Reviewed by Frank Aiello

Sociologist Otto Frank has observed that Western medical treatment involves a compromise between care and efficiency by creating the illusion of involvement. However, this illusion is now showing signs of severe strain as the costs of technology and health services, particularly in America, reach an unconscionable level.

Simply put, few will be able to afford the benefits of scientific medicine or obtain entry into arrogant and greedy healthcare systems which often treat patients as little more than an opportunity to bill an insurance company. Somewhere, in the quest for medical research and research dollars, the physician's commitment to caring for patients has been lost.

In Medicine and Care, Milton J. Lewis notes that outspoken critics such as Thomas McKeown, Archibald Cochrane, Daniel Callahan and Eric Cassell have argued that high-cost, high-technology medicine is resulting in diminishing returns and an unsustainable system:

"It was a health care system with acute separated from chronic patients, home care form hospital care, and preventative measures from curative services. .. In the United States, Daniel Callahan and Eric Cassell were also calling for medicine to rediscover the lost art of caring. Callahan, on the grounds of humanity and economic sustainability, claimed that the health system had to cease giving primacy to high-technology medicine that aimed to cure all diseases and, in a godlike way, forestall death." [p. 61]

Lewis further notes that in the mid 1990s, attention was focused on providing palliative care (especially after the publication of a report by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Science, entitled, Approaching Death. And Lewis writes:

"[The report] identified four broad deficiencies in the care of people with incurable conditions: too may suffered from the failure of caregivers to offer effective palliative and supportive care; from caregivers who pursued aggressive treatment known to be ineffectual and even harmful to the dying patient; from regulations and other issues that frustrated the administration of adequate pain control; from fragmented organization that complicated the coordination of care; from Medicare hospice benefits requirements that could not be reconciled with the progression of many terminal illnesses that lack the steady progression of incurable cancer; from fee structures that induced overuse of procedural services but underuse of patient management and supportive services; from deficiencies in the education of health professionals that meant they did not know how to adequately care for dying patients; and finally from insufficient research (biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and health services) into end-of-life care." [p. 117]

Palliative care is defined by the author as the alleviation or mitigation of suffering, while palliative medicine is recognized as the management of patients in the throes of far-advanced diseases for whom the focus of care is enhancing quality of life. However, in present-day America, both the government and the healthcare industry appear to staunchly resist the focus on palliative care in favor of generating revenue of the massive medical industry:

"Under Medicare, home care programs did best, but for cost reasons, they used nursing homes for inpatient purposes. These homes, however lacked proper pain control services . . . Physicians tended to resist involvement in hospice programs, often referring only for the home support they offered...Medicare regulations sharpened physician opposition by requiring that patients be classified as terminal before admission to the hospice and the recommendations of the hospice team take precedence over the physician's.

"Hospices were often in competition for referrals with area hospitals, nursing homes and home health agencies in a period when health care as a whole was facing financial cutbacks resulting form the government's wish to contain expenditures..." [pp. 138-139]

Lewis writes in a clear and straight-forward manner and does not skirt difficult topic areas, choosing instead to open the eyes of his readers to the fact that sometimes the best medicine is resisting scientific intervention and providing comfort until the hour of death.

In addition to the illuminating information on palliative care and ways that physicians might integrate it into patient-plans, Medicine and Care also contains excellent chapters on the public debate involving pain control and euthanasia and the current state of the 'right-to die' movement (which grabbed international headlines recently in the Terri Schiavo case).

Readers and students should pay careful attention: The issues raised Lewis are not going away anytime soon.

Recommended as a primary text in courses that address new approaches to caring for the terminally ill. Further recommended to Health Science libraries as a general reference text, an in depth exploration of medical, sociological and philosophical issues focused on how to help people die in peace and with dignity. ~The Editor.

Now in its 3rd edition, this text from Oxford is recognized for its readability and clear-honed pitch, as the authors delve deeply into the mechanical specifics of how drugs take action on the human body.

As inferred by its title, Medicinal Chemistry focuses on molecular and biochemical principles, looking to unlock some of the mystery of how narcotics work, analyzing the mechanics of drug action on a broad and incisive molecular plane.

The text begins with a strong overview of the primary principles of medical chemistry, before graduating into exploration of the properties of drug molecules and the characteristics of drug receptors (in turn deftly outlining" drug receptor interactions"). Finally, through analysis of these receptors, the reader will be able to draw a discernible link between how disease stalks a human cell and how science might design better chemical compounds that hold the power to isolate pathogens (and then eradicate them from the host).

Nogrady's and Weaver's third edition is noted for updated information on myriad areas of study. However, the revised chapter on the immune system is of major importance: As Public Health offices in cities across the world struggle to prepare for a possible outbreak of Avian flu, a more acute understanding of how to use drugs to forestall the spread of viral and bacterial disease is desperately needed. To this end, the data Norgrady and Weaver share is vital, as scientists fight against the clock to build medications which have more striking power against pathogens (but don't alter the overall balance of the body). Sections on specific drug classes (including medicines for antihypertensive, antiviral, and anticancer drugs) have also seen vast revision, with recent advances in pharmacological research smartly noted.

Aside from its organization (linear in fashion, building from one topic section to the next so as to create an ordered course of study), the value of this manuscript is in its greater social importance: When researchers come to understand the exact way each different drug class acts on human cell structure, they will then be able to design better medicines with fewer side effects and a more complete ability to counter-act disease. This will result in better medicines at more cost-effective pricing, in turn boosting the world-wide economy.

HUMAN BRAIN ANATOMY IN COMPUTERIZED IMAGES. Second Edition. Hanna Damasio. Oxford University Press. Oxford's place as an academic publisher is personified by this medical science selection: In short, this book is about understanding the makeup of the human brain, a cell-by-cell scientific dissection of our quest for knowledge, this academic testament to our insatiable need to perfect an understanding of the human mind. Here, Damasio presents a compilation of normal brain scans that have been created through the expert analysis of three-dimensional magnetic resonance images. This title is noteworthy because of the sharp and concrete detail with which it allows the reader to peer into the dimensions of the brain and then assess the varied depths of its neurological landscape.

TEXTBOOK OF PALLIATIVE NURSING. Second Edition. Betty R. Ferrell and Nessa Coyle. Oxford University Press. In medicine's ultimate journey to cure disease, it sometimes overlooks an obvious issue: What do we do when the patient can't be cured? How do we gently usher them into death in a dignified and humane manner? In this text, Betty Ferrell (City of Hope National Medical Center) and Nessa Coyle (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) do an exemplary job answering these questions for us in their well-conceived and important nursing manual. Palliative Nursing (now in its second edition) offers concrete direction for hospice and palliative care nurses who are charged with comforting patients in the throes of dying. This title is worthy of firm consideration by both instructors and practicing nurses because it integrates scientific principles (how do we adequately and effectively manage pain?) with personal and private topics (how do we help one embark on the journey into the next state?) in both compassionate and human terms. Upon completion of this book, the reader is left with a deeper understanding that medicine can only go so far. And when that point is reached and the doctor has taken the patient to the end of the road, it becomes the sole responsibility of the care-giver to be able to alleviate the fear and denial the terminal patient is often struggling against. Simply, no nurse who cares for the terminally ill should be without access to this text.

Recommended as a teaching guide in advanced nursing courses that confront palliative care topics. Required for all hospice care centers as an on-the-job resource. Finally, recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text.

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This text by Dr. Prat (Chairman of Pathology University of Barcelona) is unique in both scope and construction -- a manual built for use by the practicing pathologist in the course of patient evaluation, it outlines the anatomy and pathology of the ovary in complete terms.

Pathology begins by surveying the basics of the ovary -- including anatomy and histology. From here, we move into a detailed analysis of the diseases that most commonly strike this region of the body. Well-detailed exploration of all forms of malignancy found in the ovarian system is presented, including discussion of the general features of ovarian cancers (and hereditary factors which also influence predisposition to the disease). In addition, readers will find outstanding chapters on Steroid Cell tumors and various Endocrine Syndromes as related to the incidence of ovarian cancer. Over 500 color plates come together to provide quick diagnostic reference points for the clinician, further assisting in swift diagnosis.

The key element to this text is in the fact that it has been written with a keen and practical eye - with an eye focused on the way that pathologists think and work, the information is presented so as to allow it to be accessed in the course of the treatment room. In short, Pathology is not reserved for research or theoretical discussion, but instead, it is also at home in the hands of the doctor who is in the midst of trying to diagnose a patient who presents with ovarian abnormalities.

Prat, known throughout the world as a leading voice on the subject, wrote this text alone and without co-authors. Accordingly, he achieves a continuity in style and presentation here that is sometimes lacking in other medical science texts. It is this trait (coupled with the fact that the book will be immediately meaningful to the practicing physician) which makes Pathology the authoritative reference in the field.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to all Gynecologists and Gynecologic Pathologists.

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THE SHOULDER. Charles A. Rockwood Jr. Frederick A. Matsen III. Michael A. Wirth. Steven B. Lippitt. Saunders.

This text marks the primary reference available to the medical community on afflictions of the shoulder, collecting the work of 60 authorities in the field and examining the topic in full detail.

The text begins with an over-view of the anatomy of the shoulder (both gross and developmental). From here, the authors move through exploration of how clinicians can most effectively examine and diagnose patients. A complete discussion of the primary problems that surface during examination is included, with fine chapters on rotator cuff injuries, fractures of the clavicle, fractures of the scapula and nerve abnormalities. Finally, the reader will note that material on tumors and related malignant conditions common to the region has also been included - giving the physician a complete summary of everything that is likely to be encountered in this area of the body. In addition, discussion on all treatment options presently available to the patient is provided.

