bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extraction of surface orientation from texture using the gray level difference statistics
Authors: Matsushima Hidegi , Terauchi Mutsuhiro , Tsuji Toshio , Ito Koji
Published: July 2007

The problem of extracting orientation of an object surface from a monocular image is one of the important tasks in computer vision. Most of the existing methods for extracting surface orientation are ones using the structural features of texture such as texel and edge. However, to represent texture features statistically is shown to be effective also in texture discrimination and segmentation. Thus, in this paper we propose a method for extracting surface orientation using the statistical feature of a texture image.

First, we assume uniformity of a probability density function of difference statistic on object surface; then using the fact that the difference statistics depend on the geometric factor of length and orientation, we formulate the relationship between distortion of a density function in an image caused by perspective projection and the object surface. Then we derive an algorithm for finding the object surface orientation by search based on this formulation. In addition we apply this method to simulation images and real images to show its effectiveness. This enables us to extract object surface directly from a gray level image without extracting the texel or edge (whose extraction is required in the existing methods).
A realtime model‐based facial image synthesis based on multiprocessor network
Authors: Morishima Shigeo , Kobayashi Seiji , Harashima Hiroshi
Published: July 2007

Model‐based image coding has been highlighted recently as a high‐efficiency coding method for TV telephone and TV conference systems. In a model‐based coding system, an ultralow‐rate image transmission is realized by obtaining common models of a facial image at both sides of a communication and by transmitting only modification parameters between them. However, it is difficult to realize a realtime processing of a model‐based coding with a conventional iterative‐processing type computer since the amount of material to analyze and synthesize at both sides is very large.

Realtime processing is absolutely necessary to realize a practical system using this method, i.e., highspeed processings at both the transmitter and receiver are required.

This paper describes a realtime facial image synthesis method based on a multiprocessor construction with a transputer. The transputer is a microcomputer having a communication capability with multiple processors and 10 MIPS CPU performance. Using this system in a pipeline processing with 20 processors, it is possible to synthesize realtime facial images at a rate of about 16 frames per second. If only a part around the lips is transmitted, it is possible to synthesize an image at a rate of about 40 frames per second with a network using five processors.
Estimation of static field inhomogeneity and patient motion in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Kudo Hiroyuki , Saito Tsuneo
Published: July 2007

Some of the serious factors that deteriorate the reconstructed image in MRI are the static field inhomogeneity and the motion of the object (patient) during data acquisition. To prevent the deterioration of the reconstructed image by such factors, a priori knowledge about the static field inhomogeneity and the motion of the patient is required.

This paper considers the ultrahigh‐speed imaging using the time‐varying gradient magnetic field and proposes a method which estimates the static field inhomogeneity and the patient motion from the measured FID signal and the a priori knowledge about the region of existence for the patient. When the patient is constrained within a certain region in the field of view, a strong constraint called consistency condition essentially is imposed on the functional form of the measured FID signal.

In the proposed method, a simple mathematical model is applied to the static field inhomogeneity and the patient motion and the model parameters are estimated so that the consistency condition is satisfied. By the proposed method of estimation, the artifact due to the static field inhomogeneity and the patient motion can be reduced without performing an additional measurement.
Algebraic specification and automatic generation of compilers
Authors: Sakai Masahiko , Sakabe Toshiki , Inagaki Yasuyoshi
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes an algebraic specification method for the compiler and presents a method which automatically generates a compiler from the specification. In the proposed description, the specification of the compiler is described by regarding the compiler as a function on an algebraic domain that contains syntactic domains of the source and the target languages as the subdomain. This approach provides a natural description to the essential part of the compiler, such as the assignment of the area to store the variables within the algebraic framework. An experiment is executed and the result is discussed, where the specification of the compiler of the programming language PL/0 is actually described, and the compiler is generated automatically from the specification.
Bit‐serial, high‐speed image processing system
Authors: Katayama Hiroshi , Kanie Youji , Taniguchi Keiji , Kinoshita Hiroji
Published: July 2007

The hardware architecture of the high‐speed image processor named BINGO is described. By using look‐up tables and bit‐serial architecture, the following operations can be performed: (1) bit‐pattern operations expressed as Z = f(X0, X1, …, X8), where Xi (0 ≤ i ≤8) represent the gray levels of the pixels under a 3 × 3 mask; (2) comparisons of image data (with these operations, one derives the values of the maximum, the minimum, and the median); (3) filtering operations expressed as Z = σ(Ai. Xi), where Ai and Xi are weight coefficients and gray levels of pixels, respectively. This machine is useful as a coprocessor for personal computers and can be used in flexible image processing.
Performance analysis of the CG processor SIGHT
Authors: Naruse Tadashi , Yoshida Masaharu , Takahashi Tokiichiro
Published: July 2007

SIGHT is a high‐speed computer dedicated to ray tracing. Its architecture supports parallelism at two processing levels: pixel‐level and operation‐level. This paper discusses the performance analysis of the processing element (PE) of SIGHT. PE consists of four units: a TARAI unit for three‐dimensional (3‐D) vector operation, an MP unit for control functions, a DBM unit for data storage, and a DMA unit for data transfer. There are two major aspects of ray tracing analyzed here: 1) concurrency of three floating‐point units (FPU's) of TARAI, and 2) concurrency of functional units of PE.

