Showing papers by "Long Island University published in 1998"

Teacher, Student, and School Attributes as Predictors of Teachers' Responses to Inclusion

Abstract: General educators (N = 188) were surveyed regarding their responses to including students with disabilities in their classrooms. Two dimensions of responses were identified: hostility/receptivity and anxiety/calmness. Results indicated that teacher attributes and beliefs, student characteristics, and school climate relate to both dimensions. Specifically, receptivity toward inclusion was associated with higher teacher efficacy, inclusion of students with physical rather than cognitive or behavior disorders, use of differentiated teaching practices, and teacher collaboration. Findings further suggest that with experience, teachers become more hostile toward inclusion. Lower anxiety was associated with the inclusion of students with learning or behavior disorders, high teacher efficacy, and small class size. Results demonstrate the complex nature of teachers' thinking about inclusion and suggest that teacher, student, and school factors need to be considered in the analysis of teachers' willingness to suppo...

Particle sorting in bivalves: in vivo determination of the pallial organs of selection

Abstract: Benthic particle feeders are exposed to a food supply varying in both quantity and quality. Previous studies have shown that bivalve molluscs deal with such fluctuating particle regimes in a variety of ways, including adjustments in pumping and ingestion rates, and selective rejection of non-nutritive particles as pseudofeces. The actual site of particle selection within the pallial cavity, however, has remained a topic of speculation. During August 1995 and January and August 1996, we exposed the oysters Crassostrea virginica (Gmelin) and C. gigas (Thunberg), and the mussel Mytilus trossulus Gould to a mixture of ground, aged Spartina alterniflora Loisel and similar-sized phytoplankton at three concentrations (103, 104, 105 particles ml−1). We then examined the ctenidia and labial palps by means of endoscopy and sampled, in vivo, the particulate material from various ciliated tracts, and analyzed the samples with a flow cytometer. We found that in oysters, the ctenidia are responsible for particle sorting, whereas the labial palps play an accessory role in particle selection, or function to control the volume of material to be ingested. In mussels, however, the ctenidia play little role in particle selection and simply transport particulate matter to the palps for further processing. We suggest that selection by the ctenidia of oysters is a function of their architecture (plicate, heterorhabdic).

A Theoretical and Empirical Review of the Contextual Interference Effect and the Learning of Motor Skills

Abstract: This paper addresses the contextual interference hypothesis, which was originally formulated by Battig (1966) and later adapted to motor learning by Shea and Morgan (1979). The hypothesis has generated much research, and its application has been readily suggested to practitioners. According to the hypothesis, high contextual interference (random practice) impairs acquisition but enhances retention and transfer, whereas low contextual interference (blocked practice) has the opposite effects. The empirical basis for the hypothesis—from laboratory-oriented and field-based settings—is examined. The generalizability of the hypothesis is also assessed. Recommendations are made for practitioners for optimal use of the contextual interference effect.

A Registry-Based Twin Study of Depression in Men

Abstract: Background The only large, registry-based twin study of depression using diagnostic criteria assessed by structured interview included only women. We present results from a comparable study of men. Methods Data were collected using a standardized telephone interview of men from the Vietnam Era Twin Registry. Both twins from 3372 pairs participated. Probandwise concordance rates and biometric modeling were used to analyze the data. Results The diagnosis of major depression (MD), as defined by DSM-III-R , and the subtype of severe/psychotic MD were significantly affected by genetic ( h 2 =0.36 and 0.39, respectively) and nonshared environmental ( e 2 =0.64 and 0.61, respectively) factors but not by family environmental factors. Dysthymia and mild and moderate MD were affected by family environmental ( c 2 =0.27, 0.08, and 0.14, respectively) and nonshared environmental ( e 2 =0.73, 0.92, and 0.86, respectively) factors but not by genetic factors. Early-onset (before age 30 years) and late-onset (after age 30 years) MD were significantly affected by genetic ( h 2 =0.47 and 0.10, respectively) and nonshared environmental ( e 2 =0.53 and 0.90, respectively) factors. Early-onset MD was significantly more heritable than late-onset MD. Conclusions The magnitude of genetic and environmental effects on depression in men is similar to that previously reported in women. Also similar to previous findings, more severe and earlier-onset depression may be more strongly affected by genetic factors, but differences in the reliability of reports of depression associated with severity may inflate estimates of the effect of the unique environment and deflate heritability estimates for less severe depression.

