bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism design of a biomimetic quadruped robot
Authors: Tang Zhao , Qi Peng , Dai Jian
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a novel design of the biomimetic quadruped robot, including its body structure, three structural modes and respective workspace.

Design/methodology/approach

By taking a metamorphic 8-bar linkage as the body of a quadruped robot, the authors propose a reconfigurable walking robot that can imitate three kinds of animals: mammals (e.g. dog), arthropods (e.g. stick insect) and reptiles (e.g. lizard). Furthermore, to analyze the three structural modes of this quadruped robot, the workspace is calculated and studied.

Findings

Based on experimental data analyses, it is revealed that the metamorphic quadruped robot can walk in all its three structural modes and adapt to different terrains.

Research limitations/implications

Because the body of the quadruped robot is deformable and reconfigurable, the location of payload is not considered in the current stage.

Practical implications

The relative positions and postures of legs of the metamorphic robot can be rearranged during its body reconfiguration in such a way to combine all the features of locomotion of the three kinds of animals into one robot. So, the metamorphic quadruped robot is capable of maintaining wider stability margins than conventional rigid-body quadruped robots and conducting operations in different environments, particularly the extreme and restricted occasions due to the changeable and adaptable trunk.

Originality/value

The main contribution is the development of a reconfigurable biomimetic quadruped robot, which uses the metamorphic 8-bar linkage. This robot can easily reshape to three different structural modes and mimic the walking patterns of all mammals, arthropods and reptiles.
A novel scan registration method based on the feature-less global descriptor – spherical entropy image
Authors: Sun Bo , Zeng Yadan , Dai Houde , Xiao Junhao , Zhang Jianwei
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to present the spherical entropy image (SEI), a novel global descriptor for the scan registration of three-dimensional (3D) point clouds. This paper also introduces a global feature-less scan registration strategy based on SEI. It is advantageous for 3D data processing in the scenarios such as mobile robotics and reverse engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

The descriptor works through representing the scan by a spherical function named SEI, whose properties allow to decompose the six-dimensional transformation into 3D rotation and 3D translation. The 3D rotation is estimated by the generalized convolution theorem based on the spherical Fourier transform of SEI. Then, the translation recovery is determined by phase only matched filtering.

Findings

No explicit features and planar segments should be contained in the input data of the method. The experimental results illustrate the parameter independence, high reliability and efficiency of the novel algorithm in registration of feature-less scans.

Originality/value

A novel global descriptor (SEI) for the scan registration of 3D point clouds is presented. It inherits both descriptive power of signature-based methods and robustness of histogram-based methods. A high reliability and efficiency registration method of scans based on SEI is also demonstrated.
Motivational intermediaries of self-regulation among university students
Authors: Russell Douglas , Warner Racquel
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The concept of self-regulated learning (SRL) has become increasingly important in higher educational institutes seeking to provide students with a holistic education. It is important for students entering, and faculty within higher education, to understand whether future time perspective (FTP) or self-efficacy is more predictive of self-regulation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the use convenience sampling, data were collected via an online survey from 130 undergraduate students attending universities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Data were analysed using regression analysis and inferential measures identifying themes in participants study habits in order to examine whether it is FTP or self-efficacy that more strongly predicts SRL behaviours.

Findings

Results suggest that self-efficacy is a much stronger predictor of SRL in undergraduate students than goal setting, as measured by FTP. Student’s most deficient SRL behaviours related to reading and comprehension of texts prescribed across modules.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the fact that only an adjusted 33 per cent of self-regulation was predicted by the two variables under consideration, researchers are encouraged to identify further variables that may predict students SRL.

Practical implications

This paper seeks to support both students and faculty in how to draw on SRL in order to optimize students’ success in higher education.

Originality/value

The current research supports the identification of learning behaviours specific to branch campuses in a Middle-Eastern context.
Older workers’ representation and age-based stereotype threats in the workplace
Authors: Oliveira Eduardo , Cabral-Cardoso Carlos
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which negative age-based metastereotypes mediate the relationship between the representation of older workers and two forms of stereotype threat in the workplace: own-reputation and group-reputation. Adopting a social identity perspective, this paper also explores whether age diversity beliefs moderate the relationship between negative age-based metastereotypes and stereotype threats.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design was adopted with bootstrapped mediation and moderation analyses. The data were collected from 567 older workers working in 15 manufacturing companies.

Findings

The analyses provide support for partial mediation and for a moderation effect of age diversity beliefs in the relationship between negative age-based metastereotypes and own-reputation threat. The results hold while controlling for age, objective organizational age diversity, and organizational tenure.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include its cross-sectional nature and the need for further work regarding older workers’ metastereotypes about middle-aged workers.

