Showing papers by "Wichita State University published in 2003"

Evolutionary models for cool brown dwarfs and extrasolar giant planets. The case of HD 209458

Abstract: We present evolutionary models for cool brown dwarfs and extra-solar giant planets. The models reproduce the main trends of observed methane dwarfs in near-IR color-magnitude diagrams. We also present evolutionary models for irradiated planets, coupling for the first time irradiated atmosphere profiles and inner structures. We focus on HD 209458-like systems and show that irradiation effects can substantially affect the radius of sub-jovian mass giant planets. Irradiation effects, however, cannot alone explain the large observed radius of HD 209458b. Adopting assumptions which optimise irradiation effects and taking into account the extension of the outer atmospheric layers, we still find $\\sim$ 20% discrepancy between observed and theoretical radii. An extra source of energy seems to be required to explain the observed value of the first transit planet.

Evolutionary models for cool brown dwarfs and extrasolar giant planets. The case of HD 20945

Abstract: We present evolutionary models for cool brown dwarfs and extra-solar giant planets. The models reproduce the main trends of observed methane dwarfs in near-IR color-magnitude diagrams. We also present evolutionary models for irradiated planets, coupling for the first time irradiated atmosphere profiles and inner structures. We focus on HD 209458-like systems and show that irradiation effects can substantially affect the radius of sub-jovian mass giant planets. Irradiation effects, however, cannot alone explain the large observed radius of HD 209458b. Adopting assumptions which optimise irradiation effects and taking into account the extension of the outer atmospheric layers, we still find $\sim$ 20% discrepancy between observed and theoretical radii. An extra source of energy seems to be required to explain the observed value of the first transit planet.

Employee Creativity in Taiwan: An Application of Role Identity Theory

Abstract: This study tests a model of creative role identity for a sample of Taiwanese employees. Results showed creative role identity was predicted by perceived coworker creativity expectations, self-views of creative behaviors, and high levels of exposure to U.S. culture. Creativity was highest when a strong creative role identity was paired with perceptions that the employing organization valued creative work. Implications for managers and future creativity research are discussed.

Electrocatalytic Properties and Sensor Applications of Fullerenes and Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract: The electrochemical behavior of fullerene and fullerene derivatives are reviewed with special reference to their catalytic and sensor applications. Recent work on carbon nanotubes, used as catalyst supports in heterogeneous catalysis and sensor development is also presented. An overview of recent progress in the area of fullerene electrochemistry is included. Several cases of electrocatalytic dehalogenation of alkyl halides, assisted by the electrode charge transfer to fullerenes, are discussed. Research work on the electrocatalysis of biomolecules, such as hemin, cytochrome c, DNA, coenzymes, glucose, ascorbic acid, dopamine, etc. have also been considered. Based on the studies of the interaction of fullerenes, fullerene derivatives, and carbon nanotubes with other molecules and biomolecules in particular, the possibilities for the preparation of electrochemical sensors and their application in electroanalytical chemistry are highlighted.

Direct medical costs and their predictors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a three-year study of 7,527 patients.

Abstract: Objective To estimate total direct medical costs in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to characterize predictors of these costs. Methods Patients (n = 7,527) participating in a longitudinal study of outcome in RA completed 25,050 semiannual questionnaires from January 1999 through December 2001. From these we determined direct medical care costs converted to 2001 US dollars using the consumer price index. We used generalized estimating equations to examine potential predictors of the costs. Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the varying prevalence and cost of biologic therapy. Results The mean total annual direct medical care cost in 2001 for a patient with RA was 9,519 US dollars. Drug costs were 6,324 US dollars (66% of the total), while hospitalization costs were only 1,573 US dollars (17%). Approximately 25% of patients received biologic therapy. The mean total annual direct cost for patients receiving biologic agents was 19,016 US dollars per year, while the cost for those not receiving biologic therapy was 6,164 US dollars. RA patients who were in the worst quartile of functional status, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire, experienced direct medical costs for the subsequent year that were 5,022 US dollars more than the costs incurred by those in the best quartile. Physical status as determined by the Short Form 36 physical component scale had a similar large effect on RA costs, as did comorbidity. Medical insurance type played a more limited role. However, those without insurance had substantially lower service utilization and costs, and health maintenance organization patients had lower drug costs and total medical costs. Increased years of education, increased income, and majority ethnic status were all associated with increased drug costs but not hospitalization costs. Costs in all categories decreased after age 65 years. Conclusion Estimates of direct medical costs for patients with RA are substantially higher than cost estimates before the biologic therapy era, and costs are now driven predominantly by the cost of drugs, primarily biologic agents. RA patients with poor function continue to incur substantially higher costs, as do those with comorbid conditions, and sociodemographic characteristics also play an important role in determination of costs.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Act) vs. Systematic Desensitization in Treatment of Mathematics Anxiety

