Search

This book, entitled Tracking Environmental Change Using Lake Sediments: Volume 6 – Sedimentary DNA, provides an overview of the applications of sedimentary DNA-based approaches to paleolimnological studies. These approaches have shown considerable potential in providing information about the long-term changes of overall biodiversity in lakes and their watersheds in response to natural and anthropogenic changes, as well as tracking human migrations over the last thousands of years.Although the first studies investigating the preservation of these molecular proxies in sediments originate from the late-1990s, the number of scientific publications on this topic has increased greatly over the last five years. Alongside numerous ecological findings, several sedimentary DNA studies have been dedicated to understanding the reliability of this approach to reconstruct past ecosystem changes. Despite the major surge of interest, a comprehensive compilation of sedimentary DNA approaches and applications has yet to be attempted. The overall aim of this DPER volume is to fill this knowledge gap.

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Technology in DNA Analysis explains and summarizes next generation sequencing (NGS) technological applications in the field of forensic DNA analysis. The book covers the transition from capillary electrophoresis (CE)-based technique to NGS platforms and the fundamentals of NGS technologies, applications, and advances. Sections provide an overview of NGS technology and forensic science, including information on processing biological samples for forensic analysis, sequence analysis, and data analysis software as well as the analysis of NGS data. The book explores the valuable applications of NGS-based forensic DNA analysis and covers the validations and interpretation guidelines of NGS workflows. With chapter contributions from an international array of experts and the inclusion of practical case studies, this book is a useful reference for academicians and researchers in genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics, biology, and medicine as well as forensic DNA scientists and practitioners who aim to learn, use, apply, and validate NGS-based technologies. - Describes the fundamentals of NGS and its advances for forensic applications - Explains the transition from CE-based technique to NGS technology - Includes case studies related to NGS and DNA fingerprinting - Explores the future use and applications of NGS technologies

The electrophoresis techniques are used in medicine, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and biology to separate soluble and insoluble proteins, nucleic acids, chromosomes, viruses, as well as lysosomes, mitochondria, ribosomes and other cell organelles, red cells, tissue cells, and parasites. This book provides a view over the old electrophoresis techniques, as well as the recent developments in electrophoresis. Electrophoresis Fundamentals is based on the recent book Electrophoresis: Theory and Practice published in 2020 by De Gruyter. The previous book combines theory and technical applications with troubleshooting and problem solving. While Electrophoresis is intended for specialists, Electrophoresis Fundamentals is a book for laboratory technicians, students, biochemists, general practitioners, and more.

Advances in Clinical Chemistry, Volume 107, the latest installment in this internationally acclaimed series, contains chapters authored by world-renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists. The serial discusses the latest and most up-to-date technologies related to the field of clinical chemistry, with this new release focusing on Advances in Quantum Dots as Diagnostic Tools, Host polymorphisms and COVID-19 infection, Biomarkers in Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer, and more. - Provides the most up-to-date technologies in clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory science - Authored by world renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists - Presents the international benchmark for novel analytical approaches in the clinical laboratory

This book introduces cutting-edge studies on the spectrum of sex. The sex spectrum can be understood as an interwoven mechanism sustaining graded phenotypes between the two sexes. The book overviews three elements that develop the sex spectrum: genetics, the endocrine system, and the environment. Part I discusses the genetic regulation during sex determination, which often results in a mixture of two sexes or sex reversal. The evolutionary aspects of the genetic determinants are also discussed. Part II presents the involvement of endocrine regulation in the sex spectrum, which covers a broad range of phenotypic events, including sexual behavior and metabolism. Interestingly, sex hormones can also act as sex determinants. Finally, Part III shows that intrinsic factors, such as sex-determining genes and sex hormones, are not the only factors in sex development. The environment surrounding organisms, such as symbiosis and metabolism, act on the sex as critical factors, generating the sex spectrum. Determination and development of the two sexes have been a topic of great interest and a long-standing issue in biology. The book updates the conventional view that biological sex is fixed after birth and sets new perspectives for understanding sex as a spectrum manifested in multiple phenomena. Each chapter contributed by leading experts explains the sex spectrum in various organisms and their underlying mechanisms from the latest ongoing studies. The book provides a valuable resource for not only experts in developmental biology, physiology, and medical science, but also non-scientists and anyone interested in the topic.

The second volume of the Biomedical translational research discusses advancements in biomedical research for understanding the pathophysiology of various diseases towards improving diagnosis and treatment. It presents the integration of molecular-based technologies, clinical genomics, and medical informatics to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies. Further, the book reviews molecular genomics approaches for diagnosis and managing tuberculosis. It also covers the innovative strategies for cancer treatment through targeting metabolic pathways, tumor microenvironment, cancer stem cells, and immune cells. It also illuminates novel strategies for heart failure diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for the treatment of heart failure. It discusses improvements in translational research for discovery of new diagnostic tests, identifying novel biomarkers and drugable targets, and predicting optimal treatments based on understanding the underlying molecular basis of the disease. Lastly, it reviews the preclinical models of restenosis and their application and limitation in the evaluation of device-based interventional technologies for the treatment of coronary artery diseases.

