bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Fault‐Tolerant System Based on Knowledge‐Engineering Approach and Its Application to a Digital Control System
Authors: Kameyama Michitaka , Zheng Li , Higuchi Tatsuo
Published: November 2009

It has been known that independency between processings for replicated modules is the most important factor in a replicated redundant fault‐tolerant system. To reduce the effects of simultaneous failures and/or simultaneous errors including errors caused by the input itself, a new design method of a highly reliable digital control system based on a knowledge‐engineering approach is proposed. The input signals are sampled at different sampling points and processed separately. If the errors in the processed results are detected using the knowledge of erroneous states and dynamic characteristics of the control system, then the internal states in the erroneous module are recovered immediately by using correct states in the other module. Since the input signal sampling and its processing are almost independent, an ultrahigh reliability can be achieved. The usefulness of the proposed method is confirmed by reliability analysis based on Markov graphs and experimental measurement.
One‐Dimensional Bounded Cellular Acceptor with Rotated Inputs. A Relationship between ∧ and ∨ Types
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroshi , Inoue Katsushi , Takanami Itsuo
Published: November 2009

The authors previously introduced the following two‐dimensional automaton, and made several discussions on its accepting power. The input two‐dimensional tape is rotated by 90, 180 or 270 deg in clockwise direction. The rotated results are scanned by one‐dimensional bounded cellular acceptors. The results of scanning are combined by product (∧) or sum (∨), to make the decision regarding the final acceptance. The purpose of this paper is to discuss further details of the accepting power of such an automaton. In the first‐half of this paper, the situation is assumed where the rotated inputs are scanned by the deterministic one‐dimensional bounded cellular acceptors. A discussion is made on the relation between the accepting powers when the results of the scanning are combined only by product or only by sum. It is shown that the families of sets accepted by the product or the sum type are always incomparable. In the second half of the paper, the relation between the accepting powers of the following two automata are described. One is the automaton obtained by combining the one‐dimensional bounded cellular acceptors by sum (or product); the other is the automaton obtained by combining one‐way parallel sequential array acceptors by sum (or product).
Recovery of Nonrigid Curvilinear Objects Using Optical Flow
Authors: Nonmember Akira Kawamura, , Sugie Noboru , Sugihara Kokichi
Published: November 2009

The kinetic depth effect which recognizes a 3‐D structure from a 2‐D information is explained from an algorithmic viewpoint among other human vision functions such as binocular vision.

This paper proposes an algorithm for reconstructing the structure and motion of a 3‐D nonrigid object using the information of positions and velocities in the time sequence of images. It is assumed that the nonrigid object does not deviate significantly from rigidity. First, the object is analyzed approximately by assuming that it is rigid. Then the first‐order terms of Ct (which is an interval of two adjacent frames) are added to improve the approximation.

Models of rigid and nonrigid objects were made, and information of their positions and optical flows were formed. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was confirmed by applying this to the data of the models.
Fabrication of Three—Dimensional Objects Using Laser Lithography
Authors: Nakai Takashi , Marutani Yoji
Published: November 2009

There is no established technique for the 3‐dimensional (3‐D) pattern formation, and many structures cannot be formed using the conventional CAD/CAM technology. We have constructed a simpler economical system for the 3‐D pattern formation by using an ultraviolet laser and light‐sensitive resins. In this technique, the CAD data designed by a computer are sliced horizontally. Using the sliced data, the laser is moved in a 2‐D direction and the light‐sensitive resin is irradiated. Then solidified thin plates are stacked to form a pattern. Using this technique, such complicated patterns as holes, screws and hollow objects, can be formed by one process. Since it is not necessary to maintain the cutting tools and the cutting scraps, a completely automated process can be achieved.
Dynamics of Stochastic Relaxation Processes
Authors: Ejima Toshiaki
Published: November 2009

The consistent labeling problem, which is one of the combinational problems, can be formulated within the framework of the stochastic relaxation process. This paper describes clearly the structure of the stochastic relaxation algorithm obtained from such a formulation. The usefulness of the stochastic relaxation in the consistent labeling problem is demonstrated. The consistent labeling problem belongs to the NP‐complete class, and is one of the “difficult” problems among the combinational problems. The stochastic relaxation method aims at the overall consistency by iterating the adjustment for local consistency. In this sense, in the consistent labeling problem, a consistent label is obtained if the local consistency applies to any part of the system. On the other hand, the stochastic relaxation can be considered as a dynamical system which contains a mutual interaction to adjust the consistency. The steady‐state solution of such a dynamical system corresponds to a solution generated by the stochastic relaxation process. This paper describes clearly the structure of the dynamical system specified by the stochastic relaxation, via a theoretical analysis and a computer simulation. As a result, it was verified that an initial state always exists near the equilibrium point, from which the convergence to the optimal steady‐state solution is ensured. It was verified that by reducing the neighborhood region, the ratio of the initial state region from which the convergence to the optimal steady‐state solution is ensured, is increased.
Analyzing Parallel Executability of Production Systems
Authors: Ishida Toru
Published: November 2009

