Illustrations by Lorie M. Gavulic, MFA Sponsored by the American Society for Neurochemistry.

This volume is a collection of articles written by Nobel Laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini and published from 1942 to 1995. Studies described in the first part set the stage for the discovery of a protein molecule which became known as the Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), described in detail in the second part. The NGF synthesized in minute amounts in all vertebrate tissues, plays an essential role in the differentiation and survival of several nerve cell populations in the peripheral and central nervous system. The discovery of the NGF was defined by the Nobel Foundation as a milestone in developmental neurobiology, and the author was awarded in 1986 with this prestigious award. Studies pursued in subsequent years and still in progress, have unveiled other fundamental properties of the NGF, described in the third part of this volume.

A host of environmental factors regulate the embryonic development of neurons. In adults, the survival of neurons, the regeneration of damaged axons, and plastic changes in axonal arborization are also controlled by a complex array of environmental cues. An important category of regulatory influences involves target-derived hormone-like peptides act ing on neuronal cell surface receptors. Nerve growth factor (NGF) was the first such factor to be characterized (LEVI MONTALCINI and HAMBURGER 1953) and has served as the model against which all similar factors are compared. A number of factors with properties similar to NGF have been described with activities toward differing populations of neurons. Many of these factors have been characterized only poorly at the biochemical level. However, several factors have been charac terized to the extent that molecular clones are available and complete amino acid sequences are known. These include: three structurally related factors, NGF itself (SCOTT et al. 1983), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (LEIBROCK et al. 1989), and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) (MAISONPIERRE et al. 1990; HOHN et al. 1990); ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) (LIN et al. 1989) and a second set of structural homologs; acidic and basic fibroblast growth factors (aFGF, bFGF) (ABRAHAM et al. 1986; JAYE et al. 1986). Investigators have cloned the receptors for NGF (JOHNSON et al. 1986; RADEKE et al. 1987) and FGF (LEE et al. 1989).

Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine, Ninth Edition, offers a balanced view of the most current knowledge of cancer science and clinical oncology practice. This all-new edition is the consummate reference source for medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, internists, surgical oncologists, and others who treat cancer patients. A translational perspective throughout, integrating cancer biology with cancer management providing an in depth understanding of the disease An emphasis on multidisciplinary, research-driven patient care to improve outcomes and optimal use of all appropriate therapies Cutting-edge coverage of personalized cancer care, including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics Concise, readable, clinically relevant text with algorithms, guidelines and insight into the use of both conventional and novel drugs Includes free access to the Wiley Digital Edition providing search across the book, the full reference list with web links, illustrations and photographs, and post-publication updates

The brain ... There is no other part of the human anatomy that is so intriguing. How does it develop and function and why does it sometimes, tragically, degenerate? The answers are complex. In Discovering the Brain, science writer Sandra Ackerman cuts through the complexity to bring this vital topic to the public. The 1990s were declared the "Decade of the Brain" by former President Bush, and the neuroscience community responded with a host of new investigations and conferences. Discovering the Brain is based on the Institute of Medicine conference, Decade of the Brain: Frontiers in Neuroscience and Brain Research. Discovering the Brain is a "field guide" to the brainâ€"an easy-to-read discussion of the brain's physical structure and where functions such as language and music appreciation lie. Ackerman examines: How electrical and chemical signals are conveyed in the brain. The mechanisms by which we see, hear, think, and pay attentionâ€"and how a "gut feeling" actually originates in the brain. Learning and memory retention, including parallels to computer memory and what they might tell us about our own mental capacity. Development of the brain throughout the life span, with a look at the aging brain. Ackerman provides an enlightening chapter on the connection between the brain's physical condition and various mental disorders and notes what progress can realistically be made toward the prevention and treatment of stroke and other ailments. Finally, she explores the potential for major advances during the "Decade of the Brain," with a look at medical imaging techniquesâ€"what various technologies can and cannot tell usâ€"and how the public and private sectors can contribute to continued advances in neuroscience. This highly readable volume will provide the public and policymakersâ€"and many scientists as wellâ€"with a helpful guide to understanding the many discoveries that are sure to be announced throughout the "Decade of the Brain."

How we raise young children is one of today's most highly personalized and sharply politicized issues, in part because each of us can claim some level of "expertise." The debate has intensified as discoveries about our development-in the womb and in the first months and years-have reached the popular media. How can we use our burgeoning knowledge to assure the well-being of all young children, for their own sake as well as for the sake of our nation? Drawing from new findings, this book presents important conclusions about nature-versus-nurture, the impact of being born into a working family, the effect of politics on programs for children, the costs and benefits of intervention, and other issues. The committee issues a series of challenges to decision makers regarding the quality of child care, issues of racial and ethnic diversity, the integration of children's cognitive and emotional development, and more. Authoritative yet accessible, From Neurons to Neighborhoods presents the evidence about "brain wiring" and how kids learn to speak, think, and regulate their behavior. It examines the effect of the climate-family, child care, community-within which the child grows.

Degeneration of sensory receptors or of the nerves innervating them leads to a sensory deficit. Various strategies have been tried for promoting regrowth of sensory receptors, particularly in the eye and ear. The latest data from experimental studies in animals are presented in the book including applications of BDNF and CNTF in the eye and epidermal growth factor in the ear.