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This book looks at the interaction between plants and nanomaterials/nanocomposites, and their effects ecology, the food chain and human health. It focuses on nanomaterials/nanocomposites phytotoxicity, which is an important precondition to promote the application of nanotechnology and to avoid the potential ecological risks. It describes the influencing factors of nanotoxicity of nanomaterials and the mechanisms of these toxic effects and defense mechanisms in plants. The chapters in this book are written by internationally renowned researchers and professionals and provides exciting and remarkable information (on the above-mentioned topics) to the scientist, researcher and student working field of plant biology, agricultural science, nanobiotechnology, plant biochemistry, plant physiology, plant biotechnology and many other interdisciplinary subjects.

Leading researchers are specially invited to provide a complete understanding of a key topic within the multidisciplinary fields of physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology. In a form immediately useful to scientists, this periodical aims to filter, highlight and review the latest developments in these rapidly advancing fields.​

This comprehensive, up-to-date reference work compiles the scientific research on the relationship between various forms of cancer and reactive oxygen species (ROS). It is well known that ROS play a key role in the various steps leading to malignancy, this includes increase in DNA mutation rates. The book brings together exciting reviews, written by leading experts all over the world. The book is divided into four broad sections. Each section describes the role of oxidative stress and underlying mechanisms and pathways, at various stages of cancer, including its role in carcinogenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. Further, the book describes how the reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate gene expression and signal transduction pathways in cancer. The book discusses the ways to interfere with the cancer progression, and design of anti-cancer drugs. The book provides an integrated approach for better understanding of the development phases of oxidative stress-induced cancers, and mainly the current perspectives about mechanistic aspects of cancer initiation, progression and metastasis. It is a highly resourceful book and would be extremely important to clinicians, students and researchers in the field of cancer genetics, therapeutics and oncology.

This third and final volume in the'Ion Transport in Tumor Biology'collection presents novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in cancer based on the exploitation of ion transport proteins. The authors critically examine several transportome members, particularly Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Cl- channels, as well as organic solute carriers regarding their suitability as therapeutic targets. Synergistic effects resulting from the combined use of classical cytostatics with ion transport-inhibiting drugs are pointed out, and the capability of bispecific antibodies to function as anticancer drugs is discussed. As readers will also learn, the use of ion channel inhibitors could improve the outcome of radiotherapy because the development of radio-resistance during radiotherapeutic treatment often correlates with increases in the expression levels and conductance of ion channels. The translational topics of this volume form a bridge between biochemical research and therapeutic application. As part of a three-volume collection, this book will fascinate members of the active research community, as well as clinicians in the cancer field.

Since its advent, nanotechnologies are considered key enabling technologies that take advantage of a wide array of nanomaterials (NMs) for biomedical and industrial applications generating significant societal and economic benefits. However, such innovation increases human exposure to these substances through inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact raising public health concerns. Furthermore, the NMs'specific physicochemical properties, that confer them unique beneficial characteristics, can also elicit nano-bio interactions leading to toxicity and concerns for public health. In addition, such properties can be affected by the surrounding matrix, particularly when incorporated in complex matrices such as food products, leading to secondary features potentially more relevant than primary characteristics for determining their toxicological outcome. These nano specific issues raise the question of whether the NMs may produce adverse outcomes that are not accounted for when usingconventional toxicological approaches to assess their safety. Such uncertainties about the safety of NMs for human health and the environment may hamper a faster and more widespread exploration of their potentials. In response, the NMs definition has evolved, and nanotoxicology has developed towards new and more integrative approach methods to support regulatory and policy actions. This book provides a perspective on recent developments in the synthesis, application, and characterization of NMs and the related nanotechnologies, focusing on nanotoxicology for their accurate safety assessment early in the product development stage. The use of complex in vitro models, including multicellular systems and organoids, and “omics-based” approaches, such as transcriptomics or epigenomics, have greatly contributed to an in-depth understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind some NMs toxicity. Such mechanistic knowledge is equally addressed in this book and has set the basis for a predictive nanotoxicology approach building on adverse outcome pathways. In addition, considering the knowledge provided by the above-mentioned approaches, insights into risk assessment, standardization, and regulation of NMs are also included. Incorporating adequate nanosafety assessment early in the life-cycle of NMs will allow the implementation of the safe and sustainable-by-design paradigm enabling safety to keep pace with innovation. Chapters 10 and 15 are available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This book offers an unparalleled source of information on in vivo assessment of nanoparticle toxicity by using Drosophila as a model organism. Nanoparticles have emerged as an useful tool for wide variety of biomedical, cosmetics, and industrial applications. However, our understanding of nanomaterial-mediated toxicity under in vivo condition remains limited. The book begins with a chapter on synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles used for various biological, medical and commercial purposes. The rest of the chapters deal with the impact of nanoparticles on different biological aspects like behavior, physiology and metabolic homoeostasis using Drosophila as a model organism. Lastly, the book summarizes how proper characterization and evaluation of safe dosage of nanoparticles can be a boon if incorporated in consumer goods and for biomedical applications.Overall, the book pursues an interdisciplinary approach by connecting nanotechnology and biology from various angles using Drosophila as a model system, so as to develop more efficient, safe and effective use of nanoparticles for human beings.

