The role of the cytokine, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), in the immune response and in the immunopathogenesis of different inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious disorders is now well established. The aim of this handbook is to provide an authoritative volume covering all aspects of MIF, from basic molecular biology to structure-function relationships, pathophysiology, genetics, and drug development. Recent studies continue to broaden considerably the role of MIF in both normal physiology and pathology, which range from such diverse areas as oncogenesis, cardiac physiology, and neurodevelopment. MIF's molecular mechanism of action in these contexts is becoming increasingly understood and the role of variant MIF alleles in different conditions continues to be defined. Unique structural features of the protein, such as an intrinsic catalytic activity, and the continuing elucidation of its receptor-dependent mechanism of action offer attractive opportunities for therapeutic intervention. This volume will provide a comprehensive synthesis of the state of the art of MIF science.

This book focuses on the development and use of interoperability standards related to healthcare information technology (HIT) and provides in-depth discussion of the associated essential aspects. The book explains the principles of conformance, examining how to improve the content of healthcare data exchange standards (including HL7 v2.x, V3/CDA, FHIR, CTS2, DICOM, EDIFACT, and ebXML), the rigor of conformance testing, and the interoperability capabilities of healthcare applications for the benefit of healthcare professionals who use HIT, developers of HIT applications, and healthcare consumers who aspire to be recipients of safe and effective health services facilitated through meaningful use of well-designed HIT. Readers will understand the common terms interoperability, conformance, compliance and compatibility, and be prepared to design and implement their own complex interoperable healthcare information system. Chapters address the practical aspects of the subject matter to enable application of previously theoretical concepts. The book provides real-world, concrete examples to explain how to apply the information, and includes many diagrams to illustrate relationships of entities and concepts described in the text. Designed for professionals and practitioners, this book is appropriate for implementers and developers of HIT, technical staff of information technology vendors participating in the development of standards and profiling initiatives, informatics professionals who design conformance testing tools, staff of information technology departments in healthcare institutions, and experts involved in standards development. Healthcare providers and leadership of provider organizations seeking a better understanding of conformance, interoperability, and IT certification processes will benefit from this book, as will students studying healthcare information technology.

"A basic text for beginning copyeditors and a good read for old pros, this handbook will also enlighten any editor contemplating freelance work." -- Margaret Mahan, former Managing Editor, University of Chicago Press, and editor of The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition "The Copyeditor's Handbook brims with valuable information, good advice, and helpful suggestions for novice copyeditors and experienced practitioners. It is comforting to know that current and future copyeditors will be able to turn to this handbook. I'm placing this work, which fills a huge gap in the literature, right beside my dictionary, and will highly recommend it to all my colleagues and students." --Alice Levine, Lecturer, The Denver Publishing Institute, and freelance editor "A definite 'must have' for the beginning to intermediate editor or author, and even the experienced editor. An indispensable reference tool." --Kim Hawley, President, The Chicago Book Clinic "This is the book that every teacher of editing has been waiting for: thorough, clear, authoritative, up-to-date, and sane." --Beth Luey, Director, Scholarly Publishing Program, Arizona State University "This book warms the cockles of the copyediting heart. It is thorough, useful, helpful, and smart. And it fills a huge vacuum." --Constance Hale, author of Sin and Syntax and Wired Style "An excellent resource. The Copyeditor's Handbook should sit on every business editor's shelf, next to the in-house style guide." --Erika Henik, Research Publications Manager, Banc of America Securities LLC

A THOROUGH AND CONTEMPORARY EXPLORATION OF ISSUES FUNDAMENTAL TO MULTICULTURAL COMPETENCY Handbook of Multicultural Counseling Competencies draws together an expert group of contributors who provide a wide range of viewpoints and personal experiences to explore the identification and development of specific competencies necessary to work effectively with an increasingly diverse population. Beginning with a Foreword by Derald Wing Sue, this unique handbook offers a broad, comprehensive view of multiculturalism that is inclusive and reflective. The coverage in this important book lies beyond the scope of traditionally defined multiculturalism, with discussion of historically overlooked groups that have experienced prejudice and bias because of their size, social class, age, language, disability, or sexual orientation. This book provides readers with: Practical cases and examples to enhance skill development, promote critical thinking, and increase awareness A cross-section of diversity characteristics and best practice guidelines Examination of detailed, developmentally relevant competency categories Resources and exercises designed for practitioners at various levels of experience and expertise A forum for debate, discussion, and growth Designed to help readers enhance general multicultural competency and their ability to provide services to the populations specifically described, this thought-provoking text will prove useful in facilitating ongoing dialogues about multicultural competence in all its variations.

Choice Recommended Title, August 2019 Read an exclusive interview with Professor Vera Kolb here. Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution, distribution, and future of life on Earth. This exciting and significant field of research also investigates the potential existence and search for extra-terrestrial life in the Solar System and beyond. This is the first handbook in this burgeoning and interdisciplinary field. Edited by Vera Kolb, a highly respected astrobiologist, this comprehensive resource captures the history and current state of the field. Rich in information and easy to use, it assumes basic knowledge and provides answers to questions from practitioners and specialists in the field, as well as providing key references for further study. Features: Fills an important gap in the market, providing a comprehensive overview of the field Edited by an authority in the subject, with chapters written by experts in the many diverse areas that comprise astrobiology Contains in-depth and broad coverage of an exciting field that will only grow in importance in the decades ahead

Handbook of Immunological Investigations in Children presents an extensive examination of the immune system of children. It discusses the fundamental concepts in immunology. It addresses studies in the primary immunodeficiency diseases. Some of the topics covered in the book are the respiratory disorders; renal disorders; gastrointestinal disorders; endocrine disorders; neurological and psychiatric disease; identifications of diseases of the skin; muscle malfunction and connective tissue disorder; and the methods of infections and immunizations. The definition and description of factors influencing blood and blood-forming elements are fully covered. An in-depth account of the factors causing allergies and cardiovascular diseases are provided. The general characteristics of severe combined immunodeficiency are completely presented. A chapter is devoted to usage of immunoglobulin therapy. Another section focuses on the disorders of neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages. The book can provide useful information to immunologists, pediatricians, doctors, students, and researchers.