Expression and Analysis of Recombinant Ion Channels

Examines new research on the role of cholesterol in regulating ion channels and receptors and its effect on health Drawing together and analyzing all the latest research findings, this book explores the role of cholesterol in the regulation of ion channels and receptors, including its pathological effects. It is the first book to comprehensively describe the complex mechanisms by which cholesterol regulates two major classes of membrane proteins. Moreover, it sheds new light on how cholesterol affects essential cellular functions such as the contraction of the heart, propagation of nerve impulses, and regulation of blood pressure and kidney function. Written and edited by leading pioneers in the field, Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels and Receptors is divided into three parts: Part I, Cholesterol Regulation of Membrane Properties, introduces the heterogeneity of cholesterol distribution in biological membranes and the physical and biological implications of the formation of cholesterol-rich membrane domains. Part II, Cholesterol Regulation of Ion Channels, examines the mechanisms underlying cholesterol sensitivities of ion channels, including the regulation of ion channels by cholesterol as a boundary lipid. Part III, Cholesterol Regulation of Receptors, explores the latest discoveries concerning how cholesterol regulates distinct types of receptors, including G-protein coupled receptors, LDL and scavenger receptors, and innate immune system receptors. Increased levels of cholesterol represent a major health risk. Understanding cholesterol regulation of ion channels and receptors is essential for facilitating the development of new therapeutic strategies to alleviate the impact of pathological cholesterol conditions. With this book as their guide, readers have access to the most current knowledge in the field.

This book discusses voltage-gated ion channels and their importance in drug discovery and development. The book includes reviews of the channel genome, the physiological bases of targeting ion channels in disease, the unique technologies developed for ion channel drug discovery, and the increasingly important role of ion channel screening in cardiac risk assessment. It provides an important reference for research scientists and drug discovery companies.

While the choices of microbial and eukaryotic expression systems for production of recombinant proteins are many, most researchers in academic and industrial settings do not have ready access to pertinent biological and technical information since it is normally scattered throughout the scientific literature. This book closes the gap by providing information on the general biology of the host organism, a description of the expression platform, a methodological section – with strains, genetic elements, vectors and special methods, where applicable – as well as examples of proteins produced with the respective platform. The systems thus described are well balanced by the inclusion of three prokaryotes (two Gram-negatives and one Gram-positive), four yeasts, two filamentous fungi and two higher eukaryotic cell systems – mammalian and plant cells. Throughout, the book provides valuable practical and theoretical information on the criteria and schemes for selecting the appropriate expression platform, the possibility and practicality of a universal expression vector, and on comparative industrial-scale fermentation, with the production of a recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine chosen as an industrial example. With a foreword by Herbert P. Schweizer, Colorado State University, USA: «As a whole, this book is a valuable and overdue resource for a varied audience. It is a practical guide for academic and industrial researchers who are confronted with the design of the most suitable expression platform for their favorite protein for technical or pharmaceutical purposes. In addition, the book is also a valuable study resource for professors and students in the fields of applied biology and biotechnology.»

This is a comprehensive source of information on the application of ion chromatography (IC) in the analysis of pharmaceutical drugs and biologicals. This book, with contributors from academia, pharma, the biotech industry, and instrument manufacturing, presents the different perspectives, experience, and expertise of the thought leaders of IC in a comprehensive manner. It explores potential IC applications in different aspects of product development and quality control testing. In addition, an appendix section gives information on critical physical and chromatographic parameters related to IC and information on current manufacturers of IC systems, columns, and other components.

This beautifully illustrated textbook provides a clear guide to the tools and techniques of genetic engineering, gene cloning and molecular biology. All aspects of genetic engineering in the post-genomic era are covered, beginning with the basics of DNA structure and DNA metabolism. Using an example-driven approach, the fundamentals of creating mutations in DNA, cloning in bacteria, yeast, plants and animals are all clearly presented. Strong emphasis is placed on the latest, post genomic technologies including DNA macro and microarrays, genome-wide two hybrid analysis, proteomics and bioinformatics. A modern post-genome era introduction to key techniques used in genetic engineering. An example driven past-to-present approach to allow the experiments of today to be placed in an historical context The book is beautifully illustrated in full-colour throughout. Associated website including updates, additional content and illusions

An integrated approach to understanding the principles of sampling, chemical analysis, and instrumentation This unique reference focuses on the overall framework and why various methodologies are used in environmental sampling and analysis. An understanding of the underlying theories and principles empowers environmental professionals to select and adapt the proper sampling and analytical protocols for specific contaminants as well as for specific project applications. Covering both field sampling and laboratory analysis, Fundamentals of Environmental Sampling and Analysis includes: A review of the basic analytical and organic chemistry, statistics, hydrogeology, and environmental regulations relevant to sampling and analysis An overview of the fundamentals of environmental sampling design, sampling techniques, and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) essential to acquire quality environmental data A detailed discussion of: the theories of absorption spectroscopy for qualitative and quantitative environmental analysis; metal analysis using various atomic absorption and emission spectrometric methods; and the instrumental principles of common chromatographic and electrochemical methods An introduction to advanced analytical techniques, including various hyphenated mass spectrometries and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy With real-life case studies that illustrate the principles plus problems and questions at the end of each chapter to solidify understanding, this is a practical, hands-on reference for practitioners and a great textbook for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in environmental science and engineering.

