Determination of the Fundamental Image Categories for Typical Consumer Imagery

Many tasks in imaging science are image-dependent. While a particular dependency might simply be a function of certain physical attributes of an image, often it is closely related to the perceived semantic category. Therefore, a thorough understanding of image semantics would be of substantial practical value. The primary goal of this research was to determine the fundamental semantic categories for typical consumer imagery. Two psychophysical experiments were performed. Experiment I was a Free Sorting Experiment where observers were asked to sort 32 1 images into piles of similar images. Experiment II was a Distributed Experiment conducted over the internet which used the method of triads to collect similarity and dissimilarity data from 321 images. Due to the large number of images included in the experiment, the method of non-repeating random paths was employed to reduce the number of required responses. Both experiments were analyzed using multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis. The Free Sorting Experiment was also analyzed using dual scaling. The results from all three methods were compiled and a set of 34 categories that proved to be stable across multiple methods of analysis was formed. A multidimensional perceptual image semantic space has been suggested and advantages to utilizing such a structure have been outlined. The 34 fundamental categories were represented by 10 perceptual dimensions that described the underlying perceptions leading to categorical assignments. The 10 perceptual dimensions were humanness, artificialness, perceived proximity, candidness, wetness, architecture, terrain, activeness, lightness, and relative age

Novel hybrid method to additively manufacture denser graphite structures using Binder Jetting.

This study introduces two hybrid processes integrating an additive manufacturing technique with post-processing treatments namely (i) Binder Jetting Printing (BJP) + Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) + cycle and (ii) BJP + cycle where cycle refers to a sequence of Impregnation-Drying-Pyrolysis. These two new processes yielded additively manufactured parts with higher density and reduced defects/porosities. As a testbed, we used these new processes to fabricate graphite structures. The samples produced by both methods were compared with each other and benchmarked to the samples produced by (a) BJP alone and (b) Traditional uniaxial pressing like compaction moulding. Various characterisation methods were used to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties which showed that the porosity of hybrid manufactured samples reduces from 55% to a record 7%. This technological pathway is expected to create a new avalanche of industrial applications that are hitherto unexplored in the arena of hybrid additive manufacturing with BJP method

Development of a model of focal pneumococcal pneumonia in young rats

BACKGROUND: A recently licensed pneumococcal conjugate vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in the prevention of bacteremia in immunized children but the degree of protection against pneumonia has been difficult to determine. METHODS: We sought to develop a model of Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia in Sprague-Dawley rats. We challenged three-week old Sprague-Dawley pups via intrapulmonary injection of S. pneumoniae serotypes 3 and 6B. Outcomes included bacteremia, mortality as well histologic sections of the lungs. RESULTS: Pneumonia was reliably produced in animals receiving either 10 or 100 cfu of type 3 pneumococci, with 30% and 50% mortality respectively. Similarly, with type 6B, the likelihood of pneumonia increased with the inoculum, as did the mortality rate. Prophylactic administration of a preparation of high-titered anticapsular antibody prevented the development of type 3 pneumonia and death. CONCLUSION: We propose that this model may be useful for the evaluation of vaccines for the prevention of pneumococcal pneumonia

Mucosal Uptake of Gabapentin (Neurontin) vs. Pregabalin in the Small Intestine

Purpose . To compare the mucosal membrane transport of gabapentin and pregabalin in animal small intestine.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/41488/1/11095_2004_Article_342157.pd

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a child with cyclical vomiting and hypertension: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is characterized by headache, nausea and vomiting, seizures and visual disturbances. It has certain characteristic radiological features, which allow diagnosis in the appropriate clinical setting and enable appropriate clinical therapy to be instituted.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 10-year-old Caucasian girl who was hospitalized due to recurrent vomiting was diagnosed as having posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome after an initial diagnosis of cyclical vomiting and hypertension was made.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a rare disorder in children. Early recognition of characteristic radiological features is key to the diagnosis as clinical symptoms may be non-specific or mimic other neurological illnesses. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case to report an association between posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, cyclical vomiting and hypertension. Furthermore, in this case, the resolution of the abnormalities found on magnetic resonance imaging over time did not appear to equate with clinical recovery.</p

Синтез и свойства амидов на основе абиетиновой кислоты и диэтилентриамина

Chemical interaction of abietic acid with diethylenetriamine at molar ratio of 1,0 : 1,2 and temperatures of 190 and 210 °С allows to obtain a product with acid number of 55 and 18 mg КОН/g, temperature of softening of 24-26 °С and 29-31 °С respectively, mixing unlimitedly with water and thermally stable up to 300 °С. This product can be used as a functional substance, capable of giving some water repellency to paper and cardboard and improving its strength.Химическое взаимодействие абиетиновой кислоты с диэтилентриамином при мольном соотношении 1,0:1,2 и температурах 190 и 210 °С позволяет получить продукт с кислотным числом 55 и 18 мг КОН/г, температурой размягчения 24-26 °С и 29-31 °С соответственно, обладающий неограниченной смешиваемостью с водой и термической устойчивостью до температуры 300°С. Этот продукт может использоваться в качестве функционального вещества, способного придать бумаге и картону определенную степень гидрофобности и улучшить прочностные показатели

Модифицирование смоляных кислот канифоли для улучшения их гидрофобизирующего действия на бумагу и картон

