Cuban International Relations at 60 brings together the perspectives of leading experts and the personal accounts of two ambassadors to examine Cuba's global engagement and foreign policy since January 1959 by focusing on the island's key international relationships and issues. Thisbook's first section focuseson Havana's complex relationship with Washington and its second section concentrates on Cuba's other key relationships with consideration also being given to Cuba's external trade and investment sectors and the possibility of the island becoming a future petro-power. Throughout this study due attention is given to the role of history and Cuban nationalism in the formation of the island's unique foreign policy. This book's examination and reflection on Cuba as an actor on the international arena for the 60 years of the revolutionary period highlights the multifaceted and complex reasons for the island's global engagement. It concludes that Cuba's global presence since January 1959 has been remarkable for a Caribbean island, is unparalleled, and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. Scholars of international relations, Latin American studies, and political science n will find this book particularly interesting.

The 1970s have largely been overlooked in scholarly studies of the Cuban Revolution, or, at the very least, dismissed simply as a period of "Sovietization" characterized by widespread bureaucratization, institutionalization, and adherence to Soviet orthodoxy. Consequently, scant research exists that examines the major changes that took place across the decade and their role in determining the course of the Revolution. This book provides, for the first time, a comprehensive assessment of the 1970s which challenges prevailing interpretations. Drawing from multidisciplinary perspectives and exploring a range of areas-including politics, international relations, culture, education, and healthcare-its contributing authors demonstrate that the decade was a time of intense transformation which proved pivotal to the development of the Revolution. Indeed, many of the ideas, approaches, policies, and legislation developed and tested during the 1970s maintain a very visible legacy in contemporary Cuba. In highlighting the complexity of the 1970s, this volume ultimately aims to contribute to a greater understanding of the Cuban Revolution and how it chooses to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.

The 1970s have largely been overlooked in scholarly studies of the Cuban Revolution, or, at the very least, dismissed simply as a period of "Sovietization" characterized by widespread bureaucratization, institutionalization, and adherence to Soviet orthodoxy. Consequently, scant research exists that examines the major changes that took place across the decade and their role in determining the course of the Revolution. This book provides, for the first time, a comprehensive assessment of the 1970s which challenges prevailing interpretations. Drawing from multidisciplinary perspectives and exploring a range of areas-including politics, international relations, culture, education, and healthcare-its contributing authors demonstrate that the decade was a time of intense transformation which proved pivotal to the development of the Revolution. Indeed, many of the ideas, approaches, policies, and legislation developed and tested during the 1970s maintain a very visible legacy in contemporary Cuba. In highlighting the complexity of the 1970s, this volume ultimately aims to contribute to a greater understanding of the Cuban Revolution and how it chooses to face the challenges of the twenty-first century.

This volume illustrates the sweeping changes in Cuban foreign policy under Raul Castro. Leading scholars from around the world show how the significant shift in foreign policy direction that started in 1990 after the implosion of the Soviet Union has continued, in many ways taking totally unexpected paths-as is shown by the move toward the normalization of relations with Washington. Providing a systematic overview of Cuba's relations with the United States, Latin America, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, this book will be invaluable for courses on contemporary Cuban politics.

This volume illustrates the sweeping changes in Cuban foreign policy under Raul Castro. Leading scholars from around the world show how the significant shift in foreign policy direction that started in 1990 after the implosion of the Soviet Union has continued, in many ways taking totally unexpected paths-as is shown by the move toward the normalization of relations with Washington. Providing a systematic overview of Cuba's relations with the United States, Latin America, Russia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, this book will be invaluable for courses on contemporary Cuban politics.

This second edition continues to focus specifically on doctoral level advanced nursing practice. This revision encompasses both the historical advanced nursing practice role and the evolution of the new doctoral level roles, and delineates and highlights the variety of roles the new DNP graduates have assumed and will assume, along with coverage of actual skills that will advance the role of the doctoral level APRN. The core competencies for DNP practice (AACN) govern the organisation and content of the text. Because the role of the DNP graduate continues to evolve, the text reflects the diverse range of current views on the DNP role and the diverse 'ideals' of what the role of the doctorally prepared APRN should be. Only text that places singular emphasis on the DNP role development with extensive contributions by practicing DNP Scholars Text highlights the evolution of the DNP practice role as it is currently unfolding 'Translates' the AACN core competency 'skills' that are requisite for all DNP graduates into real-life practical applications of the DNP practice Role Experienced authors teach the APN/DNP Role Development Course and expertly communicate how the roles and competencies translate into practice New sets of Reflective Responses from leading clinical and academic nursing and health profession scholars Chapter features, include Reflective Response to stimulate class discussion; Critical Thinking Exercises, Examples of DNP Skills Set Implementation, and Discussion Questions New and revised critical thinking exercises intended to expand the boundaries of ordinary classroom discourse are included for each chapter .

