bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explaining the effects of distractor statistics in visual search
Authors: Calder-Travis Joshua , Ma Wei Ji
Published: January 2020

Visual search, the task of detecting or locating target items amongst distractor items in a visual scene, is an important function for animals and humans. Different theoretical accounts make differing predictions for the effects of distractor statistics. Here we use a task in which we parametrically vary distractor items, allowing for a simultaneously fine-grained and comprehensive study of distractor statistics. We found effects of target-distractor similarity, distractor variability, and an interaction between the two, although the effect of the interaction on performance differed from the one expected. To explain these findings, we constructed computational process models that make trial-by-trial predictions for behaviour based on the full set of stimuli in a trial. These models, including a Bayesian observer model, provided excellent accounts of both the qualitative and quantitative effects of distractor statistics, as well as of the effect of changing the statistics of the environment (in the form of distractors being drawn from a different distribution). We conclude with a broader discussion of the role of computational process models in the understanding of visual search.
Genome-wide redistribution of 24-nt siRNAs in rice gametes
Authors: Li Chenxin , Xu Hengping , Fu Fang-Fang , Russell Scott D. , Sundaresan Venkatesan , Gent Jonathan I.
Published: January 2020

Gametes constitute a critical stage of the plant life cycle during which the genome undergoes reprogramming in preparation for embryogenesis. Here, we examined genome-wide distributions of small RNAs in the sperm and egg cells of rice. We found that 24-nt siRNAs, which are a hallmark of RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in plants, were depleted from heterochromatin boundaries in both gametes relative to vegetative tissues, reminiscent of siRNA patterns in DDM1-type nucleosome remodeler mutants. In sperm cells, 24-nt siRNAs were spread across heterochromatic regions, while in egg cells, 24-nt siRNAs were concentrated at a smaller number of heterochromatic loci throughout the genome, especially at loci which also produced siRNAs in other tissues. In both gametes, patterns of CHH methylation, typically a strong indicator of RdDM, were similar to vegetative tissues, although lower in magnitude. These findings indicate that the small RNA transcriptome undergoes large-scale redistribution in both male and female gametes, which is not correlated with recruitment of DNA methyltransferases in gametes and suggestive of unexplored regulatory activities of gamete small RNAs.
Bibliometric study of social network analysis literature
Authors: Su Yu-Sheng , Lin Chien-Linag , Chen Shih-Yeh , Lai Chin-Feng
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use bibliometric analysis to identify the current state of the academic literature regarding social network analysis (SNA) and analyze its knowledge base such as research authors, research countries, document type, keyword analysis and subject areas.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric analysis is used and furthermore, Lotka’s and Bradford’s law is applied to perform author productivity analyses in this field during 1999 and 2018, respectively, in turn, discovering historical vein and research tendency in the future.

Findings

It appears that the research on SNA has been very popular and still in the highly mature period. So far, the USA takes the lead among the published paper. The top 2 subject areas are “Computer Science” and “Business Economics.” The primary journal that SNA articles were published isComputers in Human Behavior. SNA has been related to many research areas, such as “Social network analysis,” “Computer-mediated communication,” “Online learning,” “Social Network” and “Community of inquiry.” Finally, Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test proved that the frequency indexes of author productivity distribution certainly followed Lotka’s law.

Research limitations/implications

First, the productivity distribution may inform researchers and scholars of current issues and development of SNA. Second, the study proposed a theoretical model, based on Lotka’s law, for author productivity analysis of SNA, which can serve as reference for different areas of study in the evaluation of author productivity models. Also, in order to allow researchers to gain in-depth insights, this study aimed to report the most published institutions and keep track of the growth and trend of author productivity, by which scholars in related fields are provided with more opportunities for academic communication and technological cooperation.

Originality/value

This research on the productivity distribution of SNA may inform researchers and scholars of current issues and development of SNA. The findings report the major publication outlets and related discussion issues about SNA. Such information would be valuable for related authors, who are writing the manuscript on SNA, and also for practitioners, who may be interested in applying the theory or ideas of SNA.
Bibliometric analysis of patent infringement retrieval model based on self-organizing map neural network algorithm
Authors: Zhu Dimin
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to quickly retrieve the same or similar patents in a large patent database.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is carried out through the analysis of the issue of patent examination, the type of patent infringement search and theories related to patent infringement determination and text mining.

Findings

The results show that the model improves the speed of patent search. It can quickly, accurately and comprehensively retrieve the same or equivalent patents as the imported patent claims.

Research limitations/implications

The patent infringement detection mainly focuses on the measurement of patent similarity in the implementation method. It is not mature, and there is still much room for improvement in research.

Practical implications

The model improves the efficiency of patent infringement detection, increases the accuracy of detection and protects the interests of patent stakeholders.