This third edition contains the latest data available to the clinician regarding both diagnosis and treatment. The authors have done a splendid job in chronicling their subject, directing their audience on every aspect of the shoulder practice:

Employing a comprehensive approach in their style, The Shoulder presents information on anatomy, physical examination, x-ray examination, primary symptoms/causes of disease, as well as the most up-to-date treatment options available. And it is here that the meat of the text is realized: Rockwood (Department of Orthopaedics, University of Texas Health Science Center) and co-authors have done an excellent job in discussing how to proceed with treatment according to the individual needs of the patient.

Cutting edge data on arthroscopic procedures establish the far-reaching advancements that have taken place in the field, and further evidence how this area of medicine has evolved. Obviously, the way that physicians evaluate and treat disorders of the shoulder has changed drastically during the last decade, and this selection gathers the most relevant analysis from the top scholars in the field in one place. In light of this fact, The Shoulder is likely to be the only reference text physicians will use on a daily basis in the course of their practice.

Recommended to all health Science libraries as a general reference text in the area of orthopedics. Further recommended as an in-office reference for all orthopedic specialists reflecting the most current research on the subject. Would also prove useful for sports medicine specialists and physical therapists who work with patients suffering from shoulder injury/disease.

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Of Related Importance

Campbell's Operative enjoys an esteemed reputation in surgical circles -- for this biblical reference is all-inclusive and contains the most recent data available on invasive orthopedic procedures. Here, Dr. Canale (Campbell Clinic University of Tennessee) and his co-writers analyze over 1,800 surgical procedures in full and comprehensive detail. These four-volumes feature an amazing 9,000 illustrations and graphics which are designed to direct the surgeon through the often delicate intricacies of these procedures. There is literally something for a reviewer to expand on within very page of this text, but the thing that stands out is in the fact that the writers offer multiple treatment approaches for many of the conditions: the lesson here is that the treating physician should tailor therapy to the individual patient and not fall into a routine when presented with typical clinical problems. Also, there is new research and analysis of hip fractures, which will prove especially meaningful to doctors with vast geriatric practices. In addition, the data on elbow and wrist arthroscopy offers sound alternatives for physicians whose focus is sports medicine and injury (or injury related to repetitive motion). Note: The CD-ROM is an added bonus, as it features video clips of ten procedures that are detailed in the text -- creating a hands-on lecture on video thus allowing the practicing surgeon to absorb this information into the deepness of the mind for long-lasting retention.

SKELETAL TRAUMA. 3rd Edition: Basic Science, Management, and Reconstruction. In 2 Volumes. Bruce D. Browner. Jesse B. Jupiter. Alan M. Levine and Peter G. Trafton. Saunders.

In keeping with Campbell's Operative, Skeletal focuses on advancements in treatment of bone injury. Here, the authors have come up with the definitive specialty text that outlines in comprehensive detail the matters of skeletal trauma. As noted, the focus here is comprehensive, and information on myriad conditions is presented, including cutting-edge material on trauma reconstruction, infection, and management of limb-length discrepancies. 93 contributing writers look into the skeleton of the human body with an eye towards treating common and not-so-common problems. Accordingly, there is a wealth of information on how to confront foot injuries, as well as analysis on total hip-replacement and direction on deformity correction. In light of the myriad subject matter collected here, this text will prove valuable to the many layers of the medical community who routinely encounter skeletal trauma - from Radiologists and Emergency Room personnel to Orthopedic Surgeons (and Physical Therapists responsible for post-op care).

SHOULDER ARTHROSCOPY. Gary M Gartsman. Saunders.

Like the Rockwood title reviewed above, Gartsman (University of Texas Health Science Center) has developed a text that covers the burgeoning arena of arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder in bright detail. Gartsman, widely considered an expert in the field, offers analysis of both complex and simple procedures, with especially relevant material on rotator cuff injuries, as well as treatment options for osteoarthritis (a huge problem in many female geriatric patients). Nearly 1,000 images augment Gartsman's treatise -- offering the surgeon a visual demonstration as he makes his way through the material. Additionally, the video portion of the CD-ROM provides a step-by-step road map advising the surgeon on how to proceed through an arthroscopic procedure. A wealth of information is presented in a clear and practical package, making this required reading for all Orthopedic Surgeons who treat afflictions of the shoulder.

Each selection is recommended to health Science libraries for their value as general reference texts. Further recommended as in-office references for all orthopedic specialists reflecting the most current research on the subject. Would also prove useful for sports medicine specialists and physical therapists who work with patients suffering from skeletal injury/disease. Finally, recommended to Emergency Room physicians for relevant direction on assessing and treating traumatic injuries of the human skeleton.

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Now in its 7th edition, Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology marks the consummate teaching text in the discipline, reviewing each of its major components. The text begins with a broad overview, exploring how Microbiology came to be recognized as an independent area of study.

From here, the reader will be able to examine the basic concepts of chemistry in relation to Microbiology. With the foundation now built for deeper study, the reader will be engaged in an analysis of bacteria and how it constructs the various diseases that impact the human species; this includes a well-researched chapter on airborne bacterial disease. Further, information on micro-organisms (the virus and the fungi) is presented, in addition to thorough discussion on resistance and immune-related disorders.

Because of the way it's written, Alcamo's makes complex material accessible to the student reader. Microbiology is one of the most complex areas of study in all the medical sciences, and Pommerville (Professor of Biology at Glendale Community College) does an admirable job in keeping Alcamo's readable.

Too many times science writers tend to become taken with their knowledge of the subject material, losing sight of the fact that the young reader cannot "keep up." However, this problem does not befall Alcamo's. Instead, the time has been taken to present introductory notes to the student on how to use a textbook. As "basic" as this may sound, do not over-look its importance: instead of jumping into the core of the course material, Pommerville moves into it slowly, allowing the student to absorb the basics that must be learned before advancement in the subject area can be achieved.

There is also a continual impetus here to teach "science as a process of knowing" - a concept which is vital as the student begins to explore the idea of Microbiology in conjunction with the modern practice of medicine. In short, this book has been written for application within the profession rather than mere theoretical study, and it achieves its mission admirably.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text - the material here is presented in a clear and concise manner, with the idea to inspire the student to more in depth study. Further recommended as a classroom text in all Allied Health subjects, and in all nursing programs which explore Microbiology theories.

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GRAY'S ANATOMY E-DITION. The Anatomical Basis Of The Clinical Practice. 39th Edition. Edited by Susan Standring. Churchill-Livingstone/Elsevier.

There is a reason this text has been around for nearly 150 years -- it is simply the best at what it does - surveying the scope of the human anatomy so that the health care community can use it as a resource in the daily course of patient treatment.

Gray's offers so much to its audience that it is impossible for a reviewer to touch on all its significant attributes. However, wrapped up here in its brand new format, the design has been updated to better reflect how doctors practice medicine. The idea here is practicality, and E-Edition is organized according to body region rather than organ system, making it easier for physicians to use in the examining room. This 39th edition is also careful to reflect the changing course of medicine, with inclusion of data on the inner ear, pelvic floor and endoscopic imaging (among so many other relatively new interests of concentration).

To last for a century and a half, you have to be very good at what you do. And that's why we have to recommend Gray's - it is abundantly good at everything it does. And it's best selling point is that it is bold enough to keep up with the times. This E-Edition (the package contains the text, plus the CD-ROM, plus the on-line access) is quite a bold undertaking - bringing Gray's amazing breadth of knowledge to the age of technology.

Remember, the many generations that grew up on Gray's were use to seeing it in its stodgy book form, unaccustomed to seeing it spruced up on computer disk, unaccustomed to seeing the text come springing to electronic life. But by issuing this text in a companion electronic edition, Elsevier has given doctors the chance to obtain continuing web site updates on the subject matter in the comfort of their own offices. Further, these doctors can also use the CD-ROM in conjunction with the text to gain even more from the elaborate images/illustrations. Obviously, our new generation of physicians who have grown up on computers will relish the E-Edition because it has kept up with the way medicine is moving through the 21st century.

Even though its 150 years old, Gray's has been careful to stay current with the changes in medicine, maintaining its place as the elder master of every doctor's medical library.

Recommended to all physicians as an in-office reference manual. Recommended as a class text in all anatomy courses at both the medical school and general college level. Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. The best anatomy text for the last century.

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PHOTOAGING. Edited by Darrell S. Rigel. Robert A. Weiss. Henry W. Lim. Jeffrey S. Dover. Marcel Dekker.

This collection of treatises by some of the leading voices in Dermatological Science examine the effects of the sun on the aging process of skin, looking at the phenomenon in connection with the various treatments clinicians can use to combat symptoms and pathology.

The authors, led by Darrell Rigel (a Professor of Dermatology at New York University School of Medicine) do an exceptional job looking at photoaging in comprehensive terms, beginning their text by exploring the reasons why skin ages in the first place. From here, we are led into a discussion of the effects of UV rays on the human body. It is believed that long-term exposure to UV is at the root of photoaging, and the authors do a fine job is dissecting this topic, instructing the physician on what to look for in the patient who presents with sun-compromised skin (further speaking to how clinicians should approach the study of the effects of UV on the skin).

In addition, a full analysis of all available treatments doctors can use to help restore damaged skin is included (along with a chapter reviewing the particular legal issues pertinent to physicians who treat patients with photo-aged skin).

The comprehensive nature of this text gives it immediate, broad-based reference value to physician, student and researcher. The best aspect of Photoaging is that it deals with the whole of the subject in a detailed and well-organized format. Although it will be of deep value to practicing Dermatologists, the book does a good job in addressing the subject in terms that will be meaningful to the internist and primary care physician as well.

All available treatment options have been examined, with vital chapters on Chemical Peels, Ablative Laser Resurfacing and Fat Transplantation. However, the most timely chapter expands on the use of Botulinum Toxin A in Photoaging, as Bo-Tox is being used more frequently across the country to combat sagging skin. Since patients are likely to be coming to their doctors requesting Bo-Tox treatments more and more in the future, doctors need to have a full understanding of what this course of therapy entails.

