bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
To Delay or Not to Delay: The Timing of Chinese Character Instruction for Secondary Learners
Authors: Knell Ellen , West Hai‐I (Nancy)
Published: August 2017

The timing of character instruction for beginning Chinese foreign language learners has been a controversial issue in Chinese language instruction for many decades. Some instructors teach characters early and integrate this learning with oral language; other instructors teach characters only after an oral base has been established. To date, the experimental research on this topic has been conducted exclusively with university students, and it is unknown if results can generalize to a younger demographic with different learning needs and instructional contexts. The purpose of this study was to examine the reading, writing, and oral language skills of beginning‐level middle school students with no Chinese language background who were divided into early and delayed instruction groups. In addition, a questionnaire about the students’ attitudes toward character learning was administered. It was found that the early instruction group performed significantly better than the delayed group on reading comprehension and character writing tests; there were no significant differences between the groups on the oral interview and the oral fluency assessments. The attitudes survey showed no significant differences in character learning attitudes between the early and the delayed groups except in regard to the timing of character instruction. Pedagogical applications are suggested.
When and where to move: Dynamic occupancy models explain the range dynamics of a food nomadic bird under climate and land cover change
Authors: Kalle Riddhika , Ramesh Tharmalingam , Downs Colleen T.
Published: August 2017

Globally, long‐term research is critical to monitor the responses of tropical species to climate and land cover change at the range scale. Citizen science surveys can reveal the long‐term persistence of poorly known nomadic tropical birds occupying fragmented forest patches. We applied dynamic occupancy models to 13 years (2002–2014) of citizen science‐driven presence/absence data on Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus), a food nomadic bird endemic to South Africa. We modeled its underlying range dynamics as a function of resource distribution, and change in climate and land cover through the estimation of colonization and extinction patterns. The range occupancy of Cape parrot changed little over time (ψ = 0.75–0.83) because extinction was balanced by recolonization. Yet, there was considerable regional variability in occupancy and detection probability increased over the years. Colonizations increased with warmer temperature and area of orchards, thus explaining their range shifts southeastwards in recent years. Although colonizations were higher in the presence of nests and yellowwood trees (Afrocarpus and Podocarpus spp.), the extinctions in small forest patches (≤227 ha) and during low precipitation (≤41 mm) are attributed to resource constraints and unsuitable climatic conditions. Loss of indigenous forest cover and artificial lake/water bodies increased extinction probabilities of Cape parrot. The land use matrix (fruit farms, gardens, and cultivations) surrounding forest patches provides alternative food sources, thereby facilitating spatiotemporal colonization and extinction in the human‐modified matrix. Our models show that Cape parrots are vulnerable to extreme climatic conditions such as drought which is predicted to increase under climate change. Therefore, management of optimum sized high‐quality forest patches is essential for long‐term survival of Cape parrot populations. Our novel application of dynamic occupancy models to long‐term citizen science monitoring data unfolds the complex relationships between the environmental dynamics and range fluctuations of this food nomadic species.
Genomic and clinical evidence uncovers the enterohepatic species Helicobacter valdiviensis as a potential human intestinal pathogen
Authors: Fresia Pablo , Jara Ronald , Sierra Rafael , Ferrés Ignacio , Greif Gonzalo , Iraola Gregorio , Collado Luis
Published: August 2017

Background

Helicobacter valdiviensis is a recently described enterohepatic species isolated from wild bird's fecal samples. Currently, its pathogenic potential and clinical significance are unknown mainly due to the lack of whole‐genome sequences to compare with other helicobacters and the absence of specific screenings to determine its prevalence in humans.

Materials and Methods

The species type strain (WBE14T) was whole‐genome‐sequenced, and comparative analyses were carried out including the genomes from other Helicobacter species to determine the exact phylogenetic position of H. valdiviensis and to study the presence and evolution of virulence determinants. In parallel, stools from diarrheic patients and healthy individuals were screened by PCR to assess the clinical incidence of H. valdiviensis.

Results

Helicobacter valdiviensis belongs to a monophyletic clade conformed by H. canadensis, H. pullorum, H. winghamensis, H. rodentium, and H. apodemus. Its predicted genome size is 2 176 246 bp., with 30% of G+C content and 2064 annotated protein‐coding genes. The patterns of virulence factors in H. valdiviensis were similar to other enterohepatic species, but evidence of horizontal gene transfer from Campylobacter species was detected for key genes like those coding for the CDT subunits. Positive PCR results confirmed the presence of H. valdiviensis in 2 of 254 (0.78%) stools of patients with acute diarrhea while not a single sample was positive in healthy individuals.

