The understanding of biological complexity has been greatly facilitated by cross-disciplinary, holistic approaches that allow insights into the function and regulation of biological processes that cannot be captured by dissecting them into their individual components. In addition, the development of novel tools has dramatically increased our ability to interrogate information at the nucleic acid, protein and metabolite level. The integration and interpretation of disparate data sets, however, still remain a major challenge in systems biology. Roots provide an excellent model for studying physiological, developmental, and metabolic processes. The availability of genetic resources, along with sequenced genomes has allowed important discoveries in root biochemistry, development and function. Roots are transparent, allowing optical investigation of gene activity in individual cells and experimental manipulation. In addition, the predictable fate of cells emerging from the root meristem and the continuous development of roots throughout the life of the plant, which permits simultaneous observation of different developmental stages, provide ideal premises for the analysis of growth and differentiation. Moreover, a genetically fixed cellular organization allows for studying the utilization of positional information and other non-cell-autonomous phenomena, which are of utmost importance in plant development. Although their ontogeny is largely invariant under standardized experimental conditions, roots possess an extraordinary capacity to respond to a plethora of environmental signals, resulting in distinct phenotypic readouts. This high phenotypic plasticity allows research into acclimative and adaptive strategies, the understanding of which is crucial for germplasm enhancement and crop improvement. With the aim of providing a current snapshot on the function and development of roots at the systems level, this Research Topic collated original research articles, methods articles, reviews, mini reviews and perspective, opinion and hypotheses articles that communicate breakthroughs in root biology, as well as recent advances in research technologies and data analysis.

This book provides an entry point into Systems Biology for researchers in genetics, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology and biomedical science to understand the key concepts to expanding their work. Chapters organized around broader themes of Organelles and Organisms, Systems Properties of Biological Processes, Cellular Networks, and Systems Biology and Disease discuss the development of concepts, the current applications, and the future prospects. Emphasis is placed on concepts and insights into the multi-disciplinary nature of the field as well as the importance of systems biology in human biological research. Technology, being an extremely important aspect of scientific progress overall, and in the creation of new fields in particular, is discussed in 'boxes' within each chapter to relate to appropriate topics. - 2013 Honorable Mention for Single Volume Reference in Science from the Association of American Publishers' PROSE Awards - Emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of systems biology with contributions from leaders in a variety of disciplines - Includes the latest research developments in human and animal models to assist with translational research - Presents biological and computational aspects of the science side-by-side to facilitate collaboration between computational and biological researchers

This book equips dental practitioners with all the information required in order to ensure successful endodontic treatment of children and adolescents. It describes pulp therapy from a holistic approach that highlights new developments in the field. Readers will find updates on the formation, structure and function of the dental pulp revealed by the latest single-cell technologies, and discussions on carious lesions and their impact on the pulp. The book examines clinical considerations in the decision to perform pulp treatment and emphasizes the need to integrate pupal diagnostics with patient-dependent factors such as behavior management and pulpal pain mechanisms. The second part of the book includes comprehensive descriptions of current treatments for each type of caries-inflicted tooth damage, from selective caries removal through direct pulp capping, pulpotomy, pulpectomy and root canal therapy for primary dentition to direct pulp capping and endodontic treatment of young permanent teeth. Traditional and new pulp-treatment materials are described as are the techniques and materials used to restore both primary and young permanent teeth. The book summarizes innovative biological approaches for pulp regeneration such as the use of stem cells. It is a must have for dental students, endodontists, pediatric dentists and general dentists with an interest in the subject.

Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution encapsulates the current state of evolutionary developmental anthropology. This emerging scientific field applies tools and approaches from modern developmental biology to understand the role of genetic and developmental processes in driving morphological and cognitive evolution in humans, non-human primates and in the laboratory organisms used to model these changes. Featuring contributions from well-established pioneers and emerging leaders, this volume is designed to build research momentum and catalyze future innovation in this burgeoning field. The book’s broad research scope encompasses soft and hard tissues of the head and body, including the skeleton, special senses and the brain. Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution is an invaluable resource on the mechanisms of primate and vertebrate evolution for scholars across a wide array of intersecting disciplines, including primatology, paleoanthropology, vertebrate morphology, evolutionary developmental biology and health sciences.