This volume contains a unique selection of chapters covering a wealth of contemporary topics in this ubiquitous and diverse system of cell signaling. It offers much more than the accessibility and authority of a primary text book, exploring topics ranging from the fundamental aspects of calcium signaling to its varied clinical implications. It presents comprehensive discussion of cutting-edge research alongside detailed analysis of critical issues, at the same time as setting out testable hypotheses that point the way to future scientific endeavors. The contributions feature material on theoretical and methodological topics as well as related subjects including mathematical modeling and simulations. They examine calcium signaling in a host of contexts, from mammalian cells to bacteria, fruit fly and zebrafish. With much of interest to newcomers to the field as well as seasoned experts, this new publication is both wide-ranging and authoritative.The chapter “Calcium Signaling: From Basic to Bedside” is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This book gathers the best papers presented at the Fourth Italian National Conference on Sensors, held in Catania, Italy, from 21 to 23 February 2018. The book represents an invaluable and up-to-the-minute tool, providing an essential overview of recent findings, strategies and new directions in the area of sensor research. Further, it addresses various aspects based on the development of new chemical, physical or biological sensors, assembling and characterization, signal treatment and data handling. Lastly, the book applies electrochemical, optical and other detection strategies to relevant issues in the food and clinical environmental areas, as well as industry-oriented applications.

This book focuses on interdisciplinary research in the field of biomedical engineering and neuroscience. Biomedical engineering is a vast field, ranging from bioengineering to brain-computer interfaces. The book explores the system-level function and dysfunction of the nervous system from scientific and engineering perspectives. The initial sections introduce readers to the physiology of the brain, and to the biomedical tools needed for diagnostics and effective therapies for various neurodegenerative and regenerative disorders. In turn, the book summarizes the biomedical interventions that are used to understand the neural mechanisms underlying empathy disorders, and reviews recent advances in biomedical engineering for rehabilitation in connection with neurodevelopmental disorders and brain injuries. Lastly, the book discusses innovations in machine learning and artificial intelligence for computer-aided disease diagnosis and treatment, as well as applications of nanotechnology in therapeutic neurology.

This book focuses on neurodegenerative diseases which have become a major threat to human health. Neurodegenerative diseases are age related disorders and have become increasingly prevalent in the elderly population in recent years. Hence, there is an urgent need to study and develop new strategies and alternative methods for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This book showcases the promises that nanobiotechnology brings in research, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. It is very beneficial for varied group of readers including nanotechnologists, biotechnologists, pharmacists, medical professionals, bioengineers, biochemists and researchers working in this field. Nanobiotechnology in Neurodegenerative Diseases include various chapters including neurodegeneration and neurodegenerative diseases, nanotechnology for the rescue of neurodegenerative diseases, promising potential of nanomaterials for diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerativediseases, nanotechnology mediated nose-to-brain drug delivery, and formulation and characterization of intranasal nanoparticles of antiretroviral drugs.

In this thesis, the author develops numerical techniques for tracking and characterising the convoluted nodal lines in three-dimensional space, analysing their geometry on the small scale, as well as their global fractality and topological complexity---including knotting---on the large scale. The work is highly visual, and illustrated with many beautiful diagrams revealing this unanticipated aspect of the physics of waves. Linear superpositions of waves create interference patterns, which means in some places they strengthen one another, while in others they completely cancel each other out. This latter phenomenon occurs on'vortex lines'in three dimensions. In general wave superpositions modelling e.g. chaotic cavity modes, these vortex lines form dense tangles that have never been visualised on the large scale before, and cannot be analysed mathematically by any known techniques.