Abstract: College students (N = 24) experiencing math anxiety were treated individually for 6 weeks with either acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or systematic desensitization. Statistical analyses indicated significant, but equivalent, reductions in self-report measures of math and test anxiety that were maintained at 2-month follow-up. Both statistically and clinically significant decrements in trait anxiety were limited to participants treated with systematic desensitization. No improvement in mathematical skills was noted for either treatment. As expected, pretreatment levels of experiential avoidance were more strongly related to therapeutic change among participants receiving ACT, suggesting that the two interventions, although generally comparable in reducing math anxiety, may do so through different processes. Implications of the findings for further research on ACT more generally and treatment of math anxiety, in particular, are discussed.

Comparing the effects of text size and format on the readibility of computer-displayed Times New Roman and Arial text

Abstract: Times New Roman and Arial typefaces in 10- and 12-point, dot-matrix and anti-aliased format conditions were compared for readability (accuracy, reading speed, and accuracy/ reading speed), as well as perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, ease of reading, and general preference. In assessing readability, the 10-point anti-aliased Arial typeface was read slower than the other type conditions. Examining perceptions of typeface legibility, sharpness, and ease of reading detected significant effects for typeface, size, and format. Overall, the 12- point dot-matrix Arial typeface was preferred to the other typefaces. Recommendations for appropriate typeface combinations for computer-displayed text are discussed.

the devil made me do it: use of neutralizations by shoplifters

Abstract: Interviews with 137 apprehended shoplifters revealed widespread use of techniques of neutralizations. Two new neutralizations were identified: Justification by Comparison and Postponement. The authors argue that while earlier formulations of neutralization theory contend that deviants must neutralize moral prescriptions prior to committing a crime, research is incapable of determining whether the stated neutralization is a before-the-fact neutralization or an after-the-fact rationalization and that neutralization more typically follows rather than precedes deviance. They agree with Hirschi (1969:208) who states that an after-the-fact rationalization in one instance may be a causal neutralization in another instance and that the assumption that delinquent acts come before justifying beliefs is the more plausible causal ordering.

Auditor Acceptance of Dysfunctional Audit Behavior: An Explanatory Model Using Auditors' Personal Characteristics

Abstract: Dysfunctional behavior (DB) and staff turnover are associated with decreased audit quality (Public Oversight Board 2000). Dysfunctional behaviors such as premature sign‐off, gathering of insufficient evidence, altering or replacing audit procedures, and underreporting of time have negative effects on the auditing profession. While recent studies suggest that dysfunctional behavior is a widespread problem (Smith 1995; Otley and Pierce 1995), extant research fails to adequately explain the causes. In this study, the organizational behavior and industrial psychology literatures provide the basis for developing and testing a model that identifies locus of control, performance, and turnover intentions as determinants of auditor acceptance of DB. Using a cross‐organizational design and a structural equation modeling technique, survey results from 106 auditors generally support the explanatory model. Results indicate that auditors who are more accepting of DB tend to possess an external locus of control, report ...

