Saturday, 30 August 2008

Garret/Grishaam's Biochemistry

It's a well-written book, overall sidebars explain how the dynamics of protein folding affect Alzheimer's disease, or what protease inhibition means for the development of HIV drugs.

The figures are aesthetically pleasing and really help to clarify descriptions in the text. the figures are usually a couple pages away from the text they refer to. For example, when describing the mechanism of chymotrypsin cleavage, it would make a lot more sense to put all the text on the left page and the mechanism/structures on the right page. Instead, the text is about three pages before the mechanism, meaning the reader has to keep flipping back and forth trying to understand what is going on. It's like that in most if not all cases. Not a big deal, but it's the sort of thing the layout editor should have realized when putting the book together. Maybe they'll fix it in the fourth edition.

Advances in Cancer Research

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Volume 70 begins with two "Foundations in Cancer Research" articles, a staple of the Advances in Cancer Research series. The first article by Michael Stoker presents a review of some of the early advances made by cancer cell biology researchers. The second article by Emmanuel Farber describes the methods by which researchers delineate the phenotype of cells and ways to alter these phenotypes to prevent or delay carcinomas. Chidambaram and Dean illustrate the tumors and associated malformations of nevoid basal cell carcinoma. Koli and Keski-Oja review the effects of how transforming growth factor-b regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis and its regulation by the steroid hormone superfamily. Jean-Marc Lemaitre and colleagues discuss the involvement of protooncogenes in the control of the cell cycle and embryonic development with specific attention paid to c-Myc expression and c-Myc function. A review of the various studies involving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and their possible role in cancer prevention is presented by Steven Rosenberg and co-workers. Finally, Bruce Ponder and Darrin Smith review the genetic and biological aspects of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-2 syndromes and the phenotypes associated with ret mutations.

Protein - Protein Interaction

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Volume 70 begins with two "Foundations in Cancer Research" articles, a staple of the Advances in Cancer Research series. The first article by Michael Stoker presents a review of some of the early advances made by cancer cell biology researchers. The second article by Emmanuel Farber describes the methods by which researchers delineate the phenotype of cells and ways to alter these phenotypes to prevent or delay carcinomas. Chidambaram and Dean illustrate the tumors and associated malformations of nevoid basal cell carcinoma. Koli and Keski-Oja review the effects of how transforming growth factor-b regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and morphogenesis and its regulation by the steroid hormone superfamily. Jean-Marc Lemaitre and colleagues discuss the involvement of protooncogenes in the control of the cell cycle and embryonic development with specific attention paid to c-Myc expression and c-Myc function. A review of the various studies involving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and their possible role in cancer prevention is presented by Steven Rosenberg and co-workers. Finally, Bruce Ponder and Darrin Smith review the genetic and biological aspects of multiple endocrine neoplasia type-2 syndromes and the phenotypes associated with ret mutations.

Regulation of Gene Expression in the Tumor Environment

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It is now becoming very clear that the development and progression of tumor towards the malignant (metastatic) phenotype depends tightly on the interaction between the tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells respond to stimuli generated within the tumor microenvironment for their growth advantage while the tumor cell themselves reshape and remodel the architecture and function of their extracellular matrices. The term tumor microenvironment is a wide umbrella consisting of stromal cells such as fibroblasts and endothelial cells and infiltration immune cells including T and B cells, macrophages, and other inflammatory cells (PMNs). These different components of the tumor microenvironment could have stimulatory and inhibitory effects on tumor progression by regulating the gene expression repertoire within the tumor cells on one hand and the stroma cells on the other. In this volume we have seven contributors who will discuss several different aspects on the cross talk within the tumor microenvironment components leading to the acquisition of the metastatic phenotype. It is our hope that

these state-of-the-art studies will shed further light on our understanding of these complicated processes.



Saturday, 23 August 2008

BioProcess™


BioProcess™ Asia-Pacific! - The only publication dedicated to providing this dynamic region with the high quality, scientific, peer-reviewed information necessary to successfully implement the latest applications and technologies to the biotherapeutic development and manufacturing process.

