A translational overview of neuroimmune diseases for neuroscientists and clinicians that clarifies the pathological mechanisms underlying neuroimmune diseases and builds a comprehensive bridge between the latest research findings and their clinical implications in daily practice. The material is presented in two steps. The first section comprises a review of the pathogenic actions of immune cells in brain diseases. Here the authors discuss the mechanisms through which immune cells disrupt the functions of nerve cells. The second section explores the ways in which the brain becomes dysfunctional due to impaired nerve cell function. Based on pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed for each clinical category. The book will be invaluable for use in clinical practice of neuroimmune diseases

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

Kochman (scientific group leader, Institute of Microsystems Engineering, U. of Freiburg, Germany) presents 16 papers exploring the state of the art in micro process engineering. The text begins with fundamentals, including chapters on methods and technology; momentum and heat transfer; transport processes and exchange equipment; multiphase flow, evaporation, and condensation at the microscale; generation and multiphase flow of emulsions in microchannels; and chemical reactions in continuous-flow microstructured reactors. Next come discussions of design process and project management, simulation and analytical modeling for microreactor design, and integration of sensors and process-analytical techniques. Fabrication technologies and materials are considered in chapters on microfabrication in metals and polymers, silicon microfabrication for microfluidics, and microfabrication in ceramics and glass. The remaining papers look at industrial applications in the US, Europe, and Japan; as well as laboratory applications of microstructured devices in student education. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

Researchers have used a variety of techniques over the past century to gain fun- mental insights in the field of immunology and, as technology has advanced, so too has the ability of researchers to delve deeper into the biological mechanics of immunity. The immune system is exceedingly complex and must patrol the entire body to protect us from foreign invaders. This requires the immune system to be highly mobile and adaptable - able to respond to diverse microbial challenges while maintaining the ability to distinguish self from a foreign invader. This latter feature is of great importance because the immune system is equipped with toxic mediators, and a failure in self/non-self discrimination can result in serious diseases. Fortunately, in most cases, the immune system operates within the framework of its elegant design and protects us from diverse microbial challenges without initiating disease. Because the immune system is not confined to a single tissue, a comprehensive understanding of immunity requires that research be conducted at the molecular, cellular, and systems level. Immune cells often find customized solutions to h- dling microbial insults that depend on the tissue(s) in which the pathogen is found.