Originality/value

This study has great significance for improving the efficiency of patent examiners.
Assessment of molecular detection of Fusarium circinatum in insects and passive spore traps in Pinus radiata plantations
Authors: Aguayo Jaime , Fourrier‐Jeandel Céline , Capdevielle Xavier , Vétillard Fabrice , Piou Dominique , Iturritxa Eugenia , Robin Cécile
Published: January 2020

Fusarium circinatum is the causal agent of pitch canker, a destructive disease that threatens natural and planted pine forests around the world. Although pitch canker has caused problems in Spain and Portugal, concerning Europe as a whole, the fungus is not established across the pine distribution area. Its dispersion by wind and/or insect vectors could nevertheless play a role in the colonization of currently uninfected stands. It is therefore crucial to develop monitoring tools for its detection. To this end, we assessed the molecular detection of the pathogen in environmental samples of bark beetles and passive spore traps, collected in two infected Pinus radiata plantations in Basque country, Spain. The spread pattern of F. circinatum was assessed by an experimental design that included insect and spore traps installed at the centre, at the edge and outside the plots. Our results showed that F. circinatum was detected in both types of samples, at almost all collection dates. In both type of samples, positive detections were mainly found at the centre of the plots, a lower proportion at the edge, and very few outside. This suggests that long‐distance dispersion of Fusarium circinatum does not rely on wind spore dispersal neither on insect flight. Our study also shows that molecular methods are a powerful tool to monitor the pathogen in environmental samples.
Evaluation of HoloHuman augmented reality application as a novel educational tool in dentistry
Authors: Zafar Sobia , Zachar Jessica Joanna
Published: January 2020

Aims

To investigate dental student's perception of the augmented reality (AR) head and neck anatomy application and to determine whether the learning environment was beneficial for students compared with traditional cadaver learning.

Methods

A total of 88 students participated in a self‐administered questionnaire prior to and after the use of AR. This was conducted during anatomy classes for second‐year dentistry students. Descriptive data analysis was performed to determine the perceptions of experience gained through AR.

Results

The study revealed that over two‐thirds of participants perceived that it would assist in their learning with 52.3% of participants who agreed and 35.2% of participants who strongly agreed. After the use of HoloHuman, it was found that 43.5% of participants agreed that the 3D anatomical structures improved their understanding of anatomy and 36.5% agreed that they felt more confident about their anatomy skills. The results also demonstrated that only 34.1% agreed that it added value in training compared with relying solely on traditional methods. Overall, 75.3% of participants agreed that HoloHuman teaching should not replace traditional cadaver training.

Conclusion

This study suggested that the use of AR offers an additional mean of dental anatomy training; however, it cannot be used as a replacement for traditional modes of cadaver anatomy training. AR has the potential to be used as an adjunct tool in the learning of dental head and neck anatomy as it has demonstrated increased student engagement and enjoyment; however, limitations with the device still remain.
Large‐scale, long‐term ecosystem monitoring: Interview with David Lindenmayer
Authors: Lindenmayer David , McDonald Tein
Published: January 2020

David Lindenmayer leads six large‐scale, long‐term research programmes in south‐eastern Australia to help conserve biodiversity in restored areas on farmland as well as conservation in reserves, national parks, wood production forests and plantations. What makes this award‐winning researcher tick and how is the research influencing biodiversity management and policy?
Distributed artificial bee colony approach for connected appliances in smart home energy management system
Authors: Bui Khac‐Hoai N. , Agbehadji Israel E. , Millham Richard , Camacho David , Jung Jason J.
Published: January 2020

In this study, we propose a computational intelligence model for the Internet of Things applications by applying the concept of swarm intelligence (SI) into connected devices. Particularly, decentralized management of smart home energy management system (HEMS) is taken into account in which connected appliances, by sharing information with each other, make the individual decisions for optimizing electricity prices of smart HEMS. Specifically, the study includes two main issues: (a) We propose a framework for decentralized management in smart HEMS; and (b) artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, a typical algorithm of SI techniques, has been applied for connected appliances in terms of communication and collaboration with each other to optimize the performance of the energy management system. Moreover, regarding the implementation, we develop and simulate a connected environment of smart home systems to evaluate the proposed approach. The simulation indicates the promising results in terms of optimizing the load balancing problem comparing with the conventional approach of the decentralized management system in smart home applications.
Fatigue crack growth and delamination mechanisms of Ti/CFRP fibre metal laminates at high temperatures
Authors: Jin Kai , Chen Kai , Luo Xinyi , Tao Jie
Published: January 2020