Epistemological Beliefs Across Domains Using Biglan's Classification of Academic Disciplines

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine students' beliefs about the nature of knowledge and learning, epistemological beliefs, across domains that vary according to Biglan's classification of academic disciplines (hard vs. soft disciplines and pure vs. applied disciplines). One hundred and fifty-two university students completed three questionnaires that assessed their epistemological beliefs about mathematics (hard-pure), the social sciences (also pure), and business (neither hard nor pure). Correlations indicated that students' epistemological beliefs were similar for mathematics and social sciences, as well as for mathematics and business. When the amount of academic experience was taken into account, some evidence of domain specificity was found. These results support Sternberg's caveat that the dichotomy of domain generality/specificity is an assumption that should be questioned. We propose that future researchers should investigate the breadth of applicability of epistemological beliefs.

Observed peer victimization during early elementary school: continuity, growth, and relation to risk for child antisocial and depressive behavior.

Abstract: The rate at which 266 boys and girls ages 5 to 7 years old were victimized by peers was observed on multiple occasions in kindergarten and first grade. Individual differences in victimization were observed at kindergarten entry and in growth over the subsequent 2 years. Victimization increased for some children but decreased for others. Growth in victimization was reciprocally related to growth in teacher-reported antisocial and depressive behavior for boys. For girls, kindergarten victimization was related to growth in parent-reported antisocial behavior, teacher-reported depressive behavior to growth in victimization, and growth in victimization to parent-reported depression. At a short-term group level, antisocial behavior had a lagged suppressive effect on victimization for boys but a facilitating effect for girls.

Nursing Home Staffing, Turnover, and Case Mix:

Abstract: This study examined the predictors of total nurse and registered nurse (RN) staffing hours per resident day separately in all free-standing California nursing homes (1,555), using staffing data from state cost reports in 1999. This study used a two-stage least squares model, taking into account nursing turnover rates, resident case mix levels, and other factors. As expected, total nurse and RN staffing hours were negatively associated with nurse staff turnover rates and positively associated with resident case mix. Facilities were resource dependent in that a high proportion of Medicare residents predicted higher staffing hours, and a higher proportion of Medicaid residents predicted lower staffing hours and higher turnover rates. Nursing assistant wages were positively associated with total nurse staffing hours. For-profit facilities and high-occupancy rate facilities had lower total nurse and RN staffing hours. Medicaid reimbursement rates and multifacility organizations were positively associated with RN staffing hours.

CO2 laser cut quality of 4130 steel

Abstract: Samples of 4130 steel were cut on a CO2 laser cutting system and the combined effects of power and feed rate on kerf width, surface roughness, striation frequency and the size of heat affected zone (HAZ) have been studied. Regression analysis was used to develop models that describe the effect of the independent process parameters on laser cut quality. For the range of operation conditions tested, it was observed that power had a major effect on kerf width and size of HAZ, while feed rate affects were secondary. On the other hand, surface roughness and striation frequency were affected most by feed rate. At low power levels, the smallest kerf width and HAZ are obtained and the effect of feed rate is moderate. Low feed rates gave good surface roughness and low striation frequency. For optimum cut quality, kerf width, HAZ and surface roughness are kept at a minimum. However, operating conditions that satisfy these requirements while maintaining high productivity could not be identified.  2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Child Anger Regulation, Parental Responses to Children's Anger Displays, and Early Child Antisocial Behavior

Abstract: The display and regulation of child anger in family interaction was coded in a sample of 240 boys and girls at child age 6, and coded using the Specific Affect Coding System. Child antisocial behavior was longitudinally assessed, beginning in kindergarten. Pooled- and family-level analyses were used to assess hazard rates for child anger. Parents’ ability to modulate their own emotions and negative behavior, and children's ability to down-regulate anger were associated with increased latency for child anger. Hazard for child anger increased as parents’ insensitive and negative responses toward the child cumulated during family interaction. Macro-level, non-hazard analyses indicated that chronic levels of child antisocial behavior were associated with the frequency of parental negative behavior, but not with the frequency of child anger. Micro-level hazard analyses indicated that children's ability to regulate anger was related to chronic levels of child covert but not overt antisocial behavior.

PAHdb 2003: what a locus-specific knowledgebase can do.

