الصفحة 5
الصفحة 5
Insights into Receptor Function and New Drug Development Targets
G-Protein Coupled receptors (GPCRs) and other receptors are significant targets for drug discovery, due to their roles in fundamental physiological processes. Among these roles are: regulation of growth, food intake, reproduction, water balance, sensory perception, blood pressure and heart rate. GPCR-directed drugs account for approximately $40 billion in sales and, of drugs at market, approximately 70% target GPCR function. The availability of combinatorial chemistry coupled with high throughput screening techniques have facilitated discovery of peptidic and non-peptidic ligands of membrane receptors. Mutant receptor models have revealed their role in health and disease and provided insight to new therapeutic approaches, based on control of protein trafficking. Understanding receptor-receptor interactions has provided one mechanism for receptor cross-talk and revealed unexpected interactions.
Inorganic Polymeric Nanocomposites and Membranes
This series presents critical reviews of the present and future trends in polymer and biopolymer science including chemistry, physical chemistry, physics and materials science. It is addressed to all scientists at universities and in industry who wish to keep abreast of advances in the topics covered.This Book reviews different methods of synthesis of polysilalkylene or silarylene siloxanes that are sometimes called "hybrid" silicones. This special type of silicone has been developed to avoid the drawback of the depolymerization of classical polysiloxanes in certain conditions and to obtain elastomers with enhanced thermal and fuel resistance properties.
Implementation and Applications of Automata ; 13th International Conference, CIAA 2008, San Francisco, California, USA, July 21-24, 2008. Proceedings
This book constitutes the thoroughly refereed post-proceedings of the 13th International Conference on Implementation and Application of Automata, CIAA 2008, held in San Francisco, USA, in July 2008.The 26 revised full papers togehter with 4 invited papers were carefully reviewed and selected from 40 submissions and have gone through two rounds of reviewing and improvement. The papers cover various topics in the theory, implementation, and applications of automata and related structures.
Immune receptors : Methods and protocols
Explores immune cell receptors that are used in the detection of microbes, either by binding directly to non-self molecules or through indirectly sensing microbe-associated cellular disturbances. The covers methods for studying receptor-ligand interactions at both molecular and cellular levels; methods to create and characterize novel antibody reagents; and methods to characterize the molecular processes that lead to adaptive receptor maturation. This book also contains chapters that look at high-throughput strategies that describe the diversity of immune receptors and cells. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.
How the immune system recognizes self and nonself : Immunoreceptors and their signaling
This brain function must have been particularly important for most animals to protect their lives from enemies and for species to survive through evolution. Similarly, higher organisms have also acquired their immune system through evolution that discriminates nonself pathogens and self-body to protect their lives from pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. The brain system may distinguish integrated images of self and nonself created from many inputs, such as vision, sound, smell, and others. The immune system recognizes and distinguishes a variety of structural features of self and nonself components. The latter actually include almost everything but self.
Hormones and the brain
Peripheral hormones have a major impact on the brain: they are able to interfere with its development, to affect release of neurotransmitters and concentrations of receptors, to trigger growth factors involved in lesion repair. These multiple actions account for their capacity to modulate a number of physiological parameters, from reproductive functions to memory, behaviour and aging. Depending upon intensity and duration of exposure, they can be either neuroprotective or neurotoxic, for instance by affecting production of free radicals. This book, based on contributions of pioneer investigators in the field, outlines the ambiguous actions of gonadal steroids (estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, inhibin and activin) and of neurosteroids, related moieties produced in the brain itself. After summarizing their multiple mechanisms of action, which involve both direct effects on neuronal membranes and activation of genes coding for specific proteins in neurons or glial cells, the book outlines the role of hormones in pathogenic processes such as mental disturbances or neurodegenerative diseases.
High dilution effects : Physical and biochemical basis
this volume provides evidence in support of effects from control clinical studies, and in vitro tests without any organisms (Chapter II). An overview of the methods for preparing drugs at ultra high dilution is also provided as well as the basic principles of homeopathy, (Chapter I). Chapter III provides physical basis of high dilutions as evidence from the NMR, IR, UV and fluorescence spectra of those drugs.Chapter IV focuses on the mechanism of action of potentized drugs in the living system, discussing the structure of the cell, the plasma membrane, the integral proteins on the membrane, the interaction between these proteins and high dilutions and the manifestations of the therapeutic effects of high dilutions.
HDPE Geomembranes in Geotechnics
HDPE (High-density polyethylene) geomembranes are nowadays widely used for large-area liners and construction sealings in geotechnical engineering. Lining of water ponds, dams and dykes, landfill base liners and cover systems, remediation of contaminated sites, waterproof for tunnels, beneath highways and for various other civil engineering constructions are a few examples of application. The book covers all aspects of the HDPE geomembrane field: HDPE materials, geomembrane manufacture, textured geomembranes, properties, long-term performance and testing, installation and welding of geomembranes, quality assurance and control, leak detection, standards, recommendations and regulations. Various important topics are treated in detail. As part of it, the basic physical and chemical facts necessary to fully understand HDPE geomembrane properties and performance are carefully developed and explained.
