bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A shell‐oriented boolean set operations algorithm suited for the b‐reps based on boundary edge loops
Authors: Kitajima Katsuhiro , Yamaguchi Mitsunori 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a shell‐oriented Boolean set operations algorithm which is simple and makes the most of the F‐L‐E‐V type B‐reps based on boundary edge loops of a face. The characteristic feature of the algorithm is that it resolves an operation between solids into plural operations between faces, generates intermediate open shells and finally reconstructs a new solid by combining them. The method is quite different from the conventional edge‐oriented algorithm, e.g., that of BUILD, which is suited for the well‐known winged‐edge type B‐reps based on the information with respect to the individual edges.First, the outline of the conventional set operations algorithm is shown, which is suited for the winged‐edge type B‐reps and is used in almost all conventional solid modellers. Afterward, in comparison to it, our algorithm is discussed in detail.An algorithm for the case of a basic intersection, with which the basic algorithms in other set operations, i.e., union and set difference, are also realized, is described first and then some essential expansions are made to meet more complex and particular conditions.
A stereo matching algorithm: An adaptive window based on a statistical model
Authors: Okutomi Masatoshi , Kanade Takeo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper describes a stereo matching algorithm capable of selecting an appropriate window size to achieve both objectives of precise localization and stable estimation in scene correspondence. Window size is an important parameter that depends on two local attributes: local intensity variation and scene disparity variation. A statistical model is introduced for evaluating the impact of these two types of variations on the uncertainty of disparity estimation and proposes a method of selecting an appropriate window size to minimize the uncertainty of the estimation. Experiments have been conducted for various window sizes. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and the matching algorithm with an adaptive window.
Extracting distance from defocused images with different aperture sizes
Authors: Iwane Masahiko 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUsing a geometrical optics model, a method is derived for estimating distance from two images with blur due to defocus aberration taken under different conditions of aperture sizes in general illumination to an object.First, it is shown that the Fourier spectrum of geometrical optics spatial frequency characteristics can be approximated by Gaussian‐type functions.Next, the relationship between radii of blur circles and Gaussian‐type functions is clarified. It is shown that the ratio of Fourier spectra of two defocused images depends only on the radii of blur circles and that the distance to the object can be estimated by estimating blur spreading radii from two defocused images by the least‐square method. Experiments were conducted using commercially available equipment. Distance errors within 9 percent were obtained in the cases of defocused images with F = 1.4 and F = 2.8 and of about 4 percent in the cases of defocused images of general scenes with F = 2 and F = 4. Thus, the effectiveness of this method was shown.
A complete spanning tree maintenance algorithm and its complexity
Authors: Saitoh Akinori , Tsujino Yoshihiro , Tokura Nobuki 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe spanning tree maintenance problem for an LAN model in which node processors may halt and recover is considered. An algorithm meeting the conditions that the spanning tree is an L‐ary complete tree and that nodes halt or recover singly is presented. The message complexity of this algorithm is shown to be comparable with local computational complexity.
Constructing hierarchies for incomplete frames
Authors: Ohkawa Takenao , Koizumi Kazuhiko , Babaguchi Noboru , Tezuka Yoshikazu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA frame is characterized as the hierarchical description with the object as the unit. On the other hand, it is not always true that the information is obtained by an interview with an expert or by observation in a systematic form. Then the obtained frames are described independently. It is desirable to organize the frames systematically by generating the class hierarchy. However, the frame contains incomplete information, such as undefined or indefinite attribute,and the traditional classification techniques based on the conceptual clustering cannot handle such information.This paper proposes a method to generate the class frame and construct the hierarchy for the frames with mixed undefined and indefinite attributes. In the classification of the frames containing incomplete information, the proposed method considers the attribute values other than the attributes describing the incomplete information and constructs the hierarchy by classifying the frames to the class containing the most similar frame.The validity of the generated classes, the effectiveness of the expansion procedure for the hierarchical tree, the validity of the evaluation criterion for the quality of the hierarchical tree, and the estimation performance for the attribute value in the classification of the undefined attribute are examined.