The production system is one in which mutually independent rules communicate with each other through a common database aiming at the solution of a problem. Because of its nature, the production system seems to contain a larger potential parallelism than the procedural program. At present, however, only one rule succeeded in condition matching, is selected and executed, which prevents the full utilization of the parallelism. The aim of this paper is to realize a high‐speed execution of the production system by executing the rules in parallel as far as possible. First, a new execution model is proposed for the production system, where the rules succeeded in condition match are executed in parallel as far as possible. Then the data dependency graph for the production system is introduced, and a method is presented by which more than one rule is analyzed to determine whether or not they can be executed in parallel. A method is presented which applies the result of parallel executability analysis to the parallel execution of the rules on a parallel computer, or the execution scheduling of the rules on a sequential computer. A production system PLANET was constructed which can analyze a program by a parallel execution simulation, and the proposed method was evaluated. It was verified that four to eight rules can be executed in parallel in the range of programs used in the evaluation. By combining the result of this paper with the traditional parallel condition matching, it is expected that a further parallelism can be realized.
A Parallel Processor System for the Simulation of the Neuron Network
Authors: Omori Takashi
Published: November 2009

This paper investigates the recognition and intelligent system based on the neuron‐like network. A problem in the study is the computational complexity in the simulation of the neuron network model. A dedicated parallel processor system was developed from such a viewpoint, and a high‐speed experiment was realized. This paper describes first the background of the system, where the neuron model is represented essentially by a system of differential equations with local interaction terms. A hardware composed of 64 microprocessors for the parallel computation, as well as the parallel processing description monitor system with interaction, which helps the realization, are described. The monitor discriminates clearly the physical parallel processors and the computation process to be realized logically on the system. The data needed for the interaction terms of the equation are obtained by interprocessor communication. Thus, the description of the parallel processing is made possible with the overhead comparable to the address computation in the usual computer. The parallel computer system was actually constructed, and it was verified that the system is effective for the correspondence problem for binocular vision.
Configuration Estimate of Trihedral Vertex from a Single View
Authors: Shakunaga Takeshi , Kaneko Hiroshi
Published: November 2009

In a previous paper, we introduced “perspective angle transform” (PAT) to analyze the relationship between an angle seen under the condition of “central projection” and an actual angle. The present paper discusses mainly (based on the previous paper) the connotative interpretation of trihedral vertices by using information on an image. This is a problem in reconstructing a three‐dimensional (3‐D) configuration of the trihedral vertex from a central projection image in which all the angles are known. An algorithm to express this problem is introduced so that the problem can be analyzed. An algebraic solution based on the perspective angle transform is given for a case where at least two of the three angles in a trihedral vertex are right angles (i.e., a two‐‐orthogonal vertex or a three‐orthogonal vertex). The number of solutions and the possibility of their interpretations are also analyzed. A one‐dimensional search algorithm (or the examination method for the hypothesis of a normal image) based on the interpretation of the two‐orthogonal vertex is introduced for interpretation of a trihedral vertex. The number of solutions is examined statistically by using a computer simulation. This paper will be useful for analyzing scenes and robot‐vision, whichever images employ central or parallel projection.
A Cryptographic Key Distribution Mechanism Using Double Encryption for Secret Communications
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuji
Published: November 2009

Cryptographic key distribution is one of the important problems when a conventional cipher is used for secret communications. Key distribution methods can be categorized as those using a conventional cipher system and those using a public key system. In key distribution methods using a conventional cipher system, the key encryption key should be sent secretly by manual operation. In key distribution methods using a public key system, no manual operation is necessary. This paper proposes a key distribution method (mechanism) which has the same functions as key distribution methods using a public key system. The proposed method is called a double encryption key distribution method and uses modular exponential computation in GF(p), where p is a prime. The authentication scheme for the key distribution method is shown. The advantages of the proposed key distribution method are as follows. Functions, performance and security are almost equal to main key distribution methods using a public key system. Additionally, since each node can generate and delete the encryption and decryption keys for the modular exponential function in each key distribution, it is unnecessary for each node to keep the keys.
Design of a Multiple‐Valued Associative Memory
Authors: Hanyu Takahiro , Higuchi Tatsuo
Published: November 2009

Associative memories and associaLive computer systems with high‐speed processing capability have been increasingly required in the real‐time application domains, such as File Maintenance, Pattern Recognition, Translation, Artificial Intelligence, and so on. This paper presents a design of high‐performance multiple‐valued associative memory which can perform ultrahigh‐speed processing at low cost.

