bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salmonella persistence in soil depends on reciprocal interactions with indigenous microorganisms
Authors: Schierstaedt Jasper , Jechalke Sven , Nesme Joseph , Neuhaus Klaus , Sørensen Søren J. , Grosch Rita , Smalla Kornelia , Schikora Adam
Published: March 2020

Fresh fruits and vegetables have numerous benefits to human health. Unfortunately, their consumption is increasingly associated with food‐borne diseases, Salmonella enterica being their most frequent cause in Europe. Agricultural soils were postulated as reservoir of human pathogens, contributing to the contamination of crops during the growing period. Since the competition with the indigenous soil microbiota for colonization sites plays a major role in the success of invading species, we hypothesized that reduced diversity will enhance the chance of Salmonella to successfully establish in agricultural environments. We demonstrated that the abundance of Salmonella drastically decreased in soil with highly diverse indigenous prokaryotic community, while in soil with reduced prokaryotic diversity, Salmonella persisted for a long period. Furthermore, in communities with low diversity, Salmonella had an impact on the abundance of other taxa. The high physiological plasticity allows Salmonella to use agricultural soils as alternative habitat which might provide a route of animal/human infections. In addition, adjusted transcriptional profile with amino acid biosynthesis and the glyoxylate cycle most prominently regulated, suggests an adaptation to the soil environment. Our results underline the importance of the maintenance of diverse soil microbiome as a part of strategy aiming at reduced risk of food‐borne salmonellosis outbreaks.
Osimertinib, a third‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor: A retrospective multicenter study of its real‐world efficacy and safety in advanced/recurrent non‐small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Kishikawa Takayuki , Kasai Takashi , Okada Masahiko , Nakachi Ichiro , Soda Sayo , Arai Ryo , Takigami Ayako , Sata Masafumi
Published: March 2020

Background

Osimertinib is recommended for T790M mutation‐positive advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) resistant to first‐ and second‐generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Recently, some reports exist on the real‐world use of osimertinib; however, reports involving third/later‐line use are few. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of osimertinib used in various treatment lines for T790M‐positive NSCLC patients.

Methods

This retrospective, observational, multicenter study included T790M‐positive advanced/recurrent NSCLC patients treated with osimertinib from May 2016 to March 2018. The clinical characteristics, efficacy, and adverse events were retrospectively investigated. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to analyze progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). PFS‐associated clinical characteristics were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 60.7% and 91.1%, respectively; the median PFS was 11.0 months. There were no significant differences in the median PFS for patients treated with osimertinib as second‐line and third−/later‐line (14.5 vs. 11.0 months respectively, P = 0.327). Analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model for clinical features affecting PFS also revealed no significant factors. Adverse events of grade ≥ 3 were reported in 15 patients (26.8%); the most common were anemia (n = 3) and cutaneous toxicity (n = 3). Grade 4 neutropenia was observed in one patient; any‐grade pneumonitis was observed in six patients (10.7%), including one with grade 3 pneumonitis.

Conclusions

Osimertinib demonstrated efficacy even when administered as third−/later‐line treatment to NSCLC patients. Osimertinib‐related pneumonitis was observed more frequently than previously reported.

Key points

Significant findings of the study

Osimertinib shows efficacy even as later‐line treatment in T790M mutation‐positive NSCLC patients previously treated with EGFR‐TKIs. However, the incidence of ≥ grade 3 adverse events, especially pneumonitis, was higher than that previously reported by other studies.

What this study adds

Osimertinib was approved for previously EGFR‐TKI‐treated EGFR T790M‐positive NSCLC. With the increasing frequency of its use as first‐line treatment, this study provides valuable evidence for the efficacy and safety of osimertinib for previously EGFR‐TKI‐treated NSCLC.
Histamine receptors mediate contraction of reticular groove smooth muscle of adult goats
Authors: Aneesha V. A. , Gopi Renjith P. , Kumawat Sanjay , Susanth V. S. , Vineetha S. , Kumar Dinesh
Published: March 2020

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of histamine and to characterise its receptor subtypes in reticular groove (RG) smooth muscle of adult goats. The studies were done using floor and lip regions of RG. We used tension experiments on smooth muscle of RG isolated from adult goat for functional characterisation of H1 and H2 receptors. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry experiments were conducted for molecular characterisation of these receptors. Histamine evoked concentration‐dependent contraction of isolated RG circular and longitudinal smooth muscle preparation. Pyrilamine antagonised the action of histamine. Histamine did not induce any relaxant effect on RG preparations. Additionally, cimetidine did not produce any significant effect on histamine‐induced response. Non‐selective histaminic receptor antagonist cyproheptadine attenuated the contraction response to histamine in the smooth muscle. Molecular characterisation and localisation of H1 and H2 receptor proteins confirmed the presence of these receptors in RG. It is most likely that histamine‐induced contractile effect in RG smooth muscle of goats is mediated by H1 histaminic receptors.
Maintenance therapy with ex vivo expanded lymphokine‐activated killer cells and rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma is safe and may delay disease progression
Authors: López‐Díaz de Cerio Ascensión , García‐Muñoz Ricardo , Pena Esther , Panizo Ángel , Feliu Jesús , Giraldo Pilar , Rodríguez‐Calvillo Mercedes , Martínez‐Calle Nicolás , Grande Carlos , Olave María T. , Andrade‐Campos Marcio , Bandrés Eva , Núñez‐Córdoba Jorge M. , Inogés Susana , Panizo Carlos
Published: March 2020

