Self-similarity and points of interest.

In this work, we present a new approach to interest point detection. Different types of features in images are detected by using a common computational concept. The proposed approach considers the total variability of local regions.

The effect of sucrose ingestion on autonomic nervous system function in young subjects during acute moderate hypoxia.

Cardiac arrhythmias are associated with an increase in sympathetic activity (reflected in increased heart rate) and a simultaneous decrease in rhythmical fluctuations of sympathetic activity [reflected in decreased heart rate variability (HRV)]. As hypoxia is a well known trigger for cardiac arrhythmias, and carbohydrate loading a known sympatho-excitatory stimulus, the present study investigated if carbohydrate loading affects the cardiac response to acute hypoxic challenge. Fourteen subjects ingested a sucrose solution or an equal volume of water and spectral analysis of HRV was used to determine HRV components in normoxia and acute, normobaric hypoxia.

Carbohydrate ingestion improves oxygen delivery in acute hypoxia.

It is generally accepted that an increase in blood CO(2) increases ventilation. We also know that during carbohydrate metabolism a larger amount of CO(2) is produced than during metabolism of lipids or proteins. The aim of the present study was therefore to assess whether carbohydrate ingestion can increase CO(2) production enough to stimulate ventilation, which could in turn increase arterial oxygenation and alleviate the symptoms of hypoxia in a hypoxic environment.

Autonomic nervous system activity in normotensive subjects with a family history of hypertension.

This study was designed to address alterations in autonomic nervous system activity in normotensive subjects with a family history of hypertension. We compared the autonomic nervous system activity in 59 normotensives with a family history of hypertension and 46 normotensives with no family history of hypertension. Skin blood flow was measured using laser-Doppler method on the nailfold skin in the resting condition, during systemic cooling and during upright tilting.

Autonomic nervous system and microvascular alterations in normotensives with a family history of hypertension.

Autonomic nervous system and microvascular alterations at pre-hypertensive stage of hypertension have still not been fully elucidated. We aimed at addressing central and local influences on microvascular reactivity at pre-hypertensive stage of hypertension. To that end, we studied microvascular reactivity in 59 normotensives with a family history of hypertension and 46 controls.