Evolving technologies starting with tracer studies, and more recently with genomics and proteomics, have provided novel information about the molecular properties of cerebral endothelium and astrocytes; however, further studies must be done in animal models of neurological diseases and in humans to get a clearer understanding of the pathogenesis of blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in nervous system diseases. In The Blood-Brain and Other Neural Barriers: Reviews and Protocols, experts in the field present a series of cutting-edge protocols which can be used to study the barriers. Opening with detailed information on components of the neurovascular unit as well as the blood-cerebrospinal, blood-retinal, and blood-nerve barriers, the book continues with meticulous techniques to image the barriers in humans and experimental animals, followed by cutting-edge molecular techniques to study the BBB and novel models to study the barriers, and it concludes with techniques for the delivery of therapeutic agents across the BBB. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology(TM) series format, protocol 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. Authoritative and up-to-date, The Blood-Brain and Other Neural Barriers: Reviews and Protocols will aid the research efforts of not only graduate students but also more experienced investigators and support future studies of these vital systems.

Interest in the ability of myocardium to adapt to ischaemic stress has continued to grow since the discovery of ischaemic preconditioning in 1986. In 1993, two reports heralded the recognition of a delayed preconditioning response in the heart, now commonly known as the second window' of protection. Since then, a number of studies have described the ability of delayed preconditioning and related adaptive phenomena to protect against a variety of pathologies in the ischaemic and reperfused myocardium. Our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of sub-acute adaptive cardioprotection has advanced considerably during this period. This compilation of state-of-the-art reviews by those who have made significant contributions to this field provides detailed and critical analysis of this research, from molecular basis to potential clinical relevance. The book aims to provide an authoritative, comprehensive and thoroughly up-to-date overview for scientists and clinicians engaged in, or observing, this rapidly-developing area of heart research. It will also be of interest to those engaged in research on other tissues where ischaemia-reperfusion pathology is of major concern.

The biophysics of excitable membranes and extracellular potential fields emerged at the end of the 18th century, together with electrophysiology, and has been used ever since as a basis for the development of electrophysiological investigations. This holds true even for the contemporary stage of initial discoveries concerning the molecular mechanisms of membrane excitability. The biophysics of ionic channels has gradually revealed the genesis of the ionic currents and of the biopotentials in different excitable structures. On the basis of electrodynamics, the extracellular potential fields in the living body, considered as a volume conductor, have been studied intensively. The knowledge accumulated constitutes the theoretical basis for interpretation of the electrophysiological data. Over a period of more than 15 years a group of Bulgarian investigators led by A. Gydikov has systematically studied the dependence between the intra- and extracellular potentials of the skeletal muscles. The present book summarizes these investigations. Using a great amount of factual material from experiments and model investigations on the skeletal muscle potentials, the author considers: (a) the extracellular potential field of single skeletal muscle fibres and their dependence of the parameters of intracellular action potentials, the geometric parameters of the fibres and of the volume conductor; (b) the potentials of single motor units; (c) the compound and reflex muscle potentials, and (d) the interference electromyogram. The comprehensive consideration of the biophysics of skeletal muscle potentials is of interest to a broad circle of specialists. The book summarizes contemporary knowledge in thisfield and presents a consistent theoretical basis of electromyography which is of great importance not only for the neurological clinic, but also for different fields of applied physiology.

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.

