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This textbook introduces readers in an accessible and engaging way to the nuts and bolts of protein expression and engineering. Various case studies illustrate each step from the early sequence searches in online databases over plasmid design and molecular cloning techniques to protein purification and characterization. Furthermore, readers are provided with practical tips to successfully pursue a career as a protein engineer. With protein engineering being a fundamental technique in almost all molecular biology labs, the book targets advanced undergraduates and graduate students working in molecular biology, biotechnology and related scientific fields.

The books Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 and 2 provide a comprehensive and practical overview of the state-of-the-art molecular biological diagnostic strategies that are being used in a wide variety of disciplines. The editors and experts in their respective fields have combined their knowledge to write these two books. Many years of experience in the development, application and quality control of molecular diagnostic methods is reflected herewith. Molecular Diagnostics Part 1 is dedicated to the theoretical backgrounds of the technologies often applied in molecular diagnostics, in which nucleic acid amplification methods (such as real-time PCR), sequencing and bioinformatics are the basic tools. The assay design and -development, combined with items of trouble-shooting are described in detail. As a foundation of reliable molecular diagnostic assays, the quality control required for validation, implementation and performance of molecular diagnostic assays is thoroughly discussed. This book also provides extensive information for those working with molecular techniques in a wide variety of research applications using conventional and real-time PCR technology, Sanger and high throughput sequencing techniques, and bioinformatics. Molecular Diagnostics Part 2 highlights the applications of the molecular diagnostic methods in the various diagnostic laboratories, comprising:- Clinical microbiology- Clinical chemistry - Clinical genetics- Clinical pathology - Molecular hematopathology- Veterinary health- Plant health- Food safety Both full-colour and well-illustrated books are particularly valuable for students, clinicians, scientists and other professionals who are interested in (designing) molecular diagnostic methods and for those who wish to broaden their knowledge on the current molecular biological revolution. The information in the books highlights the trend ofthe integration of multiple (clinical) disciplines into one universal molecular laboratory.

The book focuses on various detection targets applied in single cell studies, including tumor tissue cells, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), disseminated tumor cells (DTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cancer stem cells (CSCs). It also discusses and compares detection methods using these detection targets in different fields to reveal single cell biomedical functions. The volume focuses not only on the methods already been established and validated, and also the methods newly developed. The book also highlights the importance and potential of single cell biomedicine in the development and validation of precision medicine strategies. It is useful for researchers and students in the field of cell biology, molecular medicine and precision medicine etc.

This volume, a state-of-the-art review of early phase clinical trials for cancer immunotherapy, discusses biomarker selection, combinatorial strategies and their safety or toxicity, determination of Phase 2 dosing, endpoints in the setting of radiographic pseudoprogression, histology selection, and novel immunotherapeutics as they relate to early phase cancer immunotherapy.

This book highlights the anthropogenic pressures on the fresh water bodies and in particular, the Dal and Anchar Lake. As a result of climate change and global warming there is a likelihood that the glaciers which feed these water bodies may be lost.The lakes discussed in this volume can prove a vital source of information on water and biodiversity as well as the environmental features. The detailed examination of phytoplankton and zooplankton in this volume will prove a key factor for future studies in the field of biology and ecology. An in-depth analysis on the physical-chemical properties of the lakes'water is also presented.

Microorganisms play an important role in the maintenance of the ecosystem structure and function. Bacteria constitute the major part of the microorganisms and possess tremendous potential in many important applications from environmental clean up to the drug discovery. Much advancement has been taken place in the field of research on bacterial systems. This book summarizes the experimental setups required for applied microbiological studies. Important background information, representative results, step by step protocol in this book will be of great use to the students, early career researchers as well as the academicians. The book describes many experiments covering the basic microbiological experiments to the applications of microbial systems for advanced research. Researchers in any field who utilize bacterial systems will find this book very useful. In addition to microbiology and bacteriology, this book will also find useful in molecular biology, genetics, and pathology and the volume should prove to be a valuable laboratory resource in clinical and environmental microbiology, microbial genetics and agricultural research. Unique features • Easy to follow by the users as the experiments have been written in simple language and step-wise manner. • Role of each reagents to be used in each experiment have been described which will help the beginners to understand quickly and design their own experiment. • Each experiment has been equipped with the coloured illustrations for proper understanding of the concept. • Trouble-shootings at the end of each experiment will be helpful in overcoming the problems faced by the users. • Flow-chart of each experiment will quickly guide the users in performing the experiments.

