Successful Management of the Analytical Laboratory provides a comprehensive discussion of the problems that face analytical laboratory managers and presents proven techniques for improving the operation and performance of analytical labs. A wide range of topics are covered, including functions of various laboratory types (including a discussion of legal proceedings that involve defending laboratory data), staffing and organization, motivation, management and development of personnel, personal relations and communication, sample handling, workload optimization, equipment selection and justification, budgeting and cost control (including methods for calculating the dollar return on investments in capital equipment), and information management systems.
The book emphasizes measures that managers can take to ensure quality performance in both the laboratory and its personnel while maintaining the overall cost effectiveness of the operation. The author uses case histories from his experience to illustrate the application of the management principles presented in this excellent book for new and experienced lab managers alike.

The first volume in the series was released in January 2004 and the second to fourth volumes in early 2006. The field is now progressing so fast that there is a need for one volume every 12 to 18 months to capture latest developments.

Volume VI presents 10 chapters on a variety of new and emerging techniques and refinements of SPM applications.

Introduces both optical microscopy and medical imaging with an emphasis on recurring themes such as resolution and contrast to reinforce understanding. Includes many illustrations and boxed material that give more detailed explanations. Features hands-on activities and experiments. Provides end-of-chapter problems for self-study. Offers supplementary online materials including a solutions manual.

This first book on high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) is intended for students and biologists who want to use HS-AFM in their research. It provides straightforward explanations of the principle and techniques of AFM and HS-AFM. Numerous examples of HS-AFM studies on proteins demonstrate how to apply this new form of microscopy to specific biological problems. Several precautions for successful imaging and the preparation of cantilever tips and substrate surfaces will greatly benefit first-time users of HS-AFM. In turn, the instrumentation techniques detailed in Chapter 4 can be skipped, but will be useful for engineers and scientists who want to develop the next generation of high-speed scanning probe microscopes for biology. The book is intended to facilitate the first-time use of this new technique, and to inspire students and researchers to tackle their own specific biological problems by directly observing dynamic events occurring in the nanoscopic world. Microscopy in biology has recently entered a new era with the advent of high-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM). Unlike optical microscopy, electron microscopy, and conventional slow AFM, it allows us to directly observe biological molecules in physiological environments. Molecular "movies" created using HS-AFM can directly reveal how molecules behave and operate, without the need for subsequent complex analyses and roundabout interpretations. It also allows us to directly monitor morphological change in live cells, and dynamic molecular events occurring on the surfaces of living bacteria and intracellular organelles. As HS-AFM instruments were recently commercialized, in the near future HS-AFM is expected to become a common tool in biology, and will enhance and accelerate our understanding of biological phenomena.

This detailed book compiles a series of laboratory protocols covering the most important aspects of R-loop biology. Beginning with a range of methods allowing for the detection of DNA-RNA hybrids, as well as their purification and visualization by electron microscopy, the volume continues with methods based on the use of RNase H-derived tools to detect DNA-RNA hybrids in vitro and in vivo. Several protocols permit studying non-canonical RNA nucleotides in the R-loop context, as well as a number of specific protocols devoted to the investigation of R-loop topology and their functional roles in the biology of mitochondria and telomeres. Finally, a large block of chapters is dedicated to different methods allowing genome-wide mapping of DNA-RNA hybrids in various organisms. 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, R-Loops: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal resource for those working on R-loop homeostasis but also to scientists studying such areas of molecular and cell biology as genome integrity, DNA replication and repair, chromatin remodeling, transcription, RNA processing, modification and export, as well as for researchers elucidating the molecular mechanisms of cancer and genetic diseases.

This research-level reference provides a review of the morphological techniques that have become a primary method of anatomical study correlating structure and function in lung physiology and pathology. Detailing the evolution of anatomy as a research discipline, it explores general structural techn

As the mysteries stored in our DNA have been more completely revealed, scientists have begun to face the extraordinary challenge of unraveling the int- cate network of protein-protein interactions established by that DNA fra- work. It is increasingly clear that proteins continuously interact with one another in a highly regulated fashion to determine cell fate, such as proliferation, diff- entiation, or death. These protein-protein interactions enable and exert str- gent control over DNA replication, RNA transcription, protein translation, macromolecular assembly and degradation, and signal transduction; essentially all cellular functions involve protein-protein interactions. Thus, protein-p- tein interactions are fundamental for normal physiology in all organisms. Alt- ation of critical protein-protein interactions is thought to be involved in the development of many diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, and infectious diseases. Therefore, examination of when and how protein-p- tein interactions occur and how they are controlled is essential for understa- ing diverse biological processes as well as for elucidating the molecular basis of diseases and identifying potential targets for therapeutic interventions. Over the years, many innovative biochemical, biophysical, genetic, and computational approaches have been developed to detect and analyze p- tein-protein interactions. This multitude of techniques is mandated by the diversity of physical and chemical properties of proteins and the sensitivity of protein-protein interactions to cellular conditions.

