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With the explosion of the World Wide Web and email the 32-bit addresses Internet Protocol version 4 used would run out in the not-so-distant future. In 1994, the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) established a working group to define the successor to IPv4, IPv6. In March 2008 the US government issued a memorandum requiring that by June 2008 "all agencies" infrastructure must be using IPv6. This article provides the rationale for the US government's edict, along with the technical features that distinguish IPv6 from its predecessor, IPv4. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper assesses the engagement of family therapy and family practice with families with children, who are living in poverty. It analyzes four promising models from two perspectives. The first perspective relates to critiques, which have been made of the practice of family therapy with families living in poverty; and the second relates to the implications of the theoretical and empirical literature on the impact of poverty on children. To place this discussion in context, the history of family therapy's involvement with families living in poverty is described and the relevance of the cause versus function debate is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes a pilot, sequential dose-escalation study of PEG-rHuMGDF in patients with advanced malignancies who had delayed platelet recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Patients were randomized to receive either placebo (n = 11) or PEG-rHuMGDF at 5 (n = 9), 10 (n = 6), or 25 (n = 7) μg/kg/day by subcutaneous injection for 14 days and were monitored for 5 weeks. Across all treatment groups, eight patients had platelet recovery to 20 × 109/l by day 21. The proportion of patients achieving platelet recovery, the median number of days and units of platelet transfusions were similar for the placebo and the PEG-rHuMGDF groups. PEG-rHuMGDF was well tolerated at all dosages. The incidence rates of adverse events in all groups were similar. No deaths on study, no drug-related serious adverse events, and no development of neutralizing antibodies to MGDF occurred. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 26, 1083–1088. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In England and Wales in the 1960s there were marked declines in suicide rates. These reductions were partly attributable to the detoxification of the domestic gas supplies; however, their extent varied by age and gender, with the most striking effects seen in older men. The objective of this study was to investigate method-specific trends in suicide between 1950 and 1975 to elucidate possible explanations for the patterns seen in different demographic groups.Methods: An analysis of age-standardised method-specific suicide rates for England and Wales between 1950 and 1975 was carried out using routinely available mortality and population statistics.Results: As has previously been shown, there were marked reductions in suicides by gassing in men and women of all ages between 1960 and 1975. In women and younger men, the effects of these reductions on overall suicide rates were partially offset by rises in drug overdose deaths (method substitution), but there were no immediate increases in the use of other suicide methods. In contrast, in older men, reductions in suicide by gassing were accompanied by only a slight increase in overdose suicides as well as reductions in rates of suicide using all other methods. The modest rise in overdose fatalities in older men occurred despite the fact that they were more often prescribed barbiturates and tricyclic antidepressants than younger men.Conclusions: Accessibility to and the lethality of particular methods of suicide may have profound effects on overall suicide rates. Such effects appear to depend upon the popularity of the method and the extent to which alternative methods that are acceptable to the individual are available. Social and psychological interpretations of fluctuations in suicide rates should only be made after assessing the possible contribution to these of changes in method availability and lethality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficacy and safety of granisetron and ondansetron for the prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting resulting from hyperfractionated total body irradiation (TBI) were assessed. Thirty-four patients randomly received double-blind, oral granisetron (2 mg, 1 h before first daily fraction of radiation) or ondansetron (8 mg, 1.5 h prior to each fraction of TBI). Ninety patients who received the same TBI regimen prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT), but no 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, were identified and comprised the historical control group. By design, this study was only powered to show a difference between each of the active treatment groups and the historical control group. Significantly more patients given granisetron (33.3%) or ondansetron (26.7%) had zero emetic episodes over 4 days, the primary efficacy end point, than those in the historical control group (0%) (P < 0.01; intent-to-treat). Secondary efficacy end points were also evaluated. during the first 24 h, significantly more patients taking granisetron (61.1%) or ondansetron (46.7%) had zero emetic episodes than patients in the historical control group (6.7%) (P < 0.01). Complete emetic control (no emesis or rescue antiemetic) over 4 days was more frequent in patients taking granisetron (27.8%) or ondansetron (26.7%) compared with the historical control group (0%) (P < 0.01). Significantly fewer patients taking granisetron (18/18), but not those taking ondansetron (12/15), experienced more than five emetic episodes during the 4 days of the study compared with the historical control group (40/90; P < 0.01). Oral granisetron and ondansetron are safe and effective for the prevention of nausea and vomiting resulting from TBI. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2000) 26, 203–210. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The influence of the macro-economic climate on suicide is unclear. During the recent recession, rates have increased in young males but declined in females.Aims: To investigate associations between unemployment and suicide in 15- to 44-year-old men and women over a period spanning two major economic recessions (1921-1995). To minimise confounding by changes in method availability, analyses are restricted to suicides using methods other than poisons and gases.Method: Time-series analysis using routine mortality and unemployment data.Results: There were significant associations between unemployment and suicide in both males and females. Associations were generally stronger at younger ages.Conclusions: Secular trends in youth suicide may be influenced by unemployment or other factors associated with changes in the macro-economic climate. These factors appear to affect women to the same extent as men. Although it is not possible to draw firm aetiological conclusions from time-trend data, our findings are in keeping with those of person-based studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine whether filters, regularly used as part of the insufflator tubing during laparoscopic surgery, trap microbial and particulate matter from CO2 tanks, thus preventing passage from one patient to another.Methods: A total of 67 used filters were collected from 17 CO2 tanks and six insufflation machines at three local hospitals, and sterile unused filters were used as controls. The used filters were distributed equally and sequentially into three groups: Group I-viewed under a dissecting microscope for particulate matter; group II-examined by mass spectrometry for contamination with oils and other impurities; group III-incubated on sheep blood agar plates and evaluated for growth of microorganisms.Results: Negative. Used filters were indistinguishable by all parameters from controls.Conclusions: This limited study suggests filters now used in laparoscopic surgery fail to trap microbes or particulate matter. The question remains whether tank waste is absent or these filters fail to trap waste matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social class differences in height have been recognised for many centuries. However, few studies have examined the extent to which these differences are made up of differences in leg length or trunk length. This paper reanalyses cross-sectional information on children examined in Britain in the 1930s. We assess associations between socio-economic status and diet and the components of childhood stature. The analyses were based on the records of 2990 children aged 2 years to 14 years 9 months who were examined in the Carnegie (Boyd Orr) survey of diet and health (1937-39). z-Scores for the measures of childhood stature were calculated using polynomial regression techniques with the study population as the standard. Univariable and multivariable statistical techniques were used to assess the relationships between childhood height, leg length and trunk length, and dietary and socio-economic factors measured at the level of the household. Leg length was the component of stature most strongly associated with measures of childhood diet and socio-economic status. A greater part of the difference in stature between socio-economic groups was caused by differences in leg length rather than trunk length. In multiple regression analyses, district of residence and family food expenditure were generally the two factors most strongly related to stature. In a subsample of the surveyed children, for whom birthweight information was available, trunk length and leg length were equally strongly related to birthweight. Leg length appears to be a particularly sensitive indicator of childhood socio-economic circumstances. Although contemporary studies highlight the importance of biological factors in determining childhood height, the data analysed in this study suggest that socio-economic circumstances were also important in explaining height differentials in prewar Britain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with illnesses in men that the Huli people of Papua New Guinea ascribe to sexual intercourse at a time deemed dangerous. Against the background of the complex of beliefs surrounding sexuality and reproduction, cases of such illnesses are analysed to determine the critical variables in the selection of this diagnosis and in the choice of strategies of management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incubating hematopoietic stem cells with IL-2 in vitro for 24 h generates cytotoxic T cells. When infused into patients, these cells may stimulate a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect. This clinical trial was designed to assess the ability of IL-2 activated peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) to reconstitute hematopoiesis, to investigate dose levels and dose-limiting toxicities of IL-2, and to evaluate clinical results and preliminary laboratory effects using a combination of IL-2-activated autologous PBSC followed by IL-2 after transplantation. Sixty-one women with stage II-IV breast cancer were treated. After the administration of carboplatin (200 mg/m²/day for 3 days) and cyclophosphamide (2 g/m²/day for 3 days), patients received autologous PBSC that were cultured in IL-2 for 24 h followed by parenteral administration of IL-2 beginning the day of transplantation. Three escalating doses of IL-2 were evaluated with increasing duration up to 4 weeks. Of the 57 patients receiving IL-2 after tranplantation, 19 patients (33.3%) were unable to complete the planned course of IL-2 therapy due to persistent fevers (n = 9), diarrhea (n = 2), pulmonary capillary leak syndrome (n = 3), development of a rash (n = 1), atrial fibrillation (n = 1), or patient's request (n = 3). One death occurred during hospitalization. Engraftment of neutrophils occurred on day 11.5 (mean; range 8-21 days) and platelets on day 11.7 (mean; range 7-33 days). The maximal tolerated dose of IL-2 was 6 x 10[sup5] IU/m²/day for 4 weeks. Disease-free survival rates for all stages were comparable to current reports in the literature. Preliminary laboratory evaluations include FACScan analysis of the IL-2... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of all-trans retinoic acid to induce complete remission and to examine its effects on duration of remission and survival in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia.Design: Phase II evaluation and comparison with historical control patients.Setting: Tertiary care cancer referral center.Patients: Consecutive patients with morphologic diagnoses of acute promyelocytic leukemia were treated during a 2-year period with all-trans retinoic acid (daily oral dose, 45 mg/m2). Newly diagnosed patients discontinued the drug approximately 30 days after they achieved complete remission, at which time they received three courses of combination chemotherapy. Patients treated with previous cytotoxic chemotherapy who then relapsed were continued on all-trans retinoic acid as "maintenance" therapy until they relapsed again.Results: 56 patients entered the study: 34 were newly diagnosed and 22 had relapsed from previous treatment. Fifty-one patients subsequently were found to have the PML/RAR-alpha gene rearrangement indicative of acute promyelocytic leukemia, and 44 of these patients achieved complete remission (86%; 95% Cl, 76% to 96%). A distinctive respiratory distress syndrome developed in 13 patients (23%) during treatment, and 5 patients (9%; Cl, 3% to 20%) died of this complication. The 5 patients who lacked PML/RAR-alpha rearrangements were withdrawn and given chemotherapy. The 13 patients given all-trans retinoic acid alone as maintenance therapy (10 of whom had relapsed from a chemotherapy-induced remission) had a median duration of remission of only 3.5 months (range, 1 to 23 months). Only 3 of 19 patients who relapsed from a remission induced by all-trans retinoic acid could be brought into remission again using this drug. The median survival time of all newly diagnosed patients has not been reached, but it now exceeds 31 months (range, 0.4 to 36+ months). No decrease in the early mortality rate was observed compared with a historical control group composed of 80 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients treated only with chemotherapy at this center; however, overall survival was superior.Conclusions: All-trans retinoic acid is an effective agent to induce remission in patients with a molecular diagnosis of acute promyelocytic leukemia, but remissions are short and resistance develops rapidly. Although the incidence of early death was not reduced, the use of all-trans retinoic acid to induce remission, followed by cytotoxic chemotherapy for "consolidation," was associated with longer survival times when compared with historical controls treated only with chemotherapy. Additional studies to prevent or mitigate consequences of the "retinoic acid syndrome" and to identify specific patients who might benefit from earlier intervention with chemotherapy are needed to maximize the advantages of this approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the prevalence of completed elective total hip replacements in a defined elderly population. Cross sectional postal questionnaire survey with additional data and validation from general practice and hospital records. Six general practices in the English counties of Avon, Somerset, and Oxfordshire. A total of 7806 patients aged 65 years and over (94.7% response). The overall prevalence (95% confidence intervals) of elective total hip replacement was 5.3 (4.8,5.8)% Age and sex specific prevalences were 2.7 (2.0,3.5)% in men and 4.1 (3.3,4.9)% in women aged 65-74 years, and 5.2 (4.0,6.5)% in men and 8.8 (7.6,10.0)% in women aged 75 years and over. Of the 415 patients who had received elective total hip replacement, 28.2% had required bilateral surgery, 20% had received at least one operation privately, and 13% had required revision surgery. Our results show an increased level of satisfied demand for total hip replacement in elderly people compared with earlier estimates. The increasing prevalence of hip replacement is an indicator of increasing potential demand for revision procedures. Population based surveys are required to establish the level of unmet demand for primary procedures. Differences in past surgical activity may be important in interpreting the wide variation in current surgical rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have observed an enhanced production of pairs and triplets of identical charged particles at small momentum differences in events with two central jets produced in pp collisions at the CERN Intersecting Storage Rings. The size and structure of this 'Bose-Einstein' enhancement, shown by the particles within a jet, resembles that observed in minimum-bias events. The correlation function can be well parametrized by the single variable Q - the absolute value of the four-momentum transfer - and is more peaked than a single Gaussian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied pp collisions at the CERN ISR at $$\sqrt s = 63 GeV$$ using a jet trigger. We demonstrate that a sample of well-separated triple high- p jet events can be described as due to the QCD bremsstrahlung process. The energy flow of these 3-jet events is well described by an independent fragmentation model, with a gluon-jet transverse width 33% greater than the quark-jet width. From the ratio of the 3- and 2-jet production crosssections the strong coupling is determined to lowest order in QCD. We find α=0.18±0.03 (stat.) ±0.04 (stst.). The error does not include the theoretical uncertainty in the fragmentation scheme. We compare our results with measurements at the SPS Collider and discuss the different methods used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]