This book provides a comprehensive description of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and highlights methods for the use of microphos in different crop production systems. The focus is on understanding both the basic and applied aspects of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and how phosphorus-deficient soils can be transformed into phosphorus-rich ones by applying phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. The interaction of rhizosphere phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and environmental variables, as well as their importance in the production of crops such as legumes, cereals, vegetables etc. are discussed and considered. The use of cold-tolerant phosphate solubilizing microorganisms to enhance crop productivity in mountainous regions is examined, as are the ecological diversity and biotechnological implications of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. Lastly, the role of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms in aerobic rice cultivation is highlighted. This volume offers a broad overview of plant disease management using phosphate solubilizing microbes and presents strategies for the management of cultivated crops. It will therefore be of special interest to both academics and professionals working in the fields of microbiology, soil microbiology, biotechnology and agronomy, as well as the plant protection sciences. This timely reference book provides an essential and comprehensive source of material, as it includes recent findings on phosphate solubilizing microorganisms and their role in crop production.

Probabilistic Safety Assessment and Management is a collection of papers presented at the PSAM 7 - ESREL'04 Conference in June 2004. The joint Conference provided a forum for the presentation of the latest developments in methodology and application of probabilistic and reliability methods in various industries. The aim of these applications is the optimisation of technological systems and processes from the perspective of a risk-informed safety management while also taking economic and environmental aspects into account. Bringing together leading experts from all over the world, the papers reflect a wide variety of disciplines, such as principles and theory of reliability and risk analysis, systems modelling and simulation, consequence assessment, human and organisational factors, structural reliability methods, software reliability and safety, insights and lessons from risk studies and management/decision making.

Substructural logics are by now one of the most prominent branches of the research field usually labelled as'nonclassical logics'- and perhaps of logic tout court. Over the last few decades a vast amount of research papers and even some books have been devoted to this subject. The aim of the present book is to give a comprehensive account of the'state of the art'of substructural logics, focusing both on their proof theory (especially on sequent calculi and their generalizations) and on their semantics (both algebraic and relational).Readership: This textbook is designed for a wide readership: graduate students in either philosophy, mathematics, theoretical computer science or theoretical linguistics with no previous knowledge of the subject (except for a working knowledge of elementary logic) will be gradually introduced into the field starting from its basic foundations; specialists and researchers in the area will find an up-to-date survey of the most important current research topics and problems.

Ocean margins are the transitional zones between the oceans and continents. They represent dynamic systems in which numerous processes shape the environment and result in impacting the utilization and hazard potentials for humans. These processes are influenced by a variety of steering mechanisms, from mountain building and climate on the land to tectonics and sea-level fluctuations in ocean margins. This book examines various aspects of regulation for the long-term development of ocean margins, of the impact of fluids and of the dynamics of benthic life at and below the seafloor in ocean margin systems.

Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology presents the latest techniques in fungal biology. This book analyzes information derived through real experiments, and focuses on cutting edge techniques in the field. The book comprises 57 chapters contributed from internationally recognised scientists and researchers. Experts in the field have provided up-to-date protocols covering a range of frequently used methods in fungal biology. Almost all important methods available in the area of fungal biology viz. taxonomic keys in fungi; histopathological and microscopy techniques; proteomics methods; genomics methods; industrial applications and related techniques; and bioinformatics tools in fungi are covered and complied in one book. Chapters include introductions to their respective topics, list of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting. Each chapter is self-contained and written in a style that enablesthe reader to progress from elementary concepts to advanced research techniques. Laboratory Protocols in Fungal Biology is a valuable tool for both beginner research workers and experienced professionals. Coming Soon in the Fungal Biology series: Goyal, Manoharachary / Future Challenges in Crop Protection Against Fungal Pathogens Martín, García-Estrada, Zeilinger / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites Zeilinger, Martín, García-Estrada / Biosynthesis and Molecular Genetics of Fungal Secondary Metabolites, Volume 2 van den Berg, Maruthachalam / Genetic Transformation Systems in Fungi Schmoll, Dattenbock / Gene Expression Systems in Fungi Dahms / Advanced Microscopy in Mycology

Plant parasitic nematodes are a main pest to crops. For ex am pie, the root-knot nematodes belonging to the genus Meloidogyne are worldwide in their distribution and attack almost every type of crop, causing considerable losses of yield and affecting quality of produce. The cyst nematodes within the genera Globodera and Heterodera constitute a major group of plant pathogens in many countries throughout the world, suppressing yields of potato, sugar beet, soybean and cereals. Several nematodes such as longidorids and trichodorids are implicated in the transmission of numerous plant viruses. Many others cause constraints to agricultural production either locally or on large areas. However, despite their economic importance (they account for worldwide crop reduction in excess of 10%), plant parasitic nematodes are still poorly understood, because most of them are obligate parasites of roots. Environmental concerns over the agricultural use of pesticides demand the development of alternative measures to control them. To achieve environmentally sound control, knowledge of the basic biology of nematodes must be expanded. Important research areas include understanding the molecular bases for pathogenicity, the molecular mechanisms of the host­ parasite interactions and the genetic bases for population fluctuations. The workshop has, for the first time, brought together an international group of researchers using molecular approaches to study plant parasitic nematodes and their host responses.

