Volumetric texture segmentation by discriminant feature selection and multiresolution classification

In this paper, a multiresolution volumetric texture segmentation (M-VTS) algorithm is presented. The method extracts textural measurements from the Fourier domain of the data via subband filtering using an orientation pyramid (Wilson and Spann, 1988). A novel Bhattacharyya space, based on the Bhattacharyya distance, is proposed for selecting the most discriminant measurements and producing a compact feature space. An oct tree is built of the multivariate features space and a chosen level at a lower spatial resolution is first classified. The classified voxel labels are then projected to lower levels of the tree where a boundary refinement procedure is performed with a three-dimensional (3-D) equivalent of butterfly filters. The algorithm was tested with 3-D artificial data and three magnetic resonance imaging sets of human knees with encouraging results. The regions segmented from the knees correspond to anatomical structures that can be used as a starting point for other measurements such as cartilage extraction.     

Study of the thermomechanical and electrical properties of conducting composites containing natural rubber and carbon black

This work describes the preparation and characterization of composite materials obtained by the combination of natural rubber (NR) and carbon black (CB) in different percentages, aiming to improve their mechanical properties, processability, and electrical conductivity, aiming future applications as transducer in pressure sensors. The composites NR/CB were characterized through optical microscopy (OM), DC conductivity, thermal analysis using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), thermogravimetry (TGA), and stress–strain test. The electrical conductivity varied between 10^?9 and 10 S m^?1, depending on the percentage of CB in the composite. Furthermore, a linear (and reversible) dependence of the conductivity on the applied pressure between 0 and 1.6 MPa was observed for the sample with containing 80 wt % of NR and 20% of CB. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Analyzing and monitoring aluminum smelter performance via web browsers

Conclusion Based on our experience at Albras, where the system is still in operation and being expanded upon, web browsers will play only a greater role as a tool for spreading useful information to decision makers in the plant environment. Authors’ Note: A more detailed explanation of the system described here can be found at www.atan.com.br. In development is an interface that will allow every visitor to browse freely through simulated process data. Marcelo de Souza Baltar earned his B.S. in electronic engineering at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1993. He is a system engineer at the Aluminum Division of Atan Automation Systems. Ernani Fernandes Vargas da Silva is a senior programmer at the Aluminum Division of Atan Automation Systems. Constantino Seixas Filho earned his M.S. in computer science at Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1985. He is an assistant professor of the Electronics Department of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais and is research and development director at Atan Automation Systems.     

Fire resistance of biomass ash panels used for internal partitions in buildings

The main purpose of this study has been to develop fire-resistant panels with a high biomass ash ratio (from the combustion of olive pomace) at an industrial scale to be used in different fire-resistant internal partitions in buildings and industrial constructions. To this end, fire resistance, thermal and mechanical parameters were measured. The panels (100×60 cm by 4 cm thick) were prepared following an easy manufacturing technique. The results of this study show that biomass ash panels can be fabricated at large scale easily to give products with thermal and mechanical properties reproducing those previously found in smaller test pieces. The product here studied in the form of low-density panels (800 kg/m³) has a great potential for an industrial use, showing similar properties to those found in commercial gypsum plasterboard, a material of generalised use for this type of application. Thus, among other panel characteristics, a thermal conductivity of 0.256 W/m K (25 °C) and a fire resistance of 78 min were measured in standard conditions by an accredited Spanish fire resistance laboratory for panels showing a compressive strength of 1.24 MPa, and a flexural strength of 1.78 MPa.     

Phase transition in poly(vinylidene fluoride) investigated with micro-Raman spectroscopy

The phase transition from the non-polar alpha-phase to the polar beta-phase of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) has been investigated using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which is advantageous because it is a nondestructive technique. Films of alpha-PVDF were subjected to stretching under controlled rates at 80 degrees C, while the transition to beta-PVDF was monitored by the decrease in the Raman band at 794 cm(-1) characteristic of the alpha-phase, along with the concomitant increase in the 839 cm(-1) band characteristic of the beta-phase. The alpha-->beta transition in our PVDF samples could be achieved even for the sample stretched to twice (2x-stretched) the initial length and it did not depend on the stretching rate in the range between 2.0 and 7.0 mm/min. These conclusions were corroborated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction experiments for PVDF samples processed under the same conditions as in the Raman scattering measurements. Poling with negative corona discharge was found to affect the alpha-PVDF morphology, improving the Raman bands related to this crystalline phase. This effect is minimized for films stretched to higher ratios. Significantly, corona-induced effects could not be observed with the other experimental techniques, i.e., X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy.     

Interpersonal styles of chronically depressed outpatients: Profiles and therapeutic change.

Theoretical accounts posit that chronically depressed individuals are perceived as hostile and/or submissive, which compromises their ability to satisfy their interpersonal needs. The current study assessed the interpersonal tenets of McCullough's (2000) chronic depression theory and examined change in interpersonal functioning following McCullough's treatment for chronic depression (viz., Cognitive-Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy; CBASP). Data derive from a randomized 12-week clinical trial that compared the efficacy of CBASP, nefazodone, and their combination for chronic depression. To assess patients' interpersonal impacts, CBASP therapists completed the Impact Message Inventory (IMI) following an early and a late session. IMI data were compared to normative and clinical comparison samples to assess depression-related interpersonal profiles and clinically significant change in interpersonal functioning. As predicted, chronically depressed patients were initially perceived as more submissive and hostile than the comparison groups. Patients' interpersonal impacts on their therapists changed in adaptive, theoretically predicted ways by the end of CBASP treatment, either with or without medication. Individual-level clinical significance data were less robust. The findings generally substantiate McCullough's interpersonal theory and provide preliminary evidence of change in interpersonal impacts following treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Integrative Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A Preliminary Investigation.

This study is a preliminary investigation of an integrative treatment aimed at improving the efficacy of cognitive therapy (CT) for depression. The development of the treatment protocol was based on process findings, which suggested that strategies used in CT to resolve alliance ruptures may actually exacerbate problems in the therapeutic relationship. The protocol integrates, within the traditional CT treatment manual, procedures to repair alliance ruptures that are derived from or consistent with humanistic and interpersonal therapies. Although conducted by inexperienced therapists, the integrative treatment led to greater improvement than a waiting-list condition. The results also compare favorably to previous findings for CT. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Correction to Psychotherapist Mindfulness and the Psychotherapy Process, Bruce et al (2010).

Reports an error in Psychotherapist mindfulness and the psychotherapy process by Noah G. Bruce, Rachel Manber, Shauna L. Shapiro and Michael J. Constantino (Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 2010[Mar], Vol 47[1], 83-97). The order of authorship and the affiliations of the authors was incorrectly printed. The correct order and affiliations are as follows: Noah Bruce, Shauna L. Shapiro, Michael J. Constantino, and Rachel Manber; Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara University, University of Massachusetts, Stanford University. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 2010-05168-010.) A psychotherapist’s ability to relate to his or her patients is essential for decreasing patient suffering and promoting patient growth. However, the psychotherapy field has identified few effective means for training psychotherapists in this ability. In this conceptual article, we propose that mindfulness practice may be a means for training psychotherapists to better relate to their patients. We posit that mindfulness is a means of self-attunement that increases one’s ability to attune to others (in this case, patients) and that this interpersonal attunement ultimately helps patients achieve greater self-attunement that, in turn, fosters decreased symptom severity, greater well-being, and better interpersonal relationships. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)