This book focuses on the Caribbean policies of the major contenders for power, analysing the evolution of each country's policies. It looks at the rivalry for Caribbean influence from the perspectives of eastern Caribbean and Central American governments.

This book explores the nature and development of Castro's foreign relations and Cuban globalism, with primary attention devoted to nationalism's influence on Havana's policies toward the United States, the Soviet Union, and the developing African, Asian, and Latin countries of the Third World.

From its inception, Fidel Castro's revolution has exerted an impact on the international scene far out of proportion to Cuba's modest size and limited resources. This phenomenon became more pronounced in the mid-1970s as Havana's foreign policies took on truly global parameters that involved the dispatch of large combat forces to Angola and Ethiopia, the initiation of ambitious military and developmental aid programs for Third World nations, and the assumption of leadership of the Nonaligned Movement. Today Cuba remains a significant actor on the world scene, giving top priority to Caribbean and Central American affairs. Critics, especially in the United States, have insisted that Cuban globalism is not a nationalist expression, that Cuba is but a surrogate for the Soviet Union. Such charges, however, ignore or seriously underestimate the role that nationalism has always played in the Cuban Revolution. This book explores the nature and development of Castro's foreign relations in general and Cuban globalism in particular, with primary attention devoted to nationalism's influence on Havana's policies toward the United States, the Soviet Union, and especially the developing (mostly nonaligned) African, Asian, and Latin countries of the Third World. To give the reader an in-depth Cuban perspective on crucial international issues, excerpts from Castro's major speeches and press interviews are included. Erisman concludes that the nationalistic dimension of Havana's foreign policies has definitely not been fully appreciated, and this omission obscures the complexity and true essence of Cuban globalism.

This comprehensive text analyzes the foreign policies of eighteen countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. First assessing the state of the discipline, the introduction develops a common framework that compares the relevant explanatory weight of foreign policy determinants at the individual, state, and international level for each country. Case studies include the major regional powers such as Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, as well as less-studied players such as the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, and Uruguay. With its focused analytical questions and rich empirical description, this book allows readers to develop sustained comparisons across the full spectrum of Latin American foreign policy. Visit our website for sample chapters

In 2000 the American electoral system was tested by a political ordeal unlike any in living memory. Not since 1876-77 has the outcome of a national election remained so unsettled for so long. The past elections recount conundrum shook the nations faith in the mechanisms that support the democratic process. Led by former Presidents Ford and Carter, the National Commission on Federal Election Reform undertook a study of the American electoral system. The resulting report describes where and what went wrong during the 2000 election, and makes clear and specific recommendations for reform, directed at state government, Congress, news organizations, and others. This volume also includes the full text of the Task Force Reports from the Commission.

Percutaneous lumbar discectomy is a new surgical method for treating lumbar disc diseases. The goal of the procedure is decompression of the spinal nerve root by percutaneous removal of the nucleus pulposus under local anesthesia. Probably 20 % of all patients requiring lumbar disc surgery can be successfully treated by this method. During the past two years, percutaneous discectomy has spread rapidly, and it is now performed in most clinical departments engaged in spinal surgery. The first International Symposium on Percutaneous Lumbar Discectomy, held in Berlin in August 1988, covered all current procedures known as "percutaneous discectomy" and the entire range of percutaneous techniques, both clinical and experimental. Its publication is important because of the recency of this new surgical procedure, the outstanding experience of the speakers - including the Japanese, American, and European "pioneers" of the technique - and last but not least the gaps in the knowledge of physicians concerning this topic. This procedure opens up new perspectives in the surgical treatment of degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine.