Molecular microbiology is a rapidly expanding area of contemporary science: the application of molecular biology has opened up the microbial world in many remarkable ways. The attraction of microbes is that they are self-contained and that they offer complete solutions to understanding the phenomenon of life.This book provides a concise introduction to current research in the field. Four major areas are introduced and explained: - Bacterial Biochemistry- Bacterial Genomes- Gene Expression- Microbial Cell Biology

DNA and RNA fingerprinting based on arbitrarily primed PCR provides the most powerful tool for the study of genes.The basic techniques are described in detailed protocols including each step from template preparation to fingerprint visualization. Various protocols for the basic techniques allow to choose between alternative strategies. In addition to the general techniques specific research applications of particular interest are given such as gene mapping, detection of somatic mutations, gene abnormally expressed in tumors or differentially expressed genes by RNA fingerprinting.

The Reverse Transcriptase (RT) of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) arguably ranks amongst one of the most extensively studied retroviral enzymes. Heterologous expression and purification of HIV-1 RT in the early eighties, approval of the first nucleoside analogue RT inhibitor (NRTI) in 1987, discovery of resistance to RT inhibitors, approval of the first non-nucleoside analogue RT inhibitor (NNRTI) in 1996 and the various crystal structures of RT with and without bound substrate(s) and/or inhibitors represent only a few of the important milestones that describe the a bench-to-bedside success in the continuing effort to combat HIV-1 infection and its consequences. Nucleoside and nonnucleoside RT inhibitors remain important components in frequently used drug regimens to treat the infection. RT inhibitors also play important roles in recently validated strategies to prevent transmission of the virus. The relevance of HIV-1 RT as a drug target has simultaneously triggered interest in basic research studies aimed at providing a more detailed understanding of interactions between proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecule ligands in general terms. In light of the ever-growing knowledge on structure and function of HIV-1 RT, this enzyme serves as a valuable “model system” in efforts to develop novel experimental tools and to explain biochemical processes. This monograph is designed to provide an overview of important aspects in past and current HIV-1 RT research, with focus on mechanistic aspects and translation of knowledge into drug discovery and development. The first section includes chapters with emphasis placed on the coordination of the RT-associated DNA polymerase and ribonuclease H (RNase H) activities. The second covers mechanisms of action and future perspectives associated with NRTIs and NNRTIs, while the third section includes chapters focusing on novel strategies to target the RT enzyme. Chapters of the final part are intended to discussmechanisms involved in HIV variability and the development of drug resistance. We hope that these contributions will stimulate interest, and encourage research aimed at the development of novel RT inhibitors. The lack of bona fide RNase H inhibitors with potent antiviral activity provides an example for challenges and opportunities in the field.

Preface Adhesion is a phenomenon architects and civil engineers are not very familiar with. In other disciplines knowledge about surface properties and the background of bonding energies is also far from satisfactory; nevertheless there are many important· applications in concrete engineering, where adhesion is necessary for success and durability. These include: - coating and painting - repair of concrete surfaces - bonding of fresh to old concrete - crack injection - glueing of precast elements - glueing of steel to concrete, etc. In 1981 RILEM established the technical committee 52-RAC'Resin Adherence to Concrete'. The main aims of the committee's work were - to collect research results and practical experiences - to initiate and coordinate research programs - to develop, on a scientific base, test methods for field and for laboratory purposes. One of the results of the committee's work is a state-of-the-art report, which will be presented orally as a General Report at the International Symposium ISAP'86, and will be printed either in the RILEM journal Materials and Structures or separately. Several test recommendations have been elaborated and will be prepared as drafts for the participants ofISAP'86. These are: - direct tensile test - pull-off test - direct shear test - slant shear test - four-point bending test - dynamic loading test - thermal compatibility test (two versions) - injectibility test.

There is now a considerable literature on chemical ecology, which had its beginnings in the study of insect pheromones. This beginning was possible only by combining the disciplines and techniques of biology and chemistry. For a biologist, it is difficult to understand the time­ frames of analytical and synthetic chemistry. A compound may take days to characterize and be available in minutes from a bottle on the shelf, or it may take years to characterize and synthesize. Chemists have a similar frustration: after an intense programme of work, the insect in question may not emerge for many months. study are, however, The rewards of integrated interdisciplinary considerable, because they allow us to understand many facets of insect behaviour and consequently to control that behaviour for our own ends. In this book, we have set out to explain the results of research from chemical and biological perspectives, and see how the knowledge gained has led to novel techniques that can be used ininsect pest management and insect control. An important part of understanding insect chemical ecology involves the understanding not only of new concepts but of the vocabularies used by scientists specializing in different fields. It will be clear that the three sections of this book have been written by three different people: an insect behaviourist, an organic chemist and a biologist in industry.

The 12th International Symposium on Plant Lipids was held at the University of Toronto, Canada, from July 7th to 12th, 1996. The conference was attended by over 200 scientists from university, government and corporate laboratories from 24 different countries. The topics covered in the symposium ranged from basic physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of plant lipids to transformation and genetic engineering of crop plants. Oil seed plants were a particular focus of the symposium. There were 62 oral and 96 posters presentations. A special lecture in memory of the founder of this series of symposium, Terry Galliard, was presented by John Shanklin. This Proceedings Book has been dedicated to Grattan Roughan for his important contributions to our knowledge of plant lipid metabolism. This volume contains manuscripts submitted from most of the presentations at the symposium. It provides a useful summary of the major fields of plant lipid studies and our present state of knowledge. The papers are arranged in eight sections covering the major areas in the field of plant physiology, biochemistry and molecular biology of plant lipids. We would like to thank Valerie Imperial, Rajesh Khetarpal and Mary Williams for their invaluable help in organizing and running the meetings and excursions. John P. Williams, Mobashsher U. Khan and Nora W. Lem Toronto, Canada, October 1996 xvii DEDICATION This volume is dedicated to Grattan Roughan.

The aim of this manual is to encompass a broad range of the latest plant molecular biology techniques. However, it is acknowledged that any manual will be read (and hopefully) used by a wide range of people with different levels of experience. Hence the remit of the manual was widened to include a full range of basic molecular tech­ niques, so that novices do not have to consult several texts to enable the execution of each major experiment. The manual is divided into three main parts: Part I: Basic Molecular Techniques The raison d'etre behind this part is to provide a background knowledge of molecular techniques, but also to reduce duplication in later chapters (this is particularly true of the methods contained in Chap. 1). All authors provided very detailed methods and often forgot that so me of these would be covered earlier. A particular favourite was DNA extraction methods, wherc everyone managed to provide a slightly different variant! My view was that it is far less confusing for the reader to be presented with one standard protocol and accom­ panying troubleshooting tips, than to read a different version in each chapter. In this way the basic techniques are addressed more in depth (and my apologies to all authors for judicious use of the delete key!). RNA methodology is covered in Chapter 3. This proceeds from the fundamentals of extraction, northern blotting etc., to cDNA libraries.

The premise behind developing powerful declarative database languages is compelling: by enabling users to specify their queries (and their integrity constraints) in a clear, non-operational way, they make the user's task easier, and provide the database system with more opportunities for optimization. Relational database systems offer a striking proof that this premise is indeed valid. The most popular relational query language, SQL, is based upon relational algebra and calculus, i.e., a small fragment of first-order logic, and the ease of writing queries in SQL (in comparison to more navigational languages) has been an important factor in the commercial success of relational databases. It is well-known that SQL has some important limitations, in spite of its success and popUlarity. Notably, the query language is non-recursive, and support for integrity constraints is limited. Indeed, recognizing these problems, the latest standard, SQL-92, provides increased support for integrity constraints, and it is anticipated that the successor to the SQL-92 standard, called SQL3, RECURSIVE UNION operation [1]. Logic database systems have will include a concentrated on these extensions to the relational database paradigm, and some systems (e.g., Bull's DEL prototype) have even incorporated object-oriented features (another extension likely to appear in SQL3).

JACQUES S. BECKMANN & THOMAS C. OSBORN Extraordinary progress has been made in the analyses of the genetic structures of higher eukaryotic genomes. Only ten years elapsed between the initial proposals to use molecular DNA markers for the generation of a complete linkage map of the human genome [5, 17] and the first description of a 10 centimorgan map of one of its chromosomes [22], soon to be followed by others. The availability of molecular DNA markers, henceforth called genomic markers [for a review of their properties see 1, 2, 20], represents a milestone in genetics by providing the capacity for complete genetic coverage of all genomes. It is important to remember that the nature of the DNA polymorphism or of the specific method used to uncover it can be quite different for different marker loci. The genetic variation detected can be a result of a simple point mutation, a DNA insertion/deletion event, or a change in repeat copy number at some hypervariable DNA [11] or micro satellite [21] motif. Currently, the methods of detection can involve use of restriction endonucleases, nucleic acid hybridization, or DNA sequence amplification. Each of these sources of var­ iation and methods of detection can have utility for different applications. Furthermore, new approaches for the detection of DNA polymorphism are constantly emerging. The primary concern here is that the monitored poly­ morphism defines a genetic marker'useful'for the desired application.

Planar Processing Primer is based on lecture notes for a silicon planar process­ ing lecture/lab course offered at the University of Illinois-UC for over fifteen years. Directed primarily to electrical engineering upperclassmen and graduate students, the material also has been used successfully by graduate students in physics and ceramic and metallurgical engineering. It is suitable for self-study by engineers trained in other disciplines who are beginning work in the semiconductor fields, and it can make circuit design engineers aware of the processing limitations under which they must work. The text describes and explains, at an introductory level, the principal processing steps used to convert raw silicon into a semiconductor device or integrated circuit. First-order models are used for theoretical treatments (e.g., of diffusion and ion implantation), with reference made to more advanced treatments, to computer programs such as SUPREM that include higher order effects, and to interactions among sequential processes. In Chapters 8, 9, and to, the application of silicon processes to compound semiconductors is discussed briefly. Over the past several years, the size of transistors has decreased markedly, allowing more transistors per chip unit area, and chip size has increased.

Rapid cycle real-time PCR is a powerful technique for nucleic acid quantification and analysis that takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Fluorescence is automatically monitored each cycle and the amount of template quantified by advanced analytical methods, such as the second derivative maximum method. Immediately following rapid cycle PCR, melting curve analysis is performed to verify product purity with SYBR Green I and/or genotype with fluorescently-labeled hybridization probes (HybProbes or SimpleProbes). Rapid cycle real-time PCR is often cited as the most versatile, efficient method for nucleic acid quantification in research and climical studies. Molecular analysis has never been easier!

Prior to the start of the eighth meeting, I had the good sense to ask Professor Rosa Angela Canuto of Turin, Italy if she would help me organize the ninth meeting. She quickly suggested that both she and Dr. Guiliana Muzio, also of Turin, help plan the meet­ ing. Each of our previous eight meetings was a unique experience for the participants. The science was always outstanding and the presentations and discussions were excellent. By moving each meeting to a different part of the world we were able to experience exciting foods and cultural aspects of the world in addition to the science. The ninth meeting was no exception. We met from June 18 to 22 in the small mountain city of Varallo, Italy, the birth place of Dr. Canuto. Holding the scientific sessions in a several-hundred-year-old converted mansion and having an afternoon trip to either Lago Maggiore or Monte Rosa made some aspects of this meeting extremely memorable. An additional unique aspect of the social portion of the meeting was our ability to invite the townspeople to share with us a concert performed in an old church. Though the social and cultural aspects of the meeting were outstanding, the pur­ pose of the meeting was to exchange scientific information about the status of the three enzyme systems.

The 6th volume of'Advances in Forensic Haemogenetics'comprises the scientific contributions to the 16th Congress of the International Society for Forensic Haemogenetics ISFH held on Sept., 12-16, 1995 at Santiago de Compostela, Spain. The numerous papers mainly deal with the applicability of DNA technology to forensic questions. The invited speakers approached important topics such as variation of mitochondrial DNA in ancient and modern humans, the'STR approach'to solve forensic questions, the statistical analysis of STR data, automation of DNA analysis, long PCR and its applications, national DNA databases and ethical and legal aspects of DNA analysis. It has become obvious that PCR based polymorphic systems clearly dominate the scene of forensic DNA analysis worldwide. It will however be necessary to make efforts to standardize the still increasing number of systems with regard to nomenclature to achieve a universal comparability of results. Legal systems differ from country to country which has to be taken into account when reporting DNA results. There is still controversy about the way DNA results are to be presented in court-rooms. We should make efforts to assess the value of DNA evidence by a common scientifc statistical approach that is comprehensive enough to treat all possible hypotheses such as involved relatives, different ethnics and/or the not so rare situations with mixed stains.

Molecular Histochemical Techniques presents detailed protocols for analyzing DNA strand breaks, specific RNA/DNA expressions, and DNA binding proteins such as transcription factors at the individual cell level. In situ nick translation and TUNEL are described in detail, along with radioactive and nonradioactive methods for in situ hybridization. Of special significance is the description of Southwestern histochemistry, a new development in molecular histochemistry, which makes it possible to analyze the expression of transcription regulatory factors in individual cells. This volume provides an overview of the current status of molecular histochemistry along with practical how-to-do-it details. Methodology is set forth step-by-step in easy-to-follow language by leading scientists who are working in the field today. The book serves as both a rich source of the latest information and a practical lab manual.

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.

Retroviruses have been of great importance to biomedical science for the past half century. Initially, studies on oncogenic animal retroviruses provided important insights into molecular processes in carcinogenesis – most notably the existence and mechanisms of action of oncogenes and proto-oncogenes. Moreover, several human diseases are caused by retroviruses, including AIDS, adult T-cell leukemia and the neurological disease HAM/TSP. The topic of this volume is a relatively unknown animal retrovirus, jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, the causative agent of transmissible lung cancer in sheep –ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The disease was first documented in South Africa in the 1800s, it has a wide geographical distribution, and it is of economic importance in high endemic regions. However, until very recently the nature of the etiologic agent was unclear, and relatively few laboratories actively studied the disease.