Advanced explanation capabilities for intelligent tutoring systems: The explanation structure model (EXSEL)
Authors: Kashihara Akihiro , Hirashima Tsukasa , Toyoda Jun'ichi , Nakamura Yuichi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper introduces an advanced explanation capability for the intelligent tutoring system (ITS) to assist students in understanding objects such as electric circuits designed by humans. In general, an object can be explained in various ways. To advance the explanation capability, it is necessary to clarify how these explanations are used properly according to some tutoring goals in the domain. Moreover, the design of ITS based on such a capability requires: (1) classification of explanations based on the tutoring goals, and (2) development of a facility to generate the classified explanations.First, this paper defines object understanding by using two concepts, i.e., viewpoint and object model, and classifies explanations by regarding the defined object understanding as a tutoring goal.Next, the explanation facility, Explanation Structure model (EXSEL) is proposed. EXSEL has a mechanism to generate an explanation structure that is regarded as a resource of explanation and is designed in due consideration of being applied to ITS.The definition of object understanding, the classification of explanations and EXSEL are applicable to the objects explainable at three abstraction levels: structure, behavior, and function. Providing the mechanisms to operate EXSEL according to tutoring requisites such as the student's understanding, it is possible to realize various ITSs to support greatly object understanding.
Learning algorithms and the shape of the learning surface in recurrent neural networks
Authors: Watanabe Tatsumi , Uchikawa Yoshiki , Gouhara Kazutoshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn recent years there has been a renewal of interest in recurrent neural networks (RNN) because learning algorithms for RNN have been derived by several independent groups. The network can express spatiotemporal patterns as the states of the neurons change with time. Since the network has connections with feedback loops between each neuron, it includes the majority of conventional neural network models.The characteristics of three supervised learning algorithms are discussed from the viewpoint of: (1) formulations of gradient of the total squared error function; and (2) the number of calculations and amount of storage space, respectively. Through computer simulations the differences of convergence for each learning algorithm are investigated. For the backpropagation through time algorithm it is shown that the learning surface of RNN has two specific shapes, i.e., hills and valleys, and the learning descends gently on the steepest gradient forward along the bottom of a curved valley. These characteristics are basically consistent with those of the multilayer neural networks (MNN) analyzed by Gouhara and others.
A method of diagnosing single stuck‐at faults in combinational circuits
Authors: Yamada Teruhiko , Nakamura Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new method is proposed to diagnose single stuck‐at faults in combinational circuits. In this method, based on the operations of the nonfaulty circuit, first the possible faulty paths are examined from the primary outputs, at which errors have been observed, toward the primary inputs to narrow down the suspected faulty section. Then a fault simulation is conducted to deduce the fault location. According to the computational experiments it is expected that this method is faster than the conventional fault dictionary methods by about two orders of magnitude and the diagnosis time is almost proportional to the circuit size. Thus, this method is very effective for fault diagnosis of large‐scale circuits.
Performance comparison of neural network architectures for speaker‐independent phoneme recognition
Authors: Nakamura Satoru , Sawai Hidefumi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe applied several types of time‐delay neural networks (TDNNs), generally used for speaker‐dependent and multispeaker speech recognition, to speaker‐independent speech recognition and compared their performance. Six or 12 speakers were used to train each network, and recognition experiments for voiced stops /b, d, g/ were performed in open speaker mode. The best recognition rates were 91.3 percent and 93.6 percent, using six and 12 training speakers, respectively. We found that constructing modular networks, such as modular TDNN with each network corresponding to a speaker, is effective in terms of decreasing the number of training iterations needed, showing slightly better performance than with a single TDNN with a comparable network capacity. This is because the modular networks make use of limited capacity effectively. On the other hand, a single TDNN with an increased number of hidden units showed a recognition rate comparable to that of the modular TDNN.