The results show that 1) 2.20 to 2.62 FPUs of TARAI are active during each execution step, and all three FPUs are active for 57.4 percent to 85.0 percent of the total processing time; and 2) the pipeline operation involving the operation of TARAI and the data transfer between DBM and TARAI are achieved at a very high efficiency. The PE architecture of SIGHT has been demonstrated to be suitable for concurrent ray tracing at the operation level.
Shape quantification of handprinted numerals using recognition results and its application
Authors: Kawatani Takahiko , Miyamoto Nobuo
Published: July 2007

This paper considers the verification of the handwriting characteristics of characters and its application to the error detection through the quantification of handprinted numerals. It is shown first that the handprinted numerals can be quantified by applying the third model of the quantification theory for the frequency information of the candidate subcategories obtained from the recognition system. Then it is verified quantitatively as the writing characteristics using the result of quantification that the same writer writes the characters belonging to the same category in the same character shape, and there exists a correlation between different categories. Applying multiple regression analysis, character quantity of one category is predicted from character quantity of other categories written by the same writer.
Estimation of light source information from image sequence
Authors: Mukawa Naoki
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes an algorithm that analyzes shading scenes with motion based on a shading model and estimates an incident direction of a light source illuminating an object. If the incident direction of a light source can be estimated, this means that an important environmental parameter of a scene is obtained which enables precise estimation of such parameters as shape and motion in the scene. Computer simulations have been performed for computer‐generated images and real images, and it was verified that the algorithm works correctly.
Integrated expert system with object‐oriented database management system
Authors: Nakashima Yusei , Daito Noriaki , Fujita Satoru
Published: July 2007

A scheduling domain shell that uses AI techniques was developed and integrated with an object‐oriented database management system (DBMS) for application to the field of planning in production control. This system realizes a model based on the actual production structure in the database and dynamic scheduling in order to have closed control of information in production. In addition, meta‐information descriptions and constraint processing mechanisms related to constraints in object‐oriented DBMS were developed. By doing this, a knowledge and database could be constructed and integrated with AI techniques.
Power spectrum density equation of fluctuating membrane current based on a discrete‐time markov chain model: Application to the analysis of ion channels with two and three states
Authors: Ebina Yoshio , Mukuno Mamoru , Nakajima Kazuki , Shingai Ryuzo , Hawkes Alan G.
Published: July 2007

The measured power spectrum density PWSEX of the fluctuating membrane current of neurons often differs from the well known Lorentz curve. Representing the frequency dependence in the high frequency (f) above the corner frequency as f−n, n is less than 2, which indicates that the slope is smaller than in the Lorentz curve f−2. The reason for the rise of the high‐frequency side of PWSEX is the aliasing effect produced by application of the FFT to discrete data over a finite interval.

In this study, the theoretical expression PWSTH for the power spectrum density obtained from a discrete‐line Markov model is used in the analysis of the experimental data. In the practical analysis of experimental data, we assume that the number of states of a single kind of channel on the membrane of the neuron is two or three.

Using the discrete‐time Markov model, an expression for PWSTH is derived. When the sampling time approaches zero, this expression approximates the known expression for the power spectrum density under the continuous‐time Markov model. The plot of PWSTH gave a good fit to the experimental data. The open time that we obtained agreed well with existing values. These results confirm the usefulness of this form of PWSTH when it is applied to processing discrete data sampled at finite intervals.
Unidirectional photometric flow fields under illuminating directions with slightly varied azimuth angles
Authors: Tanaka Hidekazu , Iwahori Yuji , Ishii Naohiro
Published: July 2007

As a method to reconstruct the surface shape from its shading images, a new approach is presented. This approach recovers the surface gradients of an object from three images obtained by varying the illuminating direction only in the azimuth angle direction.

This paper shows that the gradient parameters can be determined uniquely from the information of input image density and its directional derivatives which are obtained by varying the illuminating directions only in the azimuth directions. The method assumes that the object is a Lambertian surface.