DNA and RNA extraction methods from a variety of tissues and samples are now routine, including extraction from single cells. Many methods are now automated. Sequencing efficiency has reached the point where it is now possible to obtain gigabases of data, both quickly and inexpensively. Such methods permit the identification of gene versions, including those associated with disease (e.g. small nucleotide polymorphism analyses, or SNPs). The general public as well as clinicians can now access a wide variety of literature on the molecular bases of diseases, allowing them to better assess disease risks and treatments. This volume concentrates on medically-focused methods, and therefore the major audience will be medical professionals, students, and those involved in medically-related research endeavors. There are also papers in this volume dealing specifically with methods developed to analyze large sequence data sets. Many methods reviewed herein are more broadly applicable to other fields in biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, and bioengineering, and are intended for a broad readership.Key Features Summarizes nucleic acid extractions from a wide variety of tissues and cells Describes processes of nucleic acid preservation Reviews forensic sampling, detection of nucleic acids, and delivery of nucleic acids to multicellular organisms Provides essential guidance for sequencing, sequence analysis, database searches, and phylogenetic analyses Includes additional methods useful for analysis of nucleic acids and proteins Related TitlesDeSalle, et al. Phylogenomics: A Primer (ISBN 978-0-3670-2849-7).Jennings, W. B. Phylogenomic Data Acquisition: Principles and Practice (ISBN 978-0-3678-6980-9).Wang, X. Next-Generation Sequencing Data Analysis (ISBN 978-1-4822-1788-9)Sung, W.-K. Algorithms for Next-Generation Sequencing (ISBN 978-0-3676-5797-0)

Pseudokinases, Volume 667, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology serial, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters, including the Production and Purification of the PEAK pseudokinases for structural and functional studies, Structural biology and biophysical characterization of Tribbles pseudokinases, Detecting endogenous TRIB protein expression and its downstream signaling, Analysis of human Tribbles 2 pseudokinase, Expression, purification and examination of ligand-binding to IRAK pseudokinases, Characterization of pseudokinase ILK-mediated actin assembly, Biochemical examination of Titin pseudokinase, Approaches to study pseudokinase conformations, CRISPR editing cell lines for reconstitution studies of pseudokinase function, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in Methods in Enzymology serials - Includes the latest information on Pseudokinases

Mitochondrial diseases comprise a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of rare disorders that may affect virtually any system of the body at any age. Due to their complexity, understanding and diagnosing these diseases requires a multidisciplinary approach.This book provides an update on the major features of human mitochondrial diseases: genetic bases, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment, and of the new technologies involved in the diagnosis and on the characterization of patients. The 11 chapters examine the unique complex interactions between the mitochondrial and the nuclear genomes involved in the biogenesis and the regulation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and their relevance to human disease. We discuss the traditional biochemical and genetic approaches, as well as the new omic technologies, and the cellular and animal models used in mitochondrial research. The last chapter is dedicated to the current treatment options.Authors are worldwide experts in these fields and integrate expertise in both basic science and clinical research.This book is particularly important for both scientists and clinicians interested in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

Hormones and Aging, Volume 115 in the Vitamins and Hormones series, highlights advances in the field, with this new volume presenting timely topics, including hypothalamic aging and hormones, endocannabinoids and aging-inflammation, neuroplasticity, mood and pain, the impact of hormones and bone loss across the menopause transition, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series - Includes the latest information on Hormones and Aging

Electrophoresis is a straightforward but informative analytical method used in biochemistry, biology and medicine. This book combines a detailed discussion of theory and technical application with an elaborate section on troubleshooting and problem solving in electrophoresis. Therefore the book is an important guide for both students and scientists.

Aging is an inevitable part of life and is becoming a worldwide social, economic and health problem. This is mainly due to the fact that the increasing proportion of individuals in the advanced age category have a higher probability of developing age-related disorders, such as type II diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, sarcopenia, and neurodegenerative conditions. New therapeutic approaches are still needed to decrease or slow the effects of such diseases. Advances in -omic technologies, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics, have significantly advanced our understanding of disease in multiple medical areas, as the analysis of multiple molecular networks has simultaneously provided a more integrated view of disease pathways. It is hoped that emerging hits from these analyses might be prioritized for further screening as potential novel drug targets for increasing the human healthspan in line with the lifespan. In turn, this will lead to new therapeutic strategies as well as drug development projects by the pharmaceutical industry. This book presents a series of reviews describing studies that have resulted in identification of new potential drug targets for age-related disorders. Much of this information has come from -omic comparisons of healthy and disease states or from testing the effects of new therapeutic approaches. Authored by experts from around the globe, each chapter is presented in the context of specific chronic diseases or therapeutic strategies. This book is designed for researchers in the areas of aging and chronic disease, as well as clinical scientists, physicians and stakeholders in major drug companies.