Ti/CFRP (titanium/carbon fibre reinforced polymer) fibre metal laminates (FMLs) are composed of titanium sheets and carbon fibres reinforced PMR (polymerization of monomeric reactants) type polyimide resin. Due to the outstanding heat resistance of the material, it can be used in hypersonic aircraft applications. Fatigue cracks in the metal layer and delamination at metal/fibre interface may occur in long‐term high‐temperature use processes. However, the behaviour of the fatigue failure at high temperatures has not been investigated. A temperature‐dependent equation has not been presented to predict the crack growth behaviour at high temperatures. In this study, to investigate the crack propagation and delamination behaviours, fatigue crack growth rate tests using tension‐tension loads at 25°C, 80°C, 120°C, and 150°C were conducted in accordance with ASTM E647‐15e1. The results indicated that the variation in fatigue crack growth rate could be described by a modified temperature‐dependent Paris equation. Interfacial strength and tensile strength may influence fatigue failure at high temperatures. Hence, these strength values were also obtained to analyse the mechanism of fatigue behaviour. The delamination area increased exponentially with temperature due to the weakening of the Ti/CFRP interface, and delamination was invariably generated on the microcracks of the titanium layers.
Estimating the cost‐effectiveness of screening for hepatitis C virus infection in Japan
Authors: Nagai Kota , Ide Kazuki , Kawasaki Yohei , Tanaka‐Mizuno Sachiko , Seto Kahori , Iwane Shinji , Eguchi Yuichiro , Kawakami Koji
Published: January 2020

Aim

The management of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has changed with the advent of interferon (IFN)‐free treatment and the declining prevalence of HCV infection, which may impact the cost‐effectiveness of the screening. We aimed to compare the cost‐effectiveness and clinical outcomes of three screening strategies in the Japanese general population: no screening, screening plus IFN‐based therapy, and screening plus IFN‐free therapy.

Methods

We developed a decision analytic Markov model for screening intervention and natural history of HCV. Model parameters were derived from published literature. A lifetime horizon and the healthcare payer perspective were taken. Subanalyses included high screening scenario with improved rates of screening and attending referral, in addition to heterogeneity analysis by age subgroup.

Results

In the base case, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio in the Japanese general population aged 40–89 years was ¥1 124 482 and ¥1 085 183 per quality‐adjusted life year gained for screening plus IFN‐free therapy compared with no screening and screening plus IFN‐based therapy, respectively. Screening plus IFN‐free therapy remained cost‐effective below ¥5 000 000 per quality‐adjusted life year gained in sensitivity analyses. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were lower in the younger population. Nearly 0.2% of HCV‐related deaths were avoided by 1.5% of the general population screened followed by IFN‐free therapy relative to no screening; the impact was greater with improved rates of screening and attending referral.

Conclusions

Screening and subsequent IFN‐free therapy for HCV appears to be cost‐effective. Early diagnosis and treatment would produce a favorable incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio. Improved rates of screening and attending referral would result in further reduction of disease progression.
Reaching out to reduce health inequities for Māori youth
Authors: Martel R. , Reihana‐Tait H. , Lawrence A. , Shepherd M. , Wihongi T. , Goodyear‐Smith F.
Published: January 2020

Aim

This paper describes an initiative facilitating comprehensive assessment and delivery of brief interventions for Māori youth in Northland, New Zealand.

Background

The population in Northland is predominantly Māori and is one of New Zealand’s most deprived populations. Māori youth have the highest youth suicide rate in the developed world and elevated numbers of youth displaying mental health issues and/or risk behaviours are of grave national concern. Like Indigenous peoples worldwide, inequities persist for Māori youth accessing and engaging with healthcare services.

Description

Taking services out to Māori youth in remote and isolated areas, Northland’s youth specialist nurses are reducing some barriers to accessing health care. The youth version of the Case‐finding and Help Assessment Tool is a New Zealand‐developed, e‐screening tool for youth psychosocial issues, facilitating comprehensive assessment and brief intervention delivery.

Discussion

Early detection of, and timely intervention for, mental health and risk behaviours can significantly improve health outcomes in youth. However, for this to happen barriers preventing youth from accessing appropriate care need to be overcome.

Conclusion

Youth specialist nurses could improve access to care for youth from ethnic minorities, rural and isolated regions, and areas of high deprivation without overwhelming the medical profession.

Implications for nursing policy

Specialist nurses are trained and empowered to practice at the top of their scope. With general practitioner oversight and standing order sign off specialist nurses can work autonomously to improve access to health services, without increasing the workload of doctors.

Implications for nursing practice

Encouraging continuous self‐reflection of the nurse’s effectiveness in meeting patient needs, holistically and culturally, facilitates the provision of accessible care that is patient‐centred and culturally safe.
Triboelectric separation of wheat bran tissues: Influence of tribo‐material, water content, and particle size
Authors: Chen Zhongwei , Xia Qing , Zha Baoping , Sun Jun , Xu Bin , Chen Zhengxing
Published: January 2020

The separation behaviors of wheat bran tissues with different water content and particle sizes were investigated after tribocharging with three kinds of organic polymers to clarify the effects of tribo‐material and particle property on triboelectric separation (TES). The surface composition of wheat bran tissues was also analyzed in situ by Raman micro‐spectroscopy to confirm their triboelectric series. The results showed the tribo‐materials could reverse the separation behaviors of wheat bran tissues. Due to differences in charge amounts, aleurone and intermediate layer (IL) particles showed the similar separation behaviors contrasting that of the outer pericarp. On the basis of the separation behaviors and the results of surface composition analysis, a triboelectric series of wheat bran tissues could be deduced as follows: (+) starch > polyamide > aleurone > IL > outer pericarp > polyethylene > PTFE (−). Moreover, drying of bran particles could improve the separation selectivity and effectivity of TES, but decreasing the particle size of bran tissues merely increase the yields of the enriched fraction obtained by TES.