Two kinds of pulse‐type hardware neuron models and their application to recognition circuits
Authors: Sekine Yoshifumi , Kanai Takeshi , Amamori Takehiko , Takahashi Shinya , Takeuchi Chie 
Published: July 2007

AbstractInformation processing by humans within themselves, e.g., such as reading letter characters, recognizing patterns, and other objects, and discriminating what they hear depends largely on the cerebral nerve. The human cerebrum learns various subjects and self‐organizes the human neural network with plastic changes of synapses that are formed through learning.Based on this viewpoint, many studies on neural network models and synaptic transfer efficiency have been reported from the engineering field.In this paper, the authors propose pulse‐type hardware neuron models. These models employ pulse‐type hardware cell body models which exhibit negative resistance characteristics and also chaos phenomena as reported in their earlier papers. The authors analyze the characteristics of the models and discuss an application of the models to a recognition circuit. That is, considering the subject of neurons, they propose pulse‐type hardware models taking into account that information transmission is in a form of pulse repetition rate and that the synaptic weight which is equivalent to the transmission efficiency of synapses is subject to plastic changes.The pulse‐type hardware neuron models employ pulse‐type input/output circuits. The models are of a simple circuitry, consisting of a cell body section and a synaptic section. The cell body section employs V‐shaped transistors. The synaptic section employs a CR time constant circuit to simulate the synaptic weight and a MOS variable capacitance device to simulate plastic changes of synapses.The authors propose two models. One type changes depending on learning signals which include functions of external signals such as teacher signal, as an example of the plastic change of synaptic weight. The other model is of a type that changes depending on the input signal. The learning functions of the models are discussed by applying Hebb's rule as a typical learning rule. It is concluded that the pulse‐type hardware neuron models provide methods for plastic synapse models with learning and memory functions, and also for synapse models with square characteristics.The neural network models made of these pulse‐type hardware neuron models are effective for pattern recognition circuits, including vowel speech pattern recognition circuits.
Invested with Life: Wall Painting and Imagery before the Qajars
Authors: Diba Layla S. 
Published: July 2007

In the majority of Islamic countries, the art of painting has been restricted to non-figural and geometric designs in the public sphere, and strictly limited to small-scale narrative illustrations of manuscripts in the private sphere. By contrast, Qajar Iran witnessed the development of large-scale figural painting. Such a decisive break with Islamic tradition—where religious and social beliefs were primarily expressed through textual and calligraphic means—indicates that Iran possessed a distinctive, strongly visual culture. Nevertheless, Qajar painting has been perceived in the past as an offshoot of European easel painting.In fact, Qajar painting, most particularly during the reign of the second ruler Fath ᶜAli Shah (1797-1834), represents the culmination of a long-standing indigenous tradition of imagery in both monumental painting and sculptural formats, primarily utilized for the decoration of palaces, exemplified by the bas reliefs and sculptures of the Achaemenid palace of Persepolis. Wall painting predated and subsequently coexisted with the better known traditions of decorative and manuscript painting.
NARCOTIC MORTALITY: SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR DRUG PROGRAMS
Authors: Walsh Raoul A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWidely held community beliefs about the mortality rates associated with narcotics use are examined in the light of published data from follow‐up studies. It is suggested that media reports, and even some health professionals, have tended to exaggerate these mortality rates. Some implications of these follow‐up studies for workers involved in drug dependence programs are discussed.
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION
Authors: STANHOPE J.M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAll first attendees at the Langton Clinic during 12 months beginning 1st December, 1980 were surveyed for certain demographic characteristics, including religion. Alcohol and opiate users were compared with state and national census populations. Catholics and Lutherans were more common among attendees than expected and Methodists and Orthodox less common. Persons professing no religion were possibly more common than expected, but difficult to assess because of wide state/national population differences.
