bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree queries
Authors: Goodman Nathan , Shmueli Oded
Published: July 2002

One can partition the class of relational database schemas into tree schemas and cyclic schemas. (These are called acyclic hypergraphs and cyclic hypergraphs elsewhere in the literature.) This partition has interesting implications in query processing, dependency theory, and graph theory.

The tree/cyclic partitioning of database schemas originated with a similar partition of equijoin queries. Given an arbitrary equijoin query one can obtain an equivalent query that calculates the natural join of all relations in (an efficiently) derived database; such a query is called a natural join (NJ) query. If the derived database is a tree schema the original query is said to be a tree query, and otherwise a cyclic query.

In this paper we analyze query processing consequences of the tree/cyclic partitioning. We are able to argue, qualitatively, that queries which imply a tree schema are easier to process than those implying a cyclic schema. Our results also extend the study of the semijoin operator.
Parenthesis Grammars
Authors: McNaughton Robert
Published: July 2002

A decision procedure is given which determines whether the languages defined by two parenthesis grammars are equal.
The Influence of Data Base Characteristics and Usage on Direct Access File Organization
Authors: Lowe Thomas C.
Published: July 2002

Memory utilization and retrieval time from direct access inverted files are investigated as a function of the data base, the demands on it, and a parameter which the system designer may control. An analysis of the effects of data base characteristics and data base usage is also made for a linked list structure.
Generalized Multistep Methods in Satellite Orbit Computation
Authors: Dyer James
Published: July 2002

The theory of generalized multistep methods using an off-grid point is extended to the special second-order equation
y″
=
f
(
x
,
y
). New high-order methods for solving this equation, based on quasi-Hermite interpolating polynomials, are shown to exist, as well as new explicit generalized methods for a first-order equation. Some results in the theory of quasi-Hermite interpolation are given, and results of computations of an unperturbed orbit trajectory are presented.
The Recursive Unsolvability of the Decision Problem for the Class of Definite Formulas
Authors: Di Paola Robert A.
Published: July 2002

A class of formulas of the first-order predicate calculus, the definite formulas has recently been proposed as the formal representation of the “reasonable” questions to put to a computer in the context of an actual data retrieval system, the Relational Data File of Levien and Maron. It is shown here that the decision problem for the class of definite formulas is recursively unsolvable. Hence there is no algorithm to decide whether a given formula is definite.
Database states and their tableaux
Authors: Mendelzon Alberto O.
Published: July 2002

Recent work considers a database state to satisfy a set of dependencies if there exists a satisfying universal relation whose projections contain each of the relations in the state. Such relations are called
weak instances
for the state. We propose the set of all weak instances for a state as an embodiment of the information represented by the state. We characterize states that have the same set of weak instances by the equivalence of their associated tableaux. We apply this notion to the comparison of database schemes and characterize all pairs of schemes such that for every legal state of one of them there exists an equivalent legal state of the other one. We use this approach to provide a new characterization of Boyce-Codd Normal Form relation schemes.
Searchlight and Doppler effects in the visualization of special relativity
Authors: Weiskopf Daniel , Kraus Ute , Ruder Hanns
Published: July 2002

We demonstrate that a photo-realistic image of a rapidly moving object is dominated by the searchlight and Doppler effects. Using a photon-counting technique, we derive expressions for the relativistic transformation of radiance. We show how to incorportate the Doppler and searchlight effects in the two common techniques of special relativistic visualization, namely ray tracing and polygon rendering. Most authors consider geometrical appearance only and neglect relativistic effects on the lighting model. Chang et al. [1996] present an incorrect derivation of the searchlight effect, which we compare to our results. Some examples are given to show the results of image synthesis with relativistic effects taken into account.
Efficient algorithms to globally balance a binary search tree
Authors: Chang Hsi , Iyangar S. Sitharama
Published: July 2002

A binary search tree can be globally balanced by readjustment of pointers or with a sorting process in O
(
n
)
time, n being the total number of nodes. This paper presents three global balancing algorithms, one of which uses folding with the other two adopting parallel procedures. These algorithms show improvement in time efficiency over some sequential algorithms [1, 2, 7] when applied to large binary search trees. A comparison of various algorithms is presented.
The distribution of granule accesses made by database transactions
Authors: Shum Annie W. , Langer Andrew M.
Published: July 2002

The problem of characterizing the number of granules (or blocks) accessed by a transaction is important in modeling the performance of database management systems and other applications. Different expressions for this quantity have appeared in the literature under different probabilistic assumptions. These expressions along with one new result are presented with a uniform notation and a clear statement of the assumptions underlying each. The partial order relating the predictions of the expected number of granules accessed is presented.
A generalized text editor
Authors: Fraser Christopher W.
Published: July 2002

