Optimization of fiber-optic evanescent wave spectroscopy: a Monte Carlo approach.

The absorbance of the evanescent waves of infrared radiation transmitted through an optical fiber depends on the geometry of the fiber in addition to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation. The signal can thus be enhanced by flattening the midsection of the fiber. While the dependence of the absorbance on the thickness of the midsection has already been studied and experimented upon, we demonstrate that similar results are obtained using Monte Carlo methods based simply on geometrical optics, given the dimensions of the fiber and the power distribution of the fired rays. The optimization can be extended to fibers with more complex geometries of the sensor.

Anatomy of an OPTI: Part I. Form, function, and relationships.

In July 1995, the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Board of Trustees passed new regulations for the accreditation of osteopathic graduate medical education (GME) programs by establishing the Osteopathic Postdoctoral Training Institutions (OPTI) system, to be implemented over 4 years. The resulting changes include requirements for college cosponsorship of GME programs and the establishment of standards for the minimum number of residency programs, interns, and residents. The OPTIs will be subject to AOA inspections at least every 5 years. Proponents of the OPTI system claim it will strengthen the profession by promoting educational collaboration, raising academic standards, and requiring appropriate resources to support osteopathic medical education. Opponents fear that it will be too resource intensive, create an additional layer of unnecessary bureaucracy, and have a negative impact on small colleges, hospitals, and states. Despite the controversy, a process for applying for OPTI status has been developed by the AOA, and a number of hospitals and colleges are already developing OPTIs. This article, the first in a two-part series, identifies issues and barriers to be considered in the formation of OPTIs and articulates principles underlying successful collaborations. In Part 2 these issues, principles, and barriers will be reinforced by describing the process used to form a large OPTI--the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine (OU-COM) Centers for Osteopathic Regional Education (CORE) System.

Attitudes toward and subsequent career choice of family practice: a weak relationship.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: This study examined longitudinal relationships between attitudes and career choice in family practice from admission to medical school through the end of internship. METHODS: The sample included medical students graduating in 1990 and 1991. Surveys completed at the beginning of each year of medical school, at graduation, and at the end of PGY1 included measures of attitudes toward family practice and stated career choice at the time of each survey. Regression examined the relationship between attitudes and choice; repeated ANOVA measures examined changes over time. RESULTS: Positive attitude scores toward family practice increased over the first 2 years, then declined; women's scores were higher. The proportion of students stating a preference for family practice also increased initially but declined overall; women chose family practice more frequently. Relationships between attitudes and choice were weak over time and neither attitude scores nor change in scores predicted specialty choice. CONCLUSIONS: Although attitudes toward family practice remained positive throughout the 5-year study, student interest in family practice declined during the clinical years. Women maintained stronger interests in family practice than men; the reasons for this are not clear. Attitudes were poor predictors of choice. Care is needed in interpreting cross-sectional studies reporting significant relationships. We need to develop more sensitive attitude measures to improve the predictive validity of attitude measurement scales.

Faculty mentors for medical students: a critical review.

New concern about the psychosocial development of medical students has resulted in a call for closer relationships between faculty and medical students. This review examines the literature on advising programs in medical schools and on mentoring generally to develop a better understanding of how faculty and students might interact. Innovative advising programs are discussed within the context of current thought about the value and structure of mentoring relationships.

Complications of organic solvents in synthetic drug application.

Aziridinylbenzoquinone (AZQ), Acridinyl Anisidide (m-AMSA), Tenipsode Thenvlidene-Lignan-(VM-26), and PCNU are relatively new synthetic drugs believed to have a wide spectrum of antitumor activity. Preparation of these drugs for administration requires reconstitution with an organic solvent which decomposes the thermoplastic components of I.V. infusion devices and chemo-dispensing pins. The products of this decomposition may lead to cellular damage and complicate the infusion of these agents.

Seizures and transient cortical blindness associated with cis-platinum (II) diamminedichloride (PDD) therapy in a thirty-year-old man.

Cis-Platinum is a phase II chemotherapeutic agent effective against a variety of tumors. Known toxic effects include gastrointestinal, renal, audiologic, and hematologic as well as idiosyncratic and atopic. A 30-year-old male who was treated with cis-Platinum diamminedichloride II for disseminated embryonal cell carcinoma of the testicle developed seizures and cortical blindness.