Practical implications

For stereotype threat interventions to be effective they must identify beforehand the target and the source of the threat. Moreover, interventions should aim for the development of a sense of identity on the organization as it may pave the way for members of different age groups to build bonds and for intergenerational boundaries to be blurred.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by showing the importance of negative age-based metastereotypes in workplace age dynamics. It also provides further support for a multi-threat approach to the experience of age-based stereotype threats in the workplace.
Rebels with a cause: the spiritual dimension of social marketing
Authors: Hastings Gerard
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the spiritual dimension of social marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a conceptual approach.

Findings

The greatest problems humankind faces, from non-communicable diseases epidemics to global warming, are self-inflicted. Humans are voluntarily drinking sugar-sweetened beverages and driving SUVs which threaten our health and our planet. It need not be so. Historical experience and two millennia of thinking show we are capable of better. We all have within us the moral agency to make the right choice even when it is the difficult one; we just have to reconnect with it. Indeed, it is this capacity and desire “to follow after wisdom and virtue”, to rebel against injustice and malignancy, that make us human and cements our collective identity. In the past century, this realisation was focused by the terrible events of Second World War and resulted in the formation of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Originality/value

This paper argues that these ideas of agency, morality and rights have fundamental implications for social marketing. We have to move beyond mere behaviour change and start thinking about people in the round – body, mind and spirit. Our job involves more than giving diets a healthy nudge or making the ecological option easy, fun and popular; we have to foster and encourage the innate human drive to think critically and act accordingly. We are not here to edit choice but to facilitate personal growth and social progress.
Social countermarketing: brave new world, brave new map
Authors: Bellew William , Bauman Adrian , Freeman Becky , Kite James
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Conceptual advancement underpins the progress of social marketing and countermarketing research but has been neglected in recent years. This paper aims to describe a new integrative framework of social countermarketing (SCM) concepts, techniques and defining characteristics, based on research tracing the conceptual evolution of the field and contrasting commercial (profit-focused) and social (public good-focused) countermarketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper undertook searches of electronic databases to examine how socially oriented countermarketing has been characterised in the research literature. Search terms included “countermarketing”, “critical marketing”, “de-marketing” and “counter-advertising”. Broad inclusion criteria allowed consideration of reports, conference and media outputs, as well as peer-reviewed articles published since 1971. Selected marketing journals were searched individually.

Findings

After screening of 408 initial search results, 80 studies were retained and full papers retrieved. Main ideas, definitions, scope, concepts and terms used were mapped to identify the common and distinguishing features, as well as higher-order organising themes. This led to the development of a new conceptual framework for SCM comprising eight domains.

Research limitations/implications

The integrative conceptual framework offers a foundation for future research and SCM practice.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a framework designed to advance the conceptual basis of SCM research and practice with particular reference to the field of public health and disease prevention.
The effect of audit committee characteristics on compliance with IFRS for related party disclosures
Authors: Mnif Sellami Yosra , Borgi Fendri Hela
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of audit committee (AC) characteristics (size, independence, the number of meetings and expertise) on compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for related party disclosures (CRPD) in the South African context.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on an analysis of the consolidated financial statements of 120 non-financial firms listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) for the period 2012 to 2014. Panel regressions have been used.

Findings

The findings of this paper reveal that CRPD is positively influenced by AC independence. However, AC size and the number of AC meetings do not affect CRPD. Regarding expertise, the authors find that there is a positive and significant relationship between CRPD and have combined industry expertise with accounting and financial expertise. However, while accounting expertise by itself is associated with CPRD, industry expertise by itself is not associated with CRPD.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no empirical studies that have addressed the effect of AC characteristics on compliance with IFRS for CRPD.
A novel approach for the fabrication of low-stress bimorph RF-MEMS switches
Authors: Sharma Hitesh Kumar , Rani Shalu
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a low-cost stress bimorph RF-MEMS switch which is the desired transmission area application.

Design/methodology/approach

The bimorph structure of the low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of thermal oxide and gold are utilized to create the vibrating membrane. The effects of process conditions of low-temperature oxide deposited using the PECVD technique enable stress-free deposition of the key structural layer.

Findings

Scanning electron microscope images of the RF micro-switch confirms negligible stress in the released structure. The RF performances of this device exhibit isolation around 43 dB of up to 50 GHz in the OFF-state position and an insertion loss of less than 0.18 dB in the ON-state.