Use of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale in cancer patients: Feasibility as a screening tool

Abstract: The feasibility, utility and reliability of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZSDS) was examined in a large sample of ambulatory cancer patients. This tool and a brief 11-item version of the ZSDS (excluding nine items concerning somatic symptoms), which was developed during the course of the survey, were used to estimate the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms. Patient characteristics that may be associated with an increased risk of clinically significant depressive symptoms were also explored. Twenty-five ambulatory oncology clinics affiliated with Community Cancer Care, Inc. enrolled and surveyed 1109 subjects. The alpha coefficients for the ZSDS (0.84) and the Brief ZSDS (0.84) indicated high levels of internal consistency. The overall prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms as defined by the ZSDS was 35.9% and by the Brief ZSDS was 31.1%. The ZSDS and the Brief ZSDS were highly correlated (r = 0.92). The medical and demographic variables most associated with clinically significant depressive symptoms were more advanced stage of disease at time of diagnosis, lung cancer as primary tumor type, higher ECOG rating (greater degree of physical disability), and having been prescribed antidepressant medications. The high prevalence of depressive symptoms observed in this study is consistent with rates found in other studies of self-report depression instruments in cancer patients. The initial indicators of internal consistency and validity suggest that the Zung SDS or the brief version may be useful screening tools to identify depressive symptoms in oncology patients.

Patient-related barriers to pain management in ambulatory AIDS patients.

Abstract: A number of studies have demonstrated that pain is dramatically undertreated among patients with AIDS and that opioids in particular are rarely prescribed. To date, however, there has been no systematic attempt to examine patient-related barriers to the management of pain in AIDS. This study examines potential patient-related barriers to pain management in patients with AIDS using the Barriers Questionnaire (Ward et al., Pain, 52 (1993) 319-324), and assesses gender, racial, and other demographic differences in the endorsement of these barriers. We surveyed 199 ambulatory patients with AIDS, recruited from numerous sites in New York City, as part of an ongoing study of pain and quality of life in ambulatory AIDS patients. In addition to obtaining demographic and medical data, we administered a number of self-report questionnaires including the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Brief Symptom Index (BSI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Barriers to pain management were assessed using a modified version of the Barriers Questionnaire (BQ), including the original 27 questions from this self-report instrument along with an additional 12 items developed for an AIDS population. Results indicated that the most frequently endorsed BQ items were those concerning the addiction potential of pain medications and physical discomfort associated with opioid administration (e.g. injections) or side effects (e.g. nausea, constipation). There were no associations between age, gender, or HIV transmission risk factor and total scores on the BQ; however, Caucasian patients endorsed significantly fewer BQ items than did non-Caucasian patients and years of education was negatively correlated with BQ scores. Scores on the BQ were also significantly correlated with number of physical symptoms (MSAS) and scores on several self-report measures of psychological distress (the BSI Global Distress Index, BDI total scores). Patient-related barriers (i.e. BQ total scores) were significantly associated with undertreatment of pain (as measured by the Pain Management Index), and added significantly to the prediction of undertreatment in a logistic regression analysis, even after controlling for the impact of gender, education and IDU transmission risk factor. These data suggest that patient-related barriers to pain management may add to the already considerable likelihood of undertreatment of AIDS-related pain.

Attachment Style and Emotion Regulation in Dementia Patients and their Relation to Caregiver Burden

Abstract: One hundred and sixty-eight patients with mid- to late-stage dementia and their caregivers participated in a study of the relation between patient emotional characteristics, dementia symptomatology, and caregiver burden. Measures included premorbid attachment style, premorbid emotion regulation style, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. The attachment patterns (secure, avoidant, ambivalent) of these elderly patients resembled those obtained in samples of younger individuals in terms of emotion regulation characteristics; however, the distribution of attachment styles was significantly different, with a lower proportion of ambivalently attached individuals in the present sample. In terms of the behavioral symptoms of dementia, ambivalent patients had more depression and anxiety than secure and avoidant patients; the latter patients experienced more activity disturbance than ambivalently attached individuals and were higher on paranoid symptomatology than securely attached persons. Caregivers of securely attached individuals experienced less total burden than did caregivers of both insecure groups. In regression analysis, attachment style accounted for the largest proportion of unique variance in the prediction of caregiver burden (8%); only 1 of 7 patient symptoms contributed a significant independent effect, namely depressed affect, which accounted for 4% of the variance.

