This issue of Immunology and Allergy Clinics, devoted to Obesity and Asthma, is edited by Dr. Anurag Agrawal. Articles in this issue include: Clinical Implications of the Obese Asthma Phenotypes; Childhood Obesity and the Risk of Allergy; Metabolic Asthma: Is there a link between obesity, asthma, and diabetes?; Role of Weight Management in Obese-Asthma Control; Obesity and Airway Disease: A Bioenergetic Problem?; Nutrition, Obesity, and Asthma: Exploring Epigenetic Programming; Obesity and Asthma: The Role of Environmental Pollutants; Novel Therapeutic Strategies for Adult Obese Asthmatics; and From ADMA to Asthma.

This book presents current innovative, alternative and creative approaches that challenge traditional mechanisms in and across disciplines and industries targeting societal impact. A common thread throughout the book is human-centered, uni and multi-modal strategies across the range of human technologies, including sensing and stimuli; virtual and augmented worlds; games for serious applications; accessibility; digital-ethics and more. Focusing on engaging, meaningful, and motivating activities that at the same time offer systemic information on human condition, performance and progress, the book is of interest to anyone seeking to gain insights into the field, be they students, teachers, practicing professionals, consultants, or family representatives. By offering a wider perspective, it addresses the need for a core text that evokes and provokes, engages and demands and stimulates and satisfies.

Drs. John Herman and Max Hirshkowitz have assembled an expert panel of authors in the topic of Sleep and Psychiatry in Adults. Articles include: Sleep Deprivation and Circadian Disruption; Sleep Disturbances in Depression; Interventions for Sleep Disturbance in Bipolar Disorder; Sleep and Mood During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period,Sleep Disturbances and Suicide Risk; Insomnia and Anxiety, Interconnectedness of Psychological Suymptoms, Personality Traits, and Sleep Disruption; Sleep in Schizophrenia; Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and Sleep; Benzodiazepine and Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists for Insomnia and Anxiety; Non-benzodiazpine GABA A1 Receptor Agonists for Insonmia; CBT for Insomnia and Depression; Hypnosis for Insomnia in Patients with Depression and Anxiety; and Bright Light Therapy for Seasonal Affective Disorders.

This authored monograph supplies empirical evidence for the Bayesian brain hypothesis by modeling event-related potentials (ERP) of the human electroencephalogram (EEG) during successive trials in cognitive tasks. The employed observer models are useful to compute probability distributions over observable events and hidden states, depending on which are present in the respective tasks. Bayesian model selection is then used to choose the model which best explains the ERP amplitude fluctuations. Thus, this book constitutes a decisive step towards a better understanding of the neural coding and computing of probabilities following Bayesian rules. The target audience primarily comprises research experts in the field of computational neurosciences, but the book may also be beneficial for graduate students who want to specialize in this field.

Beneath the surface we are all connected . . . 'An authentically soothing, powerful, thought-provoker.' MATT HAIG 'On Connection is medicine for these wounded times.' MAX PORTER 'On Connection came to me when I needed it most, and reminded me that the links we have to places, people, words, ourselves, are what keep us alive.' CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS This is a book about connection. About how immersing ourselves in creativity can help us cultivate greater self-awareness and bring us closer to each other. Drawing on two decades of experience as a writer and performer, Kae Tempest champions the role of creativity - in whatever form we choose to practice it - as an act of love, helping us establish a deeper relationship to our true selves, and to others and the world we live in. Honest, hopeful and written with piercing clarity, On Connection is an inspiring personal meditation that will transform the way you see the world. 'Persuasive and profound.' OBSERVER 'Tempest's prose is crisp and thoughtful.' NEW STATESMAN

