Hypericum extract preparations are used extensively in many countries to treat mildly to moderately depressed patients. While this was based previously on traditional experience, extensive research over the last 10 years has given a broad preclinical and clinical basis to justify the use of Hypericum as an antidepressant. This book reviews the available data related to the biochemical, functional, and behavioural pharmacology of Hypericum and its active constituents. The clinical chapters overview the evidenced basis for its use as an antidepressant, initial data in anxiety and somatoform disorders, and the site effect profile of Hypericum and its possible relevant drug interactions. The known pharmacokinetics of the relevant constituents and the biopharmaceutical quality of commercially available Hypericum preparations are also discussed.

The nitrides and carbides of boron and silicon are proving to be an excellent choice when selecting materials for the design of devices that are to be employed under particularly demanding environmental and thermal con- tions. The high degree of cross-linking, due to the preferred coordination numbers of the predominantly covalently bonded constituents equalling or exceeding three, lends these non-oxidic ceramics a high kinetic stability, and is regarded as the microscopic origin of their impressive thermal and mechanical durability. Thus it does not come as a surprise that the chemistry, the physical properties and the engineering of the corresponding binary, ternary, and even quaternary compounds have been the subject of intensive and sustained efforts in research and development. In the five reviews presented in the volumes 101 and 102 of "Structure and Bonding" an attempt has been made to cover both the essential and the most recent advances achieved in this particular field of materials research. The scope of the individual contributions is such as to address both graduate students, specializing in ceramic materials, and all scientists in academia or industry dealing with materials research and development. Each review provides, in its introductory part, the chemical, physical and, to some extent, historical background of the respective material, and then focuses on the most relevant and the most recent achievements.

The first International Congress on Science and Skiing was held in Austria in January 1996. The main aim of the conference was to bring together original key research in this area and provid an essential update for those in the field. The lnk between theory and practice was also addressed, making the research more applicable for both researchers and coaches. This book is divided into five parts, each containing a group of papers that are related by theme or disciplineary approach. They are as follows: Biomechanics of Skiing; Fitness testing and Training in Skiing; Movement Control and Psychology in Skiing; Physiology of Skiing and Sociology of Skiing. The conclusions drawn from the conference represent an invaluable practical reference for sports scientists, coached, skiers and all those involved in this area.

The first International Congress on Science and Skiing was held in Austria in January 1996.
The main aim of the conference was to bring together original key research in this area and provid an essential update for those in the field. The lnk between theory and practice was also addressed, making the research more applicable for both researchers and coaches.
This book is divided into five parts, each containing a group of papers that are related by theme or disciplineary approach. They are as follows: Biomechanics of Skiing; Fitness testing and Training in Skiing; Movement Control and Psychology in Skiing; Physiology of Skiing and Sociology of Skiing.
The conclusions drawn from the conference represent an invaluable practical reference for sports scientists, coached, skiers and all those involved in this area.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203476174

This book looks at the historic use of foreign language by the U.S. armed forces. Through research into military documents, many of which are generally inaccessible, the author has investigated the purpose and extent of language capability in the armed services. A necessary skill in the acquisition of intelligence, language skill emerges from this study as being of concern as well for command, control, communications, and for civil military operations. The services' efforts to produce language skills are presented historically, from World War I through Vietnam, from extensive cooperation with academic institutions to short-term services contracted from entrepreneurs.

Readers of this book can update their knowledge in the fast-moving field of endocrinology and neurobiology. Topics concerning growth and development are extensively reviewed from both basic science and clinical viewpoints. Aspects related to growth development and to the control of cellular differentiation and multiplication are discussed. Further new information is provided on: synthetic recombinant human growth hormone (rHGH); potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications of the neuropeptide, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH); the physiology and physiopathology of the neural control of growth hormone secretion; the diagnosis and therapy of growth hormone deficiency or excess states; and the biology, function and possible utilization of growth factors. These important new findings are relevant to progress in pediatrics, pediatric and clinical endocrinology, neuroendocrinology and physiology.

