Product Description
Scinta, Inc The first trade edition of this compilation of health and health physics data meant to be used as a daily reference by practitioners, technologists, and students. 11 U.S. contributors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

HEALTH HANDBOOK
EXCELLENT REFERENCE.ANYONE IN THE BUSINESS NEEDS THIS BOOK. WE USE IT REGULARLY.

Radiological Health Hand Book
Great tool for those that work in the Health Physics/Radiological Protection Department of Nuclear Power, Nuclear Medicine, Department of Energy or other areas of the nuclear industry. It contains the informationneeded in the day to day tasks performed by a Health Physics Technician. ... Read more

Product Description

Radiation Oncology: A Physicist's-Eye View was written for both physicists and medical oncologists with the aim of helping them approach the use of radiation in the treatment of cancer with understanding, confidence, and imagination.  The book will let practitioners in one field understand the problems of, and find solutions for, practitioners in the other. It will help them to know "why" certain approaches are fruitful while, at the same time, encouraging them to ask the question "Why not?" in the face of assertions that some proposal of theirs is impractical, unreasonable, or impossible. Unlike a textbook, formal and complete developments of the topics are not among the goals. Instead, the reader will develop a foundation for understanding what the author has found to be matters of importance in radiation oncology during over thirty years of experience. Presentations cover, in largely non-technical language, the principal physical and biological aspects of radiation treatment and address practical clinical considerations in planning and delivering therapy. The importance of the assessment of uncertainties is emphasized. Topics include: an overview of the physics of the interactions of radiation with matter; the definition of the goals and the design of radiation therapy approaches; living with uncertainty; biophysical models of radiation damage; computer-based optimization of treatments; and proton therapy. Formulae and quantitation in general have been avoided in the belief that an understanding of the majority of important medical and biological issues in radiation oncology generally cannot be achieved through mathematical relationships.  This unique and highly readable book will be indispensable both to beginners and to those with experience in either medical physics or radiation oncology.

The author, who is Professor of Radiation Oncology Emeritus at Harvard Medical School, was an early pioneer in the development of image-based treatment planning and has been responsible for developing and putting into clinical practice such widely used tools as: digitally reconstructed radiographs, dose-volume histograms, and beam’s-eye view and has been a leader in the development of proton beam therapy.

Customer Reviews (2)

A unique book with a focus on knowledge rather than information
I am a medical physicist working in proton therapy in Switzerland, and I know the author because he frequents the institute where I work, because his wife (a radiation oncologist), and I work on the same project, and because my specialty (ocular proton therapy) happens to be a field the author co-pioneered. Our relationship is probably best characterized by the fact that I am mentioned in the book as a source for a couple of pictures, but with my name misspelled.

However, I do not write this (positive) review to please the author or my colleague, but because the concept of this book excited me AND the only available review at amazon for some time now really does not do it justice.

As the product description states the author was a pioneer "in the development of image-based treatment planning and has been responsible for developing and putting into clinical practice such widely used tools as: digitally reconstructed radiographs, dose-volume histograms, and beam's-eye view and has been a leader in the development of proton beam therapy." This is one reason why this book is one of its kind. Michael Goitein writing a book on radiation oncology it is not unlike Henry Kissinger writing a book on US foreign policy. The author not only has much experience in the field, he stood at the basis of many concepts and techniques that are so established today that it is hard to imagine what the field was like without them.

But the anecdotes born from his long experience, that are offered in small doses throughout the work, are not what makes this book one of its kind. Unlike a text book, with its focus on information, this work provides 'processed information' or knowledge. The author's obvious fundamental grasp of the matter (allowing him not just to ask 'why?' but more, and more intriguingly, 'why not?'), combined with a tone that is often so conversational that I can't help but hear the author's voice, often shed a new light on topics I personally considered rather boring. This is what I found most compelling about this book: it enables the reader to look at everyday topics with the enthusiastic and knowledgeable eyes of the author, and it is this that makes this book different from (and more enjoyable than) hundreds of standard text books (several of which the author recommends in his own book).