Chemical and Synthetic Biology Approaches To Understand Cellular Functions - Part B, Volume 622, the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting chapters that cover the Design of optogenetic proteins, the Application of optogenetic proteins, Antibody aggregation mechanism probed by a fluorescently-labeled antibody with fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, Bimane labeling of B-arrestins to measure their interaction with GPCRs, Reversible biotinylation of proteins for investigating their interaction with partners, Chemical biology approaches to study RNA cytidine acetylation, Salt sensitive intein in robotic production of peptides, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Methods in Enzymology series - Includes the latest information on methods to measure ubiquitin chain length and linkage and genetic approaches to study the yeast ubiquitin system, amongst other timely topics

This book is a compilation of articles on various aspects of bioresources and the processes employed for its judicious utilization. Biodiversity and conservation, food security, gene banks and repositories, laws governing biodiversity, bioprospecting, bioresources in traditional medicine and biodiversity mining are some of the important topics covered in the book. The unique contents of the book make it an important source of information for conservation scientists, academics, activists and to those who are actively involved in product oriented research from bioresources.

High Value Processing is concerned with all the processes and activities of converting raw materials and commodity materials into valuable products required by manufacturers or the end consumer. Efficient processing of raw materials and commodity goods is of great significance for continuing economic welfare. There is a need to develop products that have high value in world markets, and therefore people must understand fully the properties of materials as diverse as food, wood, metals, plastics and fuel. Advanced technologies and knowledge are required to design, manufacture and process these materials into high-value products. It is also important to understand the properties of these high-value products and how they will interact with their environment, whether it be within the body or in the atmosphere. This book will serve industrial and other activities where material is undergoing a change, whether that change is chemical, biochemical or physical. Improving the understanding of how to prepare feed materials, how to make reactions occur, separating and purifying products, controlling wastes, minimizing energy usage, and ultimately adding value to the raw materials used to produce something useful to people is an essential aspect to this composition. This book reads more as a single authored book with fully integrated chapters than as one compiled by editors, having benefited directly from the discussions by true experts in their fields.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English.

This beautifully illustrated, elegantly written textbook pairs the best research on the biochemical properties and physiological effects of medicinal plants with a fascinating history of their use throughout human civilization, revealing the influence of nature's pharmacopeia on art, war, conquest, and law. By chronicling the ways in which humans have cultivated plant species, extracted their active chemical ingredients, and investigated their effects on the body over time, Nature's Pharmacopeia also builds an unparalleled portrait of these special herbs as they transitioned from wild flora and botanical curiosities to commodities and potent drugs. The book opens with an overview of the use of medicinal plants in the traditional practices and indigenous belief systems of people in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and ancient Europe. It then connects medicinal plants to the growth of scientific medicine in the West. Subsequent chapters cover the regulation of drugs; the use of powerful plant chemicals—such as cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine—in various medical settings; and the application of biomedicine's intellectual frameworks to the manufacture of novel drugs from ancient treatments. Geared toward nonspecialists, this text fosters a deep appreciation of the complex chemistry and cultural resonance of herbal medicine, while suggesting how we may further tap the vast repositories of the world's herbal knowledge to create new pharmaceuticals.

Molecular methodologies are crucial to our understanding of human population diversity, as well as our evolutionary relationships with nonhuman primates. The completion of the Human Genome Project has given researchers a complete human reference sequence

Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play an important role in vital biological processes such as metabolic and signaling pathways, cell cycle control, and DNA replication and transcription. This book discusses types, methods for detection and the analysis of PPIs. Chapter One describes two key nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methods for the investigation of protein-protein interactions, chemical shift perturbation, and residual dipolar coupling, with practical tips on the preparation of samples, NMR measurement, and analysis. Chapter Two describes the basic principles and provides a practical description of the recent technological developments in solution NMR spectroscopy for examining protein-protein interactions. Chapter Three focuses on identifying PPIs via many learning methods based on protein sequence information. Chapter Four examines the thermodynamics of PPIs by isothermal titration calorimetry. Chapter Five describes the general microscopic features of amyloid fibril structures and then discusses the macroscopic properties of protein aggregate with conformations such as packing, hydration, and enthalpy using thermodynamic variables in combination with densitometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. Chapter Six reviews the special case of protein self-association as a modulator of protein function.

Muscle contraction is a vital biological activity. In three centuries of scientific pursuit since Leeuwenhoek and Croone observed the cellular structure of striated muscles, the knowledge gained from extensive studies has formed a detailed understanding of muscle function at the molecular and atomic level. Contractions of vertebrate skeletal and cardiac muscles are controlled by Ca2+ signaling through the troponin complex in the sarcomeres, which are contractile machinery consisting of interactive myofilaments. Since the discovery and biochemical characterization of troponin and its three subunit proteins over four decades ago, intensive research from protein structure and genetic diversity to post-translational modification and pathological mutations have comprehensively established the molecular structure of troponin and the mechanistic details of its function in the regulation of muscle contractions. The advanced knowledge from troponin research has contributed significantly to the current understanding of cardiac and skeletal muscle function in health and diseases. It is a timely necessity to comprehensively, yet concisely, summarize the current knowledge and look toward the future direction of troponin research. Contributions to this book have been made by leading experts in troponin studies, and its contents include chapters that describe milestone discoveries and recent research advances. This wonderful collection provides a unique reference for students and research investigators who have an interest in muscles, protein structure-function relationships and molecular evolution, as well as cardiac function and myopathies. Readers will not only obtain an in-depth state-of-the-science understanding of troponin structure and function, they will also be exposed to visions that will lead them toward future investigations and the advancement of troponin research.

