Stroke is a global health problem affecting approximately 15 million people annually in the world and about 700,000 in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of disability in most developed countries.

Acute Ischemic Injury and Repair in the Nervous System is intended to provide the most up-to-date knowledge of the mechanisms of neuronal death and repair after stroke. It is our belief that this volume of the Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology provides an excellent review of the tremendous advances of the past decades in the neurochemical and molecular biological aspects of cerebral ischemia. It is hoped that these advances will provide an impetus for basic scientists and clinicians to further their translational research and to promote the insights for development of therapeutic interventions for stroke.

This detailed volume collects chapters that seek to expand our knowledge of molecular events and extended molecular networks in gene regulation. The contents explore numerous aspects of miRNA biogenesis, a sophisticated series of events that assure a finely tuned regulation of miRNA expression and activity. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, 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. Authoritative and practical, miRNA Biogenesis: Methods and Protocols aims to contribute to the further development of knowledge and application of miRNA biogenesis, both in the basic research lab and in the clinic.

Bioinformatics is an integrative field of computer science, genetics, genomics, proteomics, and statistics, which has undoubtedly revolutionized the study of biology and medicine in past decades. It mainly assists in modeling, predicting and interpreting large multidimensional biological data by utilizing advanced computational methods. Despite its enormous potential, bioinformatics is not widely integrated into the academic curriculum as most life science students and researchers are still not equipped with the necessary knowledge to take advantage of this powerful tool. Hence, the primary purpose of our book is to supplement this unmet need by providing an easily accessible platform for students and researchers starting their career in life sciences. This book aims to avoid sophisticated computational algorithms and programming. Instead, it will mostly focus on simple DIY analysis and interpretation of biological data with personal computers. Our belief is that once the beginners acquire these basic skillsets, they will be able to handle most of the bioinformatics tools for their research work and to better understand their experimental outcomes. The third volume is titled In Silico Life Sciences: Agriculture. It focuses on plant genetic, genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomics data. Using examples of new crop diseases-emergence, crop productivity and biotic/abiotic stress tolerance, this book illustrates how bioinformatics can be an integral components of modern day plant science research.

Since the beginning of the 21st Century there has been a rapid increase in our understanding of the cellular trafficking mechanisms of molecular chaperones in eukaryotes and in prokaryotes. In the former, molecular chaperone trafficking can occur between the various cellular compartments, with concomitant movement of other proteins. Such events can also result in the release of molecular chaperones from cells. In bacteria, molecular chaperones are involved in the trafficking of other proteins and are themselves released into the external milieu. The increasing appreciation of the role of molecular chaperones and Protein-Folding Catalysts in the interplay between bacteria and the cells of their hosts is now an important area of research for understanding the mechanisms of infectious diseases. This volume brings together experts in the biochemistry, cellular biology, immunology and molecular biology of molecular chaperones and Protein-Folding Catalysts with a focus on the mechanisms of cellular trafficking of these proteins and the role of these variegated trafficking mechanisms in both human and animal health and disease.

Hypoxic Pulmonary Vasoconstriction: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms will provide a timely and long lasting guide for investigators in the fields of cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology, pulmonary vascular disease, high-altitude physiology and medicine. In addition, it provides a solid scientific foundation for subsequent applications in clinical practice.
The volume is divided into eight sections:
- Physiology and Pathophysiology of HPV
- Role of Intracellular Ca2] and Ca2+ sensitivity in HPV
- Role of Ion Channels in HPV
- Role of the Endothelium in HPV
- Mechanisms of Oxygen Sensing in the Pulmonary Vasculature
- Oxygen-Sensing Mechanisms in other Organs and Tissues
- Pathology and Mechanisms of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
- Experimental Models for the Study of HPV.

State-of-the-art findings relevant to cellular and molecular processes of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction as well as knowledge regarding etiological mechanisms and experimental therapeutics are well covered and complete the overview this volume provides.

