bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hemovigilance in Massachusetts and the adoption of statewide hospital blood bank reporting using the National Healthcare Safety Network
Authors: Cumming Melissa , Osinski Anthony , O'Hearn Lynne , Waksmonski Pamela , Herman Michele , Gordon Deborah , Griffiths Elzbieta , Knox Kim , McHale Eileen , Quillen Karen , Rios Jorge , Pisciotto Patricia , Uhl Lynne , DeMaria Alfred , Andrzejewski Chester
Published: October 2016

A collaboration that grew over time between local hemovigilance stakeholders and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) resulted in the change from a paper‐based method of reporting adverse reactions and monthly transfusion activity for regulatory compliance purposes to statewide adoption of electronic reporting via the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The NHSN is a web‐based surveillance system that offers the capacity to capture transfusion‐related adverse events, incidents, and monthly transfusion statistics from participating facilities. Massachusetts' hospital blood banks share the data they enter into NHSN with the MDPH to satisfy reporting requirements. Users of the NHSN Hemovigilance Module adhere to specified data entry guidelines, resulting in data that are comparable and standardized. Keys to successful statewide adoption of this reporting method include the fostering of strong partnerships with local hemovigilance champions and experts, engagement of regulatory and epidemiology divisions at the state health department, the leveraging of existing relationships with hospital NHSN administrators, and the existence of a regulatory deadline for implementation. Although limitations exist, successful implementation of statewide use of the NHSN Hemovigilance Module for hospital blood bank reporting is possible. The result is standardized, actionable data at both the hospital and state level that can facilitate interfacility comparisons, benchmarking, and opportunities for practice improvement.
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY EVALUATING ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MIDLINE BRAIN SHIFT ON MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING AND SURVIVAL IN DOGS DIAGNOSED WITH MENINGOENCEPHALITIS OF UNKNOWN ETIOLOGY
Authors: Oliphant Bonnie J. , Barnes Heller Heidi L. , White Jennifer M.
Published: October 2016

Difficulty has been encountered when trying to identify ante mortem prognostic indicators for dogs with meningoencephalitis of unknown etiology (MUE). Identifying MRI imaging parameters associated with prognosis may impact treatment decision‐making for clinician and owner. Our hypotheses for this retrospective cohort study are that dogs diagnosed with MUE that had midline shift on brain MRI would have a poorer survival compared to dogs without midline shift; and that younger age, lower weight, and low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count would be correlated with improved survival. Medical records were reviewed from two institutions. Inclusion criteria included: clinical signs referable to intracranial disease, brain MRI at presentation, abnormal CSF analysis, and negative infectious disease testing. Magnetic resonance imaging scans were evaluated for midline shift using the T2‐weighted transverse image at the interthalamic adhesion and at the site of maximal deviation. Fifty‐two dogs met the inclusion criteria. Median midline deviation was 0.12 cm. Median survival for dogs with no shift was 906 days and with shift was 84 days. Survival was not significantly different between groups (P= 0.11). This remained true when correcting for age (P= 0.22) and CSF TNCC (total nucleated cell count) (P= 0.12). Age at the time of diagnosis (P= 0.02) and CSF TNCC (P= 0.03) were significantly associated with survival. Cerebrospinal fluid protein value (P= 0.84) and weight (P= 0.82) were not significantly associated with survival. In this study of 52 dogs with MUE, MRI evidence of midline brain shift between 0.04 and 0.3 cm at the level of the interthalamic adhesion was not associated with shorter survival.
REPEATABILITY AND RELIABILITY OF GLOMERULAR FILTRATION RATE DETERMINATION VIA GAMMA CAMERA UPTAKE OF TC‐99M‐DTPA IN CATS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Felumlee Amy E. , Marolf Angela J. , Randall Elissa K. , Bachand Annette M. , Quimby Jessica M.
Published: October 2016

Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) via gamma camera uptake of 99mTc‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid is a standard method for quantifying renal function. Aims of this retrospective, observer agreement study were to determine intra‐ and interobserver variation in GFR values for cats with chronic kidney disease and to determine whether renal insufficiency classification changed between observers. Guideline cut‐points were established for the difference in repeated GFRs to differentiate changes caused by therapeutic effect vs. inherent variation. Included cats had a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease and had undergone GFR examinations between the years of 2010 and 2013. Twenty‐nine GFR studies were sampled. Each study was read twice, 6 months apart, by two veterinary radiologists and one radiology resident. Modified Bland–Altman plots were used to investigate differences between readings 1 and 2 by observer and between pairs of observers by reading. Reliability of clinical classification was assessed through comparisons between readings and observers. Measurements were not systematically different between readings for the experienced observers but were higher in reading 1 than reading 2 for the inexperienced observer. Measurements were not systematically different between the experienced observers in reading 1 or between any two observers in reading 2. Reliability for GFR measurements was high among experienced observers; variations in GFR measurements rarely led to differences in clinical classification. Results suggested that, for experienced observers, changes in GFR values following treatment in cats with chronic kidney disease between −0.4 and 0.4 mL/min/kg may be due to inherent variability rather than treatment effect.
Form And Substance In Islamic Finance: Analysis of Deferred Payment Sales
Authors: Shamsudin Mohidin Yahya , Salamon Hussin , Abu-Hussin Mohd Fauzi
Published: October 2016

