In this fascinating book, Jacques Balthazart presents a simple description of the biological mechanisms that are involved in the determination of sexual orientation in animals and also presumably in humans. Using scientific studies published over the last few decades, he argues that sexual orientation, both homosexual and heterosexual, is under the control of embryonic endocrine and genetic phenomena in which there is little room for individual choice. The author begins with animal studies of the hormonal and neural mechanisms that control the so-called instinctive behaviors and analyzes how this animal work may potentially apply to humans. The book does not focus exclusively on homosexuality, however. Instead, the book acts as a broader guide to the biological basis of sexual orientation, and also discusses important gender differences that may influence sexual orientation. While firmly grounded in the scientific literature, this text is developed for a broader audience and will be of interest to psychologists, researchers, students, and anyone interested in the biological factors that determine our sexuality.

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.

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.

This book explores implicit choices made by researchers, policy makers, and funders regarding who benefits from society's investment in health research. The authors focus specifically on genetic research and examine whether such research tends to reduce or exacerbate existing health disparities. Using case examples to illustrate the issues, the authors trace the path of genetics research from discovery, through development and delivery, to health outcomes. Topics include breast cancer screening and treatment, autism research, pharmacogenetics, prenatal testing, newborn screening, and youth suicide prevention. Each chapter emphasizes the societal context of genetic research and illustrates how science might change if attention were paid to the needs of marginalized populations. Written by experts in genetics, health, and philosophy, this book argues that the scientific enterprise has a responsibility to respond to community needs to assure that research innovations achieve much needed health impacts.

This book is a concise guide to the diagnosis and management of reproductive health issues in adolescents that may lead to future fertility problems. Beginning with an overview of female adolescence and reproductive development, the following chapters cover different disorders including PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, anaemia, menstrual abnormalities, teenage pregnancy and abortion, STIs and more. Each section provides step by step guidance from history taking, signs and symptoms, and clinical examination, to diagnosis and therapy. A complete chapter covers the 2012 POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. Key points Concise guide to reproductive health issues in adolescents, subsequently leading to fertility problems Discusses investigation, diagnosis and management of numerous disorders Covers POCSO Act 2012 Includes clinical images and figures to assist learning

Cytology refers to a branch of pathology that deals with making diagnoses of diseases and conditions through the examination of tissue samples from the body (MedicineNet.com). Immunocytochemistry is a laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens (markers) in a sample of cells. The antibodies are usually linked to an enzyme or a fluorescent dye. After the antibodies bind to the antigen in the cell sample, the enzyme or dye is activated, and the antigen can then be seen under a microscope. Immunocytochemistry is used to help diagnose diseases, such as cancer. It may also be used to help tell the difference between different types of cancer (National Cancer Institute). This book is a comprehensive guide to the techniques and application of immunocytochemistry in cytology. Divided into two parts, the first section discusses basic principles and preparation, techniques and quality control, and automated immune staining. Section Two covers diagnostic applications of immunocytochemistry for many different types of tumour. The text is highly illustrated with microphotographs, tables and boxes to assist learning and interpretation of findings for accurate diagnosis. Key points Comprehensive guide to techniques and application of immunocytochemistry in cytology Provides thorough understanding of basic principles and methods Covers diagnostic applications for many different types of tumour Highly illustrated with microphotographs, tables and boxes

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."

World-wide migration has an unsettling effect on social structures, especially on aging populations and eldercare. This volume investigates how taken-for-granted roles are challenged, intergenerational relationships transformed, economic ties recalibrated, technological innovations utilized, and spiritual relations pursued and desired, and asks what it means to care at a distance and to age abroad. What it does show is that trans-nationalization of care produces unprecedented convergences of people, objects and spaces that challenge our assumptions about the who, how, and where of care.

In this book we have taken a comprehensive look at the subject of familial and hereditary gastric tumors. In particular, the aim of this novel editorial work is to propose the correct management of hereditary diffuse gastric cancer patients, focusing in particular on E-cadherin germline mutations, clinical criteria definition, genetic screening and molecular mechanisms, pathology and microscopic features, surgical treatment and clinical approach for asymptomatic mutation carriers. We also describe other inherited predispositions involving gastric carcinoma.