Biology of the Arterial Wall is intended as a general reference text concerned with the biology of the vascular cells and the blood vessel wall under physiological and pathological conditions. One of the major functions of the arteries is to maintain a continuous blood flow to the organs whatever the pressure conditions, thanks to the vasomotor tone of the smooth muscle cells. Great advances have been made over the last decade in the understanding of the endothelial cells as integrators and transducers of signals originating from the blood stream. The pluripotent control functions of the endothelial cells in the vessel wall are now well recognized. A review of endothelial functions and dysfunctions is presented. Cell biology and molecular genetic studies have now identified an array of molecules elaborated by endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells and by the blood-borne elements which interact with artery cells, defending the artery against injury and modulating evolving abnormal processes. Molecules which induce or inhibit endothelial and/or smooth muscle cells are currently under great scrutiny. Angiogenesis, which plays a major role in tumor growth, but may also be beneficial as a healing process in muscle ischemia, is discussed. Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, has only recently been recognized as an essential process in blood vessel modeling and remodeling. An overview of apoptosis in the vascular system is presented. It is increasingly evident that the adjustments of the blood vessel wall are made in the presence of deforming disease processes such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. The second part of the book is concerned with the blood vessel wall in disease conditions. Several chapters review the role of the vessel and vascular cells in inflammation, and vascular remodeling during arterial hypertension and aging. One chapter is devoted to atherogenesis, atheroma and plaque instability, followed by the pathophysiology of post-angioplasty restenosis, which is a crucial issue in modern interventional cardiology.

Amino acid analysis is a technique that has become commonplace in biotechnology, biomedical, and food analysis laboratories. This book describes a variety of amino acid analysis techniques and how each technique can be used to answer specific biological questions. The first two chapters in Amino Acid Analysis Protocols introduce the concepts, basic theory, and practice of amino acid analysis. The following chapters give detailed instructions on various methods and their applications. As highlighted, there are many different approaches to amino acid ana- sis, but in all cases the results depend heavily on the quality of the sample. Therefore a new way to desalt samples prior to hydrolysis is covered as an introductory chapter (Chapter 3), and most authors have devoted a section to sample preparation, especially to the collection and storage of bodily fluids. Some of the amino acid analysis methods described in this book are based on HPLC separation and analysis after precolumn derivatization. The precolumn derivatization techniques described use (a) 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydro- succinimidyl carbamate (AQC) (Chapters 4 and 8); (b) 1-fluoro-2- dinitrophenyl-5-L-alanine amide (Marfey's reagent), which allows sepa- tion and analysis of enantiomeric amino acids (Chapter 5); (c) O-phthalal- hyde (OPA) (Chapters 6 and 10); (d) butylisothiocyanate (BITC) and benzylisothiocyante (BZITC) (Chapter 11); (e) phenylisothiocyanate (PITC) (Chapters 12 and 13); (f) ammonium-7-fluorobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole-4-s- fonate (SBD-F) (Chapter 17); and (g) 9-fluorenylmethyl-chloroformate (FMOC-Cl) (Chapter 10).

Systems Metabolic Engineering is changing the way microbial cell factories are designed and optimized for industrial production.
Integrating systems biology and biotechnology with new concepts from synthetic biology enables the global analysis and engineering of microorganisms and bioprocesses at super efficiency and versatility otherwise not accessible. Without doubt, systems metabolic engineering is a major driver towards bio-based production of chemicals, materials and fuels from renewables and thus one of the core technologies of global green growth. In this book, Christoph Wittmann and Sang-Yup Lee have assembled the world leaders on systems metabolic engineering and cover the full story from genomes and networks via discovery and design to industrial implementation practises.
This book is a comprehensive resource for students and researchers from academia and industry interested in systems metabolic engineering. It provides us with the fundaments to targeted engineering of microbial cells for sustainable bio-production and stimulates those who are interested to enter this exiting research field.

aintaining extracellular calcium concentrations within a narrow range is critical for the survival of most vertebrates. PTH, together with vitamin D, responds to hypocalcemia to increase extracellu M lar calcium levels, by acting on bone, kidney and intestine. The recent intro duction of PTH as a major therapeutic agent in osteoporosis has directed renewed interest in this important hormone and in the physiology of the parathyroid gland. The parathyroid is unique in that low serum calcium stimulates PTH secretion. As hypocalcemia persists, there is also an increase in PTH synthesis. Chronic hypocalcemia leads to hypertrophy and hyper plasia of the parathyroid gland together with increased production of the hormone. Phosphate is also a key modulator of PTH secretion, gene expres sion and parathyroid cell proliferation. Understanding the biology of the parathyroid as well as the mecha nisms of associated diseases has taken great strides in recent years. This book summarizes the molecular mechanisms involved in the function of the para thyroid gland. The first chapter reviews the development of the parathyroid gland and the genes involved in this process as identified using genetically manipulated mice. Then the biosynthetic pathway of PTH from gene ex pression to its intracellular processing and the sequences in the gene control ling its transcription as well as those regulating mRNA processing, stability and translation are described.

