Showing papers by "University of Colorado Colorado Springs published in 2004"

Development of the asthma control test: A survey for assessing asthma control

Abstract: Background Asthma guidelines indicate that the goal of treatment should be optimum asthma control In a busy clinic practice with limited time and resources, there is need for a simple method for assessing asthma control with or without lung function testing Objectives The objective of this article was to describe the development of the Asthma Control Test (ACT), a patient-based tool for identifying patients with poorly controlled asthma Methods A 22-item survey was administered to 471 patients with asthma in the offices of asthma specialists The specialist's rating of asthma control after spirometry was also collected Stepwise regression methods were used to select a subset of items that showed the greatest discriminant validity in relation to the specialist's rating of asthma control Internal consistency reliability was computed, and discriminant validity tests were conducted for ACT scale scores The performance of ACT was investigated by using logistic regression methods and receiver operating characteristic analyses Results Five items were selected from regression analyses The internal consistency reliability of the 5-item ACT scale was 084 ACT scale scores discriminated between groups of patients differing in the specialist's rating of asthma control (F = 345, P P 1 (F = 43, P = 0052) As a screening tool, the overall agreement between ACT and the specialist's rating ranged from 71% to 78% depending on the cut points used, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 077 Conclusion Results reinforce the usefulness of a brief, easy to administer, patient-based index of asthma control

Why do people need self-esteem? A theoretical and empirical review.

Abstract: Terror management theory (TMT; J. Greenberg, T. Pyszczynski, & S. Solomon, 1986) posits that people are motivated to pursue positive self-evaluations because self-esteem provides a buffer against the omnipresent potential for anxiety engendered by the uniquely human awareness of mortality. Empirical evidence relevant to the theory is reviewed showing that high levels of self-esteem reduce anxiety and anxiety-related defensive behavior, reminders of one's mortality increase self-esteem striving and defense of self-esteem against threats in a variety of domains, high levels of self-esteem eliminate the effect of reminders of mortality on both self-esteem striving and the accessibility of death-related thoughts, and convincing people of the existence of an afterlife eliminates the effect of mortality salience on self-esteem striving. TMT is compared with other explanations for why people need self-esteem, and a critique of the most prominent of these, sociometer theory, is provided.

Deliver us from Evil: The Effects of Mortality Salience and Reminders of 9/11 on Support for President George W. Bush

Abstract: According to terror management theory, heightened concerns about mortality should intensify the appeal of charismatic leaders. To assess this idea, we investigated how thoughts about death and the 9/11 terrorist attacks influence Americans’ attitudes toward current U.S. President George W. Bush. Study 1 found that reminding people of their own mortality (mortality salience) increased support for Bush and his counterterrorism policies. Study 2 demonstrated that subliminal exposure to 9/11-related stimuli brought death-related thoughts closer to consciousness. Study 3 showed that reminders of both mortality and 9/11 increased support for Bush. In Study 4, mortality salience led participants to become more favorable toward Bush and voting for him in the upcoming election but less favorable toward Presidential candidate John Kerry and voting for him. Discussion focused on the role of terror management processes in allegiance to charismatic leaders and political decision making.

Approximation methods in multidisciplinary analysis and optimization: a panel discussion

Abstract: This paper summarizes the discussion at the Approximation Methods Panel that was held at the 9 th AIAA/ISSMO Symposium on Multidisciplinary Analysis & Optimization in Atlanta, GA on September 2–4, 2002. The objective of the panel was to discuss the current state-of-the-art of approximation methods and identify future research directions important to the community. The panel consisted of five representatives from industry and government: (1) Andrew J. Booker from The Boeing Company, (2) Dipankar Ghosh from Vanderplaats Research & Development, (3) Anthony A. Giunta from Sandia National Laboratories, (4) Patrick N. Koch from Engineous Software, Inc., and (5) Ren-Jye Yang from Ford Motor Company. Each panelist was asked to (i) give one or two brief examples of typical uses of approximation methods by his company, (ii) describe the current state-of-the-art of these methods used by his company, (iii) describe the current challenges in the use and adoption of approximation methods within his company, and (iv) identify future research directions in approximation methods. Several common themes arose from the discussion, including differentiating between design of experiments and design and analysis of computer experiments, visualizing experimental results and data from approximation models, capturing uncertainty with approximation methods, and handling problems with large numbers of variables. These are discussed in turn along with the future directions identified by the panelists, which emphasized educating engineers in using approximation methods.