Parameters of the illuminating direction consist of the azimuth angle and zenith angle. It is shown also that the zenith angle can be recovered analytically by using the information of image densities corresponding to more than two surface elements. Several errors are evaluated for some curved or polyhedral objects by computer simulations. These are obtained by the approximation of the directional derivatives with numerical difference or the quantization of the input image densities, and applicable conditions are shown.
D‐IAL: A diagnostic expert shell with plausible reasoning mechanism
Authors: Hori Satoshi , Ide Kiyoshi , Nakayama Yasuo , Otsubo Kunihiko
Published: July 2007

This paper describes an expert shell, Diagnosis Intelligent Automation Language (D‐IAL), which was developed for manufacturing facility maintenance expert systems. There is increasing necessity for expert systems which assist machine operators in maintaining and repairing manufacturing facilities at automated factories. D‐IAL adopts the best first‐search algorithm and has a plausible reasoning mechanism based on the Dempster‐Shafer probability [4]. This plausible reasoning mechanism propagates defect probability in a search tree to maintain the consistency of the defect probabilities and requires less computational complexity than Shenoy's method [5] by introducing the restriction of dichotomy. D‐IAL is written in the C language so that diagnostic expert systems developed on the expert shell can operate on workstations and/or personal computers. The maintenance tasks at a manufacturing line are explained and the search algorithm and the propagation of defect probabilities which D‐IAL employs are described.
Motion field estimation based on shading models
Authors: Mukawa Naoki
Published: July 2007

This paper proposes a motion field estimation algorithm based on a shading model from image sequences. Existing motion field estimation algorithms do not render motion field of shaded objects with a sufficient degree of accuracy. A shading model is used to analyze the scene of shaded objects so that constraint on motion and shade can be well understood and exploited. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and tested against synthetic images. Test results indicate that this algorithm reduces the motion estimation error by about 50 percent compared to the existing algorithm. Furthermore, the new algorithm also outperforms the old ones when tested against real images derived from a TV camera.
New frequency/voltage converters for ac-electrogravimetric measurements based on fast quartz crystal microbalance
Authors: Gabrielli C. , Perrot H. , Rose D. , Rubin A. , Toqué J. P. , Pham M. C. , Piro B.
Published: July 2007

A better understanding of the mechanisms located at the solid/electrolyte interface is becoming essential to the development of new applications in the electrochemical fields. The fast quartz crystal microbalance is an attractive and powerful gravimetric sensor which can be used in the dynamic regime to determine a mass/potential transfer function. The principle is equivalent to classical electrochemical impedance measurements; the only difference is the determination of mass changes given by the quartz crystal microbalance rather than current changes following sine wave modulations of the applied potential. This function appears very well adapted to characterize ionic exchanges at the electrochemical interface. Frequency/voltage converters are the key devices in translating the microbalance frequency response in terms of a continuous voltage change. The latter allows the transfer function to be obtained via a frequency response analyzer. Different converters were tested in this work in order to improve the performances of the experimental setup.
Micromagnetic reversal behavior of multiscale permalloy elements
Authors: Craig B. R. , McVitie S. , Chapman J. N. , O’Donnell D. O. , Johnston A. B.
Published: July 2007

Lorentz microscopy has been used to study the micromagnetic processes occurring during the reversal of multiscale permalloy elements. The elements, which have similar dimensions to write heads used in magnetic recording, typically have length scales varying from 10μm in the element “core” down to 100nm in the element “tip.” A discussion of the effect of varying the geometry and critical dimensions of the elements on the reversal behavior and switching fields is presented. While the magnetization processes in the core tend to be similar to what is observed in the absence of a tip, the presence of the core strongly influences the tip reversal, even for tips with widths of 100nm. The results demonstrate clearly the role played by shape anisotropy in complex shaped elements fabricated from an isotropic magnetic film.
Structural basis for the specific inhibition of protein kinase G, a virulence factor of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Scherr Nicole , Honnappa Srinivas , Kunz Gabriele , Mueller Philipp , Jayachandran Rajesh , Winkler Fritz , Pieters Jean , Steinmetz Michel O.
Published: July 2007

The pathogenicity of mycobacteria such as
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is closely associated with their capacity to survive within host macrophages. A crucial virulence factor for intracellular mycobacterial survival is protein kinase G (PknG), a eukaryotic-like serine/threonine protein kinase expressed by pathogenic mycobacteria that blocks the intracellular degradation of mycobacteria in lysosomes. Inhibition of PknG with the highly selective low-molecular-weight inhibitor AX20017 results in mycobacterial transfer to lysosomes and killing of the mycobacteria. Here, we report the 2.4 Å x-ray crystal structure of PknG in complex with AX20017. The unique multidomain topology of PknG reveals a central kinase domain that is flanked by N- and C-terminal rubredoxin and tetratrico-peptide repeat domains, respectively. Directed mutagenesis suggests that the rubredoxin domain functions as a regulator of PknG kinase activity. The structure of PknG-AX20017 further reveals that the inhibitor is buried deep within the adenosine-binding site, targeting an active conformation of the kinase domain. Remarkably, although the topology of the kinase domain is reminiscent of eukaryotic kinases, the AX20017-binding pocket is shaped by a unique set of amino acid side chains that are not found in any human kinase. Directed mutagenesis of the unique set of residues resulted in a drastic loss of the compound's inhibitory potency. Our results explain the specific mode of action of AX20017 and demonstrate that virulence factors highly homologous to host molecules can be successfully targeted to block the proliferation of
M. tuberculosis
.
The Architecture and Decoration of the Gulistan Palace: The Aims and Achievements of Fath ᶜAli Shah (1797-1834) and Nasir al-din Shah (1848-1896)
Authors: Scarce Jennifer M.
Published: July 2007

