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From a technical and criminalistic point of view, DNA can be collected and stored like most visible biological stains. Crucial considerations in the examination of evidence include photographic documentation, and careful storage of the samples under dry and cool conditions. Special aids such as sexual assault kits, swabs, drying devices, and filter paper treated with denaturants are available and should be used. However, DNA collection in forensic environments is not a merely technical but also a criminalistic task. Swabbing of clothing items, especially of skin, should be performed as soon as possible in forensic and police investigations. For example, DNA typing was possible in the following cases where swabs had been collected early at the scene of the crime. Before swabbing, intelligent criminalistic assumptions concerning the location of the invisible yet possible stains had been made.

Writing and publishing scientific papers is the core business of researchers, but is often experienced as difficult and frustrating. This book provides clear and concise key information on 12 major aspects of the process, from how to get started to dealing with reviewers’ comments. We describe each aspect structured into background information (‘‘What you should know’’), concrete advice (‘‘What you should do’’),and a checklist of the main points.

Diese qualitative Studie zeigt Widersprüche zwischen gesundheitspolitischen Überlegungen, ethisch-moralischem Anspruch, normativen Erwartungen und klinischer Praxis in der Behandlung Schwerstkranker und Sterbender. Das ärztliche Postulat vom Sterbendürfen im Krankenhaus ist ein intradisziplinärer und organisationsbezogener Appell. Es beleuchtet eine diffuse Bewusstheit der Akteure bei der Behandlung Sterbender und die stark hierarchische Organisation des deutschen Gesundheitswesens.

This book describes application fields of high tech in diagnostics and therapy allowing individual therapy, interpretation of large data bases in form of neuronal signals, help visualization of organs during surgery, robotic surgery, 3D-printing and 3D-bioprinting, augmented reality. It also covers hospital organization including hybrid surgery rooms and personal data flow.

A gain-of-function mutation in Janus kinase 2 (JAK2V617F) is at the basis of the majority of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Enhanced activation of other downstream pathways including the PI3K/mTOR pathway has been documented as well. In this study we evaluated the effects of JAK1/2 inhibitors, alone and in combination with mTOR, with a dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitor and with a pan PI3K inhibitor in in-vitro and in-vivo MPN models. Our findings of strong synergy between the JAK2 inhibitors and mTOR/PI3K inhibitor suggested that we might be able to administer these drugs at lower concentrations than when the drugs are used individually. This provides a framework for combination trials using compounds in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms

The compendium collects the basic themes of biology in a very simplified form, ideally following the programmatic criteria of secondary school. The didactic program is articulated starting from the molecules that make up living organisms to end at the theoretical basis of ecology and environmental protection. All the main topics of life sciences such as genetics, anatomy and the evolution of organisms are addressed, always trying to convey the heart of the theoretical concept through a simple but adequate terminology. The goal is to offer a first look at the basis of biology to those who intend to carry out an in-depth study of this subject, which is extremely fascinating but also decidedly complex, vast and multifaceted.

How stem cells behave is very much a factor of their local microenvironment, also known as the stem cell niche. Physical, chemical, or electrical signals from the neighboring cells or biochemical signals from distant cells are crucial in the cell fate decision process. A major challenge of tissue engineering is to mimic the natural cell environment by designing very sophisticated scaffolds able not only to mechanically support cells, but also to release signals biologically relevant for governing stem cell fate. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that abnormal interaction of stem cells with their niche is responsible for altered cell function leading to malignant transformation. This book discusses some of the recent advances in stem cell research that may help understanding the properties of the niche that govern stem cell fate. Technical topics discussed include:Stem cell biologyCancer stem cellsStem cell interactions with biomaterialsEngineering the stem cell microenvironmentStem cells in tissue regeneration and repairThe Disputationes Workshop series is an international initiative aimed at disseminating stem cell related cutting edge knowledge among scientists, healthcare workers, students and policy makers. This book emerges as a result of the scientific contributions presented and discussed during the fifth Disputationes Workshop held in Aalborg (Denmark) in April 2014. The stem cell microenvironment and its role in regenerative medicine and cancer pathogenesis is ideal for academic staff and master/research students in biomedical and health sciences