Moreover, the authors have also taken the time to address the fact that differences in patient skin require the doctor to tailor treatments to individual needs and genetics - in short, this is not a "one size fits all" area of medicine, and these authors do a laudable job in bringing the point across.

Recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Further recommended to all Dermatologists and internists as an in-office reference presenting cutting-edge research and discussion on the effects of photoaging on human skin.

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By formatting the text in this step-by-step manner, the authors work to build a sound and solid foundation which lets the reader absorb the finer points of oculofacial surgery. Accordingly, this is where the meat of the text is found: Chen, Khan and McCord provide vital counsel in all phases of reconsturctive surgery, touching on the latest advancements in technique and treatment.

Physicians who access Color Atlas will receive expert instruction on Botox application and laser surgery, as well as laser resurfacing procedures to be used in conjunction with drug therapy. There is also an in depth chapter on Asian blepharoplasty with cross-sectional line drawings that note the differences between the Asian and Caucasian upper eyelid structure - a segment that allows the surgeon to study the intricate nature of this facial region in detail before scalpel ever touches skin. Well-used illustrations abound, including line-drawings and color frames which address anatomy as well as surgical methods.

In Color Atlas, Chen and his co-authors have provided a deeply layered text: this book will be looked on as "the authority" in the realm of Oculofacial Surgery for decades to come.

Recommended as in office reference for plastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and head/neck surgeons. Also recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. Finally, Color Atlas would be a sensible choice as a teaching text in any course addressing oculofacial surgical techniques.

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Note: Campbell's is also available in CD-ROM applicable to both Windows and Macintosh systems. The CD contains the full text of the four volume set, additional images, plus the second edition of the Campbell's Urology Study Guide (see our review of the Study Guide in the Library Advisory on the Industry News Page).

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Frank Aiello. 2008. All rights reserved. Frank Aiello and The Electric Review.

Frank Aiello is an attorney who has practiced law in California since the 1970s, including criminal defense, civil and probate work (with a particular expertise in matters of insurance law). He holds a History degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and a Law degree from Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. Reach him via The Electric Review.

Nilsen has formatted her treatise to cover both aspects of emotional and intellectual development for the child-learner. For example, in chapter 1, the author examines separation anxiety and the adjustment of child-to-school; and later, in chapter 5, she examines the best methods to use in order to accurately assess the level of emotional development on the part of the child.

In essence, the whole point behind this text is to help the prospective teacher to see that each child is utterly unique (requiring the instructor to assess them as individuals and not as pieces of the whole).

Week by Week proves Nilsen to be an accomplished academic writer whose work resonates with order and depth. In fact, organization is one of this text's brightest points. Specifically, the author sets a strong foundation for how to properly document a child's core development (such as creating weekly plans of action and honing behavioral observation techniques) before looking at ways to record the growth-progression of the child (anecdotal recordings; logs; checklists; standardized measurements in relation to cognitive development), thus creating this linear and logical roadmap that moves through multiple levels of the subject matter in a thorough yet fast- paced manner.

Going further, what's best about Nilsen's prose style is that it is economical without sacrificing content. In my professional capacity as a book reviewer, I have found that many times academic writers will over-state their subjects, stuffing chapters with facts until they swell well beyond the student's scope of comprehension. Or, academic writers will go to the other extreme: Trying to write so sparsely that they leave gaping holes in chapters, effectively destroying a student's ability to develop an intimate understanding with the author or the data.

However, here, Nilsen reaches a happy medium, giving her readers the information they need without overwhelming them with too many words or too many long-winded passages: Her mission to streamline the idea of the 'teaching process' into digestible portions.

Week by Week is recommended for use in Child Education programs as either a supporting or primary textbook based on its primary strengths - organization and the author's ability to write effectively for the student-audience.

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By John Aiello

Once new parents confirm that the child they've just had is healthy, focus turns to issues of development as they seek to find a path through which to teach their child fundamental life-skills. However, the learning process only begins at home, and in today's fast-paced world of working parents, the task of ushering a tot through these formative years often falls to dedicated child-care providers.

Here, authors Watson and Swim have updated their reference for an all-new 6^th edition,  this child-centered approach designed to help infants and toddlers to quickly become comfortable with the life-long process of learning.

As the reader moves through this text, it becomes readily apparent that teaching a young child requires preparation, empathy and skill. Accordingly, a definite and ordered approach must be undertaken that allows the toddler to confront challenges and assimilate bits of information at a pace that promotes deep retention. Basically, the caregiver must attain a complete understanding of the way the child-brain functions before they can ever hope to succeed as 'teachers.'

In Infants and Toddlers, the authors have gone to great pains to analyze this subject from its foundational perimeters, moving from the basic tenants of the discipline to specific elements of child education. Topics of coverage include infant and toddler developmental characteristics and proper caregiver preparation (with in depth overview of the history and theories that create the core of early child education); how to create a positive learning environment relevant to the young mind in its first 36 months of life; and the path caregivers should take to match teaching strategies with age-level/development level (as a means to give the child only the information they are ready to absorb).

Infants and Toddlers is an important text for many reasons: the writing is superlative, while the breadth and reach of its material transcends the often narrow constraints that plague books about teaching. Here, Watson and Swim are able to show that those providing child-care and instruction to infants and toddlers must develop a kind of partnership with the young learner so as to influence positive intellectual development.

This 6^th edition is noteworthy for the multitude of new information it imparts, including exploration into aspects of brain development (as well as dissection of Lev Vygotsky's socio-cultural theory). In addition, in depth case studies augment the chapters, providing a platform from which the student-reader can quickly apply the core principles they have just learned to a practical setting.

This guide proves indispensable to any technician involved in the electrical industry. In NFPA (published in a handy pocket-size format so that it can be specifically carried on the job), both the practicing electrical engineer and the practicing technician now have a go-to reference on electricity and its governing properties. Here, readers will find everything from frequently referenced 2005 NEC tables to myriad mathematical formulas that apply to the nuts-and-bolts of the everyday profession. Charles Miller, a nationally recognized authority in the field, has organized this material so that it can be used to help a practitioner on the fly complete his project. Topics of coverage include an assortment of wiring configurations for three and four way lighting switches (in addition to data and phone jacks); conduit bending (with notable illustrations to emphasize key points); voltage calculations; conduit and tubing fill tables; load calculations; discussion on conductor sizing; and expansive analysis of Ohm's Law. Finally, Miller has augmented his treatise with a summary of first aid procedures to be followed should emergency strike in the field. Well-presented and impeccably researched, NFPA proves to be a perfect tool-box companion for all electrical professionals (this book that allows busy workers to keep up with changes in the discipline without having to re-enter the classroom). ~John Aiello

Jones and Bartlett Electrical References - In Brief

A USER'S GUIDE TO ELECTRICAL PPE. Based on NFPA 70E. Ray A. Jones. Jane G. Jones. Jones and Bartlett.

Also in pocket-size format, this tiny manual surveys true life and death information on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). For electrical professionals, the specter of electrocution and fatal injury is always present (as amazing amounts of deadly current are often being contacted in dangerous confines). Simply, the only thing for the electrician to rely on is the barrier he's created between body and voltage. This manual by Jones and Jones explores the protective clothing, tools and equipment available to the electrical professional, in addition to pertinent instruction on how to properly use each of these items. The authors have also included details on compliance with OSHA standards, rendering this slim volume as comprehensive as it is practical. ~John Aiello

STALLCUP's ELECTRICAL CALCUALTIONS SIMPLIFIED. 2005. Jones and Bartlett.

Stallcup's is simply the authority in terms of summarizing electrical calculations for the classroom and the working professional. Students seeking certification in the field will find this an invaluable reference tool that surveys the main principles of electric currents (presenting the data in relation to basic Code calculations). Topics of coverage include how to calculate branch-circuits feeder and service loads; conductor ampacities; the sizing of over-current protection devices; raceways and cable trays; motors and motor circuits; A/C and refrigeration equipment; generators; and transformers. Countless illustrations help to evince key-points of understanding, providing the reader with an added instructional tool. ~John Aiello

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This sheaf of flash cards will provide salient direction to medical students at both the undergraduate and graduate level, assisting in the development of a deeper understanding of Pharmacology. Brenner's flash cards are notable for their design that facilities quick and easy reference. Accordingly, cards utilize a dual-sided format: on the first side of the card users will see the drug's name and keys to its pronunciation. The flip side compiles relevant notes on each drug in short-form that serve to provide a basic outline for usage (with data on the primary clinical uses for each medicine). These cards offer information on more than 200 of the most commonly prescribed medications, with color-coding by drug category facilitating student use. Medications featured include: Verapamil; Diltiazem; Enalapril; Methadone; Ipratropium; Testosterone; Trastuzumab (among many others). This selection is a can't miss for stressed out students looking to cut down on study time. For around $35.00, students can buy a classroom resource that in effect offers them a ticket to their own personalized Pharmacology review. ~John Aiello

To this end, the American Pharmacists Association's list of publications is note- worthy because these books speak to the most relevant concerns physicians and pharmacists are likely to have in the course of dispensing medication to patients. Hallmark selections include:

HANDBOOK OF BASIC PHARMACOKINETICS. Wolfgang A. Ritschel. Gregory L. Kearns. American Pharmacists Association. This handbook, now in its sixth edition following its initial release in 1976, addresses the way drugs influence reaction in the human body though absorption, distribution and elimination. Without such specific information, health care providers would be at a loss to provide the correct dosing regimen for a given drug.

Unfortunately, many doctors today are so pressed for time that they fail to thoroughly research the possible effects a medicine might have on a patient before scribbling out a prescription -- probably leaning on the idea that the pharmacist and his trusty electronic computer brain will be there to red flag a possible problem. Yet, sometimes these safety mechanisms fail and potentially fatal reactions occur.

