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Background The majority of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia develop disease relapse in the central nervous system in the absence of central nervous system−directed prophylactic therapy. In the past, prophylactic cranial irradiation was commonly used in the form of whole-brain radiotherapy in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to prevent the development of intracranial diseases. However, in addition to the inherent risk of toxicity, this type of therapy has several delayed side effects including the development of secondary intracranial tumors. Case Description We report a rare case of a patient with concurrent pituicytoma, meningioma, and cavernomas 44 years after prophylactic cranial irradiation for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient presented with visual disturbance, headache, and features of hypopituitarism. Endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the pituicytoma and meningioma was performed. Subsequent regrowth of the residual meningioma necessitated further surgery and adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy. Conclusions This case report highlights the unusual case of a patient with 3 concurrent intracranial lesions of distinct pathologies after prophylactic cranial irradiation therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

While conventional nutrition research has yielded biomarkers such as doubly labeled water for energy metabolism and 24-h urinary nitrogen for protein intake, a critical need exists for additional, equally robust biomarkers that allow for objective assessment of specific food intake and dietary exposure. Recent advances in high-throughput MS combined with improved metabolomics techniques and bioinformatic tools provide new opportunities for dietary biomarker development. In September 2018, the NIH organized a 2-d workshop to engage nutrition and omics researchers and explore the potential of multiomics approaches in nutritional biomarker research. The current Perspective summarizes key gaps and challenges identified, as well as the recommendations from the workshop that could serve as a guide for scientists interested in dietary biomarkers research. Topics addressed included study designs for biomarker development, analytical and bioinformatic considerations, and integration of dietary biomarkers with other omics techniques. Several clear needs were identified, including larger controlled feeding studies, testing a variety of foods and dietary patterns across diverse populations, improved reporting standards to support study replication, more chemical standards covering a broader range of food constituents and human metabolites, standardized approaches for biomarker validation, comprehensive and accessible food composition databases, a common ontology for dietary biomarker literature, and methodologic work on statistical procedures for intake biomarker discovery. Multidisciplinary research teams with appropriate expertise are critical to moving forward the field of dietary biomarkers and producing robust, reproducible biomarkers that can be used in public health and clinical research.

Purpose Decompressive craniectomy remains controversial because of uncertainty regarding its benefit to patients; this study aimed to explore current practice following the RESCUEicp Trial, an important study in the evolving literature on decompressive craniectomies. Materials and methods Neurosurgeons in New Zealand, Australia, USA and Nepal were sent a survey consisting of two case scenarios and several multi-choice questions exploring their utilisation of decompressive craniectomy following the RESCUEicp Trial. Results One in ten neurosurgeons (n = 6, 10.3%) were no longer performing decompressive craniectomies for TBI following the RESCUEicp Trial and two fifths (n = 23, 39.7%) were less enthusiastic. Most neurosurgeons would not operate in the face of severe disability (n = 46, 79.3%) or vegetative state/death (n = 57, 98.3%). Neurosurgeons tended give more optimistic prognoses than the CRASH prognostic model. Those who suggested more pessimistic prognoses and those who use decision support tools were less likely to advise decompressive surgery. Conclusions RESCUEicp has had a notable impact on neurosurgeons and their management of TBI. Although there remains no clear clinical consensus on the contraindications for decompressive craniectomy, most neurosurgeons would not operate if severe disability or vegetative state (the rates of which are increased by such surgery) seemed likely. Whilst unreliable, prognostic estimates still have an impact on clinical decision making and neurosurgical management. Wider use of decision support tools should be considered.

BACKGROUND Few Americans meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), yet a large percentage are overweight. OBJECTIVE The goal of this research was to examine the association between barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA and weight in a multisite study. DESIGN This was a cross-sectional study in which 836 caregiver-child dyads among 3 race/ethnic groups completed the questionnaire across 6 sites participating in the HEALTH (Healthy Eating and Lifestyle for Total Health) Study. Barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA were assessed by using a validated questionnaire developed specifically for the HEALTH Study. Heights and weights were measured. A series of bivariate regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between caregiver body mass index (BMI) or child BMI z score and the barriers and facilitators to meeting the DGA, adjusting for appropriate covariates in the models. Path analysis was used to examine the relation of caregiver and child barriers and facilitators to their relative BMIs. RESULTS In children, the BMI z score was associated positively (P < 0.001) with total barriers and negatively (P < 0.001) with total facilitators. In caregivers, BMI was associated positively only with total barriers (P < 0.0001). For each of the 8 MyPyramid components, barriers consistently were associated positively (P < 0.0001) and facilitators were associated negatively (P < 0.001) with BMI z score in children (with the exception of the fruit and physical activity components). For caregivers, most of the barriers to meeting recommendations for meats and beans; solid fats, alcohol, and added sugars; and physical activity components were associated positively (P < 0.01) with BMI. Path analyses show that caregiver facilitators were significantly related to children's facilitators to meeting DGA recommendations (standardized β: 0.12; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION To our knowledge, our findings are among the first to show associations between weight and barriers and/or facilitators to meeting the DGA in a national, large sample of caregiver-child dyads. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02725970.

