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Introduction: Despite decades of research on risk-communication approaches, questions remain about the optimal methods for conveying risks for different outcomes across multiple time points, which can be necessary in applications such as discrete choice experiments (DCEs). We sought to compare the effects of 3 design factors: 1) separated versus integrated presentations of the risks for different outcomes, 2) use or omission of icon arrays, and 3) vertical versus horizontal orientation of the time dimension. Methods: We conducted a randomized study among a demographically diverse sample of 2,242 US adults recruited from an online panel (mean age 59.8 y, s = 10.4 y; 21.9% African American) that compared risk-communication approaches that varied in the 3 factors noted above. The primary outcome was the number of correct responses to 12 multiple-choice questions asking survey respondents to identify specific numbers, contrast options to recognize dominance (larger v. smaller risks), and compute differences. We used linear regression to test the effects of the 3 design factors, controlling for health literacy, graph literacy, and numeracy. We also measured choice consistency in a subsequent DCE choice module Results: Mean comprehension varied significantly across versions (P < 0.001), with higher comprehension in the 3 versions that provided separated risk information for each risk. In the multivariable regression, separated risk presentation was associated with 0.58 more correct responses (P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval: 0.39, 0.77) compared with integrated risk information. Neither providing icon arrays nor using vertical versus horizontal time formats affected comprehension rates, although participant understanding did correlate with DCE choice consistency. Conclusions: In presentations of multiple risks over multiple time points, presenting risk information separately for each health outcome appears to increase understanding. Highlights: When conveying information about risks of different outcomes at multiple time points, separate presentations of single-outcome risks resulted in higher comprehension than presentations that combined risk information for different outcomes. We also observed benefits of presenting single-outcome risks separately among respondents with lower numeracy and graph literacy. Study participants who scored higher on risk understanding were more internally consistent in their responses to a discrete choice experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasmon response of a spherical metallic shell becomes significantly more complex as its size is increased beyond the quasistatic limit. With increasing size and decreasing aspect ratio (r1/r2), higher order multipolar modes contribute in a more dominant manner, and two distinct core-shell geometries exist that provide the same dipole plasmon resonance, with differing relative multipolar contributions in their overall spectral response. With further increase in particle size, the geometric tunability of the core-shell structure disappears, and in the infinite radius limit the plasmon response is consistent with that of a thin metallic film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The actions of hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) on the heart and vasculature have been extensively reported. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of H 2 S are unclear in the anesthetized rat. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of H 2 S on the electrocardiogram and examine the relationship between H 2 S-induced changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and respiratory function. Intravenous administration of the H 2 S donor Na 2 S in the anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rat decreased MAP and HR and produced changes in respiratory function. The administration of Na 2 S significantly increased the RR interval at some doses but had no effect on PR or corrected QT( n )-B intervals. In experiments where respiration was maintained with a mechanical ventilator, we observed that Na 2 S-induced decreases in MAP and HR were independent of respiration. In experiments where respiration was maintained by mechanical ventilation and HR was maintained by cardiac pacing, Na 2 S-induced changes in MAP were not significantly altered, whereas changes in HR were abolished. Coadministration of glybenclamide significantly increased MAP and HR responses at some doses, but methylene blue, diltiazem, and ivabradine had no significant effect compared with control. The decreases in MAP and HR in response to Na 2 S could be dissociated and were independent of changes in respiratory function, ATP-sensitive K + channels, methylene blue-sensitive mechanism involving L-type voltage-sensitive Ca 2+ channels, or hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels. Cardiovascular responses observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats were more robust than those in Sprague-Dawley rats. NEW & NOTEWORTHY H 2 S is a gasotransmitter capable of producing a decrease in mean arterial pressure and heart rate. The hypotensive and bradycardic effects of H 2 S can be dissociated, as shown with cardiac pacing experiments. Responses were not blocked by diltiazem, ivabradine, methylene blue, or glybenclamide., (Copyright © 2017 the American Physiological Society.)