Anti‐cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have shown promise in follicular lymphoma (FL) as post‐induction therapy, by enhancing antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, cytotoxic cells are reduced after this treatment. We hypothesised that ex vivo expanded lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells administered to FL‐remission patients are safe and improve anti‐CD20 efficacy. This open, prospective, phase II, single‐arm study assessed safety and efficacy of ex vivo expanded LAK cells in 20 FL‐remission patients following rituximab maintenance. Mononuclear cells were obtained in odd rituximab cycles and stimulated with interleukin 2 (IL‐2) for 8 weeks, after which >5 × 108 LAK cells were injected. Patients were followed‐up for 5 years. At the end of maintenance, peripheral blood cells phenotype had not changed markedly. Natural killer, LAK and ADCC activities of mononuclear cells increased significantly after recombinant human IL‐2 (rhIL‐2) stimulation in all cycles. Rituximab significantly enhanced cytotoxic activity. No patients discontinued treatment. There were no treatment‐related serious adverse events. Three patients had progressed by the end of follow‐up. After a median (interquartile range) follow‐up of 59.4 (43.8–70.9) months, 85% of patients remained progression free. No deaths occurred. Quality‐of‐life improved throughout the study. Post‐induction LAK cells with rituximab seem safe in the long term. Larger studies are warranted to confirm efficacy.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension: Heracles meets the Hydra
Authors: Rajagopal Keshava , Bryant Andrew J. , Sahay Sandeep , Wareing Nancy , Zhou Yang , Pandit Lavannya M. , Karmouty‐Quintana Harry
Published: March 2020

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal lung disease where the additional presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) reduces survival. In particular, the presence of coexistent pulmonary vascular disease in patients with advanced lung parenchymal disease results in worse outcomes than either diagnosis alone. This is true with respect to the natural histories of these diseases, outcomes with medical therapies, and even outcomes following lung transplantation. Consequently, there is a striking need for improved treatments for PH in the setting of IPF. In this review, we summarize existing therapies from the perspective of molecular mechanisms underlying lung fibrosis and vasoconstriction/vascular remodelling and discuss potential future targets for pharmacotherapy.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.1/issuetoc
Long noncoding RNA metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 cooperates with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 to promote hepatocellular carcinoma development by modulating the microRNA‐22/Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 axis
Authors: Chen Shaofei , Wang Guobin , Tao Kaixiong , Cai Kailin , Wu Ke , Ye Lin , Bai Jie , Yin Yuping , Wang Jiliang , Shuai Xiaoming , Gao Jinbo , Pu Jiarui , Li Hang
Published: March 2020

Metastasis‐associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA that has been found to promote carcinogenesis and metastasis in many tumors. However, the underlying role of MALAT1 in the progression and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. In this study, aberrantly elevated levels of MALAT1 were detected in both HCC specimens and cell lines. We found that knockdown of MALAT1 caused retardation in proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic investigations showed that Snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1) is a direct target of microRNA (miR)‐22 and that MALAT1 modulates SNAI1 expression by acting as a competing endogenous RNA for miR‐22. Inhibition of miR‐22 restored SNAI1 expression suppressed by MALAT1 knockdown. Furthermore, MALAT1 facilitated the enrichment of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) at the promoter region of miR‐22 and E‐cadherin, which was repressed by MALAT1 knockdown. Cooperating with EZH2, MALAT1 positively regulated SNAI1 by repressing miR‐22 and inhibiting E‐cadherin expression, playing a vital role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, our results reveal a mechanism by which MALAT1 promotes HCC progression and provides a potential target for HCC therapy.
Influence of environmental and biological factors on the overwinter growth rate of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr in a UK chalk stream
Authors: Simmons Olivia M. , Britton John Robert , Gillingham Phillipa K. , Gregory Stephen D.
Published: March 2020

Smolt lengths are increasingly recognised as an important determinant of salmonid marine survival rates. Overwintering growth rates could thus strongly influence adult return rates. In Atlantic salmon Salmo salar, most overwintering studies focus on rivers in harsh climates with minimal growth, yet in more southerly rivers, overwintering growth rates can be relatively high. Here, the factors influencing annual overwinter growth rates were tested for juvenile S. salar in a temperate chalk stream in southern England over 13 years, where over 10,000 salmon parr were tagged annually in autumn and a proportion recaptured the following spring during smolt emigration. Winters of higher and more variable water temperatures, with longer periods of high flows, showed increased overwintering growth rates. Faster growth rates were recorded from sites further upstream and that had lower parr densities; smaller individuals also grew more than expected for their initial size. These results suggest that a range of factors influences overwintering salmonid growth rates and can be used to inform management decisions to maximise the quality of emigrating smolts.
Development and validation of hub genes for lymph node metastasis in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Xu Ning , Chen Shao‐Hao , Lin Ting‐Ting , Cai Hai , Ke Zhi‐Bin , Dong Ru‐Nan , Huang Peng , Li Xiao‐Dong , Chen Ye‐Hui , Zheng Qing‐Shui
Published: March 2020