Originality/value

The finite element method results show good isolation of 43 dB and less insertion loss of 0.18 dB.
A virtual model for non-catalytic successive gas-solid reactions
Authors: Abolpour Bahador , Afsahi M. Mehdi
Published: May 2017

Purpose

Many of the industrially important processes follow a complex reaction scheme and more than one reaction takes place simultaneously for these systems. Design and scale up of these processes are important but due to the nature of the system and high numbers of the affected parameters, modeling of the complex reactions becomes correspondingly difficult. The purpose of this paper is to develop a general model, which can simplify modeling of such (or similar) complex reactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Virtual model is a generalized novel approach for modeling of these complex reactions. In this model, the complex reactions have been imagined as a simple reaction. Now, kinetic and structural parameters of this simple reaction have been obtained by fitting the model relationships with the experimental data.

Findings

In this work, the ability of the virtual model has been validated using the experimental data pertinent to the reduction of molybdenum disulfide and cuprous sulfide by hydrogen in the presence of lime.

Originality/value

Virtual model is a generalized novel approach for modeling of these complex reactions. In this model, the complex reactions have been imagined as a simple reaction.
Basic models in dielectric spectroscopy of heterogeneous materials with semiconductor inclusions
Authors: Tonkoshkur A.S. , Glot A.B. , Ivanchenko A.V.
Published: May 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop the models of the dielectric permittivity dispersion of heterogeneous systems based on semiconductors to a level that would allow to apply effectively the method of broadband dielectric spectroscopy for the study of electronic processes in ceramic and composite materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The new approach for determining the complex dielectric permittivity of heterogeneous systems with semiconductor particles is used. It includes finding the analytical expression of the effective dielectric permittivity of the separate semiconductor particle of spherical shape. This approach takes into account the polarization of the free charge carriers in this particle, including capturing to localized electron states. This enabled the authors to use the known equations for complex dielectric permittivity of two-component matrix systems and statistical mixtures.

Findings

The presented dispersion equations establish the relationship between the parameters of the dielectric spectrum and electronic processes in the structures like semiconductor particles in a dielectric matrix in a wide frequency range. Conditions of manifestation and location of the different dispersion regions of the complex dielectric heterogeneous systems based on semiconductors in the frequency axis and their features are established. The most high-frequency dispersion region corresponds to the separation of free charge carriers at polarization. After this region in the direction of reducing of the frequency, the dispersion regions caused by recharge bulk and/or surface localized states follow. The most low-frequency dispersion region is caused by recharging electron traps in the boundary layer of the dielectric matrix.

Originality/value

Dielectric dispersion models are developed that are associated with: electronic processes of separation of free charge carriers in the semiconductor component, recapture of free charge carriers in the localized electronic states in bulk and on the surface of the semiconductor and also boundary layers of the dielectric at the polarization. The authors have analyzed to situations that correspond applicable and promising materials: varistor ceramics and composite structure with conductive and semiconductor fillers. The modelling results correspond to the existing level of understanding of the electron phenomena in matrix systems and statistical mixtures based on semiconductors. It allows to raise efficiency of research and control properties of heterogeneous materials by dielectric spectroscopy.
Returns on social development initiatives of MNEs: issues and perspectives
Authors: Gupta Suraksha
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on different issues and perspectives on returns on investments made by MNEs towards social development. Need for an inclusive society drives accountable and effective cooperation between different actors in a market. Although multinational enterprises (MNEs) that operate in developing markets invest in social development, their managers find it very challenging to incorporate social development agenda into their business practices. Therefore, academics should develop business models which can guide thoughts and actions of managers of MNEs towards social development while allowing them to hold on to the business objectives and targets.

Design/methodology/approach

A review of current literature with available anecdotes about business practices helped the author to form a viewpoint and make recommendations.

Findings

The objective of the eighth millennium development goal is to promote global partnership between MNEs and domestic firms with or without intervention of a subsidiary. Addressing the particular needs of developing countries, such as capability enhancement or poverty reduction by managers of MNEs in a global setting, becomes a very complex issue. Investments by MNEs in developing countries towards these objectives are driven by different factors such as operational transparency, technological efficiency, investment types, innovation capability, branding strategy, quality assurance, public–private partnership, market-based pricing, reciprocity, distribution for penetration, etc., apart from linkages they create for developing resource-based competencies required for survival in a competitive market.

Research limitations/implications

Empirical investigation of the viewpoint presented here will be required to convert recommendations into models applicable by managers of MNEs.

Practical implications

This study will help to enable managers of MNEs to perform need-based socially responsible actions.

Social implications

This study will facilitate participation of MNEs in social development through their contributions towards poverty reduction and capability enhancement.