Accordingly, the only way to stem these kinds of problems is to insure that the medical community is educated with the most up-to-date research. Here, Ritschel and Kearns discuss basic pharmacokinetics with a focus on clinical application - rather than lecture to the classroom, the authors have written a book that is meant to assist the provider in the direct treatment of the patient. Topics covered include drug liberation, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination; analysis of medicine effects on the GI tract; and vital data on dispensing drugs to children, the elderly and the obese.

PAGLIAROS' COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO DRUGS AND SUBSTANCES OF ABUSE. Louis A. Pagliaros. With Ann Marie Pagliaros. The only text of its kind to examine the most common drugs responsible for substance abuse. Louis Pagliaros (Professor of Pharmacopsychology) and Anne Marie Pagliaros (Director of Substance Abusology at the University of Alberta) have come up with a different slant on this manual in that in addresses abuses prevalent in both prescription medication and street narcotics (which are usually left out of the standard texts on the subject).

Pagliaros' is also noteworthy because of the way that the authors attempt to examine the hidden reasons why individuals become addicted to certain substances, thus encouraging the physician to thoroughly dissect the addiction potential in a particular patient before dispensing a drug.

In the end, Pagliaros' has been assembled to further the physician's understanding of the substances that are most abused throughout the world so that steps might be taken from the doctor's perspective to mitigate these trends. Includes fine chapters on pyschodepressants and pyschostimulants, as well as discussion of the withdrawal syndromes that will often plague a patient trying to kick an addiction.

HANDBOOK OF NONPRESCRIPTION DRUGS: AN INTERACTIVE APPROACH TO SELF-CARE. Multiple Editors, including Rosemary R. Berardi. American Pharmacists Association.

In this era when millions of Americans can't afford basic health insurance coverage, more and more individuals are moving toward self care as a way to cope with non-life-threatening illness/injury.

In this handbook, the editors have compiled information for the health care provider to use in order to counsel patients on ways to safely and efficiently administer self care (with relevant in depth data on non-prescription drugs and their optimal usage). In addition, readers will note information on non-drug therapies and alternative treatment options all meant to help the patient help himself.

Even though the concept of the text is self care, the secondary theme is safety - the point is that self-care is not a plausible alternative unless patients have a full understanding of their role in the process and a full understanding of how to administer nonprescription medication (and other supportive treatments). To this end, Berardi and her co-editors have created a reference handbook that serves to escort the physician step-by-step through patient instruction on all home care procedures.

Recommended for all health care professionals, from physicians to nurses to pharmacists; in short, any health care provider who has direct contact with patients should have this book available as a teaching tool. Also recommended to public sector libraries as a general reference text.

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THE PHARMACY TECHNICIAN. A Comprehensive Approach. Jahangir Moini. Thomson/Delmar Learning.

The study of Pharmacy Science is one of the burgeoning areas of medicine, with many new challenges facing the young student whose goal is to dispense medication as part of a hospital pharmacy (or retail chain). Accordingly, Moini (Florida Metropolitan University) has written a text that addresses the major topics that comprise the National Certification Exam for pharmacists; simply, the pharmacy student will need to have a firm grasp on all of this data in order to gain licensing in the profession. The best aspect of Moini's presentation is in the way he writes: instead of laboring over passages, he moves through the material in crisp fashion, immediately getting to the core of it. For example, in the chapter on Allergy and Respiratory Drugs, he begins with a quick over-view of the primary anatomy of the system before exploring the concepts of allergic reaction (including a brief but effective snapshot of Anaphylactic Shock). Once Moini's defined the role of Histamines in the process, he begins to analyze the different drug therapies that physicians commonly use to treat allergic conditions - discussing mechanism of action, therapeutic uses, adverse effects and drug interactions for each. These well-organized and well-thought-out chapters lend themselves to the way in which an experienced pharmacy student should approach study for the certification exam: instead of just remembering factual data for a test, the idea here is to learn this information so that it can be used in the course of life-long service to the patient. And from page one onward, Moini meets this goal effectively. Although The Pharmacy Technician has many outstanding aspects to it, readers should take specific notice of the information on both pediatrics and geriatrics: this material is key to the student's development because it illustrates the fact that every different patient presents with unique and individual needs. A Pharmacist can never forget this.

This text is simply imperative for all advanced Pharmacy students studying for the Certification exam; its review should be included as part of their Graduate School curriculum.

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DRUG DISCOVERIES FOR NERVOUS SYSTEMS. Franz F. Hefti. Wiley.

Diseases that attack the nervous system have traditionally been hard to treat with medication because of the complexities of the region - there has simply been limited understanding of what was causing these nervous system breakdowns; thus, physicians have often been unable to know when to prescribe a particular medicine.

However, because of advancements in the field of molecular biology, scientists have recently been able to lift the veil on the mind and begin to solve its many mysteries. Drug Discoveries dedicates itself to recording this mission, dedicated to pursuing treatment options for those afflicted with serious illness born of the brain:

"The human brain defines our place in the universe. What we are able to perceive, comprehend, and influence is determined by the brain and its ability to enhance its own function and devices. The quest to understand our brain, the research field "Neuroscience" bridges science and philosophy. Drugs affecting brain function will thus help us to understand our thought processes and our place in this universe ..."

Hefti's text is revolutionary in scope because of this unique motivation to merge the philosophical realms with the world of medicine. Further, Drug Discoveries differs from similar manuals in that it is formatted by disease instead of drug class - the idea here is to continually juxtapose the affects of the disease against the affects of the drug on the afflicted segment of the nervous system. This perspective forces scientists to not lose sight of the fact that drug therapy cannot be used to maximum efficiency unless we look to discover more information about the area of the brain the drug is acting on:

"Why and how does a drug act? How do we find new and better drugs based on this knowledge? This volume addresses both questions for nervous system diseases ..."

Much new and intriguing data is collected here, including discussion of various nervous system diseases, including schizophrenia, depression, various anxiety disorders and ischemic brain events. There are also highly learned chapters on both Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease -- two afflictions showing a marked increase of incidence during the last decade.

All in all, this is a marvelous text that offers the medical community a new perspective on both treatment and research regarding diseases of the nervous system. Beyond its present value to physicians, it should be referenced by future researchers pursuing advanced understanding of the subject.

Recommended as a class text in courses that focus on neurological and pharmacological research. Further recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference.

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COMPETENCY IN COMBINING PHARMACOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY: INTEGRATED AND SPLIT TREATMENT. From the Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series. Michelle Riba. Richard Balon. Glen Gabbard, Editor. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

By John Aiello

American Psychiatric Publishing's Core Competencies series [1] (Edited by Glen Gabbard) presents five texts on different aspects of psychotherapy, in turn offering both student and practitioner a full overview of the subject. The basic idea behind these textbooks is to impress upon the reader how complicated the human mind is, stressing the fact that treatment of patients with mental disorders requires nuanced care (with patients to be treated as individuals and not 'classic case studies').

Basically, the Core Competencies Series is about enveloping the student or reader in the material until maximum competency is attained. In this volume, doctors learn the intricacies of how to combine elements of psychotherapy with pharmacological (or drug) therapy. As Riba and Balon assert, placing a patient on a narcotic requires delicate understanding as the side effects and related consequences to the patient can be far-reaching and long term. In addition, patients cannot truly receive the full value of medication unless they are also receiving care by physicians skilled at integrating the one-on-one counseling session into a course of treatment that also includes some form of pharmacological therapy.

In this text, Doctors Riba and Balon do an exemplary of writing to their audience; rather than talking down as if lecturing from the classroom podium, the authors instead are able to weave the material into a comprehensive course of study which commands the reader listen and interact with the data on the page (in large part the same role they will play when trying to competently treat patients from a clinical setting). At all times, Riba and Balon speak in clear and concrete terms, marrying one element of the subject to the next, building a true depth of knowledge that is absolutely necessary for competent patient care.

[1] The material in this series is regarded as being at "the core" of the practice of Psychiatric Medicine as outlined by The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and The American Board of Medical Specialties.

INTRODUCTION TO SUPPORTIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY. From the Core Competencies in Psychotherapy Series. Arnold Winston. Richard Rosenthal. Henry Pinsker. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Based on the same premise as the previous selection and serving as an installment in the Core Competency in Psychotherapy Series. This text uses skillfully constructed vignettes as a means to demonstrate how the clinician might formulate an effective doctor-patient relationship. Simply, this aspect of Psychotherapy is the cornerstone of the discipline: no matter the circumstance, a physician has to be able to effectively communicate with the patient; in addition, a patient must trust enough in his doctor to open up and reveal parts of the self. In essence, the physician must be able to support the patient in myriad ways in order to develop a true understanding of the patient's problem and level of pain. Expertly written with a feel for both the physician and patient perspectives.

IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTHCARE. Richard C. Hermann. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

This text is quite unique in scope as it attempts to delineate a specific series of steps to improve healthcare for the patient in the throes of a mental disorder. Hermann's treatise is steeped in "measuring the basics of the processes of mental healthcare," including: patient access; appropriateness of treatment; safety; and continuity of care (which is one of the most important factors to patients enjoying a sustained improvement of their condition). One of the best aspects of Hermann's text is that is sets forth a dedicated plan of attack focusing on the unique issues mental health practitioners face. In this realm of medicine, the patient seeks treatment while fighting against traditional stigmas. Consequently, the physician is in a battle to gain the patient's trust so that a positive course of treatment can ensue. Unfortunately, much of the healthcare community's attention is focused on common medical issues like heart disease and cancer -- with little thought given to treating those whose suffering originates inside the cages of the mind. In essence, Improving Mental Healthcare is a book about 1) identifying ways to make the process of seeking care for a mental disorder better; and 2) implementing these measures in a practical and meaningful way. As a writer, Hermann is thoughtful in his analysis, and he speaks to all segments of the profession (with the material having a particular impact to the practicing clinician who should immediately see himself entwined in these pages).

THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING TEXTBOOK OF MOOD DISORDERS. Edited by Dan J. Stein. David J. Kupfer. Alan F. Schatzberg. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

Stitching together some of the leading voices in psychology, APPI's Textbook of Mood Disorders is the literal bible in this arena detailing the most current data on mood disorders (including diagnosis and treatment). In terms of impact on society, mood disorders are one of the most prevalent forms of illness encountered by physicians and they place an extraordinarily high burden on America's resources. Here, Stein and his co-writers dissect the topic from its foundational perspective in order to paint a clear picture for students and practitioners on how to identify symptoms and move toward effective treatment options. Topics covered are vast, including all types of mood disorders (Psychotic Depression; Seasonal Affective Disorder; Secondary Depression based on medical illness; Major Depression; Substance abuse; and Sleep Disorders). In addition, the authors document treatment options for each class of disorder (such as Pharmacotherapy; Brain stimulation techniques; and various Psychotherapies regimens). Stein and his co-writers also do an outstanding job of leading us through a comprehensive exploration of the epidemiology of these forms of mental illness (after placing them in a certain historical context which serves to give the reader a true understanding of the impact these conditions have had on the world at large).

THE AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING TEXTBOOK OF PSYCHOANALYSIS. Edited by Ethel S. Person. Arnold M. Cooper. Glen O. Gabbard. American Psychiatric Publishing Inc.

A natural companion to Stein's treatise on Mood Disorders, this text talks about every aspect of psychoanalysis (from theory and concept to treatment and technique). The editors have created a resource here that would be particularly useful to doctors who are in the midst of treating patients as the authors' ability to discuss psychoanalysis in broad terms evinces that this is a complicated and ever-changing area that requires practitioners to be creative and search within (their ultimate goal to gain patient trust and unlock the hidden vaults of the self). Noted for its impeccable research and clear writing, Textbook of Psychoanalysis offers both students and physicians a wealth of data and inspires deeper study of the discipline.

Each of these selections are highly recommended as in-office references: practicing Psychiatrists/Psychologists will find these to be all-inclusive handbooks that speak to the reality that physicians on the 'frontlines' encounter. Further recommended to all Health Science libraries as general references -- these books embody the idea of a library reference in every way.

Go to appi.org for additional information

ASM PRESS

ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS: ANTIBACTERIALS & ANTIFUNGALS. Editor: Andre Bryskier. ASM Press.

By John Aiello

This volume presents the reader with a comprehensive source of data pertaining to antibiotic medications. In his new edition, Bryskier (Sanofi-Aventis, France) has stitched together a definitive text that dissects antimicrobial agents from a ground zero perspective, as independent elements of the topic build into the next to create a reference that documents the drugs available to physicians to combat infection and the risks that use of these medicines incite.

After providing a historical overview of antibacterial therapy (including the Penicillin and Post-penicillin eras), we move into a summary of the different classifications of antibacterial medications (with review of structure-activity relationship). In addition, Bryskier includes a well-devised chapter on the Epidemiology of Resistance to Antibacterial Agents.

In this segment, the author discusses how pathogens are able to change in structure to literally out-wit a medicine and become resistant. This data builds naturally into the next primary chapter, Development of An Antibiotic, in which Bryskier writes on the creation of infection-fighting drugs. Further discussion includes chapters on the pursuit of new antibiotics; systemic antifungal agents; and the effect of antibiotic treatments on the GI tract.

We recommend this book because of the relevance of this subject matter to both the practice of medicine and to myriad sociological factors. Given today's war-torn consciousness, the threat of bioterrorism is quite real (some would say imminent). Accordingly, a physician's ability to effectively treat patients with antibiotics has not been this challenging since before the advent of penicillin (and its distant cousins in the antibacterial chain). Anthrax poisoning; mutations of the Stapylococcus pathogen with its many ways to cause breakdown of the respiratory system; Helicobacter Pylori and its link to breakdown of the GI tract: These threats to human health represent only the tip of the iceberg.

If doctors are to have even a fighting chance against these crises, than they must be armed with an assortment of medicines with enough power to beat back the changing tides of disease. Look at the latest media coverage of international health issues: As the world prepares for a possible pandemic in the wake of the Avian Flu, it has become an immediate necessity for physicians across the globe to ready themselves to treat patients fallen victim to super-strong pathogens.

How do doctors guard against over-prescription of antibiotics and the weakening of the antimicrobial-agent arsenal? How do researchers attack the need for more efficient antibiotics in the face of a Bird-Flu germ forceful enough to kill millions? How do physicians cope with the destructive impact these medicines have on the human cell structure? The most up-to-date ruminations on these questions is contained in this reference, and it serves as the most complete and tightly structured summaries of antibiotic medications currently available to health care practitioners.

MICROBIOLOGY OF FRESH PRODUCE (Emerging Issues in Food Safety). Editor: Karl R. Matthews. ASM Press.

Also from ASM Press, Microbiology of Fresh Produce continues along the same theme, focusing on how science can work to best control the growth (and spread) of the microorganisms that inhabit fresh fruits and vegetables. As this text documents, bacteria which grow on produce are responsible for myriad foodborne diseases -- pathogens with the potential to cause serious issues among the elderly, the very young, and those with impaired immune systems. Here, Matthews (Department of Food Science, Cook College, Rutgers) and his co-writers have developed a manual that peers into the core of this problem from all four corners of the topic. Readers will immediately see that this is not a one dimensional text that speaks to just one element of the question; instead, Matthews looks to trace how pathogens are born, charting a trail of transmission that extends from the farmer's field to the consumer's table. After reviewing the most common microorganisms found on fruits and vegetables, Matthews discusses how deeper awareness among food producers might serve to quash the onset of disease. From this point, we are given an overview of the Biology of Foodborne Pathogens (before exploring how more sanitary processing procedures might further eradicate many of the diseases which come to afflict the consumer). Finally, the reader is presented with data on how consumers themselves are the last line of defense in the equation: With better knowledge of how to handle produce before eating it, many bouts of illness can easily be avoided. In essence, Matthews' book is about teaching physicians and researchers that control of foodborne disease (through the consumption of produce) is a problem that requires the dissemination of data. Basically, everyone who plays a role in the production of this food chain (farmer; processor; route driver; consumer) must learn how to handle fresh produce properly in its many phases in order to eliminate the microorganisms that thrive on its 'skin.'

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ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS  MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS PROCESSING; ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MECHANICAL DESIGN; ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MANUFACTURING. A three-volume series. Myer Kutz. John Wiley.

By John Aiello

This ground-breaking series from John Wiley will no doubt change the way the academic world perceives the engineering profession. No longer should we view the practice of engineering as separate from the health of the world. Instead, the key is in joining our footsteps with the footsteps of the earth on which we stand. Here, Myer Kutz has embarked on a new and original path as he attempts to shape future engineers into environmentally conscious practitioners whose collective mission is intertwined with the long-term path of the planet. In this 3-part series, Kutz (a world-respected author and information-services consultant) sets out to show students that it is indeed possible to design and manufacture 'environmentally friendly' products that conform to regulatory standards while promoting strict quality-control.

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MECHANICAL DESIGN: Demonstrates that the design phase is the cornerstone of the engineering process, and too, the cornerstone of the 'environmentally conscious' mission. Simply, the cycle of any product is determined at the time the engineer begins to shape and mold his idea into 'being.' In turn, deleterious impact on the environment will be substantially mitigated if the engineer plans well, taking into account the effect of his work on the populous and its collective community. This volume is filled with fantastic insight, as Kutz looks into key concepts such as design reliability and design durability in terms of the environment. The lesson: That all of us, together as one, carry an obligation to not destroy the world's renewable resources - this obligation that extends from our schools and homes to the manufacturing centers of each and every continent.

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MANUFACTURING: Shows students and young engineers how to design products while keeping a trained eye on the environment. This volume offers detailed exploration of metal working and metalworking fluids; metal finishing; electroplating processes; particulate emissions; and air quality. Here, Kutz stresses that it is possible to run a profitable business and still adhere to the idea of the 'bigger picture' - the key to it all is in creativity and in thinking outside the box, the key to it all is in looking at how our actions will effect the next 10 generations (and not just the ink of the bottom line).

ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS MATERIALS AND CHEMICALS PROCESSING: The final installment of the series continues the course of its predecessors, eloquently addressing the question of how to find the best chemicals and materials to build the products we need. In retrospect, this is both the most important and most difficult aspect of the journey, since the long-term effects of chemical properties on the earth are often not fully realized for decades. Thus, engineers must be able to assess potential trouble-points at an early stage, working to mitigate hazards throughout the industrial process. This volume focuses on a vast assortment of topics, including metals, chemicals and plastics, in addition to building and packaging materials. Readers will also find pertinent discussion of ways to reduce waste and control pollution endemic to chemical plants.

Recommended as an in-office resource for all engineers involved in product manufacturing. Further recommended as a classroom text for courses looking to marry the study of engineering with an environmental consciousness. Finally, imperative to all college-level libraries as a general reference text.

FINE CHEMICALS: THE INDUSTRY AND THE BUSINESS. Peter Pollak. Wiley.