The nitrogen-containing ring structures are at the hub of metabolism and include ATP, nucleic acids, many coenzymes, metabolic regulators and integrators such as adenosine and GTP, signalling compounds such as cyclic nucleotides and plant cytokinins and biochemically functional pigmets of which haemoglobin, the cytochromes and chlorophyll are examples. This important book collates and integrates current knowledge of all the biologically important N-heterocyclic compounds, covering the relationship between their chemical structures and physiological functions within this key group of compounds. Few biochemical reaction sequences do not involve one of these compounds as a substrate, product or coenzyme and a full understanding of the interrelationship between their structure and function is vital for all those woorking in the field of biochemistry. Professor Eric Brown who has a huge wealth of experience in teaching and research on these compounds has written a very comprehensible and thorough book which will be of great value for advanced students and researchers in biochemistry and those at the interfacing subject areas of chemistry, biology and pharmacology including all those employed in researching biological function within pharmaceutical companies.

Known for flexibility and robustness, PCR techniques continue to improve through numerous developments, including the identification of thermostable DNA polymerases which exhibit a range of properties to suit given applications. PCR Protocols, Third Edition selects recently developed tools and tricks, contributed by field-leading authors, for the significant value that they add to more generally established methods. Along with the cutting-edge methodologies, this volume describes many core applications, such as PCR cloning and sequencing, expression, copy number or methylation profile analysis, 'DNA fingerprinting', diagnostics, protein engineering, interaction screening as well as a chapter highlighting workflow considerations and contamination control, crucial for all PCR methods. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary reagents and materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, PCR Protocols, Third Edition seeks to further elucidate this essential technique while also providing core principles with broad applications for scientists of all backgrounds.

Small molecule microarrays (SMM) were introduced just a decade ago in 1999 and, within a short space of time, have already established themselves as a vibrant, next generation platform for high-throughput screening. Small Molecule Microarrays: Methods and Protocols showcases a collection of contributions guiding researchers toward ways in which small molecule microarray technology may be deployed for multiplexed screening and profiling. Organized by the categories of small molecules presented on the microarrays, this detailed volume describes in-depth techniques for chemical libraries, peptide libraries, and carbohydrate microarrays. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series, chapters contain brief introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, vital tips on troubleshooting this often difficult technology, and advice on avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Small Molecule Microarrays: Methods and Protocols provides meticulous depictions of key hands-on experience and seeks to inspire a future generation of microarray practitioners to take this significant technology forward.

Providing a list of methods useful both to those who wish to study pseudogenes and to those who actually want to avoid their inadvertent detection, Pseudogenes: Functions and Protocols explores techniques involving pseudogenic DNA, RNA, and peptides/proteins, once believed to lack any functionality, but now known to be involved in complex regulatory circuits. After a few introductory chapters that overview the functions so far attributed to pseudogenes, this thorough volume delves into methods for pseudogene identification, for the detection of pseudogene transcription and translation, and for the study of the functions of pseudogenic RNA and proteins, as well as methods to avoid pseudogene detection when the focus of the research is their highly homologous parental counterparts. As part of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters feature the kind of detailed descriptions and implementation advice that ensures successful results in the lab. Authoritative and practical, Pseudogenes: Functions and Protocols will contribute to the high interest of the scientific community toward pseudogenes, while stimulating the conception of pseudogene - centered research projects and providing experimental protocols that can facilitate their execution.

The concept of reproductive health promises to play a crucial role in improving health care provision and legal protection for women around the world. This is an authoritative and much-needed introduction to and defence of the concept of reproductive health, which though internationally endorsed, is still contested. The authors are leading authorities on reproductive medicine, women's health, human rights, medical law, and bioethics. They integrate their disciplines to provide an accessible but comprehensive picture. They analyse 15 cases from different countries and cultures, and explore options for resolution. The aim is to equip readers to fashion solutions in their own health care circumstances, compatibly with ethical, legal and human rights principles.

The aim of this book is to present current views about physical activity and the benefits of physical activity in preventing and ameliorating various health conditions that are of worldwide concern. This book was developed as a compilation of the accomplishments of the five-year Global COE (Center of Excellence) "Sport Sciences for the Promotion of Active Life" Program at the Faculty of Sport Sciences of Waseda University, Saitama, Japan. The first part establishes the research methodology and discusses the current status of physical activity. Topics covered include the prevalence of physical inactivity and highly sedentary behavior in different populations as well as strategies that can be adopted to promote physical activity. The second part focuses on the physiological effects of physical activity. Topics covered include physiological responses to exercise by the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system, vascular functioning, postprandial blood glucose control, and inflammatory processes. The relationship between exercise and appetite is discussed, as is the influence of exercise on food intake and weight regulation. Additionally, the influence of exercise on protein regulation and posttranslational modifications is introduced. The final part discusses the role of physical activity in preventing lifestyle-related health issues and improving the quality of life, especially for the elderly. The contents should be of interest to anyone who is concerned with the human physiologic response to exercise and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, including sports and exercise science researchers as well as those involved with medicine, public health, physiology, nutrition, and elder care.