Practical Applications

Triboelectric separation (TES) is a green and sustainable dry fractionation for enriching nutritional cereal products, such as wheat aleurone, protein, and glucans. However, a suitable mechanism to improve its efficiency by choosing the tribo‐material and processing wheat bran particles before TES remains unclear. In this study, the separation behaviors and triboelectric series of wheat bran tissues were obtained to guide the selection of tribo‐materials for cereal products. Also, the separation feasibility of a cereal product by TES can be estimated based on the surface composition analyzed by situ Raman micro‐spectroscopy. The results about the pretreatment of starting material, including optimizing of water content and particle size, can contribute to the application of TES in separating cereal and food products.
Control of Listeria monocytogenes in boned dry‐cured ham by E‐beam treatment
Authors: Lucas López Juan Raúl , Selgas Cortecero María Dolores , García Sanz María Luisa , Velasco Raquel , Cabeza Briales María Concepción
Published: January 2020

Boning of dry‐cured hams involves additional handling which increases the risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This work studies the ability of E‐beam to eliminate this pathogen from boned dry‐cured ham (BDH). The destruction kinetics of four L. monocytogenes strains (S2, S4‐2, S12‐1, and S7‐2) and L. innocua NCTC 11288 as a surrogate were determined at doses up to 3 kGy. L. innocua and L. monocytogenes S4‐2 were the most radioresistant (D‐value = 0.55 kGy). E‐beam penetration was studied in blocks extracted from BDH and irradiated with 2–6 kGy. The bilateral treatment of 2 kGy allows the required dose (1.32 kGy) to be absorbed in the innermost part of the block to achieve the food safety objective of “zero tolerance” for this microorganism. This listericidal treatment was also confirmed in whole BDH intentionally contaminated with L. innocua. The sensory analysis of irradiated BDH showed off‐odors that were imperceptible after 15 days of storage at 4°C.
Cognitive abilities and life experience in everyday planning in adolescents with intellectual disabilities: Support for the difference model
Authors: Palmqvist L. , Danielsson H. , Jönsson A. , Rönnberg J.
Published: January 2020

Background

The literature on planning ability in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) provides no clarity on whether their ability matches their mental age (MA) or not. Perhaps can planning experience explain the mixed results. The current study investigated to what extent cognitive abilities and life experience can explain everyday planning ability in individuals with ID and to what extent results from everyday planning tasks support the developmental or the difference model of ID.

Method

Planning tests, cognitive ability tasks and a self‐rated life experience form were administered to 71 adolescents with ID and 62 children with a typical development matched on MA.

Results

Adolescents with ID exhibited planning ability according to their MA. Regression analyses showed that the predictors of planning differed between the groups. The cognitive measures could predict planning in both groups, but life experience only contributed positively to planning in the MA group, whereas chronological age was negatively correlated with successful planning in the ID group.

Conclusions and discussion

The results support the difference model of ID. When matched on MA, the individuals with ID will solve the planning task in a qualitatively different manner. Additionally, the participants with ID could not utilise their life experience when solving the planning task, contrary to the MA group. Practitioners should be aware that individuals with ID might need more everyday planning training throughout adolescence. To support adolescents with ID, practitioners may focus on supporting the individual's cognitive abilities rather than relying on their prior knowledge.
The amygdala of the common shrew, guinea pig, rabbit, fox and pig: five flavours of the mammalian amygdala as a consequence of clade‐specific mosaic‐like evolution
Authors: Równiak Maciej , Bogus‐Nowakowska Krystyna
Published: January 2020