Conclusions

Horizontal gene transfer has contributed to shape the gene repertory of H. valdiviensis, which codes for virulence factors conserved in other pathogens that are well‐known human pathogens. Additionally, the detection of H. valdiviensisDNA in diarrheic patients supports its role as a potential emergent intestinal pathogen. Further, sampling efforts are needed to uncover the clinical relevance of this species, which should be accomplished by the isolation of H. valdiviensis from ill humans and the obtention of whole genomes from clinical isolates.
Clinical outcomes of experimental gingivitis and peri‐implant mucositis treatment with professionally administered plaque removal and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Zeza B , Farina R , Pilloni A , Mongardini C
Published: August 2017

Aim

To comparatively evaluate the outcomes of professionally administered plaque removal (PAPR) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment for experimentally induced gingivitis (G) and peri‐implant mucositis (p‐iM).

Materials and methods

Twenty systemically healthy patients, each contributing a single implant‐supported unit in a posterior sextant and a tooth within the same quadrant, were selected. Patients underwent an experimental G and p‐iM trial consisting of a 2‐week period of undisturbed plaque accumulation and a 6‐week resolution phase following treatment administration. Supragingival plaque levels, probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at experimental tooth and implant either before or 2 and 6 weeks after administration of PAPR+PDT.

Results

The results of the study indicate that (i) treatment with PAPR and PDT resulted in a significant reduction in the median number of BoP+ sites from 1 to 0 around teeth (P=.01) and from 3.5 to 2.0 around implants (P=.03), with the treatment effect being affected by initial PD; (ii) implants showed a significantly higher number of residual BoP+ sites following treatment, and the difference between implants and teeth was particularly pronounced (implants: 42%; teeth: 22%) at shallow (1‐2 mm) sulci as observed at 6 weeks following treatment.

Conclusions

G and p‐iM can be effectively treated with PAPR+PDT. At shallow (1‐2 mm) sulci, implants may show a higher number of residual bleeding sites when compared to teeth, and the number of residual bleeding sites following PAPR+PDT increases with increasing PD around either teeth or implants.
Effects of particle size and dispersion methods of In2O3‐SnO2 mixed powders on the sintering properties of indium tin oxide ceramics
Authors: Mei Fangsheng , Yuan Tiechui , Li Ruidi , Zhou Libo , Qin Kai
Published: August 2017

Three group samples were used to investigate the effects of particle size and dispersion methods of In2O3‐SnO2 mixed powders on the sintering properties of ITO ceramics by BET, SEM, XRD, and EPMA, etc. High‐density (99.8% of TD) ITO ceramics, with dimensions of 350 × 250 × 8 mm3 for the industrial application, were obtained by the mixed powders of In2O3 calcined at 1000°C and SnO2 with BET 6.0 ± 0.5 m2/g and collocation use of ball mill for 300 minutes, stirred mill for 60 minutes, and sand mill for 3 minutes. The results indicate that: (i) the larger the SnO2/In2O3 particle size ratio, the higher the density of ITO ceramics, (ii) the dispersion of mechanical ball‐mill methods for nanosized In2O3 and SnO2 powders is beneficial to the densification and structural homogeneity, and (iii) the smaller the relative grain size, the more uniform the distribution of grain size.
Functional characterization of carboxylesterase gene mutations involved in Aphis gossypii resistance to organophosphate insecticides
Authors: Gong Y.‐H. , Ai G.‐M. , Li M. , Shi X.‐Y. , Diao Q.‐Y. , Gao X.‐W.
Published: August 2017

Carboxylesterases (CarEs) play an important role in detoxifying insecticides in insects. Over‐expression and structural modification of CarEs have been implicated in the development of organophosphate (OP) insecticide resistance in insects. A previous study identified four nonsynonymous mutations (resulting in four amino acid residue substitutions) in the open reading frame of the carboxylesterase gene of resistant cotton aphids compared to the omethoate susceptible strain, which has possibly influenced the development of resistance to omethoate (a systemic OP insecticide). The current study further characterized the function of these mutations, both alone and in combination, in the hydrolysis of OP insecticides. The metabolism results suggest that the combination of four mutations, mainly existing in the laboratory‐selected OP‐resistant cotton aphid population, increased the OP hydrolase activity (approximately twofold) at the cost of detectable carboxylesterase activity. The functional studies of single or multiple mutations suggest the positive effect of H104R, A128V and T333P on the acquisition of OP hydrolase activity, especially the combination of H104R with A128V or T333P. K484R substitution decreased both the OP hydrolase activity and the CarE activity, indicating that this mutation primarily drives the negative effect on the acquisition of OP hydrolase activity amongst these four mutations in the resistant strain. The modelling and docking results are basically consistent with the metabolic results, which strongly suggest that the structural gene modification is the molecular basis for the OP resistance in this laboratory‐selected cotton aphid strain.
Negative regulation of Nod‐like receptor protein 3 inflammasome activation by T cell Ig mucin‐3 protects against peritonitis
Authors: Wang Wei , Shi Qingzhu , Dou Shuaijie , Li Ge , Shi Xinhui , Jiang Xingwei , Wang Zhiding , Yu Dandan , Chen Guojiang , Wang Renxi , Xiao He , Hou Chunmei , Feng Jiannan , Shen Beifen , Ma Yuanfang , Han Gencheng
Published: August 2017

The Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays roles in host defence against invading pathogens and in the development of autoimmune damage. Strict regulation of these responses is important to avoid detrimental effects. Here, we demonstrate that T cell Ig mucin‐3 (Tim‐3), an immune checkpoint inhibitor, inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by damping basal and lipopolysaccharide‐induced nuclear factor‐κB‐mediated up‐regulation of NLRP3 and interleukin‐1β during the priming step and basal and ATP/lipopolysaccharide‐induced ATP production, K+ efflux, and reactive oxygen species production during the activation step. Residues Y256/Y263 in the C‐terminal region of Tim‐3 are required for these inhibitory effects on the NLRP3 inflammasome. In mice with alum‐induced peritonitis, blockade of Tim‐3 exacerbates peritonitis by overcoming the inhibitory effect of Tim‐3 on NLRP3 inflammasome activation, while transgenic expression of Tim‐3 attenuates inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results show that Tim‐3 is a critical negative regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome and provides a potential target for intervention of diseases with uncontrolled inflammasome activation.
The efficacy of medical masks and respirators against respiratory infection in healthcare workers
Authors: MacIntyre Chandini Raina , Chughtai Abrar Ahmad , Rahman Bayzidur , Peng Yang , Zhang Yi , Seale Holly , Wang Xiaoli , Wang Quanyi
Published: August 2017

Objective

We aimed to examine the efficacy of medical masks and respirators in protecting against respiratory infections using pooled data from two homogenous randomised control clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

The data collected on 3591 subjects in two similar RCTs conducted in Beijing, China, which examined the same infection outcomes, were pooled. Four interventions were compared: (i) continuous N95 respirator use, (ii) targeted N95 respirator use, (iii) medical mask use and (iv) control arm. The outcomes were laboratory‐confirmed viral respiratory infection, influenza A or B, laboratory‐confirmed bacterial colonisation and pathogens grouped by mode of transmission.

Results

Rates of all outcomes were consistently lower in the continuous N95 and/or targeted N95 arms. In adjusted analysis, rates of laboratory‐confirmed bacterial colonisation (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21‐0.51), laboratory‐confirmed viral infections (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.23‐0.91) and droplet‐transmitted infections (RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.16‐0.42) were significantly lower in the continuous N95 arm. Laboratory‐confirmed influenza was also lowest in the continuous N95 arm (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.10‐1.11), but the difference was not statistically significant. Rates of laboratory‐confirmed bacterial colonisation (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33‐0.87) and droplet‐transmitted infections (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.25‐0.72) were also lower in the targeted N95 arm, but not in medical mask arm.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the classification of infections into droplet versus airborne transmission is an oversimplification. Most guidelines recommend masks for infections spread by droplets. N95 respirators, as “airborne precautions,” provide superior protection for droplet‐transmitted infections. To ensure the occupational health and safety of healthcare worker, the superiority of respirators in preventing respiratory infections should be reflected in infection control guidelines.
Exploring conditions for redistribution of anti‐tumor necrosis factors to reduce spillage: A study on the quality of anti‐tumor necrosis factor home storage
Authors: de Jong Marin J , Pierik Marieke J , Peters Andy , Roemers Mark , Hilhorst Veronique , van Tubergen Astrid
Published: August 2017

Background and Aim

Biologicals are potent drugs for immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases. After discontinuation or switch of therapy, many patients have unused biological injectors left. This study aimed to evaluate potential redistribution of unused injectors to prevent spillage of these costly drugs by assessing (i) the quality of transport and home storage through the proportion of injectors stored within the recommended temperature range (2–8 °C) and (ii) acceptance of redistribution by patients.

Methods

All golimumab users, irrespective of the indication, at Maastricht University Medical Center were eligible for inclusion. Patients received golimumab in a sealed bag containing a validated temperature sensor, measuring temperature every 5 min. Patients were asked to store their medication as usual. Deviations from the recommended range were defined as any duration below 0 °C and > 30 min below 2 °C or above 8 °C. After 3 months, patients completed a questionnaire on their opinion towards potential redistribution of unused biologicals.

Results

Fifty patients (42.0% male, mean age 53.2 ± 14.3 years) received 276 injectors. The mean storage time was 30.9 ± 33.1 days. Only 11.6% of the injectors were stored within the recommended temperature range. In addition, 11.2% were stored > 30 min below 0 °C and 33.2% were stored > 1 week above 8 °C. Of all patients, 95% would accept redistributed medication when product quality is ensured.