Deferred payment contracts involving use of al-bai’ bithaman ajil, al-murabahah and bai’ al-inah have been extensively used in design of Malaysian in Islamic financial products.  It is widely argued that Islamic banking is the replication of conventional system by imitating the conventional banking products excepting that they are presented in syariah compliance mechanism. The deferred payment sales are one of the example. The issues of form and substance in Islamic banking products and instruments has been frequently debated. Therefore, this paper endeavour to analyse the nature and content of Islamic financial products with particular reference to the debt-based transactions of Al-Bai’ Bithaman Ajil, Al-Murabahah and bai’ al-inah as practiced in the Malaysian Islamic banking. By analysing legal documents, reports, fiqh and Islamic jurisprudence’s views, this paper suggests that the debt-based transactions have been proven to be a reliable and efficient way of conducting commercial transactions which are in conformity with the syariah.  Nevertheless, the practice of these modes of transactions ought to be enhanced and perfected to avoid intentional or unintentional deception in its implementation. Keywords: Islamic Finance, Deferred payment sales, Analysis.
Kredibiliti Dan Kontroversi Tokoh Sahabat Ibn Masʻud r.a
Authors: Abdul hadi Ahmad Zulfiqar Shah , Abd Latif Mohd Abdul Nasir
Published: October 2016

Ibn Masʻud was a leading figure among the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad SAW.  He was recognized as a credible scholar in the sciences of Al-Qur’an, Hadith (traditions of the Prophet SAW) and attained high reputations among the Companions and the Tabiʻin. Nevertheless, there were some allegations hurled against him that includes his omission of al-Muʻawwidhatayn and al-Fatihah as parts of al-Qur’an; his rejection of the al-Qur’an compilation committee; his different arrangement of chapters in al-Qur’an and his refusal to hand over his copies of al-Qur’an to be burnt. Analysis has been made based on various documentary resources from the books of tafsir, Qiraat, Hadith and history. From the analysis, those allegations were false, with malicious intent and those who made it clearly wanted to take advantage on his reputation. It can be concluded that the originality of al-Qur’an was undermined by certain quarters while the Shiites’ claims were made to justify their religious doctrines using his name.
Pengurusan Wakaf Pendidikan di Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Malaysia: Satu Sorotan Literatur
Authors: Mustaffa Najibah , Muda Mohd Zamro
Published: October 2016

The article discusses the literature review, whether in the form of research, books, articles, etc. on the issue of the management, challenges and the way forward of waqf in higher education institutions in Malaysia.The study was conducted using qualitative methods by taking a literature study approach. There has been a lot of writing, throwing ideas and discussions were made by the experts, academician and governments on the issue. Waqf of education in Malaysia is seen growing with the establishment of waqf fund for education in several institutions such as the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and many more. The literature review found that the development of waqf in higher education can be intensified by effective fund management, strong legislation, good governance, marketing efforts and identify appropriate waqf management model to be applied. A special guideline for the management is to be established and a waqf management model is designed to be used as a reference all the Heigher Education Institutions.Keywords: Endowments (waqf), education, management of waqf, institutions of higher education.
SIMPTOM MIMPI HISTERIA RASUKAN JIN DALAM PERSPEKTIF PESAKIT, PERAWAT DAN HADIS
Authors: Rafiq Ezwan , Junoh Husin , Nizar Tamar Jaya , Md. Jidi Kamarolzaman
Published: October 2016

This study aims at specifying nightmares symptom of hysteria under evil possession from the perspectives of patients, therapists and Islamic Tradition of the Prophet P.B.U.H. Cases studied is on the common hysteria incidents including type of hysteria like normal possession al-sar’ or al-mass, saka and withcraft hysteria. An interview survey and observation were carried out towards patients and therapists in gathering informations. The result of qualitative study is analysed thematically after a coding was done using Atlas ti. 7 Software. Experts agree to carry out on stated theme using Cohen Kappa’s calculation method. Content analysis also was done to evaluate nightmare symptom of evil possession on Islamic tradition perspective. Finding shows that there were specific forms of nightmare as an evil possession symptom. This characteristic of nightmares causes sense of pain at the whole body in the next morning.  Patients having nightmares before ruqyah treatment. Beside that, patients’ nightmare lessens and disappears after receiveing ruqyah treatment. Symptom of behavior, physical and experience during treatment such as screaming, trembling, eyes shaking, and delusion also differentiate between hysteria evil possession from hysteria psychological disorder and evil temptation. This is due to the ruqyah treatment from al-Quran and prophet’s recitement affected towards evil. It is too difficult to differentiate nightmare simptom among normal evil possession, saka and witchcraft because the most of nightmare symptom were the same as hysterical evil possession symptom.
KONFLIK ISLAM DAN ISRAEL DI PALESTIN: TENTANGAN, ISU DAN PENYELESAIANNYA DALAM KARYA AL-FARUQI
Authors: Abdul Rahman Tasnim , Amir Ahmad Nabil , Mohd Rashid Zuriati , Wan Yusof Wan Sabri
Published: October 2016

