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Approaches that use a simulated patient case to study and assess diagnostic reasoning usually use the correct diagnosis of the case as a measure of success and as an anchor for other measures. Commonly, the correctness of a diagnosis is determined by the judgment of one or more experts. In this study, the consistency of experts' judgments of the correctness of a diagnosis, and the structure of knowledge supporting their judgments, were explored using a card sorting task. Seven expert pediatricians were asked to sort into piles the diagnoses proposed by 119 individuals who had worked through a simulated patient case of "Haemophilus influenzae" Type B (HIB) meningitis. The 119 individuals had varying experience levels. The expert pediatricians were asked to sort the proposed diagnoses by similarity of content, and then to order the piles based on correctness, relative to the known correct diagnosis (HIB meningitis). Finally, the experts were asked to judge which piles contained correct or incorrect diagnoses. We found that, contrary to previous studies, experts shared a common conceptual framework of the diagnostic domain being considered and were consistent in how they categorized the diagnoses. However, similar to previous studies, the experts differed greatly in their judgment of which diagnoses were correct. This study has important implications for understanding expert knowledge, for scoring performance on simulated or real patient cases, for providing feedback to learners in the clinical setting, and for establishing criteria that define what is correct in studies of diagnostic error and diagnostic reasoning.

Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught mathematician, surveyor and astronomer published annual almanacs containing his astronomical observations and predictions. Banneker who also used logarithms to apply the Law of Sines believed that the method used to solve a mathematical problem depends on the tools available.

The presidential election that frequently features the results of political polling is presented. These polls attempt to estimate the popular vote that each candidate would receive as they could predict who would win the elections.

The software package 'GraphExplorer: Function Graphing Software' is recommended for its usefulness to most high school students and teachers, and its easy usage. Its capabilities include the partitioning of graphs, the combination of equations, Riemann-sum features for calculus, and various graphing scenarios. However, this Macintosh-intended program could be more user-friendly, as exemplified by often slow graphing, a lack of help screens, limitations with inequalities and an inability to graph functions simultaneously. The software package is prized at $99.95.

The article discusses the hands project which aims to find at least three different types of functions that model lines or curves of their hands. It presents detailed discussion on how to introduce the activity as well as tips for teacher's notes and hints in implementing the activity. Moreover, the questionnaire concerning the activity is also mentioned.

Presents a two-person nine-card game which illustrates and reinforces mathematical principles. Instructions in playing the game; Similarity between the nine-card game and ticktacktoe.

Provides a sensitivity analysis of home run production in major league baseball. Trends of home run production as of 2001; Details of the theoretical analyses and mathematical inferences of home run production; Factors that may affect the distance that a ball must fly in order to qualify as a home run.

Discusses an in situ vacuum surface-cleaning process that uses microcluster beams to clean wafer surfaces contaminated by solid particulates and organic films. Background on the microcluster beam technology; Mechanisms for contaminant removal; Investigations into particle removal feasibility; Information on semiconductor wafer-cleaning applications. INSET: Wafer probe card cleaning.

Abstract: Integrating public health into medical curricula poses a substantial challenge to educators. However, the needs of trainees and the population requirements of accrediting bodies provide a compelling call to action to improve how tomorrow''s medical practitioners are prepared to incorporate public health into their practices. This article provides insights about the nature of the challenges, and it identifies opportunities and practical approaches to integrating public health content into medical school curricula. The paper incorporates authors'' opinions with a synthesis of the discussions from a workshop at the 2010 “Patients and Populations: Public Health in Medical Education” conference. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reviews the puzzle `Amazing Math Puzzles,' by Adam Hart-Davis.