The Population-Based Funding Formula (PBFF) has a significant impact on health funding distribution between New Zealand's 20 district health boards (DHBs) yet is subject to little independent oversight or public scrutiny. There has been widespread dissatisfaction among DHBs with the allocation process; however, there are limited formal avenues available for DHBs and the public to discuss the PBFF. As such, the news media has become a key platform for voicing concerns. This study aims to gain a better understanding of how the PBFF is portrayed in the news media and of perceptions of funding allocations across the country.We conducted thematic analyses of 487 newspaper articles about the PBFF, published over 13 years from 2003-2016. We then identified trends in the data.Typically presented in a negative light, the PBFF was commonly framed against a background of financial struggle and resultant impacts on health services and staff. The effect of factors driving DHB allocations and the PBFF process itself were also key themes. There were significant regional and temporal variations in reporting volume, with most articles focusing on South Island DHBs and occurring during the introduction of the PBFF and at the time of the most recent review.The findings suggest general discontent with the PBFF model across the DHB sector and a sense that the PBFF has failed to address various challenges facing DHBs. The geographic imbalance in reporting volume suggests that frustration with the PBFF is particularly keenly felt in the South Island. Although the PBFF is a lightning rod for frustrations over limited health funding, the findings point to the need to improve transparency and dialogue around the formula and to monitor of the impact of PBFF allocations throughout the country.

Background Social media and Internet technologies present several emerging and ill-explored issues for a modern healthcare workforce. One issue is patient-targeted Googling (PTG), which involves a healthcare professional using a social networking site (SNS) or publicly available search engine to find patient information online. The study’s aim was to address a deficit in data and knowledge regarding PTG, and to investigate medical student use of SNSs due to a close association with PTG. Method The authors surveyed final year medical students at the Otago Medical School, University of Otago in January 2016. A subset completed focus groups that were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key themes relating to students’ attitudes towards PTG, and reasons why they might engage in PTG. Results Fifty-four students completed the survey (response rate = 65.1%), which showed that PTG was uncommon (n = 9, 16.7%). Attitudes were varied and context dependent. Most participants saw problems with PTG and favoured more explicit guidance on the issue (n = 29, 53.7%). SNS usage was high (n = 51, 94.4%); participants were concerned by the content of their SNS profiles and who they were connecting with online. Participants showing high SNS use were 1.83 times more likely to have conducted PTG than lower use groups. Conclusions The diverse attitudes uncovered in this study indicated that teaching or guidelines could be useful to healthcare professionals considering PTG. Though ethically problematic, PTG may be important to patient care and safety. The decision to conduct PTG should be made with consideration of ethical principles and the intended use of the information.

Premise of the study: Field methodology and image analysis protocols using acoustic tomography were developed and evaluated as a tool to estimate the amount of internal decay and damage of living trees, with special attention to tropical rainforest trees with irregular trunk shapes. Methods and Results: Living trunks of a diversity of tree species in tropical rainforests in the Republic of Panama were scanned using an Argus Electronic PiCUS 3 Sonic Tomograph and evaluated for the amount and patterns of internal decay. A protocol using ImageJ analysis software was used to quantify the proportions of intact and compromised wood. The protocols provide replicable estimates of internal decay and cavities for trees of varying shapes, wood density, and bark thickness. Conclusions: Sonic tomography, coupled with image analysis, provides an efficient, noninvasive approach to evaluate decay patterns and structural integrity of even irregularly shaped living trees.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain what role mentoring played in female sport management faculty’s decision to pursue doctoral degrees and to investigate and identify factors related to successful transition through the doctoral program. A qualitative, descriptive-interpretive approach utilizing a cross case analysis of current female faculty in sport management was used to discover participants’ subjective views regarding a specific experience or experiences in an effort to provide unique, relevant data (Anda, 2001). This methodology allowed for a greater understanding of the participants and their experiences. Semistructured interviews were conducted with eight participants dichotomized by race: four White and four Black Assistant Professors teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs at various types of Carnegie classified institutions. Collectively, seven major themes and four major personality traits and characteristics developed from verbatim transcriptions of the interviews. The seven themes included athletic involvement, career in athletics, career aspirations, pedagogy decision, influence of mentor, mentor roles, and context of mentoring. The four personality traits and characteristics related to success were athletic involvement/career in athletics, single with no dependents, competitive/confident, and vigilance/determination.