Conclusions

During transport and home storage, only one in eight biological injectors was stored within the recommended temperature range. This hinders redistribution of unused injectors but also raises concern regarding drug effectiveness in immune‐mediated inflammatory disease patients.
Accuracy of octa‐polar bioelectrical impedance analysis for the assessment of total and appendicular body composition in children and adolescents with HIV: comparison with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and air displacement plethysmography
Authors: de Castro J. A. C. , de Lima L. R. A. , Silva D. A. S.
Published: August 2017

Background

Body composition analysis has been used to investigate fat mass (FM) and bone mineral content (BMC) in children and adolescents diagnosed with HIV. Investigating the validity of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is interesting with respect to testing useful techniques for monitoring body composition in children and adolescents in clinical practice. The present study aimed to determine the validity of body composition analysis by BIA compared to dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air displacement plethysmography (ADP) in children and adolescents an HIV diagnosis.

Methods

Sixty‐four children and adolescents (35 females and 29 males) with a mean (SD) age of 12.22 (2.13) years and with an HIV diagnosis participated in the study. Fat‐free mass (FFM), FM and body fat percentage (%BF) were obtained by BIA for comparison with DXA and ADP. Segmented FM (trunk, legs and arms), lean soft tissue mass (LSTM) (total and segmented) and BMC were obtained by BIA for comparison with DXA.

Results

BIA presented a clinically acceptable correlation with DXA and ADP for FFM. Values found by BIA were underestimated compared to ADP, and overestimated compared to DXA. BIA presented a clinically acceptable correlation with DXA for LSTM estimates (total and segmented parameters) in both sexes (underestimating FM and overestimating LSTM). For other components (%BF, FM and BMC), BIA had a clinically unacceptable correlation with the reference methods in both sexes.

Conclusions

BIA was suitable for evaluating FFM and LSTM in children and adolescents with an HIV diagnosis. For FM, %BF and BMC, BIA was not suitable for performing an evaluation in both sexes.
Outcomes with a posterior reduced dental arch: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Khan S. , Chikte U. M. , Omar R.
Published: August 2017

To compare function, patient satisfaction and quality of life of patients with a posterior reduced mandibular arch with those who had all missing teeth replaced with removable partial dentures. Patients with at least three and not more than six posterior occluding pairs of teeth were enrolled sequentially and randomised into one of two treatment groups: a denture and no‐denture group. A research assistant allocated interventions; concealment was ensured using opaque‐sealed envelopes. Analysis of data was performed in stages, adding samples of 10 incrementally, and stopping when the relevant statistical tests indicated a clear conclusion as judged by the power set at 80% or above. Study outcomes included patient satisfaction, function and survival of remaining teeth at 3 and 12 months post‐intervention, using a visual analogue scale and the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance). Statistical analysis was performed by the ‘intention‐to‐treat’ principle. Age range of included patients was 23–55 years (mean = 42·3; s.d. = 9·2), with 78% being females. Most patients (70%) belonged to the low‐ or no‐income group. Nine patients left the study, for different reasons. Primary outcomes for the denture group: 10% of the patients were not satisfied and 20% were unhappy with their function; for the no‐denture group: 85% of the patients (with 15% having left the study) were satisfied with both their function and their non‐denture status. Patients with posterior reduced mandibular dental arches reported greater perceived satisfaction, function and quality of life compared to those who had received a cobalt‐chrome clasp‐retained partial removable prosthesis.
Choosing the appropriate ShangRing size for paediatric circumcision using the no‐flip technique
Authors: Fang Li , Zhu Weichao , Xie Zhongfei , Wu Kerong , Wang Guoyao , Yan Zejun , Zheng Zhong , Ma Qi , Cheng Yue
Published: August 2017

Aim

To determine the correct ShangRing size for paediatric circumcision using the no‐flip technique.

Methods

A cohort of 104 boys (from 6 to 14 years) underwent ShangRing circumcision at Ningbo First Hospital, China. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the different methods used for choosing the ring size. For Group A, the ring size was chosen using the ShangRing measuring tape; for Group B, ring size was chosen based on the diameter of penis measured using a self‐designed scale plate; and for Group C, ring size was chosen based on the diameter of the glans measured using the self‐designed scale plate. The surgery duration, foreskin dorsal slit rate, intra‐operative and post‐surgery pain score, pain duration, post‐surgery ring detachment duration, pain score for ring detachment, complication rate and satisfaction rate were compared.

Results

Group A had the highest dorsal slit rate and the longest surgical period. There were no significant differences in intra‐/post‐surgery pain or ring detachment duration among the three groups. The post‐surgery oedema rate and foreskin asymmetry occurrence rate was the highest in Group A at 40.62 and 21.88%, respectively. Group C had the highest satisfaction rate (97.14%), with a significant difference from Group A (75.00%). Oedema and asymmetry of the foreskin increased, while the satisfaction rate simultaneously decreased when a larger ShangRing was chosen.