Genome science or genomics is essential to advancing knowledge in the fields of biology and medicine. Specifically, researchers learn about the molecular biology behind genetic expression in living organisms and related methods of treating human genetic diseases (including gene therapy). Advances in Genome Science is an e-book series which provides a multi-disciplinary view of some of the latest developments in genome research, allowing readers to capture the essence and diversity of genomics in contemporary science. The third volume of this ebook series features a variety of articles exploring oncogenomics, mouse genetics, feline genetics, genetic mechnanism for pain, the genetics of weeds and much more.

High-throughput, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are capable of producing a huge amount of sequence data in a relatively short time and have revolutionized genome research in recent years. The powerful and flexible nature of NGS has made it an indispensable tool for a broad spectrum of biological sciences and NGS technologies have transformed scientific research in many fields.Written by experts from around the world, this book explores the most recent advances in NGS instrumentation and data analysis. The book begins with a comprehensive description of current NGS platforms, their sequencing chemistries, instrument specifications, and general workflows and procedures. A separate chapter is dedicated to low-quantity, single molecule sequencing technology. Further chapters explore the application of NGS technologies in various fields including polymorphism detection, sRNA research, rare variant detection, large variant detection, exome sequencing, plant development studies, microbial metagenomics, and studies on the human microbiome.ractical and cutting-edge, this volume represents an excellent collection of chapters to aid all scientists who wish to apply these innovative research tools.

It was until recently believed, that ultrasonography is used for the examination of the solid organs only. Most of the radiologists believed that the peritoneum and its structures are to be examined by CT or MRI. This made them to a great extent unfamiliar with peritoneal Ultrasonographic anatomy as well as the pathological peritoneal conditions. Indeed, ultrasonography is the first imaging to be done in a case of ascites. With the technologic advances in ultrasound machines with the development of high resolution machines and the high-frequency transducers, examining the peritoneum with the ultrasound becomes a feasible task. This book was aimed for spreading the knowledge of ultrasound anatomy of the peritoneum and its examination technique. The reader will find this basic information in the first chapter. Next, the reader will move smoothly to be oriented with different pathological conditions of the peritoneum. The author tried simplification and clarification of Ultrasonographic diagnostic criteria in each disease entity. Differentiation between benign and malignant peritoneal diseases may also be suggested by ultrasound. Besides; the algorithm of how to diagnose a case of ascites when you first examine on ultrasonography, will be there. A second important step in the diagnosis of a case of ascites is a diagnostic aspiration of the ascitic fluid for chemical, bacteriological and cytological analysis. Aspiration can be best done under ultrasound guidance. Moreover; Ultrasound guided biopsy of extra visceral masses (lesions outside solid organs) is another advantage that ultrasound can offer in the diagnosis of difficult group of patients with ascites due to peritoneal diseases. Peritoneal biopsy was once believed to be performed by laparscopy or laparotomy. Ultrasound guided peritoneal biopsy is now replacing the laparoscopic biopsy of peritoneal lesions in a safe, effective and a minimally invasive manner. The technique of ultrasound guided peritoneal biopsy and the author's experience in this regards will be written in details. I hope for the reader to find the information in this book easy and palatable. I hope that every sonographer who has finished reading this book will train him or herself on examining the peritoneum, picking up the diseases. I hope one day that the ultrasound capabilities of diagnosis as well as the interventional procedures is no more underestimated by the sonographers, the gastroenterologists, the surgeons or the oncologists. Many countries in the world have no much sophisticated imaging facilities; Ultrasound is the first imaging investigation to be done in a patient with an abdominal complaint. Thanks to ultrasound; being the only real-time imaging, the safest with no exposure to ionizing radiation, the most readily available and easily repeatable of all the imaging procedures. Thanks for its high sensitivity and its Doppler capabilities that made ultrasound guided biopsy a safer procedure. I hope by the end of this book that the medical practice in a case of ascites is going to be changed by a group of open-minded trained motivated sonographers and clinicians in each country.

Although DNA fingerprinting is a very young branch of molecular genetics, being barely six years old, its recent impact on science, law and politics has been dramatic. The application of DNA finger­ printing to forensic and legal medicine has guaranteed a high public profile for this technology, and indeed, scarcely a week goes by with­ out the press reporting yet another crime successfully solved by molec­ ular genetics. Less spectacularly, but equally importantly, DNA typing methods are steadily diffusing into an ever wider set of applications and research fields, ranging from medicine through to conservation biology. To date, two DNA fingerprinting workshops have been held in the UK, one in 1988 organised by Terry Burke at the University of Leicester, and the second in 1989 at the University of Nottingham, co-ordinated by David Parkin. In parallel with these workshops, which have provided an important focus for researchers, Bill Amos and Josephine Pemberton in Cambridge have established an informal newsletter'Fingerprint News'which is playing a major role as a forum for DNA fingerprinters. By 1989, it was clear that the field had broadened sufficiently to warrant a full international meeting. As a result, Gaudenz Dolf took on the task of organising the first, of what I hope will be many, International Symposium of DNA Fingerprinting held at Bern during Ist-3rd October 1990. The success of the meeting can be judged from the remarkable attendance, with 270 delegates from no less than 30 countries.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Chromosome Segregation and Aneuploidy, held at Aghia Pelagia, Greece, October 10-15, 1992

