bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Media Framing and Public Attitudes Toward Biofuels
Authors: Delshad Ashlie , Raymond Leigh 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis study investigates the relationship between media framing and public opinion on the issue of biofuels—transportation fuels made from plants, animal products, or organic waste. First, the paper investigates how media framing of biofuels has changed since the issue regained national prominence in the early 2000s. Through a detailed content analysis of newspaper coverage, the paper documents an increase in negative frames between 1999 and 2008, especially frames focusing on the negative economic effects of biofuels on consumers. Second, using data from a 2010 Internet survey of a random sample of the U.S. public, the paper analyzes the relative influence of these new media frames on public attitudes toward biofuels compared with other common predictors of public opinion, such as party ID, regional economic interests, and personal identity as an environmentalist. In general, the results confirm that public attitudes toward biofuels appear to be shaped by these new media frames, especially among those who indicate a high degree of attention to the media, suggesting the relative importance of framing effects on policy attitudes for environmental and energy policies in general.
The Defining Elements of Advocacy Coalitions: Continuing the Search for Explanations for Coordination and Coalition Structures
Authors: Matti Simon , Sandström Annica 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAs the theoretical and practical interest in policy networks increases, so does the need for further research into how, and based on what rationales, actors within a policy subsystem engage in interorganizational collective action and form political coalitions. The aim of this paper is to continue the search for explanations for coordination and coalition structures in the setting of Swedish carnivore policy. Based on the Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) and a previous case study within the same policy subsystem, the study investigates a set of hypotheses regarding actors' coordinating behavior and the defining elements of coalitions. The empirical analysis indicates, in support of the ACF, that perceived belief correspondence is a better predictor of coordination than perceived influence. Moreover, the explanatory power of empirical policy core beliefs in general, and normative policy core beliefs in particular, is further reinforced, while deep core beliefs seemingly do not influence coalition structure. The relevance of more shallow beliefs for coalition formation cannot be dismissed and therefore calls for additional research.
Addressing Public Risks: Extreme Events and Critical Infrastructures
Authors: May Peter J. , Koski Chris 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe consider noncoercive means for harnessing the efforts of the private sector as partners with public authorities for addressing potential harms from widely dispersed risks. Our focus is the public and private sector approach in theUnitedStates to protecting the nation's critical infrastructures. We empirically address how two key elements of this approach—mobilization of attention and planning partnerships—work to foster “communities of interest” that pursue common sets of solutions for risk reduction. Our depiction of the varied communities of interest underscores differences in starting points in creating such communities, in the ability to mobilize and focus attention within them, and in the likelihood of sustaining efforts to address threats to critical infrastructures. The fundamental issue raised by our research is striking an appropriate balance between governmental and private sector roles in addressing risks for which it is hard to create and sustain protective actions.
What Nephrologists Need to Know about Vascular Access Cannulation
Authors: Dinwiddie Lesley C. , Ball Lynda , Brouwer Deborah , Doss‐McQuitty Sheila , Holland Janet 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis article describes cannulation events, especially problems, common and rare, minor and major, to aid the nephrologist (and mid‐level providers e.g. nurse practitioner and physician’s assistant) in decision‐making to prevent or treat cannulation‐related adverse outcomes. The usual management, potential outcomes, nephrologist intervention, and prevention are discussed and include: assessment of arteriovenous (AV) access and readiness for cannulation; initial cannulation of both arteriovenous fistulas and grafts; needle size and adequacy; needle direction and potential for recirculation; limited cannulation sites/buttonhole; pain and fear of pain; prevention of bleeding; management of infiltrations/extravasations; prevention and management of “one‐site‐itis”; prevention and management of infection. It concludes with the importance of the medical director as the leader of the continuous quality improvement (CQI) team in preventing/reducing cannulation‐related adverse events.
