Diagnostic accuracy is critical for the identification and treatment of patients with potential cardiac disease. There is now an ever-increasing reliance on the measured levels of diverse proteins (i.e. markers) whose presence in varying amounts can suggest certain cardiovascular pathologies and help to identify optimal therapeutic alternatives. "Cardiac Markers: Current and Future Applications" is designed to familiarize the reader with these concepts, and to facilitate the application of these concepts to patients with cardiac disease.

The chapters in this monograph detail the past, present, and potential future of markers used for the detection of myocardial injury and for risk assessment as part of a cardiovascular disease work-up strategy. The strengths of this extensive overview, written by many of the current leaders in the field, lie in the evidence presented in addressing analytical/technical, clinical, and outcome-assessments of each biomarker currently used in clinical practice, and for those being investigated as potential cutting-edge tools. Clinical cardiologists, pathologists, researchers, and critical and primary care physicians interested in the clinical application of blood-based assays in cardiac patients will all learn from this monograph.

The 'managing for results' movement that began in the early 1990s has now reached adolescence and is creating new challenges for government managers. After spending years creating planning and performance-measuring systems, managers and policy makers now need to focus on how to use performance information to make data-driven decisions. Managing Results for 2005 describes through a series of case studies the progress being made in federal, state, and local governments in managing for results. Part I increases our understanding about the potential use of performance information in government. It starts with a chapter on how government leaders can overcome obstacles to using performance information. Another chapter presents a comprehensive framework for tying performance to the budget process. The book provides specific examples of how performance information has been used to dramatically improve program outcomes. Part II presents case studies on the use of performance information to improve results in a range of federal agencies, in Texas state government, and in the City of Baltimore. As pioneering efforts, these examples do not all present success stories; nevertheless, the lessons learned will be instructive to public managers as the 'managing for results' movement advances toward maturity.

"I know a lot of people swear by the mysterious healing power of chicken soup. But I think they are mainly Yankees. Here in the South, a mess of butter beans is what we look to for physical and spiritual rejuvenation. They're a sure cure for the blues."

Joe Adams is a columnist for the prestigious North Carolina newspaper, "The Gaston Gazette," "Butter Beans for the Soul" is a collection of his hilarious editorials for people with small-town hearts.

A sampling of butter bean substitutes for the weary spirit include: RC Cola and Moonpies Singing, even if you stink Touring families of midgets And, especially for fans of Dr. Atkins, the pig-eating diet.

"Butter Beans for the Soul" also clears up some of life's most problematical questions. Wondering how to fast from fast food? Concerned about growing hair like a man? What dogs are best for the deaf? Joe Adams has the answers in one convenient location.