The relationship between vertical jump power estimates and weightlifting ability: a field-test approach.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness of the vertical jump and estimated vertical-jump power as a field test for weightlifting. Estimated PP output from the vertical jump was correlated with lifting ability among 64 USA national-level weightlifters (junior and senior men and women). Vertical jump was measured using the Kinematic Measurement System, consisting of a switch mat interfaced with a laptop computer. Vertical jumps were measured using a hands-on-hips method. A counter-movement vertical jump (CMJ) and a static vertical jump (SJ, 90 degrees knee angle) were measured. Two trials were given for each condition. Test-retest reliability for jump height was intra-class correlation (ICC) = 0.98 (CMJ) and ICC = 0.96 (SJ). Athletes warmed up on their own for 2-3 minutes, followed by 2 practice jumps at each condition. Peak power (PP) was estimated using the equations developed by Sayers et al. (24). The athletes' current lifting capabilities were assessed by a questionnaire, and USA national coaches checked the listed values. Differences between groups (i.e., men versus women, juniors versus resident lifters) were determined using t-tests (p < or = 0.05). Correlations were determined using Pearson's r. Results indicate that vertical jumping PP is strongly associated with weightlifting ability. Thus, these results indicate that PP derived from the vertical jump (CMJ or SJ) can be a valuable tool in assessing weightlifting performance.

A Unified Model of Requirements Elicitation

Abstract: Effective requirements elicitation is essential to the success of software development projects. Many papers have been written that promulgate specific elicitation methods. A few model elicitation in general. However, none have yet modeled elicitation in a way that makes clear the critical role played by situational knowledge. This paper presents a unified model of the requirements elicitation process that emphasizes the iterative nature of elicitation as it transforms the current state of the requirements and the situation to an improved understanding of the requirements and, potentially, a modified situation. One meta-process of requirements elicitation, selection of an appropriate elicitation technique, is also captured in the model. The values of this model are: (1) an improved understanding of elicitation helps analysts improve their elicitation efforts and (2) as we improve our ability to perform elicitation, we improve the likelihood that systems we create will meet their intended cus-tomers' needs.

A function of form: Terror management and structuring the social world

Abstract: Drawing on lay epistemology theory, the authors assessed a terror management analysis of the psychological function of structuring social information. Seven studies tested variations of the hypothesis that simple, benign interpretations of social information function, in part, to manage death-related anxiety. In Studies 1-4, mortality salience (MS) exaggerated primacy effects and reliance on representative information, decreased preference for a behaviorally inconsistent target among those high in personal need for structure (PNS), and increased high-PNS participants' preference for interpersonal balance. In Studies 5-7, MS increased high-PNS participants' preference for interpretations that suggest a just world and a benevolent causal order of events in the social world.

Multidisciplinary optimization of a transport aircraft wing using particle swarm optimization

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the application of particle swarm optimization to a realistic multidisciplinary optimization test problem. The paper's new contributions to multidisciplinary optimization are the application of a new algorithm for dealing with the unique challenges associated with multidisciplinary optimization problems, and recommendations for the utilization of the algorithm in future multidisciplinary optimization applications. The selected example is a bi-level optimization problem that demonstrates severe numerical noise and has a combination of continuous and discrete design variables. The use of traditional gradient-based optimization algorithms is thus not practical. The numerical results presented indicate that the particle swarm optimization algorithm is able to reliably find the optimum design for the problem presented. The algorithm is capable of dealing with the unique challenges posed by multidisciplinary optimization, as well as the numerical noise and discrete variables present in the current example problem.

High-performance battery-pack power estimation using a dynamic cell model

Abstract: In some battery applications, such as in hybrid electric vehicles or battery electric vehicles, it is necessary to be able to estimate, in real time, the present available power that may be sourced by the battery pack. Similarly, in rechargeable packs, it may be necessary to know how much charging power the pack can accept. These values must be carefully calculated in such a way that the pack will not be damaged by over/under charge or voltage or by exceeding a design current or power limit. This paper describes a method that uses a dynamic cell model and state-of-charge side information to very accurately predict the battery-pack available power.