This book provides an elaboration and evaluation of the dominant conceptions of genetic counseling as they are accounted for in three different models: the teaching model; the psychotherapeutic model; and the responsibility model. The elaboration of these models involves an identification of the larger traditions, visions and theories of communication that underwrite them; the evaluation entails an assessment of each model's theses and ultimately a comparison of their adequacy in response to two important concerns in genetic counseling: the contested values of non-directiveness and the recognition of differences across perspectives, with special focus on how religious and spiritual beliefs of patients are coordinated with the networks of meaning in genetics. Several insights are made explicit in this project through the work of Robert Brandom. Brandom's deontic scorekeeping model demonstrates how dialogue is at the root of grasping a conceptual content. Against this backdrop, professional communications such as genetic counseling can be seen as late developments in linguistic practices that have structural challenges. Brandom's model reminds us that the professional needs the client's understanding to grasp conceptual content in a particular context.

Since its ?rst description in 1942 in both serum and cerebrospinal ?uid, transthyretin (TTR) has had an eventful history, including changes in name from "prealbumin" to "thyroxine-binding prealbumin" to "transthyretin" as knowledge increased about its functions. TTR is synthesised in a wide range of tissues in humans and other eutherian mammals: the liver, choroid plexus (blood- cerebrospinal ?uid barrier), retinal pigment epithelium of the eye, pancreas, intestine and meninges. However, its sites of synthesis are more restricted in other vertebrates. This implies that the number of tissues synthesising TTR during vertebrate evolution has increased, and raises questions about the selection pressures governing TTR synthesis. TTR is most widely known as a distributor of thyroid hormones. In addition, TTR binds retinol-binding protein, which binds retinol. In this way, TTR is also involved with retinoid distribution. More recently, TTR has been demonstrated to bind a wide variety of endocrine disruptors including drugs, pollutants, industrial compounds, heavy metals, and some naturally occurring plant ?avonoids. These not only interfere with thyroid hormone delivery in the body, but also transport such endocrine disruptors into the brain, where they have the potential to accumulate.

An exploration of the policy dilemmas with new fertility control techniques, this volume offers the first comprehensive treatment of the subject's technical, legal, and political dimensions. Robert H. Blank provides a detailed discussion of current state laws and court decisions, and extensive analysis of new fertility control techniques and their social and policy implications. Blank describes the political, institutional, and constitutional context of fertility control in the United States, examining the relationship between social structures and rapid advances in biomedical technology. He details innovations in fertility control, particularly reversible methods, and reviews the legal context of both voluntary and non-consensual sterilization. Examining the myriad contemporary policy issues relating to fertility control, this book offers insights for devising a rational fertility control policy that will maximize benefits and minimize potential abuses. Written for the informed layperson, it is will also be valuable to professionals in health, policy analysis, bioethics, family planning, and public policy.

Don P. Wolf and Mary Zelinski-Wooten provide a comprehensive review of the procedures and techniques used in assisted reproduction, as well as in nuclear transfer for both the treatment of human infertility and the propagation of animals. Combining the details of clinical application with the physiological facts of reproduction, the authors treat subjects such as the in vitro maturation of oocytes, embryo culture, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, and the process of nuclear transfer. Cutting-edge and wide-ranging, Assisted Fertilization and Nuclear Transfer in Mammals offers clinical ARTs practitioners, research scientists, those responsible for animal care, and students not only an informative historical perspective on the development of ARTs, but also updates on several of the more dynamic clinical areas, and a highly practical understanding of their applications.

