Management of the Patient at High Risk for Breast Cancer provides a state-of-the art review of patients who are at high risk for breast cancer, how to identify them, the tools available for risk assessment and quantification and indications for genetic counseling and testing. The book summarizes the high risk breast imaging options, including newest techniques and schedules. Pathologic evaluation of high risk lesions are featured as well as the management issues surrounding these lesions. The volume also covers the management of concomitant cancer risk and screening strategies. A concise, yet comprehensive overview of the current status of the topic, Management of the Patient at High Risk for Breast Cancer serves as a useful resource for physicians and researchers dealing with and interested in patients at high risk for breast cancer.

This second edition volume expands on the previous edition by presenting updated protocols for several of the techniques described in the first edition of Drosophila: Methods and Protocols and current methods that cover recent breakthroughs in Drosophila research. The book begins with a description of FlyBase--a database of genes and genomes--followed by the presentation of systems for versatile gene expression in the fly. The first few chapters in this book detail gene knockdown and editing, including CRISPR-Cas9 and protein knockdown. The next few chapters are devoted to methods describing live imaging of different tissues and organs, followed by chapters on how to quantify image data and how to probe tissue mechanics by laser ablation. The next two chapters provide methods for analyzing transcription followed by protocols to study growth, metabolism, ageing, and behavior in Drosophila. This volume concludes with chapters on electrophysiological recordings and methods to establish cell lines. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Drosophila: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition is a valuable source of hands-on protocols and reviews for molecular, cell, and developmental biologists using Drosophila as model systems in their work.

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) have become the markers of choice for a variety of molecular studies because of their versatility, operational flexibility, and lower cost than other marker systems. Microsatellites: Methods and Protocols brings together experts in the field to cover this significant area of research. Broken in to four convenient parts, this volume delves into classical and modern methods for the discovery and development of microsatellite markers, descriptions of amplification and visualization of SSRs, automated capillary sequencers that are widely used for fragment analysis, as well as a variety of methods for the analysis of data obtained by the use of microsatellites. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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 invaluable, Microsatellites: Methods and Protocols aims at researchers that need detailed protocols for incorporating microsatellite markers into their projects and expert scientists looking to expand their knowledge of SSRs discovery, use, and analysis.

The discovery of vitamins in the early 1900s, their later chemical characterization and the clarification of pivotal metabolic functions are sequential aspects of a brilliant chapter in the history of modern nutritional sciences and medicine. The name, derived from "vital-amines", indicates their elementary metabolic key functions in human metabolism. Vitamins are truly families of compounds, which include precursors and various free and bound forms, all with individual roles in metabolism and function. A more recent approach therefore searches for the components, the understanding of their roles in physiology and pathology as well as looking for novel pharmacological applications. When used properly, vitamins are, indeed, "magical" substances. Due to their efficacy, they should therefore be regarded as drugs with effects and side effects to be weighted against each other. Today, it is not the previously fatal deficiency-associated diseases that are in the focus of interest, but rather the relation of suboptimal vitamin bioavailability to chronic disease. This is complicated by genetic susceptibility, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of health-compromising habits, such as smoking. In turn, the development and application of new and more sensitive and specific assays further enable us to look more closely into the many functions of vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are complex molecular structures and even today, many areas in vitamin biochemistry are not yet fully understood. Novel effects and functions of vitamins remain and continue to be discovered. This book presents most recent research results and fascinating new knowledge on the role and effects of the water soluble vitamins in man. Some of the most distinguished chemists, biochemists, biologists and clinicians have contributed valuable chapters sharing unexpected novel insights into the biochemistry, (epi)genetics, metabolism, and function of water soluble vitamins, with their potential for clinical applications. Thus, physicians, clinicians, scientists, researchers, epidemiologists. nutritional specialists and health professionals alike will find stimulating and fascinating new insight in the many roles that water soluble vitamins play in human health and disease.

As the first primer on the effects of exercise on human hypertension, Effects of Exercise on Hypertension: From Cells to Physiological Systems provides the state-of-the-art effects of exercise on the many possible mechanisms underlying essential hypertension in humans. The book contains chapters by distinguished experts on the effects of exercise on physiological systems known to be involved in hypertension development and maintenance as well as less well known aspects of hypertension such as 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure profile and oxidative stress. An emerging area, the effects of resistance exercise training on blood pressure is also covered. A unique aspect of the book is that it covers the effects of exercise mimetics on vascular cell adaptations in order to begin to elucidate some of the cellular mechanisms that may underlie blood pressure reductions with exercise training. Lastly, the book will end with a chapter on the interactive effects of genes and exercise on blood pressure. Chapters are grouped by physiological system or mechanism. The text begins with two overview chapters; one on the general effects of aerobic exercise training and the second on the general effects of resistance exercise training on blood pressure. Each chapter begins with a bulleted list of key points. Effects of Exercise on Hypertension: From Cells to Physiological Systems will be of great value to professional individuals in cardiovascular medicine, the cardiovascular sciences, allied health care professionals, and medical and graduate students in the cardiovascular sciences and medicine.

Considerable advances have taken place since the initial isolation and characterization of human embryonic stem (HES) cells; however, significant challenges remain before their potential for restoration and regeneration processes in patients can be realized. Understanding the diversity amongst HES cell lines and realizing the ability to isolate lines with robust differentiation potential remain difficult. In the Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook, experts in the field provide an assortment of protocols that have been used by various laboratories around the world so as to allow both novices and experienced investigators to compare and contrast different approaches to HES cell isolation and characterization with the hope that, from these protocols, researchers might standardize approaches for HES cell biology. Written in the Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips for troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and accessible, Human Embryonic Stem Cells Handbook serves as a valuable reference for scientists pursuing this vital field and its enormous potential.

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) binding proteins currently number in the thousands and defects in their function are at the heart of diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. RNA binding proteins have become implicated in the intricate control of surprisingly diverse biological settings, such as circadian rhythm, stem cell self-renewal, oncogenesis and germ cell development. This book surveys a range of genome-wide and systems approaches to studying RNA binding proteins, the importance of RNA binding proteins in development, cancer and circadian rhythm.

In the nearly 60 years since Watson and Crick proposed the double helical structure of DNA, the molecule of heredity, waves of discoveries have made genetics the most thrilling field in the sciences. The study of genes and genomics today explores all aspects of the life with relevance in the lab, in the doctor s office, in the courtroom and even in social relationships. In this helpful guidebook, one ofthe most respected and accomplished human geneticists of our time communicates the importance of genes and genomics studies in all aspects of life. With the use of core concepts and the integration of extensive references, this book provides students and professionals alike with the most in-depth view of the current state of the science and its relevance across disciplines.
Bridges the gap between basic human genetic understanding and one of the most promising avenues for advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease. Includes the latest information on diagnostic testing, population screening, predicting disease susceptibility, pharmacogenomics and more Explores ethical, legal, regulatory and economic aspects of genomics in medicine. Integrates historical (classical) genetics approach with the latest discoveries in structural and functional genomics"

This volume provides a clear and detailed roadmap of how to design and execute a gene therapy experiment in order to obtain consistent results. Chapters in this book disseminate bits of unknown information that are important to consider during the course of experimentation and will answer questions such as: What delivery vehicle do you use?; How will you ensure that your vector retains stability?; What expression system best fits your needs?; What route will you choose to deliver your gene therapy agent?; How will you model the neurodegenerative disorder that you aim to investigate and what are the proven methods to treat these disorders in preclinical models? Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and thorough, Gene Therapy for Neurological Disorders: Methods and Protocols, is a compilation of protocols and instructive chapters intended to give researchers, clinicians, and students of all levels, a foundation upon which future gene therapy experiments can be designed.

This volume presents key topics of current interest with regard to several pathophysiological conditions including (a) the basic and clinical aspects of bradykinin receptor antagonists, (b) the kallikrein-kinin pathways in hypertension and diabetes, (c) tissue kallikrein-kinin therapy for hypertension and organ damage, (d) the renal (tissue) kallikrein-kinin system in the kidney and novel potential drugs for salt-sensitive hypertension, (e) the kallikrein-kinin system in diabetes retinopathy and (f) genetic manipulation and genetic variation of the kallikrein-kinin system and their impacts on cardiovascular and renal disease. Written by internationally reputed scientists, the book provides an essential overview of the latest developments in the field of kinin research, making it a valuable asset for endocrinologists, nephrologists, cardiologists, pharmacologists, physiologists, ophthalmologists and rheumatologists. Furthermore, it is also intended for postgraduate students in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, physiology and pharmacology and those working at research organizations.

"Our Genes, Our Choices: How Genotype and Gene Interactions Affect Behavior" explains how the complexity of human behavior, including concepts of free will, derives from a relatively small number of genes, which direct neurodevelopmental sequence. Are people free to make choices, or do genes determine behavior? Paradoxically, the answer to both questions is "yes," because of neurogenetic individuality, a new theory with profound implications.

Author David Goldman uses judicial, political, medical, and ethical examples to illustrate that this lifelong process is guided by individual genotype, molecular and physiologic principles, as well as by randomness and environmental exposures, a combination of factors that we choose and do not choose.

Written in an authoritative yet accessible style, the book includes practical descriptions of the function of DNA, discusses the scientific and historical bases of genethics, and introduces topics of epigenetics and the predictive power of behavioral genetics.
Poses and resolves challenges to moral responsibility raised by modern genetics and neuroscienceAnalyzes the neurogenetic origins of human behavior and free will Written by one of the world's most influential neurogeneticists, founder of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the National Institutes of Health

This new volume in the "Current topics in Developmental Biology" series concentrates on MicroRNAs in Development. It includes chapters on such topics as miRNA networks in neuronal development, let-7 in development, and Hox networks and miRNA. With an international team of authors, this volume is a must-have addition for researchers and students alike.
Concentrates on microRNAs in development Includes chapters on such topics as miRNA networks in neuronal development, let-7 in development, and Hox networks and miRNA With an international team of authors, this volume is a must-have addition for researchers and students alike"

Classical methods for microbial strain engineering, used to improve the production of bioproducts, have serious drawbacks and have been found to be unsuitable for complex strain development applications. In Strain Engineering: Methods and Protocols, powerful new genetic engineering-based strain engineering methods are presented for rational modification of a variety of model organisms. These methods are particularly powerful when utilized to manipulate microbes for which sequenced and annotated genomes are available. Collectively, these methods systematically introduce genome alterations in a precise manner, allowing the creation of novel strains carrying only desired genome alterations. In the first section, E. coli-based bacterial strain engineering strategies are reviewed, while the second section presents analogous microbial engineering strategies for eukaryotic cells using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model. The third section covers examples of the proliferative adaptations of these base technologies to strain engineer industrially important prokaryotic or eukaryotic microbial systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) 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, Strain Engineering: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide to scientists in academia, pharmaceutical science, and biotechnology who perform microbial strain engineering.

This book addresses two fundamental issues of motor control for both humans and robots: kinematic redundancy and the posture/movement problem. It blends traditional robotic constrained-optimal approaches with neuroscientific and evidence-based principles, proposing a "Task-space Separation Principle," a novel scheme for planning both posture and movement in redundant manipulators. The proposed framework is first tested in simulation and then compared with experimental motor strategies displayed by humans during redundant pointing tasks. The book also shows how this model builds on and expands traditional formulations such as the Passive Motion Paradigm and the Equilibrium Point Theory. Lastly, breaking with the neuroscientific tradition of planar movements and linear(ized) kinematics, the theoretical formulation and experimental scenarios are set in the nonlinear space of 3D rotations which are essential for wrist motions, a somewhat neglected area despite its importance in daily tasks.