This paper discusses the views of al-Faruqi on the issue of Israel-Palestine as critically presented in his work Islam and the Problem of Israel. It aims to analyze his perspective on the significant impact of Israel’s occupation in the Gaza’s strip, explaining in detail some historical issues and suggesting solution to the conflict. The research attempts to investigate his stand concerning the Israel-Palestine war, the way he analyzes the issue and its comparison with other works of similar orientation. The research is based on descriptive, analytical and comparative method, by describing in depth al-Faruqi’s work and its significance in addressing the plight and catastrophic consequence of war, and its comparison with other works produced on this theme. The research findings and its conclusions are important to test the ideas propounded by al-Faruqi to effectively end the conflict in the West Bank.
ANALYSIS OF THE IMPACT OF ARABIC-MALAY BILINGUAL DICTIONARIES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Alfa Muhammed Salisu , Dollah Hanafi , Abdullah Nurazzelena
Published: October 2016

The emergence of Arabic language and Islamic religion in the Malay Archipelago which comprises the present day Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, part of the Philippines as well as southern Thailand gave birth to Islamic education through the medium of Arabic language. This was inevitable because of the mutual relationship between Arabic language and Islam. To have better understanding of the Quran as the primary source of Islam is to have mastery of Arabic language. Hence the Muslim scholars in the Malay Archipelago resorted to the writing of Arabic Malay dictionaries which could help in the proper understanding of Arabic texts such as the Quran and Hadith which were primarily in Arabic language. This effort continues from generation to another until modern times which gave rise to the production of different types of Arabic Malay bilingual dictionaries. Some of these dictionaries have contributed to the general education of the Malays for their precision in translation. This study however, is an attempt to examine and analyse the contributions of selected Malay Arabic dictionaries to the Malay world in order to determine their precision in translation from Arabic to Malay language with reference to their methodologies with the aim of suggesting standards by which an ideal and all-encompassing Arabic Malay bilingual dictionary could emerge.Keywords: Analysis, Impact, Arabic-Malay, Bilingual Dictionaries, Archipelago.
NILAI-NILAI KEROHANIAN DALAM PEMBANGUNAN MODAL INSAN MENURUT AL-GHAZALI
Authors: Mohd Azaman Faizatul Najihah , Badaruddin Faudzinaim
Published: October 2016

This qualitative study intended to entail human capital development element according to al-Ghazali. Literature review has been done throughout this study using primary and secondary sources and also obtaining opinion and approval from three experts in psychology and sufism. Researcher used the analytical content that is then categorized according to thematic method. Findings obtained concluded that there are three themes. First theme al-Ghazali concept of human capital development is further divided into three components. The first one being achieving balance between spiritual and physical development. Second component stressing that the spiritual component is further divided into four equally crucial parts namely; ruh, nafs, qalb and mind. Third component is mainly about relationship of mankind to Allah s.w.t that involves knowledge and relationship amongst mankind that involves deeds. Second theme entails the human capital development that puts Islam, Iman and Ihsan as the main key point in its framework. Even al-Ghazali himself established a stepwise methodology of this theme; mujahadah al-nafs, riyadah al-nafs with its peak being tazkiyah al-nafs. Last concept discussing about the spiritual values that contains the dichotomy of positive and negative values. The positive values is referring to the part in Ihya’ book namely the munjiyat (the ways to salvation) while the negative values are referred as muhlikat (the ways to perdition). It is the researcher interest for this al-Ghazali advancement of thoughts is being implemented in each and every human capital development models and modules as it is truly still relevant for today’s application.Keywords: Al-Ghazali, Values and Human Capital Development.
Edisi Tahqiq Risalat Al-Isti‘arat Karya Syeikh Ahmad Al-Fatani
Authors: Hudhaifah Hamzah Amer , Ahmad Salmah
Published: October 2016

The book of Risalat al-Isticarat which written by Sheikh Ahmad al-Fatani is among the earliest works of Malay scholars in the field of Balaghah. As a work of the earliest, it should be preserved and maintained its authenticity so the secrets it contains are not lost by modernization. According to Wan Mohd Shaghir, this book is among the works of Sheikh Ahmad al-Fatani that used to be famous and frequently used in Arabic language studies. Therefore, the absence of this book in market and libraries must be avoided by editing manuscript of the book which placed in local manuscript repositories. Consequently, an edited edition of Risalat al-Isti c arat should be published thus can be beneficial to students and researchers to read, review and conduct further research.
New perspectives on the development of muscle contractures following central motor lesions
Authors: Pingel J. , Bartels E. M. , Nielsen J. B.
Published: October 2016

Muscle contractures are common in patients with central motor lesions, but the mechanisms responsible for the development of contractures are still unclear. Increased or decreased neural activation, protracted placement of a joint with the muscle in a short position and muscle atrophy have been suggested to be involved, but none of these mechanisms are sufficient to explain the development of muscle contractures alone. Here we propose that changes in tissue homeostasis in the neuromuscular–tendon–connective tissue complex is at the heart of the development of contractures, and that an integrated physiological understanding of the interaction between neural, mechanical and metabolic factors, as well as genetic and epigenetic factors, is necessary in order to unravel the mechanisms that result in muscle contractures. We hope thereby to contribute to a reconsideration of how and why muscle contractures develop in a way which will open a window towards new insight in this area in the future.

