Book Description

''Excellent and very timely....It will undoubtedly become a standard reference for the application of circular dichroism (CD) to biomolecules.'' --- Quarterly Review of Biology, March 1997 ''[T]estament to the book's utility is the fact that during the course of my review I had to 'rescue' it from the desks of graduate students on an almost daily basis. In summary, this is a great book.''--- American Scientist''Well documented chapters provide a very good insight into the problems surrounding the conformation of biomacromolecules...An indispensible source of information.''--- Nahrung, 42(2), 1998Renowned experts present the first state-of-the-art description of circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Chapters present in-depth discussions of the history of the field, the theory of CD for application to globular proteins, membrane proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and their interactions, carbohydrates, and instrumentation. Discussions also feature new techniques using synchrotron radiation, vibrational Raman optical activity, and vibrational CD. More than 250 illustrations supplement the text. ... Read more

Book Description

Biology in Physics is a radical new book which bridges the gap between biology and physics. The aim is to promote an interdisciplinary exchange of scientific information and ideas, in order to stimulate cooperation in research. The scope of this volume explores both the concepts and techniques of biophysics and illustrates the latest advances in our understanding of many of the specific mechanisms that are used by living organisms. This volume represents a special effort to bring together the information that would allow a nonbiologically oriented physicist to appreciate the important role that physics plays in life sciences.

Key Features
*An introduction to biophysics for non-specialist
*Covers all the important topices in modern biophysics
*Takes account of the latest information emerging from biophysical projects
*Reports on novel therapeutic strategies
*Presents an advanced-level overview of mechanisms that regulate a variety of processes in organisms ranging from bacterial to whales ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Biology in Physics
Bogdanov has written about biological processes from the viewpoint of a physicist. The ten chapters may be read in any order to obtain an intelligent introduction or review for any of the topics, which deal with the electrical nature of life, the functioning of muscles, respiration, circulation, and so on... The presentations are clear, light-hearted, even funny on occasion -- a great and unusual accomplishment for a science text that does not talk down to its readers. The book is well illustrated and clearly written, although the text occasionally becomes a bit convoluted. This may be the result of its translation from Russian. The author provided a very thorough and up-to-date set of references for skeptics as well as for those who wish to dig deeper. ... Read more

Book Description

This second edition of Membrane Protein Purification and Crystallization, A Practical Guide is written for bench scientists working in the fields of biochemistry, biology, and proteomic research. This guide presents isolation and crystallization techniques in a concise form, emphasizing the critical aspects unique to membrane proteins. It explains the principles of the methods and provides protocols of general use, permitting researchers and students new to this area to adapt these techniques to their particular needs. This edition is not only an update but is comprised mainly of new contributions. It is the first monograph compiling the essential approaches for membrane protein crystallization, and emphasizes recent progress in production and purification of recombinant membrane proteins.

Key features
* Provides general guidelines and strategies for isolation and crystallization of membrane proteins
* Gives detailed protocols that have wide application, and low specialized equipment needs
* Emphasizes recent progress in production and purification of recombinant membrane proteins, especially of histidine-tagged and other affinity-epitope-tagged proteins
* Summarizes recent developments of Blue-Native PAGE, a high resolution separation technique, which is independent of the use of recombinant techniques, and is especially suited for proteomic analyses of membrane protein complexes
* Gives detailed protocols for membrane protein crystallization, and describes the production and use of antibody fragments for high resolution crystallization
* Presents a comprehensive guide to 2D-crystallization of membrane proteins ... Read more

Book Description

Bipolar disorder manifests itself in a variety of forms. It can coexist with other psychiatric conditions, and treatment efficacy can depend on the type of bipolar state. This book covers the full range of atypical, rapid cycling and transient forms of bipolar disorder, from atypical and agitated depression to schizoaffective mixed states. The most recent ICD category is covered, and the authors also look at the biology and genetics of bipolar disorder, along with issues relating to age (children and the elderly), comorbidity, choice of drug treatment and investigational strategies. ... Read more

Book Description

Designed for easy use by both beginning and experienced protein crystallographers, the second edition of Practical Protein Crystallography is an essential handbook for any scientist interested in solving a protein structure. The book includes examples of actual experiments and data, electron density maps, and computer methods. This second edition has new material covering CCP4, SHELX, cryocrystallography, MAD and automated fitting.