The metabolic syndrome is a common syndrome affecting about 20 % of the adult population in Europe, and probably the prevalence is of the same magnitude in other industrialised countries worldwide. It is mainly caused by western lifestyle resulting in abdominal obesity, but also a genetic predisposition plays a role. This syndrome, which is linked to leisure lifestyle and overeating/obesity, can develop into type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Therefore, proper treatment and prevention are heavily needed. This book discusses lifestyle intervention and treatment, specifically with pharmacological compounds, in order to formulate a strategy for treating the metabolic syndrome in the daily clinic.

Defining and understanding cellular and molecular mechanisms that are relevant to women's health has become a critical area of scientific pursuit. Until recently, very little effort has been place on defining or understanding critical differences between women and men that may be critical to the overall health of the woman. In 1990, the National Institutes of Health recognized this gap in knowledge resulting in the creation of the Office of Research on Women's Health. One of the purposes of this office was to advance the understanding of health issues from the women's perspective from both a basic and clinical scientific perspective. From a scientific evolution of understanding, the existence of this office is new and thus there has not been enough time for new information to integrate itself in our current scientific thought process. This book will seek to capture and disseminate our current understanding of scientific advancements relevant to women's health and provide the information to a broad audience. The purpose of this work is to discuss recent advancements in basic science across three areas of concern for women's health. In addition, the book will provide "translational" chapters that attempt to place the basic science work in context within our current understanding of the human. Although it is well acknowledge that gender differences exist across organ function which translates into differences in whole body function, until recently little effort has been made to define basic mechanisms within various tissues within the woman. This work will focus on recent scientific findings that are relevant to women's health and to provide novel and relevant information to interested scientists and clinicians.

First published in 1985, the revised edition of this text consists of seven chapters describing the muscle, its anatomy, its mechanics, and its chemical and neuro-control systems. It documents empirical, analytical, and experimental analyses and equations in the field of muscle mechanics.

This volume of the Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Biology focuses on molecular events involved in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity and ongoing neural activity. The volume explores axonal growth cones, synapse development, and mechanisms of LTP and LTD, and calcium dynamics. Particular attention is given to function and trafficking of membrane proteins including various ion channels, aquaporines, gap junctions.

Since Paul Cranefield published his monograph, The Conduction of the Cardiac Impulse, in 1975, much has been learned about the role of the slow inward current in cardiac electrophysiology. Because of this expanse in know ledge, both basic and clinical, it appeared reasonable to review in a mono graph once again what was known. When Martinus Nijhoff first approached us to undertake the task of updating this information, we were initially reluctant for several reasons. First, we did not feel that the subject could be adequately and thoroughly reviewed, from the cell to the bedside, by a single person. Second, time constraints on all of us precluded even attempting such a task. However, we were encouraged by several of our friends (' egged on' one might even say, since they wished the job done but did not want to do it themselves ) who promised faithfully to contribute chapters on time if we accepted the task. So we did, and most of them did also."

In the last few years, technologies that allow for monitoring and manipulating neuronal networks at a single cell resolution have been rapidly expanding. In Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches, experts in the field provide an overview of some of the most advanced techniques for the study of neuronal circuits, highlighting current technical limitations and providing a vision of what is yet to come. Broken into six convenient, interdependent section, this volume covers optical approaches, electrophysiological approaches, both in vitro and in vivo, optogenetics, morpho-functional approaches, and neuronal network analysis in humans. As a volume in the Neuromethods series, this work provides the kind of detailed description and implementation advice that is crucial for getting optimal results. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Neuronal Network Analysis: Concepts and Experimental Approaches will be useful for early career neuroscientists, as well as for experienced neuroscientists, by providing a practical framework for studying the brain as an organ while maintaining an appreciation for its cellular diversity.