Evidence synthesis is the evaluation or analysis of research evidence and opinion on a specific topic to aid in decision-making in health care. Although the science of evidence synthesis has developed most rapidly in relation to the meta-analysis of numerical data linked to theories of cause and effect, the further development of theoretical understandings and propositions of the nature of evidence, its role in health care delivery, and the facilitation of improved global health have increased rapidly since 2000. The articles appearing in this issue examine the role of evidence synthesis in nursing and health care and are written by expert translational scientists from across the world. Three introductory articles overview evidence synthesis and its role in evidence-based health care; methods, issues, and trends in the systematic review of health care evidence; and the development of a robust evidence base for nursing. Subsequent articles explore the impact of systematic reviews on policy and practice in a variety of settings, including perioperative care, pediatrics, rehabilitation and long-term/continuing care, mental health, and public health. The final articles discuss the impact of evidence on health policy and practice and the complexities of translating evidence into policy and practice. These articles show the importance of synthesizing evidence and translating policy and practice into action in our quest to improve health care and health outcomes.

Medical images are at the base of many routine clinical decisions and their influence continues to increase in many fields of medicine. Since the last decade, computers have become an invaluable tool for supporting medical image acquisition, processing, organization and analysis. Biomedical Image Analysis and Machine Learning Technologies: Applications and Techniques provides a panorama of the current boundary between biomedical complexity coming from the medical image context and the multiple techniques which have been used for solving many of these problems. This innovative publication serves as a leading industry reference as well as a source of creative ideas for applications of medical issues.

Integrating basic to applied science and technology in medicine, pharmaceutics, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, biophysics and irreversible thermodynamics, this book covers cutting-edge research of the structure and function of biomaterials at a molecular level. In addition, it examines for the first time studies performed at the nano- and micro scale. With innovative technologies and methodologies aiming to clarify the molecular mechanism and macroscopic relationship, Nano/Micro Science and Technology in Biorheology thoroughly covers the basic principles of these studies, with helpful step-by-step explanations of methodologies and insight into medical applications. Written by pioneering researchers, the book is a valuable resource for academics and industry scientists, as well as graduate students, working or studying in bio-related fields.

""Taking Care of Barbara" is an inspirational resource book for anyone living in the world of Alzheimer's. There are clear and concise caregiver tips and references in dealing with the everyday struggles that come with the progression of the disease. What a gift to know and be able to anticipate the needs of our loved one when they may not be able to communicate them. Most importantly, this book is a celebration of family and the relationship between the caregiver and the patient. It lifts the caregiver above the everyday struggles and reminds us of where to find the strength and joy in the frequent frustrations of the day. It inspires us to love beyond the external happenings and shows us there lies a deeper and greater gain that will enrich our spirit. The world of Alzheimer's may feel overwhelming, but this book encourages caregivers to get out of bed, put their feet on the floor and face the day with renewed strength and purpose."
-Kelly Cason Hunter, Hospice Volunteer, Pediatric Nurse

Stimulant drugs are widely used in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. Hundreds of studies over the past 60 years have demonstrated their effectiveness in improving attention span, increasing impulse control, and reducing hyperactivity and restlessness. Despite widespread interest in these compounds, however, their mechanisms of action in the central nervous system have remained poorly understood. Recent advances in the basic and clinical neurosciences now afford the possibility of elucidating these mechanisms. The current volume is the first to bring this expanding knowledge to bear on the central question of why and how stimulants exert their therapeutic effects. The result is a careful, comprehensive, and insightful integration of material by well-known scientists that significantly advances our understanding of stimulant effects and charts a course for future research. Part I presents a comprehensive description of the clinical features of ADHD and the clinical repsonse to stimulants. Part II details the cortical and subcortical neuroanatomy and functional neurophysiology of dopamine and norepinephrine systems with respect to the regulation of attention, arousal, activity, and impulse control on the basis of animal studies. Part III is devoted to clinical research, including recent studies of neuroimaging, genetics, pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of stimulants, effects on cognitive functions, neurophysiological effects in humans with and without ADHD and in non-human primates, and comparison of stimulants and non-stimulants in the treatment of ADHD. Part IV is a masterful synthesis that presents alternative models of stimulant drug action and generates key hypotheses for continued research. The volume will be of keen interest to researchers and clinicians in psychiatry, psychology, and neurology, neuroscientists studying stimulants, and those persuing development of new drugs to treat ADHD.