The book, 300+ pages, 13 chapters, covers the fundamentals of radiation oncology and, besides 'conventional' radiotherapy with photons, also includes two chapters on proton therapy (proton therapy in water, and in the patient). Two chapters on Uncertainty (ch. 2, "central to the conduct of radiation therapy") and Confidence (ch. 13, "the flip side of uncertainty") reflect the crucial role the author attributes to these concepts that play a role in basically all important components of radiation therapy: "One can never ignore the uncertainties; one must deal with them." The book contains plenty of clear drawings and images that, combined with the clarity of the text, make it practically impossible not to understand the topic that is being addressed.

Throughout the book the author points at a certain technique's or process' strengths and/or limitations, pitfalls, or promises, as applicable. In the afterword the author does the same with radiation therapy and writes "Radiation therapy is a blunt and rough tool. It will not turn out to be the ultimate cure. It can, at best, only solve the problem of local, and not metastatic, disease. Its side effects are far from negligible. Our therapeutic gains, the fruit of much hard work over long years, are largely incremental in nature." After this honest assessment the author continues to state why he believes radiation therapy will continue to play a vital role in the treatment of cancer for a long time to come, that there's much to be done, a lot to be gained by a much better understanding of why radiation therapy works so well (and sometimes doesn't), and plenty of opportunities to be enjoyed. In a field in which high technology is brought in 'at an almost alarming rate' the role of the individual is likely to become more important. With increased complexity and automation and hence increasing risks comes a need for 'critical eyes of experts with simple common sense'.

This book, written by an expert with plenty of common sense, will guide the reader in looking more critically and apply common sense more persistently in the field of radiation oncology. I sincerely hope that this book will turn out to be as big an influence on the future of radiation oncology as any of the author's achievement of the past decades.

Which leaves the reader of this review with the mundane matter of whether it is worth its (considerable) price (check amazon.co.uk for, potentially, other offerings). The book does not try to be a text book, but rather provides an overview and tries'to whet the reader's appetite for more detailed information'. Consequently it may not be what you are looking for (as was the case with the first reviewer). On the other hand, a book that manages to (almost) entertain when discussing treatment planning, is, quite figuratively, priceless.

Little ado about a lot
This book is a bit dissapointing. It might just be me, but I was expecting something close to, well, physics. What I found instead was a bunch of musings by a veteran of the field with very little concrete information I could sink my teeth into. This is more of a popular science level book (think companion to the TV series Nova); as such it is grossly overpriced. Nicely printed, though. ... Read more

Product Description
Interwoven within our semiconductor technology development had been the development of technologies aimed at identifying, evaluating and mitigating the environmental, health and safety (EH&S) risks and exposures associated with the manufacturing and packaging of integrated circuits. Driving and advancing these technologies have been international efforts by SEMI's Safety Division, the Semiconductor Safety Association (SSA), and the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).

The purpose of the Semiconductor Safety Handbook is to provide a current, single source reference for many of the primary semiconductor EH&S technologies and disciplines. To this end, the contributors have assembled a comprehensive text written by some of the leading experts in EH&S in the semiconductor industry. This text had taken three years to complete and has involved tremendous effort and commitment by the authors.

They have attempted to construct a reference manual that is comprehensive in its coverage of the technical aspects of each individual subject, while at the same time addressing practical applications of each topic. The scope of this text, from its inception, was intended to address significantly more than what would typically be classified under the definition of ""safety."" However, all of the chapters have a direct application to the protection and preservation of semiconductor employees, the surrounding communities and the environment.