Advances in genetics are transforming estimates of an individual 's risk of developing cancer and approaches to prevention and management of cancer in those who may have increased susceptibility. Identifying and caring for patients with hereditary cancer syndromes and their family members present a complex clinical, scientific and social challenge. This textbook, by leading experts at Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, highlights the current understanding of the genetics of hereditary cancers of the breast, ovary, colorectum, stomach, pancreas, kidney, skin, and endocrine organs. Practical guidelines for the use of genetic testing, cancer screening and surveillance, prophylactic surgery, and promising targeted therapeutic agents are discussed.

In addition, ongoing research involving genome-wide screens to identify novel modest risk-associated genetic loci are explored, along with new approaches to the application of genetic markers in guiding therapeutic options.

The 19 papers include discussions of constructing an integrated genetic and physical map of rice, commonalities and contrasts in the organization of the maize and sorghum nuclear genomes, prospects for comparative genome analyses among mammals, genome analysis in farm animals, sense suppression of p

Methods in Bone Biology is unique in being devoted to describing the methodology used by bone researchers. This book describes in detail the techniques of cell and organ culture used in the study of bone and bone cell function and the techniques used to monitor the skeleton and skeletal remodelling both in clinical and experimental settings.

Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) some twenty years ago by Victor Ambros, David Baulcombe and Gary Ruvkun, these three scientists worked to uncover the mystery of miRNA, the small segments of nucleotides that silence genes. While studying the development of the nematode worm, Ambros and Ruvkun discovered miRNA in animals, while Baulcombe discovered it in plants. Since their discovery, it took more than two decade to fully appreciate the value of miRNA in human health and diseases. Emerging evidence suggest that the activation of oncogenes and/or the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes contribute to the development and progression of tumors. The regulation of genes is by far controlled by many transcription factors which are often deregulated during the development and progression of cancer. In addition, emerging evidence clearly suggests that the deregulation of miRNAs or small non-coding RNAs could also regulate the expression of genes, and likewise, miRNA genes are also regulated by transcription factors. The most attractive feature of miRNAs is that one miRNA can regulate many target genes (mRNAs), and thus miRNA targeted therapy is highly promising because multiple genes could be regulated by targeting a single miRNA, which becomes very important for the killing of highly heterogeneous populations of cancer cells within a tumor mass. Therefore, miRNA targeted therapy is an attractive attribute of miRNA research, which is covered through eighteen chapters complied in this book "MicroRNA targeted Cancer therapy," and it is hoped that the field of miRNA research will be appreciated through critical reading of these chapters on the cutting-edge research on miRNAs.

Currently, nanotechnology is exposing the properties of DNA in unprecedented detail leading to new insights on the biological behavior and function of DNA. With the structural perfection of a self-assembling DNA nano-object, such as a DNA origami, it is clear how complex DNA is as a molecule, leading researchers to wonder how many different constructs could be designed and realized. "DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols" shows the procedures to follow in order to repeat methods that lead to such constructs or to the mastering of the characterization techniques used to study them. The chapters of this book are roughly divided into two parts: some cover the methods for preparing the nanostructures, from the rationale of the operations to the techniques for their handling, while other chapters deal more directly with advanced instrumental techniques that can manipulate and characterize molecules and nanostructures. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and accessible, "DNA Nanotechnology: Methods and Protocols "serves as an ideal guide to scientists of all backgrounds and aims to ignite interest and spur activity in this young and rapidly growing research field.

Includes cutting-edge methods and protocols

Provides step-by-step detail essential for reproducible results

Contains key notes and implementation advice from the experts"

The idea of editing this book was born in the winter of 1988/1989. Christian Endler was organizing the workshop 'Wasser und Information' (water and information) in Austria [1], and Jurgen Schulte was working on a publication of his results on atomic cluster stabilities and long-range electromagnetic interaction in atomic clusters. It was Franz Moser from the Technical University of Graz who brought these two together. After a talk that Moser had given in Bremen, Schulte explained to hirn his ideas about clusters and long range interaction, and his concern about reliable theories and experiments in research on ultra high dilutions (UHD) and homoeopathy. He was suggested to be a speaker at the Austrian workshop. Reviewing the contributions of this workshop and the current literature on UHD and homoeopathy, especially the PhD thesis by Giesela King [2] and the excellent survey by Marco Righetti [3], we decided to work on a book in order to critically encou rage more scientists to work and publish in this field with a high scientific standard. What we had in mind was a useful contribution to the goal to lift research on UHD and homoeo pathy to an internationally acceptable scientific standard, to encourage international scien tists to work in this area and to establish UHD and homoeopathy in academic science. Delayed by our individual academic careers in our specific fields, and delayed by lack of funds it took us about four years to finish this book.