Originality/value

This paper pushes managers and academic scholars to think about the strategies required to incorporate social agenda into business models of MNEs benefiting from developing markets.
High‐risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a Japanese allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipient on long‐term voriconazole
Authors: Ng William , Takahashi Akira , Muto Yusuke , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: May 2017

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas arise as secondary cancers in hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors. They have been documented primarily in Western cohorts and relatively little is known about their occurrence in Asian hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, with no reports of squamous cell carcinomas with high‐risk features in Asian patients. We describe a case of a cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with high‐risk features on the scalp of a Japanese bone marrow transplant recipient approximately 6.5 years post‐transplant, who was on long‐term voriconazole. The history of a photodistributed erythema followed by the appearance of multiple actinic keratoses and solar lentigines, together with the rarity of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in Asian hematopoietic stem cell transplant cohorts revealed in our literature review, suggest that voriconazole use contributed to the development of high‐risk squamous cell carcinoma in our patient.
Theory of mind in SLI revisited: links with syntax, comparisons with ASD
Authors: Durrleman Stephanie , Burnel Morgane , Reboul Anne
Published: May 2017

Background

According to the linguistic determinism approach, knowledge of sentential complements such as:John saysthat the earth is flatplays a crucial role in theory of mind (ToM) development by providing a means to represent explicitly people's mental attitudes and beliefs. This approach predicts that mastery of complements determines successful belief reasoning across explicit ToM tasks, even low‐verbal ones, and across populations.

Aims

(1) To investigate the link between a low‐verbal ToM‐task and complements in Specific Language Impairment (SLI), (2) To determine whether this population shows similar ToM performance to that of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those with Typical Development (TD) once these groups are matched on competency for complements, (3) To explore whether complements conveying a falsehood without jeopardizing the veracity of the entire sentence, such as complements of verbs of communication, are more crucial for belief attribution than complements which do not have this property, namely complements of verbs of perception, (?John seesthat the earth is flat).

Methods & Procedures

Children with SLI (n= 20), with ASD (n= 34) and TD (n= 30) completed sentence–picture‐matching tasks assessing complementation with communication and perception verbs, as well as a picture‐sequencing task assessing ToM. Children were furthermore evaluated for general grammatical and lexical abilities and non‐verbal IQ.

Outcomes & Results

Results reveal that competency on complements relates to ToM performance with a low‐verbal task in SLI, and that SLI, ASD and TD groups of equivalent performance on complements also perform similarly for ToM. Results further suggest that complements with an independent truth‐value are the only ones to show a significant relation to ToM performance after teasing out the impact of non‐verbal reasoning.

Conclusions & Implications

This study suggests that clinical groups of different aetiologies as well as TD children perform comparably for ToM once they have similar complementation skills. Findings further highlight that specific types of complements, namely those with an independent truth value, relate in a special way to mentalizing. Future work should determine whether these specific structures could be effective in ToM remediation programmes.
A work‐individual‐family inquiry on mental health and family responsibilities of dealers employed in the Macau gaming industry
Authors: Chan Simon Tak‐mau
Published: May 2017

The anxiety, depression and sleep quality levels of a sample of 1124 Macau casino dealers are examined in this study which uses a mixed method study with a work‐individual‐family approach. In total, 113 dealers are interviewed on the impacts of casino employment on their family life. The results of the quantitative analysis shows that over half of the participants (55.4%) have a score that is over the cut‐off point for depression, a quarter (25.8%) are considered to have anxiety, and about two‐thirds (77%) report poor sleep quality. The qualitative analysis results indicate that despite the financial benefits, family responsibilities and dynamics, such as family activities and plans, parental care and guidance, child‐parent interaction and bonding, marital intimacy, communication patterns, and gender roles are negatively affected to some degree by casino employment.

Practitioner points

Sensitivity towards work‐family conflicts, families‐in‐transition, gender and class can facilitate engagement and intervention with the families of dealers in Macau

Gender is a significant predictor of depression and anxiety levels

Respondents with a lower income range have lower quality of sleep

Absence from family activities, missed opportunities to carry out parental care, reduced marital intimacy and communication with family members are key concerns
Enhancement of Digestibility of Casein Powder and Raw Rice Particles in an Improved Dynamic Rat Stomach Model Through an Additional Rolling Mechanism
Authors: Wu Peng , Liao Zhenkai , Luo Tingyu , Chen Liding , Chen Xiao Dong
Published: May 2017