In the proposed method, the correlation between input pattern and memorized pattern is represented directly as multiple‐valued information, so that associative processing is performed efficiently by multiple‐valued operations. Based on a complete parallel processing architecture with multiple‐valued digit‐cell, each correlation can be calculated in parallel.

In hardware implementation of a single digit‐cell, two kinds of new devices are proposed: the SOS transistor and the floating‐gate MOS transistor. By using these devices, multiple‐valued operators and multiple‐valued memories for the associative memory can be realized efficiently at the device level. It is demonstrated that compared with the corresponding binary implementation the proposed associative memory is very compact.
Speaker‐Independent Large Vocabulary Spoken Word Recognition by a Hierarchically Matching Method and a Method with Discriminant Functions
Authors: Sawai Hidefumi , Nonmember Tetuya Muroi , Yoneyama Masahide
Published: November 2009

This paper reports on a spoken‐word recognition method for a large speaker‐dependent and speaker‐independent vocabulary employing a hierarchical matching technique. First, the two‐stage, speaker‐dependent method is discussed. In the first stage, the input pattern and the average standard are matched. Only in the cases where there are many similar words among the resulting high‐scoring candidate words is the second stage employed. The second stage employs a hierarchical matching method to match the high‐scoring candidates with a multipattern.

When this method was applied to a large vocabulary containing 1000 words, the first‐stage recognition rate was improved 3 percent, thereby enabling a final recognition rate of 97 percent. Next, we report on the speaker‐independent method. Clustering is applied to standard word patterns derived from 40 speakers.

A representative pattern from within the cluster and the multipattern which belongs to it are placed into a hierarchy. During the recognition phase, in the first stage, the input pattern and the representative pattern are matched.

In the cases where there are many similar words among the high‐ranking candidates, the K” method is used in the second stage to match the multipattern which belongs to the representative pattern. Furthermore, in the final stage, a post‐processing method which empl.oys ten types of discriminating functions is used to redistinguish by automatically extracting the differing portions of similar words.

Applying this hierarchical matching method to spoken‐word recognition for a 250/ 1011 word large speaker‐independent vocabulary, a high recognition rate of 94.5187.1 percent was possible.
Analysis of Superposed Moiré Patterns in Halftone Screen
Authors: Fukuda Yuichiro
Published: November 2009

In the multicolor printing process, moiré patterns appear in a printed image due to the superposition of two or more screens. This is called superposed moiré and is distinguished from the moiré that appears in the sampling or modulating process. It is necessary to suppress this kind of moiré as well as other kinds. However, the fundamental properties of the superposed moiré, such as their shapes and amplitude, has not been analyzed in detail. Therefore, suppression of the superposed moiré have not yet been considered. This paper proposes an analytical method to determine the fundamental properties of the superposed moiré. This method can estimate the frequency, direction, profile and amplitude caused by arbitrary halftone, screen‐dot functions.
A Shift‐Variant Deconvolution for Aperture Correction of Collimator in Emission CT—Experimental Verification
Authors: Paek Seungkuen , Nakajima Masato , Morozumi Tatsuru , Yuta Shin'Ichi
Published: November 2009

One of the causes of the image‐quality degradation in emission computed‐tomography (ECT) is the characteristic of the aperture of its detection system. This is due to the geometrical structure of the collimator used for limiting the direction of the emitting ray. This kind of degrading causes a shift‐variant blurring in its reconstructed image. We have proposed a method of compensating the degradation by expanding the measured projection data into their frequency space so that the effect of the aperture is turned into a shift‐invariant blurring in each frequency [4, 5], This paper describes an application of the correction method to actual data obtained by light‐emission CT using visible light. The result confirms the usefulness of the proposed method.
A Data Management Method for Maps Using Band Division of Data Plane
Authors: Agui Takeshi , Nagao Tomoharu , Misawa Hitoshi , Nakajima Masayuki
Published: November 2009

Recently, in database systems for maps, a method for data managing huge data efficiently is indispensable. Since a database for maps is somewhat two‐dimensional, we must divide a data plane according to the data distribution. The cell method is one of the previously proposed methods for two‐dimensional data management and is the simplest in which the data plane is divided equally into rectangles. It has a disadvantage in that it cannot use the data storing region effectively.