Lymph node metastasis is one of the most important independent risk factors that can negatively affect the prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa); however, the exact mechanisms have not been well studied. This study aims to better understand the underlying mechanism of lymph node metastasis in PCa by bioinformatics analysis. We analysed a total of 367 PCa cases from the cancer genome atlas database and performed weighted gene co‐expression network analysis to explore some modules related to lymph node metastasis. Gene Ontology analysis and pathway enrichment analysis were conducted for functional annotation, and a protein‐protein interaction network was built. Samples from the International Cancer Genomics Consortium database were used as a validation set. The turquoise module showed the most relevance with lymph node metastasis. Functional annotation showed that biological processes and pathways were mainly related to activation of the processes of cell cycle and mitosis. Four hub genes were selected: CKAP2L, CDCA8, ERCC6L and ARPC1A. Further validation showed that the four hub genes well‐distinguished tumour and normal tissues, and they were good biomarkers for lymph node metastasis of PCa. In conclusion, the identified hub genes facilitate our knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanism for lymph node metastasis of PCa.
Sucrose syrup reuse during one‐ and multi‐stage osmotic dehydration of pineapple
Authors: Fernández Paula R. , Lovera Nancy , Ramallo Laura A.
Published: March 2020

Multi‐stage osmotic dehydration of pineapple with sucrose syrups in gradually increasing concentration was experimentally evaluated and compared to the single‐stage dehydration process. Also, osmotic solutions were reused for five osmotic dehydration cycles, without syrup reconditioning treatment. Single‐ and multi‐stage osmotic treatments were carried out for 2 hr at 40°C. Changes in pH, total acidity, and content of soluble solids, water, and ascorbic acid, in fruit and osmotic solutions, were analyzed. Water loss decreased with cycles of syrup reuse in one‐stage treatments and remained almost unchanged in multi‐stage treatments. Dry matter content of pineapple fruit during four‐stage osmotic dehydration cascade (40, 50, 55, and 60 °Bx) was increased respect to one‐stage dehydration at 40 and 60 °Bx. With regard to retention of syrup characteristics, multi‐stage dehydration reached a better performance as compared with the single‐stage dehydration and through the syrup reuse could become a more economical, environmentally friendly process.

Practical applications

Osmotic dehydration allows to reduce the fruit water content with energy saving and conservation of fruit characteristics, but also involves some negative aspects. Syrup management is usually the most important technological problem in the osmotic dehydration process on an industrial scale. Osmotic solution recycling could contribute to the solution of this problem. In this study, the effectiveness of pineapple osmotic dehydration in multi‐stage and single‐stage, with syrup reuse, were compared. The research show: (1) multi‐stage treatment was the most effective for the retention of syrup properties; (2) syrup reuse did not affect the dehydrated pineapple characteristics through multi‐stage dehydration. Thus, results indicated the proposed dehydration operation is of easy implementation, economically and environmentally friendly.
Improving Drug Therapy for Patients With Life‐Limiting Illnesses: Letʼs Take Care of Some Low Hanging Fruit
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G.
Published: March 2020

This Editorial comments on the article by Kapoor et al., S. Mack et al., Niznik et al., R. Radomski et al., D. Niznik et al. and P. Springer et al.
Effects of ghrelin receptor activation on forebrain dopamine release, conditioned fear and fear extinction in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Pierre Anouk , Van Schuerbeek Andries , Allaoui Wissal , Van Laere Sven , Singewald Nicolas , Van Eeckhaut Ann , Smolders Ilse , De Bundel Dimitri
Published: March 2020

The ghrelin system was previously proposed to mediate an independent branch of the stress response that curbs fear processing. Interestingly, the ghrelin system was also shown to control the activity of midbrain dopamine neurons. Given that dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area appear to have a critical role in fear processing, we aimed to investigate their contribution to the effects of ghrelin on fear processing. Our data show that systemic administration of the ghrelin receptor agonist MK0677, in a dose that induces food intake, has no significant effect on auditory fear processing and does not significantly affect dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of male C57BL/6J mice. Local administration of the ghrelin receptor agonist MK0677 into the ventral tegmental area significantly increases food intake and it also significantly increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, the medial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Nevertheless, it did not significantly affect auditory fear extinction. Our data indicate that pharmacological activation of midbrain dopamine neurons using a ghrelin receptor agonist does not affect auditory fear extinction. We also investigated the effect of non‐pharmacological manipulation of the ghrelin system on auditory fear processing. However, we found that neither overnight food deprivation nor genetic ablation of the ghrelin receptor had a significant effect on auditory fear extinction. We conclude that the effects of manipulation of the ghrelin system on fear processing are subject to boundary conditions that remain poorly understood.

