This is the first dedicated, in-depth account of trophoblast: the tissue derived from the fertilized egg that nourishes and protects the developing fetus. The cells of the trophoblast have many unique qualities, and exhibit great variability across different species. It has a fascinating role in the development of the placenta and as a regulator during early growth of the embryo. These aspects are all fully covered as well as studies on why it is not rejected by the mother as 'foreign' tissue. This volume provides an up-to-date summary of the state of current knowledge and offers some...

Three abandoned orphans in New York find themselves thrown together, and in the process, bring together three separate worlds. They discover a country riddled with spell-casting elves, war-mongering Cyclopes, hidden kingdoms, stolen thrones, and centuries of war. While the three struggle to grow and change, they also transform the worlds around them, breaking age-old hatreds and ushering in new levels of acceptance, trust, and peace. Derek, born a Cyclops with his single eye, lives a solitary life until the young, talkative elf named Ferris, joins him in the orphanage. Restless for change,...