bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why inner-city high-school students attend after-school physical activity clubs
Authors: Whalen Laurel , McCaughtry Nate , Garn Alex , Kulik Noel , Centeio Erin E , Maljak Kimberly , Kaseta Michele , Shen Bo , Martin Jeffrey 
Published: October 2015

Objective: The population of young people most vulnerable to low levels of physical activity (e.g. urban/minority/low socio-economic status/female/non-athletes) often has the least access to physical activity opportunities and resources. It has been suggested that a comprehensive, school-based approach, including prudent use of time before, during and after the school day may be an effective way to increase overall physical activity, but little is known about why urban students voluntarily participate in these extracurricular programmes. Using social cognitive theory as a framework, this study examines urban high-school students’ rationale for attending after-school physical activity clubs designed to provide fun, safe, supportive places to do physical activities with friends. Design and setting: Qualitative study in an urban school district. Method: Over a 2-year period, adult leaders within 14 inner-city schools in a large urban district in the Midwest USA held 938 physical activity club sessions targeting traditionally inactive youth to promote non-competitive physical activity. Interviews with student participants ( n = 278) and researcher field observations ( n = 115) were used as primary data sources. Results: Three primary themes emerged to explain the voluntary participation of high-school students in after-school physical activity clubs: (a) social affiliation, especially group identification and establishing relationships with adult leaders and likeminded peers; (b) health and performance, including improving physical health and performance in other athletic endeavours; and (c) the ‘right’ types of activities and focus, including those that were student-centred, non-competitive and culturally relevant. Conclusion: Creation and sustainability of successful inner-city physical activity clubs will largely hinge upon the capitalisation on an understanding of the motivations of an urban student population.
Statistical Models for Predicting Automobile Driving Postures for Men and Women Including Effects of Age
Authors: Park Jangwoon , Ebert Sheila M. , Reed Matthew P. , Hallman Jason J. 
Published: October 2015

Background: Previously published statistical models of driving posture have been effective for vehicle design but have not taken into account the effects of age. Objective: The present study developed new statistical models for predicting driving posture. Methods: Driving postures of 90 U.S. drivers with a wide range of age and body size were measured in laboratory mockup in nine package conditions. Posture-prediction models for female and male drivers were separately developed by employing a stepwise regression technique using age, body dimensions, vehicle package conditions, and two-way interactions, among other variables. Results: Driving posture was significantly associated with age, and the effects of other variables depended on age. A set of posture-prediction models is presented for women and men. The results are compared with a previously developed model. Conclusion: The present study is the first study of driver posture to include a large cohort of older drivers and the first to report a significant effect of age. Application: The posture-prediction models can be used to position computational human models or crash-test dummies for vehicle design and assessment.
Randomized Controlled Trial Assessing the Feasibility of Shortened Fasts in Intubated ICU Patients Undergoing Tracheotomy
Authors: Gonik Nathan , Tassler Andrew , Ow Thomas J. , Smith Richard V. , Shuaib Stefan , Cohen Hillel W. , Sarta Catherine , Schiff Bradley A. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveAmerican Society of Anesthesiology guidelines recommend preoperative fasts of 6 hours after light snacks and 8 hours after large meals. These guidelines were designed for healthy patients undergoing elective procedures but are often applied to intubated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. ICU patients undergoing routine procedures may be subjected to unnecessary prolonged fasts. This study tests whether shorter fasts allow for better nutrition delivery and patient outcomes without increasing the risk.Study DesignRandomized blinded controlled trial.SettingTertiary academic medical center.SubjectsICU patients undergoing bedside tracheotomy.MethodsIntubated ICU patients who were receiving enteral feeding and for whom bedside tracheotomy was indicated were enrolled prospectively and randomly allocated to 2 parallel preoperative fasting regimens: a 6‐hour fast (control) and a 45‐minute fast (intervention). Patients were assessed for aspiration, caloric delivery, metabolic markers, and infectious and noninfectious complications.ResultsTwenty‐four patients were enrolled and randomized. There were no complications related to the procedure. There were no cases of intraoperative aspiration identified. There was a single postoperative pneumonia in the control group. Median (interquartile range) length of fast and caloric delivery were significantly different between the control group and the shortened fast group: 22 hours (18, 34) vs 14 hours (5, 25; P <. 001) and 429 kcal (57, 1125) vs 1050 kcal (825, 1410; P =. 01), respectively.ConclusionsShortening preoperative fasts in intubated ICU patients allowed for better caloric delivery in the preoperative period.
Increased expression of low density granulocytes in juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus patients correlates with disease activity
Authors: Midgley A , Beresford M W 
Published: October 2015