The first part of this manual deals with the experimental and scientific basis and the principles of the AOjASIF method of stable internal fixation. It deals with the function and main use of the different AO implants, the use of the different AO instruments, and with the essentials of the operative technique and of postoperative care. It also discusses the handling of the most important postoperative complications. The second part deals at length with the AO recommendations for the operative treatment of the most common closed fractures in the adult. This has been organized in anatomical sequence. The discussion of the closed fractures is followed by a discus sion of open fractures in the adult, then by fractures in children and finally by pathological fractures. The third part presents, in a condensed fashion, the application of stable internal fixation to reconstructive bone surgery. 1 GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS 1 Aims and Fundamental Principles of the AO Method The Chief Aim of Fracture Treatment is the Full Recovery of the Injured Limb In every fracture there is a combination of damage to both the soft tissues and to bone. Immediately after the fracture and during the phase of repair, we see certain local circulatory disturbances, certain manifestations of local inflammation, as well as pain and reflex splinting. These three factors, that is, circulatory disturbances, inflammation and pain, when combined with the defunctioning of bone, joints and muscle, result in the so-called jl'acture disease.

The various congresses on growth hormone (GH) which have been held in Milan since 1967, the Milan Congresses, have witnessed over 25 years the tremendous expansion of a research field that was based initially upon the scarce knowledge of the biological properties of a protein. GH, whose chemical structure had just been identified and a radioimmunoassay developed for its measurement in blood, became in the following years a major area of biological research. The boundaries have since become blurred, as the research area has extended to the physiology and pathology of growth, puberty and reproduction, and the control of metabolism during the whole lifespan. Since the last GH Congress held in 1987, GH studies using the molecular biological approach have resulted in the puri fication, cloning and expression of the human GH (hGH) recep tor and binding protein, in new and exciting information on the insulin-like growth factors (IGF) and their paracrine and autocrine roles, and in the awareness that a panoply of binding proteins are present in the extracellular fluids and can, possibly, modulate IGF-receptor interactions and, thus, IGF actions. Finally, the availability of large amounts of biosynthetic hGH, besides allow ing more extensive clinical use in states of GH deficiency and extrasomatotrophic pathologies, has permitted disclosure of im portant metabolic effects of hGH during adulthood and, perhaps, aging and in many protein catabolic states."

The idea for this volume was conceived during a discussion in the hallway at a conference in early 1990. "What is the best way to detect and define pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells?" was the question posed by Dr. Fritz Melchers. After discussing the pros and cons of the available assays for quite some time, it became apparent that this topic required a wider expertise and merited a larger forum. Thus, we decided to extend the discussion and to compile the results in this volume. Much to our delight. many of the pioneers of recent experimental and theoretical developments in stem cell research agreed to contribute their expertise to answer the question. These authors review both past findings and present insights, thus providing an overview of the evolution that has been and is occurring in the field of stem cell research. In the light of recent trailblazing developments in both experimental models and in clinical application it is indeed time to reevaluate our knowledge about stem cells. Trans plantation of hematopoietic stem cells has become more and more prevalent as a curative therapy in a variety of acquired and genetic diseases, including cancer, radiation accident, as an agent for gene therapy, and perhaps even as treatment for autoimmune diseases. Stem cells are now derived not only from bone marrow but also from peripheral blood, cord blood, and fetal liver, greatly increasing their availability for human transplantation and in some cases (fetal tissues) obliterating the need to match donors and hosts."

The nitrides and carbides of boron and silicon are proving to be an excellent choice when selecting materials for the design of devices that are to be employed under particularly demanding environmental and thermal con- tions. The high degree of cross-linking, due to the preferred coordination numbers of the predominantly covalently bonded constituents equalling or exceeding three, lends these non-oxidic ceramics a high kinetic stability, and is regarded as the microscopic origin of their impressive thermal and mechanical durability. Thus it does not come as a surprise that the chemistry, the physical properties and the engineering of the corresponding binary, ternary, and even quaternary compounds have been the subject of intensive and sustained efforts in research and development. In the five reviews presented in the volumes 101 and 102 of "Structure and Bonding" an attempt has been made to cover both the essential and the most recent advances achieved in this particular field of materials research. The scope of the individual contributions is such as to address both graduate students, specializing in ceramic materials, and all scientists in academia or industry dealing with materials research and development. Each review provides, in its introductory part, the chemical, physical and, to some extent, historical background of the respective material, and then focuses on the most relevant and the most recent achievements.

