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The diversified applications for soil penetrometers imply a need for improved load-sensing capability. The feasibility of using a piezoelectric transducer as a load-sensing device on a soil cone penetrometer was investigated. A miniaturized piezoelectric load cell (piezocell) was calibrated in a stand-alone mode using known static loads. The response of the load cell to loading cycles in this mode was also observed. The piezocell was integrated into the lower end of a penetrometer shaft such that it measured resistance sensed immediately at the base of the cone. A strain gauge load cell was integrated to the upper part of the penetrometer shaft to measure penetration resistance for comparative purposes. Penetrometer resistance was measured in soil columns in the laboratory using this penetrometer configuration. Piezocell resistance measurements compared well with the measurements by the strain gauge load cell in both calibration sensitivity and in time response. The physical and performance characteristics of the piezocell showed that it was well suited for use on cone penetrometers.

Can Jungian thought help revitalize Christology for modern believers? First, a survey of Jung's comments on Jesus shows his portrayal of a charismatic young rabbi who came to embody the cardinal archetype of the Self. But he lost contact with his shadow side (the figure of Satan thus gaining differentiation) and on the cross was forsaken by Yahweh. So the incarnation, incomplete in Jesus, yearns for fulfillment through the individuation (“Christification”) of each Christian. Second, a mixed evaluation seems required by theology. Jung offers valuable resources to Christology by his depiction of Jesus’ suffering and true humanity in a cross-cultural setting and by his summons to a responsible imitatio Christi. But theology must object to Jung's idiosyncratic exegesis, his docetic figure of Christ, the absence of any resurrection, and the disjuncture of Jesus both from earthly evil and from a sadistic God of wrath.

Background. Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a safe and cost-effective treatment for gallstones. In 2006, our institution recorded an 86% laparoscopic, 10% day-case, and 5% readmission rate. A gallbladder pathway was therefore introduced in 2007 with the aim of increasing daycase rates. Methods. Patients with symptomatic gallstones, proven on ultrasound, were referred to a specialist-led clinic. Those suitable for surgery were consented, preassessed, and provided with a choice of dates. All defaulted to day case unless deemed unsuitable due to comorbidity or social factors. Results. The number of cholecystectomies increased from 464 in 2006 to 578 in 2008. Day-case rates in 2006, 2007, 2008, and June 2009 were 10%, 20%, 30%, and 61%, respectively. Laparoscopic and readmission rates remained unchanged. Conversion rates for elective cholecystectomy fell from 6% in 2006 to 3% in 2009. Conclusions. Development of a gallbladder pathway increased day-case rates sixfold without an associated increase in conversion or readmission rates.