Key Features
* In-depth coverage of every aspect of crystallography
* Coverage of the small details that can make or break projects
* Strongly application-oriented
* Exceptionally well illustrated
* Simple and easy-to-follow robust methods
* Tutorials with actual data available on the Web
* Useful for a broad spectrum of scientists ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I wish there were more like it!
I discovered this book in my final year of my PhD, and I am so glad I did. It was indispensible to me and a great revision guide in the time leading upto my viva. I am now doing a post doc in protein crystallography and still use it and recommend it to graduate students and undergrads. I just wish that there were more books similar to this one, but going through other protein crystallography programs and showing how to solve structures. This book is mainly for XtalView and SHELX structure solutions, can you write another one on O and CNS & REFMAC structure solutions! Totally worth every penny and have had to buy another copy as the one I had originally has worn away!

A book for crystallography newbies!
I'd read the first book, back in my undergrad days and resorted to another to get the overall jist of things for basic understanding. But now that I'm actually a "practicing" crystallographer, I find this book indispensable. McRee explains with both detail and DIRECTION such that not only is the context understandable, but it is USABLE...hence the title of the book. All I could wish for were problems, like solving difference Pattersons and the likes... ... Read more

Book Description

The goal of this book is to provide in a single source, and at the level of textbook, a complete treatment of the fluid dynamics of steady and pulsatile flow in tubes with the required mathematics and emphasis on basic mechanics. The style and level of the book will be accessible to students and researchers in biophysics, biology, medicine, bioengineering and applied mathematics, in theoretical or clinical work on the cardiovascular system, as well as in the design of new instrumentation, medical imaging systems and artificial organs. The book includes problems and exercises, with chapters on basic equations, flow in rigid and elastic tubes, vascular trees, and wave reflections. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Physics of Pulsatile Flow
This is a well-written book by an expert in the field of biomathmatics and cardiovascular dynamics. I am impressed by the self-contained contents of the book and the flow of thoughts. The book introduces the fundamental physical principles and fluid mechanics before embarking on the subjects of steady flow in tubes and pulsatile flow in rigid and elastic tubes. The author leads the readers smoothly into the interesting regimes of vascular tree structures and their optimization, and the wave propagation and reflection phenomena. The relevant end-of-chapter problems are good additional sources to recapture the intended message from the text, as well as learning about other applications. Students and professionals in math, science, engineering and cardiovascular dynamics will find this text a good addition to their reading list.

John K-J. Li, Ph.D.
Professor II(distinguished)
Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers
(Author of "Arterial Circulation" and
"Comparative Cardiovascular Dynamics of Mammals")

A work of art, a classic, February 11, 2002
Professor Zamir's new book is an exceptionally strong, beautiful and persuasive treatise on the physics of flow through tubes and tree-shaped paths, in steady and unsteady flow. This work is fundamental physics. The mathematical treatment is authoritative and very accessible. The concepts apply not only to blood circulation, for which most of the empirical data are carefully documented, but also to other tree-shaped flows, from physiology and geophysics to optimized piping networks in mechanical and civil engineering.

This book has many strong features, all packed into a concise (no nonsense) and very well illustrated format. The issue of whether blood flow is newtonian or viscoelastic is explained from first principles: each model is valid under specific circumstances, which are identified. Very strong is the treatment of pulsatile flows through elastic tubes. Such flows consist of waves that propagate through the circulatory system, and large numbers of waves that are reflected by flow obstacles (e.g., bifurcations).

Important is that in pulsatile flow through a tree structure, the many wave reflections help the flow. They maximize the overall flow access from the heart to the entire body. This conclusion of "optimization" of flow structure is important in physics and biology in general.

Detailed measurements of the architecture of the arterial tree are condensed in this book. Graphic summaries of this architecture (e.g., Fig. 6.8.5) are so well done that they will become textbook material in the near future.