A Survey of Current Procedural Practices of Australian and New Zealand Nephrologists
Authors: Ritchie Angus G. , Saunders John , Baer Richard , May Stephen ,   on behalf of the Australian and New Zealand Special Interest Group in Interventional Nephrology Research Collaboration
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the range and extent of current procedural practices of Nephrologists and trainees in Australia and New Zealand with a specific focus on renal biopsy. A web‐based survey was constructed based on a 2009 pilot survey conducted by the authors. The survey was distributed by email. A total of 118 responses were received from 60 centers, including six pediatric centers; Nephrologists or trainees performed the following procedures: urine microscopy 36.4%; diagnostic ultrasound 10.2%; renal biopsy 93.2%; simple vascath insertion 64.4%; cuffed vascath insertion 22%; peritoneal catheter insertion 16.9%; fistula ultrasound 20.3%; and fistulography 5%. Trainees performed most renal biopsies (67.8% of respondents) and real‐time ultrasound was the commonest technique (97%). The majority of respondents believe that renal biopsy is an essential skill for trainees (78.8%); 10–25 biopsies are required for trainee proficiency (59.3%); an online training module would assist in teaching renal biopsies (67.8%). Cuffed catheter insertion and fistulography were more often performed in nonmetropolitan than in metropolitan centers. Procedures are part of Australian and New Zealand Nephrology, including specialized procedures in a minority of centers. Vascular access procedures are more common in nonmetropolitan centers. Renal biopsy is an important skill, considered essential for trainees by most.
Surgical Management of Cephalic Arch Occlusive Lesions: Are There Predictors for Outcomes?
Authors: Wang Shouwen , Almehmi Ammar , Asif Arif 
Published: March 2013

AbstractCephalic arch lesions are common cause for dysfunction of brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistulas. For lesions resistant or not amenable to endovascular interventions, we used a term “cephalic arch occlusive lesions” (CAO) that included cephalic arch total occlusion, frequently recurrent stenosis (requiring angioplasty in <3‐month intervals), high‐grade elastic stenosis (residual stenosis >50% after angioplasty), or other lesions not amenable to endovascular interventions. Herein, we report 40 patients who underwent surgical revisions for total occlusions (17/40), frequently recurrent stenosis (17/40), high‐grade elastic stenosis (5/40), and zigzag stenosis (1/40). The revisions included cephalic transposition and venovenostomy (CTV = 37/40), basilic transposition and venovenostomy (1/40), stenotic segment resection (1/40), and cephalic‐jugular vein bypass graft (1/40). At 12‐month post‐CTV, the primary patency of the transposed cephalic vein, the fistula assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 25%, 82% and 97%, respectively. Notably, pre‐CTV angioplasty of the proximal cephalic vein was the only significant predictor for the low primary patency rate (hazard ratio 4.5, p = 0.002). Accordingly, the primary patency rates were 12% and 58% in patients with and without pre‐CTV angioplasty, respectively. In summary, surgical interventions are effective in salvaging fistulas complicated with CAO. Importantly, pre‐CTV angioplasty of the proximal cephalic vein might adversely affect the outcome of CTV.