Neutrophils are implicated in a wide range of non-infectious inflammatory conditions. A subset of neutrophils in the peripheral circulation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients has been described and termed low density granulocytes (LDGs). This study investigates the expression of LDG in juvenile-onset SLE (JSLE) patients compared to controls, and any correlations with disease activity. Neutrophils and LDGs were isolated from JSLE ( n = 13) and paediatric non-inflammatory control patients ( n = 12). Cell populations were assessed and compared using flow cytometry and morphological analysis. Standard clinical data, which included disease activity markers/scores, were collected for each patient. Significantly increased LDG expression (%mean ± SEM, range) was observed in JSLE patients (10.4 ± 3.26, 3.41–36.3) compared to controls (2.4 ± 0.44, 0.36–5.27; p = 0.005). A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between LDG expression and the British Isles Lupus Activity Group (correlation coefficient 0.685; p = 0.010) and SLE Disease Activity Index (correlation coefficient 0.567; p = 0.043) and the biomarker of dsDNA-antibodies (correlation coefficient 0.590; p = 0.043). Here we observe increased expression in LDGs in JSLE patients, which correlate with dsDNA antibody concentration and scores of disease activity. These correlations indicate that the increased LDG expression observed in this study may have a potential role in the pathogenesis of JSLE, and may be a useful biomarker.
Nokia Ltd: Travails of a Market Leader
Authors: Pai V.S. 
Published: October 2015

Nokia was the world’s largest manufacturer of mobile telephone handsets. At its peak in 2000 it accounted for around 4 per cent of Finland’s GDP. However, complacency set in and the company spent its cash reserves on paying dividends and share repurchase. This was done at a time when its competitors were investing in future technologies that would drive the telecom market in the years to come. As a result since 2009 its products were unable to compete with the superior technology based touch-screen smartphones from competitors especially the iPhone, by Apple, and devices running on Android, an open source operating system (OS), which was dominated by Samsung. Nokia appointed a new CEO, Stephen Elop who took the decision to replace Symbian OS with Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS in all Nokia smartphones. There were operating issues with Windows Phone which made Nokia’s customers disillusioned. As a consequence its market share declined drastically so did its stock price from a high of $40 in late 2007 to under $2 in mid-2012. To tied over this situation Elop initiated several measures which included the launch of Windows-based smartphones, the new mid-priced Asha series of feature phones, dual-SIM card phones, downsizing, delayering, launch of Android-based smartphones, as well as moving manufacturing to low-cost Asian locations. The company hoped that these measures would enable it to compete better as well as attract and retain more customers.
Internal Marketing: Scale Development and Validation
Authors: Kaur Japneet , Sharma Sanjeev Kumar 
Published: October 2015