In sum, this is a masterful and inspiring book on the most important class of flows in physics, biology and engineering-flows with purpose. The structure of such flows is optimized in space and in time.

A very informative book
As a researcher with expertise in electrical engineering and specialization in the fields of digital signal and image processing "The Physics of Pulsatile Flow" was a big help in quickly understanding the basics of pulsatile flow in general. In particular, I needed to model the wall velocity of blood vessels as a function of the velocity of a viscous fluid pumped through that vessel and found a good first approach for solving this problem in chapter 5 called "pulsatile flow in an elastic tube". The references given throughout the book are also valuable to gain further insights.
I liked most that after a few minutes (or hours depending on your mathematical level of understanding) of reading, the basic principles and their solution became very clear. As we all know it is easy enough to write complicated things in a complicated manner - much more challenging is the task of using clear and easy to understand formulations. This has been masterly accomplished here by Professor Zamir and I congratulate him on this informative and instructive book. Furthermore, Dr. Zamir very quickly answered my email about a specific question of mine that was still remaining after reading the book. I really appreciated that!

An excellent book for moving boundary problems & blood flow
The Physics of Pulsatile Flow is a great introduction to the area of biofluid mechanics. Especially to those who have to solve moving boundary value problems in blood flow. It is extremely well writen so even a beginer will be able to understand fully every concept. It begins with the basic concepts & equations of fluid mechanics(Navier - Stokes, chapters 1-2)it goes on with Poiseuille flow (chapter 3), Pulsatile flowin a Rigid tube (chapter 4) and the most important chapters "Pulsatile flow in an elastic tube" (chapter 5) and "Wave reflections" (chapter 6) which has to do with waves in arterial trees. The book also presents the approach of the solution of blood flow in a rigid tube with an elliptic cross section. I didn't regreted the money I paid for it. It centerly worth it's price. ... Read more

Book Description

The Physical Basis of Biochemistry is a rigorous, imaginative textbook that applies physical and chemical principles to understanding the biology of cells. The book features problem sets and examples, clear illustrations, and extensive appendices that provide additional information on related topics in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Based on years of teaching the subject, The Physical Basis of Biochemistry is suitable for graduate and advanced undergraduate courses in physical biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, and physical chemistry with application in the life sciences. Mixing practical applications with a consistent theoretical paradigm of modeling biological systems, the book will be welcomed by instructors seeking a text that combines a quantitative approach with a uniform biological perspective. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A bad book with good intentions
The author attempted to write the Feynman's Lectures of biophysical chemistry, but he failed miserably. The book has a messy structure, unclear discussions, poorly drawn diagrams, and is infested with errors, even in equations that belong to high-school level physics courses. The first third of the book is basically a review of freshman physics and hardly touches biological systems, while the rest is a combination of dry formal exposition of thermodynamics and kinetics, and overly philosophical abstract and qualitative discussion of biological systems. The three parts of the text fail to communicate as they should.

Although I doubt that anyone will benefit much from this book, I am sure that many biochemistry students would benefit greatly from a book that Dr. Bergethon actually WANTED to create. Until such a book appears, for physical basis of biochemistry buy "Physical Chemistry: Principles and Applications in Biological Sciences" by T inoco, Sauer and Wang and supplelent it with any of the better introductroy physics texts.

One professor's opinion
I bought this book just before teaching Physical Chemistry. It started with a strong development of model use which laid a strong foundation for the remainder of the book. I found it a pleasure to read, if one can imagine that in a p-chem book. A true physical chemist would find their treatment an oversimplification. I thought it was a great single step up from undergraduate biochemistry courses towards physical chemistry. ... Read more

