bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallelization of the Hoshen-Kopelman Algorithm Using a Finite State Machine
Authors: Constantin Jeffrey M. , Berry Michael W. , Vander Zanden Bradley T.
Published: March 2007

In applications such as landscape ecology, computer mod eling is used to assess habitat fragmentation and its ecological implications. Maps (two-dimensional grids) of habitat clusters or patches are analyzed to determine the number, location, and sizes of clusters. Recently, improved sequential and parallel implementations of the Hoshen- Kopelman cluster identification algorithm have been designed. These implementations use a finite state ma chine to reduce redundant integer comparisons during the cluster identification process. The sequential implementa tion for large maps performs cluster identification by par titioning the map along row boundaries and merging the results of the partitions. The parallel implementation on a 32-processor Thinking Machines CM-5 provides an effi cient mechanism for performing cluster identification in parallel. Although the sequential implementation achieved promising speed improvements ranging from 1.39 to 2.00 over an existing Hoshen-Kopelman implementation, the parallel implementation achieved a minimum speedup of 5.41 over the improved sequential implementation, exe cuted on a Sun SPARCstation 10.
On the Optimal Number of Subdomains for Hyperbolic Problems on Parallel Computers
Authors: Fischer Paul , Gottlieb David
Published: March 2007

The computational complexity for parallel implementation of multidomain spectral methods is studied to derive the optimal number of subdomains, q, and spectral order, n, for the numerical solution of hyperbolic problems. The complexity analysis is based on theoretical results that predict error as a function of (q,n) for problems having wavelike solutions. These are combined with a linear com munication cost model to study the impact of communica tion overhead and imposed granularity on the optimal choice of ( q,n) as a function of the number of processors. It is shown that, for present-day multicomputers, the im pact of communication overhead does not significantly shift ( q,n) from the optimal uniprocessor values and that the effects of granularity are more important.
Hpf-Builder: a Visual Environment To Transform Fortran 90 Codes To Hpf
Authors: Dekeyser Jean-Luc , Lefebvre Christian
Published: March 2007

Fortran 90 is the actual standard in terms of data parallel language for scientific computing. To develop a data par allel algorithm on a distributed memory machine, program mers generally use the High Performance Fortran (HPF) extension of Fortran 90, in particular the data-mapping directives. The goal of the HPF-Builder graphical environ ment is to free the HPF programmers of all the syntactic constraints due to the data mapping. All the data distribu tion and alignment are insured in an interactive and visual way. HPF templates and processors become the visual support for alignments of arrays and distributions on grids of processors. HPF-Builder automatically generates the corresponding HPF directives and inserts them in the Fortran 90 source code, which results in an HPF code.
Building Domain-Specific Environments for Computational Science: a Case Study in Seismic Tomography
Authors: Cuny Janice E. , Dunn Robert A. , Hackstadt Steven T. , Harrop Christopher W. , Hersey Harold H. , Malony Allen D. , Toomey Douglas R.
Published: March 2007

We report on our experiences in building a computational environment for tomographic image analysis for marine seismologists studying the structure and evolution of mid- ocean ridge volcanism. The computational environment is determined by an evolving set of requirements for this problem domain and includes needs for high performance parallel computing, large data analysis, model visualiza tion, and computation interaction and control. Although these needs are not unique in scientific computing, the integration of techniques for seismic tomography with tools for parallel computing and data analysis into a com putational environment was (and continues to be) an interesting, important learning experience for researchers in both disciplines. For the geologists, the use of the environment led to fundamental geologic discoveries on the East Pacific Rise, the improvement of parallel ray-trac ing algorithms, and a better regard for the use of compu tational steering in aiding model convergence. The com puter scientists received valuable feedback on the use of programming, analysis, and visualization tools in the en vironment. In particular, the tools for parallel program data query (DAQV) and visualization programming (Viz) were demonstrated to be highly adaptable to the problem do main. We discuss the requirements and the components of the environment in detail. Both accomplishments and limitations of our work are presented.
A Tool for Partitioning Structured Multiblock Meshes for Parallel Computational Mechanics
Authors: Ytterström Anders
Published: March 2007

This paper discusses the multiblock (MB)-split load bal ancing tool for structured-grid multiblock Navier-Stokes solvers running on parallel computers of MIMD type. Many load-balancing algorithms and tools are available for com putational fluid dynamics solvers using unstructured meshes. Most load-balancing algorithms for block-struc tured meshes only aim at distributing the initial blocks of the mesh over the processors, without splitting any blocks. A more flexible load-balancing technique uses domain decomposition and splits blocks into smaller blocks. One of the problems with this approach is the complexity of updating block connectivity boundary conditions. The three load-balancing algorithms are implemented and some results for realistic test cases are presented.
Parallel Run Length Encoding Compression: Reducing I/o in dYnamic Environmental Simulations
Authors: Davis G. , Lau L. , Young R. , Duncalfe F. , Brebber L.
Published: March 2007