As functional genomics has become one of the major focuses in molecular biology, the need for more sophisticated tools to assist in the identification of the functionality of undefined genes and the correlation of DNA variants with a particular phenotype has increased greatly. In Silico Tools for Gene Discovery collects many common and useful in silico tools available today. The volume begins by investigating locus mapping information on linkage analysis, association mapping, integrative analysis, and exome analysis as well as tools for DNA marker selection, in silico PCR, and statistical analysis. It continues with a section on gene discovery from a defined locus, including gene prioritization, knowledge tracking, and data mining, and concludes with several useful in silico tools presented for the functional characterization of genes, which include DNA sequencing analysis, variant characterization, as well as RNA and protein analysis. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and vital notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Resourceful and easy to follow, In Silico Tools for Gene Discovery seeks to facilitate scientists with further key research on locus mapping, to accelerate gene identification, and to help ascertain the functionality of DNA variation.

Crash Course: Muscles, Bones and Skin focuses on the essential information you really need to know about the basic sciences of muscles, bones and skin. Each component is considered in an integrated format, putting the basic sciences in clinical context. Provides the exam syllabus in one place! Written by senior medical students or junior doctors - authors who really understand today's exam situation! Senior Faculty Advisors ensure complete accuracy of the text! Full artwork programme, improved 'Hints and Tips' boxes, and 'Clinical Application' boxes help you remember the key points! Self-Assessment section - fully updated to reflect new curriculum requirements - helps you maximise your grade! Solid, accurate, user-friendly coverage provides enough detail even for those aiming at distinction! Crash Course - the revision aid to get you the results you want! Crash Course is a complete revision guide designed specifically to save you time by providing everything you could be asked in the exam in one place. Each book in the series has been specially written either by senior medical students or junior doctors - carefully supervised by faculty advisors - to ensure that it exactly matches your needs by having been prepared by someone who has just been in the exam situation. Fully updated with improved layout, this volume provides the essential concepts of muscle, bone and skin in a memorable, easy-to-understand format. Complex information is provided succinctly and is accompanied by a full artwork programme thereby giving ready access to these related subject areas. A discussion of common problems in rheumatology, orthopaedics and dermatology adds relevance to the underlying physiological concepts explored while clinical assessment and examination, common skills and further investigations complete the picture. Additional features include 'Learning Objectives' at the start of each chapter, improved 'Hints and Tips' boxes, 'Clinical Application' boxes and a completely revised self-assessment section tailored to current exam needs. Take the stress out of study with Crash Course - the easier way to achieve exam success!

International Review of Cytology presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology both plant and animal. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. This volume features articles on Molecular mechanism of liver development and regeneration; Molecular basis of vertebrate endoderm development; YidC as an essential and multifunctional component in membrane protein assembly; Mitotic spindle dynamics in Drosophila; and Neurogenesis in the Fish Retina.

"International Review of Cytology" presents current advances and comprehensive reviews in cell biology both plant and animal. Authored by some of the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for future research. Articles in this volume include LEM-domain Proteins: New Insights into lamin-interacting Proteins; New Insights into Membrane Trafficking and Protein Sorting; Structure and Function of the Atypical Orphan Nuclear Receptor; Zebrafish Gastrulation: Cell Movements, Signals and Mechanisms; Calcium Dynamics: Spatio-tempral Organization from the Subcellular to the Organ Level; New Technologies Used in the Study of Human Melanoma.

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.

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.

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.

Fertility specialists are constantly looking for ways to improve the chances of pregnancy through IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques (ART). 'Adjuvant' or 'add-on' therapies are procedures or medications which are added to IVF treatment to try and improve the chances of success. This book is a practical guide to the use of adjuvants in infertility for clinicians and trainees. Divided into ten sections, the text begins with an overview of the rational for additional therapy in IVF. The next section examines different types of adjuvant therapy and their pros and cons. Topics include medical nutrition therapy, neutraceuticals, antioxidants, micronutrients, and reactive oxygen species. Each of the following sections covers adjuvant use for improving a specific fertility issue - PCOS, ovarian reserve, uterine blood flow, endometrial receptivity, embryo implantation, and male subfertility. The final sections discuss the impact of thyroid autoimmunity on the outcome of ART, and the use of surgery as an adjuvant in infertility. Key points Practical guide to the use of adjuvants in infertility Covers various types of adjuvant and their use for different fertility issues Includes discussion on surgery as an adjuvant Highly illustrated with clinical photographs and diagrams

Lymphomas are lymphoid malignancies derived from B or T lymphocytes, and their study has been and still is paradigmatic for many aspects of cancer research. Lymphoma: Methods and Protocols presents and discusses key methods that are used in lymphoma research, partly specific for lymphoma research but often adaptable to the study of other cancers. By covering a broad variety of methods used in lymphoma research, this book will be of interest not only for hematologists, hematopathologists, and immunologists but also for scientists interested in other fields of cancer research as well as human genetics. Written in the highly successful 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 on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Versatile and cutting-edge, Lymphoma: Methods and Protocols serves researchers studying human physiology with the ultimate goal of understanding and controlling these often terrible diseases.