If one were forced to use a single key word to describe the decade of the 1980's, a very prominent one would be "technology. " Leading the forefront of tech nology advancement were breakthroughs in electronics. Devices that were uncommon or unknown in 1980 became commonplace, and almost indispens able, by 1989. This trend has continued into the 1990's and it does not seem to be abating in any way. Microwave ovens, video recorders, telephone answer ing machines, compact disc players, computers, and a host of smaller or less sophisticated devices now appear in most households. The development of small and inexpensive computers, i. e., personal computers, has placed computing resources within reach of many more people. In addition, many traditional, and largely mechanical devices, have been enhanced by electronics. For example, specialized microprocessors are combined with arrays of electronic sensors to control and monitor sophisticated engineering components in most new auto mobiles. In this and many other ways, we are touched by the new electronics in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Initially, personal computers were little more than toys. They contained only a small fraction of the computing power of their immediate ancestors, the mini computers and mainframe computers. However, rapid improvements in integ rated circuit design and chip manufacture produced regular reductions in size and cost of computer components. During the same time, processor speed and sophistication increased."

Based on the international workshop GPCRs: From Deorphanisation to Lead Structure Identification, held in Berlin in May 2006, the book highlights the following topics: Structure of GPCRs, Design of GPCR Ligands, GPCR Signalling, Deorphanization and Assay Development. All chapters are written by leading experts in the field, discussing the most recent state of the art. They give insight into the approaches taken by industry and academia to address GPCRs and depict how mature this target class-oriented research has become in the last decade. The book reflects the actual trends in the fast-emerging field of GPCR research in academia and industry.

Based on the international workshop GPCRs: From Deorphanisation to Lead Structure Identification, held in Berlin in May 2006, the book highlights the following topics: Structure of GPCRs, Design of GPCR Ligands, GPCR Signalling, Deorphanization and Assay Development. All chapters are written by leading experts in the field, discussing the most recent state of the art. They give insight into the approaches taken by industry and academia to address GPCRs and depict how mature this target class-oriented research has become in the last decade. The book reflects the actual trends in the fast-emerging field of GPCR research in academia and industry.

Joint replacement is a logical step in the treatment of severe joint pathologies with irreversible lesions resisting conservative therapy. At the spinal level, arthrodesis became, very early, the gold standard of treatment for severe intervertebral disc pathologies. The next logical step was to envision functional replacement, and this step was taken as early as 1956, when the first intervertebral implant was described. However, it took many more years and a great variety of proposed implant designs before clinical applications could be attempted.

If one were forced to use a single key word to describe the decade of the 1980's, a very prominent one would be "technology. " Leading the forefront of tech nology advancement were breakthroughs in electronics. Devices that were uncommon or unknown in 1980 became commonplace, and almost indispens able, by 1989. This trend has continued into the 1990's and it does not seem to be abating in any way. Microwave ovens, video recorders, telephone answer ing machines, compact disc players, computers, and a host of smaller or less sophisticated devices now appear in most households. The development of small and inexpensive computers, i. e., personal computers, has placed computing resources within reach of many more people. In addition, many traditional, and largely mechanical devices, have been enhanced by electronics. For example, specialized microprocessors are combined with arrays of electronic sensors to control and monitor sophisticated engineering components in most new auto mobiles. In this and many other ways, we are touched by the new electronics in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Initially, personal computers were little more than toys. They contained only a small fraction of the computing power of their immediate ancestors, the mini computers and mainframe computers. However, rapid improvements in integ rated circuit design and chip manufacture produced regular reductions in size and cost of computer components. During the same time, processor speed and sophistication increased."

In recent years the powerful and long-standing influence of the United States in the Caribbean and Central America has been challenged directly by Cuba, Mexico, and Venezuela and--many think--indirectly by the USSR. This struggle for dominance, which has altered and still is significantly changing the power configuration in the Caribbean Basin, is examined in detail in Colossus Challenged. The book contains seven chapters by prominent area specialists. Five of the chapters focus on the Caribbean policies of the major contenders for power, analyzing the evolution of each country's policies, the main variables affecting its definition of interests and its decision making, and its prospects for exerting regional influence in the foreseeable future. The other two chapters look at the rivalry for Caribbean influence from the perspectives of eastern Caribbean and Central American governments.