Dynamic simulations based on time-varying inputs are extremely I/O intensive. This is shown by industrial appli cations generating environmental projections based on seasonal-to-interannual climate forecasts that have a compute to data access ratio of O(n) leading to significant performance degradation. Exploitation of compression techniques such as run length encoding (RLE) signifi cantly reduces the I/O bottleneck and storage require ments. Unfortunately, traditional RLE algorithms do not perform well in a parallel vector platform such as the Cray architecture. This paper describes the design and imple mentation of a new RLE algorithm based on data chunking and packing that exploits the Cray gather-scatter vector hardware and multiple processors. This approach reduces I/O and file storage requirements on average by an order of magnitude. Data intensive applications such as the integration of environmental and global climate models now become practical in a realistic time frame.
Inscribing and describing performers; Youth, gender and media technologies
Authors: Lury Karen
Published: March 2007

You perform in it. It performs for you. It performs you. So the enigmas for the performer are of the order of "Where am I?" rather than "Who am I?" (Skirrow, 1986)
Learning and Managing
Authors: Doncaster Richard
Published: March 2007

Mr. Doncaster has been concerned all his life with the business of managing a family firm' which has grown to establish plants in several parts of the UK and to develop important international connections. A seminar held in Sheffield in 1978, gave him the opportunity to look back over a long career and to reflect on what experiences had been developmental for him as a manager. This is an all-too-rare opportunity to hear the view of a very senior manager, who embodies the position that, despite all the developments in formal management education, management is essentially learned 'on-the- job' and experientially.
Self-Development Groups in Industry- What Actually Happens
Authors: Temporal Paul
Published: March 2007

This article describes the stages and processes involved in- the life of a Self-Development Group and gives an insight into the kind of learning that can take place, and its relevance for managers, in Self-Development Group activities.

Written by Paul Temporal — now an independent consultant who established Self-Development Groups 18 months ago in a multinational company — it contains unedited written comments and reflections (inset) from Martin Hayhurst, a Senior Production Manager with the Company, who indicates what it is like to be a member of such a Group.
Flush Doors to the 80's: A Case Study of Action Learning
Authors: Precious Bill
Published: March 2007

Action Learning programmes have played a large part in helping an ailing building-components company to face up, finally, to a rapidly-changed environ ment. It may still not be out of all danger but it has a much firmer base for survival. Here, Bill Precious traces the story from 1979 when he delayed his retirement from the parent Bowater company to take over as managing director, and then stayed on to introduce and steer through the programmes.
9. Europe
Authors: Tobler A.B.
Published: March 2007

C. BAGLEY and A. BINITIE compare matched samples of Irish and English alcoholics regarding the frequency of schizophrenic symptoms. They test the hypothesis that in Irish patients alcoholism can mask schizophrenia.
TRANSCULTURAL PSYCHIATRY by ARI KIEV, New York: The Free Press, and London: Collier-Macmillan Limited, 1972
Authors: Maretzki Thomas W.
Published: March 2007

The number and complexity of data and ideas pertaining to transcultural psychiatry have grown to such an extent that it is becoming more and more difficult to assess with clarity the present state of knowledge in the field and to outline with coherence areas and priorities for research. A. KIEV, in a well timed and highly significant book, has achieved such an objective. This book should make a major impact on anthropology, psychiatry, and related fields. A similar need is felt for a critical clarification of major trends in cross-cultural psychology. J. L. M. DAWSON reviews and discusses some theoretical issues related to cross cultural findings in psychology. R. GORNEY suggests that achievement, aggression, and mental illness are closely linked with, if not caused by, such culturally deter mined factors as the intensity of interpersonal relationships, the presence or absence of intrasocial competition, and the degree of synergy in a society. A good example of uses and abuses of statistics in transcultural psychiatry is furnished by R. LYNN's two publications in which an exceedingly wide gamut of human phenomena is found to be correlated.
5. Africa
Authors: Chrzanowski Gerard
Published: March 2007

An extensive field study of the Agni of West Africa was made in 1966 by P. PARIN, F. MORGENTHALER, and G. PARIN-MATTEY. Many techniques were resorted to, ranging from the Rorschach to what they call psychoanalytically oriented dialogue. Their book on the Agni offers a rich gamut of data which are interpreted in the light of "ethnopsychoanalysis." H. COLLOMB, R. GUENA, and B. DIOP show how childbearing in Senegalese populations is often ridden with fear and anxiety stemming from cultural values and how defense mechanisms are culturally provided. According to these authors, the pathology of childbearing is undoubtedly related to traditional cultural factors as well as to new elements brought about by recent sociocultural changes.
8. North America
Authors: Jilek W.G.
Published: March 2007