Ancient DNA Typing is a comprehensive manual about the analysis of ancient and degraded DNA. It is an equally useful textbook and working tool for various disciplines such as: Anthropology, Archaeology, Forensic Medicine, Conservation Biology, Environmental Sciences and Food Engineering.The reader benefits from a clear division of strategies, methods and applications with many interesting examples of the analysis of historic skeletal and cultural remains. The book contains a detailed protocol chapter which serves as a lab manual with the most important methods for DNA extraction, PCR and electrophoretic analysis of degraded samples. The appendix helps to set up a PCR lab specializing in ancient DNA research and answers the most frequent questions concerning technical problems in investigations of degraded DNA.

New research by international contributors on COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICAL APPLICATIONS, TOOLS AND SYSTEMS + HEALTH INFORMATICS AND RELATED ISSUES

Professor Fox's multi-volume Advanced Dairy Chemistry set was first published in four volumes in the early 1980s. A second edition came out in the early 1990s, and an updated third edition was published a decade later. The set is the leading major reference on dairy chemistry, providing in-depth coverage of milk proteins, lipids, and lactose. The editors propose beginning the revision cycle again, with a revised first volume on proteins, to be divided and published separately as Volume 1A - Proteins: Basics Aspects, and Volume 1B – Applied Aspects. Fox and his co-editor, Paul McSweeney, have created an extensively revised the Table of Contents for Volume 1A, which details the novel and updated chapters to be included in this upcoming fourth edition. New contributors include highly regarded dairy scientists and scholars from around the world.

Eminent researchers provide broad coverage of plant molecular biology and genetic engineering, detailing technological advances in plant cell transformation and responses. This state-of-the-art text includes coverage of molecular action of plant growth hormone, signal transduction, light mediated expression of genes, and genetic engineering of crop plants and trees.

Chromosomes Today volume 14 records the plenary proceedings of the 14th International Chromosome Conference, presenting an overview of the current concerns in plant, animal and human cytogenetics. This volume provides up-to-date information regarding relevant aspects on structure, function and evolution of chromosomes, meiosis, sex chromosomes, and cancer cytogenetics. It contains invited contributions from some of the world's leading experts in the field.

Next Generation Sequencing: Chemistry, Technology and Applications, by P. Hui Application of Next Generation Sequencing to Molecular Diagnosis of Inherited Diseases, by W. Zhang, H. Cui, L.-J.C. Wong Clinical Applications of the Latest Molecular Diagnostics in Noninvasive Prenatal Diagnosis, by K.C.A. Chan The Role of Protein Structural Analysis in the Next Generation Sequencing Era, by W.W. Yue, D.S. Froese, P.E. Brennan Emerging Applications of Single-Cell Diagnostics, by M. Shirai, T. Taniguchi, H. Kambara Mass Spectrometry in High-Throughput Clinical Biomarker Assays: Multiple Reaction Monitoring, by C.E. Parker, D. Domanski, A.J. Percy, A.G. Chambers, A.G. Camenzind, D.S. Smith, C.H. Borchers Advances in MALDI Mass Spectrometry in Clinical Diagnostic Applications, by E.W.Y. Ng, M.Y.M. Wong, T.C.W. Poon Application of Mass Spectrometry in Newborn Screening: About Both Small Molecular Diseases and Lysosomal Storage Diseases, by W.-L. Hwu, Y.-H. Chien, N.-C. Lee, S.-F. Wang, S.-C. Chiang, L.-W. Hsu

Five years ago, the first edition of the Plant Molecular Biology Manual appeared. At that time, the editors felt that the field of plant molecular biology had matured to a point that the publication of a series of protocols in plant molecular biology was warranted. During the past five years, the field of plant molecular biology has expanded rapidly. This expansion is, among other things, reflected by the presence of several journals in the plant sciences, as well as by the increasing amount of plant sciences articles that are published in the more general journals. In 1991 approximately 3000 people attended the Third International Congress of Plant Molecular Biology in Tucson, Arizona, where more than 2000 posters were presented. It is also remarkable to see that nowadays botanical and physiological meetings pay a considerable amount of attention to plant molecular biology. Since the first edition of this manual appeared, we have published, yearly, a series of supplements to the original volume. These supplements covered new subjects and described new methods that had been developed. With time, however, the editors realized that the original manual plus supplements had become cumbersome to use, and we decided to publish a reorganized version of the manual.