Job Security, Financial Security and Worker Well‐being: New Evidence on the Effects of Flexible Employment
Authors: Green Colin P. , Leeves Gareth D. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper uses panel data drawn from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey to provide new evidence of the links between unemployment, wages, job security, financial security and workers' well‐being for workers in flexible employment. Our findings indicate that workers in flexible employment encounter more unemployment and experience increased job insecurity; unemployment is associated with wage penalties. Lower wages, job insecurity and financial insecurity affect well‐being. However, these negative outcomes are mitigated by longer job tenure. Our results have implications for moves towards a flexicurity model of employment
An Examination of the Measurement Adequacy of the NES Scales for the Measurement of Racially Relevant Attitudes
Authors: Hooper Michael 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe objective of the research reported in this article is to determine if the NES scale for the measurement of equalitarianism is adequate for the measurement of attitudes toward equality in the mass public.MethodsThe analysis begins with the conjecture that the items are framed in terms that are too abstract for the typical member of the mass public to comprehend. As a result, it is argued, each item will not measure the same latent variable, equalitarianism. Rather, item scores will be saturated with systematic error in the form of response set, with the items falling into separate groups depending on how they are framed, rendering scores on the items problematic for use in empirical analysis. For contrast, responses to the items constituting the NES racial resentment scale are also examined. The items comprising this scale are framed in more concrete terms. As a result, it is argued that items comprising the racial resentment scale should display much less systematic error in the form of response set when used in the mass public. Using NES data from a national sample drawn in 2008, responses to the items comprising the equalitarian and racial resentment scales were analyzed via differences of means, correlations, and LISREL (C)onfirmatory (F)actor (A)nalyses.ResultsThe results for the equalitarianism scale do not support the conclusion that each item is measuring the same latent variable. Rather, the results are consistent with the argument that response set is the dominant factor in shaping responses. The results for the racial resentment scale support the conclusion that each item is measuring what it is designed to measure and response set is playing a relatively minor role in shaping responses. An additional confirmatory factor analysis of scores on the equalitarian scale was done using only highly educated respondents. This segment of the population can be expected to deal relatively easily with items framed in abstract terms. The CFA for this group of respondents yielded results that bear out this expectation and are interpreted as buttressing the principal argument of the article that the items constituting the scale are not suitable for use in the mass public because they are couched in terms too abstract for the typical member of the mass public to comprehend.ConclusionThe article concludes with the suggestion that it would be useful to develop a new scale for the measurement of equalitarian attitudes in the mass public, along with some suggestions regarding the nature of such an instrument.
Multi‐objective optimization for diffuse pollution control at zero cost
Authors: Panagopoulos Y. , Makropoulos C. , Mimikou M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAgricultural best management practices (BMPs) are gaining ground as a means of mitigating diffuse nutrient pollution of surface waters in agricultural catchments; however, their cost‐effectiveness depends on the location‐specific characteristics of the land on which they are applied. To identify acceptable catchment management solutions with respect to environmental and economic objectives, a decision support tool (DST) is used in this study. The DST integrates the river basin soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model that serves as the nonpoint source pollution estimator into an optimization framework consisting of a multi‐objective genetic algorithm that searches for optimal selection and location of BMPs in the landscape. A three‐objective optimization problem has been previously solved for the Arachtos catchment in western Greece including the implementation costs of several types of BMPs such as nutrient application, crop, soil and livestock management and total annual diffuse losses of total phosphorus (TP) and nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3‐N) from land to surface waters. In the present study, a solution of negligible total cost for the whole catchment was selected from optimal two‐dimensional trade‐off curves of cost‐TP and cost‐NO3‐N, aiming to complement previously analysed management options and further enhance decision‐making in this catchment. The zero cost solution led to 30 and 20% reductions in TP and NO3‐N river concentrations, respectively, corresponding to contour cultivation without tillage in corn, fertilizer management in alfalfa as well as livestock and manure management along with the establishment of filter strips at the edge of some corn and pastureland fields. The proposed methodology enabled the identification of a low cost, and possibly more favourable, compared to previous findings, combination of BMPs that ensures good quality of river water. It helps to provide the basis for sustainable land‐use planning and management in large agricultural landscapes, thus aiding decision‐making and cost‐effective implementation of Environmental Directives.