R. L. BERGMAN reports on the Navajo use of the mescaline-containing cactus peyote. He claims that their reactions to the ritual intake of peyote are beneficial and sometimes therapeutic, due to the cultural values and collective expectations which give positive meaning to the use of peyote. According to J. LUBART, the Mackenzie Delta Eskimo have failed to adjust certain cultural patterns and personality traits to recent changes from a hunting-trapping economy to one principally based on government welfare. This alleged failure, in his view, has resulted in specific pathological phenomena such as prostitution, female infan ticide, and suicide attempts. The validity of the author's approach and interpreta tions is seriously questioned by the reviewer. This section closes with a study by 1. LUBCHANSKY, G. EGRI, and J. STOKES of New York Puerto Rican faith healers' therapeutic practices and of the importance of spiritualism as a part of the cultural inheritance of Puerto Rican psychiatric patients.
9. Europe
Authors: Tobler Alice B.
Published: March 2007

Comparative studies of two communities, one in Sweden and one in Canada, regarding the frequency of psychiatric disorders in relation to sociocultural factors were carried out by D. C. LEIGHTON, O. HAGNELL, A. H. LEIGHTON, et al. The impact of each culture on its members appears to affect the pattern of more or less pyschiatric disorders in the two settings. The difficulties of studies of this nature are stressed.
Ways of working: CCNs and chronic illness
Authors: Carter Bernaddette
Published: March 2007

■ The study explored the role/skills used by CCNs caring for children with chronic illness.

■ A participant inquiry paradigm was used and data were generated using semi-structured interviews supported by extensive field notes.

■ All the CCNs described the special relationship with the children and their families which was characterised by deep understanding of current and future needs.

■ The CCNs emphasised 'ways of working' which involved high degrees of trust, flexibility, support, reflexivity and empowerment.

■ CCNs help families regain, maintain and develop control over their lives.
A day in the life of a children's nurse
Authors: Scott Philomena M.
Published: March 2007

■ Practice development posts have evolved in the past decade since the demise of the Clinical Nurse Manager role.

■ The Practice Development Adviser supports and facilitates clinical practice innovations with the aim of improving the quality of patient-focused care.

■ Clinicians are encouraged to utilise ward- based clinical developments as an integral part of a course leading to academic qualifications.

■ This article shares examples of clinical practice developments facilitated for a group, an individual clinician and on-going innovations.
Review : Health implications of modern childhood
Authors: Richman Joel , Kidmore David S
Published: March 2007

■ Childhood has undergone many reconstructions since its 'recognition' in the 18th century.

■ The medicalized child is rooted in eugenics, political economy and professional interests and has implication for practice.

■ The modern child is now viewed as a stakeholder in a political sense.

■ Childhood requires recognition in a 'health' sense if it is to survive as a category.

■ Different medical expectations and models of childhood are likely to evolve.
Drawing together hope: 'listening' to militarised children
Authors: Miles Glenn M.
Published: March 2007

■ Art can be used as both a therapeutic tool and a communication tool.

■ Art has been used with refugees/militarised children but has tended to focus on their pathology.

■ Art in this study was used to explore children's hopes for their future.

■ Children talk more when they are/have drawn what they are trying to describe.

■ Art can be used to understand children's world-view and explore their beliefs and opinions.
Review : Nurturing a child's spirituality
Authors: Pfund Rita
Published: March 2007

■ Nurturing a child's spirituality should be an integral part of holistic care.

■ The concept of spirituality is linked to the child's cognitive, social, psycho-sexual and moral development.

■ Knowledge of childhood spirituality can help to support children coping with traumatic life-events.

■ The expression of beliefs and feelings that encompass spirituality can be facilitated through literature and music and through other strategies.

■ Educators need to empower professionals to have the awareness, emotional resources and skills to ensure that they can be spiritually supportive
Review : Enteral feeding: a change in practice
Authors: Anderson Claire
Published: March 2007

■ There is an unacceptably high incidence of malnutrition in PICU.

■ The delivery of nutritional support requires a structured approach.

■ Early enteral feeding has been shown to reduce the stress response.

■ Implementing a change in practice involves identification of resources, objectives and motivation for change.

■ A randomised retrospective audit of the change in practice did demonstrate the value of earlier commencement of enteral feeding.

■ Informal interviews with practitioners suggested improved practice and knowledge.
Reflections on the development of CHASE Children's Hospice Service
Authors: Menezes Antoinette
Published: March 2007

■ The tasks along the way to developing a children's hospice service are examined.

■ CHASE Children's Hospice Service aims to establish a network of care for life-limited and life- threatened children, young people and their families.

■ The services will be provided for families living mainly in SW London, Surrey and parts of West Sussex.