Proceedings of the 3rd IUPAC International Conference on Biodiversity (ICOB-3), November 3-8, 2001, Antalya, Turkey. This book discusses the value of bioresources and the need for their conservation in terms of the biomolecular chemistry of naturally occurring molecular systems. The development of pharmaceutical, agricultural and industrial products from bioresources can be used to promote incentives for conservation by providing an economic return to sustainable use of those sources. The 54 chapters inform readers on the search for insight into the species and documents how much of life remains to be scientifically identified. They also explore identification strategies and methods along with the implications for protecting biodiversity. In summary, biomolecular aspects of biodiversity and innovative utilization of bioresources are discussed from very diverse points of view ranging from their botanical, zoological, taxonomic and genomic expressions to their biomolecular, structural, mechanistic and functional aspects.

'The mind unlearns with difficulty what has long been impressed upon it.'Seneca Reductionism, is, without question, the most successful analytical approach available to the experimental scientist. With the advent of techniques for cloning and sequencing DNA, and the development of a variety of molecular probes for localizing macromolecules in cells and tissues, the biologist now has available the most powerful reductionist tools ever invented. The application of these new technologies has led to a veritable explosion of facts regarding the types and organization of nucleotide sequences present in the genomes of eukaryotes. These data offer a level of precision and predictability which is unparalleled in biology. Recombinant DNA techniques were initially developed to gather information about the structure and organization of the DNA sequences within a genome. The power and potential of these techniques, however, extend far beyond simple data collection of this kind. In an attempt to use the new technology as a basis for analyzing development and evolution, attention was first focused on the topic of gene regulation, an approach that had proven so successful in prokaryotes. It is now clear that this has not been an adequate approach. Lewin (1984) has quoted Brenner as stating'at the beginning it was said that the answer to the understanding of development was going to come from a knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of gene control. I doubt whether anyone believes this any more.

The Human Genome Project, an endeavor to map and sequence the entire human genome, has been in existence for almost seven years. One result of this effort has been the development of increasingly detailed genetic and physical maps spanning large regions of virtually every chromosome. Paralleling this has been the increasingly high resolution mapping of many &wnetic diseases. Together, these developments have facilitated the isolation of specific disease genes and are now motivating the construction of comprehensive transcriptional maps. This latter endeavor represents a new facet of the genome project, and as such requires the recognition and solution of a new set of problems, with the attendant development and application of a new set of techniques. The First International Workshop on the Identification of Transcribed Sequences in the Human Genome was held in 1991 and was attended by 23 investigators. Discussions at this meeting were largely devoted to defining the magnitude of the problem and describing the available techniques. A small number of laboratories reported the development of new techniques (at that time, for example, exon trapping, cDNA hybrid selection, direct cDNA screening, use of splice junction conserved sequences,etc.), but data were too limited to permit comparisons of their relative efficiencies.

Now available with the most current and relevant journal articles from Cell Press, Biotechnology Academic Cell Update Edition approaches modern biotechnology from a molecular basis, which grew out of the increasing biochemical understanding of physiology. Using straightforward, less-technical jargon, Clark and Pazdernik manage to introduce each chapter with a basic concept that ultimately evolves into a more specific detailed principle. This up-to-date text covers a wide realm of topics, including the forensics used in crime scene investigations, the burgeoning field of nanobiotechnology, bioethics and other cutting edge topics in today's world of biotechnology.An easy-to-use study guide that incorporates the most current, relevant journal articles from Cell Press Full supplements including text and journal test bank, image gallery and online self quizzing Basic concepts followed by more detailed, specific applications with clear, color illustrations of key topics and concepts

The discovery and development of effective medicines for the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and depression has been heralded as one of the great medical achievements of the past century. Indeed, the profound impact of these medicines on our understanding of the pathophysiology underlying these diseases, the treatment of psychiatric patients and even our social perception of mental illnesses cannot be underestimated. However, there is still an urgent medical need for even more effective, safe and well-tolerated treatments. For example, currently available treatments for schizophrenia address mainly the positive symptoms and largely neglect the negative symptoms and cognitive disfunction which greatly impact overall morbidity. Similarly, whilst the current first line antidepressants show significantly improved side effect profiles compared to the first generation therapies, there still up to 40% of patients who are treatment resistant, and even in the patient population which responds well, the onset of action is slow at typically 2-3 weeks. The aim of this book is to provide the first point of call for those involved or just interested in this rapidly expanding and increasingly fragmented field of research and drug discovery. The editors will combine their wide ranging experience and extensive network of contacts with leading scientists and opinion leaders in this field to provide an authoritative reference text covering the evolution, major advances, challenges and future directions in drug discovery and medicinal chemistry for major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, addiction and autism.

In recent years many of the conventional methods of insect control by broad­ spectrum synthetic chemicals have come under scrutiny because of their unde­ sirable effects on human health and the environment. In addition, some classes of pesticide chemistry, which generated resistance problems and severely affected the environment, are no longer used. It is against this background that the authors of this book present up-to-date findings-relating to biochemical sites that can serve as targets for developing insecticides with selective prop­ erties, and as the basis for the elucidation of resistance mechanisms and countermeasures. The book consists of eight chapters relating to biochemical targets for insec­ ticide action and seven chapters relating to biochemical modes of resistance and countermeasures. The authors of the chapters are world leaders in pesti­ cide chemistry, biochemical modes of action and mechanisms of resistance. Biochemical sites such as chitin formation, juvenile hormone and ecdysone receptors, acetylcholine and GABA receptors, ion channels, and neuropeptides are potential targets for insecticide action. The progress made in recent years in molecular biology (presented in depth in this volume) has led to the iden­ tification of genes that confer mechanisms of resistance, such as increased detoxification, decreased penetration and insensitive target sites. A combina­ tion of factors can lead to potentiation of the resistance level. Classifications of these mechanisms are termed gene amplification, changes in structural genes, and modification of gene expression.

