Order N photonic band structures for metals and other dispersive materials

We show, for the first time, how to calculate photonic band structures for metals and other dispersive systems using an efficient Order N scheme. The method is applied to two simple periodic metallic systems where it gives results in close agreement with calculations made with other techniques. Further, the approach demonstrates excellent numerical stablity within the limits we give. Our new method opens the way for efficient calculations on complex structures containing a whole new class of material.Comment: Four pages, plus seven postscript figures. Submitted to Physical Review Letter

Aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck: a new classification based on a literature review over 40 years (1968-2008)

BACKGROUND: Fibromatosis is an aggressive fibrous tumor of unknown etiology that is, in some cases, lethal. Until now, there has been no particular classification for the head and neck. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review the current literature in order to propose a new classification for future studies. METHODS: An evidence-based literature review was conducted from the last 40 years regarding aggressive fibromatosis in the head and neck. Studies that summarized patients' data without including individual data were excluded. RESULTS: Between 1968 and 2008, 179 cases with aggressive fibromatosis of the head and neck were published. The male to female ratio was 91 to 82 with a mean age of 16.87 years, and 57.32% of the described cases that involved the head and neck were found in patients under 11 years. The most common localization was the mandible, followed by the neck. All together, 143 patients were followed up, and in 43 (30.07%), a recurrence was seen. CONCLUSION: No clear prognostic factors for recurrence (age, sex, or localization) were observed. A new classification with regard to hormone receptors and bone involvement could improve the understanding of risk factors and thereby assist in future studies

Factors influencing survival of free-flap in reconstruction for cancer of the head and neck: a literature review

Microvascular free tissue transfer is a reliable technique for head and neck reconstruction with success rates of 90-99%. Currently, there is no consensus concerning antithrombotic agents, antibiotics, or monitoring techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review current literature dealing with microvascular free-tissue transfer and factors influencing the outcome. In addition to excellent microsurgical techniques, coupling devices are a promising new technique, but are not useful in all arteries. Antibiotics should be given in three doses, as a more lengthy dosage time seems to have no advantage. The risk for elderly patients can be best assessed by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, but early mobilization, including intense chest physiotherapy, is important. Anticoagulation can be considered in cases of small vessels, significant size mismatch, vein graft, or vessels of poor quality. Monitoring should be done hourly during the first 24 hours and then every 4 hours for the next 2 postoperative days

Police discretion and encounters with people experiencing mental illness: the significant factors

Police discretion as it applies to encounters with people experiencing mental illness has far-reaching implications. In this study, some of the factors that are related to police officers' decisions following encounters with people experiencing mental illness were explored. Officers in Australia were presented with one of three videos depicting a police encounter with an individual who was either mentally ill, not mentally ill, or with an ambiguous mental state. Participants were asked how they would "likely" and "ideally" resolve the encounter. Discriminant function analysis revealed that officers' responses were related to (a) the severity of symptoms presented and (b) the officers' attitudes toward people experiencing mental illness, as measured by an attitudes questionnaire. There was a discrepancy between participants' likely and ideal outcomes to the scenarios, which supported the well-known fact that police officers face considerable obstacles when attempting to resolve encounters with people experiencing mental illness

Free flap monitoring protocol

In microsurgery, the successful salvage of free tissue transfer is dependent on the rapid decision to return to the operating room. Therefore, a free flap monitoring protocol is presented, including checking color, temperature, capillary return, and signal from a handheld Doppler ultrasonograph in an intraoperatively marked skin area directly over the pedicle

Police perceptions of their encounters with individuals experiencing mental illness: a Victorian survey

Objectives: Police have long played a central role in the management of people experiencing mental illness. This study explored: (1) the frequency of contact between the police and people experiencing mental illness; (2) the way in which police officers' knowledge and the sources of information used relates to various dispositions; (3) the signs, symptoms and behaviours that police officers consider are associated with mental illness; and (4) the challenges police face in this respect when performing their duties.Method: A survey was completed by 3,534 police officers in Victoria, Australia. Canonical correlations were used to explore the 'approach styles' of police when responding to people with a mental illness. Thematic analyses, based on grounded theory, were utilized to examine and code open-ended responses.Results/conclusions: Police reported that a considerable amount of their time each week was spent dealing with people they believed to be mentally ill. These encounters were reportedly associated with considerable practical difficulties for police, both in terms of knowing how to deal with people experiencing mental illness and how to best find appropriate supports for them. The most common results of their encounters were instigating a mental health apprehension, followed by arrest, but decision-making was influenced by the differential weight police placed on different sources of information received at the scene. Recommendations for police training, while based on practical wisdom, need to be multi-modal and should engage mental health experts in design and delivery

Temporomandibular disorders associated with metastases to the temporomandibular joint: a review of the literature and 3 additional cases

INTRODUCTION: Metastases involving the oral cavity account for 1% to 8% of all malignancies in the oral cavity Involvement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is uncommon. METHOD AND RESULTS: We conducted a review of the literature between 1954 and 2008 regarding metastases to the TMJ. In total, 48 patients were found and in 28 patients a previous history of malignant neoplasm was known. The primary tumor was most commonly found in the breast (34%), followed by the lung (21%). Adenocarcinoma was predominant (72.97%). Three new patients with TMJ pain as a first symptom for a disseminated tumor are also examined here. CONCLUSION: Establishing an exact diagnosis of metastatic lesions in the TMJ can provide a diagnostic challenge. Clinicians should include the suspicion of cancer in the differential diagnosis, in particular when patients have a previous history of malignant neoplasm or do not respond to treatment appropriately