For the first time, this book offers a critical review of the calcification process of the organic and inorganic phases of mineralized tissues focusing on the earliest phases. It includes a methodological chapter which provides the necessary practical information for making appropriate choices. The book is set to become an important reference source for the shelves of bone densitometry labs across the world.
Calcification in Biological Systems provides a collection of up-to-date papers regarding calcification in a variety of biological systems. The papers are not simple reviews of the literature. Each paper reflects the personal experience of the author(s) and is rich in constructive criticism and suggestions. Topics range from basic molecular processes to general structural problems in systems as different as unicellular organisms and human skeletal tissues. Because calcification is so diffuse in the animal kingdom, this book makes no attempt to achieve a conclusive synthesis of available results and current ideas. Instead, its merit lies in its ability to be useful to investigators with different scientific backgrounds and areas of interest.
Calcification in Biological Systems provides a collection of up-to-date papers regarding calcification in a variety of biological systems. The papers are not simple reviews of the literature. Each paper reflects the personal experience of the author(s) and is rich in constructive criticism and suggestions. Topics range from basic molecular processes to general structural problems in systems as different as unicellular organisms and human skeletal tissues. Because calcification is so diffuse in the animal kingdom, this book makes no attempt to achieve a conclusive synthesis of available results and current ideas. Instead, its merit lies in its ability to be useful to investigators with different scientific backgrounds and areas of interest.
This first comprehensive overview of the modern aspects of biomineralization represents life and materials science at its best: Bioinspired pathways are the hot topics in many disciplines and this holds especially true for biomineralization. Here, the editors -- well-known members of associations and prestigious institutes -- have assembled an international team of renowned authors to provide first-hand research results. This second volume deals with biometic model systems in biomineralization, including the biomineral approach to bionics, bioinspired materials synthesis and bio-supported materials chemistry, encapsulation and the imaging of internal nanostructures of biominerals. An interdisciplinary must-have account, for biochemists, bioinorganic chemists, lecturers in chemistry and biochemistry, materials scientists, biologists, and solid state physicists.
The deposition of calcium-containing salts is a widespread phenomenon in both the plant and animal kingdoms. Its occurrence suggests a generalized biological adaptation to environments rich in calcium. Indeed, the Archaean ocean was rich in calcium carbonate, and traces of ancient organisms have been found in lime stones estimated to be about 2. 7 billion years old. The fundamental nature of biological calcification makes it a subject of interest not only to the student of calcium metabolism and skeletal physiology, but also to biologists in general. As in many areas of biological science recent progress in this field has been rapid, and no attempt was made here to cover all the biological systems in which calcifica tion is an important facet of the organisms' method of operation. Calcification is approached in this volume at the levels of the cellular sites and molecular mechan isms that are involved in this process. The ultrastructural and chemical features of the cells and their products which are associated with calcification are empha sized in several chapters. The editor, in inviting contributions from authors, in tended that collectively the chapters should convey a sense of the ubiquitous and essential nature of the role of calcification in several phyla of the plant and animal kingdoms. The researchers were biochemists, physical chemists, cell biologists and physiologists; some represented medicine and dentistry; all were interested in calcification.
Biominerals are generated by the subtle interaction of biological organization and mineral growth. They belong both to the living and the inanimate world and as such their genesis is among the most intri guing and fundamental subjects in science. However, the conceptual and technical resources that are available in physical chemistry and in the biological sciences is often inadequate for the elucidation of the pro blems involved, and hence this field is particularly difficult to ex plore. This may be an important reason why fundamental research on bio mineralization mechanisms has traditionally been carried out by a com paratively small group of scientists. There are signs, however, that the situation is ripe for a change. Various meetings on biomineralization have been organized in the last few years, particularly in the medical sector. It is generally felt that further developments in the therapy of bone and tooth diseases will be largely dependent on an improved understanding of the fundamen tal underlying mechanisms of biomineralization.
Due to a great chemical similarity with the biological calcified tissues, many calcium orthophosphates possess remarkable biocompatibility and bioactivity. Materials scientists use this property extensively to construct artificial bone grafts that are either entirely made of or only surface-coated with the biologically relevant calcium orthophospha
Breast Imaging presents a comprehensive review of the subject matter commonly encountered by practicing radiologists and radiology residents in training. This volume includes succinct overviews of breast cancer epidemiology, screening, staging, and treatment; overviews of all imaging modalities including mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and MRI; step-by-step approaches for image-guided breast interventions; and high-yield chapters organized by specific imaging finding seen on mammography, tomosynthesis, ultrasound, and MRI. Part of the Rotations in Radiology series, this book offers a guided approach to breast imaging interpretation and techniques, highlighting the nuances necessary to arrive at the best diagnosis and management. Each chapter contains a targeted discussion of an imaging finding which reviews the anatomy and physiology, distinguishing features, imaging techniques, differential diagnosis, clinical issues, key points, and further reading. Breast Imaging is a must-read for residents and practicing radiologists seeking a foundation for the essential knowledge base in breast imaging.
The ocean has absorbed a significant portion of all human-made carbon dioxide emissions. This benefits human society by moderating the rate of climate change, but also causes unprecedented changes to ocean chemistry. Carbon dioxide taken up by the ocean decreases the pH of the water and leads to a suite of chemical changes collectively known as ocean acidification. The long term consequences of ocean acidification are not known, but are expected to result in changes to many ecosystems and the services they provide to society. Ocean Acidification: A National Strategy to Meet the Challenges of a Changing Ocean reviews the current state of knowledge, explores gaps in understanding, and identifies several key findings. Like climate change, ocean acidification is a growing global problem that will intensify with continued CO2 emissions and has the potential to change marine ecosystems and affect benefits to society. The federal government has taken positive initial steps by developing a national ocean acidification program, but more information is needed to fully understand and address the threat that ocean acidification may pose to marine ecosystems and the services they provide. In addition, a global observation network of chemical and biological sensors is needed to monitor changes in ocean conditions attributable to acidification.