Screening of patients with tuberculosis for diabetes mellitus in India
Authors:   India Tuberculosis‐Diabetes Study Group
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess feasibility and results of screening patients with tuberculosis (TB) for diabetes mellitus (DM) within the routine healthcare setting across the country at: eight tertiary care hospitals and more than 60 peripheral health institutions in eight tuberculosis units.MethodsAgreement on how to screen, monitor and record was reached in October 2011 at a stakeholders' meeting, and training was carried out for staff in the facilities in December 2011 and January 2012. Implementation started from January 2012, and we report on activities up to 30 September 2012.ResultsOf 8269 TB patients diagnosed and initiated on treatment in participating facilities, 8109 (98%) were assessed for DM and 1084 (13%) were found to have DM; of these, 682 (8%) had a previously known diagnosis of DM and 402 (5%) were newly diagnosed. There was a higher prevalence of DM in patients with TB diagnosed in tertiary care hospitals (16%) than in those diagnosed in tuberculosis units (9%) (P < 0.001) and amongst those from South India (20%) than from North India (10%) (P < 0.001). The screening and referral process worked well although significantly more patients with DM diagnosed in hospitals were referred to DM care (96%) than patients diagnosed in tuberculosis units (92%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis pilot project shows that it is important and feasible to screen patients with TB for DM in the routine setting, resulting in earlier identification of DM in some patients and opportunities for better management of comorbidity. A policy decision has since been made by the National TB Control Programme of India to implement this intervention countrywide.
Granularity Analysis for Mathematical Proofs
Authors: Schiller Marvin R. G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMathematical proofs generally allow for various levels of detail and conciseness, such that they can be adapted for a particular audience or purpose. Using automated reasoning approaches for teaching proof construction in mathematics presupposes that the step size of proofs in such a system is appropriate within the teaching context. This work proposes a framework that supports the granularity analysis of mathematical proofs, to be used in the automated assessment of students' proof attempts and for the presentation of hints and solutions at a suitable pace. Models for granularity are represented by classifiers, which can be generated by hand or inferred from a corpus of sample judgments via machine‐learning techniques. This latter procedure is studied by modeling granularity judgments from four experts. The results provide support for the granularity of assertion‐level proofs but also illustrate a degree of subjectivity in assessing step size.
PELPIII: the class III pistil‐specific extensin‐like Nicotiana tabacum proteins are essential for interspecific incompatibility
Authors: Eberle Carrie A. , Anderson Neil O. , Clasen Benjamin M. , Hegeman Adrian D. , Smith Alan G. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPre‐zygotic interspecific incompatibility (II) involves an active inhibition mechanism between the pollen of one species and the pistil of another. As a barrier to fertilization, II effectively prevents hybridization and maintains species identity. Transgenic ablation of the mature transmitting tract (TT) in Nicotiana tabacum resulted in the loss of inhibition of pollen tube growth in Nicotiana obtusifolia (synonym Nicotiana trigonophylla) and Nicotiana repanda. The role of the TT in the II interaction between N. tabacum and N. obtusifolia was characterized by evaluating N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth in normal and TT‐ablated N. tabacum styles at various post‐pollination times and developmental stages. The II activity of the TT slowed and then arrested N. obtusifolia pollen tube growth, and was developmentally synchronized. We hypothesize that proteins produced by the mature TT and secreted into the extracellular matrix inhibit interspecific pollen tubes. When extracts from the mature TT of N. tabacum were injected into the TT‐ablated style prior to pollination, the growth of incompatible pollen tubes of N. obtusifolia and N. repanda was inhibited. The class III pistil‐specific extensin‐like protein (PELPIII) was consistently associated with specific inhibition of pollen tubes, and its requirement for II was confirmed through use of plants with antisense suppression of PELPIII. Inhibition of N. obtusifolia and N. repanda pollen tube growth required accumulation of PELPIII in the TT of N. tabacum, supporting PELPIII function in pre‐zygotic II.