The amygdala is a part of neural networks that contribute to the regulation of emotional behaviours and emotional learning, stress response, and olfactory, pheromonal and reproductive functions. All these various functions are processed by the three main functional systems, frontotemporal, autonomic and olfactory, which are derived from different telencephalic sources (claustrum, striatum and olfactory cortex) and are represented, respectively, by the basolateral complex (BLC), the central complex (CC) and corticomedial complex (CMC) of the amygdala. The question arises of how these three functional systems evolved during mammalian phylogeny to fit the amygdala to specific needs of various animals. In the present study, we provide quantitative information regarding the individual volumes and neuron numbers in the BLC, CC and CMC of the common shrew, guinea pig, rabbit, fox and pig, a series of animals arranged according to increasing size and complexity of the brain. The results show that, in this series of animals, the BLC underwent a gradual size increase in volume and number of neurons, whereas the CMC was gradually reduced with regard to both these measures. The CC was more or less conserved across studied species. For example, the volume of the amygdala in pigs is ~250 times larger than that in shrews and it also has almost 26 times as many neurons as the amygdala of shrews. However, the volumes of the BLC, CC and CMC were ~380, 208 and 148 times larger, respectively, in pigs than in shrews. The number of neurons in these three regions was ~38, 23 and 20 times greater, respectively, in pigs than in shrews. The results also show striking morphometric similarities of the amygdala in the guinea pig and rabbit as well as fox and pig. For example, the percentages of neurons in the fox and pig are 42.23% and 42.78%, respectively, for the BLC, 16.64% and 16.58%, respectively, for the CC, and 41.12% and 40.64%, respectively, for the CMC. In conclusion, our results indicate that the amygdala does not evolve as a single unit but, instead, the three main functional systems evolved independently, which suggests that brain structures with major functional links evolve together independently of evolutionary changes in other unrelated structures. The size progression of the BLC parallels the size progression of the neocortex with which it is strongly functionally linked, whereas the CMC is strongly connected to olfactory regions, and all these structures follow the same regression course. Remarkable morphometric similarity of the amygdala in the guinea pig and rabbit as well as in the fox and pig, however, suggest that there must also be another mechanism shaping the morphology of the amygdala and the brain during evolution. The gradual nature of size changes in the BLC and CMC support this hypothesis as well.
LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 can be predicted as therapeutic target in oral cancer
Authors: Liu Longkun , Zhan Yuhua , Huang Yinwen , Huang Luyao
Published: January 2020

Background

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been extensively studied to participate in the carcinogenesis of various tumors. LncRNA FGD5‐AS1 has been studied as an oncogene in several cancers; however, the role it plays in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) still remains unclear.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to assess relevant RNAs expression. CCK‐8 and colony formation were combined to investigate cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was implemented to test the apoptosis of cell. Wound healing assay and transwell assays were conducted to investigate cell migration and invasion. Western blot assay was conducted to measure relevant protein expression.

Results

FGD5‐AS1 expression was aberrantly up‐regulated in OSCC tissue and cells. FDG5‐AS1 up‐regulation induced USP21 overexpression advances OSCC development. Knockdown of FGD5‐AS1 inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion, yet promoted apoptosis.

Conclusion

FGD5‐AS1 regulates OSCC via competitively binding to miR‐520b against USP21. It could become a potential diagnostic biomarker for OSCC.
Word cloud analysis and single word summarisation as a new paediatric educational tool: Results of a neonatal application
Authors: Philip Roy K
Published: January 2020

Aims

To analyse the value of computerised ‘word cloud’ (WC) generated from spontaneously articulated ‘single word summarisation’ (SWS) by medical students to assist their learning during the neonatal intensive care unit placement. To highlight WC as a potential new tool in paediatric teaching, improving student engagement and reflective feedback.

Methods

An observational study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of University Maternity Hospital Limerick, Ireland for 5 years (October 2012 to September 2017). One faculty member prospectively recorded SWS in neonatology by graduate entry medical students. An online ‘WC generator’ under an open‐source licence was used to compute the WC. Hospital audit committee approved the study.

Results

A total of 268 SWS were recorded consecutively from 268 medical students towards the WC generation. Structured multi‐response student feedback showed SWS and WC as stimulating, unique and creative. Powerpoint presentation of the computed WC prompted students to reflect on their chosen words and that of peers.

Conclusions

Visualisation of medical student‐generated SWS as a WC could stimulate interaction, reflection and clinical discussion, thus assisting teachers to foster better student engagement. This innovative educational tool equips students to ‘convey more with fewer words’ and has the potential transferability to other clinical disciplines.
Effect of greenness on asthma in children: A systematic review
Authors: Hartley Kim , Ryan Patrick , Brokamp Cole , Gillespie Gordon L.
Published: January 2020

Greenness such as trees, plants, and shrubs may positively influence mental and physical health, but the relationship between greenness and asthma is poorly understood. Because asthma is the most prevalent child respiratory disease internationally, elucidating the role of greenness may substantially benefit public health. The purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize findings related to effects of greenness on asthma in children. Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases were searched for international publication of primary research results relevant to the relationship between greenness and child asthma. Of 82 initial results, seven articles remained after removal of duplicates and applying exclusion criteria. Six reported no direct association between greenness and child asthma, while one found increased greenness protective for asthma. None found a negative direct association between greenness and child asthma. Evidence supported benefits of greenness on child asthma through mediation of factors such as exposure to tobacco smoke, high traffic volume, and difficult family relationships. Even without a direct association, greenness can be considered a public health asset as it may mediate other factors contributing to asthma in children. Public health nurses can use these findings to educate clients and partners while advocating for policies to protect greenness.
Buying Globalization: Consumer Orientation and Perceptions about Trade
Authors: Hearn Eddie
Published: January 2020