Book Description

LIFE - as a Matter of FatLipidomics is the science of the fats called lipids. Lipids are as important for life as proteins, sugars, and genes. The present book presents a multi-disciplinary perspective on the physics of life and the particular role played by lipids and the lipid-bilayer component of cell membranes. The book is aimed at undergraduate students and young research workers within physics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, nutrition, as well as pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. The emphasis is on the physical properties of lipid membranes seen as soft and molecularly structured interfaces. By combining and synthesizing insights obtained from a variety of recent studies, an attempt is made to clarify what membrane structure is and how it can be quantitatively described. Furthermore, it is shown how biological function mediated by membranes is controlled by lipid membrane structure and organization on length scales ranging from the size of the individual molecule, across molecular assemblies of proteins and lipid domains in the range of nanometers, to the size of whole cells. Applications of lipids in nano-technology and biomedicine are also described. The Emerging Science of LipidomicsWe have just witnessed a scientific revolution at the end of the 20th century that took us through the genomics era with a focus on sequencing genes and mapping gene products. We are now in the middle of the proteomics era where the multitude of proteins that are encoded in the genes are identified and their functions are unveiled. In front of us we have a new era recognizing the role of lipids. The science of lipidomics is emerging. Lipidomics involves a quantitative experimental and theoretical study of, e.g. lipid and membrane self-assembly, lipid-protein interactions, lipid-gene interactions, and the biophysical properties of lipid structure, function, and dynamics. ... Read more

Book Description

This comprehensive guide to the biophysics of toetalloproteins and the mechanisms of charge transfer through systems involving them, aims to outline a summary of scientific results obtained by the world-wide research in recent years. The volume appears at a time of significant progress within the field, when technologies derived from it are granted central recognition for their role in the development of biotechnology, electronics and material sciences. ... Read more

Book Description

Photosynthesis provides food and, ultimately, energy for all living organisms. Recognized as a key process in balancing carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the atmosphere, it also plays a major role in global climate change. This new, fully updated edition continues to provide a clear summary of photosynthesis and an introduction to the vast scientific literature on this vital topic. The coverage is comprehensive, from atomic and molecular processes to plant production and yield. "Photosynthesis" has been completely revised to take into account recent advances in important areas of research, including the molecular basis of photosynthesis and the effects of environmental change. The comprehensive coverage makes this book an excellent text for all students and others taking courses on plant biochemistry, plant physiology or photosynthesis. Students on environmental studies courses will welcome the emphasis on environmental concerns. ... Read more

Book Description

This volume and its companion volume 360 introduce a new topic to the Methods in Enzymology series.They will cover, among other topics, imaging, screening, and diagnosis in biological systems.See key features for greater detail.

Key Features
* Optical instrumentation for imaging, screening and diagnosis in molecules, tissues, and cells
* Development and application of optical probes and techniques for imaging and drug screening, protemics, genomics, and cellomics
* Applications of biophotonics research to the understanding of mechanisms of cellular reactions and processes, investigating the structure and dynamics of biomolecular systems, screening and drug discovery, and diagnosis and treatment of disease ... Read more

Book Description

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today—truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

* Discusses optical instrumentation for imaging, screening and diagnosis in molecules, tissues, and cells
* Covers the development and application of optical probes and techniques for imaging and drug screening
* Investigates the structure and dynamics of biomolecular systems, screening and drug discovery, and the diagnosis and treatment of disease ... Read more

Book Description

The Practical Handbook of Nutrition in Clinical Practice is an excellent supplement to standard textbooks in nutrition support and a must-have reference for those with an interest in this area. The text reviews nutrition assessment techniques from the very basic to the latest research methods. The areas of malnutrition and refeeding are explored as are overnutrition and obesity. Enteral access techniques and enteral nutrition are expertly covered. The history and current practice of total parenteral nutrition are discussed by one of the modern-day developers of this lifesaving technique. The role of managed care in nutrition is a timely chapter with current health care reform in mind. Nutritional immunology, nutrition in renal disease, nutrition fraud and ethical issues in nutrition support, along with nutrition support in short bowel syndrome and the surgical patient, are all discussed in detail. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is written for scientists and engineers wishing to become familiar with biological micro- and nanotribology as a new interdisciplinary field of research combining methods and knowledge of physics, chemistry, mechanics and biology. Biological micro- and nanotribology aims to gather information about friction, adhesion and wear of biological systems and to apply this new knowledge to the design of micro-electro-mechanical systems, the development of new types of monolayer lubrication, the invention of new adhesives or the construction of artificial joints. Biologists, chemists, physicists and tribologists and many other applied scientists will find this book an essential addition to their libraries. Moreover, this book also gives an introduction to the higher levels of micromechanical analysis. It will provide valuable assistance for graduate students intending to become active in interdisciplinary research.