New techniques in molecular biology have brought spectacular new insights into the study of evolution at the molecular level. This book presents the resulting relatively new concept of "molecular phylogeny," with an overview of current accomplishments and the future direction of research on organelle origin and evolution and the biology of the "higher cell."

Neuroendocrine Perspectives, Volume 7, is part of an international book series designed to keep clinicians and researchers appraised of important trends and new data in basic and clinical neuroendocrinology. It focuses on four very rapidly evolving major topics: - the role of dopaminergic regulation of the intermediate pituitary lobe in elucidating intracellular signal transaction pathways and other regulatory mechanisms involved in transsynaptic regulation of peptide biosynthesis, post-translational processing, and hormone secretion; - the physiological and clinical implications of corticotropin releasing factor for such areas as diagnosing Cushing's syndrome, defining the hypothalamic and pituitary origins of secondary adrenal insufficiency, and distinguishing Cushing's syndrome from psychiatric states associated with hypercortisolism; - the large number of neurotrophic factors that affect CNS neurons and of neurite promoting factors that modulate neuronal performance, with emphasis on their mechanisms of action and their possible therapeutic applications to peripheral neuropathies and central diseases; - and the many factors that regulate changes in female reproductive cycles during middle age, with careful distinction between neuroendocrine and ovarian components and special attention to the possible cause-and-effect relationship within the cascade of events resulting in acyclicity and infertility.

The flow of information in neuroendocrinology and related disciplines is vigorous, favored by the availability of sensitive and specific biochemical and histochemical techniques that advance our knowledge of CNS neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems. Volume 8 of Neuroendocrine Perspectives illuminates new findings inthis areawhich add complexity to the traditional view ofthe hypothalamo- pituitary control, and to established concepts ofthe modulation ofbrain function by target hormones. In the first chapter, Ben-Jonathan exhaustively reviews evidence derived from her own work that demonstrates the importance of the posterior lobe as a regulator of prolactin secretion via two opposing influences, i. e. , dopamine released by the tuberohypophyseal dopaminergic system into the short portal vessels and a prolactin-releasing factor which is produced locally, though the identity of its innervating neurons is still unclear. Despite the wealth of information on prolactin and its cell of origin, little is known about the manner in which the hormone exerts its effects on target cells. Frawley and coworkers thoroughlyexamine the direct actions ofprolactin on a broad spectrum ofmammalian tissues, dealing extensivelywith prolactin receptors and the putative second messengers. They also review new evidence, based on their original findings, for an indirect action ofprolactin exerted through the livervia synlactin and liver lactogenic factor, two extracellular modulators ofthe biological functions ofthe hormone. The relationships among the CNS, neuroendocrine and immune systems are bidirectional and constitute an integrated loop.

This issue of Neuroendocrine Perspectives, Volume 9, begins with a fascinating aspect of neurobiology: the steroid control of vertebrate behavior, in this case aggressive behavior. In the first chapter, Schlinger and Callard, after an extensive historical perspective of the behavioral effects of steroid hormones, review results of their own and others' laboratories on the hormonal basis of individual and sex-related differences in the intensity ofaggressive displays in birds. These studies provide evidence that brain aromatase exerts considerable control over both sex-dependent and individual differences in aggressive behavior by controllingestrogenreceptoroccupancyinsteroid-sensitivebrainregions. A greatdeal ofattention has been devoted to psychological, socio economic and cultural factors as potential causes of drug abuse and dependence, whereas the information on the neurobiologic effects of drugs of abuse is rather scanty. Wand and Froehlich address this topic in an exhaustive chapter on the effects of ethanol on the release, synthesis and posttranslational processing of hypothalamo-hypophyseal hormones. In addition, in keeping with neurophysiological and epidemiological evidence of a genetic susceptibility to alcohol addiction, they present data to indicate how the neuroendocrine system may function as a marker for genetic susceptibility to ethanol addition."

