Spiral-CT-based assessment of tracheal stenoses using 3-D-skeletonization

PURPOSE: Demonstration of a technique for three-dimensional (3-D) assessment of tracheal-stenoses, regarding site, length and degree, based on spiral computed tomography (S-CT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: S-CT scanning and automated segmentation of the laryngo-tracheal tract (LTT) was followed by the extraction of the LTT medial axis using a skeletonization algorithm. Orthogonal to the medial axis the LTT 3-D cross-sectional profile was computed and presented as line charts, where degree and length was obtained. Values for both parameters were compared between 36 patients and 18 normal controls separately. Accuracy and precision was derived from 17 phantom studies. RESULTS: Average degree and length of tracheal stenoses was found to be 60.5% and 4.32 cm in patients compared with minor caliber changes of 8.8% and 2.31 cm in normal controls (p < 0.0001). For the phantoms an excellent correlation between the true and computed 3-D cross-sectional profile was found (p < 0.005) and an accuracy for length and degree measurements of 2.14 mm and 2.53% respectively could be determined. The corresponding figures for the precision were found to be 0.92 mm and 2.56%. CONCLUSION: LTT 3-D cross-sectional profiles permit objective, accurate and precise assessment of LTT caliber changes. Minor LTT caliber changes can be observed even in normals and, in case of an otherwise normal S-CT study, can be regarded as artifacts.     

Psychometric and circumplex properties of the octant scale Impact Message Inventory (IMI-C): A structural evaluation.

The Impact Message Inventory (IMI) is a unique clinical and research instrument that describes an individual"s interpersonal behaviors through the internal reactions and perceptions evoked in others. The present article describes an extensive analysis of a revised 8-scale, circumplex version of the IMI (the IMI-C) across a combined sample (N=1,109) from 8 studies. Overall, the IMI-C demonstrates adequate psychometric and structural properties; principal-components and multidimensional scaling analyses suggest that the scales generally conform satisfactorily to a circular ordering, and conservative confirmatory factor analyses suggest some departure of the IMI-C scales from true circumplexity. It is argued that the IMI-C represents a substantial development for researchers who wish to study interpersonal impacts in counseling and psychotherapy research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The impact of basic research in the social sciences: The case of education

Recent expert evaluations of the condition and funding of educational research in the USA assume that basic research in the social sciences is a crucial factor in increasing our understanding and ultimately improving the practice of education (see, for example, the 1977 report¹ of the National Academy of Sciences' Committee on Fundamental Research Relevant to Education). Past tests of this assumption, however, have generally relied upon argument by example or anecdote. In the present study, we analyze citation patterns in the education literature to test the corollary proposition that basic research in the social sciences has had a substantial impact on the literature in education. Empirical data collected on citation patterns in the education literature are found to be largely consistent with this proposition.     

The training of psychiatrists and psychologists.

Compares the training of psychologists (PSLs) and psychiatrists (PSTs) and concludes that PSTs have little formal training in the study of human behavior and little contact with problems and methods in science, while PSLs have a more extensive background in the study of human behavior and formal training in science. (0 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The job market: Response to Thomas Blank.

The American Psychological Association's Executive Officer clarifies points made in T. O. Blank's (1979) comment on the article by M. Wertheimer et al (see record 1979-22512-001) concerning the future job market for psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Report of the Executive Officer: 1978.

Discusses activities of the past year inside the Central Office of the American Psychological Association (APA), including the activities of the executive officer, the establishment of a continuing education program, the revision of accreditation criteria, and the establishment of the Minority Affairs Committee. The state of the APA and prospects for the future are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Some myths of psychotherapy research and the search for a paradigm.

3 myths prevalent in psychotherapy research are considered and refuted. These include the uniformity assumptions, spontaneous remission of psychoneurosis, and the belief that present theoretical formulations provide adequate paradigms. Several other confusions are listed and clarified including the process-outcome distinction, the classification problem, and the expectation of the definitive study in therapy research. Finally, an attempt is made to delineate the minimal requirements of any psychotherapy research paradigm by incorporating present empirical evidence as well as by specifying common sources of confounding vis-a-vis the therapy interaction. (2 p. ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

"Client-therapist complementarity: An analysis of the Gloria films": Correction.

Reports an error in "Client-therapist complementarity: An analysis of the Gloria films" by Donald J. Kiesler and Chesley S. Goldston (Journal of Counseling Psychology, 1988[Apr], Vol 35[2], 127-133). The date of receipt indicated for the revision of this article was incorrect. The correct date of receipt is provided in the erratum. (The following abstract of the original article appeared in record 1988-36446-001.) In this investigation of Shostrom's (1966) psychotherapy demonstration films, we used a checklist inventory measure derived from the 1982 Interpersonal Circle to examine the interpersonal behavior of Gloria, her three therapists, and their respective transaction patterns. Groups of undergraduate raters observed the three films, after which they rated the interpersonal behavior of either Gloria or the therapist. Analyses of Interpersonal Circle axes and segment scores revealed significant differences in the interpersonal behaviors of the three therapists with Gloria and of Gloria with the three therapists. Analyses of transactional patterns showed departures of Gloria's behaviors from the perfect complementary fit predicted from each of the therapist's interpersonal profiles, especially for behaviors categorized on the hostile half of the Interpersonal Circle. Discussion emphasized the complex of dyadic mix and other contextual factors that need to be addressed in future interpersonal studies of psychotherapy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Keeping an open mind: A rejoinder.

Replies to the comments of S. M. Essock and H. H. Goldman (see record 1990-02584-001) on C. A. Kiesler and T. L. Morton's (see record 1988-21263-001) article on the prospective payment system (PPS) according to diagnosis-related groups in inpatient psychiatry. The present authors argue that Essock and Goldman's comments on the role of length of stay in PPS, Kiesler and Morton's perceived attitudes toward hospitalization, and a number of pro-PPS arguments, represent a one-sided anti-PPS attitude prominent in the psychiatric literature. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Research funding for psychology.

Describes recent trends in funding for basic and applied research in psychology. Comparisons are made with other disciplines and in relation to available manpower. Data that bear on research costs, proposals funded, research quality, and support for young vs senior psychologists are presented. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)