Conclusions

The size of the ShangRing should be chosen in accordance with the diameter of the glans in paediatric ShangRing circumcision using the no‐flip technique.
Comparison of sleep structure and psychometric profiles in patients with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and healthy controls
Authors: Yeung Wai K. , Morgan Kevin , Mckenna Frank
Published: August 2017

While research indicates that both the macro‐ and microstructure of sleep may be altered in fibromyalgia syndrome, few studies have controlled for symptom duration or included pain‐control participants (i.e. patients with chronic pain and sleep disturbance not associated with fibromyalgia syndrome). A frequently reported alteration found in the sleep microstructure of patients with fibromyalgia syndrome is the alpha‐delta sleep anomaly. Although alpha waves have been observed during N3 sleep in healthy individuals, it has been proposed that there is an increase in alpha wave activity during slow‐wave sleep in fibromyalgia syndrome. Originally considered a possible neurological contribution to fibromyalgia syndrome, whether the alpha‐delta sleep anomaly is fundamental to the development of fibromyalgia syndrome, or results mainly from the pain experience remains unknown. The present study was designed to compare sleep macro‐ and microstructure, and psychometric profiles, in three broadly age‐matched groups of female participants: patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (n = 19); patients with osteoarthritis with sleep disturbance (n = 17); and healthy adults (n = 10). Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome met the American College of Rheumatology diagnostic criteria and were recruited within 6 months of diagnosis. Subjective sleep quality was significantly lowest, and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms were significantly highest for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. However, the groups showed no significant differences in polysomnographic measures of total sleep time, sleep latency and total wake after sleep onset. Levels of alpha‐delta sleep were statistically similar in both clinical (fibromyalgia syndrome and osteoarthritis) groups, indicating that it is not a specific abnormality of fibromyalgia syndrome. Overall, subjective measurements of anxiety, depression, fatigue and sleep quality better discriminated between the three groups than did objective measurements of sleep variables.
Care in the Context of a Chronic Epidemic: Caring for Diabetes in Chicago's Native Community
Authors: Pollak Margaret
Published: August 2017

American Indians have some of the highest rates of diabetes worldwide, and they are disproportionately affected by the secondary complications of the disease. While most research on Native populations focuses on reservations, this study investigates diabetes care in Chicago's Native community. People living with diabetes manage blood sugar levels to prevent the development of secondary complications. As with many diabetics, the majority of their health care work is completed outside of the biomedical setting. In this article, I explore how, in a community facing epidemic rates of disease, care is enmeshed in the everyday lives of not just those living with the disease but also significant others. As care in this context is accomplished across multiple spheres, from inside individual households to community‐wide considerations, Chicago's intertribal community ties are strengthened. Care, in this sense, becomes a (perhaps tragic) means of Native American community building tied to cultural identity.
Developing a program for enhancing youth HIV treatment adherence and risk reduction
Authors: Fongkaew Warunee , Udomkhamsuk Warawan , Viseskul Nongkran , Guptaruk Marisa
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Youth living with HIV face difficult and challenging situations that decrease their adherence to antiretroviral medications. In this study, we developed a pilot program to enhance HIV treatment adherence and risk reduction among youth living with HIV based on collaboration with a community hospital involving a multi‐disciplinary healthcare team. Participants were 25 youth living with HIV/AIDS, 18 caregivers, and 12 healthcare providers. The action research process comprised a preliminary stage and four phases of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This program used “edutainment”, participatory learning, and multi‐disciplinary collaboration to improve HIV treatment adherence and HIV risk behavior knowledge, motivation, and behavior. Education aimed to improve knowledge of antiretroviral drugs and HIV risk‐taking behaviors. Motivation was directed at reframing beliefs and increasing positive attitudes of youth toward treatment adherence and raising awareness about safer sex behaviors. The behavioral skills focused on medication management in daily life activities, problem‐solving, refusal and negotiation, and condom use. Findings provided preliminary evidence that the program was practical in a clinical context in a community hospital.
Furthering knowledge of seaweed growth and development to facilitate sustainable aquaculture
Authors: Charrier Bénédicte , Abreu Maria Helena , Araujo Rita , Bruhn Annette , Coates Juliet C. , De Clerck Olivier , Katsaros Christos , Robaina Rafael R. , Wichard Thomas
Published: August 2017

Macroalgae (seaweeds) are the subject of increasing interest for their potential as a source of valuable, sustainable biomass in the food, feed, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Compared with microalgae, the pace of knowledge acquisition in seaweeds is slower despite the availability of whole‐genome sequences and model organisms for the major seaweed groups. This is partly a consequence of specific hurdles related to the large size of these organisms and their slow growth. As a result, this basic scientific field is falling behind, despite the societal and economic importance of these organisms. Here, we argue that sustainable management of seaweed aquaculture requires fundamental understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms controlling macroalgal life cycles – from the production of germ cells to the growth and fertility of the adult organisms – using diverse approaches requiring a broad range of technological tools. This Viewpoint highlights several examples of basic research on macroalgal developmental biology that could enable the step‐changes which are required to adequately meet the demands of the aquaculture sector.
Refining moral agency: Insights from moral psychology and moral philosophy
Authors: Milliken Aimee
Published: August 2017