Modern cell biology has brought improvements in therapy for advanced malignant diseases through immunomodulation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and other advanced techniques. Collected here are selected papers from the Fifth International Symposium of Keio University for Life Sciences and Medicine on Cell Therapy.
All chapters include innovative basic research for clinical application: immunotherapy, cancer vaccination, molecular biology of hematopoietic stem cells, stem cell processing, and gene therapy.
The book is divided into three parts: Immunotherapy for malignant diseases; Hematopoietic stem cell biology and clinical application; and International collaboration in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Included in the third part is information on bone marrow registries from around the world.
The book thus presents up-to-date information on biological and clinical aspects of treatment, with insight into the future of cell therapy.

The thoroughly revised edition of Vander's Human Physiology is an integrated package of textual and digital material that delivers basic and clinical content, real-life applications, and educational technologies. All these pieces come together to facilitate learning and enthusiasm for understanding the mechanisms of body function. Key focus areas include homeostasis, exercise, and human health. These and other areas of interest are elaborated upon, beginning with Chapter 1, where the key "General Principles of Physiology," an underlying theme in the book, is first introduced. Unifying themes, such as homeostasis, are explored throughout the book at all levels of system, organ, tissue, and cellular function-themes that are always related to pathophysiology through the use of compelling clinical case studies in all chapters, and a final chapter with several cases that integrate material across the entire book.

Initially believed to be inactive molecules, glycans are now considered essential for life, both under normal and pathological conditions.

This volume of the series "Biology of Extracellular Matrix " reviews the most recent findings on the role of glycans in the development of diseases and the possible therapeutic use of this class of molecules. It shows how the interaction of glycans with growth factors, growth factor binding proteins, extracellular proteases, protease inhibitors, chemokines, morphogens, and adhesive proteins regulates inflammation, infection, cancer, atherosclerosis, thrombosis and embryonic stem cell biology. Furthermore, an extensive survey about the structure and pharmacological effects of unique marine glycosaminoglycans is discussed as well as the possibility of using these glycans as therapeutic agents.

The topic of skin aging is of growing importance to all working in the field of dermatology, aesthetic medicine and cosmetic medicine. Two internationally well-known and leading experts in the field present a comprehensive state-of-the-art review on all aspects of skin aging.

With its clear, concise and reader-friendly format this book has all the potential to become the Bible of skin aging. Every specialist interested in dermatology, aesthetic medicine, cosmetic science, cutaneous biology and aging research will find indispensable information of great value for his or her daily work.

Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals focuses on the special anesthetic, analgesic, and postoperative care requirements associated with experimental interventions. Fully revised and updated this new edition provides the reader with agents, methods, and techniques for anesthesia and analgesia that ensure humane, reproducible, and successful procedural outcomes. The content is structured in six sections. The first deals with ethical, regulatory, and scientific considerations. Chapters in this section include US and international regulatory considerations, and optimization of anesthesia and analgesia. Part two is dedicated to the principles of anesthesia and analgesia with chapters covering topics in a non-species-specific way, but with a slant towards laboratory animals, including relevant pharmacology of the agents. Part three covers Anesthetic equipment and monitoring. Section four deals with periprocedural care including dedicated chapters to the assessment and management of pain in laboratory species. Part five provides practical considerations by species, including relevant anatomy, physiology, and behavior of a broad range of lab animal species. Part six closes the book with special topics covering management of chronic pain, fetus and neonate interventions, considerations for in-vivo imaging and the study of pain. Anesthesia and Analgesia in Laboratory Animals is the complete reference for veterinarians involved in lab animal research as well as senior graduate, graduate students, post-docs, and researchers who utilize animals in biomedical research.