An experiential learning project through the USDA Food and Nutrition Summer Institute focuses on diabetes and obesity in the African American community by addressing nutrition and physical activity among children. In this phase of the project, students from five historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) identified community partners and tested the feasibility of using several instruments for a future intervention. Seventy-four children and 31 parents completed a modified USDA Diet and Health Knowledge Survey questionnaire; socio-demographic, physical activity, and anthropometric datasheets; and Block Food Frequency Questionnaires. Students faced several challenges in collecting food and behavior information, including respondent burden, appropriateness of questionnaires, and technology difficulties.

Two CMS production Cathode Strip Chambers were tested for aging effects in the high radiation environment at the Gamma Irradiation Facility at CERN. The chambers were irradiated over a large area: in total, about 2.1 m{sup 2} or 700 m of wire in each chamber. The 40% Ar+50%CO{sub 2}+10%CF{sub 4} gas mixture was provided by an open-loop gas system for one of the chambers and by closed-loop recirculating gas system for the other. After accumulating 0.3-0.4 C per centimeter of a wire, which is equivalent to operation during about 30-50 years at the peak LHC luminosity, no significant changes in gas gain, chamber efficiency, and wire signal noise were observed for either of the two chambers. The only consistent signs of aging were a small increase in dark current from {approx}2 nA to {approx}10 nA per plane of 600 wires and a decrease of strip-to-strip resistance from 1000 G{Omega} to 10-100 G{Omega}. Disassembly of the chambers revealed deposits on the cathode planes, while the anode wires remained fairly clean.

Presented are the main design features and performance results of the Cathode Strip Chambers for the CMS Endcap Muon system. Although the strips are unusually wide (up to 16 mm ) for the cathode-to-anode wire distance of 5 mm , the six-plane structure of these chambers yields a spatial resolution of about 80 μm , essentially uniform and independent of the strip width. In addition, the net spatial resolution of about one-tenth of the strip width at the hardware trigger level (300 ns ) is obtained using a simple network of comparators. Time resolution achieved at the trigger level is ∼4 ns (rms) that allows unambiguous tagging of bunch crossings which occur every 25 ns . Aging test results, including those obtained with a recirculating gas system, are discussed; only minor aging affects were observed. The aging studies were performed with large-scale chambers; 700 m of wire were irradiated for a dose up to 0.4 C / cm of the total accumulated charge.

Presented are the main design features of the large Cathode Strip Chambers (CSCs) for the CMS Endcap Muon System as well as the performance results obtained with the two full-scale 3.4×1.5 m2 six-plane prototypes. The prototype performance was within the baseline requirements: (a) higher than 99% efficiency of muon track finding at the trigger level with more than 92% probability for bunch crossing identification and better than 2 mm spatial resolution, and (b) better than 150 μm spatial resolution in off-line.

OVERVIEW:Corporations everywhere are seeking maximum value from central research and development. R&D productivity measures continue to receive attention, but they introduce risk into the management process, and they do not necessarily impact individual behavior. This article focuses on incentives that motivate researchers and research organizations to maximize their contribution to corporate strategy. In addition to incentives traditionally used in R&D organizations, GM Hughes Electronics has found two new processes to be effective: business unit direction of central research projects, and results-based compensation for every research employee.

The majority of the US population does not meet recommendations for consumption of milk, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables. The goal of our study was to understand barriers and facilitators to adherence to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans for four nutrient-rich food groups in fifth-grade children and unrelated adult caregivers across six sites in a multistate study. A total of 281 unrelated adult caregivers (32% African American, 33% European American, and 35% Hispanic American) and 321 children (33% African American, 33% European American, and 34% Hispanic American) participated in 97 Nominal Group Technique sessions. Nominal Group Technique is a qualitative method of data collection that enables a group to generate and prioritize a large number of issues within a structure that gives everyone an equal voice. The core barriers specific to unrelated adult caregivers were lack of meal preparation skills or recipes (whole grains, fruit, vegetables); difficulty in changing eating habits (whole grains, fruit, vegetables), cost (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), lack of knowledge of recommendation/portion/health benefits (milk, vegetables), and taste (milk, whole grains, vegetables). Specific to children, the core barriers were competing foods (ie, soda, junk foods, sugary foods [whole grains, milk, fruit, vegetables]), health concerns (ie, milk allergy/upset stomach [milk]), taste/flavor/smell (milk, whole grains, fruit, vegetables), forget to eat them (vegetables, fruit), and hard to consume or figure out the recommended amount (milk, fruit). For both unrelated adult caregivers and children, reported facilitators closely coincided with the barriers, highlighting modifiable conditions that could help individuals to meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

This paper documents on the programming and software design underpinning the Virtual Laboratory Practical Class (VLPC) program. This is an experiment simulation HTML5 web, which was designed to provide students with a virtual “pre-lab” experience where they can conduct an experiment and use equipment and techniques that they will encounter in a “live” pharmacology practical laboratory class.

OVERVIEW:This article describes the approaches being used by large high-technology companies, including the author's, to align technology strategy with business strategy. Comparative data are given that were obtained through benchmarking interviews with senior technology executives at 16 corporations. Following a discussion of how RD nontechnical core competencies; and core “incompetencies.” (3) Technical networks for nourishing technical core competencies, with three distinct examples: 3M's democratically based Technical Forum; Hughes Aircraft's management-linked Technical Networks; and Martin Marietta's electronically connected...

We report a method for optimizing the specificity of product formation in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is based on the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and takes into account primer Tm. The reduction in Tm by DMSO is directly correlated with renaturation temperature such that a DMSO gradient reflects a temperature gradient. We use this relationship to show that optimum product formation usually occurs at or within several degrees of the midpoint Tm of a given primer pair. We illustrate these correlations using three examples deriving PCR products from a human cDNA library, representing the casein kinase II alpha and beta subunits as well as the 5' untranslated region for the beta subunit. By following product formation as a function of renaturation temperature, we postulate rules for cycle design based on primer Tm. Implications for the use of degenerate primers are discussed.

High power, high gain lasers are vulnerable to parasitic oscillations, which are unwanted laser modes that rely on stray wall reflections for their optical feedback. Since parasitics reduce power in the intended laser mode and can cause thermal damage to structural hardware, it is important to know the gain threshold required to support parasitics in various laser medium geometries. When the walls are diffusely reflecting, as in many high power laser devices, a diffuse parasitic mode that fills essentially the entire gain medium can form. A differential equation is derived for the radiant intensity of a diffuse parasitic in the absence of diffraction. An expansion in angular functions leads to a Helmholtz-like equation and suitable boundary conditions at the walls. These equations are solved to give the radiant intensity within a rectangular laser region with specified reflectivities at the bounding walls. Limiting cases are discussed and numerical results are given for the diffuse parasitic gain threshold in rectangular gain regions bounded by two, four, or six partially reflecting walls. A computer code is provided for calculating the gain threshold for other combinations of wall reflectivities.

Large deletion and small insertion mutations in the adenylyl cyclase gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used to map regions required for activation by RAS protein in vitro. The amino-terminal 605 amino acids were found to be dispensable for responsiveness to RAS protein. All other deletions in adenylyl cyclase destroyed its ability to respond to RAS. Small insertion mutations within the leucine-rich repeat region also prevented RAS responsiveness, while other insertions did not.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how spirituality relates to health-promoting behaviors in African-American women. Using Burkhart's theoretical framework for spirituality, a descriptive cross-sectional correlational design was used. A group of 260 (N=260) women completed Rosenbergh's Self-Esteem Scale, the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, the Spiritual Perspective Scale, the Brief Block 2000 Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). These women also provided the researchers with their socio-demographic data. Canonical correlation analysis identified a significant pair of canonical variables which indicated that those individuals with good nutrition (.95), physical activity (.79), and healthy eating (.42) were positively associated with stress management (.88), health responsibility (.67), spiritual growth (.66), interpersonal relations (.50), education (.49), and self-esteem (.33). This set of variables explained 56% of the variability (p.001). Practitioners should incorporate the message of spirituality by focusing on strategies to improve health responsibility, interpersonal relations, and self-esteem, along with health-promoting behaviors.