In this paper, a new data management method is proposed which is as simple and as easy to deal with as the cell method. Also, this method can realize high performance in use as a data storing region. Our method, after the data plane is divided into more than one band of the same width changes the state of division within each band according to the data distribution and the order of input. Also, it manages each band divided as a band for each rectangle equally dividing the data plane as in the cell method. This paper describes the principle of band‐like division of the plane and the results of fundamental experiments performed to examine the feature of the method and verifies the effectiveness of the method.
Image Processing Expert System with Knowledge—Generative Function—Application to Footprint Image Understanding
Authors: Nakamura Osamu , Nakagawa Hiroyoshi , Minami Toshi
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a footprint image processing expert system. In footprint image processing, the most difficult issue is to carry through the complex processing sequence brought by the variety of pickup places, pickup methods, footprint patterns, and so on. To cope with this issue, an expert system with the knowledge‐generative function, which is indispensable for dealing with some unknown images, is implemented. A usable processing sequence for various footprint images is constructed through the simulation over 37 footprint images and the usefulness of the expert system is ascertained experimentally.
Polyhedra Identification Using the Orthonormal Constraints of Rotation Matrix
Authors: Hong Hai , Kawashima Toshlo , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Aoki Yoshinao
Published: November 2009

A method to identify polyhedric objects from single perspective line drawings is proposed. The method searches correct associations from the model database in four stages: 1) topological matching of vertex and edge connection; 2) the computation of the transformation matrix from the model coordinate system to the camera coordinate system; 3) the validity test of transformation matrix; and 4) the determination of position and orientation of object. Stage 2) computes the optimal solution of the matrix using nonlinear optimization. Thus, if the initial value is improper, the solution does not always converge to a correct solution as pointed out in previous research. Orthonormal constraints of transformation matrix are introduced to improve the convergence property of numerical computation and to reduce computation cost. Experimental results show the validity of the method.
Optical Flow Analysis Based on Spatio‐Temporal Correlation of Dynamic Image
Authors: Koga Kazutoshi , Miike Hidetoshi
Published: November 2009

We propose several methods for analyzing the velocity of moving particles in dynamic images. The methods are based on the analysis of temporal mutual‐correlation between the time series of gray level changes at a target pixel and that of its neighboring pixels on an image plane. In this paper, we clarify that the temporal mutual‐correlation functions can be understood as the intersections of a kind of spatial autocorrelation of an image irradiance function which is assumed to be rigid. According to this new understanding and assuming a Gaussian‐like decrease in the spatial autocorrelation, we clarify a relation between the correlation‐value and the lag‐time of the mutual‐correlation and velocity of a moving object. This relation results in an improved method for determining the optical flow.

Our previous methods are useful only for the analysis of spherical particle motion. However, the improved one can be applied to more general objects. From the analysis of the artificial image sequences, it is suggested that the accuracy of the obtained result is less than 0.01 ±0.01 p/f in speed and 1.0 ±2.0 deg in direction. These results indicate that the improved method has ten times the accuracy of the typical method called the “gradient method.” The improved method is also evaluated by analyzing an actual dynamic scene and confirmed to have the capability to measure the two‐dimensional velocity field (i.e., optical flow).
Proposal and Evaluation of Dynamic Object‐Oriented Programming
Authors: Onai Rikio , Tsuruoka Yukio
Published: November 2009

We have been studying the parallel coordinated computing system composed of several AI workstations ELIS, as well as the knowledge processing on that system. From the viewpoint of the modularity and the hierarchy, an object‐oriented approach is adopted as the fundamental paradigm. In the knowledge representation on such a system, the object for representing the knowledge must be modified in a dynamical way since the knowledge always changes by itself.

In this paper, such a modifiable object is called a dynamic object. In the traditional system, however, the object has been considered as static, and instance variables, for example, cannot be added or deleted dynamically during execution. The dynamic object is realized by modifying the object mechanism of TAO, which is the kernel language of ELIS.

This paper proposes a dynamic object‐oriented programming based on this dynamic object, which is suited to the representation of the changing knowledge. It is indicated that from the standpoint of the dynamic knowledge representation, the dynamic object‐oriented programming is more natural and more efficient than the traditional object‐oriented programming.
Evaluation of a Data‐Driven Machine with Advanced Control Mechanism
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoshinori , Toda Kenji , Yuba Toshitsugu
Published: November 2009

This paper evaluates the EM‐3, a data‐driven machine with advanced control mechanism. The advanced control mechanism with pseudo‐result concept has been introduced into the data‐driven mechanism. To evaluate this mechanism on a parallel processing environment, the prototype machine has been developed. Five benchmark programs, which have different characteristics, are evaluated by both software simulator and a prototype machine.