Text is not the only data that needs editing; for example, file deletion utilities edit directories. If all “editors” used the same command language, they would be easier to learn, remember, and code. This paper describes a generalized editor that edits text, directories, binary core images, and certain operating system data with a single user interface.
The SL5 procedure mechanism
Authors: Hanson David R. , Griswold Ralph E.
Published: July 2002

This paper describes an integrated procedure mechanism that permits procedures to be used as recursive functions or as coroutines. This integration is accomplished by treating procedures and their activation records (called environments) as data objects and by decomposing procedure invocation into three separate components at the source-language level. In addition, argument binding is under the control of the programmer, permitting the definition of various methods of argument transmission in the source language itself. The resulting procedure mechanism, which is part of the SL5 programming language, is well suited to goal-oriented problems and to other problems that are more readily programmed by using coroutines. Several examples are given.
Proving the correctness of heuristically optimized code
Authors: Samet Hanan
Published: July 2002

A system for proving that programs written in a high level language are correctly translated to a low level language is described. A primary use of the system is as a postoptimization step in code generation. The low level language programs need not be generated by a compiler and in fact could be hand coded. Examples of the usefulness of such a system are given. Some interesting results are the ability to handle programs that implement recursion by bypassing the start of the program, and the detection and pinpointing of a wide class of errors in the low level language programs. The examples demonstrate that optimization of the genre of this paper can result in substantially faster operation and the saving of memory in terms of program and stack sizes.
An alternative to event queues for synchronization in monitors
Authors: Kessels J. L. W.
Published: July 2002

In the monitor concept, as proposed by Brinch Hansen and Hoare, event queues are used for synchronization. This paper describes another synchronizing primitive which is nearly as expressive as the conditional wait, but can be implemented more efficiently. An implementation of this primitive in terms of P and V operations is given together with a correctness proof. Two examples are presented: the readers and writers problem and the problem of information streams sharing a finite buffer pool.
Computation of page fault probability from program transition diagram
Authors: Franklin M. A. , Gupta R. K.
Published: July 2002

An algorithm is given for calculating page fault probability in a virtual memory system operating under demand paging with various memory sizes and replacement rules. A first order Markov model of program behavior is assumed, and a representation of the system based on memory states, control states, and memory substates is presented. The algorithm is general in the sense that the page fault probabilities can be calculated for nonpredictive replacement rules applied to any program represented by a one-step Markov chain. A detailed example is given to illustrate the algorithm for Random and Least Recently Used (LRU) replacement rules.
Deterministic parsing of ambiguous grammars
Authors: Aho A. V. , Johnson S. C. , Ullman J. D.
Published: July 2002

Methods of describing the syntax of programming languages in ways that are more flexible and natural than conventional BNF descriptions are considered. These methods involve the use of ambiguous context-free grammars together with rules to resolve syntactic ambiguities. It is shown how efficient LR and LL parsers can be constructed directly from certain classes of these specifications.
Improving locality by critical working sets
Authors: Ferrari Domenico
Published: July 2002

A new approach to program locality improvement via restructuring is described. The method is particularly suited to those systems where primary memory is managed according to a working set strategy. It is based on the concept of critical working set, a working set which does not contain the next memory reference. The data the method operates upon are extracted from a trace of the program to be restructured. It is shown that, except in some special cases, the method is not optimum. However, the experimental results obtained by using the method to restructure an interactive text editor and the file system module of an operating system have shown its substantial superiority over the other methods proposed in the literature.
The design of the Venus operating system
Authors: Liskov Barbara H.
Published: July 2002

The Venus Operating System is an experimental multiprogramming system which supports five or six concurrent users on a small computer. The system was produced to test the effect of machine architecture on complexity of software. The system is defined by a combination of microprograms and software. The microprogram defines a machine with some unusual architectural features; the software exploits these features to define the operating system as simply as possible. In this paper the development of the system is described, with particular emphasis on the principles which guided the design.
A model and stack implementation of multiple environments
Authors: Bobrow Daniel G. , Wegbreit Ben
Published: July 2002

Many control and access environment structures require that storage for a procedure activation exist at times when control is not nested within the procedure activated. This is straightforward to implement by dynamic storage allocation with linked blocks for each activation, but rather expensive in both time and space. This paper presents an implementation technique using a single stack to hold procedure activation storage which allows retention of that storage for durations not necessarily tied to control flow. The technique has the property that, in the simple case, it runs identically to the usual automatic stack allocation and deallocation procedure. Applications of this technique to multitasking, coroutines, backtracking, label-valued variables, and functional arguments are discussed. In the initial model, a single real processor is assumed, and the implementation assumes multiple-processes coordinate by passing control explicitly to one another. A multiprocessor implementation requires only a few changes to the basic technique, as described.
A technique for generating almost optimal Floyd-Evans productions for precedence grammars
Authors: Ichbiah J. D. , Morse S. P.
Published: July 2002