Research in moral psychology has recently raised questions about the impact of context and the environment on the way the human mind works. In a 2012 call to action, Paley wrote: “If some of the conclusions arrived at by moral psychologists are true, they are directly relevant to the way nurses think about moral problems, and present serious challenges to favoured concepts in nursing ethics, such as the ethics of care, virtue, and the unity of the person” (p. 80). He urges nurse ethicists and scholars to evaluate the impact these findings may have for moral theory.

In this paper, I review some of Paley's (Nursing Philosophy, 13, 2012, 80) critique, focusing on the argument that theories of nursing ethics have failed to account for the role of context; both in terms of its impact on the way nurses make moral judgements and in terms of the environment's influence on the way the mind works. I then examine nursing literature on moral agency, and focus on the role of the environment and context play within existing theory. I argue that theories of moral agency have often accounted for the role of context on the way nurses make decisions; however, less attention has been paid to its impact on the mind. With this background, I use insights from the fields of moral philosophy and moral psychology to refine the conceptualization of nurse moral agency in a way that is reflective of current cognitive, philosophical and nursing practice‐based science.
Profits and prophets: Derrida on linguistic bereavement and (Im)possibility in nursing
Authors: Pesut Barbara
Published: August 2017

The work of Jacques Derrida has received relatively little attention within nursing philosophy. Perhaps this is because Derrida is known best for deconstructing philosophy itself, a task he performed by making language unintelligible to make a point. This in itself makes his work daunting for nurses who do applied philosophy. Despite these difficulties, Derrida's focus on holding open a space for ideas, particularly those ideas that are invisible or unpopular, holds potential for enhancing the diversity of ideas within nursing. His work, liberally scattered with religious references, and focused on deconstructing language that served the profits of a few, earned him the characterization of a prophet without religion. This idea was further supported in the way his deconstruction attempted to keep spaces open for the un‐representable and its generativity in opening new possibilities in life. A deconstruction for generative purposes is particularly helpful within palliative care where language quickly takes on dogma in the face of mystery and where new possibilities support life amidst the irrevocable nature of death. In this article, I discuss Derrida's deconstructive approach of differance and then apply that approach to language common in palliative care.
A Narrative Policy Framework Analysis of Wildfire Policy Discussions in Two Colorado Communities
Authors: Crow Deserai A. , Lawhon Lydia A. , Berggren John , Huda Juhi , Koebele Elizabeth , Kroepsch Adrianne
Published: August 2017

Whether due to climate change, human development in risk‐prone areas, or other factors contributing to vulnerability, communities globally face risk from hazards that can lead to disasters that impact human livelihoods. Some disasters become focusing events that can catalyze a search for solutions to the policy problems uncovered by disaster. The Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) was developed to provide policy scholars with the tools to analyze the role of narratives in such policy debates. The NPF, however, has not been systematically applied to narratives surrounding hazards and disasters. This study examines media coverage from two cases of catastrophic wildfire in Colorado, the United States, to understand the evolving policy narratives over time, with specific attention to three key NPF variables: policy problems, solutions, and characters. Findings indicate that narratives concerning disasters are different than other policy issues in ways that are vital to understand as scholars apply and refine the NPF.

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Policy Salience and Election Outcomes in Contemporary American Presidential Elections (1972‐2000)
Authors: Asingo Patrick O.
Published: August 2017

This article examines the influence of policy salience on election outcomes using aggregate U.S. presidential election data and the American National Election Studies poll data from 1972 to 2000. It finds that salience influences election outcomes consistent with the Schattschneider‐Lowi thesis that policy determines politics. While salience levels are typically low, relatively higher salience yields more popular votes for Republicans than Democrats. Consequently, Republicans typically win by higher margins and lose by smaller margins compared to Democrats. Moreover, an incumbent is likely to be reelected if his party's salience levels remain higher than the challenger's. Finally, the policy salience thesis provides useful clues in the quest for a unified voting theory. It suggests that voters rely on rationality and self‐interest to obtain answers to two pertinent questions, whose answers determine how they vote: (1) what is the most important problem; and (2) who can address it? These questions also undergird other voting theories.