List of contributors. Preface. Director's list of participants. Editorial. List of the ISQE courses. 1. Birth of the maser and laser C.H.Townes. 2. Fiber optic chemical sensors and biosensors: a view back O.S.Wolfbeis and B.M.Weidgans.- Fundamentals of optical chemical sensing. 3. Fundamentals of optoelectronics A.Dybko. 4. Optical fibres for optical sensing I. Kasik et al. 5. Absorption-based sensors A.Lobnik. 6. Fluorescence-based sensors G.Orellana. 7. Vibrational spectroscopic sensors M.Kraft. 8. Chemiluminescence-based sensors L.J.Blum and C.A.Marquette. 9. Sensors based on spectroscopy of guided waves J.Homola. 10. Planar optical sensors and evanescent wave effects C.S.Burke et al. 11. Interferometry in bio and chemosensing G.Gauglitz. l2. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy T.Vo-Dinh and F.Yan. 13. Planar waveguiding systems for optical sensing P.V.Lambeck and H.J.W.M.Hoekstra. 14. Ultracompact optical sensors based on high index-contrast photonic structures A.Driessen et al. 15. Polymers in optical sensors G.J.Mohr. 16. Fundamentals of enzyme-based sensors M.C. Moreno-Bondi and Elena Benito-Pena. 17. Sol-gels for optical sensors H.Podbielska, et al. 18 Methods for attachment of antibodies onto optical biosensors E.Brynda.- Applications of optical chemical sensing. 19. The optical nose D.R.Walt and T.Sternfeld. 20. Invasive sensors in medicine F.Baldini. 21 Biosensors for detection of bioterrorist threats F.S.Ligler. 22. Review of methods of optical gas detection by direct optical spectroscopy, with emphasis on correlation spectroscopy J.P.Dakin and P.Chambers. 23. DNA and protein sensor arrays C.Preininger. 24. Sensors for food safety and security D.B.Papkovsky. 25. Optical chemical sensors for cultural heritage G.Cristoforetti, et al.- Index

Many over-the-counter (OTC) drugs used in the symptomatic relief of upper respiratory tract (URT) conditions are banned by sports governing bodies. It would appear therefore that athletes are being penalised for practising conventional pharmacological methods in the management of common ailments. The aim was to identify any differences between athletes and non-athletes and amongst athletic groups, with respect to the prevalence of URT conditions and the use of OTC drugs to treat such conditions.Questionnaires were distributed at domestic and international athletics meetings and at university lectures and tutorials. Respondents (n=401) represented both track and field athletes (n=199) and non-athletes (n=202).No differences were found between athletes and non-athletes and between elite and non-elite athletes in terms of the frequency of episodes of URT conditions reported in the previous year. A higher proportion of elite, as opposed to non-elite athletes did not take OTC medicines (p=0.028) and of those that did take OTC medicines a higher proportion of elite athletes (68%) as opposed to non-elite (32%) took those not containing sympathomimetics, banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Athletes were found to have greater knowledge of IOC banned OTC drugs (p=0.002) and within this group, elite athletes were most knowledgeable (p=0.0003). Although most respondents (81%) believed that OTC drugs should not be prohibited in sport, athletes made up the greatest proportion in support of prohibition (23.5% as opposed to 14.4% of non-athletes) with elite as opposed to non-elite most in favour (p=0.0181).These results suggest that URT conditions are no more prevalent between athletes and non-athletes or between endurance and power athletes. Athletes competing at the highest level tended to avoid OTC medicines or those containing IOC banned drugs and were most knowledgeable in terms of banned OTC drugs and most in favour of their prohibition suggesting that the control mechanisms in place are only reaching elite athletes.

Theory and Design: Diffractive Optics: An Introduction F. Gori. Design of Refractive and Diffractive Micro-Optics H.P. Herzig. GRIN Planar Structures for Focusing, Collimation and Beam Size Control C. Gomez-Reino, et al. Materials and Processes: Microfabrication Technologies for Integrated Optical Devices G.C. Righini, M.A. Forastiere. Fabrication of Diffractive Optics: Surface Reliefs and Artificial Dielectrics C. Arnone, et al. Components and MEMS: Advances in Optical Microsystems Combining Microtechnologies and Batch Processing Fabrication S. Valette. Actuation Mechanisms for Micromechanics E.M. Yeatman. Fiber Sensors: Fiber Bragg Gratings as Temperature and Strain Sensors A.G. Mignani, et al. Measurements: Micromechanics: New Challenges for Optical Measurements K. Patorski, M. Kujawinska. Waveguides in LiNbO3 for Optical Sensors: Characterization by Cerenkov Effect R. Ramponi. Microsystems and Applications: Microoptical Components and Systems Fabricated by the LIGA Process C. Muller. Sensors and Microsystems: Electronic Nose C. Di Natale, et al. 23 Additional Articles. Index.