Don t miss it The second, completely revised and expanded edition of the successful surgical manual on minimally invasive spine surgery includes 51 chapters (including more than 20 new chapters) covering all current minimally invasive techniques in spine surgery. A complete survey of all microsurgical and endoscopic techniques with a special focus on semi-invasive injection techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in low back pain is given. The clear chapter structure with terminology, history, surgical principles, advantages/disadvantages, indications, access principles, complications, and results facilitates navigation through the manual. Topics include the principles of microsurgical and endoscopic treatment, spinal navigation and computer-assisted surgery, minimally invasive reconstruction, fusion, dynamic stabilization in fractures, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, low back pain and deformities. The didactic presentation of surgical steps makes the reader familiar with all types of new minimally invasive techniques in clinical use or still in ongoing clinical trials such as minimally invasive spine arthroplasty."

In this book, leading international specialists in the field join forces to discuss topics, issues and approaches that are of key importance in the optimal treatment of lumbar degenerative disk disease. The coverage is wide ranging, from current understanding of physiopathology and genetics and modern imaging techniques through to the diverse minimally invasive, non-fusion, and fusion surgical techniques. Detailed attention is drawn to the most important aspects to be considered when approaching the patient and making treatment decisions. The role of conservative management is appraised, and surgical techniques and their indications are carefully described. In the concluding section, some of the top specialists from across the world reflect on the lessons that they have learned during lifetimes in spinal surgery. Advanced Concepts in Lumbar Degenerative Disk Disease will be an instructive and fascinating source of information for all spine surgeons and other spine care providers.

The Spine: Medical and Surgical Conditions is a complete, two volume, evidence based study edited by an internationally recognised team of spine surgeons based in the USA, China, Canada, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Egypt and India. The two volumes are divided into 137 chapters, across fourteen sections. The first section covers general topics in spinal medicine, including anatomy, biomechanics, physical and neurological examination, interventional diagnostics and therapeutics, and anaesthesia. This is followed by sections on the development of the spine, metabolic disorders, and bone grafting. Subsequent sections focus on surgery for particular parts of the spine, including cervical, lumbar and thoracic, as well as sections on spinal cord injuries and motor preservation. Later sections in the book provide information on the spine in paediatrics, adult deformity, tumours, vascular malformations and infections, complications of spinal surgery, and a final section on minimally invasive techniques. Enhanced by 1500 full colour images, The Spine: Medical and Surgical Conditions is also made available online, complete with text, images and video, with each physical copy. Key Points Comprehensive, two volume guide to spinal medicine Covers anatomy, biomechanics, examination, diagnostics, therapeutics, anaesthesia, surgery and complications Enhanced by 1500 full colour images Includes access to online version with complete text, images and video

Had we ever guessed the historical importance of this day, had we expected the impressive and touching episode of German history that took place on November 9, 1989, had we dared to hope that a dream three decades old would come true on precisely that day, we would have held our symposium in the immediate vicinity of the Branden burg Gate! While it is difficult to describe the atmosphere on that evening, when the news suddenly spread that "the wall had opened", it is almost impossible to describe the feeling of fraternity and sense of belonging that overcame everyone, a feeling that had been repressed (but never suppressed) for three decades! Berlin M. BROCK H. M. MAYER K. WEIGEL Contents Introductory Remarks M. BROCK, H. M. MAYER and K. WEIGEL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . Functional Anatomy of the Lumbar Spine R. LOUIS (With 4 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 . . . . . . . . Implant Materials H. STALLFORTH, W. WINKLER-GNIEWEK and M. UNGETHUM (With 4 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . Performance of Alloplastic Materials and Design of an Artificial Disc H. J. SCHMITZ, B. KADEN, R. T. FRITZ, U. GROSS and G. FUHRMANN (With 9 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 . . . . . . Intradiscal Implants in 1989: Concepts and Possibilities J . A. N. SHEPPERD (With 4 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 . . . . . . . Intradiscal Polymerization: Preliminary Results of Chemical and Biomechanical Studies A. GARCIA, B. LAVIGNOLLE, P. MORLIER, D. DUCASSOU and C. BAQUEY (With 2 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 . . . . . . . Intervertebral Implants for Fixation and Disc Replacement J. A. N. SHEPPERD (With 6 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lumbar Interbody Threaded Prostheses C. D. RAY (With 5 Figures) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .