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Books in Life sciences

  • The Composition, Structure and Reactivity of Proteins

    A Laboratory Manual of Analytical Methods of Protein Chemistry (Including Polypeptides)
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Alexander + 1 more
    • English
  • Enzymes

    • 2nd Edition
    • Malcolm Dixon + 1 more
    • English
    Enzymes, Second Edition provides information pertinent to the developments in the field of enzymology. This book presents the properties of enzymes as chemical catalysts or simply as chemical substances. Organized into 13 chapters, this edition begins with an overview of the range of action or specificity of enzymes. This text then discusses the special techniques employed in the isolation of enzymes and explores the considerable progress in the study of the properties and functions of enzymes. Other chapters consider the mechanism of enzyme catalysis by more direct methods, including the use of isotopes. This book discusses as well the mechanism of the biosynthesis of enzymes and the means by which their chemical structure is determined by the genetic material of the chromosomes. The final chapter deals with the essential aspects of the enzymatic system linking energy-producing processes with energy-utilizing processes. This book is a valuable resource for biochemists, physical chemists, and research workers.
  • The Role of Chromosomes in Development

    • 1st Edition
    • Michael Locke
    • English
    The Role of Chromosomes in Development is a collection of papers that deals with structural patterns and functional organization of chromosomes. Some papers discuss chromosomal proteins, DNA replication sequences in higher animals, and the implications of localized DNA synthesis in polytene chromosomes. Several papers describe chromosomal RNA, nuclear RNA fractions, genetic control, and the regulation of developmental pathways. One paper concerns the "bithorax" series that controls the development of certain body segments of the fly in a polarized and coordinated manner reminiscent of the genes in the operons of microorganisms. The bithorax genes evidently exploit and amplify a gradient arising from an anteroposterior gradient during mitotic division rates. The bithorax genes produces a whole set of new substances that repress certain systems of cellular differentiation, letting other systems to emerge and develop. Another paper investigates the hypothesis of diploid subnuclei as the architectural subunit of the ciliate macronucleus, as well as the hypothesis of "allelic repression" as the basis for certain examples of subnuclear differentiation. The collection can prove beneficial for biochemists, micro-biologists, bio-physicists, cellular researchers, and academicians involved in the study of cellular biology.
  • Lymphokines

    A Forum for Immunoregulatory Cell Products
    • 1st Edition
    • Edgar Pick
    • English
    Lymphokines: A Forum for Immunoregulatory Cell Products deals with immunoregulatory cell products that produce lymphokines. Topics covered include the purification and characterization of transfer factor; activation of cytotoxicity and/or suppressor activity in murine macrophages by lymphokines, lipopolysaccharide, and polyinosinic-polycyt... acid; and the role of clotting processes in the action of lymphokines on macrophages. A comparison of the immune-modulating effects of interferon and interferon inducers is also presented. Comprised of 13 chapters, this volume begins with a discussion on transfer factor and its ability to react specifically with antigens. The clinical uses of transfer factor are considered with special emphasis on its value as a prophylactic agent. The reader is then introduced to the subject of T cell regulation of the immunoglobulin E (IgE) response via potentiating and suppressor lymphokines, together with the possible clinical application of IgE suppressive factors in the treatment of atopic diseases. Subsequent chapters examine the evidence in favor of the existence of T cell-derived polyclonal B cell activator (PBA) playing a role in both normal antibody responses and autoimmune diseases; the role of suppressor T cells and the associated lymphokines in contact sensitivity in mice; and lymphokine action on macrophages. The book also analyzes the genetics of the response of human and mouse cells to interferons. This monograph will be helpful to practitioners and researchers in the fields of microbiology and immunology.
  • Biased Signaling in Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics

    • 1st Edition
    • Brian J Arey
    • English
    Biased Signaling in Physiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics is a unique and essential reference for the scientific community concerning how conformational-depen... activation is a common phenomenon across many classes of receptors or signaling molecules. It discusses the role of conformational dynamics in leading to signaling bias across different classes of receptors and signaling molecules. By providing a broader view of signaling bias, this resource helps to explain common mechanisms shared across receptor classes and how this can be utilized to elucidate their cellular activity and better understand their therapeutic potential. Written for both new and established scientists in pharmacology, cell biology, biochemistry, and signal transduction, as well as physicians, this book clearly illustrates how biased receptor signaling can be utilized to develop and understand complex pharmacology. Chapters are each focused on a specific class of receptor or other important topic and make use of real-world examples illustrating how the latest research in signal transduction has led to a better understanding of pharmacology and cell biology. This structure creates a basis for understanding that physiological signalling bias has been selected by nature in order to provide complex and tissue- specific biological responses in the face of limited receptors and signaling pathways. This book provides a framework to reveal that these physiological mechanisms are not restricted to one receptor type or family and thus presents receptor signaling from a newer, more global perspective.
  • Mouse Models of the Nuclear Envelopathies and Related Diseases

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 109
    • English
    Volume 109 of Current Topics in Developmental Biology covers mouse models of the nuclear envelopathies and related diseases, with contributions from an international board of authors. The chapters provide a comprehensive set of reviews covering such topics as mouse models neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s and dystonia, muscle ageing and sarcopenia, cardiac failure and repair, ageing and prospects lifespan extension, lipodystrophy and the significance in fat regulation, also identifying developmental mutations in mammals and nuclear envelope and LINC complex in disease.
  • Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers

    • 2nd Edition
    • Aldo R. Boccaccini + 1 more
    • English
    The second edition of Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers comprehensively reviews the latest advances in this area rapidly evolving area of biomaterials science. Part one considers the biomaterials used for tissue engineering. It introduces the properties and processing of bioactive ceramics and glasses, as well as polymeric biomaterials, particularly biodegradable polymer phase nanocomposites. Part two reviews the advances in techniques for processing, characterization, and modeling of materials. The topics covered range from nanoscale design in biomineralization strategies for bone tissue engineering to microscopy techniques for characterizing cells to materials for perfusion bioreactors. Further, carrier systems and biosensors in biomedical applications are considered. Finally, part three looks at the specific types of tissue and organ regeneration, with chapters concerning kidney, bladder, peripheral nerve, small intestine, skeletal muscle, cartilage, liver, and myocardial tissue engineering. Important developments in collagen-based tubular constructs, bioceramic nanoparticles, and multifunctional scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery are also explained. Tissue Engineering Using Ceramics and Polymers is a valuable reference tool for both academic researchers and scientists involved in biomaterials or tissue engineering, including the areas of bone and soft-tissue reconstruction and repair, and organ regeneration.
  • Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

    Novel Techniques and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • P. Dubruel + 1 more
    • English
    Novel Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration provides a comprehensive review of currently available biomaterials and how they can be applied in bone regeneration. In recent decades, there has been a shift from the idea of using biomaterials as passive substitutes for damaged bones towards the concept of biomaterials as aids for the regeneration of a host's own bone tissue. This has generated an important field of research and a range of technological developments. Part one of this book discusses a wide range of materials, including calcium phosphate cements, hydrogels, biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and shape memory polymers. Part two then turns to the processing and surface modification of biomaterials, as well as how biomaterials can be evaluated both for their mechanical properties and for immunocompatibility with the host. Finally, part three covers a variety of cellular approaches, and production and delivery of biomaterials for bone regeneration. Chapters also consider the potential of electromagnetic and ultrasonic stimulation of biomaterials to aid in the regenerative process. Novel Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration represents an important resource for academics, clinicians, and industry professionals working in the area of biomedical materials, providing them with both an overview of the current state-of-the-art, and an indication of potential future developments.
  • Joint Replacement Technology

    • 2nd Edition
    • Peter A. Revell
    • English
    This second edition of Joint Replacement Technology provides a thoroughly updated review of recent developments in joint replacement technology. Joint replacement is a standard treatment for joint degradation and has improved the quality of life of millions of patients. Collaboration between clinicians and researchers is critical to its continued success and to meet the rising expectations of patients and surgeons. Part one introduces the advances in joint replacement technology, tribological considerations and experiments, and immune and regenerative responses to joint replacements. Part two covers the materials and techniques used in joint replacement. The advantages and disadvantages of different metals are explained here, as well as the use of ceramics. This section also addresses challenges in joint bearing surfaces, design, and cementless fixation techniques. Biological and mechanical issues are considered in part three, including healing responses to implants and biological causes of prosthetic joint failure, and a new chapter on imaging of joint prostheses. Each chapter in part four describes the clinical challenges of replacing specific joints, with specific focus on hip, knee, intervertebral disc joint, shoulder arthroplasty, elbow arthroplasty, and pyrocarbon small joint arthroplasty. Thanks to its widespread collaboration and international contributors, Joint Replacement Technology is useful for materials scientists and engineers in both academia and biomedical industry. Chemists, clinicians, and other researchers in this area will also find it invaluable.
  • The Stimulated Brain

    Cognitive Enhancement Using Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation
    • 1st Edition
    • Roi Cohen Kadosh
    • English
    The Stimulated Brain—which garnered an Honorable Mention for Biomedicine & Neuroscience at the 2015 PROSE Awards from the Association of American Publishers—presents the first integration of findings on brain stimulation from different research fields with a primary focus on Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (tES), one of the most frequently used noninvasive stimulation methods. The last decade has witnessed a significant increase in the amount of research exploring how noninvasive brain stimulation can not only modulate but also enhance cognition and brain functions. However, although Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and particularly tES have the potential to become more widely applicable techniques (as they come with none of the risks associated with deep brain stimulation) the reference literature on these neurotechnologies has been sparse. This resource provides a broad survey of current knowledge, and also marks future directions in cognitive and neuro-enhancement. It expands our understanding of basic research findings from animals and humans, including clear translational benefits for applied research and the therapeutic use of noninvasive brain stimulation methods. The book's coverage includes a primer that paves the way to a more advanced knowledge of tES and its physiological basis; current research findings on cognitive and neuro-enhancement in animals and typical and atypical human populations, such as neurological patients; and discussions of future directions, including specific neuroethical issues and pathways for collaboration and entrepreneurialism. The Stimulated Brain is the first book to provide a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of noninvasive brain stimulation that are critical for scientists, clinicians, and those who are interested in “stimulating their minds” by exploring this fascinating field of research.