This book is a hands-on reference to environmental, health and safety issues critical to the semiconductor industry. It was also the author's intent to produce a text that provides a practical user's guide for semiconductor environmental, health and safety practitioners as well as those individuals responsible for operation, maintenance and production in wafer fabrication facilities. ... Read more

Product Description
The uniqueness of human dignity must remain at the centre of all efforts to achieve this goal. They have to be maximised to serve members of society throughout their lives, both for cure and prevention. However, preventive medicine can only be practised in partnership with individuals acting responsibly. A healthcare system on a European scale is an enormous endeavour. Currently, there are severe differences evident in the national provisions. The dichotomy has to be addressed where individual national structures are oriented toward European standards, while the care to the individual is delivered locally. The Strategic Vision aims to address the need for an overall strategy that can be adapted and implemented on the local bases. It puts a specific emphasis upon cost containment. New mechanisms have to be implemented to control the cost of healthcare. Clear rules for delivery are needed to prevent the advent of multi-class healthcare. This requires the development of a new underlying philosophic paradigm. ... Read more

Product Description
The Physics of Medical Imaging reviews the scientific basis and physical principles underpinning imaging in medicine. It covers the major imaging methods of x-radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and nuclear magnetic resonance, and considers promising new techniques. Following these reviews are several thematic chapters that cover the mathematics of medical imaging, image perception, computational requirements, and techniques. Throughout the book, the author encourages readers to consider key questions concerning imaging. This profusely illustrated and extensively indexed text is accessible to graduate physical scientists, advanced undergraduates, and research students. It logically complements books on applications of imaging techniques in medicine, making it useful for clinicians as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Adequate but outdated review of medical imagining
The second page of my copy of this book states:
Reprinted 1995, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2003
This is pretty much the same text published in 1988 (after corrections)
So:
Fuzzy 80's CT scan illustrations
Nothingon fat suppression, or more modern image acquisition sequences in the "Nuclear Magnetic Imaging" chapter
Definitely no mention of harmonic ultrasound
Many anachronistic references to 'future technological improvements'

I am not sure whether the publisher's reluctance to update this book represents apathy or avarice, but the failure to more frequently revise a textbook in such a rapidly changing area relegates this book from serious consideration as a primary textbook.

Some chapters are quite clear and complete (for example X-ray) but overall the writng style is a little obtuse.

In summary- some good chapters but outdated, stylistically hum-drum and superceded by the numerous other texts in this area. ... Read more

Product Description
The Rad Tech's Guide series provides an easy reference for the technologist who is preparing for the advanced level exam practice exams. The subjects match those tested on these exams. This user-friendly text can also be used as a quick overview by the practicing technologist and physician

Provides brief overview for efficient exam review

Practical pocket size at a good value

Serves as a quick reference for the practicing radiologic technician

Concise, easy-to-read text ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Rad Tech's Guide Series
The following review was published in Radiology 2003; 227

Rad Tech's Guide Series [book review]
Edited by Euclid Seeram
Malden, Mass: Blackwell Science, Inc, 2001. Softcover, $20.95 each volume

Rad Tech's Guide to Radiation Protection

Euclid Seeram, ISBN: 0-86542-580-9, pp 118, 15 figures

Rad Tech's Guide to Equipment Operation and Maintenance

Euclid Seeram, ISBN: 0-86542-482-9, pp 168, 13 figures

Rad Tech's Guide to MRI: Basic Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control

William Faulkner, ISBN: 0-632-04505-1, pp 120, 41 figures

Rad Tech's Guide to MRI: Imaging Procedures, Patient Care, and Safety

Carolyn Kaut Roth, ISBN: 0-632-04507-8, pp 208, 44 figures

Rad Tech's Guide to CT: Imaging Procedures, Patient Care, and Safety

Deborah Lynn Durham, ISBN: 0-632-04491-8, pp 112, 18 figures

Rad Tech's Guide to Mammography: Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control

Donald R. Jacobson, ISBN: 0-632-04499-3, pp 136, 24 figures

The Rad Tech's Guide Series, by Blackwell Science, is composed of six softcover books between 111 and 207 pages in length. The titles in the series are Radiation Protection; Equipment Operation and Maintenance; MRI: Basic Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control; MRI: Imaging Procedures, Patient Care, and Safety; CT: Imaging Procedures, Patient Care, and Safety; and Mammography: Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control. The intended audience is radiologic technologists who are currently working in the field and those who are seeking advanced certification in one of the imaging specialties. The individual books are written by radiologic technologists and other allied health professionals.

