Reconciling requirements: a method for managing interference, inconsistency and conflict

This paper outlines a method, called reconciliation, for managing interference between partial specifications or viewpoints. The method supports the detection, verification and tracking of ontological overlaps. The paper describes the heuristics on which the method is based and illustrates the application of the method using a scenario.     

Attenuation of alcohol consumption by a novel nontoxic ibogaine analogue (18-methoxycoronaridine) in alcohol-preferring rats

We previously reported that single administration of ibogaine, an indol alkaloid with antiaddictive properties, dose dependently reduced alcohol intake in three strains of alcohol-preferring rats. The present study examined the effect of different doses of a newly developed nontoxic ibogaine analogue, 18-methoxycoronaridine (18-MC), on alcohol intake. Selectively bred alcohol-preferring rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of vehicle or 5, 20 and 40 mg/kg of 18-MC at 9:30 AM, and their consumption of alcohol, water and food was measured for 24 h. Our results demonstrate that a single injection of 18-MC significantly and dose dependently attenuated alcohol consumption and preference and commensurately increased water intake. Only the highest dose of 18-MC significantly decreased food intake. Although the true mechanism of action of 18-MC in suppressing alcohol intake is not yet fully understood, it may, like ibogaine, exert its attenuating effects on alcohol consumption by modulating neurotransmitters believed to be involved in the regulation of alcohol intake.     

Effect of the callipyge phenotype and cooking method on tenderness of several major lamb muscles

We conducted three experiments to determine the effects of the callipyge phenotype on the tenderness of several major lamb muscles and to determine the effect of method of cookery on the tenderness of callipyge lamb at 7 d postmortem. In Exp. 1, chops from normal (n = 23) and callipyge (n = 16) carcasses were open-hearth-broiled. Warner-Bratzler shear force values of longissimus, gluteus medius, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, adductor, and quadriceps femoris were 123, 44, 28, 26, 19, 16, and 13% greater, respectively, for callipyge (P < .05). In Exp. 2, muscles from normal (n = 18) and callipyge (n = 18) carcasses were oven-roasted. Shear force of triceps brachii was 11% greater for callipyge (P < .001); however, phenotype did not affect shear force of supraspinatus (P = .87) or psoas major (P = .64). In Exp. 3, a trained sensory panel evaluated leg roasts and open-hearth-broiled leg chops from normal (n = 60) and callipyge lamb carcasses (n = 60). Callipyge chops were less tender than normal chops (P < .05). Regardless of callipyge phenotype, muscles were more (P < .05) tender when roasted; however, the effect of method of cookery on tenderness scores was greater for callipyge muscles than for normal muscles. Callipyge roasts and normal roasts had similar tenderness (P = .58), and callipyge roasts were more tender than normal chops (P < .05). Regardless of cooking method, callipyge samples were less juicy than normal samples (P < .05). These data demonstrate that the callipyge phenotype will likely reduce consumer satisfaction due to reduced tenderness and juiciness; however, reduced tenderness in callipyge leg muscles could be prevented by ovenroasting.     

Controlled external lumbar drain as treatment for therapy resistant intracranial hypertension--case report

The study investigated the psychological health level and related psychosocial factors of nurses. Through cluster sampling, 650 clinical nurses, who come from 5 city hospitals in Changsha, were interviewed with the Symptom Check List-90 (SCL-90), The Life Event Scale, Type A Behavior Questionnaire, and The Social Support Rating Scale. The results indicated that subjects' average symptom score and most factor scores of SCL-90 were significantly higher than that of the chinese norm. Somatization, depression, and obsession are common psychological problems of the clinical nurses, and the psychological health level of middle age group was significantly lower than that of other groups. Regression analysis (both single factor and multiple factors) suggested that TH and CH scores on Type A Questionnaire as well as life event score on the life event score were negatively related to psychological health level while social support score was positively related to it. The influences of psychosocial factors on psychological health level of clinical nurses were discussed.     

A home-based pulmonary function monitor for cystic fibrosis

As care for the chronically ill makes increasing demands upon our medical system, cost-effective methods for addressing those demands are being sought. The use of self-monitoring coupled with telecommunication of results to the health-care provider can be expected to provide a partial solution in the appropriate clinical setting. An electronic spirometer with telecommunication ability for use by cystic fibrosis patients in the home has been developed.     

Implementation of a home-based program for early detection of clinical deterioration in cystic fibrosis

A statistical decision-making system, based on daily self measurements obtained at home, has been developed that will predict the clinical status of a patient with cystic fibrosis (CF). The data for the study were collected from patients randomly selected from those served by the University of Minnesota CF Center. Participants recorded four daily measurements (weight, vital capacity, breathing rate, and resting pulse) and one weekly measurement (height) and returned completed diaries to the coordinating center each week. The goal of the rule was to determine whether each patient's clinical status was deteriorating, remaining stable, or improving at the time of the most recent set of weekly measurements. This early detection and intervention criterion (EDIC) is being used in the clinical setting to aid in the management of patients with cystic fibrosis. The computer hardware and software, particularly the relational database, have provided an efficient basis for the continued use of EDIC.