Preface. I: Basic Physics of Light-Biomatter Interactions and Tissue- Optics. Some Future Trends of Laser Biomedicine V.S. Letokhov. Modelling Light Propagation in Tissues S.L. Jacques. Dynamics of Optical Properties A.J. Welch, et al. II: Light-Induced Effects in Biological Systems. Derepression of Genome and Alteration of DNA Template Activity in Nonproliferating Cells by means of UV and Visible Laser Radiation T.I. Karu. Photosensitized Processes in vivo: Photodiagnostic and Phototherapeutic Applications G. Jori. Laser Induced Stimulation of Blood Platelet Aggregation N.N. Petrischev, et al. Investigation of Skin Sensitivity Due to Visible and Near-Infrared M.I. Nemenov, et al. Reflectance Spectroscopy with Optical Fiber Devices and Transcutaneous Bilirubinometers S.L. Jacques. Time-Resolved Reflectance for the Assessment of the Optical Properties of Tissues R. Cubeddu, et al. Recent Development in Laser Doppler Perfusion Imaging for Two-Dimensional Tissue Blood Flow Mapping G.E. Nilsson, et al. Frequency-Domain Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging of Tissues J. Maier, et al. Fluorescence Lifetime-Resolved Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) R.M. Clegg, et al. Automation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Systems for Medical Applications of Lasers A.J. Welch, et al. Therapeutic Lasers Effectiveness and Dosimetry F.A.H. Al-Watban. Tunable Diode Laser Detection of Small Traces of Gases for Medical Diagnostics G. Baldacchini, et al. Combined Spectroscopic and Molecular Mechanics Investigation of the Photobleaching and Photoproduct Fromation of Photoporphyrin by ALA Application to in vivo Systems Y.S. Park, A. Sac. IV: Optical Therapeutic Instrumentation and Applications. Time-Resolved Imaging of Acoustic Effects Induced in Air and in Water by Laser Ablation of Organic Tissue R. Pini, et al. 980 nm High Power Diode Laser in Surgical Applications W. Cecchetti, et al. Surgical Properties and Applications of Sealed-Off CO2 Lasers D.C. Dumitras, D.C.A. Dutu. Development of Pulsed Solid State Lasers for Ophthalmology in Romania R. Dabu, et al. Electro-Optical Instrumentation for Laser-Based Refractive Eye Microsurgery V.V. Molebny, et al. The CO2 Laser in Laryngeal Surgery G. Motto, et al. Measurement of Pressure Waves Induced Inside the Eye by Excimer Laser Ablation of the Cornea S. Siano, et al. How Far is a Prototype from the Market: The Experience with Bilitec 2000 F. Baldini, A.M. Verga Scheggi. V: Optical Tomography: Initial Applications in Bio-Medicine. Optical Coherence Tomography: Principles, Instrumentation, and Biological Applications E.A. Swanson, et al. Early Clinical Results of Time-of-Flight Optical Tomography in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit D.A. Benaron, et al. VI: Optical Sensors and Applications. Fluorescence-Based Optical Sensors for Biomedical Applications O.S. Wolfbeis. Surface Plasmon Resonance for Biosensing B. Liedberg, et al. The Use of Fiber Optic Sensors in in vivo Monitoring F. Baldini, et al. Silylated Optrodes for Biomedical Applications S. Bracci. VII: Laser-Assisted Biotechnology. Laser Technology in Molecular Biology G. Palumbo, et al. Biological Applications of Light Forces F. Baldes. VIII: Index. Index.

Protein kinase CKII (formerly casein kinase II) can be isolated as a heterotetramer, containing two catalytic (alpha or alpha') and two regulatory (beta) subunits. We have characterized the forms of CKII in HeLa cells using antibodies specific for the alpha or alpha' subunits. Following metabolic labeling with [35S]methionine, whole cell soluble extracts were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. Both alpha and alpha' coprecipitate with beta and with each other. However, when extracts are depleted of alpha, a pool of CKII containing only alpha' and beta is identified. Similarly, depletion of alpha' revealed a pool exclusively of alpha and beta. Therefore, we propose that there are three distinct isoforms of CKII within HeLa cells with different catalytic subunit stoichiometries (alpha 2 beta 2, alpha alpha' beta 2, and alpha' 2 beta 2). With our immunodepletion procedure we have characterized the isoforms by activity analysis, turnover of pulse-labeled subunits, and by localization in subcellular fractions obtained from labeled cells. We have also analyzed complex formation between the catalytic and regulatory subunits by examining the differences in the rate of signal incorporation into subunits in immunoprecipitates obtained from continuously labeled and pulse-labeled cells. We have found that the alpha 2 beta 2 and alpha alpha' beta 2 isoforms assemble relatively slowly (12-16 h), whereas complex formation of the alpha' 2 beta 2 isoform occurs more rapidly (2-4 h). Analysis of isoform complex formation in subcellular fractions from pulse-labeled cells revealed that the majority of nuclear CKII is assembled in the nucleus from free catalytic and regulatory subunit polypeptides.

Surveys recent developments in guided-wave optical circuits consisting of two or more devices on a single substrate, considering such areas as fundamental concepts, nonlinear optical materials, devices in both the linear and nonlinear regimes, and selected applications. Among the topics are lineariz

I: Laser Materials Processing: Tutorials. II: Theoretical Foundations. III: Laser Cutting and Welding Applications. IV: Other Applications: Stereolithography, Surface Hardening, 3-D Surface Patterning, Manufacturing and Repairing. V: Laser Measurement Techniques. VI: Laser Safety. Index.

PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS.- Laser Photomedicine - An Overview: Past, Present, and Future.- Exogenous Chromophores for Laser Non-Surgical Photomedicine.- Modelling and Measurements of Light Propagation in Tissue for Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications.- Chemical Laser Interactions with Human Tissues.- SURGICAL AND OPHTHALMOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS.- Mid-Infrared Laser Surgery.- The Nd:YAG Laser - Applications in Surgery.- Laser in Plastic Surgery and Dermatology.- First Experience with a Laser Clamp in Neurosurgery.- Excimer Laser Angioplasty in Human Artery Disease.- The Efficiency of Laser Panretinal Photocoagulation for Diabetes.- LOW POWER LASER THERAPY.- Effects of Visible Laser Radiation on Cultured Cells.- Medical Applications of Low Power Lasers in China.- The Use of Low Level Laser Biostimulation for the Treatment of Chronic Pain Syndromes.- PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY: MECHANISMS AND DOSIMETRY.- Photodynamic Therapy.- Exogenous Chromophores for Laser Photosurgery (PDT).- Endoscopic Photodynamic Therapy: Clinical Aspects.- Targets and Mechanisms of Action Associated with Laser Mediated Photosensitization.- Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors: A Review of PDT Dosimetry.- PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY: EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS.- Photodynamic Therapy Variation in Biological Activities of HPD and Biological Effectiveness with RIF-1.- A Comparison of Laser and Arc-Lamp Spectroscopic Systems for In-Vivo Pharmacokinetic Measurements of Photosensitizers Used in Photodynamic Therapy.- Experiments on Laser Mediated Photosensitization. Preclinical Evaluation of Mono-1-Aspartyl Chlorin e6 (NPe6).- Photodynamic Therapy of Tumors: Definition of PDT Dose and Response.- Laser Excited Fluorescence Lifetimes of Hematoporphyrin IX as a Function of Solution pH: Implication in Photodynamic Therapy.- Biological Applications of Time-Gated Fluorescence Spectroscopy.- Instrumentation for Photodynamic Therapy.- DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES AND INSTRUMENTATION.- The Use of Optical Fibers in Biomedical Sensing.- Laser Holography as a Technique in Experimental Science.- Laser Doppler Flow Measurement for the Evaluation of Cerebral Microcirculation.- LASER SAFETY AND SYSTEM DESIGN.- Safety Issues in Laser Surgery.- Laser Surgery of the Eye: Phototoxicity Concerns.- Surgical Endoscopy Units: Room Installation.- Considerations in the Design of Medical Laser Systems and Instrumentation.- Radiation Safety of Laser Products: European and Italian Requirements.

As we enter the nineties, there is worldwide awareness that the future of all mankind is inexorably linked by the world we share, and its response to man's activities. Lasers and the optical sciences have brought powerful tools to measure and understand our environment. LIDAR (laser radar) and laser fluorescence allow us to measure atmospheric and oceanic pollutants, as well as industrial emissions, from many kilometers distance. And a variety of sensitive laser-based spectroscopic techniques permit the accurate analysis of heavy metals and other trace elements in the environment. In September 1989, an international group of scientists me.t in Erice, Sicily, for the 14th Course of the International School of Quant Electronics. This Course was devoted to "Optoelectronics for Envi onmental Science," and was ably directed by Prof. V. S. Letokhov of the USSR Institute of Spectroscopy and Prof. A. M. Scheggi of the C.N.R. Electro magnetic Waves Institute, Florence, Italy. This book gives the proceedings of that conference, which covered not only basic tutorial papers but also reports on the latest research results. The first half of this volume describes the techniques used for direct "In-Situ Measurements" of the environment. In "Techniques and Programs," four chapters and one extended abstract give tutorial discussions of the most important remote sensing techniques: LIDAR, laser fluorescence, and optical fiber sensors, plus a description of the Italian program in this area."

Optical Nonlinearities and Bistability.- Theory of optical bistability and optical memory.- Dynamic operation of nonlinear waveguide devices for fast optical switching.- Optical bistability in coupled-cavity semiconductor lasers.- Semiconductor bistable etalons for digital optical computing.- Three photon ionization of Na atoms and related plasma phenomena.- Quantum Wells and Fast Nonlinearities.- Ultrafast dynamical nonlinearities in III-V semiconductors.- Nonlinear optical materials and devices.- Excitonic optical nonlinearities, four wave mixing and optical bistability in multiple quantum well structures.- Nonlinear optics of a single slightly-relativistic cyclotron electron.- Principles of optical computing.- Optical associative memory.- Optical computing using phase conjugation.- Nonlinear photorefractive effects and their application in dynamic optical interconnects and image processing.- Materials and Devices.- Ultrafast all-optical switching in optical fibers.- Nonlinear coupling to ZnS, ZnO and SDG planar waveguides: theory and experimental study.- Nonlinearity at an interface.- Suggestion for Further Reading.- Polarization instability in crystals with nonlinear anisotropy and nonlinear gyrotropy.- Selected references on optical computing using phase conjugation.