Previously, a dynamic in vitro rat stomach system (DIVRS‐I) designed based on the principles of morphological bionics was reported. The digestibilities of casein powder and raw rice particles were found to be lower than those in vivo due to perhaps the less efficient compression performance and lower mixing efficiency. In this study, a 2nd version of the rat stomach system (DIVRS‐II) with an additional rolling extrusion type motility on the wall of the soft‐elastic silicone rat stomach model is introduced. The DIVRS‐II was then tested by comparing the digestive behaviors of the casein powder suspensions and raw rice particles with those previously published data obtained from the in vivo test on living rats, the DIVRS‐I, and the stirred tank reactor at its optimum stirring speed. The results have indicated that although the digestibilities of the casein powder and raw rice particles in the DIVRS‐II are still lower than the average results obtained from in vivo, they are significantly improved by about 50% and 32% at the end of digestion compared with that in the DIVRS‐I, respectively. The work has demonstrated that the powerful rolling extrusion is highly effective and has contributed to the significant improvement of digestibility as shown here. In addition, the digestibility presented in the DIVRS‐II was found already higher than that tested in the STR at its optimum speed, indicating the high potential of the soft‐elastic stomach under the influence of the “rolling and squeezing” for more realistic investigation of food digestion.
Supplementation with Triptolide Increases Resistance to Environmental Stressors and Lifespan in C. elegans
Authors: Kim Sung‐Jin , Beak Sun‐Mi , Park Sang‐Kyu
Published: May 2017

Triptolide is a major active compound found in Tripterygium wilfordii., also known as Thunder God Vine. Triptolide has been shown to have anti‐inflammatory and anticancer activities. In this study, we examined the effect of dietary supplementation with triptolide on response to environmental stressors and lifespan in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system. Treatment with 50 mg/L of triptolide in the growth media increased resistance to oxidative stress and reduced the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. We also observed a lifespan‐extending activity for triptolide. Both mean and maximum lifespans were significantly increased by supplementation with triptolide. Response to other environmental stressors was modulated by triptolide. The survival after heat shock or UV irradiation was markedly increased in worms treated with triptolide. Unlike many lifespan‐extending genetic or nutritional interventions, the longevity phenotype conferred by triptolide did not have the trade‐off of a reduction in fertility or a delay in the gravid period. The expressions of hsp‐16.2 and sod‐3, known to positively correlate with a long lifespan, were significantly upregulated by supplementation with triptolide. These findings suggest that triptolide can exhibit antistress and lifespan‐extending effects in vivo, possibly through its antioxidant activity and support the free radical theory of aging, which emphasizes the causative role of oxidative stress in aging.
Effects of Vinification Techniques Combined with UV‐C Irradiation on Phenolic Contents of Red Wines
Authors: Tahmaz Hande , Söylemezoğlu Gökhan
Published: May 2017

Red wines are typically high in phenolic and antioxidant capacity and both of which can be increased by vinification techniques. This study employed 3 vinification techniques to assess the increase in phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Wines were obtained from Boğazkere grape cultivar by techniques of classical maceration, cold maceration combined with ultraviolet light (UV) irradiation, and thermovinification combined with UV irradiation and changes in phenolic contents were examined. Total phenolic and anthocyanin contents and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of wines were measured spectrophotometrically and phenolic contents (+)‐catechin, (–)‐epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, trans‐resveratrol, and cis‐resveratrol were measured by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection (HPLC‐DAD). As a result of the study, the highest phenolic content except for quercetin was measured in the wines obtained by thermovinification combined with UV irradiation. We demonstrated that the highest phenolic compounds with health effect, total phenolic compounds, total anthocyanin, and antioxidant activity were obtained from thermovinification with UV‐C treatment than classical wine making.
Down‐regulation of increased TRAF6 expression in the peripheral mononuclear cells of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome by an EBV‐EBER1‐specific synthetic single‐stranded complementary DNA molecule
Authors: Sipka Sándor , Zilahi Erika , Papp Gábor , Chen Ji‐Qing , Nagy Andrea , Hegyi Katalin , Kónya József , Zeher Margit
Published: May 2017

Aim

We described earlier a simultaneously increased that the increased expression of miRNA‐146a/b was accompanied by an increase in the expression of and TRAF6 and a decrease in the expression of IRAK1 genes in the peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) patients. Recently, the expression of EBV encoded. RNA (EBER) was published in the B cells of salivary glands of in pSS. In the present study, we applied an EBV‐EBER1 specific synthetic single stranded complementary DNA molecule (EBV‐EBER1‐cDNA) to test whether any EBER1 related effect exists also in PBMCs of pSS patients.

Methods

In the PBMCs of pSS patients and healthy controls, we investigated in vitro the effects of a synthetic single stranded EBV‐EBER1‐cDNA molecule, synthetic double‐stranded (ds)RNA polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)] and polyadenylic acid potassium salt poly‐adenylic acid [poly‐(A)] on the expression of TRAF6 gene tested by qRTPCR. The release of interferon ‐α was detected by ELISA.