The chemokines family of small proteins are involved in numerous b- logical processes ranging from hematopoiesis, angiogenesis, and basal l- kocyte trafficking to the extravasation and tissue infiltration of leukocytes in response to inflammatory agents, tissue damage, and bacterial or viral infection. Chemokines exert their effects through a family of seven G-protein coupled transmembrane receptors. Worldwide interest in the chemokine field surged dramatically early in 1996, with the finding that certain chemokine receptors were the elusive coreceptors, required along with CD4, for HIV infection. Today, though over 40 human chemokines have been described, the n- ber of chemokine receptors lags behind-only 17 human chemokine receptors have been identified so far. What has emerged over the years is that most chemokine receptors bind several distinct ligands, and indeed the majority of chemokines are able to bind to multiple chemokine receptors, explaining to some extent the apparent disparity in the numbers of chemokines and rec- tors. Yet in spite of the apparent redundancy in chemokine/chemokine rec- tor interactions, it is clear that in vivo, spatial, temporal, and indeed cell- and tissue-specific expression of both chemokines and their receptors are imp- tant factors in determining the precise nature of cellular infiltrates in phy- ological and pathological processes.

This completely revised edition explores novel discoveries in bacterial genomic research, with a focus on technical and computational improvements as well as methods used for bacterial pangenome analysis, which relies on microbiome studies and metagenomic data. Beginning with up-to-date sequencing methods, the book continues with sections covering methods for deep phylogenetic analysis, the role of metagenomic data in understanding the genomics of the many yet uncultured bacteria, progress in genome-to-phenome inference, as well as computational genomic tools. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the type of practical detail necessary for reproducible results in the lab. Authoritative and up-to-date, Bacterial Pangenomics: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as an ideal guide for both highly qualified investigators in bacterial genomics and for less experienced researchers, including students and teachers, who could use a reference for approaching genomic analysis and genome data.

This volume contains invited and contributed papers presented at the conference on 'Microscopy of Semiconducting Materials' held at the University of Cambridge on 2-5 April 2007. The event was organised under the auspices of the Electron Microscopy and Analysis Group of the Institute of Physics, the Royal Microscopical Society and the Materials Research Society. This international conference was the fifteenth in the series that focuses on the most recent world-wide advances in semiconductor studies carried out by all forms of microscopy and it attracted delegates from more than 20 countries. With the relentless evolution of advanced electronic devices into ever smaller nanoscale structures, the problem relating to the means by which device features can be visualised on this scale becomes more acute. This applies not only to the imaging of the general form of layers that may be present but also to the determination of composition and doping variations that are employed. In view of this scenario, the vital importance of transmission and scanning electron microscopy, together with X-ray and scanning probe approaches can immediately be seen. The conference featured developments in high resolution microscopy and nanoanalysis, including the exploitation of recently introduced aberration-corrected electron microscopes. All associated imaging and analytical techniques were demonstrated in studies including those of self-organised and quantum domain structures. Many analytical techniques based upon scanning probe microscopies were also much in evidence, together with more general applications of X-ray diffraction methods.

Since the advent of hybridoma technology more than two decades ago, numerous antibodies have entered the clinical setting as potent therapeutic agents. Their repeated application in humans, however, is limited by the development of human antimouse antibodies (HAMA) in the recipient, leading to allergic re- tions against the foreign murine protein and rapid neutralization. To circumvent these limitations many new antibodies have recently been tailored through recombinant antibody technology. The initial clinical data show encouraging results, thus demonstrating the potential of these new therapeutic agents. The purpose of Recombinant Antibodies for Cancer Therapy is to present a collection of detailed protocols in recombinant antibody technology. It is pri- rily addressed to scientists working on recombinant antibodies as well as cli- cians involved with antibody-based therapies. As with other volumes of this series, we placed the main focus on providing detailed protocols describing procedures step-by-step. Moreover, each protocol supplies a troubleshooting guide containing detailed information on possible problems and hints for pot- tial solutions. Antibody technology is a subject of constant and rapid change. This volume, therefore, does not attempt to cover all possible current experimental approaches in the field. Rather, we present carefully selected protocols, written by competent authors who have successfully verified the particular method described. Given our own professional backgrounds and interest in oncology, we chose to conc- trate chiefly on therapeutic agents for cancer patients.