“To a stranger, possibly also to a native, the most interesting portion of Teheran is the great quadrilateral, containing the Ark or Citadel, and occupying a space of probably nearly a quarter of a mile square on the southern side of the Tup Meidan. Since the demolition of the old town there is nothing in the appearance of this enclosure to identify it with a citadel in the ordinary acceptation of the term; for, although it is surrounded by mud walls, it is in no sense fortified, and is now merely a vast collection of courts, gardens, and buildings, the greater part of which appertain to the Royal Palace. Let me, therefore, attempt to give some description of the latter, so far as its somewhat haphazard and unmethodical interior arrangements will admit. Parts of the building remain in exactly the same state as they were, when viewed in the opening years of the century by the successive envoys of the British and Indian governments. But the major part of the enclosure does not now answer to their description and has been so much altered by the reigning Shah in the reconstruction of the past twenty years, as to need a fresh historian.”
The Heritage of Rulership in Early Islamic Iran and the Search for Dynastic Connections with the Past
Authors: Bosworth C. E.
Published: July 2007

The question of the continuity of rulership and governmental structures between the Sāsānid and early Islamic periods merits detailed study, but has not yet received it; yet it is evident to the most superficial observer that this continuity was in many spheres a close one. Obviously, there was a violent change in the field of established religion and cult; the state church of Zoroastrianism was overthrown and the new faith of Islam introduced. Yet even here, it is not impossible to discern some elements of continuity. Islam could conceivably be viewed as a new, purified form of Zoroastrianism brought by a new prophet. Allāh and Iblīs could be equated with Ahūra Mazda and Ahriman; there was a common belief in a creation story, in a resurrection, heaven and hell, and in angels and other spirits; both religions had the practices of worship and prayer and sacred texts; and the fatalistic aspects of Zurvanism, the form that Zoroastrianism took in the later Sāsānid period, was not unlike the determinist views that became influential, if not universally acknowledged, in early Islam.
Socialization of Schoolchildren in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Mehran Golnar
Published: July 2007

Since its establishment in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has attempted to bring about a cultural revolution, aimed at replacing the old value system with new norms, building an ideal society based on Islamic criteria, and creating a New Islamic Person. In fact, one of the most important slogans of the postrevolutionary period has been: “Our revolution is a revolution in values.” Recognising the importance of the school in the process of character formation, the Iranian government has assigned the task of bringing about a revolution in values to the educational system.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the Islamic Republic's efforts to create a new generation of committed and doctrinaire Muslims through the study of socialization in schools. Socialization in this context is defined as “the process by which people learn to adopt the norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors accepted and practiced by the ongoing system.”
The Treaties of Erzurum (1823 and 1848) and the Changing Status of Iranians in the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Masters Bruce
Published: July 2007

Iranian merchants, artists, and scholars had an almost continuous presence in the Ottoman Empire from its very beginnings in the thirteenth century. After the Arab provinces were added to the empire in the sixteenth century, their numbers were further augmented by pilgrims on their way to the holy cities of the Hijaz and Iraq. As such, in terms of actual numbers, during any period of its history there were probably more Iranians resident in the Ottoman Empire than from any other foreign state. This assertion, however, cannot be proven empirically, for before the nineteenth century the Ottoman sultans did not recognize the Iranians as constituting a “nation” along the model they had established for the European communities resident in the empire.
Amīr Arsalān and the Question of Genre
Authors: Hanaway William L.
Published: July 2007

When a historian decides to use literary texts to help construct a past, these texts can present some interesting theoretical and methodological problems. One theoretical question that concerns both historians and literary scholars is that of genre. Generic considerations are of primary importance for the historian as he or she sifts through such diverse kinds of material as personal diaries, government documents, field reports of inspection teams, and books of doctrine or practice. The historian knows what to expect of each sort of document and by virtue of this familiarity is able to notice, for example, unexpected additions, omissions, or subtle deviations from the expected norms. This awareness of generic considerations often becomes second nature to us as we work with familiar types of material.