A finely tuned regulation of gene expression is essential for shaping the nervous system and for maintaining its homeostasis throughout life. Disruptions in gene regulation can impact brain development and physiology in ways that contribute to diverse pathologies. The master orchestrators of gene activity in the nucleus are transcription factors, proteins that recognize and bind to specific DNA motifs in regulatory regions and drive changes in gene expression. Transcription factors act with the help of other co-factor proteins, including components of the Mediator complex, histone modifying enzymes, chromatin modelers, and DNA methylases. In addition, transcription factor activity in the nervous system can be modulated by extracellular signals, including growth factors, hormones, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters that activate specific receptors and intracellular transduction pathways. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of transcription regulation is needed in order to better describe how each element, from genes to cells, defines and maintains identities and functionalities in the healthy and diseased brain. This Research Topic is oriented to developing an integrative view about transcription regulation within the nervous system, focusing on developmental and homeostatic processes, dysregulation in functionality and expression levels and consequent associated pathologies such as neurodevelopmental disorders, brain tumors, and neurodegenerative diseases. Transcription regulation investigations will specifically focus on transcription factors that belong to the bHLH (e.g. NeuroD), homeobox (e.g. Islet, Pax, Rax, and Lhx) and CREB families, and on their roles over defined nervous system areas: cerebral cortex, thalamic and hypothalamic areas, interacting with the developing brain.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of different agriculturally important microorganisms and their role as plant biostimulants. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi, Trichoderma, Cyanobacteria, Endophytes, and Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria have the potential to promote plant growth, disease management, nutrient acquisition, stress alleviation, and soil health management. Presenting an all-inclusive collection of information, this book will be important for students, academicians, researchers working in the field of sustainable agriculture, microbial technology, and biochemical engineers. It will also be of use for policymakers in the area of food security and sustainable agriculture. - Introduces new microorganisms as plant biostimulants. - Describes potential mechanisms of plant–microbe interaction for stress alleviation and crop improvement. - Provides information about different microbial formulations (consortium) and their application to the alleviation of different abiotic stresses (salt, drought, nutrient deficiency, heavy metal, etc.) in plants. - Discusses about psychrophilic microbes, endophytic microbes, and total plant microbiome and their uses as biostimulants for improving plant health.

In nature, microorganisms are generally found attached to surfaces as biofilms such as dust, insects, plants, animals and rocks, rather than suspended in solution. Once a biofilm is developed, other microorganisms are free to attach and benefit from this microbial community. The food industry, which has a rich supply of nutrients, solid surfaces, and raw materials constantly entering and moving through the facility, is an ideal environment for biofilm development, which can potentially protect food pathogens from sanitizers and result in the spread of foodborne illness. Biofilms in the Food Environment is designed to provide researchers in academia, federal research labs, and industry with an understanding of the impact, control, and hurdles of biofilms in the food environment. Key to biofilm control is an understanding of its development. The goal of this 2nd edition is to expand and complement the topics presented in the original book. Readers will find: The first comprehensive review of biofilm development by Campylobacter jejuni An up-date on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to sanitizing agents, which continues to be a major concern to the food industry An account of biofilms associated with various food groups such as dairy, meat, vegetables and fruit is of global concern A description of two novel methods to control biofilms in the food environment: bio-nanoparticle technology and bacteriophage Biofilms are not always a problem: sometimes they even desirable. In the human gut they are essential to our survival and provide access to some key nutrients from the food we consume. The authors provide up-date information on the use of biofilms for the production of value-added products via microbial fermentations. Biofilms cannot be ignored when addressing a foodborne outbreak. All the authors for each chapter are experts in their field of research. The Editors hope is that this second edition will provide the bases and understanding for much needed future research in the critical area of Biofilm in Food Environment.