A technique is developed for generating almost optimal Floyd-Evans productions given a precedence grammar. A graph formulation is used for the problem of merging productions. The productions generated correspond to the minimum cost inverse-arborescence of that graph. The validity of the technique is demonstrated for weak precedence grammars defined here, but the productions mechanically generated for any precedence grammar can often be modified in such a way that correct, almost optimal parsers are obtained.
Algorithmic selection of the best method for compressing map data strings
Authors: Amidon E. L. , Akin G. S.
Published: July 2002

The best of a dozen different methods for compressing map data is illustrated. The choices are generated by encoding data strings—sequence of like codes—by three methods and in four directions. Relationships are developed between compression alternatives to avoid comparing all of them. The technique has been used to compress data from forest resource maps, but is widely applicable to map and photographic data reduction.
Floating-point arithmetic with 84-bit numbers
Authors: Gregory Robert T. , Raney James L.
Published: July 2002

A classic and straightforward technique is presented which is not limited to the size or type of number representation used or multiple precision arithmetic.
Fortran
Authors: Heising W. P.
Published: July 2002

“The FORTRAN language is intended to be capable of expressing any problem of numerical computation. In particular, it deals easily with problems containing large sets of formulae and many variables, and it permits any variable to have up to three independent subscripts. However, for problems in which machine words have a logical rather than a numerical meaning it is less satisfactory, and it may fail entirely to express some such problems. Nevertheless, many logical operations not directly expressable in the FORTRAN language can be obtained by making use of provisions for incorporating library routines.” This quotation is taken from “The FORTRAN Automatic Coding System for the IBM 704 EDPM,” dated October 15, 1956. This first manual was a programmer's reference manual issued by the Programming Research Department of IBM. The original system and the original manual were the work of J. W. Backus, R. J. Beeber, S. Best, R. Goldberg, H. L. Herrick, R. A. Hughes (U.C.R.L., Livermore), L. B. Mitchell, R. A. Nelson, R. Nutt (United Aircraft), D. Sayre, P. B. Sheridan, H. Stern, and I. Ziller; all were associated with IBM except as noted.
Documentation of IPL-V
Authors: Newell Allen
Published: July 2002

IPL-V (Information Processing Language-V) is a programming language for list processing and symbol manipulation. It is the fifth of a series of programming languages that has developed as part of a research effort in artificial intelligence and simulation of cognitive processes. This research started in late 1954 at The RAND Corporation and Carnegie Institute of Technology and has remained centered there, so that these two organizations, or more properly the scientists thereof, can be considered the source of the language. The earlier IPL's were coded for the RAND JOHNNIAC, a unique machine of the Princeton class; IPL-V is the only one which has become a “public” language and where the necessary effort has been made to document and standardize the language.
Test matrix for inversion
Authors: LaSor William S.
Published: July 2002

The following is an account of current documentation on the NELIAC Language.
A contour-map program for x-ray crystallography
Authors: Dayhoff M. O.
Published: July 2002

A FORTRAN program is described for use with the IBM 7090 system and an
x
,
y
-plotter to produce a contour map. A matrix of points evenly spaced in each dimension is contoured. Scale factors along the axes may be different and the axes need not be perpendicular.
A recursive formulation of Cholesky factorization of a matrix in packed storage
Authors: Andersen Bjarne Stig , Waśniewski Jerzy , Gustavson Fred G.
Published: July 2002

A new compact way to store a symmetric or triangular matrix called RPF for Recursive Packed Format is fully described. Novel ways to transform RPF to and from standard packed format are included. A new algorithm, called RPC for Recursive Packed Cholesky, that operates on the RPG format is presented. ALgorithm RPC is basd on level-3 BLAS and requires variants of algorithms
TRSM
and
SYRK
that work on RPF. We call these
RP_TRSM
and
RP_SYRK
and find that they do most of their work by calling
GEMM
. It follows that most of the execution time of RPC lies in
GEMM
. The advantage of this storage scheme compared to traditional packed and full storage is demonstrated. First, the RPC storage format uses the minimal amount of storage for the symmetric or triangular matrix. Second, RPC gives a level-3 implementation of Cholesky factorization whereas standard packed implementations are only level 2. Hence, the performance of our RPC implementation is decidedly superior. Third, unlike fixed block size algorithms, RPC, requires no block size tuning parameter. We present performance measurements on several current architectures that demonstrate improvements over the traditional packed routines. Also MSP parallel computations on the IBM SMP computer are made. The graphs that are attached in Section 7 show that the RPC algorithms are superior by a factor between 1.6 and 7.4 for order around 1000, and between 1.9 and 10.3 for order around 3000 over the traditional packed algorithms. For some architectures, the RPC performance results are almost the same or even better than the traditional full-storage algorithms results.
Efficient optimal pagination of scrolls
Authors: Larmore L. L. , Hirschberg D. S.
Published: July 2002