In the last few years, considerable attention has been paid to the presence of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and their binding proteins (IGF-BPs) in the brain and peripheral neuronal tissue. IGFs are synthesized within the CNS, are bound to specific IGF-BPs and act on specific receptors. They represent a new class of growth factors and messengers in the brain and the periphery. Written by a group of outstanding experts in the field, the book provides an invaluable forum where important aspects of the production, regulation, biological actions, pathophysiological involvement, therapeutic applications for IGFs in many neurologic and neuromuscular disorders are addressed and critically evaluated.

Die meisten Voelker der Welt begreifen die Schoepfung als unvollkommen und die Kultur als den Versuch, ihre Mangel auszugleichen. Jedes sieht sich dabei an der Spitze der Entwicklung, so dass alles Andersartige als Ausdruck der Abartigkeit erscheint (Nostrozentrismus). Ein Schlusselproblem im Zusammenleben der Menschen bilden teils biographische, mehr aber noch durch Kontakte ausgeloeste Zustandswechselprozesse, da sie zu abweichenden Entwicklungen fuhren koennen. Dem sucht man durch Kanonisierung und Ritualisierung des Prozessverlaufs zu begegnen.

Depressive Erkrankungen gehAren gemAA Weltbank zu den drei medizinischen Top-Problemen. Gefragt sind deshalb Modelle einer optimalen, integrierten Versorgung. 22 Spezialistinnen und Spezialisten prAsentieren hier ihre Analysen des Ist-Zustandes und teils laufende, teils geplante Modelle einer zukA1/4nftigen Versorgung. Dabei spielen A-konomie und QualitAtssicherung eine wichtige Rolle, immer unter dem Aspekt der Effizienz, ZugAnglichkeit und Freundlichkeit fA1/4r den Patienten. Interessenten: A"rzte, Psychologen, Gesundheitspolitiker, Gesundheitsmanager.

Die Nachuntersuchung von 80 Kindern und Jugendlichen mit mehr als 24 Stunden anhaltendem posttraumatischen Koma und Streckreaktionen (= Koma III), die seit 1974 auf der Intensivstation behandelt worden waren, ergab, dass sich 43 (= 54%) dieser Schwerverletzten vollstandig oder weitgehend erholt haben. Bei weiteren 12 (= 15%) karn es zur De- fektheilung. 21 (= 26%) sind posttraumatisch verstorben. Die Vital- prognose wird wesentlich bestimmt von Schwere und Dauer der Hirnfunk- tionsstoerung, erkennbar an der Dauer des Komas sowie der Streckkrampfe im Koma. Nach langer als 4 Tage andauerndem Koma III ist es bei kei- nem dieser Verletzten zu einer vollstandigen Erholung gekommen. Auch Dauer des Komas II und des Wachkomas (Coma vigile) korrelieren deut- lich mit dem spater erreichten Erholungsgrad. Bei so schwerer Hirn- schadigung sind Hoehe und Verhalten des intrakraniellen Druckes ver- laufsbestimmend. Patienten mit posttraumatischen Anstiegen des mittLe- ren Ventrikelliquordruckes uber 20 mmHg sind im fruhen posttraumati- schen Stadium oder nach langerdauerndem Coma vigile verstorben. Literatur Brihaye, J., Frowein, R. A., Lindgren, S., Loew, F., Stroobandt, G.: Report on the meeting of the W. F. N. S. Coma scaling. Acta neurochir. (Wien) 40, 181-186 (1978) Frowein, R. A., Terhaag, D., auf der Haar, K., Richard K. E., Stei ann, H. W.: Bedeu- tung der neurochirurgischen Diagnostik und Operation fur die Prognose der Schadel- hirnverletzungen. In: Die Prognose und Rehabilitation des Schadel-Hirn-Traumas. Faust, C., MUEller, E. (Hrsg. ).