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Nurses’ experiences of providing nonpharmacological pain management in palliative care: A qualitative study
Authors: Munkombwe Wisdom Muleya , Petersson Kerstin , Elgán Carina
Published: March 2020

Aim and objectives

To explore the experiences and views of nurses who provide nonpharmacological therapies for chronic pain management in palliative care.

Background

Nursing expertise in palliative care is essential in providing pain relief to patients with chronic diseases. Examinations of the use of nonpharmacological therapies for chronic pain management in palliative care have revealed what nonpharmacological therapies have been used, but there is insufficient knowledge regarding nurses’ attitudes, views and experiences regarding pain therapies in this context.

Design

A qualitative descriptive design was chosen.

Methods

Data were collected through individual interviews in a purposive sample with 15 nurses to ensure maximum variation. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. This study aligns with the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist.

Results

The analysis yielded four categories, as follows: “building and sustaining favourable therapeutic relationships” involved the creation of trust and a solid relationship; in “recognising the diversity of patients’ needs,” person‐centred care is expressed as being vital for individualised nonpharmacological pain management; “incorporating significant others” describes how nurses can help to ease the patient's pain by identifying positive encounters with family members or friends; and in “recognising the existence of barriers,” nurses highlight vulnerable groups such as children, for whom nurses require special education to enable optimal nonpharmacological pain management.

Conclusion

The unique knowledge that nurses gain about the patient through the nurse–patient relationship is central and crucial for successful nonpharmacological pain management.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study emphasises the need for nurses to get to know their patient and to be open and sensitive to patients’ descriptions of their unique life situations, as this provides the necessary knowledge for optimal care and pain management. Nurses should be encouraged and given the opportunity to attend specialised training in palliative care and pain management.
Bullying and Peer Victimization of Minority Youth: Intersections of Sexual Identity and Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Jackman Kasey , Kreuze Elizabeth J. , Caceres Billy A. , Schnall Rebecca
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Youth with multiple minority identities, such as those who are both sexual minority (eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual) and racial/ethnic minority (eg, Black, Latino) may be at increased risk for bullying and peer victimization.

METHODS

Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance data (2011‐2017) were analyzed (N = 114,881; 50.8% girls; mean age = 15.7 years, SD = 0.03). We used chi‐square tests and sex‐stratified multiple linear regression models to examine sexual identity and racial/ethnic differences and the intersection between sexual identity and race/ethnicity across 3 forms of bullying and peer victimization, co‐occurrence of traditional and electronic bullying, and any type of bullying or peer victimization.

RESULTS

Sexual minority youth reported higher odds of bullying and peer victimization than heterosexual youth. White youth reported higher odds of bullying than racial/ethnic minority youth. In intersectional analyses, all sexual minority and racial/ethnic minority boys, and bisexual racial/ethnic minority girls were at higher risk for bullying and peer victimization compared to heterosexual peers of the same race/ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study of a large diverse sample of youth advances our understanding of vulnerability to bullying and peer victimization among youth with multiple minority identities. This research can inform policy initiatives and interventions to prevent peer victimization of vulnerable youth.
Shortfall aversion
Authors: Guasoni Paolo , Huberman Gur , Ren Dan
Published: March 2020

Shortfall aversion reflects the higher utility loss of spending cuts from a reference than the utility gain from similar spending increases. Inspired by Prospect Theory's loss aversion and the peak‐end rule, this paper posits a model of utility from spending scaled by past peak spending. In contrast to traditional models, which call for spending rates proportional to wealth, the optimal policy in this model implies a constant spending rate equal to the historical peak when wealth is relatively large. The spending rate increases when wealth reaches a model‐determined multiple of peak spending. In 1926–2015, shortfall‐averse spending is smooth and typically increasing.
Root‐knot nematodes induce gall formation by recruiting developmental pathways of post‐embryonic organogenesis and regeneration to promote transient pluripotency
Authors: Olmo Rocío , Cabrera Javier , Díaz‐Manzano Fernando E. , Ruiz‐Ferrer Virginia , Barcala Marta , Ishida Takashi , García Alejandra , Andrés María Fe , Ruiz‐Lara Simón , Verdugo Isabel , Pernas Mónica , Fukaki Hidehiro , del Pozo Juan Carlos , Moreno‐Risueno Miguel Ángel , Kyndt Tina , Gheysen Godelieve , Fenoll Carmen , Sawa Shinichiro , Escobar Carolina
Published: March 2020

Root‐knot nematodes (RKNs; Meloidogyne spp.) induce new post‐embryogenic organs within the roots (galls) where they stablish and differentiate nematode feeding cells, giant cells (GCs). The developmental programmes and functional genes involved remain poorly defined.