Diehr and Faaland developed an algorithm that finds the minimum sum of key length pagination of a scroll of n items, and which uses O(n log n) time, solving a problem posed by McCreight. An improved algorithm is given which uses O(n) time.
Efficient tests for top-down termination of logical rules
Authors: Ullman Jeffrey D. , Van Gelder Allen
Published: July 2002

Considered is the question of whether top-down (Prolog-like) evaluation of a set of logical rules can be guaranteed to terminate. The NAIL! system is designed to process programs consisting of logical rules and to select, for each fragment of the program, the best from among many possible strategies for its evaluation. In the context of such a system, it is essential that termination tests be fast. Thus, the “uniqueness” property of logical rules is introduced. This property is satisfied by many of the common examples of rules and is easily recognized. For rules with this property, a set of inequalities, whose satisfaction is sufficient for termination of the rules, can be generated in polynomial time. Then a polynomial test for satisfaction of constraints generated by this process is given.
How to deal with software stability
Authors: Fayad Mohamed E.
Published: July 2002

All that exist are heuristics for determining an EBT, a BO, or an industrial object.
A quorum-consensus replication method for abstract data types
Authors: Herlihy Maurice
Published: July 2002

Replication can enhance the availability of data in distributed systems. This paper introduces a new method for managing replicated data. Unlike many methods that support replication only for uninterpreted files, this method systematically exploits type-specific properties of objects such as sets, queues, or directories to provide more effective replication. Each operation requires the cooperation of a certain number of sites for its successful completion. A quorum for an operation is any such set of sites. Necessary and sufficient constraints on quorum intersections are derived from an analysis of the data type's algebraic structure. A reconfiguration method is proposed that permits quorums to be changed dynamically. By taking advantage of type-specific properties in a general and systematic way, this method can realize a wider range of availability properties and more flexible reconfiguration than comparable replication methods.
A temporally oriented data model
Authors: Ariav Gad
Published: July 2002

The research into time and data models has so far focused on the identification of extensions to the classical relational model that would provide it with “adequate” semantic capacity to deal with time. The temporally oriented data model (TODM) presented in this paper is a result of a different approach, namely, it directly operationalizes the pervasive three-dimensional metaphor for time. One of the main results is thus the development of the notion of the data cube: a three-dimensional and inherently temporal data construct where time, objects, and attributes are the primary dimensions of stored data. TODM's cube adds historical depth to the tabular notions of data and provides a framework for storing and retrieving data within their temporal context. The basic operations in the model allow the formation of new cubic views from existing ones, or viewing data as one moves up and down in time within cubes.

This paper introduces TODM, a consistent set of temporally oriented data constructs, operations, and constraints, and then presents TOSQL, a corresponding end-user's SQL-like query syntax. The model is a restricted but consistent superset of the relational model, and the query syntax incorporates temporal notions in a manner that likewise avoids penalizing users who are interested solely in the current view of data (rather than in a temporal perspective). The naturalness of the spatial reference to time and the added semantic capacity of TODM come with a price—the definitions of the cubic constructs and basic operations are relatively cumbersome. As rudimentary as it is, TODM nonetheless provides a comprehensive basis for formulating an external data model for a temporally oriented database.
Increasing availability under mutual exclusion constraints with dynamic vote reassignment
Authors: Barbara Daniel , Garcia-Molina Hector , Spauster Annemarie
Published: July 2002

Voting is used commonly to enforce mutual exclusion in distributed systems. Each node is assigned a number of votes, and only the group with a majority of votes is allowed to perform a restricted operation. This paper describes techniques for dynamically reassigning votes upon node or link failure, in an attempt to make the system more resilient to future failures. We focus on autonomous methods for achieving this, that is, methods that allow the nodes to make independent choices about changing their votes and picking new vote values, rather than group consensus techniques that require tight coordination among the remaining nodes. Protocols are given which allow nodes to install new vote values while still maintaining mutual exclusion requirements. The lemmas and theorems to validate the protocols are presented. A simple example shows how to apply the method to a database object-locking scheme; the protocols, however, are versatile andgeneral purpose, and can be used foranyapplication requiring mutual exclusion. In addition, policies are presented that allow nodes to autonomously select their new vote values. Simulation results are presented comparing the autonomous methods to static vote assignments and to group consensus strategies. These results demonstrate that under high failure rates, dynamic vote reassignment shows great improvement over a static assignment of votes in terms of availability. In addition, many autonomous methods for determining a new vote assignment yield almost as much availability as a group consensus method and at the same time are faster and more flexible.
Commerce and Culture in South Asia: Perspectives from Archaeology and History
Authors: Morrison Kathleen D.
Published: July 2002