The first book dedicated to the potential applications and unique properties of bacterial cellulose (BC), this seminal work covers the basic science, technology, and economic impact of this bulk chemical as well as the companies and patents that are driving the field. It reviews the biosynthesis and properties of BC, including genetics and characterization; discusses the advancing technology as it relates to product development, bioreactors, and production; and analyzes the economic impact of BC on a diverse range of industry applications, including materials and biomaterials, biological and polymer sciences, and electromechanical engineering.

Robotic engineering inspired by biology—biomimetics—has many potential applications: robot snakes can be used for rescue operations in disasters, snake-like endoscopes can be used in medical diagnosis, and artificial muscles can replace damaged muscles to recover the motor functions of human limbs. Conversely, the application of robotics technology to our understanding of biological systems and behaviors—biorobotic modeling and analysis—provides unique research opportunities: robotic manipulation technology with optical tweezers can be used to study the cell mechanics of human red blood cells, a surface electromyography sensing system can help us identify the relation between muscle forces and hand movements, and mathematical models of brain circuitry may help us understand how the cerebellum achieves movement control. Biologically Inspired Robotics contains cutting-edge material—considerably expanded and with additional analysis—from the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO). These 16 chapters cover both biomimetics and biorobotic modeling/analysis, taking readers through an exploration of biologically inspired robot design and control, micro/nano bio-robotic systems, biological measurement and actuation, and applications of robotics technology to biological problems. Contributors examine a wide range of topics, including: A method for controlling the motion of a robotic snake The design of a bionic fitness cycle inspired by the jaguar The use of autonomous robotic fish to detect pollution A noninvasive brain-activity scanning method using a hybrid sensor A rehabilitation system for recovering motor function in human hands after injury Human-like robotic eye and head movements in human–machine interactions A state-of-the-art resource for graduate students and researchers.

This book gives an analysis of the role of the bioactive sphingolipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) in the skeletal muscle. The enzyme that produces S1P, sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1) has proved crucial in the biological action of growth factors and cytokines involved in the inflammatory process that follows muscular damage. Indeed, in myoblasts the cytokine TGFβ exercises its fibrotic action through induction of the SK1/S1P axis. Furthermore, the PDGF growth factor, positive regulator of proliferation and motility, activates the enzyme SK1 and the transactivation of S1P1 inhibits the proliferation and induces the migration induced by the growth factor. Finally, the mitogenic role of C1P in myoblasts has been identified, characterizing the signalling pathways involved.

Written for senior-level and first year graduate students in biomedical signal and image processing, this book describes fundamental signal and image processing techniques that are used to process biomedical information. The book also discusses application of these techniques in the processing of some of the main biomedical signals and images, such as EEG, ECG, MRI, and CT. New features of this edition include the technical updating of each chapter along with the addition of many more examples, the majority of which are MATLAB based.

Written to cover often overlooked areas in the field of bioMEMS, this volume bridges topics related to biomolecules and complex biological entities with those directly related to the design, fabrication, and characterization of the devices. Unlike other references, this text aids with the fundamental physicochemical understanding of biological processes relevant to the performance of various biosensing devices. Accessible to seniors and graduate students enrolled in engineering programs, the book includes problems in each chapter as well as case studies to provide real-life examples.