■ They will comprise a source of palliative and respite care for the children and their families in their own homes (community care), backed-up by a respite care service in the related hospice at Artington, near Guildford (Christopher's).
From impulsive adventure to From impulsive adventure to postcolonial commitment
Authors: Uusihakala Katja
Published: March 2007

This article examines the making and maintaining of identity and migratory history among a group of 'old colonials', white people in contemporary postcolonial Kenya. In spite of the fact that white settler communities have recently been brought under scrutiny within anthropology of colonialism and that postcolomal writing has been torrential, the postcolonial realities of former settler communities have largely remained unexplored by anthropologists. To illuminate the processing of white colonial history as a dialogue between displacement and commitment, the focus of this article is on one particular narrative, this in order to bring forth the ambiguities of lived and localized realities - temporally and spatially varied and contested - to discussions on postcolonial conditions in Africa.
Phantasies of becoming (the Other
Authors: Ahmed Sara
Published: March 2007

This paper offers a close reading of Deleuze and Guattari's A Thousand Plateaus, examining how its narrativization of becoming involves a phantasy of otherness. The narrative of becoming woman functions as a narrative of overcoming, whereby the privilege of the masculine subject is determined as his ability to move beyond him-self. This reading is juxtaposed with a reading of the film, Dances with Wolves. Here, the narrative of becoming Indian is predicated on the heroism of the white masculine subject: through hybridization, he can unmake the border between self and other. By bringing these alien texts into contact, the paper suggests that becomings can easily support the structures of privilege which authorize certain 'beings' over others. The paper hence calls for an ethics of closer reading: getting closer to such masterful texts enables the reader to take the risk of a critical judgement.
Cultural studies as a construct
Authors: Alasuutari Pertti
Published: March 2007

This article discusses cultural studies as a social construct, and especially how it emerged in Finland. The 'discovery' of cultural studies in Finland in the early 1980s was made in a situation within Finnish sociology where some scholars began to adopt an orientation which resembled the Birmmgham orientation, but the influences to it stemmed from several sources. It was only then that the Birmingham School was founded, and certain people identified themselves with cultural studies. Yet within the local field of paradigms, Finnish 'cultural studies' was and remains a highly distinctive discursive construct.
Market Access in Agricultural Trade: Issues Concerning India
Authors: Mehta Rajiy
Published: March 2007

South Asian countries have a preponderance of agriculture in their socio-economic structure. Besides, agriculture is also the source of livelihood for a very large seg ment of the population in these economies. Hence, the sustained and accelerated growth of the agriculture sector is essential for overall economic development, for ensuring food and livelihood security, and alleviation ofpoverty. With agricul tural trade reforms being ushered in the decade of nineties, the domestic production system started getting exposed to the intricacies of diverse production systems and varying level of supports given to agriculture in the rest of the world. However, since the implementation of World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Agriculture (AoA), the experiences of declining terms of trade, price instability, unequal exchange and inequities, and societal impact on agrarian economies, par ticularly in developing countries, are not on the expected lines. Out of the three pillars of commitments in the AoA, substantial reforms have taken place in the areas of market access. Developing countries' commitments on support was minimal. For the economies of South Asia, where agriculture occupies a dominant place and the food and livelihood security of the agriculturally-dependent popu lation assumes importance, issues of market access occupies centre stage of AOA implementation experiences and negotiating strategies. This paper highlights some of these aspects with particular reference to India.
IPRs and Agriculture: South Asian Concerns
Authors: Ramanna Anitha
Published: March 2007

Important concerns face South Asian countries in formulating their IPR policies in agriculture. The major issues include: the implications of IPRs on the price of seeds, the rise of bio-piracy; access of farmers to seeds and the impact of property rights on biodiversity. Various countries in the region are currently attempting to evolve a twin strategy of granting both plant breeders' rights (a form of IPR for plant varieties) with farmers' rights (rights of farmers to engage in and benefit from their agricultural practices).

India is one of the first countries to have passed such a law, known as the Protec tion of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001. Pakistan has passed the Plant Breeders' Rights Ordinance, 2000. Bangladesh is proposing two legislations dealing with protection of plant varieties and community rights and Sri Lanka has proposed the Protection of New Plant Varieties (Breeders' Rights), 2001. Nepal, it is reported, is formulating a draft on Genetic Resource Access and Benefit Sharing.

The twin strategy is a step towards trying to recognize farmers' rights, but its viability must also be closely evaluated. In framing their IPR legislations, South Asian countries must aim to grant rights tied to duties under the broader perspective of development. The South Asian countries, rather than focusing purely on inde pendent national legislations, could evolve a coordinated strategy that would pro vide greater benefits for the entire region.
Financial Policy Cooperation in SAARC: A First Step towards Greater Monetary Integration in South Asia
Authors: Dasgupta Amit , Maskay Nephil Matangi
Published: March 2007

As intra-SAARC trade increases, there is a growing need for higher levels of intra- SAARC financial policy cooperation to ensure a stable financial environment by limiting uncertainty for payments. This will facilitate the process of regional trade integration. The experience in Europe suggests that both cooperation in intra- SAARC regional monetary and liberalization policy along with the setting up of an institution to manage trade and payments could contribute towards laying the foundation for future financial coordination with eventual higher levels of mon etary integration within the SAARC region. The paper highlights some areas in this regard, and discusses some paths for greater financial cooperation in South Asia.
Regulation as an Augmentor of Competition: The Indian Experience with the Banking Sector †
Authors: Nagarajan N.
Published: March 2007