Internal marketing has been an area of interest for the past few decades, and the rapid growth on internal marketing literature has evolved the concept further. However, this theoretical advancement has not been able to empirically strengthen the concept, and there exists disagreement on the key components of internal marketing. Thus, this article endeavours to identify the dimensions of internal marketing by probing in the extant literature. In addition, the aim of the article was to develop a robust and valid instrument for measuring internal marketing. Data were collected from qualitative study and from 154 employees of financial service sector. Analyses revealed 11 significant dimensions of internal marketing, namely, senior leadership and vision, inter-functional coordination, internal communications, organization structure and changes, staffing, training and development, incentive systems, physical environment, strategic rewards and empowerment. Construct validity and reliability were empirically ascertained along with the determination of the good fit for the proposed model. The study highlighted the difference between strategic rewards and incentive systems as perceived by the employees. In addition, organization structure and change factors were tested to be significant, providing empirical evidence of their vital role in developing and implementing internal marketing practices in service firms. The article concludes by discussing the possible implications and future research avenues.
Enhancing research quality through cultural competence: a case study in Queensland prisons
Authors: Heffernan Edward , Andersen Kimina , Kinner Stuart A 
Published: October 2015

Objective: To describe the processes undertaken to maximise cultural competence in a complex research project and illustrate how this enhanced the quality of the research and impact of the research outcomes. Methods: An epidemiological survey of the mental health of Indigenous people in custody in Queensland was conducted using culturally informed research processes. Results: The research process that enhanced cultural competence is described. The research outcomes were positive in terms of participant and community experiences, participation rates, publications and other research outputs, capacity building and translation of research findings. Conclusions: This paper describes in practical terms how to conduct culturally informed research and how this approach enhanced the scientific rigour of a complex Indigenous health research project. Indigenous health research should be conducted using a culturally competent method.
Perioperative Factors and Their Effect on the Fibrinolytic System in Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Burleson Andrew , Guler Nil , Banos Andrew , Syed Daneyal , Wanderling Christopher , Hoppensteadt Debra , Rees Harold , Fareed Jawed , Hopkinson William 
Published: October 2015

Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) patients are mostly of advanced age and with comorbidities such as increased body mass index (BMI) and impaired glucose tolerance. These factors and type of surgery may affect the fibrinolytic system. Aim: To investigate the effect of age, sex, BMI, type of surgery, and tranexamic acid (TXA) treatment on the fibrinolytic system in TJA patients. Methods: Ninety-nine patients undergoing TJA (32 total hip arthroplasty [THA] and 67 total knee arthroplasty [TKA]) were included in this study. Blood samples were drawn at preoperative clinic appointments and on postoperative day 1. Antigenic levels of d-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) were measured using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Antiplasmin activity was measured using functional method. Age, gender, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and BMI were collected from the records. Results: Preoperative d-dimer and tPA levels were positively correlated with age, whereas preoperative antiplasmin was negatively correlated with age. Body mass index was only associated with preoperative tPA levels. There was no significant difference in postoperative levels of d-dimer, PAI-1, tPA, or antiplasmin between patients treated with TXA or without TXA. Percentage change in d-dimer and tPA showed significantly lower values in patients treated with TXA compared to the nontreated group. Type of surgery did not affect the fibrinolytic markers. Conclusion: These results confirm that advanced age and elevated BMI positively contribute to fibrinolytic dysregulation in TJA patients, whereas TXA seems to decrease the fibrinolytic activity.
Indirect Immunofluorescence for the Detection of Autoimmune Urticaria
Authors: Bahrani Bahar , Gattey Natasha T. , Hull Peter R. 
Published: October 2015

Background: An autoimmune basis is believed to be responsible for about half of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) cases. The autologous serum skin test is used as a possible indicator, but there is currently no test that directly indicates an autoimmune etiology. In this study, an indirect immunofluorescence was used to identify patients with autoantibodies directed at mast cells. Methods: Two substrates were used including paraffin embedded sections of skin biopsies from an infant with bullous mastocytosis and cord blood–derived mast cells (CBMC). Sera from 76 patients with CSU were incubated with substrates and conjugated with human IgG. Results: Using the bullous mastocytosis preparations, positive indirect immunofluorescence was found in 46% (n = 76), while the CBMC substrate was positive in 39% (n = 70). Conclusion: The IgG autoantibodies directed at mast cells could be detected in about half the patients with CSU. Indirect immunofluorescence should be considered as an indicator of the autoimmune form of CSU.
Association of the insertion allele of the common ACE gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus among Kuwaiti cardiovascular disease patients
Authors: Al-Serri Ahmad , Ismael Fatma G , Al-Bustan Suzanne A , Al-Rashdan Ibrahim 
Published: October 2015

