Introduction
Brief overview of numbers and scales
History of cell mechanics
Outline of the book
Problems
Mechanics of Single Molecules and Single Proteins
Macromolecules, small molecules, and machines: How are they alike? How do they differ?
Thermal energy, equipartition, and the Boltzmann distribution
Thermal ratchets: what are they? A practical definition
Detailed balance
Entropy and enthalpy
Two ways to model a chemomechanical transition: macromechanical view versus statistical mechanics view – when do they apply?
Conclusions
Problems
Nucleus Mechanics
DNA
Lamins
Whole nucleus properties
Problems
Nanoscale Imaging and Modeling
The structures of entropy partitioning
Atomic force microscopy
Further Considerations
Questions
Cell-substrate Interactions
Introduction
Effect of substrate stiffness and matrix ligand on cell morphology
Morphology: Integration of biochemical and biophysical factors
Effect of substrate stiffness and matrix ligand on cell motility
Motility: Integration of biochemical and biophysical factors
Effect of substrate stiffness and matrix ligand on cell mechanics
Cell mechanics: Integration of biochemical and biophysical factors
Changes in substrate stiffness in disease
Cell-Substrate Mechanics: Conclusions
Axonal Transport and Neuromechanics
Introduction
Structural organization within the neuron
Axonal Transport of the Cytoskeleton
Neuromechanics
Summary and Outlook
Implications for Disease – Valvular Fibrosis and the Myofibroblast
Introduction
The Myofibroblast
Mechanical Regulation of Valvular Fibrosis
Conclusions
Index
References
Biography
Bradley E. Layton is associate professor in the Applied Computing and Engineering Technology Department and an affiliated faculty in the Biophysics and Biochemistry Program at the University of Montana, USA. He earned his PhD in biomedical engineering and MS in mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan, USA. He also holds an SB in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA, and a Professional Engineer’s license. Prof. Layton is an editor for the Institute of Electrical Engineering and Electronics and Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society, and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering and the Order of the Engineer. He is an avid bicycle builder, cyclist, kayaker, and a former member of the United States National Rowing Team. He lives with his wife and two children in the Rattlesnake Valley in Missoula, Montana.