This review examines aspects of the trajectory of economic change in South Asia, particularly the development of markets, money, commercial production, and certain specialized economic institutions, in light of the longer historical experience of posturban polities. A review of archaeological and historical evidence from the Early Historic (500 bc–ad 500) through the Middle Period (ad 500–1600) highlights several consistent themes: urbanization and related transformation of settlement; monetization and the increasing role of production for markets; the volatile relationship between long-distance exchange and local political and economic structure; the intensification of production; and the shifting roles of religious and other institutions such as monasteries, temples, and guilds.
Learning Dependency Translation Models as Collections of Finite-State Head Transducers
Authors: Alshawi Hiyan , Bangalore Srinivas , Douglas Shona
Published: July 2002

The paper defines weighted head transducers, finite-state machines that perform middle-out string transduction. These transducers are strictly more expressive than the special case of standard left-to-right finite-state transducers. Dependency transduction models are then defined as collections of weighted head transducers that are applied hierarchically. A dynamic programming search algorithm is described for finding the optimal transduction of an input string with respect to a dependency transduction model. A method for automatically training a dependency transduction model from a set of input-output example strings is presented. The method first searches for hierarchical alignments of the training examples guided by correlation statistics, and then constructs the transitions of head transducers that are consistent with these alignments. Experimental results are given for applying the training method to translation from English to Spanish and Japanese.
Model Dependence in Quantification of Spike Interdependence by Joint Peri-Stimulus Time Histogram
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Tsuji Satoshi
Published: July 2002

Multineuronal recordings have enabled us to examine context-dependent changes in the relationship between the activities of multiple cells. The joint peri-stimulus time histogram (JPSTH) is a much-used method for investigating the dynamics of the interdependence of spike events between pairs of cells. Its results are often taken as an estimate of interaction strength between cells, independent of modulations in the cells' firing rates. We evaluate the adequacy of this estimate by examining the mathematical structure of how the JPSTH quantifies an interaction strength after excluding the contribution of firing rates. We introduce a simple probabilistic model of interacting point processes to generate simulated spike data and show that the normalized JPSTH incorrectly infers the temporal structure of variations in the interaction parameter strength. This occurs because, in our model, the correct normalization of firing-rate contributions is different than that used in Aertsen, Gerstein, Habib, and Palm's (1989) effective connectivity model. This demonstrates that firing-rate modulations cannot be corrected for in a model-independent manner, and therefore the effective connectivity does not represent a universal characteristic that is independent of modulation of the firing rates. Aertsen et al.'s (1989) effective connectivity may still be used in the analysis of experimental data, provided we are aware that this is simply one of many ways of describing the structure of interdependence. We also discuss some measure-independent characteristics of the structure of interdependence.
A Floating-Gate MOS Implementation of Resistive Fuse
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Sawaji T. , Sakai T. , Nagai H.
Published: July 2002

Resistive fuses are key elements in weak string filters, which smooth out noise while detecting step edges inherent in original data. A resistive fuse is implemented by two pairs of floating-gate metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) transistors in a chip by a standard double poly complementary MOS process.
BMB con.: Collaborative Experiences with Sound, Image and Space
Authors: Bennett Justin
Published: July 2002

The author outlines the history and methodologies of the Netherlands-based audio/visual performance group BMB con. He discusses the trio's approaches to audience relationships, technology and collaboration, and attempts to describe the nature of the sound of BMB con.
Navigation, Wayfinding, and Place Experience within a Virtual City
Authors: Murray Craig D. , Bowers John M. , West Adrian J. , Pettifer Steve , Gibson Simon
Published: July 2002

We report a qualitative study of navigation, wayfinding, and place experience within a virtual city. “Cityscape” is a virtual environment (VE), partially algorithmically generated and intended to be redolent of the aggregate forms of real cities. In the present study, we observed and interviewed participants during and following exploration of a desktop implementation of Cityscape. A number of emergent themes were identified and are presented and discussed. Observing the interaction with the virtual city suggested a continuous relationship between real and virtual worlds. Participants were seen to attribute real-world properties and expectations to the contents of the virtual world. The implications of these themes for the construction of virtual environments modeled on real-world forms are considered.
Interpreters of the Court in the Ottoman Empire as seen from the Sharia Court Records of Cyprus
Authors: Çiçek Kemal
Published: July 2002

Although the question of interpreters (tercüman) in the Ottoman empire has been a popular subject in recent writing on Ottoman history, the interpreters of the courts of the qadi (mahkeme tercümanlarι) have remained a mystery. Pioneering researchers of the sijills have mentioned their presence in court, but have been unable to establish their existence or explain the silence of the records about their position. In this essay, I analyse documents found in the sijills of the province of Nicosia, Cyprus, in order to explore the work of the translators who were charged with helping people on trial who did not know Ottoman Turkish. The court interpreters assisted the qadi and played an important role in the administration of justice, especially with regard to non-Muslims. The presence of interpreters in the qadi court of Nicosia helped the qadi to administer justice among dhimmis and gain their confidence, which may explain the frequency of references to them. Based on some berats (documents issued by the diwans) recorded in the sijills, I examine the identity, appointment, and the legal status of court interpreters.
Caring about Blood, Flesh, and Pain:Women's Standing in the Animal Protection Movement
Authors: Munro Lyle
Published: July 2002

