Summarizes the science of climate change and impacts on the United States, for the public and policymakers.

Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the first volume to be written on the neuropeptide PACAP. It covers all domains of PACAP from molecular and cellular aspects to physiological activities and promises for new therapeutic strategies. Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide is the twentieth volume published in the Endocrine Updates book series under the Series Editorship of Shlomo Melmed, MD.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy is a new surgical method for treating lumbar disc diseases. The goal of the procedure is decompression of the spinal nerve root by percutaneous removal of the nucleus pulposus under local anesthesia. Probably 20 % of all patients requiring lumbar disc surgery can be successfully treated by this method. During the past two years, percutaneous discectomy has spread rapidly, and it is now performed in most clinical departments engaged in spinal surgery. The first International Symposium on Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy, held in Berlin in August 1988, covered all current procedures known as "percutaneous discectomy" and the entire range of percutaneous techniques, both clinical and experimental. Its publication is important because of the recency of this new surgical procedure, the outstanding experience of the speakers - including the Japanese, American, and European "pioneers" of the technique - and last but not least the gaps in the knowledge of physicians concerning this topic. This procedure opens up new perspectives in the surgical treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.

This book provides a clear and comprehensive guide to the clinical prescription of lithium that draws upon evidence-based knowledge of its mechanisms of action. The book is divided into two parts, on the science of lithium and the practice of lithium therapy. The former covers aspects such as the properties of the lithium ion, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, impact on neurotransmission, and gene expression modulation. The section on practice includes discussion of variability in response to lithium, use of lithium in the treatment of bipolar disorders, its value in suicide prevention, administration during pregnancy and in the pediatric age group, and side effects. Lithium is arguably the only true mood stabilizer, and its multifaceted effects across many clinical domains have given rise to a resurgence of interest in recent years, fuelled by both researchers and clinicians. Nevertheless, its use remains constrained by exaggerated concerns about potential side-effects. In reality, lithium is a simple molecule that is relatively straightforward to administer and monitor and has potentially profound benefits at a fraction of the cost of contemporary agents. This book dispels the many myths and concerns that surround its use and will be of interest for clinicians and researchers worldwide, and those that are recipients of lithium therapy.

Begomoviruses are one of the most interesting plant viruses to study for basic and applied research as they cause huge economic losses to agriculture industries and farmers all over the world. They belong to family Geminiviridae and are emergent plant viral pathogens which cause diseases in various crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. They are transmitted by the whitefly (B. tabaci) and have either one (monopartite DNA-A) or two (bipartite DNA-A and DNA-B) genomic components. DNA-A and DNA-B are of ~2600 - 2800 nucleotides each. A number of serious diseases of cultivated crops of the Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families are caused by Begomoviruses which are considered as threat to their cultivation in many countries. Accurate diagnosis is important for successful diseases management, since plants infected by Begomovirus do not recover, suffer serious yield losses and act as further sources of inoculum, which is then picked up and spread by their vector whitefly (B. tabaci). Reports of occurrence of new viruses and re-emergence of several known viruses in new niches have become regular event. In such a dynamic system, growth of several crop species relies on an accurate diagnosis, management and better understanding of the biology of the casual virus. This is crucial to evolve appropriate control practices and to prevent the virus infection. Researchers have achieved considerable progress in characterization, detection and management of virus on different crop species in the last decade. This book covers latest information in diagnosis of begomoviruses in the present scenario and explores the new vistas in the field of genomics and proteomics. Chapters in Section 1 illustrates the occurrence, genome organisation, transmission and diagnostics of begomoviruses. It also details the diseases caused by begomoviruses on different crops, detection techniques and management strategies in support of research findings by presentation of data, graphics, figures and tables. Section 2 is a chapterwise collection of occurrence, diversity and status of begomoviruses in Asian Africa counties where the diseases are most prevalent. This book will provide wide opportunity to the readers to have complete information and status of begomovirus in Asia and Africa. This will be useful resource for researchers and extension workers involved in the begomvirus disease diagnosis and molecular biology. Expert detection, accurate diagnosis and timely management play a significant role in keeping plants free from pathogens. In this book expert researchers share their research knowledge and literature which are vital towards the diagnosis of begomoviruses, addressing traditional plant pathology techniques as well as advanced molecular diagnostic approach. The book deals with the economically important crops including fruits, vegetables along with challenges in crop protection against diseases caused by begomovirus. This will be resourceful and handy for researcher, practitioners and also students.