Computing increasingly happens somewhere, with that geographic location important to the computational process itself. Many new and evolving spatial technologies, such as geosensor networks and smartphones, embody this trend. Conventional approaches to spatial computing are centralized, and do not account for the inherently decentralized nature of'computing somewhere': the limited, local knowledge of individual system components, and the interaction between those components at different locations. On the other hand, despite being an established topic in distributed systems, decentralized computing is not concerned with geographical constraints to the generation and movement of information. In this context, of (centralized) spatial computing and decentralized (non-spatial) computing, the key question becomes:'What makes decentralized spatial computing special?'In Part I of the book the author covers the foundational concepts, structures, and design techniques for decentralized computing with spatial and spatiotemporal information. In Part II he applies those concepts and techniques to the development of algorithms for decentralized spatial computing, stepping through a suite of increasingly sophisticated algorithms: from algorithms with minimal spatial information about their neighborhoods; to algorithms with access to more detailed spatial information, such as direction, distance, or coordinate location; to truly spatiotemporal algorithms that monitor environments that are dynamic, even using networks that are mobile or volatile. Finally, in Part III the author shows how decentralized spatial and spatiotemporal algorithms designed using the techniques explored in Part II can be simulated and tested. In particular, he investigates empirically the important properties of a decentralized spatial algorithm: its computational efficiency and its robustness to unavoidable uncertainty. Part III concludes with a survey of the opportunities for connecting decentralized spatial computing to ongoing research and emerging hot topics in related fields, such as biologically inspired computing, geovisualization, and stream computing.The book is written for students and researchers of computer science and geographic information science. Throughout the book the author's style is characterized by a focus on the broader message, explaining the process of decentralized spatial algorithm design rather than the technical details. Each chapter ends with review questions designed to test the reader's understanding of the material and to point to further work or research. The book includes short appendices on discrete mathematics and SQL. Simulation models written in NetLogo and associated source code for all the algorithms presented in the book can be found on the author's accompanying website.

From the earliest stages of elementary school to the advanced college level, vari­ ous types of illustrations are included in educational materials in order to pro­ mote learning. These illustrative adjuncts are often profuse and, in many cases, they may be the most striking feature that distinguishes one set of learning materials from another. In addition, the perceived effectiveness of the illustra­ tions clearly plays an important role in the marketing of many educational materials. Despite this pervasiveness and salience in education, there has never been a systematic effort to bring together the results of research on illustrations in order to provide some level of guidance to the developers of commercial learning materials. There is, however, a considerable research literature that is directly relevant to this aspect of education. The purpose of the present two­ volume set is to summarize and interpret the existing research literature that deals with the various educational functions of illustrations. In undertaking to produce an omnibus reference work on psychological and instructional issues surrounding illustrated learning material, our paramount aim has been to stimulate closer collaboration between researchers, producers, and users of educational text. The problems associated with moving the findings of educational research into the realm of everyday practice have been perennial ones. While many researchers and practitioners are interested in fundamentally similar questions, they typically speak dissimilar languages, read different jour­ nals, and carry out their work under disparate ideologies.

New techniques and updated protocols for the detection and analysis of biomolecules - proteins, glycoproteins and nucleic acids - are presented in the second edition of this successful laboratory manual. Highly sensitive systems which are widely used in molecular biological and biomedical laboratories, such as colorimetric, luminescence, fluorescence measuring using antibody/antigen binding or hybridisation, as well as PCR amplification are described in detail. The clearly structured step-by-step protocols with practical hints and a troubleshooting guide are complemented by chapters on the theoretical background and the application of the techniques. Thus the manual will enable scientists to plan, design and conduct the appropriate procedures which fulfill their particular requirements.

A worldwide directory of commercially available adhesive products for use in a wide range of engineering disciplines. Along with product names and suppliers, basic property data are tabulated and cross-referenced. The book is subdivided according to class of adhesive, with introductions to each class followed by comparison tables and datasheets for each adhesive. The datasheets contain detailed information, from product codes to environmental properties and are therefore of interest across a broad readership. Standardized data will aid the user in cross-comparison between different manufacturers and in easily identifying the required information.

Adhesives are indispensable. They are required pling agents, and other key ingredients. Special in myriad products-aircraft and abrasives, cars attention is given to such flourishing categories and cartons, shoes and safety glass, tape and as acrylics, anaerobics, cyanoacrylates, poly­ urethanes, epoxy resins, polyvinyl acetate, high tires. This Third Edition of Handbook of Ad­ hesives, like the 1962 and 1977 editions, seeks temperature adhesives, hot melts, silicones, and to provide the knowledge needed for optimum silanes. selection, preparation, and utilization of adhe­ The last 14 chapters, on adherends and bond­ sives and sealants. The information is detailed ing technology, involve the auto industry, air­ and explicit, with several hundred illustrative craft, electronics, the bonding of wood, formulations. textiles, rubber and plastics, construction, ab­ Expert information has been supplied in 47 rasives, pressure-sensitives, nonwovens, and chapters written by 70 industry specialists, pro­ sealants. Mechanical handling of two-compo­ fessors, and consultants. Five chapters on fun­ nent systems is examined. The concluding damentals provide the theoretical and economic chapter highlights the exciting progress that is underpinnings-why adhesives work, how they being made in the use of robotics to apply ad­ are selected, how the surface is prepared, how hesives, techniques already far advanced in au­ they are applied, how they are set, how the tomotive assembly. cured joint is tested.

New techniques in molecular biology have brought spectacular new insights into the study of evolution at the molecular level. This book presents the resulting relatively new concept of'molecular phylogeny', with an overview of current accomplishments and the future direction of research on organelle origin and evolution and the biology of the'higher cell'.