Using the results of a survey of animal rights activists, advocates, and supporters, the paper reveals much more convergence (80%) than divergence (20%) of attitudes and actions by male and female animal protectionists. Analysis of the divergence suggests that the differences between men and women in the movement are contingent upon such things as early socialization, gendered work and leisure patterns, affinity with companion animals, ambivalence about science, and a history of opposition to nonhuman animal abuse by generations of female activists and animal advocates. Aside from the feminist and women's movements and groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, it is rare to find a social movement in which the standing of women eclipses those of their male colleagues. The paper suggests that animal protection remains a bastion of female activism and advocacy because women care about blood, flesh, and pain and, unlike earlier generations of animal activists, no longer are seen as a liability to the success of the movement.
JAHWE UND DES MENSCHEN LIEBE ZU IHM ZU DTN. VI 4
Authors: Herrmann Wolfram
Published: July 2002

Die Fragen, welche der Wortlaut von Dtn. vi 4f. aufgibt, kann man immer noch nicht als endgültig gelöst betrachten, obwohl das kleine Stück wiederholt erörtert wurde. Denn die vorgetragenen Ausdeutungen blieben relativ divergent, bis hin zu dem Problem, ob beide Verse von Hause aus zusammengehörten. Der Autor behandelt die einzelnen Interpretationsversuche, um schließlich den eigenen Standpunk zu begründen. Im Rückgriff auf ältere Erklärungen sowie unter Einbeziehung rezenter, der Auslegung dienender Erkenntnisse plädiert der Artikel dafür, den bekenntnishaften Satz v. 4 von dem in v. 5 formulierten Liebesgebot her und in enger Verknüpfung mit ihm zu begreifen. Das Zahlwort "eins" in v. 4 ist attributiv gebraucht. Jahwe ist nur eine, will heißen, eine ungeteilte Persönlichkeit, der ebenso ungeteilt die Liebe seines Volkes gelten solle. Dtn. vi 4 enthält demnach keine in sich ruhende Lehrmeinung, vielmehr ist der Satz aus der emotionalen Gottesbeziehung hervorgegangen, welche konzentriert die religio in Form der Gott zugewandten Liebe zum Ausdruck bringt.
Dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Nagakura T , Matsuda S , Shichijyo K , Sugimoto H , Hata K
Published: July 2002

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, and high dietary levels are associated with a lower incidence of inflammatory diseases. However, only limited effects have been demonstrated in asthma. The effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil for 10 months in 29 children with bronchial asthma was investigated in a randomized controlled fashion. In order to minimize the effects of environmental inhaled allergens and diet, this study was performed in a long-term treatment hospital. Subjects received fish oil capsules containing 84 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 36 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) or control capsules containing 300 mg olive oil. The daily dosages of EPA and DHA were 17.0-26.8 and 7.3-11.5 mg x kg body weight(-1), respectively. Asthma symptom scores decreased and responsiveness to acetylcholine decreased in the fish oil group but not in the control group. In addition, plasma EPA levels increased significantly only in the fish oil group (p<0.0088). No significant side-effects were observed. The present results suggest that dietary supplementation with fish oil rich in the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid is beneficial for children with bronchial asthma in a strictly controlled environment in terms of inhalant allergens and diet.
Lung sounds in asbestos induced pulmonary disorders
Authors: Piirila P , Lehtola H , Zitting A , Kivisaari L , Koskinen H , Luukkonen R , Salo SP , Vehmas T , Nordman H , Sovijarvi AR
Published: July 2002

The aim of the study was to compare the lung sounds in patients with asbestos related pulmonary disorders with findings in high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), and with lung function variables, in order to find out associations of acoustic changes with radiological fibrosis, emphysema or with pulmonary gas transfer functions. Sixty-four patients with asbestos-related pleural disease, with or without pulmonary disease, were studied. Lung sound recording and analysis was carried out with a computerized lung sound analyser, and HRCT of the chest, as well as forced spirometry and diffusing capacity measurement were performed. The fibrosis score correlated positively with the quartile frequencies of the power spectrum of lung sounds in inspiration (f50) and expiration (f50) and crackle count in inspiration, as well as negatively with diffusing capacity. When the patients with crackling sounds and significant fibrosis were excluded (n=18), emphysema correlated negatively with expiratory quartile frequencies of the power spectrum, with f25 and f50. Furthermore, diffusing capacity correlated with inspiratory f25 and forced expiratory volume in one second with inspiratory f50 when crackles and fibrosis were excluded. Changes in lung sounds were significantly associated with radiologically verified abnormalities and gas transfer of pulmonary tissue. High sound frequencies were associated with fibrotic changes of the lung while low sound frequencies with pulmonary emphysema. Acoustic analysis gives complementary clinical information for evaluation of asbestos-related pulmonary disorders.
Effect of moderate alcohol upon obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Scanlan MF , Roebuck T , Little PJ , Redman  , Naughton MT
Published: July 2002