Signals and Systems for Speech and Hearing (2nd edition) provides the reader with a thorough introduction to the concepts of signals and systems analysis that play a role in the speech and hearing sciences. Few equations are used, and an informal, friendly and informative style is maintained throughout. Because much of the story is told through figures, the authors have gone to great lengths to provide clear and truthful figures that show what the text says they do. It is hoped the reader will come away with a strong visual understanding of the concepts involved. This book can be used at many levels, from the student who hasn't heard of a spectrum before, to the experienced worker who has only a fuzzy understanding of the notion of an impulse response. The authors have tried to keep the underlying conceptual structure of signals and systems analysis explicit, in the hope that even some readers with advanced technical training might find clarification of the basic principles. Notable features include over 300 figures integrated closely with the text, all drawn specifically. Exercises are provided at the end of most chapters.

JAK tyrosine kinases and STAT transcription factors constitute a signaling pathway, which is activated by cytokines. By activating gene transcription it regulates essential biological responses to environmental cues. The Jak-Stat pathway is involved in the regulation of cell development, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Improper function may contribute to hematopoietic malignancies and cancer. This book provides comprehensive insights into the latest basic and clinical developments in the field. The first part reviews recent findings and new technologies pertaining to basics of Jak-Stat function. The second part describes the evolution of Jak-Stat signaling and the role of the pathway in invertebrate organisms. The third part focuses on Jak-Stat signaling in hematopoietic cells under both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Finally, chapters in the fourth section describe the relationship of Jak-Stat signaling to various states of disease, particularly infection, leukemias and solid cancers. The book is intended for all scientists in molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology dealing with biomedical issues.

The existence of 'cancer stem cells' (CSCs) has been a topic of heated debate for the last few years within the field of cancer biology. Their continuous characterization in a variety of solid tumors has lead to an abundance of evidence supporting their existence. CSCs are believed to be responsible for resistance against conventional treatment regimes of chemotherapy and radiation, ultimately, leading to metastasis and patient demise. To help aid clinicians, pharmaceutical companies and academic labs investigating how to better kill these highly aggressive cells we have summarized the DNA repair mechanism(s) and their role in the maintenance and regulation of both normal and cancer stem cells. Our book represents a comprehensive investigation into the highly effective DNA repair mechanisms of CSCs and what we need to understand in order to develop more advanced therapies to eradicate them from patients. Currently, there are no other published works entirely on DNA repair and Cancer Stem Cells. In addition, our book provides a comprehensive overview of CSC isolation and characterization from a variety of solid tumor types.

This volume presents the most recent studies on mRNA polyadenylation in plants. Chapters are divided into three sections covering recent development of the use of bioinformatics tools in the field. numerous molecular, biochemical, and methods used to characterize polyadenylation sites on a genome-wide scale. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Some are specific for plant research, but most can be adopted for research in other organisms. Authoritative and practical, Polyadenylation in Plants: Methods and Protocols provides scientists with a wide range of methods to study mRNA 3'-end formation in plants.

This volume explores some of the most exciting recent advances in basic research on protein phosphorylation in health and disease and how this knowledge is leading to advances in the various fields.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This volume looks at the evolution of the topo field over the last year and discusses how DNA topoisomerases are directly and indirectly involved in numerous cellular processes. The chapters in this book cover various topics, such as type 1 topos with an evolutionary perspective; antimicrobial agents targeting topos; experimental protocols related to DNA topology, including a basic technique to measure DNA supercoiling in bacteria; protocols for in vitro studies, including assays to detect RNA topo activity; topo inhibitors; and a study of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance in bacteria. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, DNA Topoisomerases: Methods and Protoc ols is intended for specialists and non-specialists with an overview of selected hot topics in the field, and the latest protocols to study DNA topology, topoisomerases functions and inhibition by various compounds.

Cardiac electrophysiologists face many challenging situations in which there is no clear-cut answer about the best way to handle a particular clinical problem. This issue brings together articles on many such situations, presents arguments on both sides, and lets the reader conclude which is the best way to manage a particular patient.? Among the controversial and debatable topics included are how to handle device recalls, optimal timing for assessment of ICD efficacy, extraction o f broken leads, and anticoagulation therapy in device patients.

Written by leading researchers, this text explores the intersection of genetics and metabolomics, and points the way to more comprehensive studies of inborn variation of metabolism. All chapters refer to one or more published experimental datasets.