This paper presents the results of discussing the data‐driven mechanism with advanced control in the list processing system. The profiles of parallelism for the five programs, dynamic execution rate of instructions, and the characteristics of waiting time in a matching store are described. Finally, the performance of the EM‐3 prototype is shown as well as the effectiveness of introducing the advanced control mechanism.
Cache Storage Control under Multiprocessor Environment
Authors: Ishihara Koichiro
Published: November 2009

Cache storage control methods in multiprocessor systems have been investigated for a long time. Recently, however, the number of processors in very large computer systems continues to increase and management by conventional control methods has become inadequate. Also, the performance evaluation becomes so complicated that it is difficult to determine the best method.

Therefore, this paper proposes a simple evaluation method and a cache storage control method that maintains the overhead of storage management against the increase in the processor counts. The two methods to manage the STORE instructions are store‐through and store‐in. However, there does not exist a system with two‐level cache storage of the store‐in method. This paper presents the following three goals:

(1) to propose a control method that manages the situation in which the distances between storage controllers and instruction processors are not uniform;

(2) to show a hardware control method that manages the shared and writable storage blocks.

To achieve small overhead by the two forementioned points; and

(3) to show by using a simple evaluation method that in many practical cases, the three‐level, single‐copy, store‐in method is advantageous.
On a Fast Hough Transform Method PLHT Based on Piecewise‐Linear Hough Function
Authors: Koshimizu Hiroyasu , Numada Munetoshi
Published: November 2009

By replacing the calculation of the trigonometric functions sin and cos in the Hough transform with the piecewise‐linear Hough function (PLH), the number of multiplication and trigonometric calculations are reduced. The PLH function is derived from the standard Hough function in a straightforward manner. The PLH‐based transformation retains the Hough transform's ability to extract collinearities from an image.

The cost of computing the PLH transform (PLHT) is approximately one‐sixth that of the standard Hough transform. It was also found that the PLHT reduces memory requirements by 30 percent.
An Application of Qualitative Reasoning to Knowledge Acquisition in Process Diagnosis. Automatic Rule Generation by Qualitative Simulation
Authors: Ishida Yoshiteru
Published: November 2009

The problems with recent approaches in qualitative and causal reasoning are that: (1) in qualitative modeling, they do not discuss on what types of mathematical models their qualitative equations should be based. This allows the misuse of static models for the qualitative equations to discuss changes in the transient state; and (2) they do not define causality on their qualitative model.

This paper defines the “inherent causality” which requires “time reference.” With this causality, causal reasoning is carried out by verifying that any change is made by the causality. The verification is done by consumption of dt = + for each step. To make such causal reasoning possible, the base model (i.e., the dynamical model which describes causality from what makes the change to what is changed) is selected carefully. Also, the qualitative simulation algorithm utilizing the inherent causality is developed. The power of the causality and simulation algorithm is demonstrated on the examples of a buffer tank. AQUA, a knowledge acquisition tool for process diagnosis domain, is implemented using the qualitative simulation. AQUA uses the qualitative simulation in generating fault‐syndrome associations.
Estimation for Spread Forms of Spindle Waves in Multichannel EEG
Authors: Ueda Yoshikazu , Ishii Naohiro
Published: November 2009

The spindle wave is one of the most important EEG signals in exploring the mechanism of sleep. There have been few reports, however, that examined the spatial properties of the spindle wave. One reason for this may be that the spindle wave is difficult to be handled as a stationary time series since it is a short‐term signal. Another reason is that a multidimensional signal processing technique has not been established for the multichannel signal, and an analysis with a tremendous amount of data has not been tried.

This paper aims at the analysis of the empirical knowledge of doctors by computer processing, and proposes an algorithm which estimates the spread form of the spindle wave in the multichannel EEG. The method is based on the frequency‐wavenumber spectrum, and has features in that the two phasic dominants and the direction of spread are estimated from a smaller number of measurements, by utilizing the phase relations on the scope.

The usefulness of the proposed algorithm was verified by a computer simulation. The proposed estimation method was applied to the actual spindle waves, and the following result was obtained. The phasic dominant of the spindle exists around the central field for the low‐frequency components and around the parietal field for high‐frequency components. This is a quantitative result, which agrees with the traditional qualitative findings. A new observation was also made where the spindles spread mostly from the parietal field to the frontal field.
Filtering for Dynamic Systems Under Unknown State transition Matrices
Authors: Sakata Katsumi , Izumida Kiichiro
Published: November 2009

A filter is proposed which generates the state estimate independently of the physical condition which determines the dynamic characteristics of a system. This filter consists in digital first‐order filters and a controller. The predicted state is corrected repeatedly until the weighted mean of the predicted residual square becomes less than the residual covariance. The correction procedure is that the predicted residual is input to digital first‐order filters, the outputs of these filters are multiplied by constants and the result is added to the predicted state as a corrector.
Knowledge Level Learning in a Problem Solver
Authors: Sakurai Seiichiro , Shimura Masamichi
Published: November 2009