This book provides a thorough overview of the Wisdom Web of Things (W2T), a holistic framework for computing and intelligence in an emerging hyper-world with a social-cyber-physical space. Fast-evolving Web intelligence research and development initiatives are now moving toward understanding the multifaceted nature of intelligence and incorporating it at the Web scale in a ubiquitous environment with data, connection and service explosion. The book focuses on the framework and methodology of W2T, as well as its applications in different problem domains, such as intelligent businesses, urban computing, social computing, brain informatics and healthcare. From the researcher and developer perspectives, the book takes a systematic, structured view of various W2T facets and their overall contribution to the development of W2T as a whole. Written by leading international researchers, this book is an essential reference for researchers, educators, professionals, and tertiary HDR students working on the World Wide Web, ubiquitous computing, knowledge management, and business intelligence.

Calcium entry pathways in non-excitable cells presents a concise synthesis of thoughtfully selected topics covering from the different calcium entry mechanisms in non-excitable cells to the cellular microdomains and organelles regulating the calcium entry process. Particular attention is given to the fascinating group of ion channels involved in different calcium entry pathways as well as the emerging role of these channels in human disease. Calcium entry is an essential mechanism for cellular function in non-excitable cells. In general, two main calcium entry pathways exist in non-excitable cells: one pathway, named store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) requires store depletion and the second pathway is regulated by receptor occupation, but independently on calcium store depletion. The search for the molecular components of calcium entry has identified the stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), as the calcium sensor of the intracellular calcium stores, and Orai as well as TRP channelsas the calcium-permeable channels located in the plasma membrane. The location, interactions and function of these channels are finely regulated by a number of scaffolding proteins, membrane microdomains and cellular organelles that fine tune the amount of calcium entering the cell. Cutting-edge and user-friendly, this volume presents relevant background information, critical analysis of the current observations and directions for future research. The book is intended for basic scientists specializing in cellular biology or ion transport, as well as for biomedical researchers.

Ion channels are the major class of membrane proteins responsible for rapid and regulated transport of ions across biological membranes and for the generation and propagation of electrical signals in the brain, heart, and skeletal and vascular tissues. Ion channels are also known to play critical roles in regulation of cell proliferation, insulin secretion and intracellular signaling in a variety of cell types. This book focuses on the roles of ion channels in vascular tissues under normal and pathological conditions. Vascular abnormalities are known to underlie a plethora of severe pathological conditions, such as atherosclerosis, systemic and pulmonary hypertension, coronary or cerebral vasospasm, and diabetes. In addition, misregulated angiogenesis is one of the major contributors to the development of tumors. Therefore, it is clearly imperative to obtain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to vascular disorders. This book will be the firstcomprehensive assembly of assays to present the studies that have been done during the last decade to elucidate the roles of ion channels in different vascular diseases.

When close to a continuous phase transition, many physical systems can usefully be mapped to ensembles of fluctuating loops, which might represent for example polymer rings, or line defects in a lattice magnet, or worldlines of quantum particles.'Loop models'provide a unifying geometric language for problems of this kind.This thesis aims to extend this language in two directions. The first part of the thesis tackles ensembles of loops in three dimensions, and relates them to the statistical properties of line defects in disordered media and to critical phenomena in two-dimensional quantum magnets. The second part concerns two-dimensional loop models that lie outside the standard paradigms: new types of critical point are found, and new results given for the universal properties of polymer collapse transitions in two dimensions.All of these problems are shown to be related to sigma models on complex or real projective space, CP^{n−1} or RP^{n−1} -- in some cases in a'replica'limit -- and this thesis is also an in-depth investigation of critical behaviour in these field theories.

Calcium ions represent Mother Nature's ‘ion-of-choice'for regulating fundamental physiological functions, as they initiate a new life at the time of fertilization and guide subsequent developmental and physiological functions of the human body. Calcium channels, which act as gated pathways for the movement of calcium ions across the membranes, play a central part in the initiation of calcium signals, and defects in calcium channel function have been found to result in a plethora of human diseases, referred to as the calcium channelopathies.Pathologies of Calcium Channels brings together leading international experts to discuss our current understanding of human diseases associated with the various calcium channels, from their molecular basis to potential future therapeutic targeting of calcium channels.

In this fast moving field the main goal of this volume is to provide up-to-date information on the molecular and functional properties and pharmacology of mammalian TRP channels. Leading experts in the field will describe properties of a single TRP protein/channel or portray more general principles of TRP function and important pathological situations linked to mutations of TRP genes or their altered expression. Thereby this volume on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels provides valuable information for readers with different expectations and backgrounds, for those who are approaching this field of research as well as for those wanting to make a trip to TRPs.

