Today’s tissue microarray (TMA) method presents as a modern high-tech technology, one which allows for the linking of clinical data to the tissues that are combined on one slide. In Tissue Microarrays: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers explore the current world of TMA making and TMA applications, providing insight into the inherent and complex aspects of the most popular assays used for in-situ tissue analysis. Chapters examine the range of TMA techniques that allow for a large number of tissues to be included in one TMA, preserve the integrity of donor tissue blocks, and present a highly organized array pattern that allows for the reliable allocation of clinical data to individual tissue spots. Composed in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, each chapter contains a brief introduction, step-by-step methods, a list of necessary materials, and a Notes section which shares tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Contemporary and ground-breaking, Tissue Microarrays: Methods and Protocols serves as an essential handbook for pathologists, molecular biologists, researchers in the life sciences, as well as physicians, a reflection of the various applications of current TMA technology.

The 11th International Conference on Medical Imaging and Computer Assisted Intervention, MICCAI 2008, was held at the Helen and Martin Kimmel Center of New York University, New York City, USA on September 6–10, 2008. MICCAI is the premier international conference in this domain, with - depth papers on the multidisciplinary ?elds of biomedical image computing and analysis, computer assisted intervention and medical robotics. The conference brings together biological scientists, clinicians, computer scientists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists and other interested researchers and o?ers them a forum to exchange ideas in these exciting and rapidly growing ?elds. The conference is both very selective and very attractive: this year we - ceived a record number of 700 submissions from 34 countries and 6 continents, fromwhich258papers were selectedfor publication,whichcorrespondsto a s- cess rate of approximately 36%. Some interesting facts about the distribution of submitted and accepted papers are shown graphically at the end of this preface. The paper selection process this year was based on the following procedure, which included the introduction of several novelties over previous years. 1. A ProgramCommittee (PC) of 49 members was recruited by the Program Chairs,to getthenecessarybody ofexpertiseandgeographicalcoverage.All PC members agreed in advance to participate in the ?nal paper selection process. 2. Key words grouped in 7 categories were used to describe the content of the submissions and the expertise of the reviewers.

The 'Advanced Methods' series is intended for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and established research scientists. Titles in the series are designed to cover current important areas of research in life sciences, and include both theoretical background and detailed protocols. The aim is to give researchers sufficient theory, supported by references, to take the given protocols and adapt them to their particular experimental systems. Microarrays and Microplates title looks at the new microarray and microplate-based technologies which facilitate large-scale analysis of DNA sequence variants, mRNA molecules and proteins. The book provides a review of the various methodologies being used to identify genetic variants and gene regulation and guides readers through both the application of these methodologies and experimental procedures.

This volume not only discusses various common biobanking topics, it also delves into less-discussed subjects such as what is needed to start a biobank, training of new biobanking personnel, and ethnic representation in biospecimen research. Other chapters in this book span practical topics including: disaster prevention and recovery; information technology; flora and fauna preservation including zoological fluid specimen photography; surgical and autopsy biobanking; biobanking of bodily fluids; biosafety; cutting frozen sections; immunohistochemistry; nucleic acid extraction; and biospecimen shipping. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Unique and comprehensive, Biobanking: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for novice and practicing biobankers, and for end-user researchers. This book aims to bring new insight into the field and expand on current biomedical biobanking studies.

Microarray Technology, Volumes 1 and 2, present information in designing and fabricating arrays and binding studies with biological analytes while providing the reader with a broad description of microarray technology tools and their potential applications. The first volume deals with methods and protocols for the preparation of microarrays. The second volume details applications and data analysis, which is important in analyzing the enormous data coming out of microarray experiments. Among the topics discussed in Volume 1: Synthesis Methods, are matrices in the synthesis of microarrays, array optimization processes, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, 60-mer oligonucleotide probes, bifunctional reagents NTMTA and NTPAC, and high density arrays using digital microarray synthesis platforms. Other topics include multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), hybridization conditions in situ-synthesized oligo arrays, peptide arrays, high density replication tools (HDRT), protocols for the quantification of oligo hybridization, glyco-bead arrays, and an investigation into the emerging nano technology. Microarray Technology, Volumes 1 and 2, provide ample information to all levels of scientists from novice to those intimately familiar with array technology.

The effort to sequence the human genome has generated a new discipline, functional genomics, or the study of the relationship between the genetic code and its biologic potential. Gene expression studies are made possible not only by the decoding of the human genome, but by the development of new technologies. The preeminent technology in this area, DNA microarrays, is helping to revolutionize the field of neuroscience.