This paper describes a new knowledge level learning method for a problem solver. Because it is not practical to initialize a problem solver with a very large knowledge base to cope with a large variety of problems, the machine must have the capability of acquiring knowledge through solving problem in an incremental fashion. New knowledge is acquired during dialog with an instructor in problem solving operations. The accumulation of experience in problem solving enables the generalization of rules and knowledge for multiple problems. Because each new rule is formulated after solving some problem and then verified by the instructor the knowledge base will be more robust. In addition, errors in the knowledge base can be corrected by the instructor during the dialog.
Corporate responsibility and financial performance: the role of intangible resources
Authors: Surroca Jordi , Tribó Josep A. , Waddock Sandra
Published: November 2009

This paper examines the effects of a firm's intangible resources in mediating the relationship between corporate responsibility and financial performance. We hypothesize that previous empirical findings of a positive relationship between social and financial performance may be spurious because the researchers failed to account for the mediating effects of intangible resources. Our results indicate that there is no direct relationship between corporate responsibility and financial performance—merely an indirect relationship that relies on the mediating effect of a firm's intangible resources. We demonstrate our theoretical contention with the use of a database comprising 599 companies from 28 countries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chronic fluoxetine treatment has a larger effect on the density of a serotonin transporter in the Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) rat model of depression than in normal rats
Authors: Kovačević Tomislav , Skelin Ivan , Diksic Mirko
Published: November 2009

The 5‐hydroxytryptamine system is thought to play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression and represents the target for selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Flinders Sensitive Line (FSL) and Flinders Resistant Line (FRL) rats were bred from Sprague‐Dawley (SPD) rats to produce strains with increased (FSL) or decreased (FRL) sensitivity to the cholinesterase inhibitor. The FSL rats have been identified as a good model of depression. Many studies in normal rats showed that chronic treatments with SSRIs reduce the densities of SERT. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the influence of chronic fluoxetine treatment on SERT density (Bmax; fmol/mg) in the FSL rat model of depression, relative to that in the FRL rats and SPD rats. FSL, FRL and SPD rats were randomly assigned into groups receiving the vehicle or 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine i.p. for 14 days. Binding was assessed by incubating the brain sections in a buffer containing 20 pM of [125I]‐RTI‐55 [[125I](−)‐2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)tropane and 200 nM of GBR12935 [1‐(2‐(diphenylmethoxy)ethyl)‐4‐(3‐phenylpropyl)piperazine]. The fluoxetine treatment reduced Bmaxin all three rat strains when the saline and respective fluoxetine groups were compared (e.g., the FSL‐SAL relative to FSL‐FLX groups). Chronic fluoxetine treatment reduces the densities of SERT in the FSL rats to a larger extent than in the normal SPD control rats. Synapse 64:231–240, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dopamine D3 receptor selective ligands with varying intrinsic efficacies at adenylyl cyclase inhibition and mitogenic signaling pathways
Authors: Taylor Michelle , Grundt Peter , Griffin Suzy A. , Newman Amy Hauck , Luedtke Robert R.
Published: November 2009

A panel of structurally related substituted 4‐phenylpiperazines with nanomolar affinity and selectivity at D3 dopamine receptors has been synthesized. Compounds in which a heterocyclic (2‐phenyl pyridyl, 3‐phenyl pyridyl, benzothiophene, or benzofuran) moiety is adjacent to the amide was varied and/or a double bond (trans‐butenyl) replaced the four‐carbon aliphatic chain linking the arylamide with the 4‐phenylpiperazine moiety were compared for (a) affinity at human D2 and D3 dopamine receptors, (b) intrinsic efficacy using an adenylyl cyclase inhibition assay, and (c) intrinsic efficacy using a mitogenic assay. All 16 compounds were (a) more efficacious for the D3 receptor cyclase inhibition assay than for the D3 receptor mitogenic assay and (b) exhibited the same or greater efficacy at D3 compared to D2 receptor (with the exception of one compound). Although the heterocyclic amide moiety appears to be the pivotal structural element determining the intrinsic efficacy of our D3 receptor selective compounds, the magnitude of the efficacy is modulated by the (a) substituent(s) on the phenyl piperazine and (b) the saturation of the four‐carbon chain that links the arylamide and the phenylpiperazine. In addition, our ligands are functionally selective, because they can have differing intrinsic efficacies for the cyclase inhibition and the mitogenic activation signaling pathways. Compounds that are essentially full agonists at the cyclase assay appear to be only partial agonists in the mitogenic assay and compounds that are partial agonists in our cyclase assay are partial agonists or antagonists in the mitogenic assay. Synapse 64:251–266, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ventricular Function in Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Spotnitz Henry M.
Published: November 2009

Background

The history of measuring myocardial edema by two‐dimensional echocardiography and the pathophysiology of myocardial edema are reviewed.