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Institute on Biological Signal Transduction held on the Island of Spetsai (Greece), August 6 - 17, 1990

The organizer area plays a central role in the formation of the embryonic axis and the central nervous system of all vertebrates including the human fetus. In The Vertebrate Organizer outstanding molecular development biologists and embryologists report their latest approaches in this fascinating research area using different vertebrate model organisms. The presented data are of central importance for the understanding of early human embryogenesis.

Proceedings of the NATO Study Institute on Molecular Mechanisms of Signalling and Targeting, held on the Island of Spetsai, Greece, August 18-30, 1996

This volume describes and discusses recent advances in angiogenesis research. The chapters are organized to address all biological length scales of angiogenesis: molecular, cellular and tissue in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Specific emphasis is given to novel methodologies and biomaterials that have been developed and applied to angiogenesis research. Angiogenesis experts from diverse fields including engineering, cell and developmental biology, chemistry and physics will be invited to contribute chapters which focus on the mechanical and chemical signals which affect and promote angiogenesis.

Once Nietzsche said that human beings may be divided into two categories: Apollonians and Dionysians•. By this the philosopher meant that there are human beings a) who know what they are going to do in the long-term future (what we now call the grant application for the next 5 years), i. e., Apollonians, and b) who barely know what they are going to do tomorrow morning before breakfast, i. e., Dionysians. •• To organize a symposium, this symposium in particular, a committee had to be formed either of individuals sharing both Nietzschean characteristics or of individuals possessing either characteristic. Considering the rarity of the former type of subject, this organizing committee was spontaneously formed by a typical sample of both types of individuals. We first met in Perugia in 1988. Those of us who were Apollonians had thus a chance to organize a programme. The Dionysians knew what was going to happen to them, but, of course, did not know yet how to cope with it. They duly did so every day of the meeting, after breakfast. The organizers decided that it would be a useful exercise to assemble experts having different perspectives but all pursuing a very rapidly developing aspect of cell biology. They also hoped that these selected Apollonians and Dionysians would not merely recount their results but try to project the future through active interchanges of ideas and opinions with other attendees.

The time seems ripe for a critical compendium of that segment of the biological universe we call viruses. Virology, as a science, having only recently passed through its descriptive phase of naming and num­ bering, has probably reached that stage at which relatively few new~ truly new~viruses will be discovered. Triggered by the intellectual probes and techniques of molecular biology, genetics, biochemical cytology, and high-resolution microscopy and spectroscopy, the field has experienced a genuine information explosion. Few serious attempts have so far been made to chronicle these events. This comprehensive series, which will comprise some 6000 pages in a total of about 22 volumes, represents a commitment by a large group of active investigators to analyze, digest, and expostulate on the great mass of data relating to viruses, much of which is now amorphous and disjointed and scattered throughout a wide literature. In this way, we hope to place the entire field in perspective as wellas to develop an invaluable reference and sourcebook for researchers and students at all levels. This series is designed as a continuum that can be entered anywhere but which also provides a logical progression of developing facts and integrated concepts.

This is the first book to summarize experimental results from the new, rapidly expanding field of research into the calcium channel in cell membrane. Calcium is an ubiquitous messenger of various cellular functions. Its fundamental role in the regulation of cardiac contractions has long been recognized. Drugs counteracting some actions of calcium ions, namely calcium antagonists, have since become essential to research. In the last decade it has been established that calcium ions reach their target intracellular system by passing through specialized calcium channels in the membrane. Recently improved experimental techniques combined with the discovery of highly specific Ca channel ligands have dramatically enlarged our knowledge of the molecular structure and function of such channels. The contributions by leading world specialists shed new light on both basic science and possible clinical implications for cardiovascular pharmacology, endocrinology and neuropharmacology.

Stroke is a major cause of death and disability in the U.S. and worldwide. A variety of pathophysiologic episodes or cellular medications occur following a stroke, and knowledge of these aftermath events can lead to potential therapeutic strategies that may reverse or attenuate stroke injury. Cellular events that occur following stroke include the excessive releases of excitatory amino acids, alterations in the genomic responses, mitochondrial injury producing reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS), and secondary injury, often in the setting of reperfusion.