Arabidopsis root apical meristem (RAM), lateral root (LR) and callus marker lines, SHORT‐ROOT/SHR, SCARECROW/SCR, SCHIZORIZA/SCZ, WUSCHEL‐RELATED‐HOMEOBOX‐5/WOX5, AUXIN‐RESPONSIVE‐FACTOR‐5/ARF5, ARABIDOPSIS‐HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER‐PROTEIN‐6/AHP6, GATA‐TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR‐23/GATA23 and S‐PHASE‐KINASE‐ASSOCIATED‐PROTEIN2B/SKP2B, were analysed for nematode‐dependent expression. Their corresponding loss‐of‐function lines, including those for LR upstream regulators, SOLITARY ROOT/SLR/IAA14, BONDELOS/BDL/IAA12 and INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC‐ACID‐INDUCIBLE‐28/IAA28, were tested for RKN resistance/tolerance.

LR genes, for example ARF5 (key factor for root stem‐cell niche regeneration), GATA23 (which specifies pluripotent founder cells) and AHP6 (cytokinin‐signalling‐inhibitor regulating pericycle cell‐divisions orientation), show a crucial function during gall formation. RKNs do not compromise the number of founder cells or LR primordia but locally induce gall formation possibly by tuning the auxin/cytokinin balance in which AHP6 might be necessary. Key RAM marker genes were induced and functional in galls. Therefore, the activation of plant developmental programmes promoting transient‐pluripotency/stemness leads to the generation of quiescent‐centre and meristematic‐like cell identities within the vascular cylinder of galls.

Nematodes enlist developmental pathways of new organogenesis and/or root regeneration in the vascular cells of galls. This should determine meristematic cell identities with sufficient transient pluripotency for gall organogenesis.
Organ donation from brain‐dead pediatric donors in Korea: A 5‐year data analysis (2013‐2017)
Authors: Kim Yong Yeup , Kim Mi‐im , Jeong Eunsil , Lee Jae‐myeong
Published: March 2020

In Korea, 2‐4% of brain‐dead organ donations are from donors <16 years of age. We aimed to identify the current status of and challenges in pediatric organ donation from brain‐dead donors in Korea. We performed a retrospective analysis using data from KONOS between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2017. Our research identified 107 pediatric donors aged <16 years, representing 4.4% of all donors in Korea between 2013 and 2017. The consent rate was higher in PDs than in adult donors (47.0% vs 44.9%). The most common cause of brain death in PDs was hypoxia (28.0%), followed by brain tumor and trauma, whereas that in ADs was brain hemorrhage/stroke (42.4%), followed by trauma and hypoxia (P < .001). In both groups, the kidney (PDs vs ADs: 75.7% vs 88.5%), liver (58.9% vs 46.2%), and heart (32.7% vs 29.7%) were the organs most commonly transplanted. However, pancreatic (PDs vs ADs: 30.0% vs 11.7%, P < .001) and small bowel transplantations (4.7% vs 0.2%, P < .001) were more common in PDs, whereas lung (7.5% vs 14.5%, P = .046) and corneal transplantations (14.0% vs 36.2%) were more common in ADs. Only a small proportion of organ donations in Korea are from PDs, but this rate has been maintained. Given the current status of brain‐dead pediatric organ donation, a more active approach is required to bring about improvement.
Moving toward shared realities through empathy in mathematical modeling: An ecological systems theory approach
Authors: Edelen Daniel , Bush Sarah B. , Simpson Heather , Cook Kristin L. , Abassian Aline
Published: March 2020

The mathematics education community has routinely called for mathematics tasks to be connected to the real world. However, accomplishing this in ways that are relevant to students’ lived experiences can be challenging. Meanwhile, mathematical modeling has gained traction as a way for students to learn mathematics through real‐world connections. In an open problem to the mathematics education community, this paper explores connections between the mathematical modeling and the nature of what is considered relevant to students. The role of empathy is discussed as a proposed component for consideration within mathematical modeling so that students can further relate to real‐world contexts as examined through the lens of Ecological Systems Theory. This is contextualized through a classroom‐tested example entitled “Tiny Homes as a Solution to Homelessness” followed by implications and conclusions as they relate to mathematics education.
Men having sex with men and blood donation: is there a game changer on the horizon?
Authors: Germain Marc
Published: March 2020

See article on page 525–534, in this issue
ABO titers: harmonization and identifying clinically relevant ABO antibodies
Authors: Denomme Gregory A. , Anani Waseem Q.
Published: March 2020

See article on page 628–636, in this issue
El acceso al conocimiento un derecho universal: las implicaciones sobre la gobernanza de ecosistemas de acceso abierto
Authors: López López Wilson
Published: March 2020

Editorial.
Advances on Parental Educational Styles Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Children
Authors: Moreno Méndez Jaime Humberto , Espada Sánchez José Pedro , Gómez Becerra Inmaculada
Published: March 2020

