Theoretical and practical problems for imagery in stroke rehabilitation: An observation solution.

Imagery has been recommended increasingly for use in rehabilitation programs for individuals following a stroke. Frequently, this use is based on the premise that imagery is associated with neural activity in the brain similar to that occurring during the overt behavior and that this isomorphism will benefit the individual. There is evidence that imagery does share neural correlates with the perceptual behavior. However, to optimize and to make functional use of the equivalence, a number of factors need to be considered. Because many of these factors have been omitted from previous research designs, it may be premature to make claims for the success of imagery in the context of stroke rehabilitation. An observation-based approach is proposed to address some of the concerns. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Electromagnetic refining of aluminum alloys by the CREM process: Part II. Specific practical problems and their solutions

An experimental investigation, described in Part I and bearing on aluminum alloy billets produced by the CREM process, has shown that the main characteristics of this new technology are the elimination of the need for grain-refiner master alloys and a marked reduction of the scalping operation. Part II reports on the examination of the problems specific to the CREM process, which occur particularly during slab casting. The three-dimensional (3-D) aspect of the electromagnetic and fluid flow phenomena, the effect of the electrical conductivity of the ingot mold, and the improvement of the process design are examined.     

Elevating the status of psychologists: A simple solution is neither simple nor a solution.

Discusses the article by B. D. Forman and S. A. Shackar (1981) in which they discuss how psychologists can improve their status so as to be viewed as "real doctors." The current authors point out that a major difficulty with achieving this status lies in state legislative processes. An example is used of how state laws regulate who can receive cadavers for experimental use and how the cadavers can be used. Some states refuse to recognize psychologists as permissible recipients of cadavers and prohibit the inclusion of psychological techniques as permissible procedures that can be performed on cadavers. (1 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Numerical models for casting solidification: Part I. The coupling of the boundary element and finite difference methods for solidification problems

An investigation on the coupling technique for boundary element and finite difference methods was carried out to simulate solidification processes. In the coupling model, solidification problems in casting and unsteady-state heat conduction problems in mold regions were analyzed by explicit finite difference and boundary element methods, respectively. A comparison was made between the coupling model and the finite difference method on the solidification of castings in metal and sand molds. The proper range of time steps for boundary elements in transient problems was presented for a simple geometry. And two types of time marching schemes were proposed for application of the boundary element method to solidification processes. On leave from Kyung-Pook National University, Taegu, Korea.     

Thermodynamics of the system NaF-AIF3: Part VI. revision

Literature data are reviewed to derive enthalpies and entropies of Na₃AlF₆ and NaF, and they are combined with electrochemical and equilibrium data to yield free energies of formation of Na₃AlF₆ from the constituent fluorides. Liquidus data and measurements of the Na content of Al in equilibrium with the melts then enable the calculation of the free energy of formation, enthalpy, and entropy of all mixtures liquid at 1293 K. In stoichiometric Na₃AlF₆ at 1293 K, a_NaF =0.37 and a_{AlF 3} = 4.9 × 10⁻⁴. The activity coefficient of Na in dilute solution in Al is given byRT ln γ_Na = (40 967 + 9.480 T) J. At 1293 K the partial pressure of NaAlF₄ is given by pNaA1F₄/bar = 27a_NaF . a_{Aif 3}- A heavier species— suggested to be NaAl₃F₁₀—is present in the vapor above AlF₃-rich melts.     

Outcomes of treatment for alcohol problems: Current methods, problems, and results.

This overview of current methods, problems, and results of psychological treatment for alcohol abuse, including alcoholism, begins by considering three common and troublesome assumptions about such treatment. A discussion of external and internal validity problems that are specific to alcoholism treatment research follows, and promising solutions are reviewed. Current data are discussed on who is treated for alcohol problems in this country. Next, detailed consideration is given to factors that predict response to alcoholism treatment, including variables associated with treatment type, setting, and intensity; such factors specific to patients as age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and education, psychopathology, marital and occupational status, and motivation for change; and environmental and other extratreatment factors. The article concludes with a review of current data on nonproblem-drinking treatment goals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Compulsory treatment: Some practical methods of treating the mandated client.

Discusses alternative treatment strategies targeted at the compulsory and often unmotivated client (e.g., the child abuser, the alcohol or substance abuser). Six guidelines (e.g., focused motivation, multimodal approach) useful in treating compulsory patients are suggested. Alternative treatment methods are discussed, including pretreatment structuring, application of the borderline-conditions approaches, and the use of peer support groups. (39 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Assessment research in correctional settings: Methodological issues and practical problems.

With prison populations at record levels, classification and programming based on individual assessments are needed to allocate resources efficiently. However, there is a dearth of assessment research in correctional settings, partly because few psychologists are prepared for the special challenges posed by correctional research. This article discusses the methodological and practical problems that are especially common in or unique to assessment research in correctional settings, especially in prisons. It examines the distinctive culture of correctional institutions and the special concerns of their staffs; reviews considerations peculiar to planning prison-based studies; describes difficulties that may be encountered in obtaining approval by correctional institutions, funding agencies, and human subject review boards; and presents problems that may be encountered in collecting the data and in analyzing and interpreting the results. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Bipedicle flaps: simple solutions for difficult problems in the extremities

Bipedicle flaps have been used to provide good quality soft tissue cover for defects in many anatomical sites. The indications for the use of this flap have not been well defined and with the advent of more complex modes of tissue transfer this simple technique is often overlooked. We have found it to be a safe and expedient method of providing cover for difficult defects on the extremities. We present a series of 9 flaps raised on 7 patients over a 12-month period and discuss the indications and refinements in flap design.     