BioProcess™ Asia-Pacific provides the technical, peer-reviewed information necessary to successfully drive biopharmaceutical, biovaccine, and biodiagnostic products through the upstream, downstream, manufacturing processes.


Genomes, Browsers and Databases:

The recent explosive growth of biological data has lead to a rapid increase in the number of molecular biology databases. Held in many different locations and often using varying interfaces and non-standard data formats, integrating and comparing data from these multiple databases can be difficult and time-consuming. This book provides an overview of the key tools currently available for large-scale comparisons of gene sequences and annotations, focusing on the databases and tools from the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), Ensembl, and the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Written specifically for biology and bioinformatics students and researchers, it aims to give an appreciation for the methods by which the browsers and their databases are constructed, enabling readers to determine which tool is the most appropriate for their requirements. Each chapter contains a summary and exercises to aid understanding and promote effective use of these important tools.
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Foodborne Infections and Intoxications

The accelerated globalization of the food supply, coupled with toughening government standards, is putting global food production, distribution, and retail industries under a high-intensity spotlight. High publicity cases about foodborne illnesses over recent years have heightened public awareness of food safety issues, and momentum has been building to find new ways to detect and identify foodborne pathogens and eliminate food-related infections and intoxications. This extensively revised Third Edition covers how the incidence and impact of foodborne diseases is determined, foodborne intoxications with an introduction that notes common features among these diseases and control measures that are applicable before and after the basic foodstuff is harvested. * A summary of the foods most association with human infections * A discussion of the principles of laboratory detection of the agent considering the advantages and disadvantages of various procedure * A 'historical to present-day' section * A description of the infection in humans and animals, including reservoirs and the mode of transmission.
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Medical Statistics from Scratch

This long awaited second edition of this bestseller continues to provide a comprehensive, user friendly, down-to-earth guide to elementary statistics. The book presents a detailed account of the most important procedures for the analysis of data, from the calculation of simple proportions, to a variety of statistical tests, and the use of regression models for modeling of clinical outcomes. The level of mathematics is kept to a minimum to make the material easily accessible to the novice, and a multitude of illustrative cases are included in every chapter, drawn from the current research literature. The new edition has been completely revised and updated and includes new chapters on basic quantitative methods, measuring survival, measurement scales, diagnostic testing, bayesian methods, meta-analysis and systematic reviews.

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HIV/AIDS: A Very Short Introduction

HIV/AIDS is without doubt the worst epidemic to hit humankind since the Black Death. As of 2004 an estimated 40 million people were living with the disease, and about 20 million had died. Despite rapid scientific advances there is still no cure and the drugs are expensive and toxic. In the developing world, especially in parts of Africa, life expectancy has plummeted to below 35 years, causing a serious decline in economic growth, a sharp increase in orphans, and the imminent collapse of health care systems. The news is not all bleak though. There have been unprecedented breakthroughs in understanding diseases and developing drugs. Because the disease is so closely linked to sexual activity and drug use, the need to understand and change behavior has caused us to reassess what it means to be human and how we should operate in the globalizing world. This Very Short Introduction tackles the science, the international and local politics, the fascinating demographics, and the devastating consequences of the disease, and suggests how we must respond.
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Sunday, 17 August 2008

BioTechniques

BioTechniques is a peer-reviewed international journal that serves scientists engaged in basic and applied research.

BioTechniques is read by laboratory scientists in universities, industry, and government who are engaged in biomedical and biotechnical research. Every paper published in the journal focuses on techniques and methods that are at the leading edge of bioresearch. As a result, the journal enjoys a high level of scientific respect, and each issue is saved and referred to often.