The purposes of this study were to perform a psychometric analysis of the Parental Educational Styles Questionnaire and to evaluate its predictive validity on externalizing and internalizing problems in Colombian children. Participants were 680 parents (M= 37.34; SD= 9.2) of children aged between 8 and 12 years enrolled in public schools in Bogota, Colombia. The parental educational styles questionnaire and the child behavior checklist -parents format- were applied to the participants. The resulting model presents the best indicators of favorable fit according to confirmatory factorial analyses. These values show an internal consistence of the instrument. The results indicate that dysfunctional reaction to disobedience, communication difficulties and conflicts predicted internalizing and externalizing problems.
Psychology in Brazilian Assistance to the Insane: First Half of the 20th Century
Authors: Facchinetti Cristiana , Jacó-Vilela Ana Maria
Published: March 2020

This paper provides an overview on the history of the earliest applications of psychological practices in the two main mental institutions linked to the Assistance for Psychopaths in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the beginning of the 20th Century. This encompassed a range of clinical practices that employed psychological techniques and tools thought as having a curative effect on the causes or symptoms of mental illness. Mental hygiene doctors used those techniques as well, with the biopolitical goal of averting illness and any consequent risk and social danger. The techniques are analyzed in their relation to the modernization project of Brazilian nation and to the problem of what was then understood as its “degenerated population”. The main objective of the paper is to investigate the role of Psychology in Brazil in the early 20th Century. The results appoint an effective interrelation between the raise of scientific legitimacy of Psychological knowledge and technology and the integration of Psychiatry within different nation's modernization projects.
Perspective Taking Abilities among Persons with Autism: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Rogé Bernadette , Mullet Etienne
Published: March 2020

This preliminary study examined persons with autism’s perspective taking abilities. Participants were 28 persons with autism and 27 controls. Among the persons with autism, 15 presented the Asperger Syndrome that was described in the DSM4. Scenarios in which persons were about to buy a piece of clothing were presented to participants who assessed the extent to which these persons were going to buy it as a function of suitability and price (situational factors), and what is known about their purchasing habits (the personality factor). In the same way as controls, participants with autism were able to integrate personality information into their judgments. However, only participants presenting the Asperger Syndrome described in the DSM4 were, in the same way as controls, able to vary, as a function of personality information, the importance given to situational factors during the judgment process.
Romanian Lay People’s and Health Professionals’ Views about the Acceptability of Physician-Assisted Suicide
Authors: Teodorescu Daniela Iulia , Muñoz Sastre Maria Teresa , Sorum Paul Clay
Published: March 2020

The conditions under which Physician-Assisted-Suicide (PAS) would be considered as acceptable among Romanians were examined. In July 2015-May 2016, 212 lay people and 52 health professionals judged the acceptability of PAS in 36 realistic vignettes composed of all combinations of four factors: the patient’s age, the level of incurability of the illness, the type of suffering, and the patient’s request for PAS. A majority of lay people (51%) and health professionals (85%) were opposed to PAS, quite irrespective of conditions. The most important factors determining acceptability were, for 36% of lay people, request for PAS and, for 18%, advanced age.
Teacher Satisfaction in Spain with the European Higher Education Area: Arts and Humanities
Authors: Quevedo-Blasco Raúl , Buela-Casal Gualberto
Published: March 2020

In Spain reforms to university educational policy have been made in order to adapt to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out the level of satisfaction of Arts and Humanities university teaching staff towards the implementation of the EHEA. It is a population-based, descriptive study using a cross-sectional survey with a probability sample. The sample consisted of 1605 Spanish teachers of Arts and Humanities from public universities (with an average age of 48 years, of which 52 % were women and 48 % men). They were applied an ad hoc survey (α = 0.82) consisting of questions (grouped into eight sections) about the degree of satisfaction towards different aspects of the EHEA. In the results can be observed that teachers are not completely satisfied with the way in which educational institutions have adapted university education to the EHEA and they have identified certain needs that limit the quality of Arts and Humanities teaching. In conclusion, the most of teachers thought that the implementation of the EHEA could be improved, although a small percentage believed that it had not been implemented correctly.
Temperature Effect of CO2 Reduction Electrocatalysis on Copper: Potential Dependency of Activation Energy
Authors: Zong Yixu , Chakthranont Pongkarn , Suntivich Jin
Published: March 2020

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) has gathered widespread attention in the past decade as an enabling component to energy and fuel sustainability. Copper (Cu) is one of the few electrocatalysts that can convert CO2 to higher-order hydrocarbons. We report the CO2RR on polycrystalline Cu from 5 °C to 45 °C as a function of electrochemical potential. Our result shows that selectivity shifts toward CH4 at low temperature and H2 at high temperature at the potential values between −0.95 V and −1.25 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). We analyze the activation energy for each product and discuss the possible underlying mechanism based on their potential dependence. The activation barrier of CH4 empirically obeys the Butler–Volmer equation, while C2H4 and CO show a non-trivial trend. Our result suggests that the CH4 production proceeds via a classical electrochemical pathway, likely the proton-coupled electron transfer of surface-saturated COad, while C2H4 is limited by a more complex process, likely involving surface adsorbates. Our measurement is consistent with the view that the adsorbate–adsorbate interaction dictates the C2+ selectivity.
Evaluation and Optimization of Dual-Arm Robot Path Planning for Human–Robot Collaborative Tasks in Smart Manufacturing Contexts
Authors: Wang Weitian , Chen Yi , Jia Yunyi
Published: March 2020