Hematologic and bone marrow changes in dogs experimentally infected with Rangelia vitalii
Authors: França Raqueli T. , Da Silva Aleksandro S. , Costa Marcio M. , Paim Francine C. , Soares João F. , Labruna Marcelo B. , Mazzanti Cinthia M. , Lopes Sonia T.A. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundRangelia vitalii is a tick‐transmitted piroplasm that causes both hemolytic and hemorrhagic disease in dogs in Brazil.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the response of the bone marrow in dogs experimentally infected with R vitalii during the acute stage of the disease.MethodsFor this study, 2 groups of a total of 12 young dogs were used. Group A was composed of healthy dogs (n = 5), and group B consisted of animals infected with R vitalii (n = 7). Blood samples were collected on days 0, 10, 20, and 30 post‐inoculation and stored in EDTA tubes for a full hematology profile, including a reticulocyte count. On days 10 and 20, bone marrow samples were collected, stained, and examined.ResultsIn infected dogs anemia was identified on days 10 and 20 post‐inoculation (P < .01), and on day 20 reticulocytosis was present. Infected dogs had leukopenia due to neutropenia and eosinopenia, along with lymphocytosis and monocytosis, when compared with control animals. In bone marrow, the myeloid:erythroid ratio was significantly decreased (P < .05) in infected dogs due to increased erythroid precursors.ConclusionsDogs experimentally infected with R vitalii develop regenerative extravascular hemolytic anemia accompanied by erythroid hyperplasia in the bone marrow. During the acute phase of the disease, leukopenia due to neutropenia and eosinopenia suggests intense tissue recruitment of these cells in response to the endothelial damage caused by this parasite.
Sprouting capacity from intact root systems of Cirsium arvense and Sonchus arvensis decrease in autumn
Authors: Andersson L , Boström U , Forkman J , Hakman I , Liew J , Magnuski E 
Published: March 2013

SummaryPerennial weeds are often controlled by mechanical means, which aim at stimulating axillary and adventitious buds to sprout. This happens when the apical dominance of the main shoot is removed by defoliation or when the underground system is fragmented. By repeating the measures, the result is a depletion of storage compounds, which weakens the plants and reduces their capacity to grow and reproduce. However, timing is critical. Earlier research has indicated that emergence from fragments of Sonchus arvensis cease during a period in autumn, while the seasonal pattern of sprouting in Cirsium arvense appears to be inconsistent. We studied the emergence pattern of defoliated plants with undisturbed root systems, from late summer to early spring. Potted plants grown outdoors were exhumed at regular intervals, put under forcing conditions for 4 weeks, after which shoots above and below soil level were counted and weighed together with the remaining root systems. In both species, the number and weight of emerged shoots decreased during a period in the autumn. In C. arvense, underground shoots were constantly produced during the same period, while fewer underground shoots were present in S. arvensis. For the latter species, apical dominance does not fully explain the effect; thus, endodormancy might be involved. Root weight increased until withering and did not explain the lack of emergence. Our results suggest an impaired sprouting capacity of undisturbed root systems of C. arvense and S. arvensis during September–October, which has implications for the timing and method of control of these species.
A Conceptual Model for the Impact of Climate Change on Fox Rabies in Alaska, 1980–2010
Authors: Kim B. I. , Blanton J. D. , Gilbert A. , Castrodale L. , Hueffer K. , Slate D. , Rupprecht C. E. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThe direct and interactive effects of climate change on host species and infectious disease dynamics are likely to initially manifest\ at latitudinal extremes. As such, Alaska represents a region in the United States for introspection on climate change and disease. Rabies is enzootic among arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) throughout the northern polar region. In Alaska, arctic and red foxes(Vulpes vulpes)are reservoirs for rabies, with most domestic animal and wildlife cases reported from northern and western coastal Alaska. Based on passive surveillance, a pronounced seasonal trend in rabid foxes occurs in Alaska, with a peak in winter and spring. This study describes climatic factors that may be associated with reported cyclic rabies occurrence. Based upon probabilistic modelling, a stronger seasonal effect in reported fox rabies cases appears at higher latitudes in Alaska, and rabies in arctic foxes appear disproportionately affected by climatic factors in comparison with red foxes. As temperatures continue a warming trend, a decrease in reported rabid arctic foxes may be expected. The overall epidemiology of rabies in Alaska is likely to shift to increased viral transmission among red foxes as the primary reservoir in the region. Information on fox and lemming demographics, in addition to enhanced rabies surveillance among foxes at finer geographic scales, will be critical to develop more comprehensive models for rabies virus transmission in the region.