This volume of Cerebral Cortex is dedicated to Sir John Eccles, who was an active member of the advisory board for the series until his death in May 1997. His input as to what topics should be covered in future volumes of this series will be sorely missed. The present volume is concerned with neurodegenerative disorders and age related changes in the structure and function of the cerebral cortex, a topic that has attracted increasing interest as longevity and the number of aged individuals in the population increase. Although much of the research on the neurodegenerative effects of aging has been centered on Alzheimer's disease, most of the aging popu lation will not be afflicted by this disease. They will, however, be affected by the consequences of normal aging, so the first few chapters of this volume are con cerned with that topic. Chapter 1, by Marilyn S. Albert and Mark B. Moss, gives an account of the cognitive changes that accompany normal human aging. Chapter 2, by Mark B."

In the last ten years there has been a considerable increase of interest on the notion of the minimal cell. With this term we usually mean a cell-like structure containing the minimal and sufficient number of components to be defined as alive, or at least capable of displaying some of the fundamental functions of a living cell. In fact, when we look at extant living cells we realize that thousands of molecules are organized spatially and functionally in order to realize what we call cellular life. This fact elicits the question whether such huge complexity is a necessary condition for life, or a simpler molecular system can also be defined as alive. Obviously, the concept of minimal cell encompasses entire families of cells, from totally synthetic cells, to semi-synthetic ones, to primitive cell models, to simple biomimetic cellular systems. Typically, in the experimental approach to the construction of minimal the main ingredient is the compartment, lipid vesicles (liposomes) are used to host simple and complex molecular transformations, from single or multiple enzymic reactions, to polymerase chain reactions, to gene expression. Today this research is seen as part of the broader scenario of synthetic biology but it is rooted in origins of life studies, because the construction of a minimal cell might provide biophysical insights into the origins of primitive cells, and the emergence of life on earth. The volume provides an overview of physical, biochemical and functional studies on minimal cells, with emphasis to experimental approaches. 15 International experts report on their innovative contributions to the construction of minimal cells.

This book discusses the role of oxidative stress in the reproductive system. The book reviews endogenous sources, methods of determining its levels in body fluid/tissues, the physiological roles of ROS, as well as its negative effects on the human reproductive processes. Also discussed are multiple extrinsic factors that could induce oxidative stress in the reproductive system. This volume covers various clinical pathologies related to the reproductive system that arise from or produce oxidative stress, both in the male and female. The use of antioxidants as a therapeutic measure to keep ROS levels in check are highlighted, describing the outcome of various clinical studies involving antioxidant supplementation in infertile patients. Infertility is a global disease that affects 15-25% of all couples, and oxidative stress arising from a multitude of sources has been implicated as one of the major contributing factors to the decline in human fertility. As such, this book provides an up-to-date review on the significance of ROS in human reproduction.

This volume is an outgrowth ofcontemporary research on development over the adult lifespan, which by now has burgeoned and developed both nationally and internationally. However, for us, the impetus to be involved in this area was spawned and nurtured by our initial association with the Society for Research in Adult Development (SRAD) with its origins some 15 years ago by Michael Commonsand his associates inCambridge, Massachusetts. Throughthegood will and support of this society, we also became, and are still, heavily involved with the Journal of Adult Development and the Kluwer-Plenum Monograph Series on Adult Development and Aging, ofwhich this volume is a companion. Many ofthe contributions in the volume are from SRAD members, who con sistently adhere to a focus on positive adult development. Their chapters have been complemented by pieces from other researchers, who have adopted more mainstream approaches to adult development and/oraging. Regardless ofthe par ticular approach and/or focus of the chapter, all the work reported herein sup ports the relatively recent idea that development is not restricted to children and adolescents but continues throughout the adult lifespan in ways that we never envisionedsome 20 years ago. Thus, the volume represents state-of-the-arttheory, research, and practice on adult development, which has the potential to occupy us all for some time to come."