Dynamic asymmetric communication

We show how any dynamic instantaneous compression algorithm can be converted to an asymmetric communication protocol, with which a server with high bandwidth can help clients with low bandwidth send it messages. Unlike previous authors, we do not assume the server knows the messages' distribution, and our protocols are the first to use only one round of communication for each message.     

Thermal decomposition and electrical conductivity of oxide cathode emission materials

Thermal decomposition and electrical conductivity of oxide cathode emission materials used for cathode ray tubes (CRTs) have been studied under different heat treatment conditions for commercial sprayed cathode systems based on barium-strontium carbonate precursors. Conversion of the carbonate precursor commenced at temperatures above approximately 700 K in vacuum, evidenced by increases in conductivity, however, the rate of the conversion reaction increased dramatically as the temperature was increased. The corresponding chemical and microstructural changes have also been investigated by thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with multiple decomposition stages identified corresponding to the conversion of the carbonate precursor and separate activation steps associated with the reaction of barium oxide with the Mg and Al activating agents in the nickel cathode substrate. © 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Mode of chemotherapy does not affect complications with an implantable venous access device

BACKGROUND: Few reports have been made regarding the long term safety of implantable venous access devices used for the delivery of chemotherapeutic agents. The authors' goals were to determine the frequency of complications in patients receiving chemotherapy with these devices; to determine whether complications were associated with the mode of chemotherapy delivery (push/bolus or infusional regimens); and to evaluate the influence of other risk factors, including home-based versus hospital-based administration. METHODS: A total of 152 oncology patients at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Administration Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas (ages 26-81 years; mean age, 62 years), who underwent surgical placement of an Infus-a-Port (Strato, Inc., Beverly, MA) between May 1, 1992 and May 31, 1994, were evaluated retrospectively for postplacement device complications, such as infection, thrombosis, and mechanical failure. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients experienced 1 complication each: 17 episodes of device-related sepsis, cellulitis, or fever of unknown origin; 8 episodes of thrombosis or catheter occlusion; 1 episode of drug extravasation; and 1 mechanical failure. Patient age, frequency of port accession, mode of chemotherapy delivery, tumor type, and neutropenia were evaluated as risk factors, but none was statistically significant. Complications were more frequent during the first 90 days after implantation, but they continued to occur throughout the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: Complications attributable to an implantable venous access device were infrequent in this patient population. No differences in complications for patients receiving home-based versus hospital-based chemotherapy administration were noted, opening the possibility of significant time and cost savings with home treatment.     

Crime News and Racialized Beliefs: Understanding the Relationship Between Local News Viewing and Perceptions of African Americans and Crime

A survey of Los Angeles County adults was undertaken to determine whether exposure to the overrepresentation of Blacks as criminals on local news programs, attention to crime news, and news trust predicted perceptions of Blacks and crime. After controlling for a number of factors including the diversity of respondents' neighborhood and neighborhood crime rate, attention to crime news was positively related to concern about crime. In addition, attention to crime news was positively associated with harsher culpability ratings of a hypothetical race-unidentified suspect and a Black suspect but not a White suspect. Finally, heavier consumption of Blacks' overrepresentation as criminals on local television news was positively related to the perception of Blacks as violent. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed in light of chronic activation and accessibility of stereotypical constructs.     

The Influence of Race in Police–Civilian Interactions: A Content Analysis of Videotaped Interactions Taken During Cincinnati Police Traffic Stops

Although the study of police–civilian relations has recently entered the intergroup communication arena, there are no studies of actual interactions between these social categories. In part to rectify that stark omission and guided by communication accommodation theory, 313 randomly sampled video recordings from police cars on traffic stops in Cincinnati, Ohio were content analyzed. The study revealed 3 key differences as a function of the officers' and drivers' races: (a) Black drivers were more likely to experience extensive policing during the stop; (b) the communication quality of White drivers was, on average, more positive than that of the Black drivers; and (c) officers' communication behavior was more positive when the officer and driver were of the same race. These findings are consistent with public opinion data and their implications for theory are discussed.