General, Organic, and Biochemistry

The fourth edition of General, Organic, and Biochemistry is designed to help undergraduate health-related majors and students of all other majors understand key concepts and appreciate the significant connections between chemistry, health, disease, and the treatment of disease. This text strikes a balance between theoretical and practical chemistry, while emphasizing material that is unique to health-related studies. General Chemistry 1 Chemistry: Methods and Measurement 2 The Composition and Structure of the Atom 3 Elements, Atoms, Ions, and the Periodic Table 4 Structure and Properties of Ionic and Covalent Compounds 5 Calculations and the Chemical Equation 6 States of Matter: Gases, Liquids, and Solids 7 Reactions and Solutions 8 Chemical and Physical Change: Energy, Rate, and Equilibrium 9 Charge-Transfer Reactions: Acids and Bases and Oxidation-Reduction 10 The Nucleus, Radioactivity, and Nuclear Medicine Organic Chemistry 11 An Introduction to Organic Chemistry: The Saturated Hydrocarbons 12 The Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatics 13 Alcohols, Phenols, Thiols, and Ethers 14 Aldehydes and Ketones 15 Carboxylic Acids and Carboxylic Acid Derivatives 16 Amines and Amides Biochemistry 17 Carbohydrates 18 Lipids and Their Functions in Biochemical Systems 19 Protein Structure and Function 20 Enzymes 21 Carbohydrate Metabolism 22 Aerobic Respiration and Energy Production 23 Fatty Acid Metabolism 24 Introduction to Molecular Genetics Appendixes

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Gene Therapy Protocols

In Gene Therapy Protocols, Volumes 1 & 2, internationally recognized investigators describe cutting-edge laboratory techniques for the study of Production and In Vivo Applications of Gene Transfer Vectors (Volume 1) and Design and Characterization of Gene Transfer Vectors (Volume 2). The field of gene therapy has undergone remarkable advances, promising to impact human healthcare significantly in the twenty-first century. Today’s technologies can deliver genetic material safely and effectively to cells to slow or halt the progression of disease, and to help repair or regenerate damaged or lost tissues. In this first volume of Gene Therapy Protocols: Production and In Vivo Applications of Gene Transfer Vectors, readers will find a comprehensive resource of current and emerging methods for the production of viral and non-viral gene transfer vectors, as well as detailed protocols for critical applications in stem cell biology, cancer, diabetes, HIV and tissue engineering. This first volume of the new and completely revised third edition of Gene Therapy Protocols will prove a necessary tool for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and invaluable to basic and clinical researchers in both industry and academia.

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Food Biotechnology

Author(s): Ulf Stahl, Ute E.B. Donalies, Elke Nevoigt

Series: Advances in Biochemical Engineering / Biotechnology, vol.111

Publisher: Springer

ISBN: 1588299031

Publication: 2008

Pages: 292

Description: NA

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Principles of Human Evolution

Principles of Human Evolution presents an in-depth introduction to paleoanthropology and the study of human evolution. Focusing on the fundamentals of evolutionary theory and how these apply to ecological, molecular genetic, paleontological and archeological approaches to important questions in the field, this timely textbook will help students gain a perspective on human evolution in the context of modern biological thinking. The second edition of this successful text features the addition of Robert Foley, a leading researcher in Human Evolutionary Studies, to the writing team. Strong emphasis on evolutionary theory, ecology and behavior and scores of new examples reflect the latest evolutionary theories and recent archaeological finds. More than a simple update, the new edition is organized by issue rather than chronology, integrating behavior, adaptation and anatomy. A new design and new figure references make this edition more accessible for students and instructors. * New author, Robert Foley – leading figure in Human Evolutionary Studies – joins the writing team. * Dedicated website – www.blackwellpublishing.com/lewin – provides study resources and artwork downloadable for Powerpoint presentations. * Beyond the Facts boxes – explore key scientific debates in greater depth. * Margin Comments – indicate the key points in each section. * Key Questions – review and test students’ knowledge of central chapter concepts and help focus the way a student approaches reading the text. * New emphasis on ecological and behavioral evolution – in keeping with modern research. * Fully up to date with recent fossil finds and interpretations; integration of genetic and paleoanthropological approaches.

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Prokaryotic Diversity: Mechanisms and Significance

The true extent of prokaryote diversity, encompassing the spectrum of variability among bacteria, remains unknown. Current research efforts focus on understanding why prokaryote diversification occurs, its underlying mechanisms, and its likely impact. The dynamic nature of the prokaryotic world, and continuing advances in the technological tools available make this an important area and hence this book will appeal to a wide variety of microbiologists. Its coverage ranges from studies of prokaryotes in specialized environmental niches to broad examinations of prokaryote evolution and diversity, and the mechanisms underlying them. Topics include: bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, unculturable organisms in the mouth and in the soil, organisms from extreme environments, the diversity of archaea and their phages, comparative genomics and the emergence of pathogens, the spread of genomic islands between clinical and environmental organisms, minimal genomes needed for life, horizontal gene transfer, phenotypic innovation, and patterns and extent of biodiversity.