Transposable elements are short lengths of DNA with the capacity to move between different points within a genome. This process can affect the function of genes at or near the insertion site. The present book gives an overview of the impact of transposable elements on plant genomes and explains how to recognize and study transposable elements, e.g. by using state-of-the-art strategies like “new generation sequencing.” Moreover, the impact of transposable elements on plant genome structure and function is reviewed in detail, and also illustrated in examples and case studies. The book is intended both for readers familiar with the field and for newcomers. With large-scale sequencing becoming increasingly available, more and more people will come across transposable element sequences in their data, and this volume will hopefully help to convince them that they are not just “junk DNA.”

Extensively revised and updated, the new edition of the highly regarded Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes is an essential reference for biochemists, biotechnologists and molecular biologists. Edited by world-renowned experts in the field, this comprehensive work provides detailed information on all known proteolytic enzymes to date. This two-volume set unveils new developments on proteolytic enzymes which are being investigatedin pharmaceutical research for such diseases as HIV, Hepatitis C, and the common cold. Volume I covers aspartic and metallo petidases while Volume II examines peptidases of cysteine, serine, threonine and unknown catalytic type. A CD-ROM accompanies the book containing fully searchable text, specialised scissile bond searches, 3-D color structures and much more. - The only comprehensive book on proteolytic enzymes - Includes 671 chapters, each written by experts in their field, on proteolytic enzymes from all groups of living organisms and the viruses, including those that are currently major targets of pharmaceutical research - Accompanying CD-ROM provides fully searchable text, 2D structures of peptidases in color and links directly to PubMed and MEROPS databases - Each chapter describes in detail the enzyme name, its history, activity and specificity, structural chemistry, preparation, biological aspects and distinguishing features - Over 1000 peptidases included

Chromosomes Today Volume 12 records the plenary proceedings of the 12th triennial International Chromosone Conference, presenting an overview of the current concerns in the developing studies of animal, plant and human cytogenetics. As well as giving an accurate historical record of the achievements in chromosome studies, this important series points the way forword, emphasizing the areas in which new developments will take place. Volume 12 explores the complete integration of molecular biology and cytogenetics, evaluating the concensus of the world's cytogeneticists concerning the nature and activities of the chromosome.It reinforces our view of the chromosome as the genetic organelle whose structure, behaviour and modification underlie our modern concept ofeukaryote genetics.

Chromosome biology has been brought to a golden age by phenomenal advanced in molecular genetics and techniques. This is true in the plant arena, and it is becoming increasingly true in animal studies, where chromosomes are more difficult to work with. With advanced knowledge of transformation, scientists can tell exactly where a new element enters a chromosome. Conversely, molecular biologists can make large mistakes if they do not understand the behavior of chromosomes. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field, this book is the most authoritative work on the subject to date. Students of genetics, crop science and plant breeding, entomology, animal science, and related fields will benefit from this comprehensive and practical textbook.

Genetic material is in flux: this is one of the most exciting recent concepts in molecular biology. This volume of'Plant Gene Research'describes changes that occur in the genetic material of plants. It is worthwhile re­ membering that the first examples of unstable genomes were described for maize before DNA was known to be the genetic material. Now trans­ posable elements like the ones found in maize have been described in almost all organisms and have become incorporated into our thinking about genome structure. Flux in the plant genome is not restricted to transposable elements or to nuclear genes. Exchanges of genetic material have been demonstrated within organelle DNA, between organelle DNAs or between organelle and nuclear DNAs. Such exchanges may only occur over evolutionary times or may be a continuing process. Also the environment alters the plant genome. Stress, either viral, nutri­ tional or tissue-culture induced causes heritable changes in the genome. Infection with the crown gall bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens results in the transfer of bacterial DNA into the plant genome.

This year we remember the 39th anniversary of the atomic bomb explo­ sions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to the exposure of thou­ sands of people to high doses of ionizing radiations. Nearly 18 years earlier, on the 15th of September, 1927, H. J. Muller presented his paper The Problem of Genic Modification at the Fifth International Congress of Genetics in Berlin, in which he brilliantly demonstrated the muta­ genic activity of X-rays. In 1928, K. H. Bauer formulated his mutation theory of the origin of cancer, and already in 1914, Th. Boveri speculat­ ed that tumor cells originate from an abnormal chromosomal comple­ ment. In the meantime we have learned that also nonionizing radiation and an immense number of environmental chemicals, both, man-made and naturally occurring, are mutagenic in a variety of test systems, in­ cluding human cells. In no case has it been shown unequivocally that physical or chemical mutagens have led to an elevation of the mutation rate in the germ cells of man, but in view of the huge body of experi­ mental data this seems to be a problem of detection. It can be expect­ ed that germ cell mutations are induced as a consequence of exposure to mutagens in man, as yet undetectable with the methods at hand. An uncontrolled addition of mutations to the human gene pool may well have unforeseen and catastrophic consequences in future genera­ tions for whom we should feel responsible.

