelium. Blood vessels or palisades of Vogt in limbus are shown as well. The second part section that shows corneas processed for grafting is focused focuses on the endothelial layer. Main causes of exclusion of corneas from grafting, such as the presence of dead cells, polymeghatism, pleomorphism, cornea guttata or stromal scars have been shown. The third part section of the atlas shows corneas before and after storage in tissue cultures or hypothermic conditions with the aim to assess its suitability of for tissue for grafting. The last final section contains photographs of pathological corneal explants

Master Medicine: Physiology is brief and accessible, approached from the point of view of what you will need to know in order to understand the clinical work you will eventually be doing. It includes a wide range of self-assessment material, ideal for testing your understanding, and helping you to prepare for your exams. Concise synoptic (not telegraphic text). Appropriate self-assessment material. Only covers core, so student knows the whole book is essential. Includes key objectives. Contains simple and memorable diagrams for reproduction in exams. Ideal for learning as well as examination review, specifically trying to stimulate the student into assessing his/her own knowledge. The books in the series both complement other available major texts, but also contain enough material to stand in the own right. Provides examination practice. Part of co-ordinated series.

Assembles a collection of experts to provide a current account of different approaches (e.g., traditional, comparative and experimental) being applied to study mobility. Moreover, the book aims to stimulate new theoretical perspectives that adopt a holistic view of the interaction among intrinsic (i.e. skeletal) and extrinsic (i.e. environmental) factors that influence differential expression of mobility. Since the environment undoubtedly impacts mobility of a wide variety of animals, insights into human mobility, as a concept, can be improved by extending approaches to investigating comparable environmental influences on mobility in animals in general. The book teases apart environmental effects that transcend typical categories (e.g., coastal versus inland, mountainous versus level, arboreal versus terrestrial). Such an approach, when coupled with a new emphasis on mobility as types of activities rather than activity levels, offers a fresh, insightful perspective on mobility and how it might affect the musculoskeletal system.

This volume will explore the most recent findings on cellular mechanisms of inhibitory plasticity and its functional role in shaping neuronal circuits, their rewiring in response to experience, drug addiction and in neuropathology. Inhibitory Synaptic Plasticity will be of particular interest to neuroscientists and neurophysiologists.

The aquaporin field has matured at an exceptionally fast pace and we are at the verge to develop serious strategies to therapeutically modulate aquaporin function directly or via regulatory networks. Key prerequisites are available today: i. a considerable (and growing) number of aquaporin crystal structures for the rational design of inhibitory molecules, ii. elaborate molecular dynamics simulation techniques for theoretical analyses of selectivity mechanisms and docking experiments, iii. comprehensive data on aquaporin immunohistochemistry, iv. aquaporin knockout animals for physiological studies, and v. assay systems for compound library screenings. The structure of this volume on aquaporins follows the points laid out above and thus covers the developments from basic research to potential pharmacological use. Situated between pharmacology textbooks and recent scientific papers this book provides a timely overview for readers from the fundamental as well as the applied disciplines.

Each title in the new Integrated series focuses on the core knowledge in a specific basic science discipline, while linking that information to related concepts from other disciplines. Case-based questions at the end of each chapter enable you to gauge your mastery of the material, and a color-coded format allows you to quickly find the specific guidance you need. Bonus STUDENT CONSULT access - included with the text - allows you to conveniently access the book's content online * clip content to your handheld device * link to content in other STUDENT CONSULT titles * and more! These concise and user-friendly references provide crucial guidance for the early years of medical training, as well as for exam preparation. Includes case-based questions at the end of each chapter Features a colour-coded format to facilitate quick reference and promote effective retention Offers access to STUDENT CONSULT! At www.studentconsult.com, you'll find the complete text and illustrations of the book online, fully searchable * "Integration Links" to bonus content in other STUDENT CONSULT titles * content clipping for handheld devices * an interactive community center with a wealth of additional resources * and much more!

Origins and Principles of Clinical Biomechanics in Human Locomotion discusses key concepts of how biomechanics links to the development of pathology through mechanical laws, anatomy, physiology and health. It provides fundamental principles and practical data, and guidance of how to apply these in the clinical biomechanics field. Coverage includes: major joint movement, muscle action around joints, physiology and patho-physiology of bone, muscle and neurologic disorders. This reference is ideal for teaching students in biomechanics, orthopedics and physiotherapy. It should also be of interest to product development engineers, rehabilitation engineers, those working in prosthetics and orthotics, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. The authors explore the simple laws of motion as applied to anatomy and physiology, in order to help readers understand human pathology within the human lower limb and mobility. They then go on to look at materials science concerns within this field, such as engineering stresses and strains, principles and types of material properties and the shaping of structural properties. Readers will also find within this book information on tissue science, force generation, biological sciences, evolution in biomechanics, human gait, functional units of the lower limb and foot, and finally pathomechanical principles; all as applied to clinical biomechanics.