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Nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase modulate β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in young men
Authors: Fujii Naoto , McNeely Brendan D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: October 2016

Key points

β‐Adrenergic receptor agonists such as isoproterenol induce cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in humans, but the mechanisms underpinning this response remain unresolved.

Using intradermal microdialysis, we evaluated the roles of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) in β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating elicited by administration of isoproterenol.

We show that while NOS contributes to β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation, COX restricts cutaneous vasodilatation.

We also show that combined inhibition of NOS and COX augments β‐adrenergic sweating

These new findings advance our basic knowledge regarding the physiological control of cutaneous blood flow and sweating, and provide important and new information to better understand the physiological significance of β‐adrenergic receptors in the skin.

β‐Adrenergic receptor agonists such as isoproterenol can induce cutaneous vasodilatation and sweating in humans, but the mechanisms underpinning this response remain unresolved. We evaluated the hypotheses that (1) nitric oxide synthase (NOS) contributes to β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation, whereas cyclooxygenase (COX) limits the vasodilatation, and (2) COX contributes to β‐adrenergic sweating. In 10 young males (25 ± 5 years), cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and sweat rate were evaluated at four intradermal forearm skin sites infused with (1) lactated Ringer solution (control), (2) 10 mm Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine (l‐NNA), a non‐specific NOS inhibitor, (3) 10 mm ketorolac, a non‐specific COX inhibitor, or (4) a combination of l‐NNA and ketorolac. All sites were co‐administered with a high dose of isoproterenol (100 μm) for 3 min to maximally induce β‐adrenergic sweating (β‐adrenergic sweating is significantly blunted by subsequent activations). Approximately 60 min after the washout period, three incremental doses of isoproterenol were co‐administered (1, 10 and 100 μm each for 25 min). Increases in CVC induced by the first and second 100 μm isoproterenol were attenuated by l‐NNA alone, and those in response to all doses of isoproterenol were reduced by l‐NNA with co‐infusion of ketorolac (all P ≤ 0.05). Ketorolac alone augmented increases in CVC induced by 10 μm and by the second 100 μm isoproterenol (both P ≤ 0.05). While isoproterenol‐induced sweating was not affected by the separate administration of l‐NNA or ketorolac (all P > 0.05), their combined administration augmented sweating elicited by the first 3 min of 100 μm isoproterenol (P = 0.05). We show that while NOS contributes to β‐adrenergic cutaneous vasodilatation, COX restrains the vasodilatation. Finally, combined inhibition of NOS and COX augments β‐adrenergic sweating.
Parasitic Loss Due to Leading Edge Instrumentation on a Low-Pressure Turbine Blade
Authors: Ng Henry C.-H. , Coull John D.
Published: October 2016

During the testing of development engines and components, intrusive instrumentation such as Kiel-head pitot probes and shrouded thermocouples are used to evaluate gas properties and performance. The size of these instruments can be significant relative to the blades, and their impact on aerodynamic efficiency must be considered when analyzing the test data. This paper reports on such parasitic losses for instruments mounted on the leading edge of a stator in a low-pressure turbine, with particular emphasis on understanding the impact of probe geometry on the induced loss. The instrumentation and turbine blades have been modeled in a low Mach number cascade facility with an upstream turbulence grid. The cascade was designed so that the leading edge probes were interchangeable in situ, allowing for rapid testing of differing probe geometries. Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations were performed to complement the experiments and improve understanding of the flow behavior. A horseshoe vortex-like system forms at the join of the probe body and blade leading edge, generating pairs of streamwise vortices which convect over the blade pressure and suction surfaces. These vortices promote mixing between the freestream and boundary layer fluid and promote the transition of the boundary layer from laminar to turbulent flow. The size and shape of the leading edge probes relative to the blade vary significantly between applications. Tests with realistic probe geometries demonstrate that the detailed design of the shroud bleed system can impact the loss. A study of idealized cylinders is performed to isolate the impact of probe diameter, aspect ratio, and incidence. Beyond a probe aspect ratio of two, parasitic loss was found to scale approximately with probe frontal area.
CSAR 62 as negative-tone resist for high-contrast e-beam lithography at temperatures between 4 K and room temperature
Authors: Kaganskiy Arsenty , Heuser Tobias , Schmidt Ronny , Rodt Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan
Published: October 2016