Gelatin nanoencapsulation of protein/peptide drugs using an emulsifier-free emulsion method.

Abstract: The nanoencapsulation of a model protein drug, bovine serum albumin (BSA), using gelatin as the matrix material is reported. Nanoencapsulation was conducted using a modified water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion method, which is emulsifier-free and simple. The nanoencapsulation product, BSA-containing gelatin nanoparticles, is characterized in terms of nanoparticle morphology, size and size distribution, water content, and in vitro protein release. The BSA-containing gelatin nanoparticles obtained from this nanoencapsulation process are nearly spherical and have a log-normal size distribution. The average diameter of the BSA-containing gelatin nanoparticles is approximately 840 nm. They can absorb 51-72% of water. In vitro release experiments demonstrate that BSA has been successfully encapsulated in, and can be released from the gelatin nanoparticles. The release of BSA from the gelatin nanoparticulate matrix follows a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. It is found that temperature affects both the water content and the BSA release rate of the gelatin nanoparticles.

Protective effects of zinc salts on TPA-induced hepatic and brain lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, DNA damage and peritoneal macrophage activation in mice.

Abstract: 1. 1. The comparative protective abilities of zinc l -methionine, zinc dl -methionine, zinc sulfate, zinc gluconate, l -methionine, dl -methionine, and vitamin E succinate (VES) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and glutathione depletion in the hepatic and brain tissues, and production of reactive oxygen species by peritoneal macrophages were assessed. In addition, mice were fed a zinc-deficient diet for 5 weeks, and treated with TPA and/or zinc l -methionine or zinc dl -methionine, and similar studies were conducted. 2. 2. The zinc-deficient diet induced oxidative stress in the hepatic and brain tissues as well as in the peritoneal macrophages as evidenced by significantly enhanced lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, glutathione depletion, and production of reactive oxygen species. 3. 3. Treatment of mice with zinc l -methionine, zinc dl -methionine, and VES decreased TPA-induced reactive oxygen species production as evidenced by significant decreases in chemiluminescence in peritoneal macrophages by approximately 45%, 31%, and 47%, respectively, and cytochrome c reduction by approximately 54%, 35%, and 41%, respectively, as compared with control values. Similar results were observed with liver and brain lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and glutathione depletion. 4. 4. Zinc salts and antioxidants provided significant protection against TPA-induced oxidative damage. Zinc dl -methionine provided the best protection.

Fishbein and Ajzen's Theory of Reasoned Action: Accurate Prediction of Behavioral Intentions for Enrolling in Distance Education Courses:

Abstract: This study tested how well Fishbein and Ajzen's theory of reasoned action predicted respiratory care practitioners' participation intentions for completing a baccalaureate degree through distance e...

Synthesis, characterization, biodegradation, and drug delivery application of biodegradable lactic/glycolic acid oligomers: Part II. Biodegradation and drug delivery application.

Abstract: Previously synthesized lactic/glycolic acid (PLGA) oligomers with different compositions (i.e. different ratio of lactic to glycolic acid in the oligomers) were further studied regarding their biodegradation and drug delivery application. The PLGA oligomers have fast biodegradation characteristics. They degrade to water soluble substances, i.e. lactic and glycolic acids, at a rate of 31.43-40.68 mg day-1 in a medium of constant pH and 28.04-37.87 mg day-1 in a medium of non-constant pH. The biodegradation rate is affected by the composition of the PLGA oligomers and the pH of the incubating medium. The higher the content of glycolic acid moiety in the oligomer, the faster the biodegradation rate. The lower the pH of the incubating medium, the slower the biodegradation of PLGA oligomers. A sustained-release drug delivery system based on the PLGA oligomers was fabricated as injectable microgranules by thermal blending of the PLGA oligomers and drug. Aspirin was used as a model drug. The oligomeric microgranules have advantages of easy fabrication, high drug loading efficiency, easy administration, and fast biodegradation. This thermal blending preparation method has a high loading efficiency of more than 90%. The PLGA oligomeric microgranules can release drug from 9 to 13 days depending on the oligomer composition. Both drug release rate and release duration are influenced by composition of the oligomers. The PLGA oligomeric matrix has the capability of protecting aspirin from hydrolysis. The lactic/glycolic acid oligomeric microgranules have potential use for sustained-release drug delivery.