Background and objectives: The D allele of the common angiotensin-converting enzyme ( ACE) I/D gene polymorphism (rs4646994) predisposes to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, results on which allele predisposes to disease susceptibility remain controversial in Asian populations. This study was performed to evaluate the association of the common ACE I/D gene polymorphism with both T2DM and CVD susceptibility in an Arab population. Methods: We genotyped the ACE I/D polymorphisms by direct allele-specific PCR in 183 healthy controls and 400 CVD patients with diabetes ( n=204) and without ( n=196). Statistical analysis comparing between the different groups were conducted using R statistic package “SNPassoc”. Results: Two genetic models were used: the additive and co-dominant models. The I allele was found to be associated with T2DM (OR=1.84, p=0.00009) after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index. However, there was no association with CVD susceptibility ( p>0.05). Conclusion: The ACE I allele is found to be associated with T2DM; however, no association was observed with CVD. The inconsistency between studies is suggested to be attributed to genetic diversity due to the existence of sub-populations found in Asian populations.
The effects of partial carpal fusions on wrist range of motion
Authors: Got C. , Vopat B. G. , Mansuripur P. K. , Kane P. M. , Weiss A. P. C. , Crisco J. J. 
Published: October 2015

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of different partial wrist fusions on wrist motion. A total of 20 cadaveric wrists were tested in the intact state and after undergoing either a four-corner fusion or 2- and 3-bone fusion. The moment-rotation behaviour was measured in 24 directions of wrist motion about the forearm axis. The 2- and 3-bone fusion groups demonstrated increased radial deviation and pure flexion. Pure flexion was decreased in the four-corner fusion group. Radial extension and pure extension were decreased in all treatments compared with normal range of motion. Increasing the number of carpal bones within the fusion construct did not alter the functional axis of the wrist. Essentially equivalent motion is possible with 2-bone, 3-bone and four-corner fusions, with the exceptions of pure flexion and radial deviation. This data may influence surgeons when choosing between treatment methods. Level of evidence: N/A
Modified first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap for sensory reconstruction of thumb pulp defects
Authors: Wang H. , Chen C. , Li J. , Yang X. , Zhang H. , Wang Z. 
Published: October 2015

Restoration of tactile sensation after reconstruction of a thumb pulp defect is import for hand function. We describe our clinical experience using a modified first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap innervated by the radial dorsal branch of the proper digital nerve and the terminal branch of the superficial radial nerve in 20 consecutive cases. The results were compared with 25 patients treated by the conventional Foucher’s first dorsal metacarpal artery flap without nerve repair. At the final follow-up, flap sensation was assessed using static two-point discrimination and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing. All flaps survived uneventfully in both groups. At the final follow-up, the mean values for static two-point discrimination and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing in the study group were significantly different from the values in the control group. The modified first dorsal metacarpal artery island flap provides a reliable and simple option for sensory reconstruction of thumb pulp defects. Level of evidence: Therapeutic, level III
The Rectangle Target Plot
Authors: Stephan Peter , Schmid Christina , Freckmann Guido , Pleus Stefan , Haug Cornelia , Müller Peter 
Published: October 2015