Robotic engineering inspired by biology—biomimetics—has many potential applications: robot snakes can be used for rescue operations in disasters, snake-like endoscopes can be used in medical diagnosis, and artificial muscles can replace damaged muscles to recover the motor functions of human limbs. Conversely, the application of robotics technology to our understanding of biological systems and behaviors—biorobotic modeling and analysis—provides unique research opportunities: robotic manipulation technology with optical tweezers can be used to study the cell mechanics of human red blood cells, a surface electromyography sensing system can help us identify the relation between muscle forces and hand movements, and mathematical models of brain circuitry may help us understand how the cerebellum achieves movement control. Biologically Inspired Robotics contains cutting-edge material—considerably expanded and with additional analysis—from the 2009 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Biomimetics (ROBIO). These 16 chapters cover both biomimetics and biorobotic modeling/analysis, taking readers through an exploration of biologically inspired robot design and control, micro/nano bio-robotic systems, biological measurement and actuation, and applications of robotics technology to biological problems. Contributors examine a wide range of topics, including: A method for controlling the motion of a robotic snake The design of a bionic fitness cycle inspired by the jaguar The use of autonomous robotic fish to detect pollution A noninvasive brain-activity scanning method using a hybrid sensor A rehabilitation system for recovering motor function in human hands after injury Human-like robotic eye and head movements in human–machine interactions A state-of-the-art resource for graduate students and researchers.

A study of epilepsy from an engineering perspective, this volume begins by summarizing the physiology and the fundamental ideas behind the measurement, analysis and modeling of the epileptic brain. It introduces the EEG and provides an explanation of the type of brain activity likely to register in EEG measurements, offering an overview of how these EEG records are and have been analyzed in the past. The book focuses on the problem of seizure detection and surveys the physiologically based dynamic models of brain activity. Finally, it addresses the fundamental question: can seizures be predicted? Based on the authors' extensive research, the book concludes by exploring a range of future possibilities in seizure prediction.

Foreseeing and planning for all of the possibilities and pitfalls involved in bringing a biotechnology innovation from inception to widespread therapeutic use takes strong managerial skills and a solid grounding in biopharmaceutical research and development procedures. Unfortunately there has been a dearth of resources for this aspect of the field.

Because of many misconceptions, the biological drug manufacturing industry does not fully utilize disposable components, despite their wide availability. These misconceptions include concerns for the quality of materials, running costs, scalability, the level of automation possible, and the training of staff needed to include these components in existing bioprocessing systems. Not fully realizing the long-term benefits, many manufacturers are unwilling to discard investments made in fixed equipment and traditional stainless steel systems. Regulatory and environmental concerns, however, will eventually compel manufacturers to adopt disposable systems. Making a strong case for disposables, Disposable Bioprocessing Systems demonstrates the true potential of these systems. Written by a researcher and professor with hands-on experience in designing, establishing, and validating biological manufacturing facilities worldwide, and creating model facilities using maximum disposable technology, this book is the first comprehensive introduction to understanding disposable systems. It gives an overview of the current state of the disposable bioprocessing industry, resolves all controversial issues, and guides readers in choosing disposable components that meet their needs. An important chapter on safety addresses facts and myths about the use of plastics and elastomers—including the issue of leaching—and how to ensure regulatory compliance. Helping readers understand their choices, the book describes the equipment and systems available to prepare the starting materials for the manufacturing of biological drugs—from disposable containers to filters. The author also discusses costs, regulations, and concerns about waste disposal, and shares his predictions for the future of the disposable bioprocessing industry. A practical manual for those interested in the transition to disposable systems, this book will also interest students of bioprocessing. It offers a timely view of disposable bioprocessing technology as a "game changer" that will facilitate developing new drugs and conducting research in the emerging field of stem cells and gene therapy.

Analysis of medical data using engineering tools is a rapidly growing area, both in research and in industry, yet few texts exist that address the problem from an interdisciplinary perspective. Epileptic Seizures and the EEG: Measurement, Models, Detection and Prediction brings together biology and engineering practices and identifies the aspects of the field that are most important to the analysis of epilepsy. Analysis of EEG records The book begins by summarizing the physiology and the fundamental ideas behind the measurement, analysis and modeling of the epileptic brain. It introduces the EEG as a measured signal and explains its use in the study of epilepsy. Next, it provides an explanation of the type of brain activity likely to register in EEG measurements, offering quantitative analysis of the populations of neurons that contribute to both scalp and cortical EEG and discussing the limitations and effects that choices made in the recording process have on the data. The book provides an overview of how these EEG records are and have been analyzed in the past, concentrating on the mathematics relevant to the problem of classification of EEG. The authors use these extracted features to differentiate between or classify inter-seizure, pre-seizure and seizure EEG. The challenge of seizure prediction The book focuses on the problem of seizure detection and surveys the physiologically based dynamic models of brain activity. Finally, the book addresses the fundamental question: can seizures be predicted? Through analysis of epileptic activity spanning from 3 hours to 25 years, it is proposed that seizures may be predictable, but the amount of data required is greater than previously thought. Based on the authors’ extensive research, the book concludes by exploring a range of future possibilities in seizure prediction.

