Self-representation of suicidal adolescents

This study focused on the self-representations of suicidal adolescent. Twenty-six Israeli suicidal inpatients, 24 nonsuicidal inpatients, and 24 control participants completed scales on suicidal tendencies, the hedonic value of self-representations, the complexity (differentiation, integration) of these self-representations, and the discrepancies among self domains (actual, ideal, ought). Suicidal adolescents showed more negative self-representations, a less differentiated and less integrated organization of self-attributes, and more discrepancies between the 3 assessed domains of the self than did control participants. In addition, compared with psychiatric nonsuicidal participants, suicidal adolescents showed a less complex organization of self-attributes and a higher discrepancy between ideal self and ought self. Results were discussed in terms of the vulnerable self of suicidal adolescents, characterized by uneven processing of positive and negative information, confusion, and simplicity.     

Determination of particle size distribution in a modified hop extract emulsion by electrical resistivity

A procedure has been developed which is suitable for the evaluation of particle size distribution in emulsions of modified hop extracts. A Coulter Counter Model A and a Coulter Counter Model B equipped with a Model M Data Converter were used to assess the weight percent distribution of particles smaller than 10 μm in diameter. The influences of electrolyte concentration, length of analysis, and concentration of the hop extract particles were factors affecting the reproducibility of the study. It was found that identical distribution curves could be obtained with either instrument. The Model B Coulter Counter with the Model M Data Converter is preferred since weight fractions are provided directly and lengthy calculation procedures are eliminated. Coincidence correction on particle counts was unnecessary under the controlled conditions of the analysis.     

Influence of structure and counterions on physicochemical properties of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates

The effects of different inorganic and organic counterions on the physicochemical behavior of three commercial linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LAS) have been studied. It has been found that the counterion hydration radius of the corresponding commercial linear alkylbenzene sulfonates has great influence on solubility, viscosity, surface tension and critical micelle concentration (CMC). The counterion has no influence on the detergency performance of the finished formulation. The alkyl chain length and the presence of tetralines have an important influence on solubility, viscosity and surface tension.     

Structure formation during spinning of poly(p-phenylenebenzobisthiazole) fiber

The structure formed in the coagulation stage of the spinning process of poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) fiber is studied by electron microscopy. An oriented network of microfibrils with typical fibril diameters of about 80-100Å is observed. We suggest that these microfibrils are the fundamental structural elements of the fiber. Thus, knowledge of the mechanism by which this initial structure is formed may allow for better control of final fiber properties. The relation of structure formation during coagulation to the phase diagram of a rigid polymer solution and to the kinetic mechanism of the phase transition is discussed.     

Fusing distributional and experiential information for measuring semantic relatedness

Models of semantic relatedness have usually focused on language-based distributional information without taking into account “experiential data” concerning the embodied sensorial source of the represented concepts. In this paper, we present an integrative cognitive model of semantic relatedness. The model – semantic family resemblance – uses a variation of the co-product as a mathematical structure that guides the fusion of distributional and experiential information. Our algorithm provides superior results in a set expansion task and a significant correlation with two benchmarks of human rated word-pair similarity datasets.     

Log-linear allometry of fetal craniofacial growth in Down's syndrome

Trisomy 21 develops as a result of nondisjunction of two homologous chromosomes during either the first or second meiotic division. One of the more important consequences of these genetic alterations is the predictable, although variable disturbance in the architecture of the craniofacial region [1]. Postnatal craniofacial morphology has been extensively studied in Down's syndrome (DS). However, little information is available on human prenatal development of the head and face in such patients. The time at which changes in craniofacial phenotype first emerge in Down's syndrome fetuses and at which physical growth begins to diverge from normal is unknown. To explore these questions, we compared prenatal craniofacial growth in 50 Down's syndrome fetuses with that of 555 fetuses judged to be "typical for body weight and age" using the method of log-linear allometry [2].     

Critical care medicine: opportunities and strategies for improvement

BACKGROUND: Like other areas of health care, critical care faces increasing pressure to improve the quality while reducing the cost of care. Strategies drawn from the literature and the authors' experiences are presented. STRATEGIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTS: Ten process- or structure-related areas are targeted as strategically important focuses of improvement: (1) restructuring administrative lines to better suit key processes; (2) physician leadership in critical care units; (3) management training for critical care managers; (4) triage; (5) multidisciplinary critical care; (6) standardization of care; (7) developing alternatives to critical care units; (8) timeliness of care delivery; (9) appropriate use of critical care resources; and (10) tracking quality improvement. TIMELINESS OF CARE DELIVERY: Whatever the root cause(s) of unnecessary delays, the result is inefficient use of critical care resources-and ultimately either a need for more resources or longer wait times. Innovations designed to reduce wait times and waste, such as the establishment of a microchemistry stat laboratory, may prove valuable. APPROPRIATE USE OF CRITICAL CARE RESOURCES: Possible strategies for the appropriate use of critical care resources include better selection of well-informed patients who undergo procedures. Reduction in variation among physicians and organizations in providing therapies will also likely lead to a reduction in some high-risk procedures offering little or no benefit, and therefore a reduction in need for critical care services. Better preparation of patients and families should also make end-of-life decisions easier when questions of "futility" arise. Better information on outcomes and cost-effectiveness and consensus on withdrawal of critical care treatments represent two additional strategies.     

Edge detection insensitive to changes of illumination in the image

In this paper we present new edge detection algorithms which are motivated by recent developments on edge-adapted reconstruction techniques [F. Aràndiga, A. Cohen, R. Donat, N. Dyn, B. Matei, Approximation of piecewise smooth functions and images by edge-adapted (ENO-EA) nonlinear multiresolution techniques, Appl. Comput. Harmon. Anal. 24 (2) (2008) 225–250]. They are based on comparing local quantities rather than on filtering and thresholding. This comparison process is invariant under certain transformations that model light changes in the image, hence we obtain edge detection algorithms which are insensitive to changes in illumination.