Handbook of neurochemistry and molecular neurobiology : Neural Membranes and Transport
The first section of this volume deals with neural membranes and barriers. The second section covers ion pumps and ion transporters in neural membranes. The final section covers neural membranes and transport of neurotransmitters or other solutes.
Handbook of Chlor-Alkali Technology ; Vol. I : Fundamentals ; Vol. II : Brine Treatment and Cell Operation ; Vol. III : Facility Design and Product Handling ; Vol. IV : Operations ; Vol. V : Corrosion, Environmental Issues, and Future Developments
The book explores the basic electrode processes and the fundamentals of current distribution in electrolyzers as well as the characteristics of the leading cell designs while the appendix offers selected physical property data. The authors, each with extensive experience in chlor-alkali technology but with diverse backgrounds and fields of specialization, achieve both breadth and depth. Anyone with interest in the large field of chlor-alkali manufacture and distribution, and indeed in industrial electrochemistry in general, will find something useful here. The Handbook offers not only broad coverage, but also in depth treatment of each topic. It will be an asset to managers, process engineers and operating personnel working in the chlor-alkali industry. This book provides valuable information to engineers and scientists involved in development of chlor-alkali technology and in the design of new plant or upgrading of existing plants. It will be especially valuable to universities as it begins with fundamentals and progresses methodically throu gh each step involved in chlor-alkali production, including environmental issues.
Fuel Cells II
The concept to utilize an ion-conducting polymer membrane as a solid po- mer electrolyte offers several advantages regarding the design and operation of an electrochemical cell, as outlined in Volume 215, Chapter 1 (L. Gubler, G.G. Scherer). Essentially, the solvent and/or transport medium, e.g., H O, 2 + for the mobile ionic species, e.g., H for a cation exchange membrane, is taken up by and con?ned into the nano-dimensional morphology of the i- containingdomainsofthepolymer.Asaconsequence, aphaseseparationinto a hydrophilic ion-containing solvent phase and a hydrophobic polymer ba- bone phase establishes. Because of the narrow solid electrolyte gap in these cells, low ohmic losses reducing the overall cell voltage can be achieved, even at highcurrent densities.
Fuel Cells I
The concept to utilize an ion-conducting polymer membrane as a solid po- mer electrolyte offers several advantages regarding the design and operation of an electrochemical cell, as outlined in Volume 215, Chapter 1 (L. Gubler, G.G. Scherer). Essentially, the solvent and/or transport medium, e.g., H O, 2 + for the mobile ionic species, e.g., H for a cation exchange membrane, is taken up by and con?ned into the nano-dimensional morphology of the i- containingdomainsofthepolymer.Asaconsequence, aphaseseparationinto a hydrophilic ion-containing solvent phase and a hydrophobic polymer ba- bone phase establishes. Because of the narrow solid electrolyte gap in these cells, low ohmic losses reducing the overall cell voltage can be achieved, even at highcurrent densities.
Fuel Cell Technology : Reaching Towards Commercialization
The Engineering Materials and Processes series focuses on all forms of materials and the processes used to synthesise and formulate them as they relate to the various engineering disciplines.The series deals with a diverse range of materials: ceramics, metals (ferrous and non-ferrous), semiconductors, composites, polymers biomimetics, etc. Each monograph in the series is written by a specialist and demonstrates how enhancements in materials and the processes associated with them can improve performance in the field of engineering in which they are used.
Fuel cell technologies : State and perspectives ; Proceedings of the NATO advanced research workshop on fuel cell technologies: State and perspectives, Kyiv, Ukraine from 6 to 10 June 2004.
This book has brought together a team of world-renowned experts in all aspects of fuel cell development for both SOFC and PEM in a workshop environment. The workshop held between June 6–10, 2004 was held in the capital city of the Ukraine, Kiev. The reason for the venue was that Ukraine is the third largest resource of zircon sands, a major source of material for the solid oxide fuel cell. Ukraine is looking at undertaking a very large effort in the solid oxide fuel cell arena, and hopes, one day, to be an international player in this market, and this book is an outcome from the workshop. The book focuses on the issues related to fuel cells, particularly the state-of-the-art internationally, the issues that were of particular interest for getting fuel cells fully commercialized, and advances in fuel cell materials and technology. The focus was on all types of fuel cells, but the emphasis was particularly on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), due to their importance to the host country. The book is an essential reference to researchers, academics and industrialists interested in up-to-date information on SOFC and PEM development.