TREATMENT OF OPIOID DEPENDENCE
Authors: O'NEILL KEVIN A. , REILLY DAVID K. , SINCLAIR RONA 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe range of treatment interventions for opioid‐, mainly heroin‐related problems are listed. Matching client problems to appropriate interventions is emphasised. The four main broad approaches available in N.S.W. are described:

Detoxification
Methadone maintenance
Therapeutic communities
Outpatient management
INTERVENTION BY THE CLINICIAN TO MOTIVATE THE ALCOHOLIC
Authors: WILSON GEORGE C. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe alcoholic patient often cannot recognise his disorder and accept the need for treatment because of his own profound denial. Enabling behaviour by family, friends, fellow workers and medical practitioners, which covers up the alcoholism, often delays recovery. Clinicians can help the alcoholic patient by confronting him with his early behavioural changes and later organic findings indicating alcoholism.Where the alcoholic consistently refuses treatment, concerned persons can be helped by instruction about the illness. A planned intervention can serve to break down the alcoholic's denial and prevent progression of his alcohol‐induced problems. This paper details the elements of confrontation and intervention with special reference to pre‐intervention training of concerning people.
Potassium Channels in the Peripheral Microcirculation
Authors: JACKSON WILLIAM F. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTVascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells, endothelial cells (EC), and pericytes that form the walls of vessels in the microcirculation express a diverse array of ion channels that play an important role in the function of these cells and the microcirculation in both health and disease. This brief review focuses on the K+ channels expressed in smooth muscle and endothelial cells in arterioles. Microvascular VSM cells express at least four different classes of K+ channels, including inward‐rectifier K+ channels (KIR), ATP‐sensitive K+ channels (KATP), voltage‐gated K+ channels (KV), and large conductance Ca2 +‐activated K+ channels (BKCa). VSM KIR participate in dilation induced by elevated extracellular K+ and may also be activated by C‐type natriuretic peptide, a putative endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). Vasodilators acting through cAMP or cGMP signaling pathways in VSM may open KATP, KV, and BKCa, causing membrane hyperpolarization and vasodilation. VSM BKCa may also be activated by epoxides of arachidonic acid (EETs) identified as EDHF in some systems. Conversely, vasoconstrictors may close KATP, KV, and BKCa through protein kinase C, Rho‐kinase, or c‐Src pathways and contribute to VSM depolarization and vasoconstriction. At the same time KV and BKCa act in a negative feedback manner to limit depolarization and prevent vasospasm. Microvascular EC express at least 5 classes of K+ channels, including small (sKCa) and intermediate (IKCa) conductance Ca2 +‐activated K+ channels, KIR, KATP, and KV. Both sK and IK are opened by endothelium‐dependent vasodilators that increase EC intracellular Ca2 + to cause membrane hyperpolarization that may be conducted through myoendothelial gap junctions to hyperpolarize and relax arteriolar VSM. KIR may serve to amplify sKCa‐ and IKCa‐induced hyperpolarization and allow active transmission of hyperpolarization along EC through gap junctions. EC KIR channels may also be opened by elevated extracellular K+ and participate in K+‐induced vasodilation. EC KATP channels may be activated by vasodilators as in VSM. KV channels may provide a negative feedback mechanism to limit depolarization in some endothelial cells.
Effect of IL‐1 in amniotic fluid on the fetal keratinocyte
Authors: Kamada Masaharu , Hirano Kohki , Arase Seiji , Daitoh Toshifumi , Maegawa Masahiko , Irahara Minoru , Aono Toshihiro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIL‐1 α is predominantly increased in amniotic fluid of the patients with premature rupture of the membrane (PROM). In the present study we examined the effect of IL‐1 on the fetal keratinocytes, one of the main tissue exposed to the increased IL‐1. Exposure of IL‐1 at over 0.1 pg/ml IL‐1 significantly (p<0.01) inhibited proliferation of the keratinocytes in low calcium keratinocyte growth medium obtained from the umbilical cord. Immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies to various cytokeratins revealed that the umbilical cord keratinocytes is more similar to the mucosal epithelium than the skin epithelium. These results suggest that IL‐1 α increased in amniotic fluid in the PROM cases leads the immature proliferating mucosal epithelium to maturate for protection of the fetus against environment.