The temperature dependence of the electron-beam sensitive resist CSAR 62 is investigated in its negative-tone regime. The writing temperatures span a wide range from 4 K to room temperature with the focus on the liquid helium temperature regime. The importance of low temperature studies is motivated by the application of CSAR 62 for deterministic nanophotonic device processing by means of in situ electron-beam lithography. At low temperature, CSAR 62 exhibits a high contrast of 10.5 and a resolution of 49 nm. The etch stability is almost temperature independent and it is found that CSAR 62 does not suffer from peeling which limits the low temperature application of the standard electron-beam resist polymethyl methacrylate. As such, CSAR 62 is a very promising negative-tone resist for in situ electron-beam lithography of high quality nanostructures at low temperature.
A volume‐equivalent spherical necrosis‐tumor‐normal liver model for estimating absorbed dose in yttrium‐90 microsphere therapy
Authors: Wu Chin‐Hui , Liao Yi‐Jen , Lin Tzung‐Yi , Chen Yu‐Cheng , Sun Shung‐Shung , Liu Yen‐Wan Hsueh , Hsu Shih‐Ming
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Primary hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic liver tumors are highly malignant tumors in Asia. The incidence of fatal liver cancer is also increasing in the United States. The aim of this study was to establish a spherical tumor model and determine its accuracy in predicting the absorbed dose in yttrium‐90 (Y‐90) microsphere therapy for liver cancer.

Methods

Liver morphology can be approximated by a spherical model comprising three concentric regions representing necrotic, tumor, and normal liver tissues. The volumes of these three regions represent those in the actual liver. A spherical tumor model was proposed to calculate the absorbed fractions in the spherical tumor, necrotic, and normal tissue regions. The THORplan treatment planning system and Monte Carlo N‐particle extended codes were used for this spherical tumor model. Using the volume‐equivalent method, a spherical tumor model was created to calculate the total absorbed fraction [under different tumor‐to‐healthy‐liver ratios (TLRs)]. The patient‐specific model (THORplan) results were used to verify the spherical tumor model results.

Results

The results for both the Y‐90 spectrum and the Y‐90 mean energy indicated that the absorbed fraction was a function of the tumor radius and mass. The absorbed fraction increased with tumor radius. The total absorbed fractions calculated using the spherical tumor model for necrotic, liver tumor, and normal liver tissues were in good agreement with the THORplan results, with differences of less than 3% for TLRs of 2–5. The results for the effect of TLR indicate that for the same tumor configuration, the total absorbed fraction decreased with increasing TLR; for the same shell tumor thickness and TLR, the total absorbed fraction was approximately constant; and for tumors with the same radius, the total fraction absorbed by the tumor increased with the shell thickness.

Conclusions

The results from spherical tumor models with different tumor‐to‐healthy‐liver ratios were highly consistent with the reference results (THORplan). These findings indicate that a spherical tumor model can provide good estimates of Y‐90 doses in microsphere therapy and can be considered a first approximation for dose estimation in Y‐90 microsphere therapy.
Effect of atelectasis changes on tissue mass and dose during lung radiotherapy
Authors: Guy Christopher L. , Weiss Elisabeth , Jan Nuzhat , Reshko Leonid B. , Christensen Gary E. , Hugo Geoffrey D.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To characterize mass and density changes of lung parenchyma in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients following midtreatment resolution of atelectasis and to quantify the impact this large geometric change has on normal tissue dose.

Methods

Baseline and midtreatment CT images and contours were obtained for 18 NSCLC patients with atelectasis. Patients were classified based on atelectasis volume reduction between the two scans as having either full, partial, or no resolution. Relative mass and density changes from baseline to midtreatment were calculated based on voxel intensity and volume for each lung lobe. Patients also had clinical treatment plans available which were used to assess changes in normal tissue dose constraints from baseline to midtreatment. The midtreatment image was rigidly aligned with the baseline scan in two ways: (1) bony anatomy and (2) carina. Treatment parameters (beam apertures, weights, angles, monitor units, etc.) were transferred to each image. Then, dose was recalculated. Typical IMRT dose constraints were evaluated on all images, and the changes from baseline to each midtreatment image were investigated.

Results

Atelectatic lobes experienced mean (stdev) mass changes of −2.8% (36.6%), −24.4% (33.0%), and −9.2% (17.5%) and density changes of −66.0% (6.4%), −25.6% (13.6%), and −17.0% (21.1%) for full, partial, and no resolution, respectively. Means (stdev) of dose changes to spinal cord Dmax, esophagus Dmean, and lungsDmean were 0.67 (2.99), 0.99 (2.69), and 0.50 Gy (2.05 Gy), respectively, for bone alignment and 0.14 (1.80), 0.77 (2.95), and 0.06 Gy (1.71 Gy) for carina alignment. Dose increases with bone alignment up to 10.93, 7.92, and 5.69 Gy were found for maximum spinal cord, mean esophagus, and mean lung doses, respectively, with carina alignment yielding similar values. 44% and 22% of patients had at least one metric change by at least 5 Gy (dose metrics) or 5% (volume metrics) for bone and carina alignments, respectively. Investigation of GTV coverage showed mean (stdev) changes in VRx,Dmax, and Dmin of −5.5% (13.5%), 2.5% (4.2%), and 0.8% (8.9%), respectively, for bone alignment with similar results for carina alignment.