Results

EBV‐EBER1‐cDNA resulted in a significant reduction in the expression of TRAF6 in the cells of patients, but in the healthy controls not, whereas the treatments with poly (I:C) and poly‐(A) could not reduce the TRAF6 over‐expression. No release of EBER1 could be observed in the culture supernatants of patients with pSS. Only the treatment with poly (I:C) resulted in a significant increase of interferon ‐α release, and only in the heathy controls. No release of EBER1 molecules took place during the culturing of cells. EBV‐EBER‐ cDNA acted functionally on the cells of patients only.

Conclusion

These findings give a further evidence of the linkage between EBV and pSS, furthermore, they show the possible role of EBV‐EBER1 in the induction of increased TRAF6 expression in the peripheral B cells of Sjögren's patients.
Practice Variation and Effects of E‐mail–only Performance Feedback on Resource Use in the Emergency Department
Authors: Tavarez Melissa M. , Ayers Brandon , Jeong Jong H. , Coombs Carmen M. , Thompson Ann , Hickey Robert W.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Higher resource utilization in the management of pediatric patients with undifferentiated vomiting and/or diarrhea does not correlate consistently with improved outcomes or quality of care. Performance feedback has been shown to change physician practice behavior and may be a mechanism to minimize practice variation. We aimed to evaluate the effects of e‐mail–only, provider‐level performance feedback on the ordering and admission practice variation of pediatric emergency physicians for patients presenting with undifferentiated vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, quality improvement intervention and collected data over 3 consecutive fiscal years. The setting was a single, tertiary care pediatric emergency department. We collected admission and ordering practices data on 19 physicians during baseline, intervention, and postintervention periods. We provided physicians with quarterly e‐mail–based performance reports during the intervention phase. We measured admission rate and created four categories for ordering practices: no orders, laboratory orders, pharmacy orders, and radiology orders.

Results

There was wide (two‐ to threefold) practice variation among physicians. Admission rates ranged from 15% to 30%, laboratory orders from 19% to 43%, pharmacy orders from 29% to 57%, and radiology orders from 11% to 30%. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients admitted or with radiology or pharmacy orders placed between preintervention, intervention, or postintervention periods (p = 0.58, p = 0.19, and p = 0.75, respectively). There was a significant but very small decrease in laboratory orders between the preintervention and postintervention periods.

Conclusions

Performance feedback provided only via e‐mail to pediatric emergency physicians on a quarterly basis does not seem to significantly impact management practices for patients with undifferentiated vomiting and/or diarrhea.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Physician Implicit Racial Bias on Clinical Decision Making
Authors: Dehon Erin , Weiss Nicole , Jones Jonathan , Faulconer Whitney , Hinton Elizabeth , Sterling Sarah
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Disparities in diagnosis and treatment of racial minorities exist in the emergency department (ED). A better understanding of how physician implicit (unconscious) bias contributes to these disparities may help identify ways to eliminate such racial disparities. The objective of this systematic review was to examine and summarize the evidence on the association between physician implicit racial bias and clinical decision making.

Methods

Based on PRISMA guidelines, a structured electronic literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and PsycINFO databases was conducted. Eligible studies were those that: 1) included physicians, 2) included the Implicit Association Test as a measure of implicit bias, 3) included an assessment of physician clinical decision making, and 4) were published in peer‐reviewed journals between 1998 and 2016. Articles were reviewed for inclusion by two independent investigators. Data extraction was performed by one investigator and checked for accuracy by a second investigator. Two investigators independently scored the quality of articles using a modified version of the Downs and Black checklist.

Results

Of the 1,154 unique articles identified in the initial search, nine studies (n = 1,910) met inclusion criteria. Three of the nine studies involved emergency providers including residents, attending physicians, and advanced practice providers. The majority of studies used clinical vignettes to examine clinical decision making. Studies that included emergency medicine (EM) providers had vignettes relating to treatment of acute myocardial infarction, pain, and pediatric asthma. An implicit preference favoring white people was common across providers, regardless of specialty. Two of the nine studies found evidence of a relationship between implicit bias and clinical decision making; one of these studies included EM providers. This one study found that EM and internal medicine residents who demonstrated an implicit preference for white individuals were more likely to treat white patients and not black patients with thrombolysis for myocardial infarction. Evidence from the two studies reporting a relationship between physician implicit racial bias and decision making was low in quality.