But, alas, the specialized fields and disciplinary training of historians and literary scholars can obscure for them the generic characteristics of texts that they do not ordinarily work with.
Zilū
Authors: Afshar Iraj
Published: July 2007

Zīlū seems to be a term of Persian origin. It refers to a type of reversible cotton floor “spread”, generally either blue and white or light brown and white in colour, which is decorated with stylized geometrical motifs and patterns. The blue cotton yarns in Zīlū are the same as those used in weaving palās, or denim cloth; the white yarns are undyed cotton (fig. 1).

Zīlū were the traditional floorcoverings in most mosques in the south, central and Khurasan regions of Iran, that is, in the country's drier areas; because the yarns used in their construction deteriorate in cold, damp environments, a/a are uncommon in otherparts of Iran. Zīlū were woven to fit the shabistān and the atvān of mosques. The names of patrons and craftsmen were customarily woven into those Zīlū presented as vaqfvo mosques and other religious institutions (figs. 2 - 3).
Ethnic Germans in Poland and the Czech Republic: A Comparative Evaluation*
Authors: Cordell Karl , Wolff Stefan
Published: July 2007

This paper seeks to analyze the nature of the German minorities in the Czech Republic and Poland. In order to achieve this goal, the relationship between Czechoslovakia/the Czech Republic and Poland with the Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany/FRG) forms an essential intellectual backdrop to our main theme. Reference to the Deutsche Demokratische Republik (German Democratic Republic/GDR) will be made as and where appropriate. As we shall see, tensions simmered between the Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands (Socialist Unity Party of Germany/SED) and the Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza Zjednoczona (Polish United Workers' Party/PZPR), and in reality relations between the two sides were poor. Reference will be made to wartime German occupation policy in both Poland and the Czech lands. Due attention will also be paid to the consequent expulsion of ethnic Germans from Poland and Czechoslovakia. However, due to limitations of space these themes, that have been exhaustively dealt with elsewhere, do not form part of our main focus of study.
MANDATORY ‘GROG COUNT’: THE RATIONALE FOR ROUTINE ALCOHOL RECORDING
Authors: O'Neill Pat
Published: July 2007

Alcohol abuse is a major factor in the aetiology of sickness. Yet this factor is seldom identified in routine practice. The doctor shares the denial of the community. Optimum conditions for breaching denial are provided in a coercive situation, such as the successful Alcohol in Industry Programs.

The routine recording of alcohol intake of patients at the Royal Newcastle Hospital, now in its fourth year, has considerably improved awareness there of the importance of alcohol in health problems.

Failure to identify a significant causative factor in ill‐health is negligent. The need to avoid negligence may provide a potent incentive to correct assessment.
THE CASE FOR ADDICTION RESOURCE UNITS IN GENERAL HOSPITALS
Authors: Drew L.R.H.
Published: July 2007

It is proposed that there is need for special addiction resource units within hospitals. Persons with special competence concerning alcohol and other drug‐related problems could then assist other staff to respond effectively to the presence of such problems in their patients.

The need for such units is convassed, together with reasons why they have not been developed. A number of secondary benefits relating to the function of these units is described.
THE ROLE OF THE HOSPITAL UNIT
Authors: Wodak A.
Published: July 2007

Alcohol treatment facilities, traditionally located in psychiatric hospitals, have in Australia recently been located in community health centres. More recently, New South Wales has adopted an hospital‐based system, thus gaining access to the large numbers of patients with problems related to alcohol and other drugs. This location also facilitates the task of changing medical and nursing attitudes which is an important long‐term goal. During an economic recession, hospital‐based alcohol and drug departments may be more protected than those based elsewhere. The importance of a teaching hospital base for public education is also discussed.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND THE GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Authors: Wodak A.
Published: July 2007

Alcohol causes more gastrointestinal disease than other drugs of abuse. The effect of heavy drinking on deaths from gastrointestinal disease is considerable and remains significant even after the effects of smoking are considered. The effects of alcohol occur in almost all digestive organs.

A synergistic relationship between alcohol consumption and smoking in oesophageal carcinoma has been recently described. There is considerable evidence in support of an association between smoking and peptic ulcer. The complications of intravenous self‐administration are primarily dependent on poor hygiene rather than on the pharmaceutical properties of drugs used, and consist of acute and chronic hepatitis and granulomatous liver disease.

The things which cause greatest havoc to the gastrointestinal system are alcohol, tobacco, analgesics, and intravenous self‐administration. Alcohol causes by far the greatest morbidity and mortality and is associated with the most widespread damage to the digestive system.
CASE STUDY: INTERVENTION IN ALCOHOL ABUSE IN ABORIGINALS — THE VIEWPOINT OF THE UNINITIATED
Authors: Burns F. Harding , Sullivan David R.
Published: July 2007

Two case reports are briefly described to illustrate that many young Aboriginals have obvious alcohol problems, detectable at a time when effective intervention is still possible, before serious sequelae have arisen.