Conclusions

Resolution of atelectasis caused mass and density decreases, on average, and introduced substantial changes in normal tissue dose metrics in a subset of the patient cohort.
The Effect of New Shower Facilities on Physical Activity Behaviors of Employees: A Quasi-experiment
Authors: Nehme Eileen K. , Pérez Adriana , Ranjit Nalini , Amick Benjamin C. , Kohl Harold W.
Published: October 2016

Background:

This quasi-experimental study assessed the effects of new workplace showers on physical activity behaviors in a sample of downtown employees in Austin, TX.

Methods:

The study design was quasi-experimental with 2 comparison groups. Data were collected via internet-based surveys before and 4 months after shower installation at 1 worksite. Differences across study groups in the ranks of change in past-week minutes of physical activity from baseline to follow-up were assessed. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for reporting an increase of ≥10 min past-week physical activity and workday physical activity among those with new showers and existing showers relative to those with no showers were also assessed.

Results:

No significant differences in changes in physical activity from baseline to follow-up across study groups were found. One-quarter of participants with new workplace showers and 46.9% of those with existing workplace showers at baseline reported ever using the showers.

Conclusions:

This prospective study did not find significant changes in employee physical activity 4 months after installation of worksite showers. Worksite shower users were highly active at baseline, suggesting a possible early adopter effect, with potential for diffusion. Future studies may benefit from longer exposure times and larger samples.
Vicinity of Schools, But Not of Residences, Seems to Regulate Physical and Sports Activities of 13-Year-Old Teenagers in a South European Setting
Authors: Magalhães Alexandre , Ramos Elisabete , Pina Maria Fátima
Published: October 2016

Background:

Proximity to urban green spaces (UGS) and open sports spaces (OSS) benefits health, promotes physical activity (PA) and sports practice (SP).

Objective:

Analyze the association between PA or SP according to distances between UGS or OSS and teenagers’ residences or schools.

Methods:

We evaluated 1333 (53.9% girls) teenagers (13 years old) living and studying in Porto, Portugal (EPITeen cohort). PA was classified as light or moderate/vigorous. Distances were the shortest routes from residences or schools to UGS/OSS, and classified in ≤250 m; >250 m to ≤500 m; >500 m to ≤750 m; >750 m. Chi-square test and chi-square for trends were used to compare proportions; associations were measured using logistic regression, through odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals, adjusting to BMI and parental education.

Results:

Regarding vicinity’ of schools, the prevalence of moderate/vigorous PA among boys, decreases as distances to OSS increases. For girls, the prevalence of sports decreases as distances to UGS increase. For boys, we found an association between moderate/vigorous PA and proximity to OSS in the vicinity of schools: considering ≤250 m as reference, the odds of moderate/vigorous PA is 0.20 (0.06–0.63) for >250 m to ≤500 m; 0.21 (0.07–0.61) for >500 m to ≤750 m and 0.19 (0.06–0.58) for >750 m.

Conclusion:

Vicinities of schools seem to influence teenagers to be more physically active and increase sports participation.
Association of Different Physical Activity Domains on All-Cause Mortality in Adults Participating in Primary Care in the Brazilian National Health System: 4-Year Follow-up
Authors: Turi Bruna C. , Codogno Jamile S. , Fernandes Romulo A. , Sui Xuemei , Lavie Carl J. , Blair Steven N. , Monteiro Henrique L.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Evidence has shown that physical activity (PA) is associated with low mortality risk. However, data about reduced mortality due to PA are scarce in developing countries and the dose–response relationship between PA from different domains and all-cause mortality remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the association of PA from different domains on all-cause mortality among Brazilian adults.

Methods:

679 males and females composed the study sample. Participants were divided into quartile groups according to PA from different domains (occupational, sports, and leisure-time). Medical records were used to identify the cause of the death. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associations of PA from different domains and all-cause mortality.

Results:

During the follow-up period, 59 participants died. The most prevalent cause of death was circulatory system diseases (n = 20; 33.9% [21.8%–45.9%]). Higher scores of occupational (HR= 0.45 [95% CI: 0.20–0.97]), sports (HR= 0.44 [95% CI: 0.20–0.95]) and overall PA (HR= 0.40 [95% CI: 0.17–0.90]) were associated with lower mortality, even after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions:

The findings in this study showed the importance of being active in different domains to reduce mortality risk.
Exploring Attitudes, Perceived Norms, and Personal Agency: Insights Into Theory-Based Messages to Encourage Park-Based Physical Activity in Low-Income Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Groshong Lisa , Stanis Sonja A. Wilhelm , Kaczynski Andrew T. , Hipp J. Aaron , Besenyi Gina M.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Public parks hold promise for promoting population-level PA, but studies show a significant portion of park use is sedentary. Past research has documented the effectiveness of message-based strategies for influencing diverse behaviors in park settings and for increasing PA in nonpark contexts. Therefore, to inform message-based interventions (eg, point-ofdecision prompts) to increase park-based PA, the purpose of this study was to elicit insights about key attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency that affect park use and park-based PA in low-income urban neighborhoods.