Methods

The relevance of this subject to management of children undergoing corrective surgery for single ventricle physiology and tetralogy of Fallot is reviewed.

Results

Evidence is presented that myocardial edema is an ongoing clinical problem with relevance to management and outcomes. Methods for measuring mass increases noninvasively in the range of 10–25% with increases in myocardial water content on the order of 2–4% are now well established.

Conclusions

These methods and advanced animal models replicating conditions of surgery for cyanotic congenital heart disease set the stage for clinical advances in this important area.
Knee chondral lesions treated with autologous chondrocyte transplantation in a tridimensional matrix: clinical evaluation at 1-year follow-up
Authors: Vilchez Félix , Lara Jorge , Álvarez-Lozano Eduardo , Cuervo Carlos E. , Mendoza Oscar F. , Acosta-Olivo Carlos A.
Published: November 2009

Background

Despite the many studies on chondral injury repair, no outcomes have been evaluated with the Western Ontario and McMaster (WOMAC) Universities osteoarthritis index, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and the Oxford Knee Score, all of which are specific for evaluating the presence of osteoarthritis.

Materials and methods

We evaluated the clinical progress of patients following autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) performed by our Bone and Tissue Bank using a technique in which cells, instead of being introduced to the articular defect in a liquid form, are implanted into a tridimensional matrix of semisolid collagen (Condrograft®). A total of 22 patients underwent the procedure, 15 of whom were available for a 1-year follow-up that included clinical evaluation by WOMAC score before and after surgery and KOOS and the Oxford Knee Score after surgery.

Results

The results were improved WOMAC score from 56.4 before surgery to 16.2 after surgery (P < 0.002), average KOOS score of 83.6, and average Oxford Knee Score of 18.8.

Conclusions

These results indicate that our tridimensional matrix technique effectively improved patients’ quality of life, at least in the short term, and delayed any subsequent procedure. Long-term assessment is necessary to determine the true value of this technique.
Psychological aspects of patients with Fabry disease
Authors: Crosbie T. Wilson , Packman Wendy , Packman S.
Published: November 2009

The Minnesota Muliphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI‐2) is widely used in chronic illness and chronic pain populations to assess psychological functioning. We report the results of the first investigation using the MMPI‐2 to assess psychological aspects of patients with Fabry disease. Fabry disease, an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder, is a multisystem progressive disease affecting the kidney, heart, and central nervous system, and is particularly associated with chronic symptoms including pain. In this study, 28 patients with Fabry disease completed the MMPI‐2 and a background questionnaire. Fabry disease patients scored significantly higher than the MMPI‐2 normative sample on seven clinical scales (Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt, Sc) and two validity scales (L, F). Individuals with elevated scores on the Hs, D, and Hy scales tend to have somatic complaints, sadness, and emotional distress. Under stress, they may experience an increase in physical symptoms. Elevated Pd, Pa, Pt, and Sc scales suggest social maladjustment, suspiciousness, and feelings of isolation. An elevated L scale suggests defensiveness; a high score on F suggests emotional turmoil. When compared with cohorts of patients with Gaucher disease (GD), chronic heart disease (CRHD), and chronic pain, the Fabry disease patients had significantly higher scores than GD patients and CRHD patients on numerous clinical (Hs, D, Si), and validity (F) scales underscoring the relative amount of suffering and pain experienced by Fabry disease patients. No significant differences on any MMPI‐2 scales were found between the Fabry disease patients and the pain patients, suggesting that Fabry disease patients may be comparable to pain patient populations.
Oxidative metabolism‐related changes during germination of mono maple (Acer mono Maxim.) seeds under seasonal frozen soil
Authors: Qin Jihong , Liu Qing
Published: November 2009

The influence of seasonal frozen soil and buried depth on germination of mono maple (Acer mono Maxim.) seeds was studied in field conditions in winter in a sub‐alpine region. Mono maple seeds almost lost their ability to germinate in non‐freezing soil, while seasonal frozen soil treatments facilitated the germination accompanied with a progressive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The result indicates that ROS may act as a positive signal for seed dormancy. However, exceeding accumulation of ROS led to decrease in germination rate. We suggest that the shift from a signaling to a deleterious role may be related to the accumulation of these ROS above a threshold level that leads to various cellular alterations and damage. The enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes appear to be more closely related to freezing tolerance, because of their ability to scavenge ROS to avoid deleterious events. Seasonal frozen soil was beneficial in accelerating the germination of mono maple seeds. However, a slight increase of freezing temperature may have also facilitated the germination of mono maple seeds by enhanced activities of antioxidant enzymes. Hence, moderate winter warming may be beneficial to mono maple regeneration due to the improvement of seed germination, but the disappearance of seasonal frozen soil may lead to germination failure of the mono maple seeds.
Calcific Tendinitis: A Pictorial Review
Authors: Siegal Daniel S. , Wu Jim S. , Newman Joel S. , del Cura Jose L. , Hochman Mary G.
Published: November 2009