Individual attitudes toward trade are typically analyzed through trade's consequences on labor markets. Few studies directly consider the impact of trade on consumers, who are commonly assumed to benefit from liberalization. Trade protection, however, provides welfare gains for heavy consumers of domestic goods by ensuring the availability of domestically produced products and by dispersing the cost of maintaining inefficient sectors across all members of the economy. Variations in consumer preferences thus impact the perceived personal pocketbook effects of trade. By integrating theory from political economy and consumer psychology, this article provides a framework for understanding consumer interests toward trade liberalization. An analysis of U.S. public opinion lends support to the importance of consumer orientation in individual perceptions of trade. Future work examining the role of self‐interest in trade attitude formation should carefully consider consumer tastes as well as labor markets and sociotropic concerns.

Related Articles

Anderson, Bret, Brian S. Krueger, and Ping Xu. 2016. “Does Global Market Integration Weaken Opinion‐Policy Congruence in the American States?” Politics & Policy 44 (4): 677‐711. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12167

Gruber, Lloyd. 2013. “Trade, Growth, Poverty, and Politics: Toward a Unified Theory.” Politics & Policy 41 (5): 723‐764. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12034

Jackson, Sarita. 2012. “Building Transnational Networks: Civil Society and the Politics of Trade in the Americas—By Marisa von Bülow.” Politics & Policy 40 (3): 539‐541. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00362.x

Related Media

US Consumer Product Safety Commission: https://www.cpsc.gov/

Fair Trade USA: https://www.fairtradecertified.org/
Acute psychological stress promotes general alertness and attentional control processes: An ERP study
Authors: Qi Mingming , Gao Heming
Published: January 2020

The current study investigated the influence of acute psychological stress on selective attention processes. After an acute stressor or a control condition, 20 participants performed an arrow‐based version of the Eriksen flanker task, while ERPs (N1, N2, P3), reaction times, accuracy, subjective stress, and electrocardiogram signal were measured. Results showed elevated self‐report stress, negative affect, state anxiety, heart rate, and reduced high‐frequency heart rate variability in the stress block than in the control block, indicating that the flanker task was performed in a stressful situation. In the flanker task, faster response and larger flanker effect of accuracy were observed for the stress block relative to the control block, indicating increased arousal level and improved conflict detection under stress. Event‐related potentials locked to target stimuli in the flanker task revealed that (a) frontal N1 was amplified in the stress block than in the control block, indicating elevated vigilance level under stress; (b) frontal N2 was increased in the stress block than in the control block for both congruent and incongruent trials, indicating more intensive attention control under stress; and (c) Increased P3 in the stress block than in the control block may reflect more allocation of neural resources as a consequence of improved attentional control under stress. These findings suggest that acute psychological stress increases general alertness and promotes attentional control in selective attention processes.
Employers' perspectives on benefit conditionality in the UK and Denmark
Authors: Ingold Jo
Published: January 2020

This article examines the under‐explored demand‐side of active labour market policies (ALMPs). Based on interview data from a comparative study of the UK and Denmark, the paper analyses employers' perspectives and experiences of ALMPs. In both countries, employers were favourably disposed towards employing unemployed jobseekers but held negative views on conditionality. First, benefit conditionality led to employers receiving large numbers of unsuitable and unfiltered job applications, with associated negative resource impacts. Second, employers perceived this as a product of ‘box ticking' and compliance targets. Finally, employers criticised policy and media rhetoric for focusing solely on the supply‐side and for problematizing unemployed candidates. The paper argues that these crucial, but neglected, employer perspectives demonstrate that the current benefit conditionality regime in the UK risks irrevocably ‘tarnishing' candidates, which undermines, rather than enhances, their chances of securing employment through ALMPs. This unique dataset provides further evidence that the current direction of policy requires urgent and radical re‐thinking.
Evaluation of hair follicle parameters using TrichoScale Pro© in healthy dogs: a pilot study
Authors: Schuldenfrei Marvin D. , Pieper Jason B.
Published: January 2020

Background

Trichoscopy, in combination with image analysis software, is a readily available, efficient diagnostic tool for assessing hair follicle parameters of people in vivo. Systems designed for use in human dermatology must be evaluated and validated with animal skin/hair before they can be used for veterinary applications.

Objectives

To evaluate the use of a commercial software package for image analysis of canine hair follicles and to define hair follicle parameters.

Animals

Thirteen client‐owned healthy dogs.

Methods

Trichoscopic images at x20 magnification were obtained from three shaved body sites (left dorsal head, left thorax, left flank) over a five day period, then analyzed by the software.

Results

The image analysis software was able to identify microscopic changes in hair length on a daily basis, calculating a mean hair growth rate of 0.065 mm/day. Each of the three body sites had consistent hair growth rates across all days. Anagen and telogen percentages were consistent at each body site by Day 2 (48 h post‐clipping). Data for mean hair thickness, and primary and secondary hair percentages also are reported.