The process of financial liberalization provides an excellent opportunity to the authorities to use relaxations in regulations to promote orderly competition. Despite its critical importance, any suggestion of an appropriate sequencing pattern is notable by its absence. This article is a preliminary attempt to draw broad contours of a feasible sequencing strategy which is based on the Indian experience. The outlined strategy is expected to serve as a useful reference point to other countries embarking on a similar liberalization programme. The suggested strategy envisages the preparation and acceptance of an appropriate vision statement, which would be an indicative document. The actual implementation of the programme, to be taken up by the concerned agencies in mutual coordination, needs to take into account the evolving environment, the absorptive capacity of the intermediaries and their financial position. Conceptually, it is preferable to strengthen the existing entities before opening the sector to competition. Strengthening finance, especially capital, and changes in policy, procedures, as also enhanced disclosure should form part of the strengthening process. While opening the banking sector for com petition, it is essential to erect stringent entry-barriers. In consonance with the changes in regulation, a new supervision strategy, stance and means in which prudential norms would replace micro-management, should be adopted. While introducing changes, it is preferable to aim at reaching the best international practices at the earliest.
More Bang For the Buck: Rethinking Priorities in a High Stakes Accountability Climate
Authors: Brinson Kenneth H. , Faulconer Johna L. , Hicks Gregory E. , Smith James R. , Stallings Clara A. , Wells Vivian C.
Published: March 2007

This case study exemplifies the effects of high stakes accountability on curriculum. Namely, should the desire for higher test scores drive instructional priorities? When resources are limited and jobs are on the line, leaders are often forced to make decisions that are expedient but not necessarily prudent. Schools across the country are under the “test-score microscope” to see how they measure up against each other. The pressure to perform well on tests is the driving force behind decisions that, inevitably, could hurt students and keep them from receiving a well-rounded education. Just how far should schools be allowed to go in addressing high stakes accountability? This case study, using fictitious names and places, encourages participatory discussion.
Mechanochemical Doping of Tetracence into Anthracene Crystals by Milling Technique
Authors: Ichimura Kunihiro , Aoki Ken’ichi
Published: March 2007

The wet bead milling of anthracence with tiny amounts of tetracene in water results in mechanochemical doping to exhibit solid-state singlet energy transfer. Changes of emission spectra are sensitive to milling conditions so that the couple can act as a fluorescent probe for milling. Perylene displays similar behavior, whereas pentacene and rubrene lead to insufficient fluorescence quenching due to their poor solubility in host crystals.
Fabrication of Copper Ferrite Thin Films from Aqueous Solution by the Liquid-phase Deposition Method
Authors: Deki Shigehito , Miki Hidenori , Sakamoto Mune-aki , Mizuhata Minoru
Published: March 2007

Liquid-phase deposition, LPD, method was used for the fabrication of copper ferrite (CuFe2O4) thin film from aqueous solution system of FeOOH–NH4·HF (aq.) and Cu source (Cu(NO3)2 or CuCl2) with H3BO3. SEM observation revealed that highly homogeneous thin film was formed on a substrate. In X-ray diffraction measurements, major peaks assigned to CuFe2O4 was observed in heat-treated films. Quantitative analysis of elements in the deposited films indicated the deposition of CuFe2O4. The kinds of Cu-source did not affect on the deposition. Initial content of Cu2+ could alter the Fe/Cu atomic ratio in deposited film.
Waiting-Time Distribution of M/DN/1 Queues Through Numerical Laplace Inversion
Authors: Shortle John F. , Fischer Martin J. , Brill Percy H.
Published: March 2007

This paper considers an M/G/1 queue where the service time for each customer is a discrete random variable taking one of N values. We call this an M/DN/1 queue. There are potential numerical problems inverting Laplace transforms associated with this queue because the service distribution is discontinuous. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of numerical transform-inversion methods in analyzing this queue. We first derive continuity properties of the steady-state distribution of wait in the M/DN/1 queue. Then, we show analytically how continuity properties affect the performance of the Fourier method for inverting transforms. In particular, continuity is not required in all derivatives for best performance of the method. We also present a new inversion method specifically for the M/DN/1 queue. Finally, we give numerical experiments comparing these and four other inversion methods. Although no method clearly dominates, the recursion method performs well in most examples.
Warner Robins Air Logistics Center Streamlines Aircraft Repair and Overhaul
Authors: Srinivasan Mandyam M. , Best William D. , Chandrasekaran Sridhar
Published: March 2007

At Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, long lead times for repairing and overhauling aircraft were a serious issue because some models were in short supply. In 2005, the center implemented Critical Chain, an operations research method for project management, to reduce lead time for repairing its C-5 transport aircraft. The implementation took eight months, without using any additional resources. The center returned five additional C-5 aircraft to the US Air Force’s operational inventory and generated additional revenue to the Transportation Working Capital Fund estimated at $49.8 million annually. The replacement value for these aircraft is estimated at $2.37 billion. The center is implementing the method for the C-130 and the C-17 cargo aircraft to free up 11 dock spaces. With the additional dock space, the depot can accommodate additional work worth $65 million in 2006. The center expects the additional workload to total $248 million by 2009 (the current C-5 annual operating budget is $295 million). Nonquantifiable benefits include increased responsiveness and casualty avoidance during wartime.
Book Reviews
Authors: Lev Benjamin
Published: March 2007

The range of books reviewed is wide, covering theory and applications in operations research, statistics, management science, econometrics, mathematics, computers, and information systems (no software is reviewed). In addition, we include books in other fields that emphasize technical applications. Publishers who wish to have their books reviewed should send them to Professor Benjamin Lev. We list the books received; not all books received can be reviewed because space is limited. Those who would like to review books are urged to send me their names, addresses, and specific areas of expertise. We commission all reviews and do not accept unsolicited book reviews. Readers are encouraged to suggest books that might be reviewed or to ask publishers to send me copies of such books.

The authors or editors of the books reviewed in this issue are Stephen Biddle, Michael J. Brusco, Stephanie Stahl, David G. Luenberger, Christoph Schwindt, and John Wang.
Noneffect of Oral Urinary Copper Ascorbic Acid on Reduction Glucose Test
Authors: Nahata Milap C , McLeod Don C
Published: March 2007

References and texts in the fields of diabetes and clinical chemistry commonly report that ascorbic acid when given orally or parenterally gives a false-positive reaction to the copper reduction glucose test (Clinitest). This impression is based on a study in which ascorbic acid (250 mg./dl.) was added to urine in vitro, with a resultant positive-test reading in the absence of glucose. Ascorbic acid is a reducing agent, and theoretically it could interfere with the copper reduction method of glucose detection. In the current study 10 nondiabetic men were ingesting 4 and 6 gm. ascorbic acid per day. A total of 360 glucose detection tests with the copper reduction method were undertaken. In no instance was there a positive reaction to the glucose test.
Mixed Acid-Base Abnormalities in Diabetes
Authors: Sanders Grace , Boyle George , Hunter Scott , Poffenbarger Phillip L
Published: March 2007

This study is a description of a patient who exhibited diabetic ketosis associated with an alkalosis rather than acidosis and a review of eight previously reported cases. Precipitating factors for this syndrome are severe vomiting with loss of hydrogen, potassium, and chloride ions, and dehydration. The ingestion of alkali may also result in this mixed acid-base disturbance. Treatment consists primarily of replacement of potassium and chloride. All reported patients had received large doses of insulin for initial therapy; however, limited insulin (20 U) therapy in this patient almost completely reversed the metabolic abnormality with 12 hours.
Recent Developments in the Treatment of Obesity with Particular Reference to Semistarvation Ketogenic Regimens
Authors: Bistrian Bruce R
Published: March 2007

Three new techniques have been developed for the treatment of obesity—behavior modification, semistarvation ketogenic regimens, and surgical therapy. Behavior modification appears to be effective for weight maintenance after weight loss through balanced deficit dieting for patients at less than 130 per cent of desirable body weight and semistarvation ketogenic regimens for patients from 130 to 200 per cent of desirable body weight. When indicated, surgical therapy is more efficacious for patients who are in excess of 200 per cent desirable body weight. All three approaches should be considered experimental until a larger experience is acquired and preliminary results are confirmed.
Ambulatory Glucose Profile: Representation of Verified Self-Monitored Blood Glucose Data
Authors: Mazze Roger S , Lucido David , Langer Oded , Hartmann Klaus , Rodbard David
Published: March 2007

Sixty-nine individuals with diabetes (23 with type I, 15 with pregestational, and 31 with gestational) used specially modified reflectance meters containing memory chips enabling the instruments to store 440 individual blood glucose values with corresponding time and date. These data were organized into 14-day periods and then collapsed into a graphic depiction, the Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP), which was represented as the pattern of the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles of blood glucose values. These three curves illustrate the median level of control and provide an index of variability in control at each hour of a “typical day.”

We observed distinctive AGPs related to the variability in metabolic control and the type of diabetes. Comparisons between diagnostic groups showed consistent differences between groups, independent of level of glycemic control. Review of serial AGPs obtained for sequential 2-wk periods for 23 non-pregnant individuals with type I diabetes and 10 women with gestational diabetes revealed changes in AGP corresponding to alterations in regimen.