The business of chemicals touches each of our lives on an hourly basis - from the medicines we consume to the fire extinguishers we use to protect our property, chemistry drives every component of the modern lifestyle. In Fine Chemicals, Pollak (a world-renowned expert in the field) has created the definitive resource dissecting each facet of the chemical industry now responsible for a staggering $60 billion in annual revenue. Here, Pollak brings inside knowledge to his subject as he instructs his readers on how to succeed in this multi-layered and doggedly competitive arena. In the course of his study, Pollak gives an overview of the top chemical companies in the world, in addition to analyzing both the products and the myriad technologies which drive this market. Topics of coverage include fine chemicals manufacturing; contract research organizations specific to the field; laboratory chemical suppliers; a full summary of the products specific to the fine chemicals industry (including both big and small molecule products); full analysis of the technological systems that enhance production (including traditional chemical synthesis); in addition to summaries of the research, management and economic considerations those who oversee the field must respect. Pollak's treatise is noteworthy for the way it blends information on both the manufacturing and business sides of fine chemical production, giving the reader a very specific roadmap on how to compete in an industry that confronts new challenges on a daily basis. Readers will note that Pollak's presentation is comprehensive in tone, as he has taken great pains to show students how far-reaching the tentacles of the fine chemicals markets are (encompassing everything from pharmaceuticals to the agrochemical and animal-health industries). The text stands out for both its writing and organization, providing a 'bird's eye' view of a topic that is responsible for protecting everything from our bodies to our food and water supplies. ~John Aiello

FLAME RETARDANT POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES. Editors: Alexander B. Morgan; Charles A. Wilkie. Wiley.

This fine text by Wiley extends from the central premise of Pollak's treatise, not so much in relation to subject matter, but by continuing to delineate the mission of the industrial scientist who is charged with developing products that enhance the quality of life for the global citizen/consumer. This text focuses on Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, utilizing a variety of practical examples in order to dissect the core of polymer nanocomposites as they apply to flame retardancy. Chapters focus on all elements of the subject, including theory, design, synthesis and characterization. In sum, Flame Retardant is dedicated to breaking down the primary elements affecting specific fire retardancy mechanisms inherent to nanocomposites, in turn encouraging researchers to design more efficient products for firefighters to use in the field. Noted for its up-to-date perspective and for the way the editors have created a resource applicable not only to behind-the-scenes chemists but to manufacturers, fire-safety engineers and quality control personnel as well. ~John Aiello

COATING AND DRYING DEFECTS: TROUBLESHOOTING OPERATING PROBLEMS. 2nd Edition. Edgar B. Gutoff. Edward D. Cohen. John Wiley.

By John Aiello

Now in its second edition, this volume continues Wiley's journey as preeminent publisher in the realms of industrial and applied chemistry. Here, Gutoff and co-writers have developed a textbook that is completely unique to its audience, addressing common (and not so common) problems inherent with the drying and coating process. Topics of coverage include how to detect defects and eliminate them; the tools used for operation and analysis; problems associated with feed preparation (including filtration and temperature control); problems noted with roll coating; problems in slot, extrusion, slide, and curtain coating; problems inherent with static electricity; and problems that impede proper drying. The idea of this reference is to thoroughly educate manufacturers on how to identify possible trouble-spots within production so as to avoid product defect. As Gutoff and co-authors show us, this is a complicated process with many independent facets that all must come together in a delicate and precise ballet. Accordingly, if one aspect of the process goes awry, defects immediately occur and compromise production. Coating's second edition has been thoroughly updated to address advances in technology affording scientists, engineers and controllers a more effective arsenal with which to improve operating procedures and mitigate corruption. Readers will quickly see that the text excels because it goes beyond basic trouble-shooting applications and instead looks at the methodology of the process: The goal to equip students and professionals with knowledge on how to identify and correct coating and drying defects as they work towards their ultimate prevention.

Recommended as a reference to compliment engineers and quality-control officers within the coating and drying industry. In addition, this text should be used in all advanced applied chemistry courses that teach aspects of this subject matter. Finally, this text belongs center-stage in all college-level libraries: A one-of-a-kind resource that speaks to its subject in eloquent and comprehensive terms.

MEANINGFUL SCENTS AROUND THE WORLD. Roman Kaiser. John Wiley.

The human animal is driven by scent; the animalistic psyche commanded by its interpretation of smell which enhances the quest for food, spirits sexual gratification and augments deeper sense-memory. In this text, flavor-chemist Roman Kaiser presents readers with an exhaustive resource that covers this ever-evolving topic. Meaningful Scents places the reader in the research center beside Kaiser, as he takes us on a tour of the myriad places across the world where he has studied the effect of scent on the development of culture and the individual. Accordingly, Kaiser expertly reviews the natural scents of the world and dissects their skeletons so that we might come to understand their impact on Biology. Simply, threads of fragrance and what we smell allow the animal to gauge danger and detect food, augmenting the senses of sight and hearing and enhancing our ability to taste food. Simply, man's ability to smell allows him to savor the essence of life and investigate its holy depths. Kaiser's intuitive understanding of this subject and his ability to take historical data and synthesize it and then apply it to the journey of man makes this textbook vital to the overall mission of the student of science. As readers will note, man's sense of smell is a key component in his construction and in his unique physiology. Moreover, the way certain odors can be linked to certain cultures enable us to peel away the skin of our beings and engage in a study of anthropology that begins at the sinewy eye of the core. As Kaiser teaches us, there is a meaning within each distinct scent and odor; in turn, being able to investigate what each smell might mean broadens the depth of life and helps us gain a better grasp of ourselves in the process. From page one of this volume, it is apparent that Kaiser is a fine writer with a deep mind, and his ability to put us in touch with distant locations (such as Papua New Guinea and India) present the unique opportunity for us to see how scent helps to refine (and define) a given culture.

This text is recommended to all college-level libraries as a general reference text. In addition, it is recommended as a supporting class text is all science courses that explore the olfactory system.

EDITOR'S PICKS FROM JOHN WILEY

Even though the following books are not featured with full-length reviews, they have in fact been copiously examined by The Editor and they are recommended for consideration/adoption by instructors in each field - each noted for their clarity and breadth, recognized as benchmarks in their respective disciplines. ~John Aiello

DECHEMA CORROSION HANDBOOK. Corrosive Agents and Their Interaction Materials. Second Edition. Edited by Gerhard Kreysa and Michael Sch?ze. John Wiley.

This is a major addition to scientific literature in the area of chemistry and chemical engineering. The Dechema Corrosion Handbook offers an authoritative compendium of data as it relates to corrosion and its myriad chemical processes, including analysis of metallic, non-metallic, organic and inorganic compounds. Amazing its breadth and depth, Dechema not only looks at the origin and phenomenon of corrosive agents, it also examines ways that science might look toward prevention/protection. As a reference text, Dechema has profound value in that the data it collects will help guide researchers toward preservation of natural resources and the overall well-being of the environment.

MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY: IN THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY. Second Edition. Edited by Suzana Pereira Nunes and Klaus-Viktor Peinemann. John Wiley.

In keeping with the underlying mission of the Dechema Corrosion Handbook, Membrane Technology looks to further the health of the environment by showing ways science can look to preserve sources of energy while offering cleaner alternatives to myriad industrial processes. In turn, this text examines various aspects of chemical industry, exploring new technologies and production techniques. Accordingly, Membrane Technology is the only book we have seen that dissects membranes for the chemical industry, identifying how they might be integrated into various chemical processes in order to make these processes more efficient and effective. Readers will find the chapter on fuel cells especially timely and meaningful given the world-wide energy crisis we as a People are facing in the next 100 years. Recommended to both students and established researchers in the fields of chemical engineering, electrochemistry and environmental chemistry for its cutting-edge and comprehensive tone.

STRESS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE. Edited by Arvid Carlsson, Bengt B. Arnetz, and Rolf Ekman. John Wiley.

During the last two decades, the medical community has finally recognized the fact that stress has profound impact on the health of man. Previously, stress was often discounted and dismissed and not accepted as a real cause of breakdown in the health of the individual. But that line of thinking has changed. Here, the perspective of top experts in the field has been compiled, with pertinent discussion on different stressors and how they affect both cognitive and biological well-being. However, readers should note that this is not just a text that discusses its topic in secondary terms. Instead, the authors make a significant effort to provide ways the individual might mitigate stress, a tact meant to bring healthcare providers a step closer to offering practical counsel for their patients. This book is vital to physicians in the clinical setting and also to biological and psychiatric researchers looking to unlock the deep secrets of the human mind in order to understand its impact on the organ systems of the body.

UNDERSTANDING CARCINOGENESIS: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF CANCER. Hippokratis Kiaris. John Wiley.

Cancer remains medicine's greatest challenge, as researchers struggle to unravel the mystery of the cancerous cell so that doctors might reverse its effects before destruction of the human body occurs. In this selection, Kiaris attempts to forge a complete understanding of the molecular basis of cancer, attempting to present researchers and healthcare providers with a road map on how a cancer is born within the body and how it slowly takes hold of a blood source to gain strength and thrive. After introductory remarks detailing basic principles on the clonality of tumors and the hypermutability of the cancer cells, the author moves into a more detailed discussion of the genetic construction of a carcinogen, including comprehensive investigation of tumor biology. Understanding Carcinogenesis is an important moment in medical publishing, for this book is driven by a mission to dissect the moment of birth as it relates to a cancerous cell: The idea here is promote a complete understanding of the layered life of a tumor so that a reliable process to halt the spread of a cancer can be developed. Understanding Carcinogenesis is an indispensable resource for all healthcare professionals involved in cancer research. Further recommended as a teaching text in advanced oncology courses that touch upon the birth the cancerous cell.

HANDBOOK OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE: INFECTION BIOLOGY, VACCINATION, CLINICAL MANAGEMENT. Edited by Matthias Frosch and Martin C. J. Maiden. John Wiley.

This book, edited by leading researchers Matthias Frosch and Martin Maiden, analyzes Meningococcal disease in comprehensive terms, presenting the latest data (as it relates to the onset/development of Meningococcal infection, management of symptoms by the physician, and the reliability of vaccination for this potentially fatal disease). Handbook of Meningococcal collects a vast amount of material. Highlights include chapters on new cutting-edge strategies in vaccine development; the genetics and epidemiology of Meningococcal disease; and aspects of immunobiology now vital to furthering research in the field. Given the threat that fledgling pathogens like SARS and Avian Flu present, the healthcare community's ability to control Meningococcal disease and thwart mutations/variations of this phenomenon will be a key to preserving life should a widespread outbreak of ancillary infection occur. Accordingly, this handbook offers a starting point - a collection of the most expert analysis of the subject written in an impactive and concise style that facilitates deeper study. Appropriate not only for researchers and practicing infectious disease specialists/epidemiologists, but also for public health researchers and for graduate-level students who are preparing to enter this arm of healthcare-defense.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ECOGENETICS. Editors: Lucio G. Costa. David L. Eaton. Wiley-Liss.