The current volume represents the fourth over a period of five years in our series on Advances in the Cellular and Molecular Biology of Breast Cancer. The first three volumes were entitled Breast Cancer: Cellular and Molecular Biology, Regulatory Mechanisms in Breast Cancer, and Genes, Oncogenes, and Hormones, respectively. Throughout this series, we have tried to take a broad look at cutting-edge topics in basic science research into breast cancer. This attempt has resulted in a wide range of subject material, including rodent and human model systems, oncogenes, suppressor genes, growth factors, hormones, tumor-host interactions, and determinants of metastases. Since our last volume, research in breast cancer has continued to proceed at an explosive rate. We hope the current volume will provide the reader with some of the excitement felt by the editors and authors as we begin to understand this all-too-common disease. The first section of this book is devoted to the basic processes of proli­ feration, differentiation, and malignant progression of breast cancer. T.l. Anderson and W.R. Miller lead off with a detailed description of controls on proliferation in the normal human breast and in breast cancer. This chapter strongly emphasizes pathological aspects. The second chapter, by M.R. Stampfer and P. Yaswen, presents a corresponding viewpoint through a presentation of experiments with human mammary epithelial cells in culture. The second section of the book emphasizes the genetic basis for breast cancer onset and malignant progression. Chapter 3, by M.-C. King and S.

Calcium signaling contains a unique selection of chapters that cover a wide range of contemporary topics in this ubiquitous and diverse system of cell signaling. This book has the flavor of a primary text book, but it is much more than that. It covers topics ranging from the fundamental aspects of calcium signaling to its clinical implications, in a thoughtful and comprehensive way. It discusses cutting edge researches, and critical issues at depth, and it presents many testable hypotheses for future research. It includes the theoretical and the methodological topics as well as topics related to mathematical modeling, and simulations. If you want to read about calcium signaling in different mammalian cells, oocytes, Zebrafishes, and even in plants, in one and the same book, then this book will not disappoint you. From the beginners to the experts in the field of calcium signaling, everybody will find something useful in this very timely book.

Transient Receptor Potential Channels offers a unique blend of thoughtfully selected topics ranging from the structural biology of this fascinating group of ion channels to their emerging roles in human diseases. This single book covers TRP channels of yeasts, flies, fishes frogs and humans. And from the biophysics of primary thermo-sensory events in cells to the thermosensation at whole organism level, from physiology of pain to the development of pain-killers, from psychiatric illnesses to cancers, from skin cells to sperms, from taste buds to testes, from established facts to heated debates, this book contains something for every TRP enthusiasts, beginner and expert alike. It includes crucial background information, critical analysis of cutting edge research, and ideas and thoughts for numerous testable hypotheses. It also shows directions for future research in this highly dynamic field. It is a book readers will be just as eager to give to others as keep for themselves.

All living cells are able to detect and translate environmental stimuli into biologically meaningful signals. Sensations of touch, hearing, sight, taste, smell or pain are essential to the survival of all living organisms. The importance of sensory input for the existence of life thus justifies the effort made to understand its molecular origins. Sensing with Ion Channels focuses on ion channels as key molecules enabling biological systems to sense and process the physical and chemical stimuli that act upon cells in their living environment. Its aim is to serve as a reference to ion channel specialists and as a source of new information to non specialists who want to learn about the structural and functional diversity of ion channels and their role in sensory physiology.

This topic is a new entry in the area of cellular calcium signaling: yet, it now spans the entire area, with discoveries that cover both genetic and acquired pathologies, even offering glimpses in the direction of therapy. Cellular calcium homeostasis, and thus calcium signalling, is mainly regulated by membrane intrinsic proteins and calcium sensor proteins. Both classes may be involved in pathological processes that affect both human and animals, ranging from common and important diseases (e.g. migraine, diabetes, epilepsia, manic depression, infertility, various types of cancer, Alzheimer's disease, muscular dystrophy) to rare genetic conditions (e.g., a number of genetic heart conditions, autoimmune retinopathies, night blindness, hereditary amyloid polyneuropathy, malignant hyperthermia, cerebellar ataxia, atherothrombotic disease). Clearly, the topic has now become not only very large, but also very stimulating. Its extensive critical coverage is likely to eventually stimulate fruitful interdisciplinary discussions.

Offers individual discussions of cell functions as they relate to physiology, biochemistry, or pharmacology. Topics covered include molecular mechanisms in membrane polarity, pharmacological properties of cerium compounds, and recruitment of Hsp70 chaperones.