Conclusions

Although it provides less useful data for canine hair coats than for human scalp hair, the system evaluated provides an easy, noninvasive, rapid means for assessing several important canine hair follicle parameters: daily hair growth rates, anagen and telogen percentages, primary and secondary hair percentages, and mean hair thickness. This diagnostic tool could serve to establish breed‐specific hair coat standards, evaluating hair follicle changes in various canine alopecic conditions and monitoring coat‐promoting treatments in dogs.
Efficacy of a Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (PRN‐473) in the treatment of canine pemphigus foliaceus
Authors: Goodale Elizabeth C. , Varjonen Katarina E. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Bizikova Petra , Borjesson Dori , Murrell Dedee F. , Bisconte Angelina , Francesco Michelle , Hill Ronald J. , Masjedizadeh Mohammad , Nunn Philip , Gourlay Steven G. , White Stephen D.
Published: January 2020

Background

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is important in B‐cell signalling. Efficacy has been reported for BTK inhibitors (BTKi) in human autoimmune diseases. Canine pemphigus foliaceus (cPF) is the most common canine autoimmune skin disease.

Objectives

To determine the safety and efficacy of a BTKi in cPF treatment.

Animals

Nine privately owned dogs.

Methods and materials

Nine dogs diagnosed with PF were administered BTKi PRN473. Initial dosages were ≈15 mg/kg once daily, increased to twice daily if inadequate response was seen. Treatment continued for a maximum of 20 weeks, attempting decrease to every other day. Dogs were monitored with complete blood counts, serum biochemistry panels, urinalyses and evaluated with a modified version of a validated human Pemphigus Disease Activity Index (cPDAI). Anti‐desmocollin‐1 (DSC‐1) and desmoglein‐1 (DSG‐1) immunoglobulin G (IgG) titres were performed before and after the treatment period. Drug bound to target was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

All nine dogs showed reduction in lesions and cPDAI score during the first two weeks of treatment. At the end of the study, four responses were considered “good”, two “fair”, two “poor” and one dog withdrawn due to recurrence of a previously excised mast cell tumour. Four dogs continued to improve by Week 4; three sustained near complete remission by study's end. The anti‐DSC‐1 IgG titre decreased in three dogs, increased in two, was undetected in three and was not performed in the withdrawn dog. No dogs had detectable IgG to DSG1. Possible adverse effects occurred in three dogs.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy may have beneficial effects in some cases of cPF.
Diaphragmatic dysfunction in dogs with cervical spinal disorders before and after surgery using fluoroscopy, motion‐mode ultrasound and radiography was not different than a group of control dogs
Authors: Drury Brandy L. , Brinkman Erin L. , Gambino Jennifer M. , Lee Alison M. , Wills Robert W. , Beasley Michaela J.
Published: January 2020

Cervical spinal disorders can lead to life‐threatening respiratory complications. Diaphragmatic dysfunction is attributed to spinal cord morbidity secondary to cervical myelopathy or decompressive surgical intervention. The purpose of this observational case‐control study was to determine the frequency of diaphragmatic dysfunction in dogs with cervical spinal disorders and a control group, the strength of association between cervical myelopathies and decompressive surgery with diaphragm paresis, and the agreement between and clinical usefulness of fluoroscopy, motion‐mode ultrasonography, and radiography for diagnosing diaphragmatic dysfunction. Thirty‐five client‐owned dogs were recruited with 14 control dogs and 21 test dogs. Dogs were evaluated for the presence of diaphragmatic dysfunction using radiography, M‐mode ultrasonography, and fluoroscopy before and after an anesthetic or surgical event. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was observed more frequently in dogs with cervical spinal disease prior to surgery (8/21; 38.1%) compared to control dogs (3/14; 21.4%) but was not statistically significant (P = .30). The occurrence of diaphragmatic dysfunction did not significantly increase following surgical decompression in either group. There was no to slight agreement between all imaging modalities. Most dogs with diaphragmatic dysfunction were asymptomatic. Diaphragmatic dysfunction was not statistically associated with cervical myelopathy or decompressive surgery. Ultrasonography and radiography were not useful diagnostic tests for determining diaphragmatic dysfunction in asymptomatic dogs when compared to fluoroscopy.
Come Fly with Me
Authors: Sukel Kayt
Published: January 2020

Each year, flight enthusiasts from all over the globe descend on Oshkosh, Wis., for Air Venture, to see fighter jet fly-bys, world-class aerobatics, and outstanding fire works. But this past year, one of the highlights of the show’s Innovation Showcase was a GoFly Prize challenge set amidst a field of new technologies poised to transform the aeronautical industry. This article showcases a few of the innovative entries including an electric vertical take-off and landing drone and an octocopter.
Computer scientist in line to become next NSF director
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: January 2020