Conclusions

The current literature indicates that although many physicians, regardless of specialty, demonstrate an implicit preference for white people, this bias does not appear to impact their clinical decision making. Further studies on the impact of implicit racial bias on racial disparities in ED treatment are needed.
Preterm infants at discharge: nap polysomnography versus 24‐hour oximetry
Authors: Roberts Tamsin , Campbell Angela , Larsen Peter , Elder Dawn
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study aimed to determine whether measures of intermittent hypoxia derived from 24‐hour oximetry correlate with measures of apnoea derived from modified nap polysomnography undertaken for preterm infants before discharge.

Methods

Infants born ≤32 weeks of gestation were recruited from the neonatal intensive care unit and had a modified polysomnography to assess their respiratory stability once they were ≥35 weeks of postmenstrual age. Infants were defined as unstable if they had more than 10 obstructive events per hour or any apnoea of >20 seconds in length. Infants also had a 24‐hour oximetry performed during this period. The results of the 24‐oximetry desaturation index (DSI) were compared to nap polysomnography results for central and obstructive apnoea indices and correlations tested.

Results

Twenty‐four infants completed the study. There were 15 (63%) infants defined as unstable by the modified polysomnography. The 3% DSI and 4% DSI from the 24‐hour oximetry were significantly higher in the unstable infants, and values for all infants correlated with the obstructive index and the central apnoea index from the modified polysomnography.

Conclusion

The 3% DSI and 4% DSI values from a 24‐hour oximetry study may provide noninvasive measures of respiratory stability in preterm infants ready for discharge.
Neurological and neuropsychological effects of low and moderate prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Comasco E. , Rangmar J. , Eriksson U. J. , Oreland L.
Published: May 2017

Several explanations for the diverse results in research on foetal alcohol spectrum disorders or alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder might be at hand: timing, amount and patterns of alcohol exposure, as well as complex epigenetic responses. The genetic background of the offspring and its interaction with other prenatal and post‐natal environmental cues are likely also of importance. In the present report, key findings about the possible effects of low and moderate doses of maternal alcohol intake on the neuropsychological development of the offspring are reviewed and plausible mechanisms discussed. Special focus is put on the serotonergic system within developmental and gene–environment frameworks. The review also suggests guidelines for future studies and also summarizes some of to‐be‐answered questions of relevance to clinical practice. Contradictory findings and paucity of studies on the effects of exposure to low alcohol levels during foetal life for the offspring's neuropsychological development call for large prospective studies, as well as for studies including neuroimaging and multi‐omics analyses to dissect the neurobiological underpinnings of alcohol exposure‐related phenotypes and to identify biomarkers. Finally, it remains to be investigated whether any safe threshold of alcohol drinking during pregnancy can be identified.
The frequency of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection treated with sofosbuvir‐based regimens
Authors: Maan R. , Al Marzooqi S. H. , Klair J. S. , Karkada J. , Cerocchi O. , Kowgier M. , Harrell S. M. , Rhodes K. D. , Janssen H. L. A. , Feld J. J. , Duarte‐Rojo A.
Published: May 2017

Background

Guidelines recommend withholding sofosbuvir (SOF) in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 30 mL/min.

Aim

To assess the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with no renal contraindications for SOF‐based treatment.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective observational study included all consecutive patients that were treated with SOF‐based or telaprevir/boceprevir (TVR/BOC)‐based regimens at two tertiary university centers in North America. AKI was defined as an increase of ≥0.3 mg/dL (≥26.5 μmol/L) in serum creatinine level. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for the occurrence of AKI.

Results

In total, 426 patients were included and treated with a SOF‐based regimen (n=233, 54.7%) or TVR/BOC‐based regimen (n=193, 45.3%). Among patients treated with a TVR/BOC‐based regimen 34 (18%) of 193 patients experienced AKI compared to 26 (11%) of 233 patients treated with SOF‐based regimens (P=.056). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of ascites (OR: 4.44, 95%CI: 1.46‐13.54, P=.009) and the use of NSAIDs (OR: 4.47, 95%CI: 1.32‐15.19, P=.016) were associated with a risk of AKI during SOF‐based antiviral therapy. Creatinine levels returned to normal at end of follow‐up in 23 (88%) of the 26 patients who experienced AKI with a SOF‐based regimen and had a creatinine level available during follow‐up.

Conclusions

Although the risk for AKI was lower than for patients treated with TVR/BOC‐based regimens, AKI was seen during 11% of SOF‐based regimens and was mostly reversible. Patients with ascites and patients using NSAIDs have an increased risk for AKI during SOF‐based antiviral therapy.
Aprepitant and fosaprepitant drug interactions: a systematic review
Authors: Patel Priya , Leeder J. Steven , Piquette‐Miller Micheline , Dupuis L. Lee
Published: May 2017

Aims

Aprepitant and fosaprepitant, commonly used for the prevention of chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting, alter cytochrome P450 activity. This systematic review evaluates clinically significant pharmacokinetic drug interactions with aprepitant and fosaprepitant and describes adverse events ascribed to drug interactions with aprepitant or fosaprepitant.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the literature to September 11, 2016, to identify articles evaluating drug interactions involving aprepitant/fosaprepitant. The clinical significance of each reported pharmacokinetic drug interaction was evaluated based on the United States Food and Drug Administration guidance document on conducting drug interaction studies. The probability of an adverse event reported in case reports being due to a drug interaction with aprepitant/fosaprepitant was determined using the Drug Interaction Probability Scale.