Stimulation of fibronectin synthesis through the protein kinase c signaling pathway in normal and transformed human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Lee Byung‐Heon , Park Rang‐Woon , Choi Je‐Yong , Ryoo Hyun‐Mo , Sohn Kun‐Young , Kim In‐San 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe examined the role of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway in the stimulation of fibronectin synthesis in both normal and transformed human lung fibroblasts. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), a potent PKC activator, stimulated fibronectin synthesis in both normal and transformed fibroblasts in a time and dose dependent fashion. Down‐regulation of PKC by prior exposure of cells to a high concentration of PMA blocked the increase in fibronectin synthesis and mRNA levels induced by PMA. Bisindolylmaleimide, a specific inhibitor of PKC, also abolished the PMA‐induced fibronectin synthesis. 4α‐phorbol didecanoate, an inactive phorbol ester, failed to affect fibronectin synthesis. These data suggest that PMA stimulates fibronectin synthesis and gene expression through the PKC signaling pathway in both normal and transformed human lung fibroblasts.
Yeast thiol‐dependent protector protein expression enhances the resistance of Escherichia coli to hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Ahn Soo Mi , Lee Soo Min , Chung Taewan , Kim Kanghwa , Park Jeen‐Woo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA soluble protein from Saccharomyces cerevisiae specifically provides protection against a thiol‐containing oxidation system but not against an oxidation system without thiol. This 25‐kDa protein was thus named thiol‐dependent protector protein (TPP). The role of TPP in the cellular defense against oxidative stress was investigated in Escherichia coli containing an expression vector with a yeast genomic DNA fragment that encodes TPP (strain YP) and mutants in which the catalytically essential amino acid cysteine (Cys‐47) has been replaced with alanine (strain YPC47A) or tryptophan (Trp‐82) has been replaced with phenylalanine (strain YPW82F) by a site‐directed mutagenesis. There was a distinct difference between these three strains in regards to growth inhibition kinetics, viability, modulation of activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and the accumulation of oxidized proteins. These results suggest that TPP may play a direct role in the cellular defense against oxidative stress by functioning as an antioxidant protein.
Expression, purification and properties of recombinant E. coli ribonuclease III
Authors: Srivastava Neelam , Srivastava Rai Ajit K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCloned RNase III gene in a T7 RNA polymerase promoter system was expressed in Escherichia coli cells lacking endogenous RNase III, and the over‐expressed recombinant RNase III was purified to homogeneity using ion exchange, exclusion and affinity column chromatography. The overexpressed RNase III was found to separate with the membrane fraction after sonication, which was solubilized, fractionated with (NH)2SO4 and the active fractions used for further purification. The properties of the purified recombinant RNase III were studied using the synthetic RNA substrate, 3[H]poly[A].poly[U], and the natural substrates, 7S and p10Sa RNAs, and compared with the partially purified RNase III from wild‐type E. coli cells. The recombinant RNase III showed maximal activity at 37°C and at a pH range of 6.9 to 7.4, which was similar to the RNase III purified from the wild‐type cells. Recombinant RNase III efficiently hydrolyzed 3[H].poly[A].poly[U] in the presence of Mg2+. However, the recombinant RNase III cleaved natural RNA substrates efficiently and accurately in the presence of Mn2+. A concentration of Mn2+ ranging from 150 to 300 µM was found to be optimal; concentrations higher than 0.5 mM were inhibitory. Other divalent cations did not support RNase III activity. Monovalent cations, Na+, K+ and NH4+ at 20 mM were equally effective in stimulating RNase III activity although they were not absolutely required for the activity. The thermal stability of the recombinant RNase III was examined at two temperatures, 37° and 50°C. Incubation of RNase III at 37°C for 30 min did not affect activity, but it lost almost 50% of its activity when incubated at 50 °C for 30 min. Thus, the recombinant RNase III prefers Mn2+ for the cleavage of natural substrates and exhibits several properties similar to the wild‐type RNase III.