This book summarizes the main surface analysis techniques that are being used to study biological specimens/systems. The compilation of chapters in this book highlight the benefits that surface analysis provides. The outer layer of bulk solid or liquid samples is referred to as the surface of the sample/material. At the surface, the composition, microstructure, phase, chemical bonding, electronic states, and/or texture is often different than that of the bulk material. The outer surface is where many material interactions/reactions take place. This is especially true biomaterials which may be fabricated into bio-devices and in turn implanted into tissues and organs. Surfaces of biomaterials (synthetic or modified natural materials) are of critical importance since the surface is typically the only part of the biomaterial/bio-device that comes in contact with the biological system. Analytical techniques are required to characterize the surface of biomaterials and quantify their impact in real-world biological systems. Surface analysis of biological materials started in the 1960’s and the number of researchers working in this area have increased very rapidly since then, a number of advances have been made to standard surface analytical instrumentation, and a number of new instruments have been introduced.

The VIIIth International Congress of the International Prirnatological Society was held from 7 through 11 July 1980 in Florence Italy, under the auspices of the host institution, the Istituto di Antropologia of the University of Florence. More than 300 papers and abstracts were pre sented either at the main Congress or in 14 pre-Congress symposia the week earlier (so scheduled to avoid conflict with either the main invited lectures or the contnbuted paper sessions). This volume consists of the contributed papers on primate evolu tionary biology, primarily functional morphology, evolution, and pale ontology. This is a coherent (though broad) and important sub field of primatology. We have thus focused the subject, in agreement with the publishers, to help ensure a successful and useful volume, befitting these very current contributions from the biennal meeting of the Inter national Primatological Society. Furthermore, we have compiled this volume in a fairly unprecedented manner for congress proceedings. In view of space and budget limitations, and the need to guarantee a high-quallty book with appeal for specialists, we subjected all manuscript to a four-stage internal review process and selected only the best 13 of 31. This rejection rate of 58% compares with the more discriminating reviewed scholarly journals. Too often primatological or anthropological proceedings have been heterogeneous, large, unselective volumes that, at least recently, have repeatedly lost money for the publishing house (in sometimes spectacular amounts).

Coping with Biological Growth on Stone Heritage Objects: Methods, Products, Applications, and Perspectives offers hands-on guidance for addressing the specific challenges involved in conserving historical monuments, sculptures, archaeological sites, and caves that have been attacked and colonized by micro- and macroorganisms. The volume provides many case studies of removal of biological growth with practical advice for making the right choices. It presents detailed and updated information related to biocides and to alternative substances, features that will be valuable to dealing with these challenges. The author’s goal is to provide access to information and offer the conceptual framework needed to understand complex issues, so that the reader can comprehend the nature of conservation problems and formulate her/his own views. From bacteria to plants, biological agents pose serious risks to the preservation of cultural heritage. In an effort to save heritage objects, buildings, and sites, conservators’ activities aim to arrest, mitigate, and prevent the damages caused by bacteria, algae, fungi, lichens, plants, and birds. Although much has been learned about these problems, information is scattered across meeting proceedings and assorted journals that often are not available to restorers and conservators. This book fills the gap by providing a comprehensive selection and examination of international papers published in the last fifteen years, focusing on the appropriate methods, techniques, and products that are useful for the prevention and removal of micro- and macroorganisms that grow on artificial and natural stone works of art, including wall paintings. Results on new substances with antimicrobic properties and alternative methods for the control of biological growth are presented as well. The book also emphasize issues on bioreceptivity of stones and the factors influencing biological growth and includes an outline of the various organisms able to develop on stones, a discussion on the bioprotection of stones by biofilms and lichens, a review of the main analytical techniques, and a section on bioremediation. This volume will be a valuable reference for cultural heritage conservators and restorers, scientists, and heritage-site staff involved in conservation and maintenance of buildings, archaeological sites, parks, and caves.

Biomaterials repair, reinforce or replace damaged functional parts of the (human) body. All mechanical and biological interactions between an implant and the body occur across the interface, which has to correspond as nearly as possible to its particular function. Much of the progress in adapting polymer materials for use in a biological environment has been obtained through irradiation techniques. For this reason the most recent developments in four key areas are reviewed in this special volume: (1) the analysis of the topology and the elemental composition of a functional surface, (2) the chemical modification of the surface which results in highly pure, sterile and versatile surfaces, (3) the sterilisation of implantable devices via ionising radiation and its possible effects on the structural mechanical properties of polymers, and (4) the radiation effects on living cells and tissues which are of particular importance for radiation protection and radiotherapy.

Any notion that surface science is all about semiconductors and coatings is laid to rest by this encyclopedic publication: Bioengineered interfaces in medicine, interstellar dust, DNA computation, conducting polymers, the surfaces of atomic nuclei - all are brought up to date. Frontiers in Surface and Interface Science - a milestone publication deserving a wide readership. It combines a sweeping expert survey of research today with an educated look into the future. It is a future that embraces surface phenomena on scales from the subatomic to the galactic, as well as traditional topics like semiconductor design, catalysis, and surface processing, modeling and characterization. And, great efforts have been made to express sophisticated ideas in an attractive and accessible way. Nanotechnology, surfaces for DNA computation, polymer-based electronics, soft surfaces, interstellar surface chemistry - all feature in this comprehensive collection.

Comprehensive Biomaterials II, Second Edition, Seven Volume Set brings together the myriad facets of biomaterials into one expertly-written series of edited volumes. Articles address the current status of nearly all biomaterials in the field, their strengths and weaknesses, their future prospects, appropriate analytical methods and testing, device applications and performance, emerging candidate materials as competitors and disruptive technologies, research and development, regulatory management, commercial aspects, and applications, including medical applications. Detailed coverage is given to both new and emerging areas and the latest research in more traditional areas of the field. Particular attention is given to those areas in which major recent developments have taken place. This new edition, with 75% new or updated articles, will provide biomedical scientists in industry, government, academia, and research organizations with an accurate perspective on the field in a manner that is both accessible and thorough. Reviews the current status of nearly all biomaterials in the field by analyzing their strengths and weaknesses, performance, and future prospects Covers all significant emerging technologies in areas such as 3D printing of tissues, organs and scaffolds, cell encapsulation; multimodal delivery, cancer/vaccine - biomaterial applications, neural interface understanding, materials used for in situ imaging, and infection prevention and treatment Effectively describes the many modern aspects of biomaterials from basic science, to clinical applications

This book discusses the theory and the practice of using Fourier descriptors as a method for measuring the shape of whole, or parts of organisms.

This second edition details new and updated chapters on key methodologies and breakthroughs in the mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) field. Chapters guide readers through nano-Desorption Electrospray Ionisation (nDESI), Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation-2 (MALDI-2), Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) ,Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) with a variety of diverse samples including eye tissue, crop analysis, 3D cell culture models, and counterfeit goods analysis. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Imaging Mass Spectrometry: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.