This open access book elucidates new biological phenomena caused by extracellular fine particles and highlights the development of base technologies for their control. In this book, the latest knowledge is collected on the principles of extracellular fine particles recognition, action, and biological responses. In addition, the base technologies for their detection, separation, measurement, and analysis are discussed. It also presents the treatment of endogenous and exogenous fine particles and analytical methods as well as functions of extracellular fine particles. This book is useful for undergraduate and graduate students engaged in research on extracellular fine particles, academic and corporate researchers, as well as national think tanks and national policy makers to understand the basics and applications of extracellular microparticles.

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment.

The partition of fluid between the vascular and interstitial compartments is regulated by forces (hydrostatic and oncotic) operating across the microvascular walls and the surface areas of permeable structures comprising the endothelial barrier to fluid and solute exchange, as well as within the extracellular matrix and lymphatics. In addition to its role in the regulation of vascular volume, transcapillary fluid filtration also allows for continuous turnover of water bathing tissue cells, providing the medium for diffusional flux of oxygen and nutrients required for cellular metabolism and removal of metabolic byproducts. Transendothelial volume flow has also been shown to influence vascular smooth muscle tone in arterioles, hydraulic conductivity in capillaries, and neutrophil transmigration across postcapillary venules, while the flow of this filtrate through the interstitial spaces functions to modify the activities of parenchymal, resident tissue, and metastasizing tumor cells. Likewise, the flow of lymph, which is driven by capillary filtration, is important for the transport of immune and tumor cells, antigen delivery to lymph nodes, and for return of filtered fluid and extravasated proteins to the blood. Given this background, the aims of this treatise are to summarize our current understanding of the factors involved in the regulation of transcapillary fluid movement, how fluid movements across the endothelial barrier and through the interstitium and lymphatic vessels influence cell function and behavior, and the pathophysiology of edema formation. Table of Contents: Fluid Movement Across the Endothelial Barrier / The Interstitium / The Lymphatic Vasculature / Pathophysiology of Edema Formation

This book provides an in-depth overview on the manifold functions of fungal extracellular vesicles (EV) which span from cell-to-cell communication, pathogenicity and stimulation of host’s immunity to export of hundreds of biomolecules. The book summarizes the present knowledge on the impact of extracellular vesicles on fungal biology. Extracellular vesicles participate in fundamental biological processes in all living cells but only during the last 15 years the production and functions of EVs were identified and studied in fungal species too. Up to date more than 50 independent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles are produced by at least 20 fungal species. The book addresses researchers and advanced students in Microbiology, Mycology and Biotechnology.

The manipulation of cells and microparticles within microfluidic systems using external forces is valuable for many microscale analytical and bioanalytical applications. Acoustofluidics is the ultrasound-based external forcing of microparticles with microfluidic systems. It has gained much interest because it allows for the simple label-free separation of microparticles based on their mechanical properties without affecting the microparticles themselves. Microscale Acoustofluidics provides an introduction to the field providing the background to the fundamental physics including chapters on governing equations in microfluidics and perturbation theory and ultrasound resonances, acoustic radiation force on small particles, continuum mechanics for ultrasonic particle manipulation, and piezoelectricity and application to the excitation of acoustic fields for ultrasonic particle manipulation. The book also provides information on the design and characterization of ultrasonic particle manipulation devices as well as applications in acoustic trapping and immunoassays. Written by leading experts in the field, the book will appeal to postgraduate students and researchers interested in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip applications.

A classic nephrology reference for over 20 years, Seldin & Giebisch's The Kidney, is the acknowledged authority on renal physiology and pathophysiology. The fourth edition follows the changed focus of nephrology research to the study of how individual molecules work together to affect cellular and organ function, emphasizing the mechanisms of disease. With over 40 new chapters and over 1000 illustrations, this edition offers the most in-depth discussion anywhere of the physiologic and pathophysiologic processes of renal disease. Comprehensive, authoritative coverage progresses from molecular biology and cell physiology to clinical issues regarding renal function and dysfunction. If you research the development of normal renal function or the mechanisms underlying renal disease, Seldin & Giebisch's The Kidney is your number one source for information.* Offers the most comprehensive coverage of fluid and electrolyte regulation and dysregulation in 51 completely revised chapters unlike Brenner & Rector's The Kidney which devotes only 7 chapters to this topic.* Includes 3 sections, 31 chapters, devoted to regulation and disorders of acid-base homeostasis, and epithelial and nonepithelial transport regulation. Brenner & Rector's only devotes 5 chapters to these topics.* Previous three editions edited by Donald Seldin and Gerhard Giebisch, world renowned names in nephrology. The title for the fourth edition has been changed to reflect their considerable work on previous editions and they have also written the forward for this edition. * Over 20 million adults over age 20 have chronic kidney disease with the number of people diagnosed doubling each decade making it America's ninth leading cause of death.