The effects of pay level on organization‐based self‐esteem and performance: A field study

Abstract: Most compensation managers implicitly assume (or perhaps hope) that high pay levels will maintain and enhance future performance. To date, this assumption has been largely untested. Given the importance of pay level and the large expense that pay represents to most organizations, understanding how and why pay level influences the behaviour of employees in organizations is an important question. The purpose of this study is to examine the motivational effects of pay level on employee performance. To examine these issues, we collected field study data from a variety of sources, at three different times, and assessed the effects of employee pay level on subsequent self-esteem and performance. Specifically, we hypothesized that the effects of pay level on performance would be mediated by pay level effects on organization-based self-esteem. We base this hypothesis on the premise that level of pay within an organization communicates a sense of how much the organization values an employee and thus affects employee organization-based self-esteem which, in turn, enhances job performance. After controlling for organization tenure, and previous pay change, results supported a mediated model that suggests that pay level affects employee self-esteem, which in turn, affects employee performance.

Mortality in a Long-term Open Cohort of Prostitute Women

Abstract: In this study, the authors estimated overall and cause-specific mortality among prostitute women. They recorded information on prostitute women identified by police and health department surveillance in Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 1967 to 1999. The authors assessed cause-specific mortality in this open cohort of 1,969 women using the Social Security Death Index and the National Death Index, augmented by individual investigations. They identified 117 definite or probable deaths and had sufficient information on 100 to calculate a crude mortality rate (CMR) of 391 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval (CI): 314, 471). In comparison with the general population, the standardized mortality ratio (SMR), adjusted for age and race, was 1.9 (95% CI: 1.5, 2.3). For the period of presumed active prostitution only, the CMR was 459 per 100,000 (95% CI: 246, 695) and the SMR was 5.9 (95% CI: 3.2, 9.0). Violence and drug use were the predominant causes of death, both during periods of prostitution and during the whole observation period. The CMR for death by homicide among active prostitutes was 229 per 100,000 (95% CI: 79, 378), and the SMR was 17.7 (95% CI: 6.2, 29.3). Deaths from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome occurred exclusively among prostitutes who admitted to injecting drug use or were inferred to have a history of it. acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; HIV; homicide; mortality; overdose; prostitution; substance abuse, intravenous; violence

The importance of isometric maximum strength and peak rate-of-force development in sprint cycling.

Abstract: This study was designed to investigate the relationship of whole-body maximum strength to variables potentially associated with track sprint-cycling success. These variables included body composition, power measures, coach's rank, and sprint-cycling times. The study was carried out in 2 parts. The first part (n = 30) served as a pilot for the second part (n = 20). Subjects for both parts ranged from international-caliber sprint cyclists to local-level cyclists. Maximum strength was measured using an isometric midthigh pull (IPF). Explosive strength was measured as the peak rate-of-force development (IPRFD) from the isometric force-time curve. Peak power was estimated from countermovement (CMJPP) and static vertical jumps (SJPP) and measured by modified Wingate tests. Athletes were ranked by the U.S. national cycling coach (part 1). Sprint times (from a standing start) were measured using timing gates placed at 25, 82.5, 165, 247.5, and 330 m of an outdoor velodrome (part 2). Maximum strength (both absolute and body-mass corrected) and explosive strength were shown to be strongly correlated with jump and Wingate power. Additionally, maximum strength was strongly correlated with both coach's rank (parts 1 and 2) and sprint cycling times (part 2). The results suggest that larger, stronger sprint cyclists have an advantage in producing power and are generally faster sprint cyclists.

RADPEER quality assurance program: a multifacility study of interpretive disagreement rates.