This volume presents the 5th European Conference of the International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering (EMBEC), held in Budapest, 14-18 September, 2011. The scientific discussion on the conference and in this conference proceedings include the following issues: - Signal & Image Processing - ICT - Clinical Engineering and Applications - Biomechanics and Fluid Biomechanics - Biomaterials and Tissue Repair - Innovations and Nanotechnology - Modeling and Simulation - Education and Professional

Over the past two decades there has been an explosion in knowledge about the molecular pathology of human diseases which accelerated with the sequencing of the human genome in 2003. Molecular diagnostics and molecular targeted therapy have contributed to the current concept of personalized patient care that is now routine in many medical centers. As a result, general and subspecialty pathologists, clinical practitioners of all types and radiologists must now have an understanding of the basic concepts of molecular pathology and their role in new diagnostic and therapeutic applications to patient care. The Molecular Pathology Library series was created to bridge the gap between traditional basic science textbooks in molecular biology and traditional medical textbooks for organ-specific diseases. Basic Concepts of Molecular Pathology is designed as a stand-alone book to provide the pathologist, clinician or radiologist with a concise review of the essential terminology, concepts and tools of molecular biology that are applied to the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of human diseases in the age of personalized medicine. Those medical practitioners, residents, fellows and students who need to refer to the terminology and concepts of molecular pathology in their patient care will find the Basic Concepts of Molecular Pathology to be a succinct, portable, user-friendly aid in their practice and studies. The service-based physician will find this handy reference to be valuable at the laboratory benchside, at the patient bedside, at multidisciplinary patient care conferences or as a review for examinations.

This book is a unique source of information on the present state of the exciting field of molecular cytogenetics and how it can be applied in research and diagnostics. The basic techniques of fluorescence in situ hybridization and primed in situ hybridization (PRINS) are outlined, the multiple approaches and probe sets that are now available for these techniques are described, and applications of them are presented in 36 chapters by authors from ten different countries around the world. The book not only provides the reader with basic and background knowledge on the topic, but also gives detailed protocols that show how molecular cytogenetics is currently performed by specialists in this field. The FISH Application Guide initially provides an overview of the (historical) development of molecular cytogenetics, its basic procedures, the equipment required, and probe generation. The book then describes tips and tricks for making different tissues available for molecular cytogenetic studies. These are followed by chapters on various multicolor FISH probe sets, their availability, and their pot- tial for use in combination with other approaches. The possible applications that are shown encompass the characterization of marker chromosomes, cryptic cytogenetic aberrations and epigenetic changes in humans by interphase and metaphase cyto- netics, studies of nuclear architecture, as well as the application of molecular cytogenetics to zoology, botany and microbiology.

'Fundamentals of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine'provides a complete overview of the state of the art in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Tissue engineering has grown tremendously during the past decade. Advances in genetic medicine and stem cell technology have significantly improved the potential to influence cell and tissue performance, and have recently expanded the field towards regenerative medicine. In recent years a number of approaches have been used routinely in daily clinical practice, others have been introduced in clinical studies, and multitudes are in the preclinical testing phase. Because of these developments, there is a need to provide comprehensive and detailed information for researchers and clinicians on this rapidly expanding field. This book offers, in a single volume, the prerequisites of a comprehensive understanding of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The book is conceptualized according to a didactic approach (general aspects: social, economic, and ethical considerations; basic biological aspects of regenerative medicine: stem cell medicine, biomolecules, genetic engineering; classic methods of tissue engineering: cell, tissue, organ culture; biotechnological issues: scaffolds; bioreactors, laboratory work; and an extended medical discipline oriented approach: review of clinical use in the various medical specialties). The content of the book, written in 68 chapters by the world's leading research and clinical specialists in their discipline, represents therefore the recent intellect, experience, and state of this bio-medical field.

Kary Mullis was awarded a Nobel Prize for inventing the PCR technique more than 15 years ago in 1993. Since its'discovery', multiple adaptations and variations of the standard PCR technique have been described, with many of these adaptations and variations currently being used in clinical, diagnostic and academic laboratories across the world. Further, these techniques are being applied at the diagnostic level (e.g. as high throughput testing methodologies to detect minimum residual disease, the presence/absence of specific pathogens etc), as well as to increase our understanding of fundamental disease processes. Frequently, PCR technicians and specialists limit their understanding of PCR to one particular methodology. However, this approach limits their appreciation of the range of versatile PCR techniques currently available, techniques that may be applicable and indeed more suitable to their own laboratory situation. This manual aims to provide thereader with a guide to the standard PCR technique and its many available modifications, with particular emphasis on the role of PCR techniques in the diagnostic laboratory (the central theme of this manual). Further, many important technical issues have been addressed, including types of PCR template material, PCR optimization, the analysis of PCR products, quality control and quality assurance, variants and adaptations of the standard PCR protocol, quantitative PCR and in situ PCR. The reader of this manual will be excellently informed about the fundamental principles of PCR and the true potential of PCR within clinical laboratory practice.