The modification of rosin resin acids, which improves their hydrophobic effect on paper and cardboard, is based on the implementation of 6 stages. Control of chemical processes at each stage is carried out by monitoring and regulating temperature and flow parameters, which determine the achievement of the required physical and chemical properties and composition of intermediates and final substance. One of the main indicators is the acid number, which for the final substance should be 60–70 mg KOH/g, which corresponds to the content of free resin acids in the functional substance of 40–45 %. The fulfillment of the specified temperature and consumption parameters for the modification of resin acids of rosin and the achievement of the necessary physicochemical properties of intermediates at each stage ensures the production of a functional substance with an improved hydrophobic effect on paper and cardboard. Compared to the traditionally used TM adhesive-paste, the developed functional substance in the production of paper with absorbency at one-sided wetting of not more than 21 g/m2 provides a reduction in the content of particles of the dispersed phase of the rosin emulsion by 1.4–2.0 times, which indicates its improved properties, and maximum preservation of the original strength of the paper by reducing the distance between the fibers due to a 3.3–3.8 times reduction (from 4200–5000 to 1100–1480 nm) in the size of sizing complexes.Модифицирование смоляных кислот канифоли, обеспечивающее улучшение гидрофобизирующего действия на бумагу и картон, основано на осуществлении 6 стадий. Управление химическими процессами на каждой стадии осуществляется путем контроля и регулирования температурных и расходных параметров, обусловливающих достижение требуемых физико-химических свойств и состава полупродуктов и конечного вещества. Один из основных показателей – кислотное число, которое для конечного вещества должно составлять 60–70 мг KOH/г, что соответствует содержанию свободных смоляных кислот в функциональном веществе 40–45 %. Выполнение указанных температурных и расходных параметров модифицирования смоляных кислот канифоли и достижение необходимых физико-химических свойств полупродуктов на каждой стадии обеспечивают получение функционального вещества, обладающего улучшенным гидрофобизирующим действием на бумагу и картон. По сравнению с традиционно используемым клеем-пастой ТМ, разработанное функциональное вещество при получении бумаги с впитываемостью при одностороннем смачивании не более 21 г/м2 обеспечивает снижение содержания частиц дисперсной фазы канифольной эмульсии в 1,4–2,0 раза, что свидетельствует об ее улучшенных гидрофобизирующих свойствах, и максимальное сохранение первоначальной прочности бумаги за счет уменьшения расстояния между волокнами благодаря снижению в 3,3–3,8 раза (от 4200–5000 до 1100–1480 нм) размера проклеивающих комплексов

"It’s sort of reaffirmed to me that I'm not a monster, I'm not a terrible person": sex offenders’ movements toward desistance via peer-support roles in prison

Individuals incarcerated in prisons across the United Kingdom and abroad are able to volunteer for a variety of peer-support roles, which are characterized by prisoner-to-prisoner helping. Some research has found that such roles can represent turning points in the lives of those who have offended and encourage movements toward desistance. This proposed redemptive influence is argued to result from the prosocial behaviors that such roles appear to elicit in their holders. The present study aims to explore the mechanics of this claimed influence. While a limited amount of research has attempted this on a general offending population, no research has done so with a sample of sexual offenders. Given the intensive treatment programs involved in such contexts, and the requirements for sexual offenders to demonstrate reduced risk, the authors believe those serving time for sexual offenses represent an important sample on which to explore the potentially redemptive properties of peer-support roles. To this end, 13 peer supporters participated in semistructured interviews. Transcripts were analyzed using a phenomenologically oriented thematic analysis. Results suggest that sexual offenders who adopt peer-support roles are able to live up to desired selves by “doing good” in prison, “giving back,” and consequently resisting negative labels. These benefits have been theoretically linked with better reintegration outcomes for sexual offenders, who are publicly denigrated in the extreme and find it especially difficult to (re)integrate. Suggestions regarding the future utility of such schemes are offered

Cyclic vomiting syndrome in adults

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/72300/1/j.1365-2982.2008.01113.x.pd

Examining Causes of Racial Disparities in General Surgical Mortality: Hospital Quality Versus Patient Risk

BACKGROUND: Racial disparities in general surgical outcomes are known to exist but not well understood. OBJECTIVES: To determine if black-white disparities in general surgery mortality for Medicare patients are attributable to poorer health status among blacks on admission or differences in the quality of care provided by the admitting hospitals. RESEARCH DESIGN: Matched cohort study using Tapered Multivariate Matching. SUBJECTS: All black elderly Medicare general surgical patients (N=18,861) and white-matched controls within the same 6 states or within the same 838 hospitals. MEASURES: Thirty-day mortality (primary); others include in-hospital mortality, failure-to-rescue, complications, length of stay, and readmissions. RESULTS: Matching on age, sex, year, state, and the exact same procedure, blacks had higher 30-day mortality (4.0% vs. 3.5%, P\u3c0.01), in-hospital mortality (3.9% vs. 2.9%, P\u3c0.0001), in-hospital complications (64.3% vs. 56.8% P\u3c0.0001), and failure-to-rescue rates (6.1% vs. 5.1% P\u3c0.001), longer length of stay (7.2 vs. 5.8 d, P\u3c0.0001), and more 30-day readmissions (15.0% vs. 12.5%, P\u3c0.0001). Adding preoperative risk factors to the above match, there was no significant difference in mortality or failure-to-rescue, and all other outcome differences were small. Blacks matched to whites in the same hospital displayed no significant differences in mortality, failure-to-rescue, or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS: Black and white Medicare patients undergoing the same procedures with closely matched risk factors displayed similar mortality, suggesting that racial disparities in general surgical mortality are not because of differences in hospital quality. To reduce the observed disparities in surgical outcomes, the poorer health of blacks on presentation for surgery must be addressed