In human–robot collaborative tasks, the performance of robot path planning has a direct impact on the robot-to-human hand-over process, or even the collaboration quality. In this work, we propose an evaluation study on multiple robot path planners with different metrics and reveal their pros and cons in representative human–robot collaborative manufacturing contexts. Afterward, based on the proposed metrics, we define a cost function for the dual-arm robot to choose optimized path planning solutions with maximum efficiency for its human partner in human–robot collaboration. We implement the proposed evaluation and optimization approaches to multiple realistic human–robot collaborative manufacturing contexts. Experimental results and evaluations suggest that our approaches are able to provide positive solutions for the robot path planner selection and also open a window for exploring more complicated and general robot path planning applications to human–robot collaborative tasks in smart manufacturing contexts.
Lifetime Optimization for a Grid-Friendly DC Fast Charge Station With Second Life Batteries
Authors: D’Arpino Matilde , Cancian Massimo
Published: March 2020

Electrified vehicle (EV) batteries that have reached the automotive end of life are providing a low-cost energy storage solution for grid-connected systems, such as DC fast charge stations (DCFCs). There are several challenges associated with the integration of second life batteries (SLBs) in power systems, such as the definition of a systematic approach for the concurrent optimization of performance and lifetime with the aim of minimizing the investment and operating costs. This paper proposes the application of automotive SLBs to DCFC stations where high-power grid connection is not available or feasible. The SLBs are charged using a low-power grid connection and then provide DCFC power to the EVs. An optimal control problem has been formulated to identify the energy management control (EMC) strategy that allows minimizing the replacement rate of the SLBs, while ensuring the EV load request is match.
Thermodynamics-Inspired Macroscopic States of Bounded Swarms
Authors: Haeri Hossein , Jerath Kshitij , Leachman Jacob
Published: March 2020

The collective behavior of swarms is extremely difficult to estimate or predict, even when the local agent rules are known and simple. The presented work seeks to leverage the similarities between fluids and swarm systems to generate a thermodynamics-inspired characterization of the collective behavior of robotic swarms. While prior works have borrowed tools from fluid dynamics to design swarming behaviors, they have usually avoided the task of generating a fluids-inspired macroscopic state (or macrostate) description of the swarm. This work will bridge the gap by seeking to answer the following question: is it possible to generate a small set of thermodynamics-inspired macroscopic properties that may later be used to quantify all possible collective behaviors of swarm systems? In this paper, we present three macroscopic properties analogous to pressure, temperature, and density of a gas to describe the behavior of a swarm that is governed by only attractive and repulsive agent interactions. These properties are made to satisfy an equation similar to the ideal gas law and also generalized to satisfy the virial equation of state for real gases. Finally, we investigate how swarm specifications such as density and average agent velocity affect the system macrostate.
Construction and Evaluation of a Bituminous Roadway Constructed With Municipal Solid Waste Combustor Ash
Authors: Lucido Samuel P. , Wilson Willard
Published: March 2020

County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 13, located in Polk County Minnesota, was to be paved with 2.25 miles of new bituminous in October of 2000. Prior to the end of the 2000 construction season, a portion of one lane of the base course was installed, with the remainder to be completed in spring of 2001. The bituminous was amended with ash generated at the municipal solid waste combustor located in Fosston Minnesota. One third of the road was to be paved with traditional bituminous, one third was to be paved with bituminous in which a portion of the aggregate was replaced with “new” ash and one third was to be paved with bituminous in which a portion of the aggregate was replaced with “old” ash. “New” combustor ash is ash generated after the installation of an up-front materials recovery facility (MRF) and “old” combustor ash is ash generated before the installation of the MRF. Ash-amended bituminous was to be used in the base course and binder course of the pavement profile. Significant environmental and structural testing was performed prior to construction. Environmental and structural testing was also performed simultaneously with the construction process. Environmental testing completed in 2000 included: analysis of stack emissions from the bituminous plant, evaluation of breathing zone particulates at the bituminous plant, and analysis of surface water runoff from the ash-amended bituminous. Structural testing included trial mix design parameters. The road was also instrumented to collect water that may infiltrate through the ash-amended bituminous. Environmental testing to be completed in 2001 includes: evaluation of impacts to soils adjacent to the roadway and evaluation of infiltration water collected in the under-pavement collectors. Post-construction pavement testing is also to be completed in 2001. This paper presents the initial results of environmental and structural testing as well as construction issues.
A Canadian Perspective on Waste-to-Energy
Authors: Rivers Rob C. , Knezev Nenad
Published: March 2020

Public private partnership has played a mayor role in development and successful operation of the current KMS Peel Waste-to-Energy Plant located in Peel Region, Ontario.