Over recent years, progress in micropropagation has not been as rapid as many expected and, even now, relatively few crops are produced commercially. One reason for this is that the biology of material growing in vitro has been insufficiently understood for modifications to standard methods to be made based on sound physiological principles. However, since 1984, tissue culture companies and others have invested considerable effort to reduce the empirical nature of the production process. The idea of the conference "Physiology, Growth and Development of Plants and Cells in Culture"(Lancaster, 1992) was to introduce specialists in different areas of plant physiology to micropropagators, with the express aims of disseminating as wide a range of information to as large a number of participants as possible, and beginning new discussions on the constraints and potentials affecting the development of in vitro plant production methods. This book is based on presentations from the conference and has been divided into two main sections, dealing with aspects of the in vitro environment - light, nutrients, water, gas - and with applied aspects of the culture process - morphogenesis, acclimation, rejuvenation, contamination.

This volume provides a comprehensive reference for researchers aiming to bring new techniques and approaches to their scientific research using urodeles. Chapters are authored by leaders in the field and meant to guide readers through laboratory colony husbandry, traditional molecular techniques, experimental manipulation and surgeries, bioinformatics and genomics, transgenics and lineage-tracing, and physiological and organismal techniques. In addition to laboratory methods, this volume highlights techniques developed for field studies and work with wild-caught animals. Written in the 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 protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and state-of-the-art, Methods in Salamander Research aims to be a practical guide for researchers interested in deploying new methodologies in their lab or in the field.

The April 1997 conference held in Prague attracted the cream of primarily European and Russian researchers (with a handful from the US, primarily from the U. of Maryland School of Medicine) to the burgeoning biological and medical applications of innovative optical technology, particularly laser con

The rapid progress on somatic embryogenesis and its prospects for potential application to improving woody plants prompted us to edit this book initially in three volumes, and now an additional three more volumes. We were all convinced that such a treatise was needed and would be extremely useful to researchers and students. This volume 6 is dedicated to Prof. Harry Waris, Helsinki, Finland, who did pioneer work on somatic embryogenesis during the time when Prof. Steward and others were actively engaged in this area. His former student Prof. Liisa Simols, University of Helsinki, Finland, has written a dedication Harry Waris, a pioneer in somatic embryogenesis' to her teacher Prof. Waris. This volume is divided into three sections and contains a total of 26 chapters. Section A comprises seven chapters covering topics such as: Historical insights into some contemporary problems in somatic embryogenesis (SE); Thin cell layer for somatic embryogenesis induction in woody trees; SE in tropical fruit and forest trees; SE in fruit and forest arid trees; Status of SE in Indian forest trees; SE research in fruit trees in India; Applications of SE for the improvement of tropical fruit trees. Section B comprises 15 chapters, dealing with: SE in oil palm, hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.), pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), Araucaria angustifolia, Quercus suber, Aspidosperma polyneuron, Acacia senegal, Simmondsia chiensis, Cupressus sempervirens, pecan (Carya illinoinensis), rattan (Calamus spp.), tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea, longan (Dimocarpus longan Lor.), Aegle marmelos, and Euonymus europaeus. Section C comprises three chapters related to cryo-storage of citrus, conifers and rubber. All the chaptershave been peer-reviewed and revised accordingly to improve the quality of the chapters. We are thankful to all: (a) contributory authors for their co-operation in submitting manuscripts in time, and (b) reviewers for spending their valuable time in reviewing the manuscripts.

Scientific techniques developed in materials science offer invaluable information to archaeology, art history, and conservation. A rapidly growing number of innovative methods, as well as many established techniques, are constantly being improved and optimized for the analysis of cultural heritage materials. The result is that on the one hand more complex problems and questions can be confronted, but on the other hand the required level of technical competence is widening the existing cultural gap between scientists and end users, such as archaeologists, museum curators, art historians, and many managers of cultural heritage who have a purely humanistic background.
The book is intended as an entry-level introduction to the methods and rationales of scientific investigation of cultural heritage materials, with emphasis placed on the analytical strategies, modes of operation, and resulting information rather than on technicalities. The extensive and updated reference list should be a useful starting point for further reading. Students and researchers from the humanities approaching scientific investigations should find it useful, as well as scientists applying familiar techniques and methods to unfamiliar problems related to cultural heritage.