This major new release from JohnWiley looks to tie together the threads that link the genetic make-up of the individual with his environment in hopes of better understanding how our surroundings might cause or instigate disease.

There has always been an ecogenetic focus within the scientific community as researchers have long sought to understand how passive elements within the environment (asbestos for example) can alter the molecular structure of a cell and then promote disease (as in lung cancer). However, in this text, Costa and Eaton have taken an incisive and comprehensive approach, building from basic concepts into the multi-layers of advanced study.

Fundamentals Of Ecogenetics is divided into four primary sections of focus. Section one is introductory in nature, with emphasis on fundamental genetics as related to environment. From here, the editors move into investigation of genetic polymorphisms and how these changes within the cell structure (based on genetics) come to shape the body's response to external stimuli (including organic matter and chemical compounds). In the third section, the authors direct their attention to how any predisposed interaction (based on genetics) between an individual and environment can accurately forecast a person's susceptibility to disease. Finally, in section four, the myriad social, legal and ethical questions that surface once the researcher begins such an analysis are examined in deep detail.

The importance of this text and its erudite discussions of genetic patterns cannot be understated, as its authors attempt to break down different codes of human genetics and then dissect their findings in relation to various environmental factors (in turn establishing a correlation between external factors and the body's vulnerability to disease). The idea here is for the researcher to look deeper than the fact that certain chemicals are carcinogenic. Instead, the point of this research is to understand exactly what genetic traits might cause a specific reaction to environmental stimuli.

It is likely that once researchers grasp this knowledge they will then understand why some people become diabetic while others are crippled with degenerative arthritis while still others are struck with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Simply, it is only after scientists see where these diseases originate can preventive measures be developed.

This text would be a vital in-office reference for any scientific researcher dedicated to the study of genetics. Further recommended as a teaching text in molecular biology courses and or genetic studies courses which look into the impact of environment on the individual. In addition, this text could prove invaluable to Public Health researchers who are looking at how global threats like Avian Flu might spread to the general populous. Finally, serves as an indispensable reference to all Health Science libraries.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

John Wiley At The Reference Table

Celebrating 200 Years of Excellence

As we have written many times, Wiley's catalog shines among the stars of the academic publishing world. In light of this, the following books (rich and vital and varied) must be mentioned on our pages, since they serve to set the bar in their respective disciplines:

QUICK VIEWS ON WILEY'S BEST RESEARCH TEXTS

CVD DIAMOND. For Electronic Devices and Sensors. Editor: Ricardo S. Sussmann. John Wiley.

For centuries, the diamond has transfixed societies - the sign and symbol of enduring wealth and stately elegance. Yet, going further, the diamond can be used to enhance myriad technologies to further the reach of the world. In CVD Diamond, Sussmann has built an exceptional text that sets out to show readers how diamonds can be synthesized at low pressures by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), a process that allows for subsequent use in various electronic devices and sensors. Sussmann's text proves exhaustive in its focus as he first carefully delineates the properties of the diamond before exploring the ways their structure can be harnessed by researchers who require high-power r.f. transmission (which can't be provided by silicon or other wide band gap semiconductors). What's best about Sussmann's tome is found in its depth and in its ability to 'connect the dots' in order to paint the reader a clear picture of the ways diamond potential can be 'mined' to increase the benefits of electronic technology.

Highly recommended to researchers and physicists looking to unlock the secrets of this gemstone and apply them to electronic technology. ~John Aiello

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HIGH PERFORMANCE PIGMENTS. Second Edition. Editors: Edwin B. Faulkner. Russell J. Schwartz. Wiley-VCH.

Here, in a single volume, Faulkner and Schwartz present a one-of-a-kind textbook that covers all aspects of high performance pigments. Obviously, this is a relatively small and rarefied area of the chemical industry focused on ways that high performance pigments can be used in place of "classical" pigments. In High Performance, the authors review the subject in its entirety, providing detailed analysis of the synthesis, reaction mechanisms, physical/chemical properties, applications, regulatory boundaries and commercial markets applicable to high performance pigments. Noted for the way the authors weave a complete narrative of their subject, with in depth discussion of both the chemical and commercial 'faces' of high performance pigments. In sum, this work serves as a true crossover reference that applies to both the research laboratory and the university classroom with equal relevance.

Highly recommended as a frontline text for all chemistry classes that delve into the study of pigments. Further recommended to researchers and manufacturers at work in pigment laboratories throughout the world. ~John Aiello

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LINEAR ALGEBRA. IDEAS AND APPLICATIONS. Third Edition. Richard C. Penney. John Wiley.  

Linear Algebra introduces the study of advanced mathematics to a new generation of students. This volume is ground-breaking in terms of mathematical texts in that it does not teach from a detached perspective, but instead, looks to show students that competent mathematicians bring an intuitive understanding to the subject rather than just a mastery of applications. Topics of coverage include systems of linear equation; applications to graph theory; Gaussian Elimination; linear independence and dimension; applications to calculus; applications to differential equations; linear transformations; applications to control theory; inverses; determinants; application to statistics; and numerical techniques (to name random high-points). For each concept, Penney first provides an abstract foundation and then links it to its computational output (presenting a parallel structure that isolates the relationship between a theory and its application). In essence, the idea of this text is to foster a deep understanding of how different principles build on each other to create the study of mathematics - the ultimate idea of Penney's treatise to move beyond mere formula and technique in order to immerse students in the reasons behind the process.

Highly recommended as a course text in undergraduate linear algebra classes. ~John Aiello

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Of related interest 

 

STATISTICAL PRACTICE IN BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY. Shirley Coleman. Tony Greenfield. Dave Stewardson. Douglas C. Montgomery. John Wiley.

 

In Statistical Practice, Coleman and co-authors delve into advancements in the way that statistical and optimization methods are applied to various realms of modern industry. In today's vastly competitive business world, the use of statistics is vital, enabling manufacturers to isolate quality control issues and then increase both productivity and profitability. Here, the authors have created a 'real-life' manual that examines a variety of statistical methods from a wide-range of industries (finance, e-commerce, electronics, engineering and household manufacturing), with expert analysis on the statistical methods essential to each area of focus. One of the primary reasons this volume stands-out is because of its vision. Specifically, the authors have built a text which does not require the reader to be a statistician in order to follow the narrative or glean an understanding of the data. Instead, chapters and information are clearly presented and well-defined, with the writing designed to convey information in a style that educates rather than pontificates. Additionally, the inclusion of myriad problem-solving strategies for business serve to elevate Statistical Practice above the walls the classroom, rendering it an indispensable manual for the in-the-trenches administrator.   

 

Recommended as a secondary or supporting  course text for students in engineering and statistical programs. Also, this volume would prove useful to administrators in manufacturing or finance who use statistical models on a day-to-day basis. ~John Aiello

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ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: STATE OF THE ART 2003-2005. Douglass F. Taber. John Wiley. 

ORGANIC SYNTHESIS: STATE OF THE ART 2005-2007. Douglass F. Taber. John Wiley.

 

Douglass Taber is a renowned Professor of Chemistry from the University of Delaware who also writes a widely-acclaimed column ("Organic Chemistry Highlights") which is published on the organic-chemistry.org website. Piercing and layered, Taber's columns should be any chemist's first-stop on their journey to gain an understanding of developments in the study of organic synthesis. In these volumes, four years worth of Taber's columns are stitched together in handy compendiums that serve to discuss the most relevant data in the field. In State of The Art 2003-2005, Taber includes some 103 articles that survey a vast array of topics; the more than 100 reactions covered here include exploration of Heterocycle Construction by Grubbs Meatheis and Organic Reactions in Ionic Liquids. The second volume in the series, State of The Art 2005-2007, continues down the same road, effectively summarizing advancements in the field. Topics of coverage here include the selective reactions of alkenes; discussion of the Overman Route to Gelsemine; and exploration of both the Stork Synthesis of (-)- Reserpine and synthesis of (-)- Littoralisone (to name random highpoints). Although Taber is a scientist, he is nonetheless able to order his presentation with the deft hand of a journalist, building one subject analysis onto the next as a means to bring continuity to topics that often suffer from fragmentation when locked in book form. Additionally, the creative impulse of this series is noteworthy, since it seeks to offer chemists a way to keep pace with vital new information without having to invest hours of library time. In sum, Taber's Organic Synthesis: State of The Art series gives practicing chemists an avenue to stay current with research in the field via an innovative text that's been designed to present data in compact and digestible 'bites.'

 

This series is recommended to all practicing chemists, researchers and instructors as a way to stay current with developments in the field of Organic Synthesis. In addition, these books are highly recommended to libraries at the college level for their long-term reference value summarizing the 'state? of the discipline from 2003-2007. ~ John Aiello  

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Also Of Note From John Wiley This Quarter

INTRODUCTION TO MULTIMEDIA COMMUNICATIONS : APPLICATIONS, MIDDLEWARE, NETWORKING. Kamisetty Rao. Zoran Bojkovic. Dragorad Milovanovic. Wiley-Interscience.

In today's competitive world of the internet, a business' ability to integrate different media is often the difference between success and bankruptcy. And in the world of science, the development of wide-reaching multimedia systems often allow for researchers to interpret data at the most in depth of levels.