Abstract: PAHdb, a legacy of and resource in genetics, is a relational locus-specific database (http://www.pahdb.mcgill.ca). It records and annotates both pathogenic alleles (n = 439, putative disease-causing) and benign alleles (n = 41, putative untranslated polymorphisms) at the human phenylalanine hydroxylase locus (symbol PAH). Human alleles named by nucleotide number (systematic names) and their trivial names receive unique identifier numbers. The annotated gDNA sequence for PAH is typical for mammalian genes. An annotated gDNA sequence is numbered so that cDNA and gDNA sites are interconvertable. A site map for PAHdb leads to a large array of secondary data (attributes): source of the allele (submitter, publication, or population); polymorphic haplotype background; and effect of the allele as predicted by molecular modeling on the phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme (EC 1.14.16.1) or by in vitro expression analysis. The majority (63%) of the putative pathogenic PAH alleles are point mutations causing missense in translation of which few have a primary effect on PAH enzyme kinetics. Most apparently have a secondary effect on its function through misfolding, aggregation, and intracellular degradation of the protein. Some point mutations create new splice sites. A subset of primary PAH mutations that are tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive is highlighted on a Curators' Page. A clinical module describes the corresponding human clinical disorders (hyperphenylalaninemia [HPA] and phenylketonuria [PKU]), their inheritance, and their treatment. PAHdb contains data on the mouse gene (Pah) and on four orthologous mutant mouse models and their use (for example, in research on oral treatment of PKU with the enzyme phenylalanine ammonia lyase [EC 4.3.1.5]).

Molecular reorientational dynamics of the neat ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate by measurement of 13C nuclear magnetic relaxation data.

Abstract: The reorientational dynamics of the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]PF 6 ) were studied over a wide range of temperatures by measurement of 13 C spin-lattice relaxation rates and NOE factors. The reorientational dynamics were evaluated by performing fits to the experimental relaxation data. Thus, the overall reorientational motion was described by a Cole - Davidson spectral density with a Vogel - Fulcher - Tammann temperature dependence of the correlation times. The reorientational motion of the butyl chain was modelled by a combination of the latter model for the overall motion with a Bloembergen - Purcell - Pound spectral density and an Arrhenius temperature dependence for the internal motion. Except for C2 in the aromatic ring, an additional reduction of the spectral density by the Lipari -Szabo model had to be employed. This reduction is a consequence of fast molecular motions before the rotational diffusion process becomes effective. The C2 atom did not exhibit this reduction, because the librational motion of the corresponding C2-H vector is severely hindered due to hydrogen bonding with the hexafluorophosphate anion. The observed dynamic features of the [BMIM] - cation confirm quantum-chemical structures obtained in a former study.

Extension of Oxley’s Analysis of Machining to Use Different Material Models

Abstract: The aim of the present work is to extend the applicability of Oxley's analysis of machining to a broader class of materials beyond the carbon steels used by Oxley and co-workers. The Johnson-Cook material model, history dependent power law material model and the Mechanical Threshold Stress (MTS) model are used to represent the mechanical properties of the material being machined as a function of strain, strain rate and temperature. A few changes are introduced into Oxley's analysis to improve the consistency between the various assumptions. A new approach has been introduced to calculate the pressure variation along the alpha slip lines in the primary shear zone including the effects of both the strain gradient and the thermal gradient along the beta lines. This approach also has the added advantage of ensuring force equilibrium of the primary shear zone in a macroscopic sense. The temperature at the middle of the primary shear zone is calculated by integrating the plastic work thereby eliminating the unknown constant η. Rather than calculating the shear force from the material properties corresponding to the strain, strain rate and temperature of the material at the middle of the shear zone, the shear force is calculated in a consistent manner using the energy dissipated in the primary shear zone. The thickness of the primary and secondary shear zones, the heat partition at the primary shear zone, the temperature distribution along the tool-chip interface and the shear plane angle are all calculated using Oxley's original approach. The only constant used to fine tune the model is the ratio of the average temperature to the maximum temperature at the tool-chip interface (ψ). The performance of the model has been studied by comparing its predictions with experimental data for 1020 and 1045 steels, for aluminum alloys 2024-T3, 6061-T6 and 6082-T6, and for copper. It is found that the model accurately reproduces the dependence of the cutting forces and chip thickness as a function of undeformed chip thickness and cutting speed and accurately estimates the temperature in the primary and secondary shear zones.

