Flexible electrical conductors for high-temperature switchgear

Arch-shaped conductors fabricated from flat strips of beryllium oxide dispersion-strengthened copper alloy serve as flexible electrical connectors capable of operating in 1000 deg F temperature range, under vacuum conditions for periods of 10,000 hours or more without failure

Mind Over Matter: A Qualitative Examination of the Coping Resources Used by Women with Cancer

Aim: This exploratory study investigates the coping resources used by six women diagnosed with cancer. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide these women with the opportunity to discuss their cancer experiences along with the specific coping methods they found to be helpful throughout their journey. Methods: The participants, ranging in age from 25 to 63, completed a background questionnaire, followed by either a semi-structured interview (n=3) or an interview via written response (n=3). Results: Several key coping methods were described as being helpful to these women, and these methods fell into three major categories: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and extrapersonal coping resources. Although each of these resource categories had a direct influence on overall well-being itself, the interpersonal and extrapersonal resources also influenced the intrapersonal category, offering an alternate means by which they could influence overall well-being. These findings highlight the many coping resources used by these women when navigating their cancer journey

Observed cloud reflectivities and liquid water paths: An update

The FIRE microwave radiometer observations of liquid water path from San Nicolas Island and simultaneous NOAA AVHRR observations of cloud reflectivity were used to test a relationship between cloud liquid water path and cloud reflectivity that is often used in general circulation climate models (Stephens, 1978). The results of attempts to improve the data analysis which was described at the previous FIRE Science Team Workshop and elsewhere (Coakley and Snider, 1989) are reported. The improvements included the analysis of additional satellite passes over San Nicolas and sensitivity studies to estimate the effects on the observed reflectivities due to: (1) nonzero surface reflectivities beneath the clouds; (2) the anisotropy of the reflected radiances observed by the AVHRR; (3) small scale spatial structure in the liquid water path; and (4) adjustments to the calibration of AVHRR

Dependence of marine stratocumulus reflectivities on liquid water paths

Simple parameterizations that relate cloud liquid water content to cloud reflectivity are often used in general circulation climate models to calculate the effect of clouds in the earth's energy budget. Such parameterizations have been developed by Stephens (1978) and by Slingo and Schrecker (1982) and others. Here researchers seek to verify the parametric relationship through the use of simultaneous observations of cloud liquid water content and cloud reflectivity. The column amount of cloud liquid was measured using a microwave radiometer on San Nicolas Island following techniques described by Hogg et al., (1983). Cloud reflectivity was obtained through spatial coherence analysis of Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) imagery data (Coakley and Beckner, 1988). They present the dependence of the observed reflectivity on the observed liquid water path. They also compare this empirical relationship with that proposed by Stephens (1978). Researchers found that by taking clouds to be isotropic reflectors, the observed reflectivities and observed column amounts of cloud liquid water are related in a manner that is consistent with simple parameterizations often used in general circulation climate models to determine the effect of clouds on the earth's radiation budget. Attempts to use the results of radiative transfer calculations to correct for the anisotropy of the AVHRR derived reflectivities resulted in a greater scatter of the points about the relationship expected between liquid water path and reflectivity. The anisotropy of the observed reflectivities proved to be small, much smaller than indicated by theory. To critically assess parameterizations, more simultaneous observations of cloud liquid water and cloud reflectivities and better calibration of the AVHRR sensors are needed

Multidimensional measurement within adult protective services: design and initial testing of the tool for risk, interventions, and outcomes.

This study describes the development, field utility, reliability, and validity of the multidimensional Tool for Risk, Interventions, and Outcomes (TRIO) for use in Adult Protective Services (APS). The TRIO is designed to facilitate consistent APS practice and collect data related to multiple dimensions of typical interactions with APS clients, including the investigation and assessment of risks, the provision of APS interventions, and associated health and safety outcomes. Initial tests of the TRIO indicated high field utility, social worker "relevance and buy-in," and inter-rater reliability. TRIO concurrent validity was demonstrated via appropriate patterns of TRIO item differentiation based on the type of observed confirmed abuse or neglect; and predictive validity was demonstrated by prediction of the risk of actual APS recurrence. The TRIO is a promising new tool that can help meet the challenges of providing and documenting effective APS practices and identifying those at high risk for future APS recurrence