We found that we relied on Aboriginal health workers, because an understanding of Aboriginal attitudes had not been emphasized to us as non‐Aboriginal alcohol workers. The situation was accentuated by the teaching hospital surroundings, but these may now be compensated following dialogue with the Aboriginal health workers and their associates who assisted in these cases. We outline the facilities, principles, and some of the structure that became evident, in the hope that it may assist others who feel there is a gap in understanding between the treatment of alcohol abuse in Aboriginals, as compared to non‐Aboriginal groups.
CASE STUDY: BILATERAL CONTRACTURE OF THE TENDOACHILLES, CAUSING ATAXIA IN A WOMAN WITH ALCOHOLIC LIVER DISEASE: A PROCESS RELATED TO DUPYTREN'S CONTRACTURE?
Authors: Sullivan David R. , Burns F. Harding
Published: July 2007

The case of a 64‐year‐old woman with alcoholic liver disease is presented. Her main complaint was unsteadiness of gait, predominantly due to bilateral ankle deformity associated with thickening and shortening of the tendo‐achilles. In the absence of other causative factors, it is postulated that this may represent an unusual parallel of Dupytren's Contracture.
Early Detection and Basic Management of Alcohol and Drug Problems
Authors: Skinner Harvey A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Traditional approaches to the treatment of alcoholism have focused on the chronic alcoholic where limited impact has been achieved in terms of improvement in health or reduction in social costs. If individuals could be identified shortly after their drinking problem develops, then successful treatment by brief intervention is more likely. Although the prevalence of alcoholism in North America is around 5 to 7% of the adult population, a much larger group (20–30%) of individuals have drinking problems without major symptoms of alcohol dependence. These problem drinkers are the target audience for early identification and brief intervention.

A major thrust of my research has been the development of practical assessment tools for use by health and social service professionals. One line of research has evaluated the diagnostic value of laboratory tests and medical history data. A brief, 5‐item history of traumatic injuries (Trauma Scale) correctly identified 7 out of 10 problem drinkers, and diagnostic accuracy was further improved by combining the Trauma Scale and 3 laboratory tests in a composite index. This index could be used in medical settings as an “indirect” method of detecting excessive drinking. Another research line has produced questionnaires that directly inquire about alcohol/drug problems. These instruments can be used as case finding tools to signal the presence of an alcohol or drug problem (e.g., Drug Abuse Screening Test), or, at a subsequent stage of assessment, to provide more detailed information on the severity of the problem and treatment priorities. I have concentrated on evaluating a computerised lifestyle assessment of patients visiting their family doctor. The availability of low cost microcomputers offers considerable potential for assisting the busy clinician. A recent study found that the computerised lifestyle assessment was well accepted by patients. Moreover, the lifestyle assessment had a “priming effect” which resulted in a two‐ or three‐fold increase in patients' intentions of discussing a substance use problem with their physician.