Abstract: Purpose To develop and test a radiology peer review system that adds minimally to workload, is confidential, uniform across practices, and provides useful information to meet the mandate for "evaluation of performance in practice" that is forthcoming from the American Board of Medical Specialties as one of the four elements of maintenance of certification. Method RADPEER has radiologists who review previous images as part of a new interpretation record their ratings of the previous interpretations on a 4-point scale. Reviewing radiologists' ratings of 3 and 4 (disagreements in nondifficult cases) are reviewed by a peer review committee in each practice to judge whether they are misinterpretations by the original radiologists. Final ratings are sent for central data entry and analysis. A pilot test of RADPEER was conducted in 2002. Results Fourteen facilities participated in the pilot test, submitting a total of 20,286 cases. Disagreements in difficult cases (ratings of 2) averaged 2.9% of all cases. Committee-validated misinterpretations in nondifficult cases averaged 0.8% of all cases. There were considerable differences by modality. There were substantial differences across facilities; few of these differences were explicable by mix of modalities, facility size or type, or being early or late in the pilot test. Of 31 radiologists who interpreted over 200 cases, 2 had misinterpretation rates significantly ( P Conclusions A substantial number of facilities participated in the pilot test, and all maintained their participation throughout the year. Data generated are useful for the peer review of individual radiologists and for showing differences by modality. RADPEER is now operational and is a good solution to the need for a peer review system with the desirable characteristics listed above.

Fatal Attraction The Effects of Mortality Salience on Evaluations of Charismatic, Task-Oriented, and Relationship-Oriented Leaders

Abstract: A study was conducted to assess the effects of mortality salience on evaluations of political candidates as a function of leadership style On the basis of terror management theory and previous research, we hypothesized that people would show increased preference for a charismatic political candidate and decreased preference for a relationship-oriented political candidate in response to subtle reminders of death Following a mortality-salience or control induction, 190 participants read campaign statements by charismatic, task-oriented, and relationship-oriented gubernatorial candidates; evaluated their preferences for each candidate; and voted for one of them Results were in accord with predictions The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are considered

A 3-Year Study of Middle, Junior High, and High School IEP Meetings

Abstract: This study examined the perceptions of 1,638 secondary individualized education program (IEP) meeting participants from 393 IEP meetings across 3 consecutive years. Results indicate significant differences between the survey answers and participant roles, when students did or did not attend their IEP meetings, and when different professional team members attended the meetings. Special education teachers talked more than all team members. Students reported the lowest scores for knowing the reasons for the meetings, knowing what to do at the meetings, and five other survey items. General educators rated themselves lowest on three of the survey questions. Student and general educator attendance at the IEP meetings produced value-added benefits for IEP team members, especially parents.

Single event transient pulse widths in digital microcircuits

Abstract: The radiation effects community has long known that single event transients in digital microcircuits will have an increasing importance on error rates as device sizes shrink. However separating these errors from static errors in latch cells has often proved difficult. Thus determining both the significance and the nature of these transient errors has not been easy. In this study, by utilizing a latch that is radiation hard at static clock frequencies the errors due to transients could be separated. By separating the transient error rate from the static upset error rate, the pulse structure of the propagating transients was studied using SPICE. The implications of these pulsewidths will also be discussed.

Comparison of sensory gating to mismatch negativity and self-reported perceptual phenomena in healthy adults.

Abstract: To better understand the possible functional significance of electrophysiological sensory gating measures, response suppression of midlatency auditory event related potential (ERP) components was compared to the mismatch negativity (MMN) and to self-rated indices of stimulus filtering and passive attention-switching phenomena in an agerestricted sample of healthy adults. P1 sensory gating, measured during a paired-click paradigm, was correlated with MMN amplitude, measured during an acoustic oddball paradigm (intensity deviation). Also, individuals that exhibited less robust P1 suppression endorsed higher rates of ‘‘perceptual modulation’’ difficulties, whereas component N1 suppression was more closely related to ‘‘over-inclusion’’ of irrelevant sounds into the focus of attention. These findings suggest that the ERP components investigated are not redundant, but correspond to distinctFpossibly relatedFpre-attentive processing systems. Descriptors: Auditory evoked potentials, Sensory gating, Attention, Auditory perception, Auditory stimulation

Heavy ion-induced digital single-event transients in deep submicron Processes

Abstract: Single-event transients (SETs) in digital circuits/processes are examined. SETs appear to substantially mitigate traditional SEU static-latch hardening techniques below 0.25 /spl mu/m. The resulting IC error rate for advanced technology node hardened-electronics is dominated by the combinational-logic SET rate.