Each book is divided into chapters that highlight key topics within each subject area. For example, the books Mammography: Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control and MRI: Basic Physics, Instrumentation, and Quality Control each begin with a fundamental review of the principles of modality being discussed. Data acquisition and image recording and formatting are addressed. A discussion of aspects of quality control rounds out each text. The book Equipment Operation and Maintenance includes common aspects of diagnostic imaging such as x-ray generators and tubes, scatter radiation control, fluoroscopy, and quality control.

Throughout the series, the textbooks are arranged in summary format to provide a précis for each topic. This format enhances the review aspects of the series and provides the reader with a stripped-down but accurate review of the materials. Diagrams and images are used throughout the series to illustrate important concepts.

The authors have produced a credible overview of each topic; thus the shortcomings of the series are few. The coverage of material is accurate and broad but not very deep. A reader looking for more depth on a particular topic will likely need to refer to a more comprehensive textbook. This is consistent with the explicit goal of the series, which is to provide a reference and examination review series. Though the books are softcover, the paper quality, printing, and binding are all excellent. Many of the diagrams and images are reproduced with permission from other sources. The quality of the diagrams and images enhances the text by illustrating key concepts.

A disappointment for the series is the quality of radiologic images in the books on magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography (CT), and mammography. The images are not reproduced well and lack contrast, making it difficult to discern anatomy and important details. The omission of a book dedicated to CT physics, instrumentation, and quality control is also disappointing. Nonetheless, the Rad Tech's Guide Series is overall an excellent work.

The Rad Tech's Guide Series fulfills its goals by offering a useful, concise review of important concepts in diagnostic radiology and advanced imaging modalities at a reasonable cost. Working radiologic technologists and radiologists will benefit from the excellent overview of the various topics. Furthermore, the dedication of individual books to particular topics allows readers to purchase only those works that meet their individual needs.

Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Legg, PhD, RT-R ... Read more

Product Description
For Amit Goswami, Ph.D., a leading quantum physicist and featured expert in the hit-movie What the Bleep Do We Know, medicine is a timely area of application for the new science based on the primacy of consciousness. This new science has a spectacular ability to integrate conventional science, spirituality, and healing. If any field needs integration, says Goswami, it is medicine and healing. The Quantum Doctor boldly reinterprets the leading methods of alternative medicine—homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, and Ayurveda—and of conventional medicine from the viewpoint of quantum physics. He shows that these seemingly different models can be integrated into a new multi-tiered system based on the new "science within consciousness." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Background Needed For This Book
One should have considerable background in Eastern mind and body work; as well as lay reading in quantum consciousness theory. Given that, there are good expositions and theories (with the clearest diagrams I have seen)on the subject of quantum healing. Not for the uninformed or the New Age skeptic. Once I got past some of the "jargon" I got a much clearer idea of what the author's presentations of the concept of "collapsing consciousness" of the body in the same way observation of quantum collapse in particle theory occurs in quantum physics. This is pretty much cutting edge new age thinking. A fascinating area of inquiry (the mind/brain quantum generator idea) and one on which a lot more is to said/tested/explained.

This book could use some healing itself ...
I'm a physicist during the day, but one of those guys who believes that a science can at some point find common ground with spirituality.

Eventually.

But this is not the book for it.First, Goswami is not what you would call a gifted writer, and let's face it, this is one case where you can't just toss a bunch of words together.He centers the action on himself, and writes more to get you to believe him as a teacher, and then "authoritatively" put forth a bunch of propositions, rather than drawing you into a convincing argument.