State-of-the-art coverage of modern computational methods for the analysis and design of beams Analysis and Design of Elastic Beams presents computer models and applications related to thin-walled beams such as those used in mechanical and aerospace designs, where thin, lightweight structures with high strength are needed. This book will enable readers to compute the cross-sectional properties of individual beams with arbitrary cross-sectional shapes, to apply a general-purpose computer analysis of a complete structure to determine the forces and moments in the individual members, and to use a unified approach for calculating the normal and shear stresses, as well as deflections, for those members' cross sections. In addition, this book augments a solid foundation in the basic structural design theory of beams by: * Providing coverage of thin-wall structure analysis and optimization techniques * Applying computer numerical methods to classical design methods * Developing computational solutions for cross-sectional properties and stresses using finite element analyses Including access to an associated Web site with software for the analysis and design of any cross-sectional shape, Analysis and Design of Elastic Beams: Computational Methods is an essential reference for mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineers and designers working in the automotive, ship, and aerospace industries in product and process design, machine design, structural design, and design optimization, as well as students and researchers in these areas.

Updated and expanded coverage of the latest trends and developments in fiber composite materials, processes, and applications Analysis and Performance of Fiber Composites, Fourth Edition features updated and expanded coverage of all technical aspects of fiber composites, including the latest trends and developments in materials, manufacturing processes, and materials applications, as well as the latest experimental characterization methods. Fiber reinforced composite materials have become a fundamental part of modern product manufacturing. Routinely used in such high-tech fields as electronics, automobiles, aircraft, and space vehicles, they are also essential to everyday staples of modern life, such as containers, piping, and appliances. Little wonder, when one considers their ease of fabrication, outstanding mechanical properties, design versatility, light weight, corrosion and impact resistance, and excellent fatigue strength. This Fourth Edition of the classic reference—the standard text for composite materials courses, worldwide—offers an unrivalled review of such an important class of engineering materials. Still the most comprehensive, up-to-date treatment of the mechanics, materials, performance, analysis, fabrication, and characterization of fiber composite materials available, Analysis and Performance of Fiber Composites, Fourth Edition features: Expanded coverage of materials and manufacturing, with additional information on materials, processes, and material applications Updated and expanded information on experimental characterization methods—including many industry specific tests Discussions of damage identification techniques using nondestructive evaluation (NDE) Coverage of the influence of moisture on performance of polymer matrix composites, stress corrosion of glass fibers and glass reinforced plastics, and damage due to low-velocity impact New end-of-chapter problems and exercises with solutions found on an accompanying website Computer analysis of laminates No other reference provides such exhaustive coverage of fiber composites with such clarity and depth. Analysis and Performance of Fiber Composites, Fourth Edition is, without a doubt, an indispensable resource for practicing engineers, as well as students of mechanics, mechanical engineering, and aerospace engineering.

Emphasizes the strategy of experimentation, data analysis, and the interpretation of experimental results. Features numerous examples using actual engineering and scientific studies. Presents statistics as an integral component of experimentation from the planning stage to the presentation of the conclusions. Deep and concentrated experimental design coverage, with equivalent but separate emphasis on the analysis of data from the various designs. Topics can be implemented by practitioners and do not require a high level of training in statistics. New edition includes new and updated material and computer output.

Thermal Analysis techniques are used in a wide range of disciplines, from pharmacy and foods to polymer science, materials and glasses; in fact any field where changes in sample behaviour are observed under controlled heating or controlled cooling conditions. The wide range of measurements possible provide fundamental information on the material properties of the system under test, so thermal analysis has found increasing use both in basic characterisation of materials and in a wide range of applications in research, development and quality control in industry and academia. Principles and Applications of Thermal Analysis is written by manufacturers and experienced users of thermal techniques. It provides the reader with sound practical instruction on how to use the techniques and gives an up to date account of the principle industrial applications. By covering basic thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) including the new approach of Fast Scanning DSC, together with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA /TMA) methods, then developing the discussion to encompass industrial applications, the book serves as an ideal introduction to the technology for new users. With a strong focus on practical issues and relating the measurements to the physical behaviour of the materials under test, the book will also serve as an important reference for experienced analysts.