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Monday, 4 August 2008

Modeling and bioinformatics

A step-by-step guide to using computational tools to solve problems in cell biology. Combining expert discussion with examples that can be reproduced by the reader, A Cell Biologist's Guide to Modeling and Bioinformatics introduces an array of informatics tools that are available for analyzing biological data and modeling cellular processes. You learn to fully leverage public databases and create your own computational models. All that you need is a working knowledge of algebra and cellular biology; the author provides all the other tools you need to understand the necessary statistical and mathematical methods. Coverage is divided into two main categories: * Molecular sequence database chapters are dedicated to gaining an understanding of tools and strategies—including queries, alignment methods, and statistical significance measures—needed to improve searches for sequence similarity, protein families, and putative functional domains. Discussions of sequence alignments and biological database searching focus on publicly available resources used for background research and the characterization of novel gene products. * Modeling chapters take you through all the steps involved in creating a computational model for such basic research areas as cell cycle, calcium dynamics, and glycolysis. Each chapter introduces a new simulation tooland is based on published research. The combination creates a rich context for ongoing skill and knowledge development in modeling biological research systems. Students and professional cell biologists can develop the basic skills needed to learn computational cell biology. This unique text, with its step-by-step instruction, enables you to test and develop your new bioinformatics and modeling skills. References are provided to help you take advantage of more advanced techniques, technologies, and training.

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Handbook of Human Immunology

Since the publication of the first edition of the Handbook of Human Immunology in 1997, major scientific achievements have elucidated our understanding of the complexities of the human immune system. This second edition compiles the major breakthroughs of the past decade including dramatic increases in the number of recognized clusters of differentiation on the surface of leukocytes and associated cells, establishment of an entire new chemokine and chemokine receptor nomenclature system, and discovery of more than 30 lymphokines. The text emphasizes clinically relevant immunological parameters, and clarifies the basic principles underlying immune system assays, as well as applications and interpretations of immune tests.

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Genes and DNA: A Beginners Guide to Genetics and Its Applications

Covering newsworthy aspects of contemporary biology - gene therapy, the Human Genome Project, DNA testing, and genetic engineering - as well as fundamental concepts, this book, written specifically for nonbiologists, discusses classical and molecular genetics, quantitative and population genetics - including cloning and genetic diseases - and the many applications of genetics to the world around us, from genetically modified foods to genetic testing. With minimal technical terminology and jargon, "Genes and DNA" facilitates conceptual understanding. Eschewing the organization of traditional genetics texts, the authors have provided an organic progression of information: topics are introduced as needed, within a broader framework that makes them meaningful for nonbiologists. The book encourages the reader to think independently, always stressing scientific background and current facts.

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Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course,

Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course, Second Edition provides the fundamentals of inorganic chemistry and biochemistry relevant to understanding bioinorganic topics. Rather than striving to provide a broad overview of the whole, rapidly expanding field, this resource provides essential background material, followed by detailed information on selected topics. The goal is to give readers the background, tools, and skills to research and study bioinorganic topics of special interest to them. This extensively updated premier reference and text. Describes proteins and enzymes with iron-containing porphyrin ligand systems-myoglobin, hemoglobin, and the ubiquitous cytochrome metalloenzymes-and the non-heme, iron-containing proteins aconitase and methane monooxygenase. Appropriate for one-semester bioinorganic chemistry courses for chemistry, biochemistry, and biology majors, this text is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and beginning graduate students. It is also a valuable reference for practitioners and researchers who need a general introduction to bioinorganic chemistry, as well as chemists who want an accessible desk reference.