Methods:

This study used 6 focus groups with youth and adults (n = 41) from low-income urban areas in Kansas City, MO, to examine perceptions of key attitudinal outcomes and motivations, perceived norms, key referents, and personal agency facilitators and constraints that affect park use and park-based PA.

Results:

Participant attitudes reflected the importance of parks for mental and physical health, with social interaction and solitude cited as key motivations. Of 10 themes regarding perceived norms, influential others reflected participants’ ethnic makeup but little consensus emerged among groups. Social and safety themes were cited as both facilitators and constraints, along with park offerings and setting.

Conclusions:

Information about attitudes, perceived norms, and personal agency can increase understanding of theoretically derived factors that influence park-based PA and help park and health professionals create communication strategies to promote PA.
Physical Activity in Older Adults in Relation to Place of Residence and Coexistent Chronic Diseases
Authors: Kostka Joanna , Kostka Tomasz , Borowiak Ewa
Published: October 2016

Background:

The goal of this study was to assess the physical activity (PA) and its determinants of older people living in the 3 different environments.

Methods:

Three equal (n = 693 each) groups of individuals aged ≥65 years living in urban, rural and institutional environments took part in this study. PA was measured by the Seven Day Recall PA Questionnaire (energy expenditure—PA-EE) and the Stanford Usual Activity Questionnaire (health-related behaviors—PA-HRB).

Results:

PA-EE was highest in the rural environment and lowest in nursing homes. PA-HRB were most common in urban area. Older age, lower education level, several concomitant diseases and the number of systematically used medications were consistently related to lower PA-EE and PA-HRB. Smoking habit, presence of hypertension, musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal disorders had different association to PA-EE and PA-HRB in the 3 environments.

Conclusions:

Subpopulations of older people differ from the general population with regard to their level of PA and its association with sociodemographic data and concomitant diseases. Concomitant serious diseases significantly decrease the level of PA of older subjects. The relationship between PA and nondebilitating disorders may vary depending on the living environment or PA assessment methodology.
Effects of Distant Green Space on Physical Activity in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Chong Shanley , Byun Roy , Mazumdar Soumya , Bauman Adrian , Jalaludin Bin
Published: October 2016

Background:

The aim was to investigate the association between distant green space and physical activity modified by local green space.

Methods:

Information about physical activity, demographic and socioeconomic background at the individual level was extracted from the New South Wales Population Health Survey. The proportion of a postcode that was parkland was used as a proxy measure for access to parklands and was calculated for each individual.

Results:

There was a significant relationship between distant green space and engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) at least once a week. No significant relationship was found between adequate physical activity and distant green space. No significant relationships were found between adequate physical activity, engaging in MVPA, and local green space. However, if respondents lived in greater local green space (≥25%), there was a significant relationship between engaging in MVPA at least once a week and distance green space of ≥20%.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the important effect of distant green space on physical activity. Our findings also suggest that moderate size of local green space together with moderate size of distant green space are important levers for participation of physical activity.
Defining and Measuring Active Play Among Young Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Truelove Stephanie , Vanderloo Leigh M. , Tucker Patricia
Published: October 2016

Background:

Many young children are not meeting the Canadian physical activity guidelines. In an effort to change this, the term active play has been used to promote increased physical activity levels. Among young children, physical activity is typically achieved in the form of active play behavior. The current study aimed to review and synthesize the literature to identify key concepts used to define and describe active play among young children. A secondary objective was to explore the various methods adopted for measuring active play.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted by searching seven online databases for English-language, original research or reports, and were eligible for inclusion if they defined or measured active play among young children (ie, 2 to 6 years).

Results:

Nine studies provided a definition or description of active play, six measured active play, and 13 included both outcomes. While variability in active play definitions did exist, common themes included: increased energy exerted, rough and tumble, gross motor movement, unstructured, freely chosen, and fun. Alternatively, many researchers described active play as physical activity (n = 13) and the majority of studies used a questionnaire (n = 16) to assess active play among young children.

Conclusion:

Much variability in the types of active play, methods of assessing active play, and locations where active play can transpire were noted in this review. As such, an accepted and consistent definition is necessary, which we provide herein.
The Association Between Sedentary Behavior and Cognitive Function Among Older Adults May Be Attenuated With Adequate Physical Activity
Authors: Edwards Meghan K. , Loprinzi Paul D.
Published: October 2016

Objective:

Examine the independent association of sedentary behavior and cognitive function in older adults, as well as whether physical activity attenuates this potential association.

Methods:

Data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used (N = 2472 adults 60 to 85 yrs). Sedentary behavior was subjectively assessed and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) was employed to assess cognitive function.

Results:

Among an unadjusted and an adjusted model not accounting for physical activity, only 5+ hrs/day (vs. < 1 hr) of sedentary time was independently associated with lower DSST scores (β = –3.1; 95% CI: –5.8 to –0.4; P= .02). However, a fully adjusted model (adding in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a covariate) did not yield a statistically significant association between 5+ hrs/day of sedentary time and DSST scores (β = –2.5; 95% CI: –5.1 to 0.2; P = .07).