Moderate-to-large quantities of alcohol are known to aggravate severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), however, the reported effects of moderate alcohol consumption upon mild-to-moderate OSA are inconsistent. Given the reported benefits of moderate alcohol consumption on cardiovascular mortality, recommendations regarding the management of patients with OSA are difficult to formulate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moderate alcohol on sleep and breathing in subjects with mild-to-moderate OSA. Twenty-one male volunteers, who snored habitually, underwent polysomnography with and without 0.5 g alcohol x kg body weight (BW)(-1) consumed 90 min prior to sleep time, in random order. The mean blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following alcohol at the time of lights out was 0.07 g x dL(-1). The distribution amongst the various sleep stages was not significantly altered by alcohol. The mean apnoea/hypopnoea index rose from 7.1+/-1.9 to 9.7+/-2.1 events x h(-1) (mean+/-SEM, p=0.017); however, there was no significant change in the minimum arterial oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry Sp,O2, apnoea length or snoring intensity. Mean sleep cardiac frequency rose significantly from 53.9+/-1.4 to 59.9+/-1.9 beats x min(-1) (P<0.001) and overnight urinary noradrenalin increased from 14.9+/-2.3 to 18.8+/-2.3 nmol x mmol creatinine(-1) (p=0.061) on the alcohol night compared to the nonalcohol night. To conclude, modest alcohol consumption, giving a mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.07 g x dL(-1), significantly increases both obstructive sleep apnoea frequency and mean sleep cardiac frequency.
An auto-continuous positive airway pressure device controlled exclusively by the forced oscillation technique
Authors: Ficker JH , Fuchs FS , Wiest GH , Asshoff G , Schmelzer AH , Hahn EG
Published: July 2002

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) has been demonstrated to be a very sensitive tool for the assessment of upper airway obstruction during nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The present study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a novel auto-CPAP device based exclusively on the FOT. Following manual CPAP titration, 18 patients with OSA (mean apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) 48.0+/-28.1) were allocated to conventional CPAP and auto-CPAP treatment under polysomnographic control in randomized order. The patients were asked to assess their subjective daytime sleepiness using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The mean AHI during auto-CPAP treatment was 3.4+/-3.4 and was comparable with that obtained during conventional CPAP treatment (4.2+/-3.6). The analysis of sleep architecture, the arousal index (6.6+/-2.1 versus 7.3+/-4.4) or the ESS (5.6+/-1.8 versus 7.3+/-4.4) did not reveal any significant differences. However, the mean CPAP pressure during auto-CPAP treatment (0.84+/-0.26 kPa) and in particular the pressure applied in the lateral body position (0.74+/-0.35 kPa), was significantly lower than that employed in conventional CPAP treatment (0.93+/-0.16 kPa, both comparisons: p<0.05). The auto-continuous positive airway pressure device proved equally as effective as conventional continuous positive airway pressure. However, the mean treatment pressure was significantly reduced, especially when patients were sleeping in the lateral position.
Success and safety of sputum induction in the clinical setting
Authors: Vlachos-Mayer H , Leigh R , Sharon RF , Hussack P , Hargreave FE
Published: July 2002

It has previously been reported that sputum induction is successful and safe in the clinical research setting. The authors examined the success and safety of sputum induction in routine clinical practice in patients with asthma or chronic airflow limitation of varying severity. Records of 304 patients with asthma and 25 with smoking related chronic airflow limitation were examined retrospectively. All had sputum induced as part of their routine clinical evaluation. When the baseline post salbutamol forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was > or =70% predicted, the inductions consisted of inhalation of an aerosol of 3%, 4% and 5% saline, each given for 7 min. If the FEV1 was <70%, or there were other reasons for concern, the inductions were initiated with normal saline for shorter periods. Inhalations were discontinued when sputum was obtained or when there was a fall in FEV1 > or =20%. Success was identified by obtaining nonsquamous total and differential cell counts containing macrophages, and safety by the fall in FEV1. The overall success was 93%. The procedure was safe even amongst patients with an FEV1 of <60% and <1 L. Of 77 patients with an FEV1 between 40-59%, 8% fell by > or =20% and of 35 patients with an FEV1 <40%, 6% fell by 20%. Carefully standardized sputum induction can be successful and safe in patients with asthma or chronic airflow limitation in clinical practice, even when moderate or severe airflow limitation is present.
Apnoea characteristics across the night in severe obstructive sleep apnoea: influence of body posture
Authors: Oksenberg A. , Khamaysi I. , Silverberg D.S.
Published: July 2002

Several studies have reported changes in apnoea characteristics across the night in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, the effect of body posture on these changes has not been evaluated. The purpose of this study was to assess how body posture influences sleep apnoea characteristics across the night in severe OSA.