Studies on Intra‐Supramolecular and Intermolecular Electron‐Transfer Processes between Zinc Naphthalocyanine and Imidazole‐Appended Fullerene

Abstract: Spectroscopic, computational, redox, and photochemical behavior of a self-assembled donor-acceptor dyad formed by axial coordination of zinc naphthalocyanine, ZnNc, and fulleropyrrolidine bearing an imidazole coordinating ligand (2-(4′-imidazolylphenyl)fulleropyrrolidine, C60Im) was investigated in noncoordinating solvents, toluene and o-dichlorobenzene, and the results were compared to the intermolecular electron transfer processes in a coordinating solvent, benzonitrile. The optical absorption and ab initio B3 LYP/3–21G(*) computational studies revealed self-assembled supramolecular 1:1 dyad formation between the ZnNc and C60Im entities. In the optimized structure, the HOMO was found to be entirely located on the ZnNc entity while the LUMO was found to be entirely on the fullerene entity. Cyclic voltammetry studies of the dyad exhibited a total of seven one-electron redox processes in o-dichlorobenzene, with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium perchlorate. The excited-state electron-transfer processes were monitored by both optical-emission and transient-absorption techniques. Direct evidence for the radical-ion-pair (C60Im.−:ZnNc.+) formation was obtained from picosecond transient-absorption spectral studies, which indicated charge separation from the singlet-excited ZnNc to the C60Im moiety. The calculated rates of charge separation and charge recombination were 1.4×1010 s−1and 5.3×107 s−1in toluene and 8.9×109 s−1and 9.2×107 s−1in o-dichlorobenzene, respectively. In benzonitrile, intermolecular electron transfer from the excited triplet state of ZnNc to C60Im occurs and the second-order rate constant (kqtriplet) for this quenching process was 5.3×108 M−1 s−1.

The contribution of parents and siblings to antisocial and depressive behavior in adolescents: a double jeopardy coercion model.

Abstract: A dual coercion model of family processes associated with the development of antisocial and depressive behavior during adolescence was assessed, using an at-risk sample of families and children. Consistent with the model, involvement in family coercion during childhood and adolescence increased both boys' and girls' risk for antisocial behavior in adolescence and girls' risk for depressive behavior. Coercive family processes served as a link between older and younger siblings' antisocial behavior. Childhood exposure to maternal depression predicted boys' and girls' depressive behavior 10 years later, but this association was not mediated by coercion. The data suggest that family risk factors and processes for antisocial development are similar for boys and girls but pathways to depression may be gender specific.

Direct extraction of DNA from soils for studies in microbial ecology

Abstract: Molecular analyses for the study of soil microbial communities often depend on the extraction of DNA directly from soils. These extractions are by no means trivial, being complicated by humic substances that are inhibitory to PCR and restriction enzymes or being too highly colored for blot hybridization protocols. Many different published protocols exist, but none have been found to be suitable enough to be generally accepted as a standard. Most direct extraction protocols start with relatively harsh cell breakage steps such as bead-beating and freeze-thaw cycles, followed by the addition of detergents and high salt buffers and/ or enzymic digestion with lysozyme and proteases. After typical organic extraction and alcohol precipitation, further purification is usually needed to remove inhibitory substances from the extract. The purification steps include size-exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, silica gel spin columns, and cesium chloride gradients, among others. A direct DNA extraction protocol is described that has been shown to be effective in a wide variety of soil types. This protocol is experimentally compared to several published protocols.