The AGP provides a new approach to the evaluation of glycemic control, with applications to patient and physician education, clinical investigation, and individual patient care.
Medical Expenditures and Insurance Coverage for People With Diabetes: Estimates From the National Medical Care Expenditure Survey
Authors: Taylor Amy K
Published: March 2007

Access to health insurance and protection against expenditures for medical care are of special concern to diabetic patients in the United States. This study examines some information on the extent and breadth of public and private health insurance for individuals with diabetes, as well as some estimates of their use of health-care services and their mean expenses for this care.

About 12% of all diabetic patients < 65 yr old (∼311,000 individuals) were uninsured throughout 1977, a rate not much different from that for the rest of the United States population. Those with diabetes who are uninsured tend to be younger, Black or Hispanic, in excellent or good health, and live outside of metropolitan areas and in the South or West.

As expected, diabetic patients use more medical care than others of their age and sex, and their medical expenses are also much higher, particularly in younger age groups. In 1977, average total medical-care expenses for people with diabetes were $1514 compared with $548 for the rest of the population. They and their families paid ∼ 20% out of pocket (∼ $355). Their health insurance premiums were not much different from those without diabetes, averaging ∼ $1000 in 1977 for those under age 65. The private insurance coverage for diabetic patients was similar to that for others, although slightly fewer had major medical coverage than the general population.
Nocturnal Hypoglycemia Does Not Commonly Result in Major Morning Hyperglycemia in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Havlin Carolyn E , Cryer Philip E
Published: March 2007

We analyzed 216 overnight blood glucose profiles (samples at 2100, 0300, and 0700 h) in 75 consecutive patients with diabetes mellitus primarily to assess the impact of nocturnal hypoglycemia on morning hyperglycemia and secondarily to assess the frequency and magnitude of a night-to-morning increase in glucose levels in a clinical context. A dawn phenomenon (an 0300 to 0700 h increment in blood glucose) was rather uncommon in our patients (about one-third of profiles), was readily demonstrable in groups of patients only when nocturnal glucose levels were low (≤50 mg/dl) or normal (51–100 mg/dl), and was generally not of great magnitude (mean 0700 h glucose levels of 114 mg/dl after 0300 h values of ≤100 mg/dl). Nocturnal hypoglycemia (0300 h blood glucose of ≤50 mg/dl, 7% of profiles) was followed by significant increments in blood glucose. However, the 0700 h glucose values averaged only 113 mg/dl and ranged up to only 172 mg/dl. Clearly, the magnitude of this Somogyi phenomenon was not great. Mean glucose levels were not higher at 1100, 1600, or 2100 h the day after nocturnal hypoglycemia than those at the same times the day before hypoglycemia. Thus, nocturnal hypoglycemia does not commonly result in major morning, or daytime, hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus sampled while using their usual therapeutic regimens.
Proteinuria in Newly Diagnosed Type II Diabetic Patients
Authors: Uusitupa Matti , Siitonen Onni , Penttilä Ilkka , Aro Antti , Pyörälä Kalevi
Published: March 2007

Urinary excretion of albumin, IgG, and β2-microglobulin was examined in 132 (69 men, 63 women) newly diagnosed, middle-aged type II diabetic patients and in 144 (62 men, 82 women) nondiabetic control subjects. Both male (N = 57) and female (N = 29)diabetic patients with normal urinary sediment showed an increased excretion of albumin compared with the respective nondiabetic subjects, and male diabetic patients also had an increased IgG excretion. No consistent difference was found in urinary (β2-microglobulin concentration between the diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. In all, 19.5% of the diabetic subjects with normal urinary sediment (12 men, 5 women) showed urinary albumin concentration exceeding the highest value (35 mg/24 h) found in nondiabetic subjects without renal disease. The urinary excretion of albumin in the diabetic subjects was not associated with the presence of hypertension or coronary heart disease or with thefasting blood glucose or serum insulin levels measured at diagnosis of diabetes. In male diabetic subjects with urinary albumin excretion >35 mg/ 24 h, a reduced creatinine clearance was found, suggesting the presence of structural damage associated with diabetic nephropathy. The early increase of urinary albumin excretion in type II diabetic patients may be mostly functional in nature. However, some patients may have structural renaldamage associated with diabetic nephropathy present at diagnosis.
Randomized, Controlled Trial of Diabetic Patient Education: Improved Knowledge Without Improved Metabolic Status
Authors: Bloomgarden Zachary T , Karmally Wahida , Metzger M Jane , Brothers Milton , Nechemias Charles , Bookman John , Faierman Daniel , Ginsberg-Fellner Fredda , Rayfield Elliot , Brown W Virgil
Published: March 2007