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Ranked Choice Voting and Attitudes toward Democracy in the United States: Results from a Survey Experiment
Authors: Nielson Lindsay
Published: August 2017

Ranked choice voting (RCV) is a voting system used commonly around the world, but only rarely in the United States. I present here a study that investigates how American voters act in an RCV election. Using a survey experiment design, I compare the election outcome and the behaviors and attitudes of voters in a plurality election to an RCV election. I find evidence suggesting RCV may not significantly change election outcomes and have no positive impact on voters’ confidence in elections and the democratic process. Study participants who voted in the RCV treatment were not any more likely to prefer RCV elections to plurality or majoritarian elections, and, overall, most voters do not prefer to vote in RCV elections and do not think that they result in fair election outcomes.

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Berggren, Heidi M.,
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Dennis R. Still. 2004. “.” Politics & Policy 32 (): 72‐96. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2004.tb00176.x/full

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Ranked Choice Voting Resource Center. n.d. http://www.rankedchoicevoting.org/

. 2017. “Ranked Choice Voting Has Its Red‐Carpet Moment in 2017.” March. http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/states-and-election-reform-the-canvass-march-2017.aspx

Carrigan, Don, and
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Evaluation of triticale accessions for resistance to wheat bacterial leaf streak caused by Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa
Authors: Sapkota S. , Zhang Q. , Chittem K. , Mergoum M. , Xu S. S. , Liu Z.
Published: August 2017

The bacterium Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa (Xtu) causes bacterial leaf streak (BLS) on wheat and other small grains. Several triticale accessions were reported to possess high levels of resistance to wheat Xtu strains. In this study, a worldwide collection of triticale accessions as well as the major North Dakota hard red spring and durum wheat cultivars were evaluated for reaction to two local Xtu strains. All wheat cultivars showed a susceptible reaction but a wide range of reactions was observed among triticale accessions. Out of the 502 accessions tested, 45 and 10 accessions were resistant to the two virulent strains BLS‐LB10 and BLS‐P3, respectively, with five accessions, PI 428736, PI 428854, PI 428913, PI 542545 and PI 587229, being highly resistant to both strains. Statistical analysis showed significant difference among the accessions, strains, and the accession by strain interaction (P < 0.001). Bacterial population growth in resistant triticale was significantly slower than that in susceptible triticale. Molecular cytogenetic characterization in four representative triticale accessions confirmed the hexaploid level of the species and the presence of 12 or 14 rye chromosomes. The triticale accessions identified are valuable materials for developing wheat germplasm with high levels of BLS resistance.
Security Events and Vulnerability Data for Cybersecurity Risk Estimation
Authors: Allodi Luca , Massacci Fabio
Published: August 2017

Current industry standards for estimating cybersecurity risk are based on qualitative risk matrices as opposed to quantitative risk estimates. In contrast, risk assessment in most other industry sectors aims at deriving quantitative risk estimations (e.g., Basel II in Finance). This article presents a model and methodology to leverage on the large amount of data available from the IT infrastructure of an organization's security operation center to quantitatively estimate the probability of attack. Our methodology specifically addresses untargeted attacks delivered by automatic tools that make up the vast majority of attacks in the wild against users and organizations. We consider two‐stage attacks whereby the attacker first breaches an Internet‐facing system, and then escalates the attack to internal systems by exploiting local vulnerabilities in the target. Our methodology factors in the power of the attacker as the number of “weaponized” vulnerabilities he/she can exploit, and can be adjusted to match the risk appetite of the organization. We illustrate our methodology by using data from a large financial institution, and discuss the significant mismatch between traditional qualitative risk assessments and our quantitative approach.
Environmental Exposure of the Adult French Population to Permethrin
Authors: Hermant Marie , Blanchard Olivier , Perouel Guillaume , Boulanger Guillaume , Merlo Mathilde , Desvignes Virginie
Published: August 2017

This work aims to assess the exposure to permethrin of the adult French population from available contamination measurements of outdoor air, indoor air, and settled dust. Priority is given to the assessment of chronic exposure, given the potential of permethrin to induce cancers and/or endocrine disorders. A statistical method was devised to calculate exposure to permethrin by different pathways (inhalation, indirect dust ingestion, and dermal contact). This method considers anthropometric parameters, the population's space–time budget, and recent methods for calculating dermal exposure. Considering the media of interest, our results pointed to house dust as the main environmental source of permethrin exposure, followed by indoor and outdoor air. Dermal contact and indirect dust ingestion may be more important exposure pathways than inhalation. A sensitivity analysis indicated that exposure estimates were mainly affected by variability within contamination data. This study is the first step in aggregated exposure and risk assessment due to pyrethroid exposure. Outdoor air, indoor air, and settled dust may constitute significant exposure sources, in addition to diet, which could be important. The next step entails assessing internal doses and estimating the proportion of each exposure source and pathway relative to internal exposure.
When Does Poor Governance Presage Biosecurity Risk?
Authors: Lane Stephen E. , Arthur Anthony D. , Aston Christina , Zhao Sam , Robinson Andrew P.
Published: August 2017