Our genome is the blueprint to our existence: it encodes all the information we need to develop from a single cell into a hugely complicated functional organism. But it is more than a static information store: our genome is a dynamic, tightly-regulated collection of genes, which switch on and off in many combinations to give the variety of cells from which our bodies are formed. But how do we identify the genes that make up our genome? How do we determine theirfunction? And how do different genes form the regulatory networks that direct the processes of life?Introduction to Genomics is a fascinating insight into what can be revealed from the study of genomes: how organisms differ or match; how different organisms evolved; how the genome is constructed and how it operates; and what our understanding of genomics means in terms of our future health and wellbeing. Covering the latest techniques that enable us to study the genome in ever-increasing detail, the book explores what the genome tells us about life at the level of the molecule, the cell, and the organism. Learning features throughout make this book the ideal teaching and learning tool: extensive end of chapter exercises and problems help the student to fully grasp the concepts being presented, while end of chapter weblems (web-based problems) and lab assignments give the student the opportunityto engage with the subject in a hands-on manner. The field of genomics is enabling us to analyze life in more detail than ever before; Introduction to Genomics is the perfect guide to this enthralling subject.Online Resource CentreThe Online Resource Centre to accompany Introduction to Genomics featuresFor lecturers:Figures from the book in electronic formatFor students:Answers to end-of-chapter exercisesGuided tour of web sites in genomicsHints to end-of-chapter problemsRotating figures

Molecular Biology, Second Edition, examines the basic concepts of molecular biology while incorporating primary literature from today's leading researchers. This updated edition includes Focuses on Relevant Research sections that integrate primary literature from Cell Press and focus on helping the student learn how to read and understand research to prepare them for the scientific world.The new Academic Cell Study Guide features all the articles from the text with concurrent case studies to help students build foundations in the content while allowing them to make the appropriate connections to the text. Animations provided deal with topics such as protein purification, transcription, splicing reactions, cell division and DNA replication and SDS-PAGE. The text also includes updated chapters on Genomics and Systems Biology, Proteomics, Bacterial Genetics and Molecular Evolution and RNA. An updated ancillary package includes flashcards, online self quizzing, references with links to outside content and PowerPoint slides with images.This text is designed for undergraduate students taking a course in Molecular Biology and upper-level students studying Cell Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Biology, Pharmacology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and Agriculture. NEW:'Focus On Relevant Research'sections integrate primary literature from Cell Press and focus on helping the student learn how to read and understand research to prepare them for the scientific world NEW: Academic Cell Study Guide features all articles from the text with concurrent case studies to help students build foundations in the content while allowing them to make the appropriate connections to the text NEW: Animations provided include topics in protein purification, transcription, splicing reactions, cell division and DNA replication and SDS-PAGE Updated chapters on Genomics and Systems Biology, Proteomics, Bacterial Genetics and Molecular Evolution and RNA Updated ancillary package includes flashcards, online self quizzing, references with links to outside content and PowerPoint slides with images Fully revised art program

Once considered merely `selfish'or `parasitic'DNA, transposable elements are today recognized as being of major biological significance. Not only are these elements a major source of mutation, they have contributed both directly and indirectly to the evolution of genome structure and function. On October 8-10, 1999, 100 molecular biologists and evolutionists representing 11 countries met on the campus of The University of Georgia in Athens for the inaugural Georgia Genetics Symposium. The topics of presentations ranged from how the elements themselves have evolved to the impact transposable elements have had on the evolution of their host genomes. The papers in this volume therefore represent state-of-the-art thinking, by leading world experts in the field, on the evolutionary significance of transposable elements.

Desiccation tolerance was essential when plants first began to conquer land, roughly 400 million years ago. While most desiccation-tolerant plants belong to basal phylogenetic taxa, this capacity has also evolved among some vascular plant species.In this volume renowned experts treat plant desiccation tolerance at the organismic as well as at the cellular level. The diversity of ecophysiological adaptations and acclimations of cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, mosses, and lichens is addressed in several chapters. The particular problems of vascular plants during dehydration/rehydration cycles resulting not only from their hydraulic architectures, but also from severe secondary stresses associated with the desiccated state are discussed. Based on the treatment of desiccation tolerance at the organismic level, a second section of the book is devoted to the cell biological level. It delineates the general concepts of functional genomics, epigenetics, genetics, molecular biology and the sensing and signalling networks of systems biology involved in dehydration/rehydration cycles. This book provides an invaluable compilation of current knowledge, which is a prerequisite for a better understanding of plant desiccation tolerance in natural as well as agro- and forest ecosystems where water is one of the most essential resources.

The Gold Standard in Biochemistry text books. Biochemistry 4e, is a modern classic that has been thoroughly revised. Don and Judy Voet explain biochemical concepts while offering a unified presentation of life and its variation through evolution. It incorporates both classical and current research to illustrate the historical source of much of our biochemical knowledge.