Informed consent in family therapy research: Ethical dilemmas and practical problems.

Presents several scenarios that illustrate the ethical and practical issues involved in conducting family therapy research. The 3 elements of informed consent, identified in the Belmont Report (1979) as information, comprehension, and voluntariness, are discussed. Guidelines for applying the American Psychological Association ethical principles (see record 1982-04246-001) from a systems-sensitive perspective are offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

A mathematical model for the solution mining of primary copper ore: Part II. leaching by solution containing oxygen bubbles

The one-dimensional model developed previously to simulate thein situ leaching of copper from deeply-buried low-grade copper ore deposits is used to simulate thein situ operation in which the oxygen-saturated solution containing oxygen bubbles is introduced at the bottom of the chimney. The physical and chemical processes incorporated in the present model include the axial convective transport of mass and heat, axial dispersion of mass, mass transfer between the liquid and gas phases, fluid-solid mass transfer, diffusion of oxygen in the pores of ore fragments, and the dissolution of sulfide minerals. The coupled model equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite-difference method. Calculations have been made for various values of the volume fraction of oxygen bubbles (up to 0.1) in the fluid just downstream of the oxygen sparging nozzle. Calculated results indicate that, for a specific chimney considered, the total amount of copper extracted increases with increasing volume fraction of undissolved oxygen bubbles in the inlet fluid and increasing superficial velocity of the solution (up to 20 m per day). However, a further increase in the superficial velocity of liquid or undissolved oxygen bubbles does not enhance copper extraction. Calculated results also indicate that the total fractional recovery of copper increases with decreasing pyrite to chalcopyrite molar ratio, ore grade, particle size, and shape factor.     

Office care of the premature infant: Part II. Common medical and surgical problems

Medical problems associated with prematurity are frequently complex, and a multidisciplinary approach is often required. Some common problems include the following: (1) anemia, which can be reduced by iron supplementation, (2) cerebral palsy or mental retardation as a result of intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, (3) respiratory problems, including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and apnea, (4) visual problems, such as those associated with retinopathy of prematurity, (5) gastroesophageal reflux and (6) surgical problems, including inguinal or umbilical hernia and cryptorchidism. Monitoring of growth and development includes recording the infant's head circumference, weight and length on a growth chart for premature infants. Nutritional status should be assessed at each visit, watching for hyperosmolar problems in infants receiving high-calorie formulas. Consultation with other specialists may be required if abnormalities are identified during follow-up care in the office.     

Optimization and continuous casting: Part I. Problem formulation and solution strategy

Optimization strategies determine process parameters that maximize or minimize some aspect of a process (the objective), while ensuring that the process operates within established limits or constraints. The optimization problem is formulated as a constrained, nonlinear programing (NLP) problem, is solved using successive quadratic programing (SQP), and is applied to the continuous casting of steel. The process status and constraints are evaluated with the aid of a heat flow and solidification model. In this study, we also present the casting objectives of maximum casting rate and formulate the casting constraints. These constraints can represent product quality and process feasibility through limits on strand shell thickness, metallurgical length, maximum heating and cooling rate, casting rate, and reheating of the strand surface. The constraints formulated are representative of a range of typical caster mechanical, thermal, and solidification constraints. To illustrate the capabilities of the method, a small casting example previously reported in the literature is solved using SQP. It is shown that considerable attention must be paid to the formulation in order to derive smooth objective and constraint functions for SQP. An important advantage of this solution technique is that the formulation contains casting rate and spray cooling parameters and that the solution satisfies all constraints. The results are achieved in a single solution to the nonlinear constrained optimization problem. The solution of more complex caster optimization problems is reported in Part II.^[22] Formerly with the Department of Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science, Carnegie Mellon University.     

Children's solution processes in elementary arithmetic problems: Analysis and improvement.

Using error analysis and individual interviews, the problem-solving actions of 176 1st and 2nd graders were analyzed in Exp I. Shortcomings of Ss' knowledge and solution strategies were discovered. It seemed that these shortcomings could be overcome by instruction; therefore, a teaching experiment (Exp II; 52 2nd graders) was undertaken wherein instruction was given for 2 wks to an experimental class, while in a control group, the usual arithmetic program was taught. Experimental instruction related mainly to 3 topics: the equality sign, the part–whole relation, and verification of the outcome of an arithmetic operation. Results show that the experimental teaching program led to a decrease in Ss' thinking errors on elementary addition and subtraction problems. (35 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The diminution of experience: Epistemology's effect on practical knowledge.

Contends that the adoption of G. Bateson's (1979) epistemology in family therapy would have the effect of diminishing the therapist's experience of families. Two unwelcome prospects are suggested: (1) A change in the locus of experience from the family in the room to a system of knowledge ostensibly underneath could result in a dogmatic approach to families and therapy. (2) A practical knowledge can be transformed into technical knowledge, resulting in a new language of therapy. It is suggested that the metaphor should be moved from the center of the therapeutic process to the periphery and utilized to question and enrich practical knowledge and experience. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)