Frei Otto: Forschen, Bauen, Inspirieren = A Life of Research, Construction and Inspiration - DETAIL Special
Provides insights on the key aspects of his work. At its heart was the search for natural designs and an exploration of form-finding and self-development processes. As such he created a whole universe of ideas using membrane, net and convertible roofs with umbrellas, grid shells, and pneumatic structures. The book highlights his key works and how his ideas were adopted throughout the world. Read more...
Forces, Growth and Form in Soft Condensed Matter : At the Interface between Physics and Biology
This volume comprises the proceedings of a NATO Advanced Study Institute held at Geilo, Norway, 24 March - 3 April 2003, the seventeenth ASI in a series held every two years since 1971. The objective of this ASI was to identify and discuss areas where synergism between modern physics, soft condensed matter and biology might be most fruitful. The main pedagogical approach was to have lecturers focussing on basic understanding of important aspects of the relative role of the various interaction- electrostatic, hydrophobic, steric, conformational, van der Waals etc. Soft condensed matter and the connection between physics and biology have been the themes of several earlier Geilo Schools. A return to these subjects thus allowed a fresh look and a possibility for defining new directions for research. Examples of soft materials, which were discussed at this ASI, included colloidal dispersions, gels, biopolymers and charged polymer solutions, polyelectrolytes, protein/membrane complexes, nucleic acids and their complexes. Indeed, most forms of condensed matter are soft and these substances are composed of aggregates and macromolecules, with interactions that are too weak and complex to form crystals spontaneously. A characteristic feature is that small external forces, slight perturbations in temperature, pressure or concentration, can all be enough to induce significant structural changes. Thermal fluctuations are almost by definition strong in soft materials and entropy is a predominant determinant of structure, so that disorder, slow dynamics and plastic deformation are the rule. Hence the phrase ‘soft condensed matter’ has been coined.
Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Biology : Advanced Methods and their Applications to Membranes, Proteins, DNA, and Cells
This volume - the third book in the Springer-Verlag Series on Fluorescence - reviews some of the most characteristic topics of the multidisciplinary area of fluorescence applications in life sciences either presendted directly at th 8th MAF Conference or considered to be a cruical development in the field. In the initial contribution in Part 1 - Basics and Advanced Approaches, the - itors explain the basics of fluorescence and illustrate the relationship between some modern fluorescence techniques and classical approaches. The second contrigution by B.
Fluid Transport in Nanoporous Materials : Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute, held in La Colle sur Loup, France, 16-28 June 2003
The most promising include molecular sieves which are being developed as inorganic or polymeric systems with 0. 3-30nm in pore dimensions. These nanoporous solids have a broad spectrum of applications in chemical and biochemical processes. The unique applications of molecular sieves are based on their sorption and transport selectivity. Yet, the transport processes in nanoporous systems are not understood well. At the same time, the theoretical capabilities have increased exponentially catalyzed by increases in computational capabilities. The interactions between a diffusing species and the host solid are being studied with increasing details and realism. Further, in situ experimental techniques have been developed which give an understanding of the interactions between diffusing species and nanoporous solids that was not available even a few years ago. The time was ripe to bring together these areas of common interest and study to understand what is known and what has yet to be determined concerning transport in nanoporous solids. Molecular sieves are playing an increasing role in a broad range of industrial petrochemical and biological processes. These include shape-selective separations and catalysis as well as sensors and drug delivery. Molecular sieves are made from inorganic as well as organic solids, e. g. , polymers. They can be employed in packed beds, as membranes and as barrier materials. Initially, the applications of molecular sieves were dominated by the use of zeolites.
Flow cytometry : Principles and applications
Flow cytometry forms an integral part of both basic biological research and clinical diagnosis in pathology. This straightforward new volume provides a clear, easy-to-read, and practical manual for both clinicians and non-clinicians at all levels of their careers. The chapter topics range from basic principles to more advanced subjects, such as apoptosis and cell sorting. Throughout Flow Cytometry: Principles and Applications, well-informed expert contributors present theoretical descriptions and practical protocols on this important and complex laboratory technique and its applications. Immunologists and Hematologists in the field of pathology, as well as biological researchers working with both human and animal models will appreciate the simple, clear-cut style in which principles and protocols in this volume are presented, and will refer to this book time and time again for clear and easy-to-follow protocols.
Finite Element Methods in Civil and Mechanical Engineering : A Mathematical Introduction
The finite element method is widely employed for numerical simulations in engineering and science due to its accuracy and efficiency. This concise introduction to the mathematical theory of the finite element method presents a selection of applications in civil and mechanical engineering including beams, elastic membranes, the wave equation, heat transfer, seepage in embankment, soil consolidation, incompressible fluids, and linear elasticity.