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Molecular Cellular Microbiology

This volume in the Methods in Microbiology series focuses on the interaction of microorganisms and the host cell, presenting detailed experimental techniques for modern microbiological research. The book focuses on current technical methods, including imaging technologies, cellular biochemistry, and the establishment and exploitation of cell assay systems. Also covered are methods for studying gene expression and detecting virulence genes. By studying the major techniques used to study cross talk between microbes and cells, rather than just presenting systems, this book distinguishes itself as an essential guide for all researchers working in microbiology, cell biology, and immunology.

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Friday, 1 August 2008

Inspired by Biology:

Scientists have long desired to create synthetic systems that function with the precision and efficiency of biological systems. Using new techniques, researchers are now uncovering principles that could allow the creation of synthetic materials that can perform tasks as precise as biological systems. To assess the current work and future promise of the biology-materials science intersection, the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation asked the NRC to identify the most compelling questions and opportunities at this interface, suggest strategies to address them, and consider connections with national priorities such as healthcare and economic growth. This book presents a discussion of principles governing biomaterial design, a description of advanced materials for selected functions such as energy and national security, an assessment of biomolecular materials research tools, and an examination of infrastructure and resources for bridging biological and materials science.

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What's up in science??

Algorithms in Bioinformatics

This book constitutes the refereed proceedings of the 4th International Workshop on Algorithms in Bioinformatics, WABI 2004, held in Bergen, Norway, in September 2004. The 39 revised full papers presented were carefully reviewed and selected from 117 submissions. Among the topics addressed are all current issues of algorithms in bioinformatics, such as exact and approximate algorithms for genomics, genetics, sequence analysis, gene and signal recognition, alignment, molecular evolution, phylogenetics, structure determination or prediction, gene expression and gene networks, proteomics, functional genomics, and drug design.

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The selfish cell

A long time has passed since the war act on Cancer declared by former USA president Nixon, almost half a century ago. Today, after so many years of feverish research and uncountable efforts worldwide, the end of the war appears far as ever, whereas the fight is leading researchers to newer and newer battlefronts while frontiers in bioscience are continuously being surpassed. In this scenario, "The Selfish Cell" is a script record of the most important strategic points gathered during these years of war, with the goal to provide solid ground onto which step ahead for future assaults against this terrible disease. At the same time, it is an attempt to shift the debate on cancer toward a more peaceful and possibly productive semantic terrain, where to reflect with the aid of superior wisdom to finally get out of that terrible chaos of fight and death dominating our days. In this perspective, "The selfish cell" becomes an occasion for reflecting over our human selfishness limits and their consequences both on our social and natural environment.

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Recombination and Meiosis

Once per life cycle, mitotic nuclear divisions are replaced by meiosis I and II – reducing chromosome number from the diploid level to a haploid genome and recombining chromosome arms by crossing-over. In animals, all this happens during formation of eggs and sperm – in yeasts before spore formation. The mechanisms of reciprocal exchange at crossover/chiasma sites are central to mainstream meiosis. To initiate the meiotic exchange of DNA, surgical cuts are made as a form of calculated damage that subsequently is repaired by homologous recombination. These key events are accompanied by ancillary provisions at the level of chromatin organization, sister chromatid cohesion and differential centromere connectivity. Great progress has been made in recent years in our understanding of these mechanisms. Questions still open primarily concern the placement of and mutual coordination between neighboring crossover events. Of overlapping significance, this book features two comprehensive treatises of enzymes involved in meiotic recombination, as well as the historical conceptualization of meiotic phenomena from genetical experiments. More specifically, these mechanisms are addressed in yeasts as unicellular model eukaryotes. Furthermore, evolutionary subjects related to meiosis are treated.

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Bioinformatics and Systems Biology

Collaborative research in bioinformatics and systems biology is a key element of modern biology and health research. This book highlights and provides access to many of the methods, environments, results and resources involved, including integral laboratory data generation and experimentation and clinical activities. Collaborative projects embody a research paradigm that connects many of the top scientists, institutions, their resources and research worldwide, resulting in first-class contributions to bioinformatics and systems biology. Central themes include describing processes and results in collaborative research projects using computational biology and providing a guide for researchers to access them. The book is also a practical guide on how science is managed. It shows how collaborative researchers are putting results together in a way accessible to the entire biomedical community.

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What's up in science???