Sethuraman Panchanathan would succeed France Córdova.
Cancer in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Rebbeck Timothy R.
Published: January 2020

Knowledge of cancer in Africa brings needed diversity to improve health worldwide
Asimov at 100
Authors: Gunn James
Published: January 2020

From epic space operas to rules for robots, the prolific author's literary legacy endures
Activity of Minocycline Against R Factor-Carrying
Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Jarolmen H. , Hewel D. , Kain E.
Published: January 2020

Minocycline (Min) and other tetracyclines were tested in vivo and in vitro for activity against strains of salmonellae harboring R factor-mediated chlortetracycline (A) resistance. Minocycline was more active in vitro against these strains than the other tetracyclines. Mice infected with these cultures responded to treatment with Min, but there was little or no response to treatment with the other tetracyclines. Various A-resistant field isolates of
Salmonella typhimurium
and
Escherichia coli
were all shown to be more susceptible in vitro to Min than to A. Several of these cultures were shown to transfer A resistance. Cultures of normal bacterial flora were isolated from swine fecal matter after plating on Min-supplemented Mac-Conkey agar. All recovered cultures were more susceptible in vitro to Min than to A. Several isolates were able simultaneously to transfer Min and A resistances into
S. choleraesuis
var.
kunzendorf
; however, the levels of Min resistance in either the donors or exconjugants were no higher than in those cultures of salmonellae which responded in vivo to Min therapy. The same was true for the levels of Min resistance in the field isolates of
S. typhimurium
and
E. coli
. The increased potency of Min, as compared to tetracycline, against R factor-carrying bacteria was not observed for organisms made resistant (presumably chromosomally) to A by successive transfers in increasing concentrations of the agent, suggesting different mechanisms as the basis for chromosomal versus R factor-mediated A resistances.
Antitoxic Immunity in Experimental Cholera: Observations with Purified Antigens and the Rat Foot Edema Model
Authors: Finkelstein Richard A. , Hollingsworth Russell C.
Published: January 2020

The recently introduced choleragen-induced rat foot edema model has been employed as a bioassay for evaluating the immunogenicity of three purified preparations containing cholera exo-enterotoxin antigen, choleragen, choleragenoid, and Formalin-treated choleragen (formagen). The results indicated that choleragen evoked antitoxic immunity. Both the degree of resistance to challenge and the serum antibody levels of immunized animals were found to be related to the immunizing dose. Responses to the natural toxoid, choleragenoid, were erratic: some animals responded well and some failed to respond with either serum antibody or resistance to challenge. On the other hand, the artificially prepared toxoid, formagen, was found to be superior to the parent toxin in immunogenicity. Resistance to the choleragen-induced rat foot edema could be transferred passively by means of antibody-containing serum from previously immunized animals. Each of the antigens induced a state of hypersensitivity manifested by an immediate edematous response to challenge with either choleragen or choleragenoid. This condition, which was also passively transferable, suggests that untoward reactions should be anticipated in people receiving multiple doses of immunogens containing the cholera exo-enterotoxin antigen. Some of these observations were repeated, in a preliminary fashion, in an apparently equally suitable mouse foot edema model.
Oxygen consumption by trachea organ cultures infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Gabridge M G
Published: January 2020

Hamster trachea organ cultres were shown to consume measurable amounts of oxygen when incubated in a closed micro-chamber. Several simple and complex media were evaluated, and the optimal system involved incubating 2 to 4 mg of tracheal tissue in Tyrodes balanced salt solution at 37 C for 60 min, with oxygen activity measured with a Clark electrode. Tracheas infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae showed a significantly lower oxygen utilitzation than did uninfected controls. The effect was dose dependent when levels of 105 to 107 colony-forming units per ml were used to infect the tracheal rings. Virulent mycoplasmas caused significant decreases in relative ciliary activity and oxygen utilization, whereas attenuated mycoplasmas reduced ciliary activity and oxygen utilization levels to a lesser extent.
Growth of measles virus in cultures of rat glioma cells
Authors: Nakamura K , Homma M , Ishida N
Published: January 2020

The interaction of measles virus with RG-6 cells derived from rat glioma was investigated. When a culture of RG-6 cells was infected with measles virus, the synthesis of viral antigens was detected in very few cells, at most 5%. The apparent resistance to measles virus infection was also repeatedly found in all of the subclonal cells derived form RG-6 cells. Although all of the virus-synthesizing cells had the ability to form plaques on Vero cells, they produced only a reduced amount of infectious virus, i.e., 0.1 plaque-forming units per cell. These results imply the existence of some mechanism that regulates growth of measles virus in cultures of RG-6 cells. The transmission of genetic material of measles virus from infected RG-6 cells to Vero cells was not inhibited in the presence of antiviral serum. This fact may provide a basis for interpretation of the persistence of virus, in the presence of antibody, in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.