Robert M. Silverstein - Böcker

The first volume in this series appeared in 1977, the second in 1980. From these volumes and the present one, some research trends in chemical communication can be perceived. In the 1977 volume, studies on 13 animal taxa were reported. In the present volume, the number is 25. This taxonomie diversi­ fication of research since the first volume of this series demon­ strates the wide variety of ecological adaptions, although no new general principles of chemical communication have ernerged. Further­ more, divergences in chemical comrnunication below the species level have become more apparent. In general, more sophisticated observa­ tions and techniques have led to greater awareness of the com­ plexities in chemical communication. As such awareness has also developed in the field of insect chemical communication, there has been a corresponding increase in the identification of the chemical compounds involved. However, in the vertebrates, no such correlation exists; in the present volume, conclusive chemical identifications of semiochemicals are remarkable by their paucity.

In this issue of Clinics in Perinatology, guest editors Drs. Robert M. Silver and Uma M. Reddy bring their considerable expertise to the topic of Stillbirth. Top experts offer current information on preventable causes to improve antenatal and birth care, potentially reducing the incidence of stillbirths. Enhanced understanding and interventions can lead to better outcomes and support for families worldwide, where currently, 21,000 babies in the U.S. and 2 million babies globally are stillborn.

First published over 40 years ago, this was the first text on the identification of organic compounds using spectroscopy. This text presents a unified approach to the structure determination of organic compounds based largely on mass spectrometry, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, as well as multinuclear and multidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The key strength of this text is the extensive set of practice and real-data problems (in Chapters 7 and 8). Even professional chemists use these spectra as reference data. Spectrometric Identification of Organic Compounds is written by and for organic chemists, and emphasizes the synergistic effect resulting from the interplay of spectra. This text is characterized by its problem-solving approach with numerous practice problems and extensive reference charts and tables.

This volume reviews recent developments in our understanding of che~ ical signaling in vertebrates. After sections dealing with general princi­ ples and chemical aspects of vertebrate pheromones, it follows a taxonomic approach, progressing from fish to. mammals. The editors asked a diverse, international group of leading investigators, working on a wide array of vertebrate taxa and specific issues, to consider their efforts from compar­ ative, evolutionary, and ecological viewpoints. The relative number of manuscripts in each part does not necessarily reflect current intensity of research, since the editors invited speakers who together would provide a balanced and comprehensive overview, while avoiding duplication. Still, the part on mammals is the longest. Fourth in a series dating from 1977, this volume illuminates current trends and likely future developments in the field of chemical signaling in vertebrates. Going back even farther, the first chapter, a personal account of the past quarter century by Dr. Mykytowycz recalls the most important milestones, such as symposia, or the founding of societies and journals. He also credits those investigators who stand out by their seminal studies.