We randomized 749 insulin-treated patients on the rolls of the Mount Sinai Medical Center Diabetes Clinic in a controlled trial of diabetic patient education; 345 agreed to participate, of whom 165 were assigned to the education group and 180 to the control group. Cognitive scores increased from 5.3 ± 1.6 to 5.8 ± 1.6 in the education group, but there was no change in the control group, whose score was 5.3 ± 1.7 before and after the intervention (P = .0073). HbA1c fell from 6.8 ± 2.1 to 6.1 ± 2.0% in the education group and from 6.6 ± 2.0 to 6.3 ± 2.0% in the control group, an insignificant difference (P = . 1995). The fasting blood glucose decreased from 223 ± 94 to 179 ± 73 mg/dl in the education group and from 199 ± 81 to 185 ± 76 mg/dl in the controls (P = .1983). Triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and insulin dosage also failed to show significant variation among groups.
Differential Effects of Insulin- and Proinsulin-Induced Hypoglycemia on Pituitary Hormone and Catecholamine Secretion
Authors: Williams Timothy C , Berelowitz Michael , Berk Michael A , Frohman Lawrence A
Published: March 2007

The effects of insulin- and proinsulin-induced hypoglycemia on pituitary hormone and catecholamine secretion were compared in normal men to search for possible hypothalamic or pituitary inhibitory effects of proinsulin on glucocounterregulatory responses. When subjects received 0.1 U/kg i. v. human insulin and 25–38 μg/kg i.v. human proinsulin on separate occasions, plasma glucose decreased more rapidly after insulin, and the nadir was slightly lower, but integrated hypoglycemic responses were similar. Cortisol, growth hormone (GH), prolactin, epinephrine, and norepinephrine responses occurred more rapidly after insulin than after proinsulin. Peak and integrated cortisol, GH, and catecholamine responses to insulin and proinsulin were similar, but those of prolactin were reduced after proinsulin when compared with insulin by 42% (P < .01) and 34% (P < .05), respectively. When euglycemia was maintained by a variable glucose infusion rate after the injection of insulin and proinsulin, no differences were observed in plasma levels of any of the hormones. The intravenous injection of a dose of proinsulin (6 μg/kg), which did not produce hypoglycemia but was the molar equivalent of insulin used in the first protocol, failed to modify the GH or prolactin responses to a combined injection of GH-releasing hormone (1 μg/kg) and thyrotropin-releasing hormone (500 (xg). Our results indicate that the onset of pituitary hormone and catecholamine responses to hypoglycemia are related to the rate of plasma glucose decline, with the slower responses to proinsulin reflecting a more gradual onset of hypoglycemia. The magnitude of the cortisol, GH, and catecholamine responses, however, was comparable with proinsulin- and insulin-induced hypoglycemia. In contrast, the reduced peak and integrated prolactin responses to proinsulin imply that proinsulin-induced hypoglycemia is a submaximal stimulus for prolactin secretion or that proinsulin inhibits prolactin secretion at the hypothalamic level.
Reduced Albuminuria After Dietary Protein Restriction in Insulin-Dependent Diabetic Patients With Clinical Nephropathy
Authors: Ciavarella Adolfo , Di Mizio Gianfranco , Stefoni Sergio , Borgnino Luigi C , Vannini Pietro
Published: March 2007

Recent clinical investigations have demonstrated that an early restriction of dietary protein intake may reduce the rate of progression of chronic renal failure in humans. In this study the effects of a restricted-protein diet on kidney function in type I diabetic patients with clinical nephropathy were evaluated. Sixteen patients (9 men, 7 women) with mean age 37.1 ± 9.8 yr, mean duration of diabetes 17.7 ± 6.6 yr, proteinuria > 0.5 g/24 h, and serum creatinine concentration of 0.7−1.9 mg/dl were studied. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The low-protein diet (LPD) group comprised seven patients who were kept for 4.5 ± 1 mo on a diet containing 0.71 ± 0.12 g × kg−1 × day−1 protein. The normal-protein diet (NPD) group comprised nine patients as controls maintained for 11.7 ± 7 mo on their usual diabetic diet containing 1.44 ± 0.12 g × kg−1 × day−1 protein.

All patients were studied every 1–2 mo. Metabolic control was assessed by evaluation of 5–8 blood glucose determinations/day and by glycosylated hemoglobin, whereas renal function was evaluated by albumin, IgG and β2-microglobulin urinary excretion rates, serum creatinine concentration, and creatinine clearance. At each visit, serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, phosphate, calcium, and electrolytes and weight and blood pressure were also measured.

A significant reduction (434 ± 244 to 205 ± 212 μg/min, mean ± SD) in albumin excretion rate was found in all LPD patients after dietary protein restriction, with a significant reincrease (689 ± 201 μg/min) in the same patients several months after interruption of diet. In contrast, a significant increase in albumin (452 ± 200 to 850 ± 288 μg/min) and IgG (82 ± 63 to 129 ± 79 μg/min) urinary excretion rates was found in NPD patients. No significant variations were noticed during the study regarding creatinine clearance, serum creatinine, urinary β2-microglobulin, arterial blood pressure, and other parameters. Mean daily insulin requirements remained unchanged in all patients.

We conclude that our study supports the hypothesis that diabetic nephropathy, like other forms of chronic renal disease, might benefit from an early restriction of dietary protein intake.