Several approaches, such as microarray hybridization, have become extremely popular tools for specialists in biochemistry and biomedicine, while the potential of many other advantageous techniques seems to be underestimated. Written by an international team of authors, this book details the current state-of-art in hybridization techniques. Coverage includes experimental protocols along with comprehensive and detailed method descriptions.

Complex Systems Science in BiomedicineThomas S. Deisboeck and J. Yasha Kresh Complex Systems Science in Biomedicine covers the emerging field of systems science involving the application of physics, mathematics, engineering and computational methods and techniques to the study of biomedicine including nonlinear dynamics at the molecular, cellular, multi-cellular tissue, and organismic level. With all chapters helmed by leading scientists in the field, Complex Systems Science in Biomedicine's goal is to offer its audience a timely compendium of the ongoing research directed to the understanding of biological processes as whole systems instead of as isolated component parts. In Parts I & II, Complex Systems Science in Biomedicine provides a general systems thinking perspective and presents some of the fundamental theoretical underpinnings of this rapidly emerging field. Part III then follows with a multi-scaled approach, spanning from the molecular to macroscopic level, exemplified by studying such diverse areas as molecular networks and developmental processes, the immune and nervous systems, the heart, cancer and multi-organ failure. The volume concludes with Part IV that addresses methods and techniques driven in design and development by this new understanding of biomedical science. Key Topics Include: • Historic Perspectives of General Systems Thinking • Fundamental Methods and Techniques for Studying Complex Dynamical Systems • Applications from Molecular Networks to Disease Processes• Enabling Technologies for Exploration of Systems in the Life Sciences Complex Systems Science in Biomedicine is essential reading for experimental, theoretical, and interdisciplinary scientists working in the biomedical research field interested in a comprehensive overview of thisrapidly emerging field. About the Editors: Thomas S. Deisboeck is currently Assistant Professor of Radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. An expert in interdisciplinary cancer modeling, Dr. Deisboeck is Director of the Complex Biosystems Modeling Laboratory which is part of the Harvard-MIT Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging. J. Yasha Kresh is currently Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Research Director, Professor of Medicine and Director of Cardiovascular Biophysics at the Drexel University College of Medicine. An expert in dynamical systems, he holds appointments in the School of Biomedical Engineering and Health Systems, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and Molecular Pathobiology Program. Prof. Kresh is Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, Biomedical Engineering Society, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.

Hepatitis delta virus which causes severe acute and chronic liver disease was discovered following the detection of a novel antigen-antibody system in hepatitis B virus carriers. Currently, HDV is classified as a subviral satellite of hepatitis B virus. However, unlike other satellite viruses, the dependence of HDV on HBV is limited solely to the provision of an envelope of hepatitis B surface antigen for virus assembly. Research into the molecular virology of the HDV life cycle has revealed a fascinating collection of biology. These insights are now beginning to be translated into new potential treatment strategies. There are currently still an estimated 15 million HDV carriers worldwide.

Human neurological and neuromuscular disorders caused by nucleotide expansion, first discovered in 1991, are the focus of growing interest of practicing physicians and of interested biomedical researchers. This volume represents a comprehensive and up-to-date description of many of the better-studied disorders. The expert authors discuss molecular, clinical and pathological aspects of the diseases as well as our current understanding of their underlying mechanisms. Of special interest are ideas and initial results of the different therapeutic strategies that can be employed to overcome some of the disorders. As a summary of the state-of-the-art research in this field, this book is of value to human geneticists, molecular biologists and biochemists as well as to practicing neurologists and pediatricians.

Biomolecular computing has emerged as an interdisciplinary?eld that draws - gether chemistry, computer science, mathematics, molecular biology, and physics. Our knowledge on DNA nanotechnology and biomolecular computing increases exponentially with every passing year. The international meeting on DNA Based Computers has been a forum where scientists with di?erent backgrounds, yet sharing a common interest in biomolecular computing, meet and present their latest results. Continuing this tradition, the 8th International Meeting on DNA Based Computers (DNA8) focuses on the current theoretical and experimental results with the greatest impact. Papers and poster presentations were sought in all areas that relate to b- molecular computing, including (but not restricted to): algorithms and appli- tions, analysis of laboratory techniques/theoretical models, computational p- cesses in vitro and in vivo, DNA-computing-based biotechnological applications, DNA devices, error evaluation and correction, in vitro evolution, models of biomolecular computing (using DNA and/or other molecules), molecular - sign, nucleic acid chemistry, and simulation tools. Papers and posters with new experimental results were particularly encouraged. Authors who wished their work to be considered for either oral or poster presentation were asked to select from one of two submission “tracks”: – Track A - Full Paper – Track B - One-Page Abstract For authors with late-breaking results, or who were submitting their manuscript to a scienti?c journal, a one-page abstract, rather than a full paper, could be submitted in Track B. Authors could (optionally) include a preprint of their full paper, for consideration only by the program committee.