Growth, Inequality and Poverty in Selected Caribbean and Latin American Countries, with Emphasis on Guyana

Abstract: The statistical evidence surveyed suggests that as an indicator of development the Human Development Index is directly related to the level of per capita income; that inequality is countercyclical; and that economic growth is poverty reducing. In the case of Guyana the data suggest that nearly 43 per cent of the population were below the poverty line (approximately US$1 per day per person); that poverty is predominantly rural; that most of the poor seek employment in agriculture or in the informal (self employed) sector; and that there is a direct relationship between the level of education, health and poverty.

Comparison of Bactericidal Activities of Intermittent and Continuous Infusion Dosing of Vancomycin against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis

Abstract: Study Objective. To describe the pharmacokinetic profiles of vancomycin administered by continuous infusion and intermittent dosing and compare the duration of activity of the regimens. Design. Randomized, open-label, crossover study. Setting. Clinical research center at an academic medical center. Subjects. Twelve healthy, nonpregnant volunteers age 27.6 ± 2.3 years. Intervention. Subjects received the following intravenous vancomycin regimens: 1 g every 12 hours; 2 g continuous infusion over 24 hours; and 1 g continuous infusion over 24 hours. Dosages were administered with and without gentamicin 2 mg/kg. Measurements and Main Results. Serum samples were collected, drug concentrations determined, and bactericidal activity measured against two isolates each of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis. Subjects had poor tolerability for continuous infusions. Trough concentration for the intermittent regimen was 5.5 ± 1.9 mg/ml, and steady-state concentrations were 8.8 ± 1.6 and 16.9 ± 1.9 mg/ml for 1 and 2 g continuous infusions, respectively. In general, all regimens provided bactericidal activity throughout the study interval. Against one isolate of E. faecalis, 2 g continuous infusion plus gentamicin provided cidal activity for a significantly greater percentage of the dosing interval (p<0.001). Conclusion. Continuous infusion does not greatly improve the activity of vancomycin and should not be routinely administered. However, it may prove useful against isolates with reduced susceptibility to the agent.

Energy Barriers to Chemical Reactions. Why, How, and How Much? Non-Arrhenius Behavior in Hydrogen Abstractions by Radicals

Abstract: Using free-radical hydrogen abstractions of the type X−H + •Y → X• + H−Y as a model for reactions involving simultaneous bond breaking and bond making, we find that the enthalpy of activation may increase or decrease with temperature. This depends on changes in bond dissociation energies and their effect on (a) the enthalpy of reaction and (b) the triplet repulsion between the terminal groups X and Y. The variety of observed curvatures in plots of ln(k) vs 1/T for eight typical reactions can be described primarily by these two factors, over temperature ranges greater than 1000 K. The reactions treated are OCH2 + •H, CH4 + •H, H2 + •CH3, C2H6 + •CH3, C2H6 + •H, H2 + •C2H5, CH4 + •Br, and H2 + •Br.

A signal detection theory approach to analyzing the efficiency and effectiveness of auditing to detect management fraud

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to apply signal detection theory (SDT) to the problem of detecting management fraud. The use of SDT methodology significantly strengthens understanding of the relationships among audit technology, base rates of management fraud, costs of Type I and Type II errors, extensions of audit procedures, and risk assessments prior and during the audit. The analysis suggests that the auditor must accept disproportionate false alarm rates in order to maintain audit effectiveness in the presence of management fraud. This condition becomes even stronger as the costs of Type II errors increase compared to costs of Type I errors. The study also provides policy implications for auditor practice and standard‐setters.