This issue by Dr. Judith Owens focuses on sleep behavioral problems with articles covering topics such as Addressing Sleep Problems in Children with Anxiety Disorders, Behavioral Treatment of Insomnia in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT) in the Pediatric Population, Treatment of Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder (DSPD) in Adolescents, Tricks of the Trade: Practical Techniques for Managing Behavioral Sleep Problems in Young Children ,Quality of Life in Children with Narcolepsy, Myofunctional Therapy in the Treatment of Pediatric Sleep Disordered Breathing, Improving Positive Airway Pressure (PAP) Adherence in Children, Creating the "Child-Friendly" Sleep Lab, Controversies in Treatment of Pediatric Insomnia.

Nutrition is an important aspect of care for any patient entering the hospital, but the patient admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) is at an even higher risk for nutritional compromise. Nutrition affects all ages, from the neonate to the geriatric patient, and all patient populations. Evidence-based practice guidelines regarding appropriate nutritional support within the critical care setting are published. Yet, researchers continue to identify that despite published evidence, countless ICU patients continue to lack adequate and timely nutritional support on admission. Each of the authors in this issue promotes nutrition in their careers and individual practice areas, which brings knowledge from many different arenas throughout the nation. This issue discusses nutrition throughout the lifespan, special patient populations, implementation of guidelines, and how nutrition is being utilized as medical therapy.

The articles appearing in this geriatrics-focused issue are consistent with the collaborative and translational concepts held by a life course perspective. Each supports interprofessional collaboration and some are either authored or coauthored by interdisciplinary colleagues. Three goals are reflected in these articles: keeping community-dwelling older adults safe, sensible, and secure with solutions that will enable them to stay healthy, wise, and aware. Topics include maintaining physical functions, benefits and consequences of weight-bearing exercise on foot health; cancer prevention; managing nocturia's effect on sleep quality and safety; protection from financial exploitation; and providing safe and affordable living environments. Several articles address physical or cognitive challenges that include monitoring medication adherence, threat of anxiety and stigma in dementia, and approaches to managing self-care in the home for persons with dementia. These evidence-based articles address emerging and best practices to support targeted interventions for persons in community-dwelling home settings. They provide a frame-work of person-centered approaches that foster good health in older age, a central tenet of aging in place and the global response to population aging.

1. Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology 2. Basic Unit of Life: Cell 3. Musculoskeletal System: Bones and Muscles 4. Introduction to Cardiovascular System: Blood 5. Cardiovascular System: Heart 6. Respiratory System 7. Digestive System 8. Excretory System 9. Nervous System 10. Sense Organs 11. Endocrine System 12. Reproductive System Index

This volume presents the current state of laser-assisted bioprinting, a cutting edge tissue engineering technology. Nineteen chapters discuss the most recent developments in using this technology for engineering different types of tissue. Beginning with an overview, the discussion covers bioprinting in cell viability and pattern viability, tissue microfabrication to study cell proliferation, microenvironment for controlling stem cell fate, cell differentiation, zigzag cellular tubes, cartilage tissue engineering, osteogenesis, vessel substitutes, skin tissue and much more. Because bioprinting is on its way to becoming a dominant technology in tissue-engineering, Bioprinting in Regenerative Medicine is essential reading for those researching or working in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering or translational research. Those studying or working with stem cells who are interested in the development of the field will also find the information invaluable.

This book provides the latest information about hairy root culture and its several applications, with special emphasis on potential of hairy roots for the production of bioactive compounds. Due to high growth rate as well as biochemical and genetic stability, it is possible to study the metabolic pathways related to production of bioactive compounds using hairy root culture. Chapters discuss the feasibility of hairy roots for plant derived natural compounds. Advantages and difficulties of hairy roots for up-scaling studies in bioreactors are included as well as successful examples of hairy root culture of plant species producing bioactive compounds used in food, flavors and pharmaceutical industry. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and students working on the area of plant natural products, phytochemistry, plant tissue culture, medicines, and drug discovery.