An inverse problem for the dynamical Lamé system with two sets of boundary data

Abstract: We prove uniqueness and a Holder-type stability of reconstruction of all three time-independent elastic parameters in the dynamical isotropic system of elasticity from two special sets of boundary measurements. In proofs we use Carleman-type estimates in Sobolev spaces of negative order. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of sublethal concentrations of atrazine and nitrate on metamorphosis of the African clawed frog

Abstract: Tadpoles of the African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to sublethal concentrations of atrazine (0, 40, and 320 microg/L) and nitrate (0, 37, and 292 mg/L) from feeding stage to metamorphosis. A 3 x 3 factorial design was used to identify both single and interactive effects. At metamorphosis, tadpole weight, snout-vent length (SVL), and hematocrit were determined. Mean mortality was greater in tanks receiving 320 microg/L atrazine; nitrate had no effect on mortality. Significant differences for all mean traits at metamorphosis occurred among atrazine treatments; higher atrazine exposure increased time to metamorphosis and decreased weight, SVL, and hematocrit. Nitrate treatments were not significantly different. Significant interaction tests between atrazine and nitrate occurred for weight and SVL at metamorphosis; the specific type of interaction varied among treatments. Assuming an additive mixture model, at low atrazine (40 microg/L), the addition of 37 mg/L nitrate produced SVL values less than expected (a synergistic effect) while the addition of 292 mg/L nitrate yielded SVL values greater than expected (an antagonistic effect). A similar response was noted for tadpoles in the 320-microg/L atrazine treatments. These results indicate that environmentally realistic concentrations of atrazine exert a negative impact on amphibian metamorphosis. Also, this study suggests that mixtures of agricultural chemicals, even if sublethal, may exert negative and not necessarily consistent mixture effects.

Moving as a reason for pet relinquishment: a closer look.

Abstract: One of the most frequently given reasons for relinquishing a companion animal to an animal shelter is that the person or family is moving. Telephone interviews conducted with 57 caregivers who relinquished animal companions to a shelter in the midwestern United States covered details of the move, characteristics both of the caregivers and the animals, and efforts to avoid relinquishment. A human-nonhuman animal bonding scale also was administered. Although some participants had additional reasons for relinquishment, the majority had given up their pets solely because they were moving. Most had relatively low income, were moving for employment reasons, and were renting their homes. Landlord restrictions were an important factor in relinquishment. High scores on the bonding scale and spontaneous expressions of discomfort and sorrow suggest that external pressures overrode attachment to the animal and the pain of relinquishment.

Direct extraction of DNA from soils for studies in microbial ecology.

Abstract: Molecular analyses for the study of soil microbial communities often depend on the extraction of DNA directly from soils. These extractions are by no means trivial, being complicated by humic substances that are inhibitory to PCR and restriction enzymes or being too highly colored for blot hybridization protocols. Many different published protocols exist, but none have been found to be suitable enough to be generally accepted as a standard. Most direct extraction protocols start with relatively harsh cell breakage steps such as bead-beating and freeze-thaw cycles, followed by the addition of detergents and high salt buffers and/or enzymic digestion with lysozyme and proteases. After typical organic extraction and alcohol precipitation, further purification is usually needed to remove inhibitory substances from the extract. The purification steps include size-exclusion chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, silica gel spin columns, and cesium chloride gradients, among others. A direct DNA extraction protocol is described that has been shown to be effective in a wide variety of soil types. This protocol is experimentally compared to several published protocols.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer in “Two-Point” Bound Supramolecular Triads Composed of N,N-Dimethylaminophenyl-Fullerene-Pyridine Coordinated to Zinc Porphyrin

Abstract: Stable with defined distance and orientation, self-assembled supramolecular triads composed of N,Ndimethylaminophenylfullerene-pyridine bound to zinc porphyrins by a newly developed “two-point” binding strategy are reported. For this, zinc porphyrin was derivatized to bear “hydrogen-bonding” functionalities, carboxylic acid or amide groups, and C60 was functionalized to bear a ligating group, pyridine, and a second electron donor, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl group. The supramolecular triads formed by self-assembly of the zinc porphyrin and fullerene derivatives via the two-point binding method were characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques and were modeled by using ab initio computational methods. Evidence for axial coordination of the pyridine entity to the zinc metal center and H-bonding between the pyrrolidine ring nitrogen and the pendant carboxylic acid or amide groups was obtained. In the supramolecular triads, the second electron donor, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, promotes efficient charge separation upon excitation of the zinc porphyrin to yield the radical ion pairs. The radical ion pairs thus generated undergo slow charge recombination to yield relatively long-lived (30-40 ns) charge-separated states.