Presently, the computerised lifestyle assessment is being linked with an evaluation of three brief interventions. This project will establish cost‐effective strategies that can be readily incorporated in hospitals and family practices for dealing with the early stage problem drinker.
Is Education Enough? The Drinking and Driving Practices of 17‐30 Year Old Males
Authors: Binns Colin W. , Knowles Selena S. , Blaze‐Temple Debra
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Despite media and public awareness campaigns, drink driving is a major public health problem in Australia and contributes to a large number of deaths especially for males between the ages of 17‐30. A total of 536 males aged 17‐30 years were interviewed by telephone to ascertain information about their beliefs and practices related to drinking and driving. It was found that drink driving is a common occurrence amongst young adult males, with 58.5% reporting driving after drinking. This was despite considerable knowledge of alternatives to drink driving. Knowledge about the relationship between alcohol intake, driving ability and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was poor. The frequency of drink driving was related to perception of the risk of being caught. The majority of the respondents believed that the chances of apprehension were quite low. The following recommendations are made in order of importance: firstly, that random breath testing be introduced into Western Australia with the provision that all drivers stopped must be tested, and secondly that school and community health education regarding alternatives to drink driving should be increased together with the provision of information on the relationship between standard drinks and BAC and the risk of road accidents related to different levels of BAC.
Alcohol Tolerance, Dependence and Withdrawal: an Overview of Current Issues
Authors: Kalant Harold
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Recent research has shown that tolerance is the composite result of a complex interaction among pharmacological factors (dose, frequency, and duration of administration), environmental modification of the alcohol effects, opportunity for test practice while intoxicated, and classical conditioning of environmental cues that signal alcohol. The same factors affect the development of cross‐tolerance to other drugs which share certain effects with ethanol, and of physical dependence, which develops concurrently with tolerance and probably results from the same adaptive changes. Though current interest centres on the neuronal cell membrane, including neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels and second messenger systems, the basis adaptive changes responsible for tolerance have not yet been identified. Genetic factors affect virtually every aspect of the biological response to alcohol, including the development of tolerance. Tolerance contributes to organ damage by making possible the ingestion of sufficiently large amounts of alcohol to cause cytotoxicity. At the same time, tolerance contributes to the strength of alcohol relative to its rewarding or reinforcing effects. Conditioned tolerance probably contributes to the risk of relapse by generating a withdrawal‐like reaction that reinitiates a “need” to drink. The implications for treatment are discussed.
Interaction of Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors with Ethanol
Authors: Sellers E.M. , Naranjo C.A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Studies of the interactions of serotonin uptake inhibitors with ethanol may help determine the mechanism whereby ethanol intake is decreased by these drugs. In four separate studies, subjects were randomly assigned to receive ethanol dosed to maintain blood ethanol concentrations of 800–1000 mg/l or juice and drug or placebo: (1) single doses of zimelidine one hour after ethanol or juice; (2) single doses of amitriptyline 25 mg p.o. one hour after the ethanol or juice; (3) viqualine 75 mg b.i.d. for 3 days prior to ethanol or juice; (4) fluoxetine 40 mg p.o. or amitriptyline 50 mg p.o. for 14 nights. Acetaldehyde concentrations did not change and no aversive ethanol sensitizing reaction for any drug was detected. Ethanol‐induced impairment in memory, body sway and a manual tracking task were further enhanced by zimelidine as was ethanol‐induced decreased friendliness. Ethanol decreased the rate of zimelidine biotransformation by 46%. Concurrent ethanol increased mean amitriptyline concentrations 91–188% during amitriptyline absorption. Mean postural sway and memory were markedly impaired. In contrast neither viqualine nor chronic fluoxetine alone or chronic amitriptyline modified the deleterious effects of ethanol on any performance measure. Some subtle effects of fluoxetine on mood may exist. No kinetic interaction was detected with viqualine, or chronic fluoxetine or chronic amitriptyline. Specific and selective serotonin uptake inhibitors do not importantly increase ethanol induced impairment. Interaction profiles differ after repeat ethanol dosing and are affected by order of drug and ethanol administration. These studies provide no explanation for drug associated decrease in alcohol consumption in humans.
Patron Care: Initial process evaluation of hospitality industry interventions
Authors: Carvolth Russell
Published: July 2007

Abstract: Preliminary data are presented on the impact of Patron Care, an innovative Australian approach to prevention and early intervention for alcohol‐related problems. The emergence over the past decade of a range of factors affecting the viability of hospitality operations has created a heightened readiness by the industry to participate in the Patron Care Program. The paper describes the range of interventions conducted with regard to policies relating to licensed premises, promotions, and training of managers and servers. Basic indicators of penetration and impact are presented and discussed.
Cerebral lipids and alcohol abuse in humans
Authors: Harper Clive G. , Kril Jillian J. , Daly John M.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: A necropsy study of the lipid profiles of the cerebral white matter was undertaken in an attempt to identify the mechanisms underlying brain shrinkage associated with alcohol abuse. Three groups of cases were studied — those with low (control), moderate and heavy alcohol intakes. Results suggest the possibility of a biphasic change in that some of the lipid values are significantly reduced in the alcoholic group whereas in the moderate group the lipids appear to be increased. Since the moderate drinkers are more likely to have reversible changes in the brain than severe alcoholics, this difference may be of some importance and should be studied in more detail. There may well prove to be two different pathological changes in the white matter as a result of alcohol abuse — an irreversible component due to neuronal death and subsequent Wallerian degeneration and a reversible component which may relate to subtle structural changes which can not be identified by normal subjective histological examination of human material.
An alcohol policy for a banana republic
Authors: Wodak A.
Published: July 2007

Abstract: This paper was originally presented at the 8th National AMSAD Conference, Thursday, 11 August, 1988.
Emerging Topics in the Regulation of Leukocyte Transendothelial Migration
Authors: RAO RAVI M. , SHAW SUNIL K. , KIM MICHAEL , LUSCINSKAS F. WILLIAM
Published: July 2007

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Microcirculation Society. Since the formation of this society this field has witnessed tremendous progress in understanding the process of leukocyte recruitment during inflammation, injury, and immune reactions. This topic has been an important focus of many of the members of the Microcirculation Society as well as our colleagues worldwide. The goal of this brief review is to bring attention to a few emerging topics in inflammation research. Here the focus is on one particular model of how one leukocyte type (PMN) can regulate the recruitment of a second different leukocyte type (T cell) and provide an outline of other aspects that bear on spatial and temporal behavior of specific leukocyte and endothelial cell adhesion molecules during leukocyte transmigration under dynamic shear flow in vitro.
Platelet–Vessel Wall Interactions in the Microcirculation
Authors: TAILOR ANITABEN , COOPER DIANNE , GRANGER D. NEIL
Published: July 2007