Border inspection, and the challenge of deciding which of the tens of millions of consignments that arrive should be inspected, is a perennial problem for regulatory authorities. The objective of these inspections is to minimize the risk of contraband entering the country. As an example, for regulatory authorities in charge of biosecurity material, consignments of goods are classified before arrival according to their economic tariff number. This classification, perhaps along with other information, is used as a screening step to determine whether further biosecurity intervention, such as inspection, is necessary. Other information associated with consignments includes details such as the country of origin, supplier, and importer, for example. The choice of which consignments to inspect has typically been informed by historical records of intercepted material. Fortunately for regulators, interception is a rare event; however, this sparsity undermines the utility of historical records for deciding which containers to inspect. In this article, we report on an analysis that uses more detailed information to inform inspection. Using quarantine biosecurity as a case study, we create statistical profiles using generalized linear mixed models and compare different model specifications with historical information alone, demonstrating the utility of a statistical modeling approach. We also demonstrate some graphical model summaries that provide managers with insight into pathway governance.
Communicating Earthquake Preparedness: The Influence of Induced Mood, Perceived Risk, and Gain or Loss Frames on Homeowners’ Attitudes Toward General Precautionary Measures for Earthquakes
Authors: Marti Michèle , Stauffacher Michael , Matthes Jörg , Wiemer Stefan
Published: August 2017

Despite global efforts to reduce seismic risk, actual preparedness levels remain universally low. Although earthquake‐resistant building design is the most efficient way to decrease potential losses, its application is not a legal requirement across all earthquake‐prone countries and even if, often not strictly enforced. Risk communication encouraging homeowners to take precautionary measures is therefore an important means to enhance a country's earthquake resilience. Our study illustrates that specific interactions of mood, perceived risk, and frame type significantly affect homeowners’ attitudes toward general precautionary measures for earthquakes. The interdependencies of the variables mood, risk information, and frame type were tested in an experimental 2 × 2 × 2 design (N= 156). Only in combination and not on their own, these variables effectively influence attitudes toward general precautionary measures for earthquakes. The control variables gender, “trait anxiety” index, and alteration of perceived risk adjust the effect. Overall, the group with the strongest attitudes toward general precautionary actions for earthquakes are homeowners with induced negative mood who process high‐risk information and gain‐framed messages. However, the conditions comprising induced negative mood, low‐risk information and loss‐frame and induced positive mood, low‐risk information and gain‐framed messages both also significantly influence homeowners’ attitudes toward general precautionary measures for earthquakes. These results mostly confirm previous findings in the field of health communication. For practitioners, our study emphasizes that carefully compiled communication measures are a powerful means to encourage precautionary attitudes among homeowners, especially for those with an elevated perceived risk.
Ethnicity, Immigration, and Wealth Fluctuations in the United States
Authors: Gorbachev Olga , O'Flaherty Brendan , Sethi Rajiv
Published: August 2017

Wealth in the United States rose and fell precipitously during the first decade of this century for all major ethnic groups, but the fluctuations in Hispanic wealth were especially extreme. We show that household characteristics and location can account for the Hispanic experience during the boom but not the bust. We argue that the sudden collapse in credit availability to undocumented immigrants at the start of the recession led, through a contraction in demand for the homes of natural sellers in this market, to a loss in wealth far greater than could be predicted based on household characteristics and location alone.
Income Level and Income Inequality in the Euro‐Mediterranean Region, C. 14–700
Authors: Milanovic Branko
Published: August 2017

Was the Euro‐Mediterranean region at the time of the Roman Empire and its Western successor states more unequal than the European Union today? We use some scant evidence on personal income distribution within the Empire and differences in average regional incomes to conclude that the Empire was more homogeneous, in terms of regional incomes, than today's EU, and inter‐personal inequality was low. Moreover, income inequality was likely less around year 700 than in Augustus's time. The latter finding contrasts with a view of rising inequality as the Western Roman Empire dissolved.
The Lymphocytes Stimulation Induced DNA Release, a Phenomenon Similar to NETosis
Authors: Rocha Arrieta Y. C. , Rojas M. , Vasquez G. , Lopez J.
Published: August 2017

The release of DNA into the extracellular milieu by neutrophil during a process called NETosis has been postulated as an additional source of autoantigens; a process believed to be important in the pathogenesis of some autoimmune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not established if the B and T cells undergo the release of DNA to the extracellular milleu, in response to different stimuli. In this study, it was observed that the treatment of B and T cells with PMA, ionomycin and the serum from patients with SLE induced the extracellular DNA presence in B and T cells. These findings suggest that the phenomenon were similar to those observed in neutrophil's Etosis; B and T cells also released their DNA into the extracellular milieu. The findings express that serum from patients with SLE and SLEDAI ≤ 8 triggers the release of extracellular DNA in neutrophils, B and T cells, that suggested the presence of soluble factors in the serum that favoured this phenomenon.