Attitudinal, Social, and Practical Correlates to Fitness Behavior: A Test of the Theory of Planned Behavior

Abstract: Srr,nmary.-Professional management personnel (N=73) who exercise were studied to assess the efficacy of the theory of ~lanned behavior in predicting intention to exercise and amount of exercise. Four rating scales were used for the assessment of attirude toward fitness, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and intention to exercise. In addition, frequency of exercise was measured and recorded for five months. aerarchical mulriple regression analyses indicated that 26.6% of the variance of inrention to exercise was contributed by both fitness attirude and subiective norm, with the unique contribution of attitude toward fitness (part r = .36) slightly greater than that of subjective norm (part r = 33). 8% of the unique variance of exercise was explained by intention to exercise. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses also indicated that perceived behavioral control did not account for a significant variance in intention to exercise but did account for a significant variance in amount of exercise (R~ change= ,211. In the environment in which it was tested, results support the theory of planned behavior for understanding the exercise behavior of professional management personnel who exercise. Less than 40% of first-year participants in fitness programs continue into the second year. In comparison, more than 80% of third- and fourthyear participants and more than 90% of participants who exercise longer than four years continue to renew their memberships (Kerner, 1993a). Of those first-year participants who choose not to continue, almost 50% cite reasons that may be grouped as perception of a lack of control. Consequently, the effectiveness of adult fitness programs is hampered by a considerable number of persons who are unwilhg or unable to participate regularly in physical activity, especially in [he initial period. Although exercise programs vary widely, it is typical to expect as much as a 40 to 50% dropout rate within the initial six months to first year of membership (Dishman & Sallis, 1994).

Handedness and intelligence: Patterns of hand preference in gifted and nongifted children

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine a putative association between patterns of handedness and intellectual ability in a population of 657 intellectually gifted and nongifted children, between the ages 8 and 14 years old. To probe whether distribution patterns of hand preference differed in this population, a modified version of the Dean Laterality Preference Schedule was administered. Results showed that, whereas more nongifted than gifted students distributed in the left‐ and mixed‐handedness categories, total mean handedness scores on the hand preference instrument did not differ in both populations. Implications of the findings for neuropsychology and education are considered.

Achievement orientation and fear of success in Asian American college students.

Abstract: One hundred eighty-five Asian American undergraduates participated in a study designed to examine the relationships among gender, acculturation, achievement orientation, and fear of academic success. Acculturation was modestly correlated with achievement orientation. Endorsement of Asian and Anglo values were significantly related to individual-oriented achievement. Marginal significance, however, was obtained for endorsement of Asian values and beliefs to social-oriented achievement. These findings suggest that persons with a bicultural identity tend to adopt a multifaceted achievement style. Achievement orientation, in turn, predicted fear of academic success, with gender and perceived discrepancies from parental achievement values contributing minimal additional variance. Social-oriented achievement was related to high fear of academic success, whereas an individualistic orientation buffered against such conflicts.

Interracial and intraracial differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms, sociodemography, and treatment among nursing home patients with dementia

Abstract: Using an adaptation of George's (1989) social antecedent model of psychopathology, this article examines interracial and intraracial differences in neuropsychiatric symptoms, sociodemography, and treatment among nursing home patients with dementia. The final sample consisted of 164 U.S.-born African Americans, 54 African Caribbeans, and 68 Caucasians. Although there were appreciable interracial differences in sociodemographics, there were minimal clinical differences. This finding may reflect both racial differences in pathways to institutionalization and the homogenization of clinical characteristics created by new governmental standards for nursing homes. There were no substantial differences between African Americans and African Caribbeans. Use of medication to treat neuropsychiatric symptoms was low, and may have reflected difficulties in diagnosis and concerns about the abuse of medications.

Seasonal distribution of bottlenose ( Tursiops truncatus ) and pan-tropical spotted ( Stenella attenuata ) dolphins (Cetacea: Delphinidae) in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica

Abstract: There are no detailed studies on the sympatric dolphin species of Golfo Dulce, Studies in other areas have indicated that the presence of sympatric dolph ins is maintained by each species using different habitats. This study describes the distribution of bottle nose (Tursiops truncatus) and pan-tropical spoiled (Stenella allenuata) dolphins in Golfo Dulce and its relation to habitat. A total of 428 boat surveys were conducted from September 1991 through December 1992. There were 529 bottlenose dolphin sightings and 200 spotted dolphins sightings. The two species were only once observed in mixed aggregations. There were differences in relative abundance and group size between both dolphin species. Bottlenose dolphins were found mostly in shallow waters, close to shore, near rivers. and along steep marine slopes. Spotted dolphins were associated with deeper waters and increased distance from shore. Despite apparent differences in habitat preferences. the two dolphin species were commonly observed in tile same areas, albeit at different times, due in part to seasonal variations in dolphin distribution and habitat preference. Most notably during the Late Wet season of 1991 bottlenose dolphins were found in the middle and spotted dolphins at both ends of the Gulf. This pattern was almost reversed during the Late Wet season of 1992. The observed seasonal variation patterns are inadequately explained by habitat-preference arguments alone.

Longitudinal variation in zooplankton δ13C through the Northwest Passage: inference for incorporation of sea-ice POM into pelagic foodwebs

Abstract: Previous research has demonstrated a west-to-east decrease in zooplankton δ13C along the Alaskan coast. We extended the transect into the Canadian Arctic archipelago through the Northwest Passage in order to investigate whether this longitudinal gradient persists eastward. Contrary to the previous observations, zooplankton δ13C was found to be essentially invariate, despite a sampling survey length double that of the earlier studies. This resulted from zooplankton at the coldest and ice-bound stations being found to be enriched in 13C relative to what would be expected from the ambient water temperatures and calculated [CO2aq]. We suggest that this was due to the assimilation of ice POM which, as has been demonstrated for other forms of benthic algae, is enriched in 13C due to restraints on boundary layer diffusion. The present results therefore support other traditional, non-isotope research in suggesting that ice-bound polar foodwebs may be examples of aquatic systems where there is a functional energy connectivity between the attached and openwater environments.

Fund of Funds Diversification: How Much is Enough?

Abstract: JEREMY C. STAUM is a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia Business School and Director of Research PARADIGM Capital Management in New York. A lthough considerable research in the alternative investment area concentrates on the performance characteristics of individual hedge funds or commodity tradŽ . Ž ing advisors CTAs e.g. Fung and Hsieh . 1997a, 1997b , many investors hold a portfolio of alternative investment managers. For traditional investments, the rule of thumb that nearly all of the diversifiable risk is eliminated in a portfolio of ten stocks dates back to Evans and Archer 1968 . Evans and Archer discussed the mathematical relationship between the size and variance of a portfolio and showed that for an equally weighted portfolio each randomly selected security added to the portfolio produces an ever smaller decrease in portfolio variance. The actual impact of random security diversification for stock and bond portfolios has been analyzed by various authors. Both Elton and Gruber 1977 and Hill and Schneeweis 1980 illustrated the impact of random security selection on portfolio variance for stocks and bonds, respectively. In both cases, the final impact is determined by the intrasample correlations. For instance, Hill and Schneeweis show that for portfolios of AAA bonds, the high intracorrelation of AAA rated bonds, in contrast to BAA rated bonds, lessens the impact of diversification on portfolio variance. Hill and Schneeweis also showed that as secuŽ rities are added, the tracking error the difference of the randomly selected portfolio’s variance from its expected vari. 1 ance decreases. As such, investors must realize that not only does diversification reduce portfolio variance, it also increases accuracy in achieving the expected level of risk.

G2(MP2) and G2(MP2,SVP) Calculations of Enthalpies of Hydrogenation, Isomerization, and Formation of C5 Hydrocarbons. 2. Substituted Cyclobutenes, Vinylcyclopropene, Spiropentane, and Methyltetrahedrane

Abstract: We report the ab initio G2(MP2) and G2(MP2,SVP) standard enthalpies of hydrogenation and isomerization (ΔhydH and ΔisomH) at 298 K of 23 C5 cyclic hydrocarbons, including methyl- and methylenecyclobutane, spiropentane, and related unsaturated hydrocarbons, as well as methyltetrahedrane. ΔhydH298 and ΔisomH298 are found from the differences in total energy (E0) of the participants in the hydrogenation and isomerization reactions. Combination of calculated ΔhydH298 and ΔisomH298 with one experimental enthalpy of formation (ΔfH298) in the set yields ΔfH298 of all the rest. In those few instances for which reliable experimental results can be found, agreement between experiment and calculation is within 1 kcal mol-1.