The development of new methodologies has played a key role in the advancement of all areas of research. Specifically, the initial advances in our understanding of lipoprotein structure and metabolism were made possible by the development of ultracentrifugation and electrophoretic techniques. More recently, the advent of molecular biological techniques opened possibilities that were unthinkable just a few decades ago. The use of the analytical ult- centrifuge to study plasma lipoproteins began in the 1940s with the work of Mutzenbecher, McFarlene, Pedersen, Gofman, Lindgren, and Elliot. Another crucial step, during the 1950s, was the development of this tool as a prepa- tive technique by Havel, Eder, and Bragdon, among others. This technolo- cal progress allowed investigators to "dig" deeper into the structure of these complex macromolecules made of lipids and proteins, and permitted inves- gators to continue unraveling the physical and chemical characteristics of the proteins associated with lipoprotein particles (apolipoproteins) and the enzymes involved in their processing. This information led to both a better understanding of the biological functions of the lipoprotein fractions and their constituents, and creation of a more comprehensive overall scheme for plasma lipoprotein metabolism. Several gaps in this puzzle were filled through the work of Goldstein and Brown, who elucidated the structure and role of the low-density lipoprotein - ceptor. This was the first identified among a profusion of receptors that are key for the cellular catabolism of these particles.

The volumes V, VI and VII will examine the physical and technical foundation for recent progress in applied scanning probe techniques. These volumes constitute a timely comprehensive overview of SPM applications. This is the first book summarizing the state-of-the-art of this technique. The chapters are written by leading researchers and application scientists from all over the world and from various industries to provide a broader perspective.

Since 1995, the noncontact atomic force microscope (NC-AFM) has achieved remarkable progress. Based on nanomechanical methods, the NC-AFM detects the weak attractive force between the tip of a cantilever and a sample surface. This method has the following characteristics: it has true atomic resolution; it can measure atomic force interactions, i.e. it can be used in so-called atomic force spectroscopy (AFS); it can also be used to study insulators; and it can measure mechanical responses such as elastic deformation. This is the first book that deals with all of the emerging NC-AFM issues.

Comprises four parts, the first of which provides an overview of the topics that are developed from fundamental principles to more advanced levels in the other parts. Presents in the second part an in-depth introduction to the relevant background in molecular and cellular biology and in physical chemistry, which should be particularly useful for students without a formal background in these subjects. Provides in the third part a detailed treatment of microscopy techniques and optics, again starting from basic principles. Introduces in the fourth part modern statistical approaches to the determination of parameters of interest from microscopy data, in particular data generated by single molecule microscopy experiments. Uses two topics related to protein trafficking (transferrin trafficking and FcRn-mediated antibody trafficking) throughout the text to motivate and illustrate microscopy techniques

This completely revised successor to the Handbook of Microscopy supplies in-depth coverage of all imaging technologies from the optical
to the electron and scanning techniques. Adopting a twofold approach, the book firstly presents the various technologies as such, before going
on to cover the materials class by class, analyzing how the different imaging methods can be successfully applied. It covers the latest developments in techniques, such as in-situ TEM, 3D imaging in TEM and SEM, as well as a broad range of material types, including metals,
alloys, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, minerals, quasicrystals, amorphous solids, among others. The volumes are divided between
methods and applications, making this both a reliable reference and handbook for chemists, physicists, biologists, materials scientists and
engineers, as well as graduate students and their lecturers.

In 1968, the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) published Special Publication 298 "Quantitative Electron Probe Microanalysis," which contained proceedings of a seminar held on the subject at NBS in the summer of 1967. This publication received wide interest that continued through the years far beyond expectations. The present volume, also the result of a gathering of international experts, in 1988, at NBS (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST), is intended to fulfill the same purpose. After years of substantial agreement on the procedures of analysis and data evaluation, several sharply differentiated approaches have developed. These are described in this publi cation with all the details required for practical application. Neither the editors nor NIST wish to endorse any single approach. Rather, we hope that their exposition will stimulate the dialogue which is a prerequisite for technical progress. Additionally, it is expected that those active in research in electron probe microanalysis will appreciate more clearly the areas in which further investigations are warranted."

Scanning tunneling microscopy has achieved remarkable progress and become the key technology for surface science. This book predicts the future development for all of scanning probe microscopy (SPM). Such forecasts may help to determine the course ultimately taken and may accelerate research and development on nanotechnology and nanoscience, as well as all in SPM-related fields in the future.