Management of the clinically positive neck in organ preservation for advanced head and neck cancer

An 82-year-old man was treated with isoniazid (INH) because of a low-grade fever. On the 9th day of treatment, dry coughing and general malaise developed. On the 30th day, he was admitted to our hospital. A chest-X ray film showed infiltrative shadows in the right middle and lower lung fields, but a chest CT scan showed an abnormal lung density in the right lower lobe. Abnormal laboratory findings included leucocytosis, liver dysfunction, hypoxemia, low vital capacity, low diffusing capacity and a high level of C-reactive protein. A differential cell count of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed many neutrophils and lymphocytes; examination of a specimen obtained by transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) revealed edema of alveolar walls, lymphocyte infiltration, and proliferation of type II alveolar epithelial cells. A drug lymphocyte stimulation test (DLST) against INH was positive. After discontinuation of INH, symptoms resolved, laboratory findings became normal, and the infiltrative shadows in the right middle and lower lung fields disappeared. The clinical course and the findings of BALF, TBLB, and DLST suggested the diagnosis of pneumonitis caused by INH.     

Cognition and social adversity in the depressed elderly.

This study investigated the cognitive patterns and social circumstances of the depressed elderly. Compared to elderly nondepressed controls, the depressed elderly reported more negative thoughts, hopelessness, and dysfunctional attitudes. Although severe life events were more common in the depressed group, social adversity was unrelated to scores on these cognitive measures. Furthermore, when compared with findings using younger adults, our results suggest that the age of the depressed person has little effect on cognitions in general, with the possible exception of automatic thoughts. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Dynamics of polymer molecules using neutron spin—echo

The dynamics of single polymer chains have been investigated in dilute solution and in the melt using the neutron spin—echo technique. In dilute solution the intramolecular motion is described to a first approximation by that for a Rouse chain incorporating hydrodynamic interactions (Zimm). It is characterised by an inverse correlation time which may be normalised by temperature, solvent viscosity and segment size, and which for long chains varies as Q³ at small scattering angles (Q is the change in wavevector on scattering). At very low Q vectors the predicted ‘universal’ regime is observed, but over most of the accessible range chemical structure also becomes important. For short chains, deviations from this Q³ behaviour are associated with overall molecular diffusion. In the melt, chain entanglements come into play and modify the simple Rouse-type motion. The correlation functions are described by a combination of Rouse motion over short distances and times and a long-time slow-motion predicted by the reptation model of melt dynamics.     

The test needs of application-specific integrated circuits

This paper discusses the particular test needs of non-standard, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It covers the need for accurate device simulation integrated with a post-processor and test system software, to enable cost-effective testing to be performed.     

Modeling of transmembrane seven helix bundles

Transmembrane seven helix bundles form a large family of membraneinserted receptors and are responsible for a wide range of biologicalfunctions. Experimental data suggest that their overall structureis similar to bacteriorhodopsin. We describe here a new approachfor the modeling of transmembrane seven helix bundles basedon statistically derived environmental preference parameterscombined with experimentally determined features of the receptors.The method was used to create a model for the human ß₂-adrenoreceptor.This model is physically plausible, is in reasonable agreementwith experimental data and may be helpful in planning new receptorengineering experiments.     

Perceiving control, construing benefits, and daily processes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Examined the influence of perceived pain control (PPC) and pain benefit appraisals (PBAs) on adjustment to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a 75-day study of 54 RA patients. After completing measures of dispositional optimism (M. Scheier and C. Carver; see record 1986-19862-001) and appraisals of control over, and benefits from, their chronic pain, Ss reported each day their pain intensity, mood, and activity limitations due to pain. Controlling for disease activity and dispositional optimism, Ss high in PPC at the outset of the study experienced less daily pain. Daily pain also moderated the relation between control beliefs and adjustment as well as the relation between PBA and adjustment. With increased pain, greater PPC was associated with less positive mood. (French abstract) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Psychological testing in outpatient mental health facilities: A national study.

Surveyed psychological testing trends in outpatient mental health centers, clinics, and services in the US. The sample was obtained from the National Directory of Mental Health and the National Registry of Community Mental Health Services. Of 900 facilities with a psychologist on staff, 413 (46%) returned questionnaires. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) and the Wechsler scales were the instruments most frequently used, closely followed in usage frequency by the major projective techniques. The Wide Range Achievement Test, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT), the Peabody, the Beck Depression Inventory, and the Wechsler Memory Scale were also quite popular. Apparently, clinicians rely on traditional tests despite the proliferation of new assessment instruments in the clinical literature. Implications for graduate training are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The Strategic Computing Program at four years: Implications and intimations

Examining the Strategic Computing Program after four years, in the context of the crucial recognition that it is only a small part of the whole range of military artificial intelligence applications, suggests a number of clear implications and intimations about such crucial questions as: 1) the current roles of industry and the universities in developing high technology war; 2) the effects on political and military policy of high-tech weapons systems; and 3) the importance of advanced military computing to subtle philosophical dilemmas including human self-definition and the future of war.     

Information technology and job design: a case study on computerized numerically controlled machine tool working

A detailed case study is presented of the use of CNC machine tools in an engineering factory. This examines what choices were made regarding the management and operation of CNC machines, and why, and the impact of these choices on the firm and its employees. Contrary to a deskilling hypothesis, the findings showed that CNC machinists exercised high levels of operational control, were very skilled, satisfied with the content of their jobs, but critical of work coordinating mechanisms. These job designs are linked to internal and external contingencies. The paper concludes with predictions concerning job designs associated with the move to complex information technology systems.     

Long-term Renters in the Australian Housing Market

The paper provides the first examination into the characteristics and housing circumstances of long-term private renters in Australia. It utilises a national sample of 4677 private renter households drawn from the 1994 ABS Survey of Rental Tenants. In Australia 40 per cent of private renters are identified as 'long-term renters', defined as having rented for more than 10 years. Two main types of long-term renters are examined: 'continuals' who have rented continuously since leaving the parental home, and 'returners' who have resumed renting after a period as a home purchaser, but cumulatively have rented for more than 10 years. Continuals, in contrast to returners, are characterised mainly by lower household incomes and higher unemployment. Returners, on the other hand, are more diverse socio-economically, older than other private renters, and more likely to have experienced marital breakdown. Long-term renters (both continuals and returners) change residence less frequently (although still at a rate double the national average). Rental conditions also vary between long and shorter-term groups. Long-term renters appear to be in a less form alised sector of the market. They are less likely than shorter-term renters to rent from estate agents, pay a bond, hold a lease, or pay rent in advance. The findings in this paper challenge the traditional view of private rental as predom inantly a short-term, transitional tenure.