Calcific tendinitis is caused by the pathologic deposition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in tendons and is a common cause of joint pain. The disease typically affects the shoulder and hip, with characteristic imaging findings; however, any joint can be involved. Occasionally, calcific tendinitis can mimic aggressive disorders, such as infection and neoplasm, especially on magnetic resonance imaging. Radiologists should be familiar with the imaging findings to distinguish calcific tendinitis from more aggressive processes. Image-guided percutaneous needle aspiration and steroid injection of calcific tendinitis are useful techniques performed by the radiologist for the treatment of symptomatic cases. Familiarity with these procedures and their imaging appearance is an important aspect in the management of this common disease.
Economic growth and suicide rate changes: A case in China from 1982 to 2005
Authors: Zhang J. , Ma J. , Jia C. , Sun J. , Guo X. , Xu A. , Li W.
Published: November 2009

Objectives

It is to estimate the trend of suicide rate changes during the past three decades in China and try to identify its social and economic correlates.

Methods

Official data of suicide rates and economic indexes during 1982–2005 from Shandong Province of China were analyzed. The suicide data were categorized for the rural / urban location and gender, and the economic indexes include GDP, GDP per capita, rural income, and urban income, all adjusted for inflation.

Results

We found a significant increase of economic development and decrease of suicide rates over the past decades under study. The suicide rate decrease is correlated with the tremendous growth of economy.

Conclusion

The unusual decrease of Chinese suicide rates in the past decades is accounted for within the Chinese cultural contexts and maybe by the Strain Theory of Suicide.
Gender differences in patient and caregiver psychoeducation for schizophrenia
Authors: Reichhart T. , Pitschel-Walz G. , Kissling W. , Bäuml J. , Schuster T. , Rummel-Kluge C.
Published: November 2009

Objective:

The aim of this research is to detect gender-related differences in patients and caregivers regarding knowledge about schizophrenia and attitudes towards drugs as well as gender as predictor for changes in these variables during psychoeducation.

Methods:

Data sets of one randomised-controlled (study 1) and one naturalistic psychoeducation study (study 2) were reanalysed. Main outcome measures (knowledge about schizophrenia, drug attitude, confidence in medication) were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 12 months after index discharge.

Results:

The reanalysed samples consisted in total of 1002 patients and 176 caregivers. In study 2, baseline knowledge was significantly better in male patients and female caregivers. All participants improved significantly their knowledge. The amount of knowledge gain did not differ between genders in either study or either group. Gender was not a major predictor of baseline knowledge or knowledge gain. Only in study 1 did gender significantly impact the knowledge gain from baseline to follow-up. Regarding improvement of drug attitude, females seemed to benefit significantly better from psychoeducation. In both studies, however, changes in drug attitudes respectively confidence in medication were best explained by lower corresponding baseline scores, not gender. Patients’ gender did not influence outcomes of their caregivers.

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that psychoeducational programs might be better adapted to males in order to improve their drug attitude. Concerning knowledge, gender-related changes do not seem to be necessary.
Impact of psychotic features on morbidity and course of illness in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Özyıldırım İ. , Çakır S. , Yazıcı O.
Published: November 2009

Objective

In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical features and response patterns to the long-term prophylaxis of bipolar patients with or without psychotic features.

Method

The life charts of patients with bipolar I disorder were evaluated. Two hundred and eighty-one patients who suffer with bipolar disorder for at least 4 years and who had at least three mood episodes were included to the study. The patients whose all episodes are psychotic (psychotic group) and the patients who never experienced psychotic episode (non-psychotic group) were assigned as comparison groups. The clinical features and the response to long-term prophylaxis were compared across the groups.

Results

The psychotic group consists of 43 patients; non-psychotic group consists of 54 patients. The history of bipolar disorder among the first-degree relatives was remarkably more prevalent in non-psychotic group (p = 0.032). The predominance of manic/hypomanic episodes was significantly higher in psychotic group than non-psychotic group; and the rate of depressive episodes were higher in non-psychotic group than psychotic group (p = 0.013). Episodes were more severe (p < 0.001) and hospitalization rates were higher (p = 0.023) in psychotic group. The response to lithium monotherapy was better in non-psychotic group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The well identified psychotic subtype of bipolar patients may give important predictions about long term course and prophylaxis of bipolar disorder.