Radioactive Tracers in Biology: An Introduction to Trace Methodology, Second Edition focuses on the biochemical and physiological aspects of tracer research, including medical applications of tracer techniques, radioactivity, radiation hazards, and radioactive isotopes. The book first offers information on atomic nuclei, radioactivity, and the production of radioactive isotopes and radiation characteristics of tracer atoms. Discussions focus on nuclear reactions, neutron-induced and deuteron-induced transmutations, properties of atomic nuclei, and target techniques and radiochemistry. The manuscript also ponders on the procedures for radioactive assay and radiation hazards. The text examines the biochemical, medical, and physiological applications of tracer methodology. The manuscript also takes a look at radioactive hydrogen, short-lived and long-lived radioactive carbon, radioactive phosphorus and sulfur, and alkali metal and alkaline earth tracers. Topics include synthesis of organic intermediates for tracer carbon studies; biosynthesis of labeled carbon compounds; and general survey of alkali metal tracers. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in radioactive tracers.

A solid introduction to stable isotopes that can also be used as an instructive review for more experienced researchers and professionals. The book approaches the use of isotopes from the perspective of ecological and biological research, but its concepts can be applied within other disciplines. A novel, step-by-step spreadsheet modeling approach is also presented for circulating tracers in any ecological system, including any favorite system an ecologist might dream up while sitting at a computer. The author’s humorous and lighthearted style painlessly imparts the principles of isotope ecology. The online material contains color illustrations, spreadsheet models, technical appendices, and problems and answers.

In the past few years, the number of applications of tracers for in vivo biomedical studies has greatly increased. New analytical tools at the genetic and protein levels have spurred this growth, opening the door for a deeper understanding of metabolic events. This in turn promises to yield significant advances in the understanding and treatment of human disease. Now fully revised and expanded, Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition is the established definitive text on stable and radioactive isotope tracers. In unique, multidisciplinary fashion, it presents comprehensive coverage of new methodological, mathematical, and theoretical approaches. This new Second Edition includes: All-new chapters on nuclear magnetic resonance, mass isotopomer analysis, and methods of protein metabolism analysis A completely updated categorized list of over 750 references Major advances in the development of mass isotopomer and positional isotopomer techniques, noninvasive isotope techniques for studying metabolic pathways, hyphenated techniques, and new tracer techniques The latest developments in quantification of DNA synthesis and mass spectrometry spurred by genome sequencing and proteomics New coverage of mathematical modeling Expanded coverage of microdialysis probes, laboratory procedures, and regulatory issues related to human studies In this complete guide to performing tracer studies, the authors systematically cover tracer selection, modeling considerations, sample derivitization, mass spectrometry analysis, and data interpretation. Problems and discussion questions highlight key points in each chapter. Isotope Tracers in Metabolic Research, Second Edition offers students and researchers a comprehensive, practical resource for utilizing the latest tracer methodologies.

This book highlights new and emerging uses of stable isotope analysis in a variety of ecological disciplines. While the use of natural abundance isotopes in ecological research is now relatively standard, new techniques and ways of interpreting patterns are developing rapidly. The second edition of this book provides a thorough, up-to-date examination of these methods of research. As part of the Ecological Methods and Concepts series which provides the latest information on experimental techniques in ecology, this book looks at a wide range of techniques that use natural abundance isotopes to: follow whole ecosystem element cycling understand processes of soil organic matter formation follow the movement of water in whole watersheds understand the effects of pollution in both terrestrial and aquatic environments study extreme systems such as hydrothermal vents follow migrating organisms In each case, the book explains the background to the methodology, looks at the underlying principles and assumptions, and outlines the potential limitations and pitfalls. Stable Isotopes in Ecology and Environmental Science is an ideal resource for both ecologists who are new to isotopic analysis, and more experienced isotope ecologists interested in innovative techniques and pioneering new uses.

Radioactive isotopes and enriched stable isotopes are used widely in medicine, agriculture, industry, and science, where their application allows us to perform many tasks more accurately, more simply, less expensively, and more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Indeed, in many casesâ€"for example, biological tracersâ€"there is no alternative. In a stellar example of "technology transfer" that began before the term was popular, the Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors has supported the development and application of isotopes and their transfer to the private sector. The DOE is now at an important crossroads: Isotope production has suffered as support for DOE's laboratories has declined. In response to a DOE request, this book is an intensive examination of isotope production and availability, including the education and training of those who will be needed to sustain the flow of radioactive and stable materials from their sources to the laboratories and medical care facilities in which they are used. Chapters include an examination of enriched stable isotopes; reactor and accelerator-produced radionuclides; partnerships among industries, national laboratories, and universities; and national isotope policy.

This Very Short Introduction is an exciting and non-traditional approach to understanding the terminology, properties, and classification of chemical elements. It traces the history and cultural impact of the elements on humankind from ancient times through today. Packed with anecdotes, The Elements is a highly engaging and entertaining exploration of the fundamental question: what is the world made from?

Isotopic Tracers in Biology: An Introduction to Tracer Methodology, Third Edition focuses on stable isotopes, structures, composition, and reactions of nitrogen and oxygen, and radioactive tracers. The book first takes a look at atomic nuclei, radioactivity, and the production of radioactive isotopes and radiation characteristics of tracer atoms. Topics include nuclear reactions, general properties of nuclei, radioactivity, target techniques and radiochemistry, and beta and gamma radiations. The text also discusses isotopic assay, radiation hazards, procedures related with sample preparation for radioactive assay, and combustion of labeled materials. The manuscript examines the biochemical, physiological, and medical aspects of tracer methodology, as well as biochemical applications, value of tracer methods for biology, intermediary metabolism, and applications to clinical research. The text also ponders on the isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Concerns include assay of deuterium and tritium, short-lived and heavy stable carbon, and oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus isotopes. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in isotopic tracers.