This paper addresses the effect of internal business culture on the local applicability, in fact the success or failure, of various technology management strategies. As an extension of our benchmarking studies of high technology companies, we trace the evolution of the internal culture and "personality" of Hughes Aircraft Company, paying particular attention to those factors affecting the management of technology. This leads to a clear description of the distinctive characteristics of the company today, as a basis for understanding the viability of various technology management tools and strategies.

This article builds upon the previous article in this issue, "Evolution of Technology Management at Hughes". Here we analyse some technology management tools and techniques in our corporation, Hughes Electronics, in comparison with other companies, to examine the effect of company culture on technology management.

We examined nocturnal roosting and diurnal perching habitat used by nonbreeding bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in North Carolina during 1986 and 1987. Eagles used roost areas that were less dense, had less canopy cover, were closer to forest edges, and had larger trees than randomly selected areas, and they used trees that were larger than random trees for roosting and perching. Suitable perch trees were the most important attribute of perching habitat. Eagles used loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) and trees with leafless crowns, probably because these crowns were most accessible for perching. Eagles perched in the bottom of tree crowns during summer, but they perched in tree tops during fall and winter. Eagle did not use perches that were different from forest stand characteristics within 20 m of perch trees, forest cover types in 1-ha blocks surrounding perches, or habitat disturbances. Roosting habitat should receive primary management emphasis because of its apparent low occurrence in central North Carolina. Perch trees were plentiful, but long-term management is desirable. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 54(2):223-234 Bald eagles are listed as endangered or threatened throughout much of North America (50CFR ? 17.11), but populations have stabilized or increased in recent years (Nickerson 1989, Bohall Wood et al. In Press). Shooting, trapping, electrocution, poisoning by pesticides and lead shot, and habitat loss to human encroachment through cutting of nest trees, perch trees, and roost sites remain a serious concern for management of eagles (Stalmaster 1976, Stalmaster and Newman 1979, Hansen et al. 1980, Nash et al. 1980). Since summer 1985, relatively large numbers (>30) of bald eagles have been observed on B. Everett Jordan and Falls lakes in central North Carolina, apparently representing a substantial increase in the state bald eagle population (W. Adams, U.S. Army Corps Eng., pers. commun.). The Jordan and Falls lakes populations primarily represent a transient summer assemblage of mostly immature, nonbreeding eagles. Little has been published about communal summer roosts and postnesting summer habitat use of bald eagles. Research emphasis has been on communal winter roosting and nesting habitat use (e.g., McEwan and Hirth 1979, Hansen et al. 1980, Anthony et al. 1982, Keister and Anthony 1983). Identification of summer postnesting habitat requirements is necessary for management of bald eagles during part of the nonbreeding period. Our objectives were to describe the vegetative characteristics of roost and perch sites in relation to overall habitat characteristics and to develop management guides for eagle habitat on reservoirs in North Carolina. Funding was provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wilmington District. M. T. Gaudette and A. K. DeLong provided field assistance. A. R. Davidson, K. K. Stout, and G. N. Hirsh assisted with data input. Thanks to J. Rich and C. Adams of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and M. Tippett of AeroServices, Inc. for pilot services. L. G. Jervis provided information on forestry practices at the Mason Point roost and allowed access to North Carolina State University property. R. C. Duckson, S. Brown, and B. Adams provided information and cooperation throughout the study. 1 Present address: Box 2434, Cordova, AK 99574. 2 Present address: 778 Palmer Avenue, Falmouth, MA 02540. 3 Present address: Wildlife Division, Department of Natural Resources, 2455 N. Williams Lake R ad, Pontiac, MI 48054.

A semisynthetic gene precisely encoding the 502 amino acids of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gag precursor (Pr53{sup gag}) was expressed in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Amino acid sequence analysis of the recombinant Pr53{sup gag} showed that the amino terminus was fully blocked. Labeling of Pr53{sup gag} with ({sup 3}H)myristic acid demonstrated that, as with Pr53{sup gag} isolated from virus-infected cells, the yeast-derived protein was demethionylated and N myristylated on glycine, the second amino acid residue.

(1976). The layfield report: Constitutional implications. Local Government Studies: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 65-69.