Asia's Emerging Nuclear Era: Climate Strategies & Implications for U.S. Policy

Created as part of the 2011 Jackson School for International Studies SIS 495: Task Force. Scott L. Montgomery, Task Force Advisor; Ambassador Thomas Graham, Jr., Evaluator; Nikki Thompson, Coordinator.Earth‘s climate is changing rapidly. Two centuries of burning fossil fuels have increased atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. This has led to elevated mean near-surface temperatures, rising sea levels, and acidification of the oceans. As the harmful effects of climate change become more apparent, many nations are turning to nuclear power as a viable option to meet rising demands for electricity with minimal carbon emissions. Concentrated in Asia, where hundreds of new reactors will be built in the next few decades, the new era of nuclear power expansion is underway. A nuclear power plant has not been built in the U.S. in over 30 years, suggesting America may be falling behind in nuclear technology. The American public has a largely negative perception of nuclear power due to past accidents at Chernobyl and Three-Mile Island. In the post 9/11 world, Americans are also particularly concerned about national security and the threat of nuclear terrorism

“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be”: a qualitative study of early stage non-small cell lung cancer patients after treatment

Abstract Objective While surgical resection is recommended for most patients with early stage lung cancer, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is being increasingly utilized. Provider-patient communication regarding risks/benefits of each approach may be a modifiable factor leading to improved patient-centered outcomes. Our objective was to determine a framework and recommended strategies on how to best communicate with patients with early stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the post-treatment setting. We qualitatively evaluated the experiences of 11 patients with early clinical stage NSCLC after treatment, with a focus on treatment experience, knowledge obtained, communication, and recommendations. We used conventional content analysis and a patient-centered communication theoretical model to guide our understanding. Results Five patients received surgery and six received SBRT. Both treatments were generally well-tolerated. Few participants reported communication deficits around receiving follow-up information, although several had remaining questions about their treatment outcome (mainly those who underwent SBRT). They described feeling anxious regarding their first surveillance CT scan and clinician visit. Overall, participants remained satisfied with care because of implicit trust in their clinicians rather than explicit communication. Communication gaps remain but may be addressed by a trusting relationship with the clinician. Patients recommend clinicians give thorough explanations and personalize when possible