Background: The measurement accuracy of systems for self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is usually analyzed by a method comparison in which the analysis results are displayed using difference plots or similar graphs. However, such plots become difficult to comprehend as the number of data points displayed increases. This article introduces a new approach, the rectangle target plot (RTP), which aims to provide a simplified and comprehensible visualization of accuracy data. Methods: The RTP is based on ISO 15197 accuracy evaluations of SMBG systems. Two-sided tolerance intervals for normally distributed data are calculated for absolute and relative differences at glucose concentrations <100 mg/dL and ≥100 mg/dL. These tolerance intervals provide an estimator of where a 90% proportion of results is found with a confidence level of 95%. Results: Plotting these tolerance intervals generates a rectangle whose center indicates the systematic measurement difference of the investigated system relative to the comparison method. The size of the rectangle depends on the measurement variability. Conclusions: The RTP provides a means of displaying measurement accuracy data in a simple and comprehensible manner. The visualization is simplified by reducing the displayed information from typically 200 data points to just 1 rectangle. Furthermore, this allows data for several systems or several lots from 1 system to be displayed clearly and concisely in a single graph.
A cross-sectional assessment of health-related quality of life among type 2 diabetes patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Aboudi Ibrahim Suliman , Hassali Mohamed Azmi , Shafie Asrul Akmal , Hassan Asim , Alrasheedy Alian A 
Published: October 2015

Objective: This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life profile among type 2 diabetes patients in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a cohort of 75 patients attending the University Diabetic Centre at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. EuroQoL-5 dimension (EQ-5D) scale was used for the assessment of health-related quality of life. EQ-5D was scored using values derived from the UK general population survey. Inferential statistics were applied to evaluate associations between study variables. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 was used for data analysis; p <0.05 was set as the level of statistical significance. Results: Fifty-eight (77.35%) respondents were male with a mean 12.6 ± 8.4 years of history of diabetes. Thirty-four (45.3%) were categorised into the age group of 45–55 years with a mean age of 54 ± 9.2 years. Forty-four (58.7%) were using oral hypoglycaemic agents and 40 (53.3%) had a university level of education. A moderate level of health-related quality of life (0.70 ± 0.22) was measured in the study cohort. Gender was significantly associated with health-related quality of life scores ( p = 0.001). The mean EQ-5D score was lower in females compared to male patients (0.58 ± 0.23 vs 0.74 ± 0.20). There were no statistically significant associations between health-related quality of life scores and age groups, duration of diabetes, marital status, educational level and type of treatment. Conclusion: This study has highlighted that Saudi diabetes patients have low levels of health-related quality of life. Healthcare professionals need to consider this when planning holistic patient treatment approaches.
Paraneoplastic neutrophilic leukocytosis syndrome in a cat with recurrent mammary carcinoma
Authors: Jark Paulo C , Raposo-Ferreira Talita MM , Terra Erika M , Sierra Matiz Oscar R , Anai Letícia A , Fonseca-Alves Carlos E , Tinucci-Costa Mirela , Laufer-Amorim Renee , De Nardi Andrigo B 
Published: October 2015

Case summary A spayed 12-year-old female domestic shorthair cat presented with nodular lesions on the ventral-right thoracic wall after complete mastectomy 4 months previously. The prior diagnosis was tubulopapillary mammary carcinoma with axillary lymph node metastasis, and a recurrence was confirmed. A gradual and sequential increase in the total number of leukocytes with severe neutrophilia (95.632/µl) developed over the course of the illness, along with an increase in the size of the recurrent mass. The severe leukocytosis did not show any response to antibiotic therapy, and no evidence of infection was observed. Bone marrow cytology confirmed hypercellularity in the myeloid cell lineage. Based on these findings, paraneoplastic neutrophilic leukocytosis syndrome was suspected. An incisional biopsy of the recurrent mass was consistent with recurrent tubulopapillary mammary carcinoma. Malignant epithelial cells stained positive upon immunohistochemistry for granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor, cytokeratin and vimentin. After the final diagnosis of paraneoplastic neutrophilic leukocytosis syndrome, the cat was euthanized at the owner’s request. Relevance and novel information This is a novel case of paraneoplastic leukocytosis syndrome associated with mammary carcinoma in a cat. Although there are some reports describing paraneoplastic leukocytosis in cats, the relationship between this syndrome and feline mammary tumors has not been described.