On December 10, 1998 KMS Peel Inc. and the Region of Peel entered into an agreement to expand the waste-to-energy facility by 36,000 tonnes (one additional incineration unit). Due to expansion, new, more stringent emission limits were imposed by the latest Ontario Ministry of Environment A-7 Guideline and the Canada-Wide Standards developed by Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment. A Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with a sodium tetrasulphide injection was selected to supplement the existing dry scrubber/fabric filter air pollution control system for additional reduction in mercury, nitrogen oxides and dioxins/furans emissions. With the upgraded air pollution control technology, the facility will be able to meet the latest emission standards and, to a certain degree, any new standards that may be enforced in future years.

This paper outlines a partnership model that has been successfully implemented in Ontario and has contributed to the public accepting waste-to-energy as integral part of the waste management system, ultimately resulting in facility expansion. It also describes the current facility and upgrade to the existing air pollution control system.
Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility Capital Replacement Project: “Securing a Retrofit Investment — A Capital Replacement Initiative”
Authors: Stasis R. Peter , Henson Robert E. , Larson Ronald D.
Published: March 2020

The Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1990 set new emission standards for Waste-To-Energy (WTE) plants throughout the United States. Pinellas County, Florida, has achieved compliance with the new emission guidelines by completing an Air Pollution Control Retrofit to their Resource Recovery Facility (PCRRF) in 2000. Pinellas County, the owner of the PCRRF, now faces the challenge of preserving this investment for the years to come. This paper describes the additional investments being made by Pinellas County as part of the Capital Replacement Project (CRP) to extend the operating life of PCRRF.
Plant System Expansion: “Getting More From Alternative Revenue Sources”
Authors: Taam Damon M. K.
Published: March 2020

“Alternative Revenue Sources” are tipping fee revenues received from the combustion of non-traditional waste. Such alternative solid wastes are not hazardous wastes and are not typically delivered by the normal garbage collection system. Alternative Revenue Wastes (ARW) need a due diligence review showing that disposal of the waste will not violate any laws, ordinances and/or permit conditions. Disposal of ARW will need coordination and additional special handling for final disposal ARW generators do pay a tipping fee greater than the solid waste tipping fee in order to compensate the owner/operator for the extra effort. ARW wastes are derived from the following special considerations:

1) Liability concerns from disposal of such waste.

2) Sensitive security.

3) Legal/Regulatory compliance.

4) Environmental concerns.

5) Resource recovery.

6) Infectious Wastes.
Field emission microscopy of carbon nanotube fibers: Evaluating and interpreting spatial emission
Authors: Posos Taha Y. , Fairchild Steven B. , Park Jeongho , Baryshev Sergey V.
Published: March 2020

In this work, the authors quantify field emission properties of cathodes made from carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers. The cathodes were arranged in different configurations to determine the effect of cathode geometry on the emission properties. Various geometries were investigated including (1) flat cut fiber tip, (2) folded fiber, (3) looped fiber, and (4) fibers wound around a cylinder. The authors employ a custom field emission microscope to quantify I-V characteristics in combination with laterally resolved field-dependent electron emission area. Additionally, they look at the very early emission stages, first when a CNT fiber is turned on for the first time, which is then followed by multiple ramp-up/down runs. Upon the first turn on, all fibers demonstrated limited and discrete emission area. During ramping runs, all CNT fibers underwent multiple (minor and/or major) breakdowns, which improved emission properties in that turn-on field decreased and field enhancement factor and emission area both increased. It is proposed that breakdowns are responsible for removing initially undesirable emission sites caused by stray fibers higher than average. This initial breakdown process gives way to a larger emission area that is created when the CNT fiber subcomponents unfold and align with the electric field. The authors' results form the basis for careful evaluation of CNT fiber cathodes for dc or low frequency pulsed power systems in which large uniform area emission is required or for narrow beam high frequency applications in which high brightness is a must.
Effectiveness of Tai Chi on Balance Improvement in Type 2 Diabetes Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Palermi Stefano , Sacco Anna M. , Belviso Immacolata , Marino Nastasia , Gambardella Francesco , Loiacono Carlo , Sirico Felice
Published: March 2020

Balance impairments are a relevant problem in patients with diabetes, and interventions to manage this issue represent a public health need. This study reviewed the literature about the effectiveness of Tai Chi on balance improvement in patients with type 2 diabetes. Springerlink, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were screened. Randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials assessing balance in patients with type 2 diabetes enrolled in a Tai Chi program were considered eligible. Four studies were included in qualitative synthesis and in quantitative analysis (three randomized controlled trials and one pretest–posttest quasi-experimental study). Evidence supporting Tai Chi to improve balance in patients with type 2 diabetes was found (effect size: 0.52; 95% confidence interval [0.20, 0.84]); however, the analysis relied on a small number of studies, which raises concerns about the risk of bias. In conclusion, the results support the benefits of Tai Chi intervention to improve balance in patients with type 2 diabetes.