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

Arab populations have their "own" genetic disorders, both universal and particular. Genetic diversity within these source populations, along with the fact that the rates of inbreeding are often high and family sizes are often large, constitute conditions that facilitate the emergence and detection of phenotypes explained notably by autosomal recessive inheritance; in which case, the use of homozygosity gene mapping can facilitate the discovery of the corresponding genes. The present book includes 5 parts dealing with various aspects that relate to the genetic structure of Arabs and minorities within the Arab world as well as genetic disorders prevalent in this part of the world. It includes updated reviews of the genetic disorders in various Arab countries and geographic regions. The focus is primarily, but not exclusively, on the group of single-gene disorders with particular emphasis on autosomal recessive conditions. It further includes epidemiological and clinical data as well as inheritance patterns, mutation and polymorphism data, and available haplotype analysis data. The ethnic and genetic diversity of the Arab populations is discussed as well as aspects of genetic counseling practice in this region together with a proposal for an ethical framework for genetic research and prevention of genetic disorders. The target audience of this book includes human and medical geneticists, genetic counselors, researchers, medical specialists dealing with Arab patients or practicing in Arab countries, medical and genetic counseling students, and nurses.

This volume provides current methods and protocols for gene and protein delivery based on both lentivirus-generated and spontaneously released nanovesicles. Lentiviral Vectors and Exosomes as Gene and Protein Delivery Tools guides readers through methods on macromolecule delivery and chapters describe the LV-based protocols of gene engineering. 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 cutting-edge, Lentiviral Vectors and Exosomes as Gene and Protein Delivery Tools aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

'Maisie's knowledge of hormones changed my life... you need this book' Anna Jones 'Hill's advice is straightforward and no-nonsense' The Guardian 'An informative must-read for any woman - whatever their age' Vogue online During perimenopause three quarters of women will experience symptoms such as mood changes, insomnia, hot flushes, and night sweats, but there is little in the way of evidence-based information out there to help and guide us. Perimenopause Power is the essential handbook to understanding what the hell's going on and to empower us to improve our experience of the dreaded 'change'. Maisie Hill, the highly qualified women's health expert, best-selling author of Period Power and founder of The Flow Collective, takes us through the physiological changes of perimenopause and menopause, step by step, with calm positivity. In this invaluable guide she shares tips and advice to support women through the challenge of wildly fluctuating hormones. A must-read for anyone looking for a well-researched, evidenced-based book on perimenopause and menopause that gives women the information they need to address their hormonal needs. Perimenopause Power will help women to understand what's going on with their bodies and how to deal with troublesome symptoms, and share valuable insights into making it a positive and powerful experience. 'Maisie Hill helps you understand the changes in your body and psyche during the lead-up to menopause and how to handle symptoms.' Top Sante 'Maisie Hill gets rid of myths, sheds light and allows for an open, honest and much-needed conversation' Mind

Carbohydrate microarrays emerged as a key technology for the deciphering of the glycospace by providing a multiplex technology where tens to hundreds of carbohydrates/protein interactions can be probed in parallel. Carbohydrate Microarrays: Methods and Protocols aims to give the reader the theoretical and experimental clues necessary for the fabrication and implementation of carbohydrate microarrays. This requires three essential steps: 1) to obtain the carbohydrate probes (monosacharides, oligosacchrides, polysacchairdes, glycoconjugates or glycoclusters), 2) to immobilize these probes, and 3) to implement the protocols for biological/biochemical interaction with the desired target. This volume gives an overview of carbohydrate microarray and carbohydrate chemistry and illustrates different detection techniques and their applications. Written in the successful 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Carbohydrate Microarrays: Methods and Protocols compiles a catalogue of protocols on carbohydrate microarrays to span the needs of researchers around the globe.