Hats off to the effort, but it sort of falls short from both directions.Scientists are NOT going to be convinced by his arguments (it's certainly not but together in that fashion), but correspondingly, experienced energy healers aren't going to learn much about physics, or the natural world from that viewpoint, either.

The title's great ... but it's sort of downhill from there.

Quantum Yoga
It is a wonderful gift from Dr.Goswami, presenting key concepts of Spirituality in light of Quantum Physics. It is interesting read for all the Intellectual readers as it provides Scientific validations for the Spiritual concepts. Dr.Goswami also shows how to apply those concepts practically in our daily life to lead a Healthy life in all its aspects i.e Physical,Mental and Spiritual.

Dr.Goswami's integral approach of various systems including Allopathy,Homeopathy,Ayurveda and Chinese Methods is quite appealing and informative. It gives us a new context to understand various philosophies of both eastern and western civilizations. Dr.Goswami coins the new form of yoga "Quantum Yoga", which I think is unique perspective to look at Spirituality.

Dr.Goswami provides lot of References for various Research projects, concepts and personalities. In fact so many references that it can be distracting for the reader, as one can easily get diverted from the point that he is trying to make. But I believe that is expected style for any authors who are also Scientists,PhD's.

For those who are further interested in the Topics mentioned in this book , may I also suggest valuable Book by Dr.David Hawkins "Healing and Recovery"
Regards,

Thought Provoking
I have read this book twice over a span of two years. As a person who has been interested in alternative medicine for the past 30 years, I find the book to be very much on the cutting edge of current research findings and Goswami to be well versed in many areas relating to medicine, philosophy,religion,etc. He takes some liberties in his explanation of the hierarchy of our spiritual being and how it works, but the explanation seems plausible and logical. Good Read.

Confirmation
It's really a great feeling to have your views confirmed. Amit Goswami's book the Quantum Doctor surely did that for me .. confirmed my already developing world view of "who I am, where I came from and where I'm going". Don't miss reading this one! ... Read more

Product Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's large-scale digitization efforts. The Library seeks to preserve the intellectual content of items in a manner that facilitates and promotes a variety of uses. The digital reformatting process results in an electronic version of the original text that can be both accessed online and used to create new print copies. The Library also understands and values the usefulness of print and makes reprints available to the public whenever possible. This book and hundreds of thousands of others can be found in the HathiTrust, an archive of the digitized collections of many great research libraries. For access to the University of Michigan Library's digital collections, please see http://www.lib.umich.edu and for information about the HathiTrust, please visit http://www.hathitrust.org ... Read more

Product Description
The use of luminescence phenomena for measurement and analytical purposes involves many different processes, materials, and techniques. The fundamental process of energy absorption, storage, and release can take a number of forms, many that are not fully understood and others that have yet to be developed. Radiophotoluminescence (RPL) is particularly suitable for the measurement of absorbed dose resulting from interactions with ionising radiations.

The luminescence phenomena described in RPL Dosimetry: Radiophotoluminescence in Health Physics are those that are most likely to be of practical use. The book examines the phenomena of RPL (from within the context of solid-state "trap" physics) and proceeds to describe particular materials that exhibit the necessary fluorescence, their behavior and dosimetric properties, and the wide range of alternative measurement techniques that may be applied to them in a variety of monitoring environments. The emphasis is primarily on implementation in health physics as a personal and environmental monitor, and particular reference is made to the use of RPL as a research tool for radiotherapy treatment planning and in the context of civil defense. The author reviews the design, operation, and basic operational principles of some of the readers currently in service or being developed. The book also considers logistics of operating small and large monitoring services, and there is a useful comparison among glass, thermoluminescence, and film methods of dosimetry to enable potential users to evaluate the merits of each from a theoretical and practical viewpoint. ... Read more