Results

A total of 4377 publications were identified. Of these, 64 met inclusion eligibility criteria: 34 described pharmacokinetic drug interactions and 30 described adverse events ascribed to a drug interaction. Clinically significant pharmacokinetic interactions between aprepitant/fosaprepitant and bosutinib PO, cabazitaxel IV, cyclophosphamide IV, dexamethasone PO, methylprednisolone IV, midazolam PO/IV, oxycodone PO and tolbutamide PO were identified, as were adverse events resulting from an interaction between aprepitant/fosaprepitant and alcohol, anthracyclines, ifosfamide, oxycodone, quetiapine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and warfarin.

Conclusions

The potential for a drug interaction with aprepitant and fosaprepitant should be considered when selecting antiemetic therapy.
Cytotoxic lymphocytes and atherosclerosis: significance, mechanisms and therapeutic challenges
Authors: Kyaw Tin , Peter Karlheinz , Li Yi , Tipping Peter , Toh Ban‐Hock , Bobik Alex
Published: May 2017

Cytotoxic lymphocytes encompass natural killer lymphocytes (cells) and cytotoxic T cells that include CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) T cells, γ, δ (γδ)‐T cells and human CD4 + CD28− T cells. These cells play critical roles in inflammatory diseases and in controlling cancers and infections. Cytotoxic lymphocytes can be activated via a number of mechanisms that may involve dendritic cells, macrophages, cytokines or surface proteins on stressed cells. Upon activation, they secrete pro‐inflammatory cytokines as well as anti‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and cytotoxins to promote inflammation and the development of atherosclerotic lesions including vulnerable lesions, which are strongly implicated in myocardial infarctions and strokes. Here, we review the mechanisms that activate and regulate cytotoxic lymphocyte activity, including activating and inhibitory receptors, cytokines, chemokine receptors‐chemokine systems utilized to home to inflamed lesions and cytotoxins and cytokines through which they affect other cells within lesions. We also examine their roles in human and mouse models of atherosclerosis and the mechanisms by which they exert their pathogenic effects. Finally, we discuss strategies for therapeutically targeting these cells to prevent the development of atherosclerotic lesions and vulnerable plaques and the challenge of developing highly targeted therapies that only minimally affect the body's immune system, avoiding the complications, such as increased susceptibility to infections, which are currently associated with many immunotherapies for autoimmune diseases.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Targeting Inflammation to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.22/issuetoc and http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bcp.v82.4/issuetoc
The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines regulates asthma pathophysiology
Authors: Chapman D. G. , Mougey E. B. , Van der Velden J. L. , Lahue K. G. , Aliyeva M. , Daphtary N. , George K. L. , Hoffman S. M. , Schneider R. W. , Tracy R. P. , Worthen G. S. , Poynter M. E. , Peters S. P. , Lima J. J. , Janssen‐Heininger Y. M. W. , Irvin C. G.
Published: May 2017

Background

The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) is an atypical receptor that regulates pro‐inflammatory cytokines. However, the role of DARC in asthma pathophysiology is unknown.

Objective

To determine the role of DARC in allergic airways disease in mice, and the association between DARC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and clinical outcomes in patients with asthma.

Methods

Mice with targeted disruption of the Darc gene (Darc∆E2) or WT mice were challenged over 3 weeks with house dust mite (HDM) antigen. Allergic airways disease was assessed 24 hours and 7 days following the final challenge. Additionally, associations between DARC SNPs and clinical outcomes were analysed in a cohort of poorly controlled asthmatics.

Results

Total airway inflammation following HDM did not differ between Darc∆E2 and WT mice. At 24 hours, Darc∆E2 mice had increased airway hyperresponsiveness; however, at 7 days airway hyperresponsiveness had completely resolved in Darc∆E2 but persisted in WT mice. In poorly controlled asthmatics, DARC SNPs were associated with worse asthma control at randomization and subsequent increased risk of healthcare utilization (odds ratio 3.13(1.37‐7.27), P=.0062).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our animal model and human patient data suggest a novel role for DARC in the temporal regulation in asthma pathophysiology and symptoms.