Conclusion:

Accumulated daily sedentary behavior of 5+ hrs is associated with lower cognitive function in an older adult population when physical activity is not taken into account. However, physical activity may account for 19% of the total association between sedentary behavior and cognitive function, thus attenuating the sedentary-cognitive function association. Efforts should be made to promote physical activity in the aging population.
Self-disembowelment during delirium tremens: why early diagnosis is vital
Authors: Thomasson Rachel , Craig Vanessa , Guthrie Elspeth
Published: October 2016

Delirium tremens is a serious yet treatable complication of alcohol withdrawal. Timely diagnosis is critical as there are well-established treatment regimens that provide symptomatic relief within hours to days. We report the case of a 34-year-old man with an undisclosed history of alcohol dependency. He presented with paranoid beliefs and was transferred to a psychiatric inpatient unit with suspected schizophrenia. Classic features of delirium tremens such as sympathetic overdrive and visual hallucinations were not salient features of his presentation. Within 24 hours of admission, he sustained major self-inflicted abdominal stab wounds and extracted a metre of small bowel as a result of command hallucinations. The possibility of delirium tremens was raised by the receiving trauma team and he responded rapidly to benzodiazepines. Emergency jejunal reanastomosis was successful. This case highlights the fact that delirium tremens may present atypically and that associated command hallucinations can confer grave risks.
Finding structural anomalies in complete graphs using scattering quantum walks
Authors: Xue Xiling , Chen Hanwu , Liu Zhihao
Published: October 2016

The search for structural anomalies in a complete graph, [Formula: see text], using scattering quantum walks (SQWs) is investigated in this study. A complete graph with a second graph, [Formula: see text], attached to one of its vertices is referred to as external structural anomaly. The structural change within a complete graph is called internal structural anomaly. First, an example with [Formula: see text] being a triangle is presented to illustrate the problem. Then, a general proof is provided to show that the vertex to which [Formula: see text] is attached can be found in [Formula: see text] time steps as long as the connectivity between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is far less than [Formula: see text]. Finally, two types of internal structural anomalies, namely, a complete graph with a missing edge and that with an extra loop, are considered. These two anomalies can be solved in a similar manner as external anomalies in [Formula: see text] time steps. These examples demonstrate that Cottrell’s formalism in star graphs can be applied more generally.
A new approach to canal surface with parallel transport frame
Authors: Kiṣi İlim , Öztürk Günay
Published: October 2016

In the present study, we attend to the canal surfaces with the spine curve [Formula: see text] according to the parallel transport frame in Euclidean [Formula: see text]-space [Formula: see text]. We give an example of these surfaces and obtain some results about curvature conditions in [Formula: see text]. Moreover, the visualizations of projections of canal surfaces are presented. Lastly, we give the necessary and sufficient conditions for canal surfaces to become weak superconformal.
Enhanced magnetoelectric effect in Metglas/K0.5 Na0.5NbO3/metglas lead-free ME laminates
Authors: Patil S. D. , Patil S. S. , Deonikar V. G. , Rajpure K. Y. , Shaikh A. M.
Published: October 2016

We report the magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in lead-free ME composites composed of Metglas (2605SA1) and K[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text]NbO3 (KNN) phases. Thickness of the magnetostrictive layers ([Formula: see text] is changed by stacking number of Metglas layers ([Formula: see text]25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m for each layer) while KNN is maintained at a fixed thickness ([Formula: see text]300[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m). As the number of Metglas layers increased, the peak magnitude of [Formula: see text] first increases, reaches a maximum and then decreases afterward. The static magnetic field ([Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] shows maximum magnitude shift toward a higher value as number of layers increases. The maximum value of [Formula: see text] 91[Formula: see text]mVcm[Formula: see text]Oe[Formula: see text] is observed for optimized thickness ratio of [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] 1 (i.e. [Formula: see text] 5 layers) at [Formula: see text] 160[Formula: see text]Oe. The [Formula: see text] is further enhanced by taking advantage of magnetic flux concentration effect of Metglas as a function of its sheet aspect ratio. The present composites can offer promising opportunities of engineering environmental friendly ME laminate for applications in ME devices such as energy harvester and magnetic field sensors.
Applying discrete SEIR model to characterizing MERS spread in Korea
Authors: Kwon Chi-Myung , Jung Jae Un
Published: October 2016

Since the first outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Korea has a quite rapid MERS spread compared to other countries. Possible causes for such a sudden increase include the undiagnosed initial patient and lapses in infection control practices. To characterize MERS infection and transmission, this paper applies the period-based discrete SEIR model. Infected people of SEIR model shows a good fit to observed patients and MERS will become extinct around 113 days since the first outbreak. Through an effective quarantine plan, if we can reduce exposable people by 20%, it is estimated that the maximum number of infectious people may decrease by about 69% and MERS fade-out period will be shortened by about 30%. Simulations on assumed model support that Korean government’s two policies to control MERS infection rate are effective in lessening its spread. Simulation on reproduction ratio scenarios in SEIR model indicates that success in early infection control practices is critical for shortening the period of disease fade-out. Even there are some restrictions and assumptions on SEIR model simulation, our simulation results are to be helpful in developing strategies to prevent the infectious diseases like MERS.