Here, the authors of this new text from Wiley have created a fundamental guide book that introduces the concepts of multimedia communications to the advanced student of science, engineering and information technology. To this end, the complexities and intricacies of this premise are set forth with spectacular clarity as the authors examine the various independent systems that must be linked together in order to create a multifaceted communications network.

Accordingly, Rao and co-writers dissect layer-by-layer just how the skills of the programmer must marry with different components of technology (graphic design, audio, video, text presentation) in a seamless union. After presenting a generalized introduction, the authors concentrate on analyzing the technologies that are vital to the creation of myriad communications systems. The underlying idea of this text is to demonstrate that a convergence must take place between technology and the capabilities of the user before man can move toward maximum application of his information systems.

The authors write in copious detail, and expand nicely on each division of the multimedia puzzle, with information on the elements of standardization frameworks (ITU-T, MEDIACOM 2004, and ISO/IEC MPEG-21 frameworks); the processes of application (including ITU, ISO MPEG, ETSI, DVB, ATSC, and IETF multimedia applications); the segments of the middleware strata (including media coding, conversion and media-streaming middleware); and an overview of the network strata (with discussion of quality controls and system management).

At its best moments, Intro To Multimedia serves as a crossover title with deep value to a wide demographic of readers, including graduate-level students in computer science and electrical engineering (in addition to research scientists who are charged with the development and maintenance of ever-evolving multimedia communications networks). As a compendium of the latest research in the field, this book will prove indispensable to both the student and the practicing scientist.

Recommended as a primary course text in graduate-level computer science courses which focus on how to develop and maintain multimedia systems -- an integration of various technologies that flow together in a ubiquitous medium of exchange and communication. ~John Aiello

BIPOLAR PSYCHOPHARMACOTHERAPY : CARING FOR THE PATIENT. Hagop S. Akiskal. Maurcio Tohen. John Wiley and Sons.

Bipolar Disorder is of growing concern in the medical community as physicians struggle to recognize its symptoms and then effectively treat the condition before secondary health problems develop to cause the patient increased suffering.

As the authors note in their book, Bipolar Disorder is an affliction that requires life-long management on the part of patient if they are to control the symptoms and lead productive lives. In conjunction with therapy and a greater awareness of the self, a carefully defined drug-therapy regimen must be developed so as to adequately manage this problem.

Accordingly, Bipolar Psychopharmacotherapy (from Wiley) examines the major drug therapies available to physicians in relation to treating the myriad phases of Bipolar Disorder -- the authors careful to note that each differing stage of the condition requires a change in focus on the part of the physician. In short, the text reviews the most common medicines presently in use and further evaluates the existing research that's been done to date on Bipolar Disorder, presenting the reader with a complete overview of this troubling malady.

The most valuable thing about this text for the practicing physician is the way that Bipolar Psychopharmacotherapy records the pharmacological advances that have taken place in this field of study. Now, no longer are doctors hamstrung by having only a few drugs to chose from (in the past Lithium and Chlorpromazine were the drugs of choice for various conditions caused by mania). However, today, clinicians have a wide array of drugs to choose from which allow for a course of therapy to be designed for the individual, emphasizing ways to best treat problematic symptoms while mitigating side effects.

In addition to the cutting edge discussion of the various drug therapies available to the Bipolar patient, Akiskal and Tohen also assert that combination courses of treatment (which include psychotherapy and patient education) must be utilized in order to maintain long-term control over this disorder. Other notable features include data on "special management issues" (such as caring for elderly and child patients who present with Bipolar Disorder), thus rendering this a multifaceted text with broad clinical value.

Recommended as an in-office reference for the practicing physician who treats the Bipolar patient. Further recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text. ~John Aiello

EVOLUTION OF STARS AND STELLAR POPULATIONS. Maurizio Salaris. Santi Cassisi. John Wiley and Sons.

This brand new book by Wiley will serve generations of students to come as an authoritative reference which details how stars and stellar populations come to develop (and then evolve) over long blocks of time. In creating this book, Salaris and Cassisi have not taken the typical 'old-hat' approach, instead looking to build a deeply invigorating text that incorporates theory with a summary of the primary study techniques currently in use by researchers (who follow the growth and evolution of galaxies). Although focused on astronomical topics, the underlying premise of this book speaks to the universe at large, allowing scientists in varied realms a sharply built road map in which to investigate how myriad forces and forms materialize. The authors begin their treatise with in depth discussion of the "theory of stellar evolution" (paying specific attention to stellar properties we can directly observe). From here, the reader is escorted through the role the scientist is meant to play in tracking the perpetual motion of galaxies and star clusters. As Salaris and Cassisi expand on their topic, they deftly analyze various research applications (such as stellar population synthesis), in turn allowing for a multidimensional understanding of the universe and our place within its limitless labyrinth.

Recommended as a primary teaching text in advanced Astronomy or Astrophysics courses dedicated to the investigation of how stellar properties evolve over time. Further suggested as a general reference text in all college-level libraries. ~John Aiello

 NUTRITION AND WOUND HEALING. Edited by Joseph A. Molnar. CRC Press.

Reviewed by John Aiello

In Nutrition and Wound Healing, Molnar draws a direct link between nutrition and the body's ability to stave off illness and heal itself after injury.

During the last 40 years, science had concentrated much of its attention on teaching people that the foods they integrate into their diets have a direct and profound impact on long-term health (since diseases such as arteriosclerosis and diabetes are exacerbated by diets rich in saturated fats and processed sugars).

Simply, in order for the human body to defend itself against injury, it must be provided with a balanced array of nutrients meant to promote healing. In this volume, Molnar has created a text that addresses this premise and then applies it to specific aspects of wound management.

Topics of coverage include carbohydrates in wound healing; the roles of fats and proteins in wound healing; glutamine in the process of wound healing; arginine in wound healing; fat-soluble vitamins and wound healing; the effect of nutrition on the healing of burns; nutrition and wound healing in cancer cases; and the role of hormones in wound management.

Molnar and co-writers have provided a deep and structured analysis of all nutrients and the parts they play in the process of healing wounds to the skin (which serves as the human body's first line of defense against outsider invaders). In addition to looking at how a deficiency of certain nutrients disrupts the balance of the body, Molnar also explores how excess amounts of certain nutritional elements can be just as deadly.

Furthermore, readers should take careful note of the recommendation section that closes each chapter, a feature that sets forth dosing requirements for patient care. This volume is notable for both the level of its writing and organization and for the way its editor has stitched the voices of leading researchers in to a single reference point that provides the most recent data pertinent to wound care.

In sum, Nutrition and Wound Healing paints a portrait of the effect of nutrients on the myriad stages of wound management. The lesson here is to know that, even though many wounds are able to heal on their own, a small percentage requires swift medical intervention in order to mitigate the possibility of life-threatening infection. To this end, this book gives doctors the information and insight they need in order to help patients reach a point where they can promote the healing of their own bodies through a smart combination of diet and medication.

Recommended as an in-office reference for dermatologists and internists who treat patients with wound-injuries. In addition, this volume would prove invaluable to dieticians and nurse practitioners who engage in frontline patient care. Finally, recommended to all nutritional researchers for its up-to-date analysis of the effects of nutritional compounds on the human body. 

NUTRITIONAL STRATEGIES FOR THE DIABETIC/PREDIABETIC PATIENT (Nutrition and Disease Prevention). Edited by Jeffrey I. Mechanick; Elise M. Brett. CRC Press.

By John Aiello

During the last 25 years, the incidence of diabetes has sky-rocketed, due in part to a more sedentary lifestyle and our obscene dependence on fast and processed foods. Thus, the medical community has been charged with trying to cope with an ever-worsening problem that is often a precursor to breakdown in other organ systems.

In Nutritional Strategies, editors Mechanick and Brett examine the problem by looking at how both the diabetic and prediabetic individual might increase favorable prognosis and quality of life through proper diet.

In terms of this disease, there is not one 'tried-and-true' diet for the diabetic patient to follow. As the editors note, a dietician's plan often must accommodate for the particular type of diabetes being treated; the patient's food preferences; the course of treatment being implemented; and the over-all health condition of the patient. Given each of these extreme factors which intersect the diagnosis of diabetes, it has become quite the challenge for any doctor to be able to make useful dietary recommendations.

In this volume, Mechanick and Brett cover in comprehensive terms the impact of food on human health - their goal to counsel the practicing physician (and the dietician) on relevant considerations for constructing a nutritional regime aimed at the diabetic and prediabetic patient:

"With diabetes, a diverse array of hormonal, metabolic and molecular alterations instigates and perpetuates a pathophysiological state that can markedly compromise a patient's quality of life. In this chapter, a clinical and biochemical framework will be outlined that reveals potential sites for nutritional intervention." (At page 16)

This series of essays by world-renowned researchers provides discussion on issues pertinent to a diagnosis of diabetes. After examination of the pathophysiology and clinical management of diabetes, the authors move into analysis of ways doctors might best use diet to either prevent the onset of the disease or to lessen its severity.

From here, readers will be presented with data on the impact of nutrition on Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus; the effect of carbohydrate-consumption on diabetes patients; insulin therapy; nutrition and hyperglycemia; and a wonderfully insightful chapter on nutrition and wound healing in the diabetic patient. In addition, there is also a cogent chapter on effective treatment of the pregnant diabetic patient. The editors have also provided well-defined graphics and charts which serve to augment the text and retest key-points.

In sum, Nutritional Strategies offers authoritative analysis on how nutritional regimes can be used by health care providers in conjunction with medicine-based therapies as a viable means to control diabetes. Aside from the sharp editing and clearly-defined points of concentration, the text is further noted for its presentation of the most up-to-date thinking on the subject - an invaluable reference-resource for multiple segments of the world's healthcare community.

Recommended to all internists and to all primary care physicians as an in-office resource. Also recommended to nurse practitioners and dieticians who take an active role in treatment of diabetic patients. Finally, recommended to all Health Science libraries as a general reference text.