FROM THE REVIEWS:

PHYSICS TODAY "...a valuable addition to the literature on the micromechanics of very thin films with emphasis on friction, adhesion, and lubrication. The discussion is exceedingly well organized and well illustrated; many examples are provided from biological systems; and the extensive reference list - more than 700 entries - is up-to-date. Overall, the authors have succeeded admirably in providing an informative and thorough text, the publisher has produced an attractive book, and readers will find much material of interest...I recommend it to anyone who works in the area of micromechanics of friction and lubrication. It offers a useful survey and provides many interesting discussions of biological systems." ... Read more

Book Description

The squid giant synapse has historically been the best model for investigating synaptic transmission. This book gives a concise overview of all that has been learned from this model. Ideal for graduate and undergraduate courses, the book includes PC and Macintosh versions of a program for simulating and manipulating any aspect of synaptic transmission. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Synaptic Transmission
Review of "The Squid Giant Synapse" a model for chemical transmission" by Rodolfo R. Llinas.

It was a pleasure to read this small book because Professor Llinas has managed to review his work and that of others within 160 pages. Llinas has written a very readable book that traces the history of transmission at the synapse. He has covered this difficult subject synthesizing ultrastructure, electrophysiology and molecular biology. The writer has been prominent in this field for 30 years and the book reflects his deep understanding of the subject. Dr. Llinas has managed to incorporate the major findings of some 500 papers into a working hypothesis of synaptic transmission. In spite of the complexity of the subject there are few errors. On page 65 microdomains should be in square microns and not square millimeters but this typographical error should be obvious when looking at Figure 3.2G and Plate 8. This little book is a must for graduate students and neuroscientists in general because it serves as both a starting reference and as a working text. The index is very helpful to find definitions used in the field (a glossary would be helpful). The soft ware shows the relationship of the presynaptic calcium current and postsynaptic voltage. This program will be instructive to students in understanding the importance of calcium dependencies on transmitter release. The Squid Giant Synapse should be a companion with Nerve, Muscle and Synapse by B.Katz and The Physiology of Synapses by J.C. Eccles. ... Read more

Book Description

Emergent Computation emphasizes the interrelationship of the different classes of languages studied in mathematical linguistics (regular, context-free, context-sensitive, and type 0) with aspects to the biochemistry of DNA, RNA, and proteins. In addition, aspects of sequential machines such as parity checking and semi-groups are extended to the study of the Biochemistry of DNA, RNA, and proteins. Mention is also made of the relationship of algebraic topology, knot theory, complex fields, quaternions, and universal turing machines and the biochemistry of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Emergent Computation tries to avoid an emphasis upon mathematical abstraction ("elegance") at the expense of ignoring scientific facts known to Biochemists. Emergent Computation is based entirely upon papers published by scientists in well-known and respected professional journals. These papers are based upon current research. A few examples of what is not ignored to gain "elegance":

- DNA exists as triple and quadruple strands

- Watson-Crick complementary bases have mismatches

- There can be more than four bases in DNA

- There are more than sixty-four codons

- There may be more that twenty amino acids in proteins

While Emergent Computation emphasizes bioinformatics applications, the last chapter studies mathematical linguistics applied to areas such as languages found in birds, insects, medical applications, anthropology, etc.

Emergent Computation tries to avoid unnecessary mathematical abstraction while still being rigorous. The demands made upon the knowledge of chemistry or mathematics is minimized as well. The collected technical references are valuable in itself for additional reading.

Book Description

The critically acclaimed laboratory standard for more than forty years, Methods in Enzymology is one of the most highly respected publications in the field of biochemistry. Since 1955, each volume has been eagerly awaited, frequently consulted, and praised by researchers and reviewers alike. Now with more than 300 volumes (all of them still in print), the series contains much material still relevant today—truly an essential publication for researchers in all fields of life sciences.

Key Features
* Protein Structure and Function
* Nucleic Acids and Genes ... Read more