ASSESSMENT OF BOVINE VASCULAR SEROTONIN RECEPTOR POPULATIONS AND TRANSPORT OF ERGOT ALKALOIDS IN THE SMALL INTESTINE

Prior work using a contractility bioassay determined that the serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtype 5-HT2A is present in bovine lateral saphenous veins and plays a role in ergot alkaloid-induced vascular contraction in steers grazing endophyte-infected (Epichloë coenophiala) tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum). A study was conducted to determine what 5-HT receptors are involved in vasoconstriction of bovine gut vasculature. The findings of this study indicate that 5-HT2A is present and may play a role in ergot alkaloid induced vasoconstriction. A second study was conducted to determine if ergot alkaloids were transported in the small intestine. The active transporter, peptide transporter 1 (PepT1), was evaluated for its role in the transport of various concentrations of ergot alkaloids across Caco-2 cell monolayers. Results indicate that CEPH, ERT, EXT, and LSA do move across Caco-2 cell monolayers, but appear to utilize PepT1 at larger concentrations. Overall, the demonstrated presence of 5-HT2A receptors in the bovine gut vasculature established a potential for vascular interference by ergot alkaloids entering the bloodstream through transepithelial absorption

A Critical Analysis of Rural Teachers\u27 Usage of Online Communities

The purpose of this study was to analyze data related to rural teachers\u27 use of online communities. Rural teachers are often isolated in their practice and sometimes have difficulty connecting with other teachers with their same assignments or needs due to their professional setting. As Internet availability increases and online communities proliferate, teachers have more opportunity than ever to seek personal and professional support in virtual relationships when face-to-face ones are not easily available. In small schools such as the ones included in this study, teachers can become burned out as they perform the difficult task of teaching with few colleagues in their department or grade level to turn to for support. One interview subject said that she and the only other person with the same teaching assignment don\u27t always have time to communicate and often have to use their lunch period to do so. Another said that she feels very isolated because there are only three of them with the same grade level assignment. The most telling comment came from one high school teacher, I am the foreign language department. In spite of these expressed feelings of isolation, this study\u27s results do not support widespread use of online communities by these particular rural teachers to help fill their personal and professional needs. The only online communication technology widely used was email. At a minimum, every subject in this study had access to a high-speed Internet connection, functional technology, administrative support, and training. With this type of support already in place, further study is needed to discover what would increase awareness and use of online communities by this group of teachers. Additionally, similar studies in different rural school settings might show different results. Comparisons of study findings between rural schools in different geographic locations would be revealing. Such comparative studies could help inform administrators and online community developers who wish to better meet the needs of rural teachers

A multiple-methods assessment of faculty attitudes toward inclusive instruction.

The enrollment landscape of postsecondary institutions in the United States has undergone significant demographic shifts, marked by increasing racial and ethnic diversity and a rise in enrollment of students with disabilities. Recognizing the importance of accommodating diverse learners, this study investigates faculty attitudes toward inclusive instruction, Universal Design for Instruction, and disability-related topics. This multiple-methods study aimed to identify differences across faculty groups to establish an initial measure of faculty attitudes toward inclusive teaching practices that can be used to design future training or professional development opportunities. Data was collected via an online distribution of the Inclusive Teaching Strategies Inventory (ITSI) and semi-structured interviews with faculty. A total of 89 surveys were used to conduct four one-way MANOVAs. The MANOVAs indicated significant results for faculty differences based on disability-related training and college affiliation for the subscales of Inclusive Classrooms, Inclusive Assessment, and Disability Law and Concepts. A thematic analysis of the open-ended survey question indicated generally positive perceptions of inclusive instruction and described two main limitations faced by faculty: the challenging workload and the feasibility of implementing inclusive practices and accommodations. Phenomenological analysis of the data collected from faculty interviews indicated three recurrent themes across faculty experiences: (1) faculty using inclusive instructional practices and Universal Design for Instruction (UDI), (2) a need for more support for diverse student populations beyond those with disabilities, and (3) a transformation in faculty roles. Recommendations for the participating university include prioritizing faculty training on inclusive practices, particularly for those with limited prior training, and incorporating Universal Design for Instruction (UDI) principles into tenure and promotion criteria. The study also underscores the need for further research exploring the influence of technology on faculty attitudes and practices regarding inclusive instruction

Bodily Concern: Assessment and Personality Variables

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between bodily concern and certain personality variables. Four measures of bodily concern were correlated with the scales of the Edwards Personal Preference Schedule. Three hypotheses were checked in the study of bodily concern. I. There is a positive relationship between bodily concern and the EPPS scale of Deference. II. There is a negative relationship between bodily concern and the EPPS scale of Autonomy. III. There is a positive relationship between bodily concern and the EPPS scale of exhibition. The hypotheses were not supported by the results. In regard to the testing of hypothesis II, no significant correlations were found. In regard to hypotheses I and III, significant correlations in the opposite direction from those predicted were obtained. Thus significant negative correlations at or beyond the .05 level of confidence were obtained between at least one bodily concern scale and the variables of the EPPS of Deference and Exhibition. The significant correlations between the bodily concern scales and the other EPPS variables were discussed and certain recommendations were made with regard to the possibility of further research in this area