Polysomnograms of 30 patients with severe OSA who had ≥30 apnoeic episodes in the lateral position and 30 in the supine position during Stage 2 sleep, in the early, middle and late sleep periods were analysed. For each of the 30 events in each body position, the following variables were evaluated: apnoea duration; minimum saturation; change in saturation; duration of arousal; maximum snoring loudness and change in cardiac frequency.

Although at any time during the night, apnoeas in the supine posture were more severe than those in the lateral position, a time effect across the night was found only for apnoea duration, change in cardiac frequency and duration of arousal. Body position did not affect the time trend for these variables across the night. The best fit for the changes of these three variables across the night was a quadratic time trend.

It was concluded that in severe obstructive sleep apnoea during Stage 2 sleep, body position does not significantly affect the time trends of apnoea characteristics across the night. These data provide support for the participation of sleep-dependent mechanisms (homeostatic and circadian) in the determination of apnoea characteristics across the night.
Surfactant protein gene A, B, and D marker alleles in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of a Mexican population
Authors: Guo X. , Lin H-M. , Lin Z. , Montaño M. , Sansores R. , Wang G. , DiAngelo S. , Pardo A. , Selman M. , Floros J.
Published: July 2002

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by chronic inflammation. It is most likely the result of complex interactions of environmental and genetic factors. Because pulmonary surfactant components play important roles in normal lung function, innate host defence, and inflammation in the lung, this study investigated the hypothesis that the surfactant protein genes are involved in certain cases of COPD.

Genotype analysis of surfactant protein (SP)-A, SP-B, SP-B-linked microsatellite, and SP-D marker alleles was performed in patients with COPD (n=97) and smoker (n=82) or nonsmoker (n=99) controls. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

The regression analysis results between COPD and smokers revealed several COPD susceptibility alleles (AA62_A, B1580_C, D2S388_5), based on an odds ratio (OR >2.5). The predictive ability of this model for developing COPD is good (c=0.926). Allele-allele (B1580_C and D2S388_5) and allele-environment (i.e.smoking) interactions were detected. When smoker controls were compared to nonsmoker controls, marker D2S388_5 appeared to be smoking-independent (p=0.874), whereas marker alleles AA62_A (p=0.045) and B1580_5 (p=0.007) were smoking-dependent. Males were at higher risk (OR=6.05, p=0.001), and smoking (>50 packs·yr−1) increased risk (OR=5.38, p=0.007). Males and alleles of loci flanking SP-B were associated with more severe cases (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ⪕40%).

The present results indicate that the surfactant protein alleles may be useful in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by either predicting the disease in a subgroup and/or by identifying disease subgroups that may be used for therapeutic intervention. These observations should now be confirmed in a larger study, designed according to strict epidemiological criteria.
Peripheral blood neutrophils are hyperresponsive to IL-8 and Gro-α in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis
Authors: Glynn P.C. , Henney E.M. , Hall I.P.
Published: July 2002

Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) is characterized by increased pulmonary recruitment of peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) by interleukin (IL)-8 and other chemotactic mediators. This study investigated whether, in CFA, the PBN motility response is primed by IL-8 and growth-related oncogene (Gro)-α, as demonstrated in other neutrophilic inflammatory diseases, and whether the motility response of PBNs to IL-8 and Gro-α can be abrogated using a selective antagonist for the neutrophil receptor for IL-8 and Gro-α, CXCR2.

The percentage of PBNs to undergo shape change (%SC), spontaneously and in response to IL-8 and Gro-α, was measured in patients with CFA (n=10) and controls (n=10), and the effect of the CXCR2 antagonist SB272844 studied. Plasma levels of IL-8, and Gro-α were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

The %SC of unstimulated PBNs and the potency of Gro-α and IL-8 to produce neutrophil polarization was greater in CFA than in controls; dose which produces 50% of maximal effect (EC50) of IL-8 was 3.6±0.7 nM for CFAversus6.3±1.0 nM for controls; p<0.05. SB272844 inhibited Gro-α induced but not IL-8 induced neutrophil shape change (equilibrium constant (KD) 123±18 nM). Plasma concentrations of Gro-α were increased in patients with CFA. PBNs are spontaneously activated and undergo a greater motility response to IL-8 and Gro-α in CFA.

Interleukin-8 and growth-related oncogene-α, circulating in substimulatory amounts in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis, may prime the peripheral blood neutrophils motility response, thus increasing their capacity for migration to the lung. Selective CXCR2 antagonists may be useful to block the Gro-α-induced priming response whilst preserving neutrophil functions mediated by CXCR1, the alternative neutrophil receptor for interleukin-8.