Characterization of Flow in Intravenous Catheters

The pressure-flow (P-F) relationship in intravenous catheters is shown to be represented by the predictive model P = RLF + RTF2. The pressure loss due to F, calculated from experimental data, was found to equal the expected Poiseuille laminar flow loss. Pressure loss due to F2 was found to be the sum of turbulent P losses due to entrance length flow disturbance, kinetic energy at the outflow, and minor shape change losses. Analysis of the flow capabilities of intravenous catheters can be used to evaluate suitability for specific intravenous infusion needs.     

Investigation of perceived environment, perceived outcome, and person variables in relationship to voluntary development activity by employees.

Examined perceived environment, perceived incentive and outcome, and person constructs for relationships with interest and participation in voluntary learning and development activity by nonmanagement employees. All 3 groups of constructs were related to development activity. In relationships with development activity, perceived outcome and environment variables interacted with workers' personal values relevant to aspects of a development setting, illustrating the potentially important role that differences in values may play in a development context. Additionally, small relationships were observed between several demographic variables and values within a development setting. Results provide implications for the design and implementation of successful development programs and highlight the need to carefully consider individual differences in this context when targeting many different types of employees for participation. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Recognizing, assessing, and intervening with problems of professional competence.

Working collaboratively, psychologist educators and trainers at the doctoral, internship, and postdoctoral levels; credentialers; practitioners; and students offer 8 proposals for psychologists to consider in recognizing, assessing, and intervening with problems of professional competence in students and practicing professionals. In the proposals, the authors address the following topics: definitions and categories; preparing the system; self-assessment; remediation; diversity; communication across various levels of the system; confidentiality; and ethical, regulatory, and legal underpinnings. They also propose future directions for the assessment of problems in professional competence in both students and practicing psychologists. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Exploring Relationships Between Traditional and New Media Literacies: British Preteen Texters at School

This article focuses on preteen British children's use of text messaging, particularly the abbreviations and characteristic language used within text messages. We look not only at the language style used by the children, but at the ways in which it relates to their traditional literacy skills, as measured through standardized tests and assessments. We have found repeated positive relationships between use of text register language and traditional literacy skills, and we give here a preview of our latest, longitudinal work, which allows those relationships to be studied directionally, enabling us to draw causal conclusions.     

The Mahomet Aquifer

Abstract

Emerging intrastate transboundary issues focus on use of the Mahomet aquifer, which underlies about fifteen counties and many other political entities in east-central Illinois. This sand and gravel aquifer in the lower part of the buried Mahomet Bedrock Valley ranges between four and fourteen miles wide and from about 50 to 200 feet thick. Much of the region's rural population, several large communities, and many small towns obtain water from the Mahomet aquifer, as do industrial, agricultural, and commercial users. Increased development of the Mahomet aquifer to meet growing demands for water has caused conflicts over real or perceived adverse effects. One result has been the creation of fifteen resource protection zones and twelve water authorities. For groundwater supplies, resource protection zones help municipalities protect water-supply wells from potential adverse impacts. Many resource protection zones overlap one another, however, so this situation could lead to disputes over use of the resource. The reason that several of the twelve water authorities were organized was to meet a challenge perceived from a demand to be placed on the aquifer, in other words, a potential for conflict of use. Complicating the situation is that some of the water authorities overlap the resource protection zones. This could lead to disputes not only about water use, but also over which jurisdiction has the authority to settle a dispute. The Mahomet Aquifer Consortium was recently organized by concerned people representing diverse groundwater interests at the local level, including the private sector, professional organizations, and various governmental units. The consortium brings together representatives of some groups that typically did not communicate with each other in the past. The consortium may provide a forum through which emerging transboundary issues pertaining to use of the Mahomet aquifer can be addressed. Because the consortium is a voluntary organization that relies on consensus building, the success it may achieve in resolving future conflicts over groundwater use from the Mahomet aquifer remains to be seen.     

Physical and Sexual Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Although several studies have examined the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and drug use among women in drug treatment programs, more information is needed to delineate differences, as a function of the specific drug used. Data from a random sample of 416 women attending methadone programs were analyzed to elucidate the differential associations between IPV and use of the following: marijuana only, cocaine only, heroin only, or cocaine and heroin. Prevalence of IPV among this sample far exceeded estimates from the general population. After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, use of cocaine only was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing IPV compared with no drug use. Similar results were found for women using both cocaine and heroin. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Microwave embedment for light and electron microscopy using epoxy resins,LR white,and other polymers

Microwave energy can be used to polymerize embedding polymers used for light and electron microscopy, providing novel and ultrarapid processing methods to accomplish cell and tissue embedments. These quick methods steadily show promise for diagnosis of disease where rapid methods can be crucial. This review is intended to answer some of the questions microscopists may have in attempting to utilize such microwave embedding procedures and to provide a comparison of results using divergent Medcast and LR White.     

Connecting with the Viewer: Affectivity and Cathexis in Textile Artwork

This article explores how, following bereavement, textile artwork may be able to make a connection with the viewer and allow a progression of their work of mourning. It takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from the literature of psychoanalytical theory, affectivity, and textile thinking to understand the importance of cloth as artwork in the grieving process. The article draws on the practice-based textile research of the author which, together with responses to the artworks made, discusses the way viewers can make an emotional investment in textile artwork and considers the concept of exhibitionary affect to increase the emotional connection of the viewer to the work.     

Long-term effects of magnesium carbonate on coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density in hemodialysis patients: A pilot study

Observational data suggest that elevated magnesium levels in dialysis patients may prevent vascular calcification and in vitro magnesium can prevent hydroxyapatite crystal growth. However, the effects of magnesium on vascular calcification and bone mineral density have not been studied prospectively. Seven chronic hemodialysis patients participated in this open label, prospective pilot study to evaluate the effects of a magnesium-based phosphate binder on coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and vertebral bone mineral density (V-BMD) in patients with baseline CAC scores >30. Magnesium carbonate/calcium carbonate (elemental Mg: 86 mg/elemental Ca 100 mg) was administered as the principal phosphate binder for a period of 18 months and changes in CAC and V-BMD were measured at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Serum magnesium levels averaged 2.2±0.4 mEq/L (range: 1.3–3.9 mEq/L). Phosphorus levels (4.5±0.6 mg/dL) were well controlled throughout the 18 months study. Electron beam computed tomography results demonstrated a small not statically significant increase in absolute CAC scores, no significant change in median percent change, and a small none significant change in V-BMD. Magnesium may have a favorable effect on CAC. The long-term effect on bone mineral density remains unclear. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.