Hydroxyapatite coatings are of great importance in the biological and biomedical coatings fields, especially in the current era of nanotechnology and bioapplications. With a bonelike structure that promotes osseointegration, hydroxyapatite coating can be applied to otherwise bioinactive implants to make their surface bioactive, thus achieving faster healing and recovery. In addition to applications in orthopedic and dental implants, this coating can also be used in drug delivery. Hydroxyapatite Coatings for Biomedical Applications explores developments in the processing and property characterization and applications of hydroxyapatite to provide timely information for active researchers and newcomers alike. In eight carefully reviewed chapters, hydroxyapatite experts from the United States, Japan, Singapore, and China present the latest on topics ranging from deposition processes to biomedical applications in implants and drug delivery. This book discusses: Magnetron sputtering and electrochemical deposition The modification of hydroxyapatite properties by sol–gel deposition to incorporate other elements found in natural bones, such as zinc, magnesium, and fluorine The use of pure hydroxyapatite in drug delivery applications The growth or self-assembly of hydroxyapatite on shape memory alloy Hydroxyapatite composite coatings—with carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide (TiO2), and others—on the titanium alloy Offering valuable insights and a wealth of data, including numerous tables and figures, this is a rich source of information for research on hydroxyapatite coatings. Each chapter also covers material that provides an accessible stepping stone for those who are new to the field.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is an emerging nanomaterial with unique properties produced by several species of ubiquitous fermentation bacteria, most importantly Gluconacetobacter xylinus, previously known as Acetobacter xylinum. BNC has been used for a variety of commercial applications including textiles, cosmetics, and food products, and it has a high potential for medical applications. Bacterial NanoCellulose: A Sophisticated Multifunctional Material provides the state of the art of scientific knowledge about the mechanism of cellulose production by bacteria along with pointing out challenges in expansion of BNC production in large scale. It provides the latest update on BNC structure and its modification, as well as comprehensive information about current and future applications of BNC. This seminal work covers the basic science, technology, and economic impact of this bulk chemical as well as the companies and patents that are driving the field. It reviews the biosynthesis and properties of BNC.

First published in 2005, Biomedical Signal and Image Processing received wide and welcome reception from universities and industry research institutions alike, offering detailed, yet accessible information at the reference, upper undergraduate, and first year graduate level. Retaining all of the quality and precision of the first edition, Biomedical Signal and Image Processing, Second Edition offers a number of revisions and improvements to provide the most up-to-date reference available on the fundamental signal and image processing techniques that are used to process biomedical information. Addressing the application of standard and novel processing techniques to some of today’s principle biomedical signals and images over three sections, the book begins with an introduction to digital signal and image processing, including Fourier transform, image filtering, edge detection, and wavelet transform. The second section investigates specifically biomedical signals, such as ECG, EEG, and EMG, while the third focuses on imaging using CT, X-Ray, MRI, ultrasound, positron, and other biomedical imaging techniques. Updated and expanded, Biomedical Signal and Image Processing, Second Edition offers numerous additional, predominantly MATLAB, examples to all chapters to illustrate the concepts described in the text and ensure a complete understanding of the material. The author takes great care to clarify ambiguities in some mathematical equations and to further explain and justify the more complex signal and image processing concepts to offer a complete and understandable approach to complicated concepts.