Platelet adhesion in the microcirculation is being reported and studied in a growing number of animal models of human disease. The adhesion molecules utilized by platelets to attach to the walls of microscopic blood vessels have been defined in most model systems, with P‐selectin‐PSGL‐1, GPIIb/IIIa‐fibrinogen‐ICAM‐1, and vWF‐GPIbα interactions serving as major adhesion pathways. The binding of platelets to adherent leukocytes appears to contribute significantly to the platelet–vessel wall interactions elicited in many models of disease. Shear forces generated by the movement of blood through the microcirculation exert an important influence on platelet adhesion. Physiologic regulation of platelet adhesion is mediated by both nitric oxide and superoxide, with the former inhibiting and the latter promoting platelet adhesion. The interactions between platelets and the walls of microscopic blood vessels appear to have important implications in the initiation and/or progression of tissue injury associated with different experimental models of human disease.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Capillary Recruitment
Authors: Rattigan Stephen , Bussey Carolz T. , Ross Renee M. , Richards Stephen M.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Objective: Insulin has vascular actions within the skeletal muscle microcirculation (capillary recruitment) that enhance its own access and that of glucose to the muscle cells. Obesity and insulin resistance are associated with dysregulated vascular function within muscle and a loss of insulin‐mediated capillary recruitment. Furthermore, agents that impair insulin's vascular actions to recruit capillaries lead to acute insulin resistance in terms of muscle glucose uptake. Together these data suggest a strong connection between the loss of insulin‐mediated capillary recruitment and the development of insulin resistance. This review examines the mechanisms involved in insulin‐mediated capillary recruitment and the vascular defects associated with obesity and insulin resistance that may impair the capillary recruiting process. Understanding the mechanisms of insulin‐mediated capillary recruitment and its impairment may lead to new treatment avenues to prevent the progression of obesity to diabetes.
Mechanisms of Coronary Dysfunction in Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Knudson Jarrod D. , Dincer U. Deniz , Bratz Ian N. , Sturek Michael , Dick Gregory M. , Tune Johnathan D.
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

The incidence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome has reached epidemic proportions and alterations in coronary microvascular function could contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality observed in these patients. This review highlights key mechanisms of impaired control of coronary blood flow in the metabolic syndrome. Specifically, coronary endothelial dysfunction, altered neurohumoral control, and the potential roles of smooth muscle ion channels are addressed. Recent studies indicate that alterations in endothelial‐dependent vasodilation or endothelial‐dependent vasoconstriction contribute little to obesity‐induced impairments in coronary vascular control. In contrast, augmented vasoconstriction in response to neurohumoral mediators appears to play a significant role in coronary vascular dysfunction. The authors conclude that coronary dysfunction in the metabolic syndrome is characterized by an imbalance between coronary blood flow and myocardial metabolism that may be mediated by sensitization of vasoconstrictor pathways. Further, they suggest that alterations in smooth muscle ion channels, Ca2+ handling, and cell signaling may be important mechanisms leading to coronary microvascular dysfunction. Importantly, however, more research is needed to clearly delineate specific mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Reactive disulfide bonds in immunoglobulin G. A unique feature in serum proteins of different species
Authors: Schauenstein Erwin , Schauenstein Konrad , Dachs Franz , Reiter Monika , Leitsberger Astrid , Weblacher Michaela , Maninger Karin , Horejsi Helene , Steinschifter Waltraud , Hirschmann Carola , Felsner Peter
Published: July 2007

A reactive disulfide bond (SS)* was detected and characterized in IgG of humans, rats and mice by virtue of disulfide interchange with dithionitrobenzoate. (SS)* was found exclusively in human IgG1 and rat IgG2b. In human IgG1 (SS)* was identified as the upper one of the two interheavy bridges in the hinge, where it appears to take part in complement activation. The biological significance of (SS)* in IgG was underlined by the fact that no other serum proteins were found to exhibit a similar reactivity.
Ca2 binding and translocating properties of diflunisal
Authors: Neigh G. Scott , Ananthanarayanan Vettai S.
Published: July 2007

We have characterized the binding of Ca2+ and Mg2+ to the anti‐inflammatory drug diflunisal in acetonitrile and demonstrated the drug‐mediated transport of Ca2+ across the lipid bilayer in unilamellar vesicles made of 1,2‐dimyristoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine. Fluorescence and difference absorption spectral data show that diflunisal undergoes a significant conformational change on binding Ca2+ and Mg2+ forming, respectively, 1:2 and 1:1 cation:drug complexes with Kd in the low µM range. The kinetics of transport showed that Ca2+ was transported into the vesicle as 1:2 Ca2+:diflunisal sandwich complex. This suggests that the interaction of the drug with the cation in the lipid and the lipid‐mimetic solvent are similar. The biological relevance of the Ca2+‐binding and translocating abilities of diflunisal is examined in light of the reported ionophoretic properties of several phospholipids as well as cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products.